Bruno Rey Rare
Vintage 1980s Swiss Post-Modern Chairs
Wood, Beech
Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets
Chrome
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2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Steel, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Dining Room Chairs
Wood, Upholstery
Vintage 1970s French Chairs
Metal
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Oak
Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
Cane, Beech
2010s South African Modern Lounge Chairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Chairs
Chrome
Recent Sales
Vintage 1970s Swiss Dining Room Chairs
Beech
Vintage 1970s Swiss Post-Modern Chairs
Beech
Vintage 1970s Swiss Bauhaus Dining Room Tables
Aluminum
1990s German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Beech
Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Oak, Wood
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Cement
Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Stools
Chrome
Vintage 1970s Swiss Post-Modern Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1970s Swiss Post-Modern Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Beech
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.