George Nakashima Single Arm Chair
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Walnut
Vintage 1960s American American Craftsman Books
Paper
People Also Browsed
Late 20th Century American Country Settees
Wood
Antique 19th Century European Renaissance Revival Corner Chairs
Upholstery, Oak
Vintage 1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Birch
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Wood, Burl
2010s American Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Steel
Late 20th Century American Louis XVI Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
2010s Italian Modern Stools
Steel
Early 20th Century Danish Folk Art Dining Room Chairs
Elm
Late 20th Century American Louis XVI Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Side Chairs
Leather, Oak
Late 20th Century Japanese Side Chairs
Oak
Antique 1850s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Cowhide, Walnut
Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Night Stands
Brass
Early 20th Century American Adirondack Chairs
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal, Brass
Early 2000s American Shaker End Tables
Steel
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s Lounge Chairs
Vintage 1950s Slipper Chairs
Vintage 1960s Lounge Chairs
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Hickory, Walnut
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Hickory, Walnut
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Vintage 1960s American American Craftsman Rocking Chairs
Walnut
Vintage 1960s Rocking Chairs
Walnut, Hickory
Early 2000s American Organic Modern Rocking Chairs
Poplar, Walnut
Vintage 1960s American Lounge Chairs
Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Lounge Chairs
Vintage 1970s American Modern Rocking Chairs
Hickory, Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Armchairs
Vintage 1950s American Armchairs
20th Century American American Craftsman Armchairs
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.