Knole Sofa Custom
Late 20th Century French Regency Sofas
Metal
Vintage 1980s Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Giltwood
20th Century American Sofas
Wood
20th Century American Sofas
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary English Sofas
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary North American Spanish Colonial Sofas
Velvet, Wood, Feathers
Late 20th Century American Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary North American Spanish Colonial Settees
Velvet
Late 20th Century Hollywood Regency Sofas
Chenille
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
People Also Browsed
Antique 18th Century French Industrial Industrial and Work Tables
Iron
Vintage 1950s American Organic Modern Sofas
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary English Folk Art Side Tables
Iron
2010s Belgian Modern Club Chairs
Linen
Antique Early 1900s French Chinoiserie Armchairs
Velvet, Giltwood, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pillows and Throws
Velvet
20th Century French Napoleon III Doors and Gates
Stained Glass, Wood
Late 20th Century Indonesian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern End Tables
Wood
2010s Danish Arts and Crafts Pillows and Throws
Fabric
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
Antique 19th Century Queen Anne Sofas
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Lounge Chairs
Brass
20th Century French Louis XVI Settees
Fabric, Satin, Silk, Wood
2010s British Louis XVI Sofas
Beech
Mid-20th Century American Regency Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The original purpose of the Knole sofa produced during the 17th century was to serve as a royal seat. A monarch would rest on it when receiving visitors. Today, people buy Knole sofas to provide seating in formal sitting rooms. Shop a range of Knole sofas on 1stDibs.
- What is a Knole drop-arm sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A Knole drop-arm sofa is a settee developed during the 17th century. It usually has a rectangle back with a decorative wood trim and tall fully upholstered arms positioned at a diagonal. Originally, the sofa served as a royal seat for monarchs. You'll find a variety of Knole sofas on 1stDibs.
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