$2,990
H 16.93 in W 23.63 in D 17.72 in
Johannes Spalt Tufted Stool Ottoman 'Constanze' Wittmann, Black Leather, 1960s
By Wittmann, Johannes Spalt
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
for Wittmann, Austria, manufacured in midcentury. Johannes Spalt designed the Constanze series which
Chrome
$2,421 / item
H 28.75 in W 30.32 in D 30.32 in
Pair of 'Constanze' Lounge Chairs by Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, Austria, 1958
By Wittmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of 'Constanze' Lounge Chairs by Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, Austria, circa 1970 Mid-Century
Metal
$7,265 / set
H 28.35 in W 28.35 in D 28.35 in
Johannes Spalt Leather Easy Lounge Chair Constanze by Wittmann Set of 2
By Wittmann
Located in Munich, Bavaria
The easy lounge chairs Model Constanze by Austrian architect Johannes Spalt for Wittmann. Its
Metal, Chrome
$11,463 / item
H 29.93 in W 29.93 in D 29.93 in
Customizable Wittmann Constanze Leather Armchair by Johannes Spalt
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in New York, NY
Available in many different upholstery leathers. For Wittmann, Johannes Spalt was an integral part
Leather
$3,511Sale Price|50% Off
H 29.93 in W 76.38 in D 31.5 in
Rare Version of the Famous Constanze Daybed by Wittmann
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Munich, DE
very rare version of the famous constanze daybed by johannes spalt for wittmann. Professional re
Metal
$6,900
H 28.75 in W 76.78 in D 29.53 in
Johannes Spalt 'Constanze' Convertible Daybed Sofa by Wittmann, Austria, 1970
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A freestanding sofa model 'Constanze' / 'Constance' with black steel and a fabric in a warm cognac
Metal
$5,449
H 28.75 in W 76.78 in D 29.53 in
"Constanze" Convertible Daybed by Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, Austria, 1958
Located in Vienna, AT
Freestanding Sofa Model 'Constanze' by Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, Austria, Mid-Century, c. 1970
Metal
$2,790
H 28.35 in W 29.14 in D 28.35 in
Chair Johannes Spalt 'Constanze', Black Leather Wood Teak, Austria, 1960s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A tufted patinated leather chair from the 'Constanze' (engl. Constance) series designed by Prof
Leather, Wood, Teak
Unavailable
H 29.93 in W 76.38 in D 30.71 in
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann 'Constanze' Sofa in Cognac Leather
By Wittmann, Johannes Spalt
Located in Vienna, AT
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann 'Constanze' Sofa in Cognac Leather, Austria 1970s. Patinated leather in
Metal
Unavailable
H 27.56 in W 88.59 in D 37.01 in
Johannes Spalt Daybed Sofa 'Constanze', Patinated Cognac Leather, Austria, 1960s
By Wittmann, Johannes Spalt
Located in Vienna, AT
Johannes Spalt Convertible Daybed Sofa 'Constanze', Patinated Cognac Leather, Austria, 1960s
Metal
Johannes Spalt Cognac Daybed Leather Sofa Constanze by Wittmann
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Daybed Modell Constanze by Austrian architect Johannes Spalt for Wittmann. A classic Mid Century
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 28.35 in W 76.78 in D 29.14 in
Wittmann Constanze Tufted Midcentury Sofa & Chairs by J. Spalt, 1970s, Austria
By Wittmann, Johannes Spalt
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Wittmann 'Constanze' tufted sofa/daybed & two chairs designed by Professor Johannes Spalt. The set
Wool, Pine
Sold
H 29.14 in W 77.96 in D 27.56 in
Beautiful Sofa Daybed Mod. Constanze Designed by Johannes Spalt for Wittmann
By Florence Knoll, Wittmann, Johannes Spalt
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful sofa designed by Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, 1960s. The sofa is in an excellent
Sold
H 29.14 in W 78.75 in D 32.68 in
Johannes Spalt Constanze Daybed 1961 for Franz Wittmann, Austria
By Franz Wittman, Johannes Spalt
Located in Munster, NRW
Johannes Spalt Constanze daybed 1961 for Franz Wittmann - Austria, sectional steel frame, original
