English Nursing Chair
Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Side Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Armchairs
Beech
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Side Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood, Linen, Upholstery, Velvet
Antique 1870s English Hepplewhite Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Antique 1880s English Aesthetic Movement Living Room Sets
Rosewood
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Antique 19th Century English Victorian Armchairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
Antique 1880s English Kilim Armchairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique Early 1900s English Side Chairs
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 18th Century French Rococo Sofas
Mohair, Wood, Linen
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood, Linen, Upholstery, Velvet
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Furniture
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Chairs
Walnut
Antique 1870s English Victorian Side Chairs
Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century American Victorian Rocking Chairs
Wicker
Vintage 1920s French Louis XVI Sofas
Alpaca, Wood
20th Century Other Art Style Still-life Paintings
Oil
Early 20th Century English Charles II Settees
Tapestry, Velvet
Antique 19th Century British George III Armchairs
Ceramic, Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Beds and Bed Frames
Bronze
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century English Chairs
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Side Chairs
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century British Chairs
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century British Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 1880s English Slipper Chairs
Linen, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century British Corner Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Rocking Chairs
Antique Early 19th Century Regency Chairs
20th Century American Chairs
Fabric, Linen
Antique Early 19th Century British Regency Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Chairs
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Victorian Chairs
Tapestry, Walnut
Antique 19th Century Victorian Chairs
Tapestry, Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century Regency Side Chairs
Walnut
Vintage 1960s British Chesterfield Slipper Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
Antique 1630s English Charles II Rocking Chairs
Oak
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Beech
Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Armchairs
Oak
Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Armchairs
Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Armchairs
Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century English William IV Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Side Chairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
Antique 19th Century English Slipper Chairs
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Rocking Chairs
Antique Late 19th Century British Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 1860s European Victorian Chairs
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Chairs
Walnut
Antique 1860s Victorian Chairs
Antique 1860s Victorian Armchairs
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.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Riotous Shapes and Colors Have Made Uchronia’s Designs the Toast of Paris
Julien Sebban’s energetic design collective is radically reshaping the look of 21st-century European furniture and interiors.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
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.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.
Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.