Fret Chair
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Velvet
Vintage 1970s American Bohemian Dining Room Chairs
Bamboo, Rattan
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Rattan
Antique 1880s English Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Hardwood
Antique Early 19th Century British Chairs
Ash, Elm
Antique 1830s Side Chairs
Ash
21st Century and Contemporary Side Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Windsor Chairs
Yew
Vintage 1950s Italian Hollywood Regency Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 1780s English Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Armchairs
Rush, Wood
Antique Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Elm
20th Century English Regency Armchairs
Leather
Antique 1760s Irish Georgian Side Chairs
Vintage 1960s American Chairs
Fabric, Down, Upholstery
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Side Chairs
Antique 1890s English Hepplewhite Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary British Mid-Century Modern Stools
Stainless Steel, Metal, Steel, Cut Steel, Sheet Metal
21st Century and Contemporary British Mid-Century Modern Stools
Stainless Steel, Metal, Steel, Cut Steel, Sheet Metal
Antique Early 19th Century British Chairs
Ash, Elm
Antique 1870s English Victorian Windsor Chairs
Ash, Oak
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Chairs
Antique 1850s English Early Victorian Windsor Chairs
Yew
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Windsor Chairs
Elm
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Armchairs
Rattan, Leather
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Armchairs
Antique 18th Century English George III Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique Mid-18th Century British Georgian Armchairs
Tapestry, Mahogany
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Wood, Upholstery
Antique 1850s English Early Victorian Windsor Chairs
Elm
Antique Early 1800s Italian Renaissance Revival Dining Room Chairs
Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Side Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1980s American Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Wood
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs
Faux Bamboo, Wood
Antique Late 18th Century British Chippendale Armchairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Armchairs
Ash, Elm
Antique 19th Century British Side Chairs
Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Chairs
Vintage 1960s American Club Chairs
Walnut, Upholstery
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Side Chairs
Mahogany, Fabric
20th Century Spanish Dining Room Chairs
Lacquer, Cane
20th Century American Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Armchairs
20th Century Armchairs
Lacquer
Antique 1850s British Gothic Revival Armchairs
Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Scottish Armchairs
Mahogany
Fret Chair For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Fret Chair?
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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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.
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.