Courting Bench
Antique 19th Century Louis XVI Benches
Velvet, Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Benches
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 19th Century Tibetan Other Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Figurative Sculptures
Ceramic
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century Unknown Victorian Patio and Garden Furniture
Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Sofas
Fruitwood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Benches
Tapestry, Wood, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Fabric, Wood
Antique Early 1900s English Hepplewhite Benches
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Loveseats
Early 20th Century American Settees
Cane
Early 20th Century American Settees
Cane
20th Century Unknown Louis XVI Settees
Wood, Upholstery
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Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Night Stands
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Stools
Linen, Oak
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcases
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century French Prints
Paper
2010s Canadian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Vintage 1970s French Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Art Glass
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Aluminum, Copper, Steel
Vintage 1970s Indonesian Organic Modern Decorative Bowls
Wood, Teak
Vintage 1950s English Victorian Fireplaces and Mantels
Iron
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Marble, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Western European Rugs
Jute
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Antler, Wood
2010s Canadian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Chairs
Steel
Antique 19th Century Chinese Beds and Bed Frames
Gold Leaf
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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