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 28.35 in W 76.78 in D 31.5 in
Karl Wittmann Sofa Daybed Independence, Patinated Yellow Leather, Austria, 1970s
By Wittmann, Karl Wittmann
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
famous 'Constanze' sofa designed by Johannes Spalt in 1961. The company Wittmann was founded as
Metal
Johannes Spalt Constanze Sofa Daybed Natural Leather
By Wittmann, Johannes Spalt
Located in Munich, DE
Fantastic sofa by Johannes Spalt and made by Wittmann, Austria, 1961. This rare early model, named
Metal
Johannes Spalt Constanze Sofa Living Room Set
By Wittmann, Johannes Spalt
Located in Munich, DE
Ultra rare sofa living room set from by Johannes Spalt 1961 and made by Wittmann, Austria. The set
Metal
Sold
H 29.14 in W 78.75 in D 32.68 in
Johannes Spalt, Constanze Daybed & Sofa, 1961 Design for Wittmann, Austria
By Franz Wittman, Johannes Spalt
Located in Munster, NRW
Johannes spalt constanze daybed 1961 for Franz Wittmann - Austria. Sectional steel frame
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 29.14 in W 77.96 in D 29.53 in
Constanze Daybed & Sofa by Johannes Spalt for Franz Wittmann, Austria
By Johannes Spalt, Franz Wittman
Located in Utrecht, NL
Constanze sofa daybed by Austrian architect and designer Johannes Spalt is a smart and iconic
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 29.14 in W 77.96 in D 29.53 in
Constanze Daybed and Sofa by Johannes Spalt for Franz Wittmann, Austria
By Johannes Spalt, Franz Wittman
Located in Utrecht, NL
Constanze sofa daybed by Austrian architect and designer Johannes Spalt is a smart and iconic
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 25.6 in W 78.75 in L 25.6 in
Convertable Sofa Daybed Couch Bed 'Atrium', Wittmann, Cognac Leather, 1970
By Mario Bellini, Karl Wittmann, Wittmann
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A vintage sofa in aged and patinated leather designed by Karl Wittmann and manufactured by Wittmann
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 25.6 in W 39.38 in L 25.6 in
Pair of Chairs Convertable Bed Daybed Sofa 'Atrium', Wittmann, Cognac Leather
By Mario Bellini, Wittmann
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
known sofa 'Constanze' (engl. Constance). In 1970s Wittmann acquired the rights for the production of
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 74.81 in D 29.14 in
Johannes Spalt Tufted Sofa Daybed Constanze Wittmann Green Velvet Wood 1960
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Wittmann, Austria, manufacured in midcentury. By one hand movement the 'Constanze' changes from a sofa to a
Chrome
Sold
H 29.53 in W 77.17 in D 29.14 in
Johannes Spalt Tufted Sofa Daybed 'Constanze' Wittmann, Gray Green Velvet, 1960s
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Wittmann, Austria, manufacured in midcentury. By one hand movement the 'Constanze' changes from a sofa to a
Chrome
Johannes Spalt Cognac Daybed Leather Sofa Constanze by Wittmann
By Wittmann, Johannes Spalt
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Daybed Modell Constanze by Austrian architect Johannes Spalt for Wittmann. A classic Mid Century
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 28.75 in W 76.78 in D 29.53 in
Johannes Spalt 'Constanze' Convertible Daybed Sofa Wittmann, Beige Velvet, 1970
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A freestanding sofa model 'Constanze' / 'Constance' with chnromed or nickeled steel and a velvet in
Metal
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann Constanze Sofa in Cognac Leather
By Johannes Spalt, Karl Wittmann
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, 'Constanze' daybed or sofa, cognac leather, metal, Austria, 1960s
Leather
Sold
H 29.5 in W 77.2 in D 27.6 in
Leather Constanze Sofa or Daybed by Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, 1960s
By Wittmann, Johannes Spalt
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
This daybed comes with a very rare neck pillow. Additional dimensions: Seat height 41cm, total height 74cm, seat width 196cm, seat depth 50cm, total depth 70cm, lying surface wh...
