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Empire Style Seating

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Empire Style Sofa with Cushions and Castors, Made in Denmark, 20th Century
Empire Style Sofa with Cushions and Castors, Made in Denmark, 20th Century

Empire Style Sofa with Cushions and Castors, Made in Denmark, 20th Century

Located in Odense, DK

An elegant Danish empire style sofa crafted in the mid/late 20th century. The sofa features a gently curved backrest and beautifully scrolled armrests, creating a soft and inviting s...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Romantic Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Textile, Wood

Vintage Italian Empire Style Gold Giltwood Swedish Gout Stool Footstool Ottoman
Vintage Italian Empire Style Gold Giltwood Swedish Gout Stool Footstool Ottoman

Vintage Italian Empire Style Gold Giltwood Swedish Gout Stool Footstool Ottoman

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Italian Empire Style Gold Giltwood Swedish Gout Stool Footstool Ottoman. Item features bun feet, solid wood construction, gold gilt distressed finish, nicely carved details, ...

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

French Empire Revival Style 5 Piece Mahogany & Gilt-Bronze Sphinxes Salon Suite
French Empire Revival Style 5 Piece Mahogany & Gilt-Bronze Sphinxes Salon Suite

French Empire Revival Style 5 Piece Mahogany & Gilt-Bronze Sphinxes Salon Suite

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A French Empire Revival Style Five Piece Mahogany and Gilt-Bronze Mounted Figural Salon Suite, in the style and after a model by François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter (French, 1770...

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Revival Living Room Sets

Materials

Bronze

Biedermeier Empire Style Maple Wood Double X Back Dining Room Chairs - Set of 6
Biedermeier Empire Style Maple Wood Double X Back Dining Room Chairs - Set of 6

Biedermeier Empire Style Maple Wood Double X Back Dining Room Chairs - Set of 6

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Biedermeier Empire Style Maple Wood Double X Back Dining Room Chairs - Set of 6. Set ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Maple

Set 6 Hickory Chair Co. American Empire Style Cherry & Upholstered Dining Chairs
Set 6 Hickory Chair Co. American Empire Style Cherry & Upholstered Dining Chairs

Set 6 Hickory Chair Co. American Empire Style Cherry & Upholstered Dining Chairs

By Hickory Chair Furniture Company

Located in Germantown, MD

A Fabulous Set of 6 Hickory Chair Furniture Manufacturing Co. American Empire Style Cherry and red Yellow striped Upholstered Dining Chairs. Measure 18" in width, 21" in depth and 3...

Category

Mid-20th Century American American Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cherry

Late 19th Century French Empire Style Mahogany Barrel Back Desk Chair
Late 19th Century French Empire Style Mahogany Barrel Back Desk Chair

Late 19th Century French Empire Style Mahogany Barrel Back Desk Chair

Located in Astoria, NY

Sourced in Provence, France, this late 19th-century French Empire style desk chair is crafted in mahogany and distinguished by its elegant barrel-back silhouette. The curved back flo...

Category

Antique 1880s French Empire Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Empire Style Three Piece Parlor Set
Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Empire Style Three Piece Parlor Set

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. The rectangular backs leading to ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Chairs

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Style Mahogany Living Room Set with Gilt Swan Neck Carvings
French Empire Style Mahogany Living Room Set with Gilt Swan Neck Carvings

French Empire Style Mahogany Living Room Set with Gilt Swan Neck Carvings

By Zone Creations

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Voici une version enrichie de votre description pour dépasser largement les 110 mots (environ 160 mots ici). Elle utilise un vocabulaire spécifique aux antiquités pour attirer les ac...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Empire Living Room Sets

Materials

Bronze

Set of 4 French Empire Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs in the Maison Jansen Style
Set of 4 French Empire Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs in the Maison Jansen Style

Set of 4 French Empire Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs in the Maison Jansen Style

By Maison Jansen

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

An elegant and highly refined set of four French Empire style side chairs, executed with remarkable sophistication and craftsmanship in the manner and quality associated with the leg...

Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Silk, Mahogany

Set of 6 Empire style gondola chairs in citronwood
Set of 6 Empire style gondola chairs in citronwood

Set of 6 Empire style gondola chairs in citronwood

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Set of 6 Empire style gondola chairs in citronwood. Very uncommon gondola line, fine quality work in good condition. Seat in beige suedette (seat height 45 cm). Dimensions: height 80...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Satinwood

Charles Hollis Jones "Empire" Style Pair of Benches in Nickel and Naugahyde
Charles Hollis Jones "Empire" Style Pair of Benches in Nickel and Naugahyde

Charles Hollis Jones "Empire" Style Pair of Benches in Nickel and Naugahyde

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Exceptional pair of Empire style benches designed and manufactured by Charles Hollis Jones. The benches were designed in the 1960s and they are just as influential today. Measuremen...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Nickel

Set of 4 Contemporary Empire-Style Black Lacquer Dining Chairs
Set of 4 Contemporary Empire-Style Black Lacquer Dining Chairs

Set of 4 Contemporary Empire-Style Black Lacquer Dining Chairs

Located in Queens, NY

SET of 4 Contemporary Empire-style black lacquer dining chairs with a sleigh design open back with a cream & blue shot raw silk upholstered seats.

Category

20th Century Unknown Napoleon III Side Chairs

Materials

Brass

French Empire Style Walnut, Bronze, and Marble Table and Chairs Living Room Set
French Empire Style Walnut, Bronze, and Marble Table and Chairs Living Room Set

French Empire Style Walnut, Bronze, and Marble Table and Chairs Living Room Set

Located in Barntrup, DE

French Empire-style walnut and marble eight-piece salon set with golden and light yellow fabric and bronze mounts. Impressive French Empire-style eight-piece salon suite made of wal...

Category

Vintage 1920s French Empire Living Room Sets

Materials

Marble, Bronze

1930s Vintage Gustavian Style Swedish Empire Upholstered Armchairs, a Pair
1930s Vintage Gustavian Style Swedish Empire Upholstered Armchairs, a Pair

1930s Vintage Gustavian Style Swedish Empire Upholstered Armchairs, a Pair

Located in Germantown, MD

Fabulous vintage pair of Gustavian style Swedish Empire armChairs with true gustavian carvings. Dark Brown Velvet Upholstery is in excellent condition. Chairs measure 24" W x 23" D x...

Category

Vintage 1930s Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

A Fine French 19th Century 3-Piece Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Salon Suite
A Fine French 19th Century 3-Piece Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Salon Suite

A Fine French 19th Century 3-Piece Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Salon Suite

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A Very Fine French 19th Century Empire Revival - Napoleon III Style - Three Piece Mahogany and Gilt-Bronze Mounted Salon Suite in the manner of François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalte...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Revival Living Room Sets

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Empire Style Mahogany Library Tub Fauteuil de Bureau or Desk Chair
Empire Style Mahogany Library Tub Fauteuil de Bureau or Desk Chair

Empire Style Mahogany Library Tub Fauteuil de Bureau or Desk Chair

Located in Nashville, TN

Of generous proportions and presence . The front mounted with well cast bronze mounts (of some size and weight ). The top with French interpretations of the Greek Caryatids (very att...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Empire Style Open Armchairs Blue Fabric, Chippy White and Gold, 1950s
Pair of Empire Style Open Armchairs Blue Fabric, Chippy White and Gold, 1950s

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. Add an elegant touch to your home with this exceptiona...

Category

Vintage 1950s German Louis XVI Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Giltwood, Wood

Mid 19th Century A Near Pair of Empire Style Fauteuils With Carved Arm Detail
Mid 19th Century A Near Pair of Empire Style Fauteuils With Carved Arm Detail

Mid 19th Century A Near Pair of Empire Style Fauteuils With Carved Arm Detail

Located in Charlottesville, VA

Handsome near pair of Empire style open-arm chairs with square backs and fluted, carved arm supports. Upholstered in vintage striped velvet, each chair features detailed hand-carving...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Empire Style Armchairs Made for the Theatre, France circa 1930s-1940s
Pair of Empire Style Armchairs Made for the Theatre, France circa 1930s-1940s

Pair of Empire Style Armchairs Made for the Theatre, France circa 1930s-1940s

Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse

Whimsical pair of armchairs in the Empire style, that were made for the theatre in the 1930s - 1940s. As theatre props go, these are very sturdily built. Painted in an off-white c...

