La Z Boy Recliner
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Metal
Antique Late 17th Century French Louis XIV Armchairs
Tapestry, Walnut
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Leather, Walnut
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary American Chesterfield Armchairs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Leather
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2010s British Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Bouclé, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary European Neoclassical Benches
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs
Bouclé
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal, Brass
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
Vintage 1970s French Space Age Architectural Elements
Fiberglass, Polyester, Polystyrene
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Teak, Upholstery
2010s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s Bosnian Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Fabric, Beech, Velvet
Vintage 1920s Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
Mahogany
2010s South African Minimalist Night Stands
Burl, Poplar
20th Century French Napoleon III Panelling
Bronze
2010s American Modern Cabinets
Brass
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.