Cube Bench Seat
21st Century and Contemporary Benches
Early 2000s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Benches
Steel
Early 2000s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Benches
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Metal
2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Stools
Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Stools
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Stools
Fabric
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Faux Leather, Walnut
Vintage 1970s French Brutalist Canapes
Leather, Foam, Elm
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Carts and Bar Carts
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Side Tables
Marble, Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Metal
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
2010s South African Minimalist Night Stands
Wood
Late 20th Century Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Walnut, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs
Bouclé
2010s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Linen
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights a...
Gold, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Benches
Bronze, Iron
20th Century American Benches
Mahogany, Cane, Upholstery
Vintage 1950s American Benches
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Lucite, Upholstery
Late 20th Century American Modern Sectional Sofas
Fabric, Wood
2010s American Minimalist Benches
Sycamore
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Brass
Vintage 1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Steel
Vintage 1980s French Art Deco Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Loveseats
Metal
Vintage 1970s American Benches
Aluminum
Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Teak
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 bench seat?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021Benches can be used in nearly every space, from the foyer to the bedroom to the living room. The perfect option to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in entryways, benches can also transform dining areas, making it possible to host several guests with limited space. On 1stDibs, find benches and other seating today.
- What is a bench seat sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A bench seat sofa is a seating system that can seat two to three people at a time. Generally, a bench seat sofa does not have a backrest. Find a collection of antique and vintage bench seat sofas on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Bench seats are typically around 18 inches deep.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A bench seat should be between 18 and 20 inches in height (46-51 cm). Though this is an average range, the height depends on its use. Bench height is also defined based on the distance from the seat to the ground. Find antique and vintage benches on 1stDibs.
Read More
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