Category

Vintage 1940s French Armchairs

Late 20th C. Duncan Phyfe Regency Empire Style Hairy Paw Feet Brass Lyre Bench
Late 20th C. Duncan Phyfe Regency Empire Style Hairy Paw Feet Brass Lyre Bench

Late 20th C. Duncan Phyfe Regency Empire Style Hairy Paw Feet Brass Lyre Bench

By Duncan Phyfe

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Late 20th C. Duncan Phyfe Regency Empire Style Hairy Paw Feet Brass Lyre Bench. Item features brass "lyre" accents, carved hairy paw feet, solid wood construction, beautiful wood gra...

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Other Benches

Materials

Brass

Pair of Antique Empire Style Dining Chairs With Crest Fabric Applied
Pair of Antique Empire Style Dining Chairs With Crest Fabric Applied

Pair of Antique Empire Style Dining Chairs With Crest Fabric Applied

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

These are antique empire-style armchairs featuring elegant craftsmanship and classic design elements. The frame is made of rich, medium-toned wood with a warm, polished finish. The s...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Rare Pair Swedish Biedermeier Style Sofas Couch Empire 20th C 172cm 3-4 Seat A
Rare Pair Swedish Biedermeier Style Sofas Couch Empire 20th C 172cm 3-4 Seat A

Rare Pair Swedish Biedermeier Style Sofas Couch Empire 20th C 172cm 3-4 Seat A

Located in Lewes, England

Rare pair of Swedish Biedermeier Empire style sofas from latter part of 20th Century in top grade birch in a light oak French polish finish. Its very unusual indeed to find a mat...

Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Biedermeier Sofas

Materials

Birch

A Set of Four Mahogany And Gilt-Bronze Second Empire Style Salon Chairs in the M
A Set of Four Mahogany And Gilt-Bronze Second Empire Style Salon Chairs in the M

A Set of Four Mahogany And Gilt-Bronze Second Empire Style Salon Chairs in the M

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

A Set of Four Mahogany And Gilt-Bronze Second Empire Salon Chairs in the Manner of Jacob-Desmalter. French, Circa 1880.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Revival Side Chairs

Materials

Ormolu

Elegant Empire Style Burl Wood Tub Chair by Wm. Switzser, Vancouver
Elegant Empire Style Burl Wood Tub Chair by Wm. Switzser, Vancouver

Elegant Empire Style Burl Wood Tub Chair by Wm. Switzser, Vancouver

By William Switzer

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A Burl wood frame with high back in a closed arm tub shape in sections and sloping arms, the frame in colorful and swirling grain Burl. Raised on square tapering legs, splayed in bac...

Category

20th Century Canadian Neoclassical Lounge Chairs

Materials

Burl, Fabric

Antique Set of Six Bleached Mahogany French Empire Style Chairs
Antique Set of Six Bleached Mahogany French Empire Style Chairs

Antique Set of Six Bleached Mahogany French Empire Style Chairs

Located in Dallas, TX

Crafted in the Empire Style, known for its neoclassical lines, strong silhouettes, and regal presence. The Bleached mahogany gives the traditional form a fresh, airy look—perfect for...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

Classic Antique Style Bench
Classic Antique Style Bench

Classic Antique Style Bench

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

Elegant Empire style bench in walnut. Canes seat and sides, generous size-44" wide. Practical and sturdy.

Category

Vintage 1970s North American American Empire Benches

Materials

Walnut

Pair Arbus Style Cerule Stool's Needlepoint Tapestry
Pair Arbus Style Cerule Stool's Needlepoint Tapestry

Pair Arbus Style Cerule Stool's Needlepoint Tapestry

Located in Hanover, MA

Pair of Arbus style French Empire Cerule Stools, birch wood, needlepoint tapestry 22"h x 23"w x 14.25"d, 17.75"h to top of seat Provenance- Property from 502 Park Ave - A Stephen B...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Empire Stools

Materials

Birch, Tapestry

1950's Set 10 Louis XVI French Empire Style Painted Parcel Gilt Dining Chairs
1950's Set 10 Louis XVI French Empire Style Painted Parcel Gilt Dining Chairs

