Brighton Settee
20th Century Chinese Settees
Bamboo, Rattan
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
Down, Upholstery, Maple
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
Vintage 1960s Italian Post-Modern Vanities
Metal, Brass
2010s British Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century European Moorish Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
Antique 1880s French Victorian Settees
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Chinese Chippendale Vitrines
Glass, Mahogany
Antique 17th Century French Panelling
Softwood
Antique 1720s Spanish Baroque Beds and Bed Frames
Giltwood, Paint
20th Century English Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
Antique 1860s English Victorian Chaise Longues
Leather
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Panelling
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Modern Tableware
Wood
Antique 1730s European Baroque Beds and Bed Frames
Paint
Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Bamboo
Antique Late 19th Century English Gothic Revival Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
20th Century French Napoleon III Panelling
Bronze
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
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Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
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This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
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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.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.