Leather Dining Banquette
Mid-20th Century British Stools
Bronze
Early 20th Century European Louis XIII Stools
Leather, Walnut
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21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Limestone
2010s American Modern Benches
Wood
2010s American Benches
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut, Burl
2010s Argentine Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches
Chrome
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Benches
Upholstery
Antique 1890s Spanish Louis XIV Benches
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Late 20th Century French Provincial Loveseats
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20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches
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Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Benches
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Antique 19th Century French Country Children's Furniture
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20th Century English Country Settees
Velvet, Beech, Oak
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Teak
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Benches
Beech
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Benches
Brass
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Antique 1820s Swedish Empire Stools
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century English William IV Stools
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Benches
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage 1970s British Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
Chrome
1990s French Dining Room Sets
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Wood
Antique 19th Century English Stools
Leather
Antique 1830s English William IV Stools
Leather, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Ottomans and Poufs
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Chrome
Antique Late 18th Century Spanish Stools
Wood
Late 20th Century American Loveseats
Leather
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 3, 2023Whether leather is good for dining chairs is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people find leather to be easy to wipe clean and appreciate its texture and appearance. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of leather dining chairs.
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