Fold Down Seating
Vintage 1940s American Industrial Chairs
Wood
Antique 18th Century Benches
Pine
Antique 18th Century Italian Rustic Benches
Iron
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Living Room Sets
Travertine, Steel
Antique 19th Century English Campaign Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Metal
1990s German Post-Modern Armchairs
Metal
Vintage 1970s French Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Metal
Antique 19th Century Italian Side Chairs
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Anglo-Indian Armchairs
Bone, Upholstery, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Renaissance Armchairs
Velvet, Oak
Antique Late 19th Century French Renaissance Armchairs
Velvet, Oak
20th Century Japanese Post-Modern Side Chairs
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1960s English Canapes
Velvet
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Bouclé
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Leather
Antique 19th Century Dutch Other Chairs
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
Antique 1890s American Industrial Benches
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Leather
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Chairs
Wood, Bentwood, Plywood
Antique 18th Century Swedish Other Chairs
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Settees
Metal
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Chairs
Wood, Bentwood, Plywood
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Chairs
Wood, Bentwood, Plywood
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Chairs
Wood, Bentwood, Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Armchairs
Fabric, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s French Art Nouveau Chairs
Brass, Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Brass, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Leather
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Spruce
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Wool, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Metal
Vintage 1960s British Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Bouclé, Cane, Rattan, Teak
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Daybeds
Linen, Upholstery, Pine
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Leather
20th Century Italian Sofas
Fabric, Velvet
20th Century Italian Sofas
Fabric, Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Wood
20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
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Fold Down Seating For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Fold Down Seating?
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.
- Do butterfly chairs fold up?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not a butterfly chair will fold will depend on the make and model. The butterfly chair was originally designed with metal hairpin legs without hinges or joints. Collector versions of the butterfly chair will not be foldable, however, foldable designs are a popular silhouette for recreational seating.
- What is the best folding ladder?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021You can choose any folding ladder according to your taste. Always look out for folding ladders that are long-lasting and have wide steps. Inspect the quality of the hinges, whether or not there are anti-skid platforms, and be sure that the height will be good for your particular project or needs. Find antique and vintage folding ladders on 1stDibs today.
- What is the best folding table?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021The best folding table depends on which room in your home or office you want it for. It also depends on the purpose of the folding table. On 1stDibs find folding tables for the dining room, folding end tables, coffee tables, tray tables and side tables as well.
- How does a folding door work?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021Folding doors are also known as bi-fold doors and are constructed with two or more panels that a user can fold or unfold to open or close. These doors are fitted into runners on which they slide and fold when opened or closed. They look like the musical instrument concertina and are also sometimes called by this name in an informal setting.
- Who invented the folding chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Nathaniel Alexander invented the folding chair in 1911. During the 1950s, demand for the chairs skyrocketed with furniture makers like the Fredric Arnold Company in Brooklyn, New York, producing thousands every day. Find a variety of folding chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021The most comfortable folding chair is really a matter of preference. When shopping for folding chairs, you’ll want to think about how you’ll use them, how often you’ll be using them and if you have a preference with respect to materials. Shop antique, vintage and new folding chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024Chairs that fold up are usually called folding chairs. However, people may refer to them as collapsible chairs as well. Other names for folding chairs designed for outdoor use include deck chairs, beach chairs, lawn chairs, camping chairs and patio chairs. Shop a collection of folding chairs on 1stDibs.
- Who designed the folding chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Opinions vary on who designed the folding chair. Chairs designed to fold have existed since the ancient world, with examples found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Some people argue that the original designer of the modern-day folding chair was John Cram, who patented an idea for a folding chair in 1855. However, others believe that Philip E.G. Harrison should get the credit because his 1931 design more closely resembles the modern-day folding chair. Nathaniel Alexander also contributed to the development of the folding chair with his 1911 chair that included a book rest, as did Frederic Arnold, who created the first folding aluminum chair in 1947. Shop a selection of folding chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is Tandem seating?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Tandem seating is a style of seating featuring a series of chairs attached to each other, side by side. It is a common form of seating for use in public spaces, such as waiting rooms or lobbies. Shop an array of tandem seating from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a camel seat?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A camel seat is a stool that features a camel saddle as the base. It is usually topped by a comfortably upholstered seat. This piece of furniture can also be used as an ottoman. On 1stDibs, find an array of camel seats from top sellers worldwide.
- What is banquette seating?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Banquettes are a bench-like seat that can be either freestanding or built into a wall. They're similar to a booth in a restaurant in that they can seat multiple people.
- What is a bench seat?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021Benches can be used in nearly every space, from the foyer to the bedroom to the living room. The perfect option to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in entryways, benches can also transform dining areas, making it possible to host several guests with limited space. On 1stDibs, find benches and other seating today.
- What is a seating banquette?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A banquette is a bench that accompanies a table to provide more seating for guests. They usually come upholstered and are different from a booth, which you typically sit in, not on. You can shop a collection of banquette seating from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a cantilever seat?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Cantilever seats are chairs that have a uniquely designed base. Instead of featuring four legs, a cantilever chair has two tubular metal legs in the front. They travel straight down and then bend inward, continuing to the back of the chair where a crossbar joins them. The name of the seat comes from bridge construction and architecture. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cantilever chairs.
- What is a bench seat sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A bench seat sofa is a seating system that can seat two to three people at a time. Generally, a bench seat sofa does not have a backrest. Find a collection of antique and vintage bench seat sofas on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Bench seats are typically around 18 inches deep.
- What is a backless seat called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A backless seat is also called a stool. It is one of the earliest types of seating. It resembles a chair in many ways. It comprises a single seat with no back or armrests for one person. There are one, two, three, or four legs on the base of a stool. Find a collection of antique and vintage backless seats on 1stDibs today.
- What is a window seat called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A window seat is called a window bench, window nook or alcove. It is a mini sofa without a backrest for filling the gap of a window. Window benches are a great way to utilize extra or unused space for seating.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024The standard seat height depends on the type of seating in question. For seating at dining tables, the average seat height is 17 to 23 inches, while the typical seat height for desk chairs ranges from 16 to 21 inches. Seat heights for sofas and loveseats are usually around 17 to 18 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of seating from some of the world's top dealers.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 16, 2019
A loveseat generally has two seats.
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