Lyre Back Floral Chair
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Side Chairs
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Corner Chairs
Oak
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Antique 1860s English High Victorian Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Corner Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century Unknown Rococo Chaise Longues
Upholstery, Cherry
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Corner Chairs
Other
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs
Linen, Wood, Paint
Antique 18th Century Portuguese Baroque Chairs
Wood
Antique 18th Century Swedish Rococo Chairs
Wood
Antique 1880s North American Victorian Corner Chairs
Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Renaissance Armchairs
Oak
Antique 18th Century French Modern Chairs
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century North American Georgian Corner Chairs
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Chippendale Corner Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Welsh Corner Chairs
Wood
Antique 1770s English Chippendale Corner Chairs
Walnut
Antique Early 18th Century Unknown Rustic Chairs
Wood
Antique 18th Century Portuguese Baroque Chairs
Damask, Upholstery, Wood
Recent Sales
Antique 1860s American Greek Revival Patio and Garden Furniture
Iron
Antique Late 19th Century French French Provincial Dining Room Chairs
Rush, Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Side Chairs
Wood, Upholstery
Early 20th Century Italian Dining Room Chairs
Silk, Beech
Early 20th Century Italian Dining Room Chairs
Silk, Beech
Vintage 1940s American Neoclassical Revival Stools
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century American Painted Furniture
Wood
Antique 19th Century American Painted Furniture
Antique Late 19th Century English George III Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Armchairs
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Armchairs
Gold Leaf
Antique 1880s French Desks and Writing Tables
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century American Armchairs
Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century American Victorian Patio and Garden Furniture
Iron
Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Dining Room Chairs
Antique 19th Century American Painted Furniture
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Armchairs
Walnut
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.
- What is a lyre back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A lyre back chair is a type of furniture used for seating that originated during the early 18th century. It features a square back embellished with wood shaped like a lyre, an ancient stringed musical instrument. On 1stDibs, find a variety of lyre back chairs.
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