Library Reading Chair
Antique 1810s English Regency Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
Antique 1830s William IV Armchairs
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1980s Bohemian Wingback Chairs
Leather, Cotton
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Hardwood
20th Century English Victorian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Beech
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs
Leather
Antique 18th Century English Regency Chairs
Leather, Walnut
Antique 1830s English William IV Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Oak
20th Century English Victorian Chairs
Oak
Antique 1850s English Early Victorian Chairs
Oak
Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Armchairs
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Brass
Late 20th Century Georgian Armchairs
Leather, Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century English George IV Armchairs
Brass
Antique 1850s English High Victorian Chairs
Oak
Antique 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Chairs
Hardwood
Antique 1880s English Arts and Crafts Chairs
Upholstery, Oak
Antique 1830s English William IV Chairs
Hardwood
20th Century English Regency Chairs
Hardwood
Antique 1830s English William IV Lounge Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Side Chairs
Upholstery
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Religious Items
Elm
Antique 19th Century English Chesterfield Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
2010s German Chairs
Steel, Chrome
Late 20th Century Queen Anne Armchairs
Leather, Hardwood
Early 20th Century English Chairs
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century Dutch Black Forest Chairs
Oak, Upholstery
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Fabric, Mohair, Wood
1990s Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Cord, Beech
Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Cane, Beech
20th Century North American Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Wicker
20th Century Organic Modern Club Chairs
Teak
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Hardwood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Bergere Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 1870s English High Victorian Armchairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
Early 20th Century Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Chairs
Fabric, Beech, Teak
Antique 1810s English Regency Armchairs
Leather
Antique 19th Century Swedish Victorian Armchairs
Upholstery, Birch
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Armchairs
Leather, Oak
Antique 19th Century English Early Victorian Armchairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
Antique 19th Century English Early Victorian Armchairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Mid-20th Century French Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Antique 1830s British William IV Armchairs
Leather, Hardwood
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Armchairs
Hardwood, Leather
Antique 19th Century European Aesthetic Movement Dining Room Chairs
Ebony, Walnut
2010s German Chairs
Steel, Chrome
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Armchairs
Cane, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Unknown Louis XVI Bergere Chairs
Giltwood
Antique 19th Century Unknown Napoleon III Armchairs
Upholstery
Vintage 1980s Wingback Chairs
Cotton, Wood
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Bergere Chairs
Wood, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century British Late Victorian Tray Tables
Mahogany
1990s Taiwanese Post-Modern Floor Lamps
Metal
Antique 1810s English Regency Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1980s Louis XV Armchairs
Leather, Wood
Antique 1880s English Arts and Crafts Ladders
Oak
- 1
Library Reading Chair For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Library Reading Chair?
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 ExpertOctober 12, 2021The best chair for reading is ultimately a matter of preference. You’ll want to think about a comfortable chair that will be suitable to sit in for a long period — think about form, upholstery, whether the chair will support your back and neck properly and more. Keep your space constrictions in mind as well as your budget. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique, new and vintage chairs.
- What makes a good reading chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A good reading chair will have a high, firm back to provide enough support to the neck and back. It should also have comfortable armrests so that one’s arms are relaxed and it is easy to prop a book. A plush upholstered cushion for the seat will make the reading experience even better. Find a collection of antique and vintage reading chairs on 1stDibs today.
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