Maitland Smith Stool
Late 20th Century Country Stools
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1970s Colombian Mid-Century Modern Stools
Bone, Coconut
Vintage 1970s Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Wood
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century Bohemian Stools
Leather, Faux Bamboo
Late 20th Century Philippine Post-Modern Stools
Upholstery, Wood, Resin
Vintage 1980s Philippine Campaign Stools
Brass
Vintage 1980s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Stools
Brass
Vintage 1980s Philippine Campaign Stools
Brass
Late 20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Stools
Upholstery, Cane, Mirror, Mahogany, Paint
Vintage 1970s American Stools
Bronze
20th Century American Stools
Vintage 1970s American Regency Vanities
Horn, Canvas, Mirror
20th Century Indonesian Regency Benches
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1980s American Modern Stools
Shell, Wood
Vintage 1980s American Late Victorian Stools
Bronze
20th Century Neoclassical Stools
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1970s Unknown Benches
Vintage 1970s American Side Tables
Bronze
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21st Century and Contemporary Indian Bookends
Brass, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Buffets
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Secretaires
Lacquer
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
Brass, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Georgian Benches
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Travertine
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Mounted Objects
Brass
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Metal
Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Bookcases
Glass, Wood
20th Century Chinoiserie Secretaires
Wood
20th Century British Chinoiserie Bookcases
Wood
Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires
Glass, Wood
20th Century Art Deco Cabinets
Silver Leaf
Vintage 1920s English Adam Style Console Tables
Satinwood
Antique Late 18th Century French Chinoiserie Cabinets
Wood
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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Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.