Jacobean Wainscot Chair
Vintage 1920s Jacobean Chairs
Oak
Antique Mid-17th Century English Jacobean Armchairs
Rope, Oak
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Antique 19th Century English Jacobean Armchairs
Oak
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Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Wingback Chairs
Wood, Oak
Antique 17th Century French Panelling
Softwood
Antique 17th Century French Buffets
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century European Napoleon III Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century Russian Neoclassical Center Tables
Malachite, Silver
Antique 1830s Russian Neoclassical Vases
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XIII Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
Antique Late 17th Century English Jacobean Armchairs
Oak
Antique Mid-17th Century British Charles II Cabinets
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Italian Victorian Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century English Louis XIV Centerpieces
Silver
Antique Early 1900s English Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Italian Greco Roman Figurative Sculptures
Carrara Marble
Antique 17th Century English James II Cupboards
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century Windows
Stained Glass
Antique 1880s Italian Buffets
Walnut
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 ExpertOctober 7, 2024The difference between a chair rail and wainscoting is placement and coverage. A chair rail is a piece of molding placed around 30 to 36 inches above the floor that is usually 2 to 3 inches wide. Wainscoting is paneling that usually travels from the chair rail to the floor, covering the lower half of a wall. On 1stDibs, find a variety of moulding.
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