English Arm Rolled Back Sofa
21st Century and Contemporary North American Sofas
Linen
1990s Sofas
Cotton
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Linen, Foam, Down
2010s American Sofas
Upholstery
Vintage 1960s English Sofas
Upholstery
Early 2000s American Georgian Sofas
Leather
20th Century British Chippendale Settees
Upholstery, Mahogany
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Brass, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Table Lamps
Marble, Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Night Stands
Travertine
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Antique Late 19th Century European Moorish Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chandeliers and Pendants
Murano Glass
20th Century Hollywood Regency Sofas
Upholstery
20th Century British Sofas
Fabric
2010s Belgian Modern Club Chairs
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2010s American Organic Modern Vases
Ceramic, Cotton
Vintage 1970s English Industrial Wall Clocks
Chrome, Steel
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Mahogany
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Antique 19th Century English Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century American Modern Sofas
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Sofas
Late 20th Century English Victorian Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1930s English Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
Early 20th Century English Sofas
Hardwood, Leather
Vintage 1930s English Sofas
Leather
Antique Early 1900s English Georgian Settees
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1920s British Settees
Silk, Upholstery, Velvet, Lacquer, Cane, Rattan
20th Century English Art Deco Armchairs
Leather
Antique Early 19th Century Benches
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary North American Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary North American Sofas
Linen
2010s Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary English Sofas
Upholstery
Antique Late 18th Century English Chippendale Sofas
Mahogany
2010s English Sofas
Brass
20th Century English George III Wingback Chairs
Leather
Early 2000s American Club Chairs
Linen
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 ExpertApril 5, 2022An English roll arm sofa is a style of sofa that is recognizable by its deep seat, tight untufted back and rolled arms. You can shop a collection of English roll arm sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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