Brighton Settee
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Settees
Cane, Bamboo
20th Century Chinese Settees
Bamboo, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Unknown British Colonial Settees
Bamboo
20th Century English British Colonial Children's Furniture
Wrought Iron
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century Asian Aesthetic Movement Settees
Bamboo
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Settees
Bamboo, Cane
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Settees
Fabric, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Aesthetic Movement Settees
Bamboo, Wicker
Early 20th Century English Chinoiserie Benches
Bamboo, Cane, Wood
Vintage 1930s Chinese Chinese Chippendale Loveseats
Bamboo
Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Loveseats
Bamboo
20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Settees
Bamboo
2010s American Anglo Raj Settees
Upholstery, Maple, Down
21st Century and Contemporary Benches
Antique 19th Century English Sofas
Bamboo
Antique 19th Century English Sofas
Bamboo
Late 20th Century Philippine Loveseats
Rattan
People Also Browsed
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Coat Racks and Stands
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Linen, Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Pillows and Throws
Linen, Down
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Bohemian Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Late 20th Century Modern Table Lamps
Bronze
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Teak
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Chairs
Bamboo, Cane, Reed
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Fabric, Acrylic
20th Century Brazilian Organic Modern Loveseats
Hardwood
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Bamboo, Paper
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sofa Tables
Cedar
Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Tea Caddies
Mahogany, Walnut, Burl
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.
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