Laid Back Wooden Chair
21st Century and Contemporary New Zealand Modern Rocking Chairs
Walnut
2010s New Zealand Modern Rocking Chairs
Sheepskin, Wood, Walnut
Late 17th Century Old Masters Figurative Prints
Etching
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Canvas, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Sofas
Linen, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Leather, Fabric, Wood, Ash, Oak, Walnut, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Ash, Chestnut, Oak, Walnut
2010s New Zealand Modern Armchairs
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Wood, Teak, Fabric, Polyester
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Silk
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
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Metal
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
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2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
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21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Daybeds
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Birch
Early 20th Century Jacobean Cabinets
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2010s American Modern Stools
Wood, Oak
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
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2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin, Beech
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Cedar
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Oak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
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20th Century French Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Steel, Chrome
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 ExpertApril 5, 2022Sgabello is the name of the Renaissance stool or simple chair with a wooden back and an octagon-shaped seat. Normally, these wood furnishings showed off ornate carvings. They remained popular throughout Europe through the end of the 17th century. On 1stDibs, find a variety of sgabello chairs.
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