Bat Chiavari Chair by Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi
By Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi
Located in Toronto, CA
Originally developed in early 19th century Chiavari by Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi, the Chiavarina chair distilled ornate Empire styles into a lighter, more refined construction that w...
Brass
Pair Antique French Empire Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Bergere Armchairs, Circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique French Empire ormolu mounted mahogany bergere armchairs with red & gold upholstery, Circa 1890.
Ormolu
Late American Empire Carved And Painted Rocker, Ca. 1890
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A well carved and constructed, white paint finished late American Empire rocker. The rocker with a shaped back splat with raised scrolled frame. The sloping arms with female winged ...
Fabric, Wood
19th Century Walnut Curule Chair with Floral Tapestry Upholstery
Located in High Point, NC
This striking curule-form chair takes its silhouette from the ancient X-frame seat, its scrolled cross-legs terminating in carved feet at both front and back. A tall, gently curved b...
Oak
Antique French Empire Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Mounted Armchairs - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Empire Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Mounted Armchair in Blue Patterned Stripped Silk Blent - Pair This Antique French Empire armchair set is crafted from rich mahogany w...
Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany
Chair, Northern Europe, late 19th century. After renovation.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique chair from around 1890, Northern Europe. The furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation. Dimensions: height 96 cm / seat height. 45 cm / width 47 cm...
Walnut
French early 19th century Empire period Mahogany and Ormolu chaise, Circa 1805
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most decorative French early 19th century Empire period Mahogany and Ormolu chaise, Circa 1805. This exquisite chaise is raised by six elegant Mahogany legs with Ormo...
Ormolu
Set of Three Painted Pine Children's Chairs
Located in Baltimore, MD
These delightful plank seat children’s chairs are in a rustic Empire style, with a scroll at the top of the back rail and turned legs at the front.
Pine
Antique chair, Northern Europe, late 19th century. After renovation.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique chair from around 1890, Northern Europe. The furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation. The seat and backrest are covered with new fabric. Dimensio...
Walnut
A Pair of Empire Style Bergères in the Manner of Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Fine Pair of Mahogany And Gilt-Bronze Bergères in the Manner of Jacob-Desmalter. The Bergères each having armrests headed by finely cast caryatid herms. French, Circa 1880.
Ormolu
Caned chair by Jean-Joseph Chapuis , early 19th century - Sold Individually
Located in Brussels, BE
Caned chair by Jean-Joseph Chapuis , early 19th century - Sold Individually Jean-Joseph Chapuis was born in Brussels in 1765.
Wood
1950's Set 10 Louis XVI French Empire Style Painted Parcel Gilt Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Sets of ten matching French Empire dining chairs are increasingly difficult to find, particularly examples that retain their original decorative integrity and elegant proportions.
Wood
$29,440Sale Price|20% Off
Pair Empire Style Leather-Upholstered Gilt Bronze Mid. Mahogany Bergere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair Empire Style Leather-Upholstered Gilt Bronze Mid. Mahogany Bergere French, Circa 1900. Each curved back with tufted brown leather upholstery, continuing around to the sides, th...
Leather
Pair of Shepherdesses Chairs in St. Dominique Blond Mahogany
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of Shepherdesses in St. Dominique Blond Mahogany Sculpted heads of Eagles with hamstrung front feet ending in doe hooves. Rare pair of chairs purchased in France. Age appropria...
Leather, Mahogany
Cockpit Chair in Wood Upholstered Velvet Dedar France
By Dedar
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Elegant and refined mahogany cockpit chair; the straight and enveloping backrest, the slightly worked and curved front legs, the rear saber legs, all this identifies a pure late Empi...
Velvet, Wood
Chiavari Midcentury Brass Chair by Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi, Italy, 1950s
By Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and elegant Hollywood Regency-style Chiavarina chair from the 1950s. The design is based on the original 19th-century creation by Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi from the Italia...
Brass
Pair of Hardwood Gilt Metal Empire Revival Metamorphic Library Steps Armchairs
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this pair of large and collectable Regency style metamorphic armchairs which converts into Library steps after the original 18th century design by ...
Hardwood
Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Empire Style Three Piece Parlor Set
Located in Long Island City, NY
A nice late 19th / early 20th century gilt bronze mounted empire style three piece parlor set. Comprising of a settee and a pair of armchairs.
Bronze
Chiavari Chair of Giltwood In A Faux Bamboo Style Striped Upholstered Seat
Located in Reading, Berkshire
At the invitation of the President of the Economic Society of Chiavari, the Marquis Stefano Rivarola, Descalzi reworked some chairs in the French Empire style, simplifying the decora...
Faux Bamboo, Upholstery, Giltwood
$1,452Sale Price / set|40% Off
Pair of Empire Style Open Armchairs Blue Fabric, Chippy White and Gold, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous pair or crème or chippy white paint chairs in an Empire Style. These chairs have beautiful guilt details throughout.
Fabric, Giltwood, Wood
Quatrain for Dessin Fournir Italian Empire Style Serpent Armchair
By Quatrain
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Quatrain for Dessin Fournir Italian Empire Style Serpent Armchair.