Metal
Sold
H 29.53 in W 55.12 in D 29.93 in
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann 'Constanze' Two-Seat Sofa in Cognac Brown Leather
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, 'Constanze' sofa, leather, Austria, 1960s. Designed by architect
Leather
Sold
H 28.35 in W 76.78 in D 27.56 in
Sofa Daybed Constanze by Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, Austria 1960ies
By Johannes Spalt, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Wittmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful Sofa Daybed Mod. Constanze Designed by Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, Austria 1960ies. An
Steel
Sold
H 28.35 in W 76.78 in D 31.5 in
Suite Sofa Daybed Armchairs Table Independence Karl Wittmann Yellow Leather 1970
By Karl Wittmann, Wittmann
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
was used by the famous 'Constanze' sofa designed by Johannes Spalt in 1961. The company Wittmann
Metal, Chrome
Johannes Spalt 'Constanze' Sofa Daybed, Leather, 1960s
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann, Florence Knoll
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A freestanding tufted sofa named 'Constanze' (engl. Constance) designed by Prof. Johannes Spalt for
Metal
Sold
H 25.6 in W 78.75 in D 37.41 in
Customizable Modular Suite Sofa Daybed 'Atrium', Wittmann, Cognac Leather, 1970
By Karl Wittmann, Wittmann, Mario Bellini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A modular sofa in aged and patinated leather designed by Karl Wittmann and manufactured by Wittmann
Metal
Sold
H 28.35 in W 77.96 in D 28.35 in
Johannes Spalt 'Constanze' Sofa Daybed Armrests, Patinated Green Leather, 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A freestanding tufted sofa named 'Constanze' (engl. Constance) designed by Prof. Johannes Spalt for
Metal
Sold
H 27.96 in W 76.78 in D 29.53 in
Reupholstered Johannes Spalt Sofa Daybed for Wittmann, 1960s in green leather
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Excellent Johannes Spalt 'Constanze' daybed or sofa for Wittmann, Austria, 1960s. Newly upholstered
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 28.35 in W 29.14 in D 28.35 in
Pair of Armchairs Johannes Spalt 'Constanze', Green Leather, Austria, 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
for Wittmann, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960. Johannes Spalt designed the 'Constanze
Metal
Sold
H 30.71 in W 27.56 in D 28.35 in
Johannes Spalt 'Constanze' Chairs Stools, Patinated Cognac Leather Wood, 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of tufted chairs with loose cushions from the 'Constanze' (engl. Constance) series designed
Leather, Wood
Leather Daybed "Constanze" by Johannes Spalt for Wittmann
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Munster, NRW
Iconic leather daybed model "Constanze" by Johannes Spalt. Beautiful design with a delicate steel
Sofa Bed "Constanze" Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, Austria, 1961
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Vienna, AT
The sofa bed "Constanze" was designed by Johannes Spalt for Wittmann company in 1961. The furniture
Steel, Chrome
Leather Lounge Chair "Constanze" by Johannes Spalt for Wittmann
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Munster, NRW
Real leather lounge chair model "Constanze" by Johannes Spalt. Beautiful design with a delicate
Sold
H 28.35 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
Cognac Lounge Chair "Constanze" by Johannes Spalt, Produced by Wittmann
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Munster, NRW
Leather lounge chair model "Constanze" by Johannes Spalt. Great design with a delicate steel frame
Sold
H 28.35 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
Leather Lounge Chair "Constanze" by Johannes Spalt, Produced by Wittmann
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Munster, NRW
Leather lounge chair model "Constanze" by Johannes Spalt. Great design with a delicate steel frame
Sold
H 28.35 in W 76.78 in D 29.14 in
1960s Daybed by Johannes Spalt Mod. 'Constanze' for Wittmann Teak & Leather Sofa
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Hamminkeln, DE
Beautiful 1960s daybed by Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, model Constanze, super rare with the teak
Metal
Constanze Sofa by Johannes Spalt Production Wittmann, Vienna, 1961
By Johannes Spalt
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Early constanze sofa by Johannes Spalt Production Wittmann, Vienna, 1961. Black lacquered metal
Leather
'Constanze' Sofa by Johannes Spalt for Wittman
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Very nice sofa or daybed by Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, Austria, 1960. Superb model, named
Chrome, Metal
'Constanze' Daybed by Johannes Spalt for Wittman
By Johannes Spalt, Karl Wittmann
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Very nice sofa or daybed by Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, Austria, 1960. Superb model, named
Chrome
'Constanze' Daybed by Johannes Spalt for Wittman Vienna, 1965
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Very nice sofa or daybed by Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, Austria, 1960. Superb model, named
Sold
H 28.35 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
Set of Two Cognac Lounge Chairs "Constanze" by Johannes Spalt, Wittman
By Johannes Spalt, Wittmann
Located in Munster, NRW
Set of two cognac leather lounge chairs model "Constanze" by Johannes Spalt. Great design with a
Sold
H 27.56 in W 77.96 in D 27.56 in
Leather Daybed "Constance" Designed Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, Austria, 1960
By Wittmann, Johannes Spalt
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, 'Constanze' daybed or sofa, cream colored leather, steel, Austria
Chrome
Sold
H 28.75 in W 28.35 in D 28.35 in
Pair of 1960s Johannes Spalt Constanze Lounge Chairs Wittmann Steel & Leather
By Johannes Spalt, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Wittmann
Located in Hamminkeln, DE
Beautiful pair of 1960s Johannes Spalt lounge chairs, very good quality, made by Wittmann, Austria
Steel
Knoll Barcelona Stools by Mies Van Der Rohe
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Iconic Pair of Barcelona stools or ottomans, designed by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, American, circa 2000s. Retains Knoll tag underneath. They have been cleaned and a leather condit...
