Vintage Modernist Lounge Chairs by Erik Karlén, Sweden, 1940s
By Firma Rumsinteriör
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of rare lounge chairs by Eric Karlén with bold lines. Upholstered with linen and elegant leather dressed buttons.
Leather, Linen, Wood
Erik Karlén Attribution, Slipper Chairs, Beech, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Eric Karlén
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of green velvet fabric and beech slipper lounge chairs attributed to Erik Karlén for Firma Rumsinteriör, Sweden, c. 1950s. Seat height 17”.
Fabric, Beech
Erik Bertil Karlén, Rare Easy Chair, Beech, Shearling, Sweden, 1940s
By Eric Karlén
Located in Stamford, CT
Erik Bertil Karlén, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Easy Chair, Beech, Sheepskin, Sweden, 1940s A gorgeous easy chair designed and produced by Erik Bertil Karlén for a Stockholm interio...
Sheepskin, Beech
Eric Bertil Karlén Lounge Chair in Ember-Toned Upholstery and Elm, Sweden, 1940s
By Firma Rumsinteriör, Eric Karlén
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare lounge chair was designed by Eric Bertil Karlén and produced by his company Firma Rumsinteriör in Sweden in the 1940s.
Wool, Linen, Upholstery, Elm
Rare Pair of Erik Bertil Karlén Easy Chairs, Sweden, 1950s
By Eric Karlén
Located in Stockholm, SE
Excellent condition. Completely restored.
Sheepskin
Eric Bertil Karlén Pair of Lounge Chairs in Ivory Linen and Elm, Sweden, 1940s
By Eric Karlén, Firma Rumsinteriör
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of lounge chairs was designed by Eric Bertil Karlén and produced by his company Firma Rumsinteriör in Sweden in the 1940s.
Cotton, Linen, Wood, Elm
Easy Chairs in Beech & Reupholstered in Sheepskin by Erik Bertil Karlén, 1940's
By Eric Karlén
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Easy Chairs in Beech and Newly Reupholstered in Sheepskin with Leather Buttons by Erik Bertil Karlén, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Beech and newly reupholstered in sheep...
Beech, Sheepskin
Sofa in Beech and Reupholstered in Kvadrat Fabric by Erik Bertil Karlén, 1940's
By Eric Karlén
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Beech and Newly Reupholstered in Kvadrat Fabric with Leather Buttons by Erik Bertil Karlén, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Beech and newly reupholstered in Kvadrat...
Beech, Leather, Fabric
Pair Easy Chairs in Sheepskin in the manner of Erik Bertil Karlén, Sweden 1940s
By Eric Karlén
Located in Utrecht, NL
This pair of easy chairs exemplifies the craftsmanship of Swedish modern furniture and its understated luxury. The 1940s saw a departure from the ornate and glamorous Art Deco era to...
Sheepskin, Wood
Erik Karlén Attribution, Slipper Chairs, Beech, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Eric Karlén, Firma Rumsinteriör
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of white bouclé fabric and beech slipper lounge chairs attributed to Erik Karlén for Firma Rumsinteriör, Sweden, c. 1950s. Seat height: 16.25”
Fabric, Beech
Erik Bertil Karlén, Swedish sheep skin lounge chair for Firma Rumsinteriör, 1940
By Eric Karlén, Firma Rumsinteriör
Located in Uppsala, SE
Semi rare lounge chair by Eric Bertil Karlén for Firma Rumsinteriör, 1940s.
Sheepskin, Birch
Swedish Modern lounge chair by Erik Karlén for Firma Rumsinteriör, Sweden, 1940s
By Eric Karlén, Firma Rumsinteriör
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Very rare lounge chair designed by Erik Bertil Karlén for Firma Rumsinteriör, Sweden, 1940s. Frame of elm and upholstered in sheepskin with leather buttons. Suits together perfec...
Leather, Sheepskin, Elm
Unavailable
H 31.5 in W 27.56 in D 31.5 in
Scandinavian Modern, Eric karlén ‘NR 86’ Sheepskin Armchair
By Eric Karlén
Located in Madrid, ES
Armchair in beech wood, model ‘NR 86’ designed by Erik Karlén for Raumsinteriör. Sweden, 1960s This design features a curved shape that reminds us of nature itself, a shape that is e...
