Electric Blue Sofa
1990s Italian Modern Sofas
Metal
1990s Italian Modern Sectional Sofas
Metal
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
2010s Italian Modern Sofa Tables
Cut Steel
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
20th Century French Sofas
Bronze
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Early 2000s Japanese Anglo-Japanese Table Lamps
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sectional Sofas
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Table Lamps
Marble, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sofas
Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Linen, Walnut
Late 20th Century North American Modern Bookcases
Glass, Wood, Burl
Vintage 1960s French Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Hardwood, Laminate, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
Late 20th Century French Bohemian Sectional Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Wood, Bouclé, Leather, Fabric
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Suede, Wood
2010s Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass, Stainless Steel
2010s European Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1930s European Bauhaus Sofas
Metal, Chrome
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Upholstery
Recent Sales
2010s Italian Modern Sofa Tables
Cut Steel
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wood, Velvet
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
Antique 1820s American American Classical Sofas
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Settees
Velvet
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Steel
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables
Faux Leather
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Beech
Vintage 1970s German Space Age Sectional Sofas
Wool, Canvas, Fiberglass, Foam, Rubber
Vintage 1970s German Space Age Sectional Sofas
Wool, Fiberglass, Foam, Rubber, Canvas
Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Lounge Chairs
Plastic
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Aluminum, Steel
Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Glass, Acrylic
Antique 1880s French Desks and Writing Tables
Ormolu
Vintage 1970s German Space Age Sectional Sofas
Wool, Canvas, Fiberglass, Foam, Rubber
Vintage 1950s Italian American Classical Sofas
Satin
Antique 1850s English Victorian Sofas
Mahogany
Antique 1850s English Victorian Sofas
Mahogany
20th Century Living Room Sets
Velvet
Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Living Room Sets
Vintage 1950s Italian American Classical Armchairs
Satin
Vintage 1970s Spanish Picture Frames
Brass
Vintage 1970s Spanish Candlesticks
Brass
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021White, brown and gray go best with a navy blue suit. Generally, navy is considered a neutral, so most neutral tones tend to work well.
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