Hairpin Leg Armchair
Vintage 1950s Armchairs
Rattan
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Birch, Upholstery, Bentwood
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1970s Italian Baroque Tables
Silver
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Birch
Vintage 1980s Czech Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Edwardian Loveseats
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sofas
Walnut, Wool
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Chrome
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Aluminum
2010s Canadian Modern Side Chairs
Ash
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
20th Century American Side Tables
Glass, Resin
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century Armchairs
20th Century Italian Armchairs
Rattan
Vintage 1950s American Dining Room Chairs
Iron
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Teak
Vintage 1950s Armchairs
Rattan
Vintage 1950s Armchairs
Rattan
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Bamboo, Rattan
Vintage 1960s Italian Armchairs
Iron, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Armchairs
Steel
Vintage 1930s Czech Modern Side Chairs
Fabric, Bentwood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Stools
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Rattan
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands
Iron
Vintage 1950s Italian Armchairs
Linen, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Lounge Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1970s Italian Lounge Chairs
Vintage 1960s Italian Club Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1940s American Chairs
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Wrought Iron
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 ExpertNovember 2, 2021Hairpin legs are quite sturdy. The 3/4" variety is suitable for supporting a weight of up to 130 lbs., while 1/2" hairpin legs are suitable for 250 lbs. or more. A small 50-lb. desk that can be easily moved by two people can be supported by 1/2" two-rod legs.
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