Metal
$5,200 / set
H 31.7 in W 18.9 in D 18.51 in
Silvio Coppola for Bernini Set of Four Dining Chairs in Brown Leather
By Silvio Coppola, Bernini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Silvio Coppola for Bernini, set of four dining chairs model 330, leather, walnut, Italy, 1960s. This magnificent set of dining chairs by the renowned Italian designer Silvio Coppola...
Leather, Beech
$272 / item
H 10.24 in W 8.67 in D 0.79 in
21st Century ‘Volute’, in White Ceramic, Hand-Crafted in France
By Inhee Ma
Located in Marchaux-Chaudefontaine, FR
A part of a captivating new line blending ancient Greek pottery with contemporary design, the ‘Volute’ vase showcases delicate black underglaze illustrations that harmonize tradition...
Clay, Stoneware
Galerie Elm Wood Side Table
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
The artisanal construction methods highlight the elm woods beautiful grain pattern & knots and fissures from its past life. The most authentic materials are hand selected, and h...
Elm
$3,390 / item
H 14.97 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Calacatta Violet Marble Circular Coffee Table, Made in Italy
Located in Lentate Sul Seveso, IT
The Kyushu coffee table is made entirely of calacatta violet marble. The top is circular and 45cm in diameter. Elevate your space with the luxurious Calacatta Violet Marble Side Tabl...
Marble
$2,692Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 9.85 in W 21.66 in D 21.66 in
Acerbis LOKUM S Coffee Table in smoked grey by Sabine Marcelis
By Sabine Marcelis, Acerbis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Matter, light and colour come together in an intense interaction of materials. This collection embodies the elegance of pure forms, elevated through the use of hand-blown glass. Sabi...
Glass, Art Glass
$4,500 / item
H 15.75 in W 74.81 in D 29.14 in
"V" Day Bed Yellow Velvet and Beechwwod base (Mid Century Style)
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DD V daybed is an exclusive daybed made by hand in Bosnia and Herzegovina by skilled craftsmen with long experience in wood and upholstery. Both frame and the characteristic V-shaped...
Fabric, Beech, Velvet
Coffee Table by Mario Marenco for Mobilgirgi, Italy 1970s
By Mario Marenco
Located in Roma, IT
Coffee Table by Mario Marenco for Mobilgirgi, Italy 1970s. Cm 32,00 x 87,00 x 87,00. Walnut Wood. Good conditions!
Walnut
$2,181Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 12.6 in W 17.72 in D 12.6 in
Acerbis LOKUM M Coffee Table in Amber by Sabine Marcelis
By Sabine Marcelis, Acerbis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Matter, light and colour come together in an intense interaction of materials. This collection embodies the elegance of pure forms, elevated through the use of hand-blown glass. Sabi...
Glass, Art Glass
Peter Hvidt Tambour Cabinet
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish modern server cabinet, designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Soborg. Tambour doors slide smoothly to reveal adjustable shelves at the interior. Cabinet boasts ex...
Teak
Pair of Cy Mann Chrome Lounge Chairs in Lime Green, C. 1970
By Cy Mann, Milo Baughman
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Modern Pair of Cy Mann Chrome and Bright Green Lounge Chairs, C. 1970. Featuring flat bar Chrome construction, ergonomic slant back design, attached original upholstered tufted Sprin...
Chrome
$10,925
H 30 in W 30 in D 30 in
Set of 2 Mid Century Modern Parsons Club Chairs Manner of Milo Baughman, 1970s
By Milo Baughman
Located in Deland, FL
Ultra stylish and grand in scope this set of chic Parsons club chairs, in the manner of Milo Baughman, is the epitome of American Contemporary Design. Shown in their original polyest...
Fabric
Pair of Armchairs by Studio Glustin
By Glustin Creation
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Pair of armchairs upholstered with a Loro Piana fabric. Creation by Studio Glustin.
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Armchairs by Studio Glustin
By Glustin Creation
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Superb pair of unusual shaped armchairs upholstered with a bouclette fabric. Creation by Studio Glustin.
Fabric, Wood
$2,750 / item
H 31 in W 20 in D 18 in
Brazilian Modern Set of Five Rosewood & Leather Dining Chairs, Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural and refined set of five dining chairs by Jorge Zalszupin, crafted in Brazilian jacaranda (rosewood) during the height of the country’s modernist movement in the 1960s. D...
Leather, Hardwood
$6,000 / item
H 40.6 in W 19.7 in D 22.4 in
Set of 12 Chairs in Rosewood & Leather, Sergio Rodrigues for Bloch, c. 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed during the height of Brazil’s postwar modernist optimism, this rare set of twelve chairs was created for the headquarters of Bloch Editors, one of the most influential Brazi...
Leather, Hardwood
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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.