Cornelius V Smith
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Armchairs
Linen, Upholstery, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century British High Victorian Armchairs
Upholstery, Velvet, Oak
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Armchairs
Linen, Oak
Antique 1890s English High Victorian Settees
Leather, Hardwood
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Sofas
Leather, Hardwood, Walnut
Recent Sales
Antique 1860s English Victorian Armchairs
Fabric, Walnut
Antique 1890s English Victorian Armchairs
Iron
Antique 19th Century Sofas
Beech
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Club Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Lounge Chairs
Beech
Antique Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Settees
Leather, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Victorian Chaise Longues
Brass
Antique 1860s British Victorian Living Room Sets
Velvet, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Armchairs
Beech
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Benches
Leather
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Antique Late 19th Century French French Provincial Armchairs
Linen, Upholstery, Oak
2010s Belgian Modern Club Chairs
Linen
Antique Early 19th Century British High Victorian Armchairs
Velvet, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Bergere Chairs
Linen
Antique 19th Century British High Victorian Armchairs
Velvet, Mahogany
20th Century British Sofas
Fabric
Antique 1880s British High Victorian Armchairs
Velvet, Oak
20th Century English Country Sofas
Leather
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.