East Lake Chairs
Antique 19th Century American Chairs
Antique 1880s American Chairs
Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Art Deco Chairs
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Gothic Side Chairs
Fabric, Oak, Paint
Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Dining Room Chairs
Rush, Walnut
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Antique 19th Century British Desks and Writing Tables
Oak
Antique 1870s Gothic Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Iron
20th Century Armchairs
Velvet, Cane
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Brass
Antique Early 1900s Scottish Cabinets
Oak
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Metal
Late 20th Century Figurative Sculptures
Composition
Early 20th Century English Slipper Chairs
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Metal
Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Secretaires
Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Cupboards
Oak
Mid-20th Century Irish Country Cupboards
Pine
Antique 1870s Victorian Chairs
Rosewood
Antique Early 19th Century British Chinoiserie Prints
Wood, Paper
2010s Brazilian Post-Modern Chairs
Cane, Hardwood, Walnut, Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather
Antique 19th Century Victorian Side Chairs
Walnut
Recent Sales
Antique Mid-19th Century American Cabinets
Mahogany
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Lucite, Wool
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric
Antique 19th Century Armchairs
Wood
Antique Early 1800s English More Dining and Entertaining
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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