Karges Bench
Mid-20th Century American Louis XVI Benches
Fabric, Foam, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century French Louis XIV Benches
Fabric, Wood, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Empire Side Chairs
Upholstery, Hardwood, Paint
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21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Benches
Ormolu
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood
Vintage 1910s Belgian Belle Époque Paintings
Gesso, Canvas, Pine, Paint
Antique 19th Century English Paintings
Paint, Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Anglo Raj Daybeds
Fabric
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Limestone, Iron, Wrought Iron
2010s French Louis XVI Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Upholstery, Beech
Vintage 1940s French Louis XVI Benches
Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Country Paintings
Burl, Paint
2010s British Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Wood, Paint
20th Century American Louis XVI Settees
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Benches
Fruitwood
Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Paintings
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
Antique 18th Century George III Armchairs
Mahogany
Recent Sales
Vintage 1970s American Louis XVI Benches
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Wood, Linen
Mid-20th Century Regency Stools
Fabric, Wood
Late 20th Century French Provincial Dressers
Cherry, Paint
Mid-20th Century American American Classical Benches
Upholstery, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Benches
Wood
Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Footstools
Mid-20th Century American Regency Stools
Fabric, Wood
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.