Chinoiserie Long Bench
Antique Mid-18th Century European Chinoiserie Benches
Wood, Lacquer
20th Century French Art Deco Benches
Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century English Benches
Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Chinese and East Asian Rugs
Wool
Early 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Chinese and East Asian Rugs
Wool
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2010s Table Lamps
Iron
2010s American Flush Mount
Brass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Chrome, Aluminum, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s American Modern Night Stands
Maple, Oak, Walnut
2010s Modern Tables
Hardwood, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary German Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Plywood
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin, Oak
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
2010s Mexican Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile, Wood
2010s Chinese Minimalist Benches
Velvet
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Bronze, Wrought Iron
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Mohair, Velvet, Oak
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Tables
Mohair, Oak
Recent Sales
Vintage 1950s American Benches
Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Chinoiserie Benches
Bamboo, Cane, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Benches
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Benches
Wood, Lacquer
Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Benches
Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Other Benches
Fabric, Nutwood
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Sofas
Brass
Vintage 1920s British Settees
Silk, Upholstery, Velvet, Lacquer, Cane, Rattan
Vintage 1960s Hong Kong Chinese Chippendale Sectional Sofas
Rosewood
1990s Italian Chinoiserie Benches
Vintage 1940s Desks
Wood, Mirror, Upholstery
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024How long a bench for a dining table should be depends on the length of the table. Generally, a dining bench should be equal in length, or 1 or 2 inches shorter, than the length of the side of the dining table where you intend to place it. For example, if your rectangular dining table is 60 inches long, benches that are 58 to 60 inches long would work well. Shop a wide range of dining room furniture on 1stDibs.
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