Jean Rene Nadal
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Settees
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Antique 1760s French Louis XVI Bergere Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Recent Sales
Antique Mid-18th Century Louis XVI Chairs
Beech
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Secretaires
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs
Walnut
Antique 1760s French Louis XV Chaise Longues
Velvet, Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs
Walnut
Antique Mid-18th Century French Baroque Children's Furniture
Velvet, Walnut
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21st Century and Contemporary European Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
Mohair, Wood
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Empire Console Tables
Marble, Gold Leaf
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Children's Furniture
Giltwood
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Stairs
Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
20th Century French Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Enamel, Gold
20th Century Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Moorish Busts
Bronze
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XV Bergere Chairs
Walnut
Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Screens and Room Dividers
Silk, Beech
Antique Late 18th Century French Belle Époque Canapes
Fabric, Upholstery, Beech
1920s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Canvas, Oil
20th Century French Louis XV Armchairs
Gold Leaf
Antique 18th Century German Other Decorative Boxes
Gold
Antique 1880s German Rococo Urns
Porcelain
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.
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