Lv Chair
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Wood
Antique Early 18th Century English William IV Armchairs
Leather, Mahogany
Recent Sales
Antique Early 1900s French Modern Paintings
Canvas
Antique 19th Century English Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Mahogany, Leather
Early 20th Century Unknown Louis XV Armchairs
Giltwood
Antique 19th Century English Club Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century English Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Dining Room Chairs
Wood
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Antique Late 19th Century Hungarian Baroque Armchairs
Velvet, Wood
20th Century English Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
20th Century English Chesterfield Armchairs
Leather
20th Century English Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Bookcases
Wood
Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Bookcases
Oak
Antique 1860s English Victorian Chaise Longues
Leather
Antique 1890s Windows
Glass
Antique Mid-19th Century British Chesterfield Settees
Leather
Antique 1860s English Victorian Chairs
Leather, Oak
Antique Late 19th Century British Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
Antique 1890s British Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
20th Century French Napoleon III Architectural Elements
Stone
Antique Late 19th Century British Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Iron
Vintage 1940s English Chesterfield Sofas
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.
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