Egyptian Klismos Chair
Mid-20th Century Greco Roman Side Chairs
Cotton, Wood, Down
2010s Italian Egyptian Revival Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century American Empire Chairs
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Regency Side Chairs
Fabric, Wood
2010s English Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Wood
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21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s Egyptian Modern Chairs
Polyester
Vintage 1950s French Louis XV Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Regency Dining Room Chairs
Wood
2010s American Modern Cabinets
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Chairs
Oak
Antique Early 19th Century Sri Lankan Armchairs
Cane, Wood
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
2010s Egyptian Modern Chairs
Fabric, Cane, Wood
Early 20th Century French Jewelry Boxes
Porcelain
Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Walnut
Vintage 1970s French Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
Upholstery, Foam, Mahogany
2010s Egyptian Egyptian Revival Chairs
Fiberglass
Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs
Satin, Hardwood, Lacquer
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Vintage 1950s American Greek Revival Chairs
Cane, Wood
Early 2000s Mexican Egyptian Chairs
Hardwood
Antique Early 1800s American Federal Side Chairs
Ash, Hickory
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Dining Room Chairs
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Cane, Wood
Vintage 1960s American Regency Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Hardwood
Antique Early 19th Century British Regency Bergere Chairs
Brass
Antique 19th Century American Side Chairs
Wood, Upholstery
Vintage 1940s American Chairs
Antique Early 19th Century British Classical Greek Chairs
Antique Early 19th Century British Regency Chairs
Giltwood
Early 20th Century Swedish Side Chairs
Mahogany
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.
- Who made the klismos chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The ancient Greeks made the first klismos chairs. During the Neoclassical period in Europe, the chairs gained popularity again, and many 18th-century designers created seating based on the original klismos design, including Thomas Hope, Georges Jacob and Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Find a range of klismos chairs on 1stDibs.
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