1950's Set 10 Louis XVI French Empire Style Painted Parcel Gilt Dining Chairs

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

An elegant and highly sophisticated set of eight French Empire style painted and gilt dining chairs, this exceptional collection captures the grandeur and neoclassical refinement tha...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

Duncan Phyfe Style Love Seat Settee with Scrolling Arms
Duncan Phyfe Style Love Seat Settee with Scrolling Arms

Duncan Phyfe Style Love Seat Settee with Scrolling Arms

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Duncan Phyfe style loveseat settee with scrolling arms and featuring a floral print upholstery and matching side pillows. Infuse your home with timeless sophistication with Hollywood...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Empire Sofas

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Federal Style Carved Side Chair with Needlepoint Seat
Antique Federal Style Carved Side Chair with Needlepoint Seat

Antique Federal Style Carved Side Chair with Needlepoint Seat

Located in Trenton, NJ

An antique carved wood side chair drawing upon the Federal and American Classical furniture traditions, distinguished by a scrolling foliate crest, carved floral rosettes, shaped cen...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown American Empire Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of toad armchairs – Napoleon III style – Purple velvet – 19th century
Pair of toad armchairs – Napoleon III style – Purple velvet – 19th century

Pair of toad armchairs – Napoleon III style – Purple velvet – 19th century

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Pair of Napoleon III style toad armchairs, Second Empire period, covered in plain purple velvet. The rounded and enveloping backrest, characteristic of the toad model, is highligh...

Category

Antique 18th Century European American Empire Armchairs

Materials

Beech

Pair of Mediterranean Style Carved Walnut Lion Paw Armchairs
Pair of Mediterranean Style Carved Walnut Lion Paw Armchairs

Pair of Mediterranean Style Carved Walnut Lion Paw Armchairs

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Pair of Mediterranean armchairs, crafted from rich walnut and defined by their bold lion paw armrests. The sculptural arms flow into elegantly turned supports, showcasing the craftsm...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Empire Revival Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Chiavari Chair of Giltwood In A Faux Bamboo Style Striped Upholstered Seat
Chiavari Chair of Giltwood In A Faux Bamboo Style Striped Upholstered Seat

Chiavari Chair of Giltwood In A Faux Bamboo Style Striped Upholstered Seat

Located in Reading, Berkshire

A Giltwood Chiavari Chair In A Faux Bamboo Style Complete With Original Striped Upholstered Seat The Chiavarina was created in 1807 by a cabinetmaker from Chiavari on the northweste...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Empire Chairs

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Upholstery, Giltwood

Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Sofa, Ebonized Wood, Early 20th Century
Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Sofa, Ebonized Wood, Early 20th Century

Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Sofa, Ebonized Wood, Early 20th Century

By Duncan Phyfe

Located in Trenton, NJ

nfuse your home with timeless sophistication with this Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Sofa. Its ebonized wood frame features exquisite carvings that highlight the skill and craftsmanship...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Continental Rustic Style Wooden Armchairs with Carved Owl Head Armrests
Pair of Continental Rustic Style Wooden Armchairs with Carved Owl Head Armrests

Pair of Continental Rustic Style Wooden Armchairs with Carved Owl Head Armrests

Located in Queens, NY

PAIR of Continental Rustic style open armchairs having gold and brown upholstered seat and back with carved owl arm supports (PRICED AS PAIR)

Category

20th Century Unknown Empire Armchairs

Materials

Gold

Pair of 20th Century French Armchairs Neo Gotic Style
Pair of 20th Century French Armchairs Neo Gotic Style

Pair of 20th Century French Armchairs Neo Gotic Style

By France"

Located in Madrid, ES

Pair of polished wrought iron armchairs dating from the 70s. French work. Neo-Gothic style. Beautiful work done by hand. Measures: 54 x 86 x 48 cm 3250 EURO.

Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Pair of Late 19th Century Carved and Painted Wood Classical Style Open Armchairs
Pair of Late 19th Century Carved and Painted Wood Classical Style Open Armchairs

Pair of Late 19th Century Carved and Painted Wood Classical Style Open Armchairs

Located in Hudson, NY

This pair of chairs Swedish or Scandinavian in manufacture were made circa 1880-1900. Of large-scale and finely carved they are in the Empire or Regency taste. Decorative elements in...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Empire Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Danish Wingback Chair and Ottoman, Fabric and Walnut, 1950s Style
Danish Wingback Chair and Ottoman, Fabric and Walnut, 1950s Style

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...

