Exquisite 19th Century French Daybed
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Daybeds
Fabric, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Daybeds
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Empire Revival Daybeds
Bronze
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Daybeds
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century French Beds and Bed Frames
Wood, Walnut, Giltwood
Antique 1820s Regency Chaise Longues
Upholstery, Satinwood
Antique 19th Century French Mantel Clocks
Bronze
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Antique 19th Century Bergere Chairs
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Benches
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Daybeds
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary English Folk Art Side Tables
Iron
20th Century European Brutalist Wall Lights and Sconces
Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Taxidermy
Animal Skin
Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Baroque Porcelain
Porcelain
Antique Late 19th Century European Moorish Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Wood
Antique 1880s French Louis XIV Living Room Sets
Upholstery, Textile, Wood, Giltwood
Vintage 1950s English Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Mid-20th Century English Dinner Plates
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Settees
Wool
Antique 1890s Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork
Copper, Enamel
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century French Daybeds
Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Gothic Revival Daybeds
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Daybeds
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Empire Chaise Longues
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Chaise Longues
Velvet, Wood, Walnut
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Beds and Bed Frames
Wood, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century French Directoire Daybeds
Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Daybeds
Cherry
Antique Late 19th Century French Wall Mirrors
Mirror, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Daybeds
Upholstery, Cane, Wood, Paint
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, 2022The French painters of the 19th century worked in two styles. Neoclassicism dominated the first half of the century, and Impressionism was the most common style during the second half. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of French paintings.
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