French Empire Loveseat
Antique 19th Century French Empire Loveseats
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Empire Loveseats
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Sofas
Birch
Antique 19th Century Empire Living Room Sets
Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century French Empire Living Room Sets
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century French Empire Settees
Bronze
Vintage 1970s Empire Sofas
Velvet, Wood
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2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
20th Century German Biedermeier Chairs
Beech, Maple
18th Century Portrait Paintings
Oil
Antique 1810s Dutch Empire Sofas
Satinwood, Upholstery, Mahogany, Tulipwood
Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Dining Room Chairs
Birch
Antique 1780s English Chippendale Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique 1880s French Napoleon III Sofas
Silk, Giltwood
20th Century French Empire Chaise Longues
Beech
Antique 19th Century Neoclassical Sofas
Mahogany
20th Century French Other Western European Rugs
Natural Fiber
Early 20th Century English Charles II Settees
Tapestry, Velvet
Antique Late 19th Century French Moorish Grandfather Clocks and Longcase...
Onyx, Marble, Enamel, Ormolu
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XV Dining Room Chairs
Bronze
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Chaise Longues
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 18th Century German Rococo Wine Coolers
Tin
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Cabinets
Ormolu
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century French Empire Loveseats
Wood, Silk, Upholstery
Antique 19th Century French Empire Loveseats
Bronze
Late 20th Century Egyptian Revival Chaise Longues
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century American Settees
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Empire Daybeds
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Sofas
Birch
Antique 19th Century French Benches
Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Canapes
Wood, Upholstery
Antique 19th Century French Canapes
Wood, Fabric
Antique 19th Century French Empire Revival Loveseats
Paint
Early 20th Century Empire Loveseats
Fabric, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Empire Armchairs
Fabric, Mahogany
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Settees
Fabric, Wood
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Settees
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century French Loveseats
Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Loveseats
Burlap, Oak
Antique 19th Century French Chaise Longues
Wood
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Classical world is primarily what influenced French Empire furniture. Greek and Roman motifs appear on many pieces. In addition, the opulence of Egyptian furniture inspired furniture makers active during the period. On 1stDibs, shop a range of French Empire furniture.
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