Silk, Ebony, Mahogany
Empire Mahogany Fauteuil de Bureau, Early 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The early 19th century desk chair with ram's head arms and turned legs, is attributable to Jacob Desmalter and dates to circa 1805.
Mahogany
French Empire Mahogany Swivel Armchair with Black Leather & Ormolu
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style (19th Century) ormolu mounted mahogany open swivel base arm chair with black leather seat and back.
Ormolu
Pair of Empire Style Painted and Gilt Decorated Bergeres
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Pair of Egyptian Empire style painted and gilt decorated bergeres, late 20th century. The crest rail with a central carved face flanked by scrolling gilt vines the back of the crest...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood, Paint
Early American "Fancy" side chair
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is an Early American "Fancy" side chair, heavily inspired by or produced in the style of the famous Hitchcock Chair Company, and dating to the mid-19th century.
Rush, Wood
1930s Vintage Gustavian Style Swedish Empire Upholstered Armchairs, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
Chairs measure 24" W x 23" D x 39" H.
Fabric, Hardwood
Pair of Maitland-Smith Bergère Lounge Chairs With Gilt Parcel Swan Heads
By Maitland Smith
Located in Peabody, MA
A pair of Maitland-Smith empire bergère chairs in parcel gilt with hand-carved swan-neck armrests and silk grosgrain upholstery, circa 1980s.
Upholstery, Wood, Giltwood
$1,626Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Wingback Chair and Ottoman, Fabric and Walnut, 1950s Style
Located in Antwerp, BE
White; Fabric; Wingback Chair; Ottoman; Danish Design; 1950s; Walnut; Wood; Scandinavia; Scandinavian Design; Empire; Pouf; Lounge Chair; Upholstery; Stylish 1950s high back lounge...
Fabric, Walnut
A French Empire Mahogany Frame Cane Bergere Armchair With Rams Head Terminus
By François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A French Empire Georges Desmalter Mahogany Frame Cane Bergere Armchair With Rams Head Pediments With Square Tapering Legs & Hoof Feet. François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter (1...
Cane, Mahogany
1940s Carved Gilt Wood Swan Barrel Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, carved wood swan club chairs on castors set you could hope to find. In the style of George Smith. Outstanding design i...
Upholstery, Wood
Side Chair by Friedrich Rambach, master carpenter, Stockholm active 1834-1861.
Located in Stockholm, SE
A unique Empire lounge chair with brass detail on neckrest.
Brass
19th C. French Empire Mahogany Desk Armchair with Scroll Arms and Leather Seat
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant 19th-century French Empire desk chair, carved circa 1870, features a sculptural mahogany frame with a rich, warm patina and classic neoclassical lines.
Leather, Mahogany
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Carver Chairs, Golden Birch, Circa 1870
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier Empire pair of carver chairs in highly quilted golden birch veneers finished in the Classic honey color French polish finish with ormolu roundel on the arms and f...
Birch
Biedermeier Carver Chairs, Antique Golden Birch, Swedish, Circa 1870
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier Empire pair of antique carver chairs in highest grade quilted golden birch veneers finished in a darker oak color French polish finish with rounded arms.
Birch
Swedish Antique Biedermeier Carver Chairs 1800s Quilted Golden Birch A
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier Empire pair of beautiful carver chairs in highest grade quilted golden birch veneers finished in the Classic honey oak color French polish finish with rounded arm...
Birch
French Regency Style Ebonized Chair W/ Gilt Neo-Classical Swans & Tiger Velvet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a killer chair! It is a regency style ebonized arm chair with neo-classical giltwood swan arms and paws. The tiger velvet is new. The chair is unmarked and is possibly by Pat...
Velvet, Fruitwood, Giltwood
$29,000 / set
Huge Pair of Barrel Form Mahogany Chairs
Located in Stamford, CT
Late French Empire mahogany barrel form chair with turned legs, along with a modern copy.
Mahogany
Biedermeier Carver Chairs Swedish Late 1800s Antique Golden Birch square Pair
Located in Lewes, England
Pair of Swedish Biedermeier Empire antique carver chairs in highest grade quilted golden birch veneers finished in the Classic honey oak color French polish finish with rounded arms...
Birch
Biedermeier Carver Chairs Swedish Early 1900s Antique Quilted Birch Wreath A
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier Empire pair of beautiful carver chairs in highest grade quilted birch veneers finished in the Classic darker oak / mahogany color French polish finish with rounde...
Birch
Vintage Giltwood Caning and Upholstery Chair with Woven Pattern
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage gilded caning and upholstery chair with woven pattern. Excellent condition. measurements are 23" in width by 26.5" in Depth by 34.5" in height. Seat width is 20", seat width ...
Fabric, Cane, Foam, Walnut, Giltwood
19th Century Victorian Carved Magogany and Upholstered Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Century Victorian Carved Magogany and Upholstered Chair. Measures 20" in width, 22" in depth and 36" in height. Seat height is 18".
