Chaise Percee
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Chairs
Hardwood
Antique Late 19th Century English Chinoiserie Chairs
Gesso, Upholstery, Oak
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Early 19th Century French Armchairs
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Lounge Chairs
Metal
Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Stools
Cane, Wood, Paint
Antique 1780s French Louis XVI Armchairs
Mahogany
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century French Chairs
Wood, Cane
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Antique Late 19th Century European Moorish Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
2010s British Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
2010s British Louis XVI Sofas
Wood, Giltwood
Late 20th Century Louis XV Settees
Upholstery, Giltwood
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Early 20th Century English Charles II Settees
Tapestry, Velvet
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Desks
Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century English Louis XIV Centerpieces
Silver
20th Century Italian Victorian Tableware
Metal
2010s British Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Antique 18th Century European Armchairs
Oak
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Baroque Revival Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Antique Late 19th Century French Settees
Giltwood
Antique 19th Century Italian Victorian Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Tin
Antique 1820s French Louis Philippe Wall Lights and Sconces
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.
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