Claw Foot Ottoman
20th Century American Adirondack Stools
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1950s American American Classical Footstools
Leather, Wood
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2010s Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Antique Mid-19th Century British Cabinets
Wood
Antique 19th Century English Regency Cabinets
Marble, Brass
2010s American Table Lamps
Brass
Antique 1890s Italian Renaissance Bedroom Sets
Walnut
Antique 1830s English William IV Stools
Upholstery, Hardwood
Antique Mid-19th Century Spanish Baroque Night Stands
Iron
Antique Late 19th Century French French Provincial Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Antique 19th Century Dutch Renaissance Cabinets
Oak
Vintage 1920s Chairs
Leather
Antique 17th Century Belgian Paintings
Canvas
Antique 19th Century French Victorian Cabinets
Rosewood, Walnut
2010s Night Stands
Oak
Vintage 1970s American Modern End Tables
Brass, Steel
Antique 19th Century Art Nouveau Cabinets
Carrara Marble
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Maple
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Antique Early 1900s Spanish Chippendale Stools
Antique Late 18th Century American Chippendale Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Pine, Mahogany
20th Century English Ottomans and Poufs
Early 20th Century English Benches
Suede, Upholstery
Antique Late 19th Century American Chippendale Footstools
Raw Linen, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Lounge Chairs
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1930s Ottomans and Poufs
20th Century Footstools
Wood
Late 20th Century American George II Windsor Chairs
Brass
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.
- When were claw foot tables made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Claw foot tables were first made in the 18th century. Typically, artisans carved the feet out of solid wood. Many Chippendale-style furniture designs show off this feature. Later works sometimes featured metal claws holding glass balls. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique claw foot tables.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Yes, an ottoman can be used as a footstool. The ottoman, originally an upholstered seat or small bench without a back or arms, was a family’s main seating furniture, a way to merge floor seating with cushions and mats. It wasn’t until they were brought to Europe from Turkey, during the 18th century, that it became popular to join ottomans with other pieces of furniture, such as at the base of a chair. On 1stDibs, find a collection of ottomans.
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