John Jelliff Chair
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Eastlake Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Club Chairs
Leather, Velvet, Wood
Antique 1860s American Renaissance Revival Armchairs
Walnut
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Antique Mid-19th Century Renaissance Revival Side Chairs
Velvet, Walnut, Burl
Antique Late 19th Century Armchairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 19th Century American Renaissance Revival Side Chairs
Upholstery, Rosewood, Zebra Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century American Rococo Revival Side Chairs
Leather, Walnut
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Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Early 19th Century English Victorian Loveseats
Velvet, Hardwood
Antique 1860s British Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Hardwood
Antique 19th Century American American Classical Sofas
Mahogany, Burl
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Candle Holders
Silver Plate
Antique 1860s Victorian Chaise Longues
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Chinese Beds and Bed Frames
Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Empire Revival Children's Furniture
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique 19th Century Chinese Console Tables
Elm
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Brass
Vintage 1970s French Modern Armchairs
Iron
Early 20th Century Chinese Furniture
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Armchairs
Brass
20th Century French Louis XVI Side Tables
Beech
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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