Dunbar Love Seat
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Rosewood, Walnut
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Faux Leather, Walnut
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Mohair, Wood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany, Bouclé, Upholstery
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2010s American Table Lamps
Brass, Copper
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
2010s Modern Tables
Hardwood, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s Table Lamps
Iron
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
2010s American Modern Stools
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile, Wood
Early 2000s Italian Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Wool, Bouclé, Cotton
Late 20th Century American Modern Swivel Chairs
Bouclé
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches
Fabric, Velvet, Lacquer, Wood
Vintage 1970s French Space Age Architectural Elements
Metal, Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
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Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Velvet
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1960s American Post-Modern Sofas
Wood, Fabric
Vintage 1950s American Loveseats
Fabric
Vintage 1960s American Loveseats
Mahogany, Linen
Vintage 1950s American Sofas
Wood, Upholstery
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Settees
20th Century American Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Foam, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Sectional Sofas
Metal
Vintage 1950s American Settees
Bronze
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Settees
Walnut, Velvet
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Upholstery
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wood, Upholstery
Vintage 1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Cane, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1960s American Sectional Sofas
Chrome
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Rosewood
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.
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