Contrast Welt
2010s American Modern Sofas
Maple, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Sofas
Fabric
2010s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Felt, Upholstery, Wood
2010s American Dining Room Chairs
Ebony
2010s American Dining Room Chairs
Ebony
2010s American Club Chairs
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Organic Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Mohair, Velvet, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Louis XV Armchairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Organic Modern Sectional Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Bergere Chairs
Silk, Walnut
2010s American Sofas
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Loveseats
Upholstery
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Wood, Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Ottomans and Poufs
Mohair, Velvet, Acrylic, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Mohair, Velvet, Acrylic, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Sofas
Leather, Mohair, Velvet, Acrylic, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Sofas
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Sofas
Mohair, Velvet, Acrylic, Wood, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Modern Pillows and Throws
Cotton
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Upholstery, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs
Leather, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Armchairs
2010s American Modern Pillows and Throws
Down, Feathers
2010s American Modern Lounge Chairs
Walnut, Velvet
2010s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Maple
2010s American Modern Sofas
Cowhide, Velvet
Mid-20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Swivel Chairs
Wool, Walnut
2010s American Modern Pillows and Throws
Abalone, Wool
2010s American Modern Swivel Chairs
Sheepskin
2010s American American Classical Slipper Chairs
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1970s Armchairs
Oak
Mid-20th Century English Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Upholstery
20th Century Art Deco Settees
Mohair, Birch
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Chrome
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Vintage 1980s Lounge Chairs
Textile, Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pillows and Throws
Fabric
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Armchairs
Lacquer, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Club Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 19th Century Louis XV Bergere Chairs
Fabric, Wood
20th Century Italian Baroque Pillows and Throws
Cotton, Velvet
Antique 1670s Prints
Paper
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1930s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Upholstery, Wicker, Rattan, Reed, Wood
2010s American Modern Pillows and Throws
Cotton, Linen, Polyester
2010s American Modern Pillows and Throws
Cotton, Linen, Polyester
2010s American Modern Pillows and Throws
Cotton, Linen, Polyester
Vintage 1930s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Upholstery, Wicker, Rattan, Reed, Wood
Vintage 1930s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Upholstery, Wicker, Rattan, Reed, Wood
Vintage 1930s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Rattan, Wood, Upholstery, Reed
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Benches
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools
Upholstery, Wood
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Contrast Welt For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Contrast Welt?
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.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.
Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.
Light and Dwell Brings Elegance and Ease to an Oregon Wine Country Estate
Molly Kidd lets her affection for France shine through in a new-build home that has the character of a centuries-old villa but still feels light and fresh.