Bacon Settle
Antique 18th Century English George III Benches
Oak
Antique Late 18th Century British Georgian Benches
Ash
Antique 1720s English Country Painted Furniture
Elm
Antique 1860s English Victorian Benches
Oak, Walnut
Recent Sales
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Welsh Benches
Oak
Antique 18th Century and Earlier British George III Benches
Antique 18th Century English George III Cupboards
Elm
Antique 18th Century and Earlier British Chairs
Elm
Antique Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Cabinets
Ash, Elm
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Benches
Antique Mid-18th Century Welsh Georgian Settees
Ash
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Benches
Oak
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Benches
Antique 1830s Welsh Georgian Benches
Elm
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Late 20th Century American Georgian Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Pillows and Throws
Cotton
Antique 19th Century American American Classical Sofas
Mahogany, Burl
Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Beds and Bed Frames
Upholstery, Mahogany
Vintage 1970s American Georgian Bookcases
Brass
20th Century Chinoiserie Lanterns
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Daybeds
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Sofas
Upholstery
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Pitchers
Ironstone
Antique 1890s English British Colonial Side Tables
Fruitwood
20th Century French Art Nouveau Coat Racks and Stands
Brass
Antique 1870s Renaissance Revival Hat Racks and Stands
Mirror, Walnut
Mid-20th Century South Korean Chinoiserie Umbrella Stands
Ceramic
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Daybeds
Fabric, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Greek Stone Sinks
Marble
Antique Late 18th Century British George III Dressers
Mahogany
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.
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The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.