Directoire Banquette
Early 20th Century French Directoire Benches
Wood
Vintage 1930s Sofas
Linen
Recent Sales
Vintage 1940s French Benches
Wood, Leather
Antique 1880s French Directoire Benches
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Benches
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Benches
Wood, Fabric
Antique 18th Century European Directoire Bedroom Sets
Fruitwood
20th Century French Directoire Settees
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Antique Early 19th Century French Directoire Sofas
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century French Directoire Benches
Beech, Fabric
Antique Late 19th Century French Directoire Benches
Fabric, Beech
Antique Late 19th Century French Directoire Benches
Beech
Mid-20th Century European Neoclassical Benches
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Directoire Benches
Walnut, Fabric
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Directoire Benches
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century French Directoire Daybeds
Wood
Early 20th Century French Directoire Settees
Upholstery, Cane, Ash
Antique Late 19th Century French Directoire Benches
Canvas, Beech
Antique Late 19th Century French Directoire Benches
Fabric, Beech
Antique Late 18th Century Directoire Settees
Pine, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Daybeds
Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Benches
Walnut, Fabric
Antique 19th Century Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Wood, Mirror
Vintage 1940s French Benches
Wood, Linen
Vintage 1950s French Benches
Silk
Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Benches
20th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut, Mohair
Vintage 1940s French Sofas
Wood, Upholstery
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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
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Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
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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.