Conran Sofa
Vintage 1980s Japanese Japonisme Sofas
Steel
2010s Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1980s British Modern Sofas
Cord
20th Century English Art Deco Loveseats
Leather
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Leather
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s British Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
2010s Sofas
Leather
2010s Sofas
Cord
2010s Armchairs
Leather
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Formica
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Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Glass, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Empire Center Tables
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
17th Century Baroque Landscape Paintings
Canvas, Oil
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Beech, Fir
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Leather, Teak
Vintage 1950s American American Craftsman Sofas
Poplar, Tulipwood, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American American Empire Sofas
Fabric
Antique 19th Century American Beds and Bed Frames
Silk, Mahogany, Oak, Walnut
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Club Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Loveseats
Leather, Lacquer
Vintage 1960s American Spanish Colonial Living Room Sets
Leather
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Bookcases
Walnut
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Fabric, Walnut
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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