Curved Church Pew
Antique 18th Century Belgian Benches
Oak
People Also Browsed
2010s South African Modern Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1970s French Space Age Architectural Elements
Metal, Aluminum
Antique 1750s French Architectural Elements
Oak
Antique Mid-19th Century French Gothic Revival Benches
Oak
Antique 1720s Spanish Baroque Beds and Bed Frames
Giltwood, Paint
Vintage 1980s American Baroque Beds and Bed Frames
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century English Charles II Settees
Tapestry, Velvet
Antique 1880s Italian Buffets
Walnut
Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Bookcases
Oak
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Bookcases
Oak
Antique 18th Century English George III Bookcases
Padouk
20th Century Dutch Panelling
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Bookcases
Wood
Antique 1740s Italian George II Loveseats
Upholstery, Giltwood
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Baroque Benches
Walnut
20th Century French Louis XVI Panelling
Wood
Recent Sales
20th Century American Gothic Revival Religious Items
Wood
20th Century American Rustic Benches
Metal
Antique 1850s English Gothic Revival Benches
Oak
Antique 17th Century Spanish Benches
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Chairs
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century Benches
20th Century American Arts and Crafts Benches
Wood
Antique 1890s Federal Benches
Pine, Upholstery
Antique Mid-19th Century English Gothic Revival Chairs
Walnut
Late 20th Century American Federal Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany, Poplar
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Benches
Pine
Early 20th Century English Benches
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.
- Can I buy church pews?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, you can indeed buy a church pew. Local consignment furniture shops or online marketplaces could have a church pew for sale; it just takes a bit of digging. Save the hassle, and shop church pews directly from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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