Sheepskin
Unavailable
H 33.08 in W 59.06 in D 27.56 in
Rare Erik Bertil Karlén Curved Little White Sofa, Sweden, 1940s
By Eric Karlén
Located in ROSHEIM, FR
This rare curved little sofa was designed by Eric Bertil Karlén and produced by his company Firma Rumsinteriör in Sweden in the 1940s.
Lambskin, Wood
Velvet Sofa by Eric Karlén
By Eric Karlén, Firma Rumsinteriör
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking, rarely seen sofa by Eric Karlén, made in the 1940s. Birch legs, body reupholstered with off-white velvet.
Velvet, Birch
Erik Karlén Attribution, Slipper Chair, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Eric Karlén
Located in High Point, NC
A white bouclé fabric and birch slipper lounge chair attributed to Erik Karlén for Firma Rumsinteriör, Sweden, c. 1950s. Seat Height: 16.75"
Fabric, Birch
Erik Karlén Attribution, Slipper Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Eric Karlén
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of white bouclé fabric and beech slipper lounge chairs attributed to Erik Karlén for Firma Rumsinteriör, Sweden, c. 1950s. Staining present to fabric, reupholstery recommende...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 33.08 in W 27.96 in D 32.29 in
Swedish Modern Curved Easy Chair, Attributed to Erik Karlén, 1940s
By Eric Karlén
Located in Uppsala, SE
Midcentury Swedish modern curved easy chair, attributed to Swedish designer Erik Bertil Karlén, with a velvet like grey/blue upholstery. Legs and armrests of birch. The chair has a v...
Fabric, Birch
Sold
H 33.08 in W 27.96 in D 32.29 in
Swedish sheepskin lounge chair, attributed to Erik Bertil Karlén, 1940s
By Eric Karlén
Located in Uppsala, SE
Mid-century Swedish modern curved easy chair, attributed to Erik Bertil Karlén from the 1940s. New sheepskin upholstery with brown leather buttons on the back. Legs and armrests of b...
Sheepskin, Birch
Sold
H 31.89 in W 24.02 in D 26.38 in
Easy Chairs Attributed to Erik Bertil Karlén Produced by Firma Rumsinteriör
By Eric Karlén
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs attributed to Erik Bertil Karlén. Produced by Firma Rumsinteriör in Sweden.
Fabric, Beech
Eric Bertil Karlén Pair of Lounge Chairs, Sweden, 1940s
By Firma Rumsinteriör, Eric Karlén
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of lounge chairs was designed by Eric Bertil Karlén and produced by his company Firma Rumsinteriör in Sweden in the 1940s.
Fabric, Wool, Linen, Upholstery, Wood, Elm
Sold
H 32.29 in W 61.42 in D 29.93 in
Eric Bertil Karlén Sofa in Green Dedar Bouclé and Beech, Sweden, 1940s.
By Firma Rumsinteriör, Eric Karlén
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare sofa was designed by Eric Bertil Karlén and produced by his company Firma Rumsinteriör in Sweden in the 1940s.
Fabric, Wool, Upholstery, Beech
Easy Chair Designed by Erik Bertil Karlén, Sweden, 1950s
By Eric Karlén
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by Firma Rums Interiör, Sweden, 1950s. Oak and newly reupholstered in sheepskin with cognac leather buttons.
Sheepskin, Oak
LU Swing Sconce
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful brass LU swing sconce made by Lumfardo Luminaires in patinated brass. Wired with an E26 medium based socket. Light bulb provided as well as all mounting hardware. Priced in...
Brass
$1,358 / item
H 13.39 in W 10.63 in D 10.63 in
Set Antique Vintage Acorn Opaline White Milk Glass Ceiling Pendant Light Lamp
Located in Sale, GB
- A fabulous run of church opaline acorn pendant lights with steel galleries, circa 1950. - Wear commensurate with age, all in excellent condition, the steel galleries are aged worn...
Glass
$6,500 / item
H 14 in W 36 in D 20 in
Modern Oval Coffee Table in Oak Wood Cylinder Base and Glass by Ercole Home
By Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Palazzo oval coffee table with green and ivory glass sits on 2 Rift White Oak Wood pedestals by Ercole Home. This new bespoke coffee table design by Ercole Home is available today fo...
