Colonial Bow Back Chairs
Antique Mid-18th Century American American Colonial Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s Indian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Teak, Upholstery
Antique Mid-18th Century American Chippendale Armchairs
Rush, Maple
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Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1950s Sofas
Maple
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Wood
2010s Belgian Modern Club Chairs
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Upholstery
20th Century American Country Windsor Chairs
Maple
2010s Sofa Tables
Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Leather
2010s Belgian Modern Club Chairs
Linen
Early 20th Century American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Maple
Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Windsor Chairs
Cherry
Antique 1850s Country Windsor Chairs
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Travertine
Antique Late 19th Century American Country Windsor Chairs
Wood
20th Century French Louis XVI Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Paint
Antique 19th Century English George III Windsor Chairs
Yew
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century English British Colonial Windsor Chairs
Yew
Antique 18th Century and Earlier American American Classical Windsor Chairs
Oak
Antique 19th Century American Colonial Windsor Chairs
Late 20th Century American Colonial Side Chairs
Hardwood
Late 20th Century American Colonial Dining Room Chairs
Hardwood
20th Century English British Colonial Windsor Chairs
Wood, Paint
Antique 1890s American American Colonial Windsor Chairs
Wood
20th Century American American Colonial Windsor Chairs
Oak
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Armchairs
Elm
Vintage 1970s American American Colonial Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Mid-20th Century Federal Dining Room Chairs
Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century American American Colonial Dining Room Chairs
Maple, Oak, Pine, Wood
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.
- What is a bow back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A bow back chair refers to a silhouette of a chair with a curved back and is usually made with high-quality wood. Bow back chairs were popular during the colonial period and are representative of American-Amish heritage. Browse a range of vintage bow back chairs on 1stDibs.
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