High Back Entry Hall Settee
Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Benches
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Benches
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Baroque Revival Living Room Sets
Walnut
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Vintage 1950s French Hollywood Regency Crystal Serveware
Crystal
2010s Italian Statues
Limestone
2010s British Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century French Gothic Benches
Oak
Early 20th Century Chinese Benches
Elm
Antique Early 18th Century Spanish Gothic Revival Blanket Chests
Wrought Iron
Antique 19th Century English Porcelain
Gold
Antique 1880s French Gothic Revival Secretaires
Velvet, Oak
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Antique 19th Century English Gothic Revival Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
Antique 1870s French Renaissance Benches
Oak
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Dutch Gothic Blanket Chests
Wrought Iron
Antique Early 19th Century Sri Lankan Dutch Colonial Furniture
Hardwood, Rattan
Antique 19th Century French Torchères
Bronze
Antique 1870s French Japonisme Vases
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century French Régence Stools
Upholstery, Walnut
Recent Sales
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Regency Revival Chairs
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Unknown William and Mary Settees
Faux Leather, Walnut
Antique Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Benches
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Benches
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Benches
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Benches
Oak
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.