Lilac Velvet Sofa
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Brass, Other
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Stools
Fabric, Wood
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws
Textile
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Night Stands
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches
Fabric, Velvet, Lacquer, Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Lucite
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Bookcases
Spruce
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Side Tables
Travertine
Antique 1780s French Louis XVI Sofas
Paint, Silk, Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
2010s Spanish Modern Stools
Velvet
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Pillows and Throws
Linen, Silk
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Velvet, Wood, Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Fabric
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Pillows and Throws
Linen, Silk
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Chrome
Recent Sales
2010s European Post-Modern Sofas
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Velvet
Vintage 1940s Italian Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
Vintage 1940s American Sofas
Wood
Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Upholstery
Antique Late 18th Century English Sheraton Sofas
Upholstery, Satinwood
Antique 19th Century Queen Anne Sofas
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary German Armchairs
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary German Armchairs
Velvet
Early 20th Century Settees
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, 2022Deciding on whether you want a velvet sofa is a matter of preference, but it can be a very good choice. Velvet is a symbol of wealth and is very soft and comfortable. It’s also quite durable, which is often unexpected from such a luxe feeling fabric. The flat pile makes it impossible to snag and it resists stains. Shop a collection of velvet furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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