Bomber Chair
20th Century Hollywood Regency Club Chairs
Leather, Wood
Recent Sales
Antique 18th Century British Jacobean Chairs
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1930s British Late Victorian Chairs
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Chairs
Aluminum
20th Century Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1930s French International Style Club Chairs
20th Century French Club Chairs
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Dining Room Sets
Walnut
Late 20th Century Art Deco Armchairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1940s American Machine Age Chairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1930s American Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1930s American Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1940s American Chairs
Aluminum
People Also Browsed
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Brass
Antique 19th Century European Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames
Wood, Mahogany
20th Century English Georgian Console Tables
Marble
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Console Tables
Marble
Antique 1760s French Aubusson Western European Rugs
Wool
Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Dining Room Chairs
Rush, Wood
19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings
Canvas, Oil
1920s Impressionist Figurative Paintings
Oil, Canvas
1990s Chesterfield Wingback Chairs
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Canvas, Oil, Board
21st Century and Contemporary Northern Irish Baroque Console Tables
Marble
Antique Late 18th Century English Charles II Desks and Writing Tables
Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Sideboards
Wood
20th Century American Modern Paintings
Wood, Paint
Antique 19th Century Italian Console Tables
Wood
Antique 1770s British Chippendale Beds and Bed Frames
Damask, Mahogany
Finding the Right Seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
Read More
All the Furniture in This Organic Modern Soho Loft Can Be Yours
Andrianna Shamaris has filled her epic new home with pieces of her own design.
20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.