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Empire Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

French Regency Style Ebonized Chair W/ Gilt Neo-Classical Swans & Tiger Velvet
French Regency Style Ebonized Chair W/ Gilt Neo-Classical Swans & Tiger Velvet

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...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Empire Bergere Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Fruitwood, Giltwood

Regency Style Armchair, Fruitwood & Mohair, Parcel Gilt, Sweden, 1890s
Regency Style Armchair, Fruitwood & Mohair, Parcel Gilt, Sweden, 1890s

Regency Style Armchair, Fruitwood & Mohair, Parcel Gilt, Sweden, 1890s

Located in New York, NY

Stunning Regency style armchair featuring a Fruitwood frame with hand-carved matte ebonized plume body details and traditional 22-karat gilded parcel gilt detail on stylized heron he...

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Empire Side Chairs

Materials

Gold Leaf

Maison Jansen Style Rare French Midcentury Patio Swan Chairs Set of 6
Maison Jansen Style Rare French Midcentury Patio Swan Chairs Set of 6

Maison Jansen Style Rare French Midcentury Patio Swan Chairs Set of 6

By Maison Jansen

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Proud to present a rare set of French patio chairs in the style of Maison Jansen. Not documented, the same solid brass swan heads were used in another set of patio chairs designed by...

Category

Vintage 1960s European Empire Revival Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal

1960s Thomas Hope Style Sabre Leg Chairs, Neoclassical Design, England
1960s Thomas Hope Style Sabre Leg Chairs, Neoclassical Design, England

1960s Thomas Hope Style Sabre Leg Chairs, Neoclassical Design, England

Located in San Francisco, CA

These chairs are after a model and drawings by Thomas Hope, the famous neoclassic designer of the late 18th and early 19th century England. One of his chairs you can find at the V&am...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Empire Revival Side Chairs

Materials

Gesso, Giltwood

Mid Century Regency Style Ebonized Gold Painted Upholstered Stool Pouf Bench
Mid Century Regency Style Ebonized Gold Painted Upholstered Stool Pouf Bench

Mid Century Regency Style Ebonized Gold Painted Upholstered Stool Pouf Bench

Located in Dayton, OH

This beautiful vanity stool showcases a sophisticated blend of French Empire and Regency styling, featuring an expertly ebonized black wood frame accented with gold detailing. The ro...

Category

Mid-20th Century Empire Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

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Empire Style Seating For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the piece of empire style seating you’re looking for. Frequently made of wood, fabric and mahogany, every item from our selection of empire style seating was constructed with great care. If you’re shopping for a choice in our collection of empire style seating, we have 477 options in-stock, while there are 1 modern editions to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the object in our assortment of empire style seating you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. An option in this array of empire style seating is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Empire, Mid-Century Modern and Neoclassical styles are sought with frequency. A well-made piece of empire style seating has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Charles Hollis Jones, Maison Jansen and Baker Furniture Company are consistently popular.

How Much is a Empire Style Seating?

Prices for a piece of empire style seating start at $250 and top out at $90,000 with the average selling for $3,931.

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.

Questions About Empire Style Seating

  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between the Biedermeier and Empire styles lies largely in the characteristics most commonly associated with them. Although these two furniture styles both emerged around 1815 and persisted into the 1840s, pieces associated with them have differing features. Developed in France, the Empire style emphasized ornamentation and grandeur, with furniture makers often drawing inspiration from ancient Roman forms. Dark woods were the most commonly used materials of the style. In Germany and other parts of Central Europe, artisans working in the Biedermeier style favored simplicity. They also tended to source woods locally and chose light finishes for their pieces. Explore a selection of Biedermeier and Empire furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Classical world is primarily what influenced French Empire furniture. Greek and Roman motifs appear on many pieces. In addition, the opulence of Egyptian furniture inspired furniture makers active during the period. On 1stDibs, shop a range of French Empire furniture.