George Smith Kilim Ottoman
20th Century English Country Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
20th Century English Kilim Armchairs
Upholstery
Recent Sales
20th Century English Kilim Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
Late 20th Century English Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Wool, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary British Ottomans and Poufs
Wood
Vintage 1940s French Louis XVI Club Chairs
Tapestry, Wood
20th Century English Kilim Sofas
Upholstery, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary English Ottomans and Poufs
Tapestry, Mahogany
Late 20th Century Edwardian Ottomans and Poufs
Mahogany
Early 2000s British Ottomans and Poufs
Textile
20th Century English Kilim Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
20th Century English Kilim Armchairs
Leather, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary English Ottomans and Poufs
1990s English Ottomans and Poufs
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21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Fiberglass, Linen, Fabric, Wood
2010s South African Minimalist Night Stands
Poplar, Burl
20th Century English Victorian Armchairs
Leather
20th Century English Country Armchairs
Upholstery
20th Century British Sofas
Fabric
20th Century English Country Sofas
Upholstery, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese French Provincial Dining Room T...
Walnut
Late 19th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Canvas, Oil
Antique Early 1900s English Late Victorian Armchairs
Upholstery, Oak
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Sofas
Upholstery, Hardwood
20th Century English Kilim Armchairs
Leather
20th Century American American Classical Living Room Sets
Hardwood, Wool
20th Century English Regency Armchairs
Leather
20th Century English Victorian Living Room Sets
Upholstery, Beech, Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sofas
Upholstery, Hardwood
Antique 19th Century Scottish Victorian Armchairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
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.