Fornasetti Chair Musicale
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
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2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s Brazilian Beds and Bed Frames
Leather, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Pillows and Throws
Silk
Vintage 1940s Danish Art Deco Sofas
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Night Stands
Wood
20th Century French Country Barware
Chrome
Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Cabinets
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tray Tables
Metal
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Chestnut
Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Screens and Room Dividers
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Renaissance Revival Panelling
Wood, Pine
Vintage 1940s Italian Baroque Revival Wall Mirrors
Wood
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Corner Cupboards
Brass
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories
Silver
Recent Sales
Vintage 1980s Italian Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1980s Italian Chairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Side Chairs
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel
20th Century Italian Stools
Wood, Lacquer
20th Century Italian Stools
Wood, Lacquer
20th Century Italian Stools
Wood, Lacquer
2010s Italian Chairs
21st Century and Contemporary Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s Italian Modern Chairs
Late 20th Century Italian Side Chairs
Wood, Lacquer
Late 20th Century Italian Side Chairs
Wood, Lacquer
Early 2000s Italian Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Dining Room Chairs
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.