French Ballroom Chair
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Side Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century French Skirts
People Also Browsed
2010s Mexican Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary German Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Bronze, Wrought Iron
20th Century Italian Day Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Canapes
Upholstery, Giltwood
2010s French Louis XVI Side Chairs
Leather, Upholstery, Beech
1990s Shirts
1970s Jackets
1990s French Blouses and Tops
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Side Chairs
Wrought Iron
1990s American Blouses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian T-Shirts
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Bandeaus
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century French Side Chairs
Wood, Bamboo
Antique 1880s American Renaissance Revival Architectural Elements
Iron
Vintage 1940s French Regency Chairs
Antique 19th Century French Side Chairs
Wood, Upholstery
Antique 19th Century French Dining Room Chairs
Antique Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Chairs
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Side Chairs
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century French Side Chairs
Giltwood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Chairs
Linen, Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Side Chairs
Wood, Cane
Antique Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Chairs
Linen, Upholstery, Giltwood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Side Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century French Chairs
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Side Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Chairs
Early 20th Century French Side Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Chairs
Antique 19th Century French Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Chairs
Vintage 1950s American Chairs
Aluminum
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Side Chairs
Vintage 1950s French 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.
- What is a French-style chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023The term French-style chair usually refers to one of two styles of chairs. The first is an upholstered armchair with an exposed wood frame, and the other is a cane chair with loose seat cushions. Both types of French-style chairs are also called bergères. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of bergères from some of the world’s top boutiques.
- What is a French berère chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A French berère chair is a style of chair with an upholstered back and armrests. These French-style chairs are crafted to be wider than standard chairs with comfort in mind. You’ll find a variety of French berère chairs on 1stDibs.
- What are French chairs called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022French chairs are called bergère. Bergères have an upholstered back and armrests with wooden exposed framing. Bergère continues to be a popular style that adds an elegant touch to any room. You’ll find a selection of antique chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023What French bistro chairs are made of varies. Introduced during the 19th century, many French bistro chairs feature a frame made of aluminum or wrought iron, while the seat cushions and backrests of these furnishings are frequently made of rattan. This type of chair became especially popular in the busy cafes of Paris during the 1920s. On 1stDibs, find a selection of bistro chairs.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Riotous Shapes and Colors Have Made Uchronia’s Designs the Toast of Paris
Julien Sebban’s energetic design collective is radically reshaping the look of 21st-century European furniture and interiors.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.
Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.