Chippendale Bamboo Ottoman
Antique Late 19th Century English Chinese Chippendale Ottomans and Poufs
Wood, Leather
Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Ottomans and Poufs
Cotton, Bamboo, Rattan, Polyester
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Lounge Chairs
Steel
Late 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Benches
Metal
Vintage 1970s Chinese Chippendale Stools
Upholstery, Rattan
Vintage 1970s American Chippendale Patio and Garden Furniture
Aluminum
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1970s American Patio and Garden Furniture
Faux Bamboo, Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Bergere Chairs
Linen
Antique Early 19th Century English Chinoiserie Commodes and Chests of Dr...
Wood
Early 20th Century British Chippendale Sofas
Mahogany, Fabric, Upholstery
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer
1970s American Modern Nude Photography
Silver Gelatin
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Chairs
Velvet, Fruitwood
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Stools
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary English Georgian Pier Mirrors and Console ...
Paint, Gesso, Wood
20th Century Moroccan Architectural Elements
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Stools
Faux Bamboo
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Cane, Wood
Mid-20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Benches
Walnut, Upholstery
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Footstools
Fabric, Bamboo, Faux Bamboo
21st Century and Contemporary English Chinoiserie Pier Mirrors and Conso...
Paint, Wood, Gesso
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chippendale Lounge Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Stools
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century Patio and Garden Furniture
Aluminum
Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs
Iron
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Patio and Garden Furniture
Aluminum, Metal
Mid-20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Leather, Cane, Wood
20th Century American Armchairs
Metal
20th Century American Living Room Sets
Aluminum
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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The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
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