Art Glass, Cut Glass, Walnut
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool This White Oak Chile Counter Stool is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The stool is chunky and modern...
Wood, Oak
$2,533 / item
H 15.75 in Dm 21.66 in
Mustard Mohair Velvet Round Ottoman with Oak Feet, Modern UK Design
Located in London, England
Dagmar Design - Round Ottoman Custom-made ottoman developed & produced at our workshops in London using the highest quality materials. These examples are upholstered in a mustar...
Oak, Mohair, Velvet
Frosted Murano Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Frosted Murano glass wall sconces with brass hardware holding four sources of light.
Brass
Pair of Art Deco End Tables by Rene Prou
By René Prou
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Pair of French Art Deco side tables by Rene Prou (1889-1947), in sycamore maple wood, created circa 1930, stamped.
Maple
Pair of Murano Glass Wall Sconces, Art Deco Style, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Murano glass wall sconces, in stock Fume color and horizontal striation texture Black opaline finials and brass accents Art Deco inspired design. Gives off warm beams of lig...
Brass
$3,840Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 15.75 in W 13 in D 6.75 in
Pair of 'Montparnasse' Sconces by Sergio Asti for Candle
By Candle, Sergio Asti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 'Montparnasse' Sconces by Sergio Asti for Candle. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1970s. Double-breasted white acrylic shields form these minimal sconces. Each ...
Aluminum
$4,021 / set
H 35.44 in W 21.66 in D 18.51 in
Set of Six Original Art Deco Chairs, Solid Walnut, France, 1920s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Six Art Deco chairs Origin: France Period: 1920-1929 Material: Walnut, upholstery In pristine original condition, the upholstery has been professionally cleaned, and its polish re...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut, Lacquer
$1,750 / item
H 31.25 in W 22.75 in D 22 in
Sculptural Dining Arm Chairs in the Style of Gio Ponti Walnut
By Gio Ponti
Located in Miami, FL
Custom Sculptural Dining Chairs in the style of Gio Ponti. Solid walnut frames, upholstered backs and seats. Arm height is 25.25”. Available seat height is 17.5" - 19”. Made in the U...
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Bench in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bench, walnut, faux leather, Europe, 1950s This European bench from the 1950s combines a walnut frame with black faux leather upholstery. The design is straightforward and functiona...
Faux Leather, Walnut
$3,000 / item
H 38.5 in W 18.75 in D 21 in
Craftassociates Counter Stools, Cane Counter Height Stools, Walnut and Leather
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Craftassociates counter stools, cane counter height stools, walnut and leather, Craftassociates counter stools, cane counter height stools, walnut and leather "Modernism, rebellin...
Walnut, Cane
$6,500 / set
H 36 in W 23.5 in D 32 in
Sculptural Pair Italian White Wood Elegant Lounge Chairs, 1960's, Italy
Located in New York, NY
This is a pair of beautiful deep and stylish lounge chairs. Incredible shape and newly upholstered and comfortable. Chic lines. These are imported from Italy.
Wood, Cotton
$4,500 / item
H 26.25 in W 52.5 in D 18.5 in
Modern Solid Wood Dresser by Designer Koba, Versatile Storage, 2025
By Koba
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Model 03 is our most versatile creation of Series 01. Capable of filling the role of a dresser, credenza or sideboard. Drawing inspiration from Mid Century cabinetry, Model 03 is our...
Leather, Paint, Walnut
$44,000
H 37.5 in W 59 in D 17.75 in
Gio Ponti for Giordano Chiesa Rare Ash Wood Console, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Giordano Chiesa
Located in New York, NY
Gio Ponti for Giordano Chiesa rare and important ash wood console table with two drawers and six legs ending in brass sabots, Italy, circa 1955. This exquisite sculptural console has...
Brass
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.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
If anyone is brave, humble and adept enough to recolor these mid-century masterpieces, it’s Ilse Crawford. Here, she gives us the details on her five earthy paint choices and tells us how she feels about design collaborations.
In an innovative display, the Designmuseum Danmark is permanently exhibiting the 20th century's most iconic seats.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.