Brown Jordan Bentwood Rattan
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Hardwood
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1990s American Organic Modern Dining Room Chairs
Rattan, Glass, Bentwood
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Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Leather, Foam
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Baskets
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs
Bouclé
21st Century and Contemporary Books
Foil
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century German Space Age Chairs
Velvet, Fiberglass
2010s American Modern Cabinets
Brass
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin, Oak
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Teak, Upholstery
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Ashtrays
Metal
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Carrara Marble, Metal
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
Birch
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fiberglass
20th Century English Early Victorian Sterling Silver
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Brass, Steel
2010s Organic Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Sheepskin, Cedar
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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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.