Upholstery, Mahogany
Biedermeier Carver Chairs Swedish Late 1800s Antique Quilted Golden Birch PAIR Z
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish Biedermeier Empire pair of antique carver chairs in highest grade quilted golden birch veneers finished in the Classic honey oak color French polish finish with rounded arms.
Birch
Set of Four French Directoire Period Carved Wood Side Chairs, Circa 1795
Located in New York, NY
The balanced proportions, archaeological ornament, and stylized classical motifs are characteristic of French Directoire design, bridging the Louis XVI and Empire periods. The chair...
Wood
Pair of Early Chiavari Chairs by Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi
By Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi
Located in Sharon, CT
Extraordinary light and strong, probably out of rosewood. Early version in untouched condition. Missing their rush seating-one chair retains remnants of early (if not original) rushi...
Wood
$1,012Sale Price / item|25% Off
1960s Thomas Hope Style Sabre Leg Chairs, Neoclassical Design, England
Located in San Francisco, CA
The pseudo-classical manner was generally called "English Empire". The chairs offered, interpret the design by Thomas Hope in a very stylish way.
Gesso, Giltwood
$1,419Sale Price / item|25% Off
Biedermeier Carver Chairs Swedish Late 1800s Antique Golden Birch square 2+1 A
Located in Lewes, England
3 Swedish Biedermeier Empire antique carver chairs in highest grade quilted golden birch veneers finished in the Classic honey oak color French polish finish with rounded arms and th...
Birch
Maison Jansen Style Rare French Midcentury Patio Swan Chairs Set of 6
By Maison Jansen
Located in Palm Springs, CA
They were imported from Paris where she also worked and had a studio. The chair shape is amazing. A empire high back with sensual curved sides from the back to the arm.
Metal
19th C Biedermeier Italian Burl Fruitwood Curule Base Side Chairs - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of 19th C Biedermeier Ebonized & Fruitwood Curule Base Side Chairs. Item features shapely sabre legs, ebonized back splats, rolled backs, beautiful original veneer and solid woo...
Fruitwood
Set of 4 vintage costal split reed rattan dining armchairs signed Empire Miami
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 4 vintage costal split reedrattan dining armchairs with a botanical patter , signed Empire rattan Miami
Faux Bamboo
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tufted Leather Ralph Lauren Desk Chair
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Authentic Ralph Lauren brown leather chair. One of the most desired tufted leather chair models by RL along with the famous Writers Chair. Extremely comfortable and well built ...
Leather
French Napoleon III Boudoir Chair, C. 1860
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed for the intimate sitting rooms and private chambers of the Second Empire period, the chair embodies the refined comfort and decorative sophistication that characterized Fren...
Upholstery, Wood, Ebony
Set of Four Antique Mahogany Dining Chairs with Brass Wire, 1810
Located in Epfach, DE
4 chairs for a dining room, around 1800, provenance probably from a noble household in the Baltic States Mahogany, backrests and seat frames decorated with brass wire, designed in s...
Mahogany
$3,000 / set
Pair of Regency Style Carved Lion Head Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of English Regency or French Empire style chairs. Nice floral carvings in the wood with distinctive lion head arms.
Mahogany
19th c, Danish Revolving Desk Chair
Located in Allerum, SE
Exceptional 19th century Danish revolving desk armchair in mahogany with marquetry and brass casters, from the Empire period. Ca 1850, Denmark.
Brass
Set of six chairs, Northern Europe, turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Set of antique chairs from around 1900, Northern Europe. Furniture in very good condition, after professional renovation. Dimensions: height 100 cm / seat height 45 cm / width 45 c...
Fabric, Wood
Four Mid-Century Modern Dining Chiavari Chairs, Blond Walnut with New Upholstery
By Fratelli Levaggi/Guiseppe Gaetano Descalzi
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Elegant and robust set of four Mid-Century modern dining Chiavari chairs, in blond walnut with new white upholstery . Manufactured in the city of Chiavari on the Ligurian coast of It...
Walnut
Pair of Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs, Brass, Baltic States, Late 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Two classicistic mahogany armchairs with brass decoration and openwork backs. The chairs stand on square pointed legs with H-shaped bracing, which merge into elegantly curved, high-s...
Brass
Baker Furniture Style Regency Carved Mahogany and Gold Gilt Side Chairs, Pair
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Regency, Neoclassical, or Empire style side chairs or dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa Late 20th Century Carved mahogany, with gold gil...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Giltwood
Set of 4 natural rustic style chairs en wood and leather from the 1930s
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Set of 4 natural rustic style chairs en wood and leather from the 1930s - dark solid wood frame, oval back with carved details with brown leather seat with studded finish and underst...
Animal Skin, Wood
Rare Italian Art Deco Chair by Gucci for Gucci Executive Offices, Florence, 1938
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
This was a time before Gucci was a worldwide empire. The chair is undoubtedly beautiful in its majestic lines, form and exquisite materials conveying both sobriety and drama, much l...
Cotton, Linen, Elm, Hardwood
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.
Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.
Andrianna Shamaris has filled her epic new home with pieces of her own design.
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.