Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchair for Arflex, 1962
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchair for Arflex, camel velvet, Italy, 1962.
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Velvet
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchair for Arflex, 1962
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchair for Arflex, camel velvet, Italy, 1962.
Velvet
Marco Zanuso "Square" Sofa for Arflex, 1962
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Marco Zanuso "Square" Sofa for Arflex, camel velvet, Italy, 1962 The design of Marco Zanuso's "Square" sofa, produced for Arflex in 1960s, reflects his commitment to modernist desig...
Velvet
Marco Zanuso "Square" Living Room Set for Arflex, 1962
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Marco Zanuso "Square" Living Room Set for Arflex, camel velvet, Italy, 1962.
Velvet
$13,600 / set
H 30.71 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchairs for Arflex, 1962, Set of 2
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchairs for Arflex, camel velvet, Italy, 1962, set of two.
Velvet
$8,285 / set
H 28.75 in W 31.5 in D 33.47 in
Marco Zanuso 'Square' White Velvet Chairs with Teak Feet, Italy, circa 1962
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Argelato, BO
Splendid pair of armchairs designed by the Italian architect and designer Marco Zanuso for Arflex. The chairs are in excellent condition, and have recently been reupholstered in whit...
Velvet, Wood
$24,800 / set
H 28 in W 32 in D 33 in
Pair of Marco Zanuso " Square " Armchairs for Arflex , Italy 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Modernist " Square " Armchairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. Newly upholstered in a white bouclé fabric and supported by four black painted metal legs resting on slightly conic...
Metal
$1,657
H 12.6 in W 26.58 in D 26.58 in
Square Glass and Chrome Coffee Table by Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Roma, IT
Marco Zanuso square coffee table for Zanotta. Italy, 1960s.
Fiberglass
Marco Zanuso for Arflex ‘Square’ Lounge Chair
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 'Square' lounge chair, fabric, metal, wood, Italy, 1962 This eccentric chair by Marco Zanuso is well-executed embodying a solid construction.
Metal
$3,550
H 28.75 in W 32.68 in D 34.26 in
Marco Zanuso Armchair "Square" in Dark Brown Leather, around 1960
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, DE
This Marco Zanuso armchair, model Square, crafted around 1960, embodies the designer’s mastery of modern comfort and restrained elegance.
Leather
$7,989
H 29.53 in W 75.99 in D 22.84 in
Mid-Century Brown Leather Square Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Brown Leather Square Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1960s.
Leather
$1,597
H 12.6 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
"Marcuso" Square Chrome Coffee Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy 1970s
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Roma, IT
This stylish table designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Zanotta in Italy during the 1970s.
Crystal, Chrome
$8,285
H 28.35 in W 32.29 in D 33.47 in
Midcentury pair of "Square" armchairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy 1960
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Pair of "Square" armchairs or lounge chairs designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, in 1962.
Leather, Wood
$4,497
H 16.93 in W 31.7 in D 31.7 in
Midcentury coffee table by Marco Zanuso for Techniform, Italy 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Midcentury coffee table by Marco Zanuso for Techniform. Stunning square coffee or bar table, wood structure, central top and storage compartment.
Wood
$4,616
H 29.14 in W 76.78 in D 35.44 in
Italian mid-century modern cream white sofa Square Marco Zanuso for Arflex 1960s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern cream white sofa Square Marco Zanuso for Arflex 1960s Three-seater sofa mod.
Metal
$12,783 / set
H 27.56 in W 75.99 in D 35.44 in
Set of 2 sofas and 1 armchair model "Square" by Marco Zanuso for Arflex
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Correggio, IT
Set da salotto "Square", disegnato da Marco Zanuso per Arflex nel 1962.
Iron
$11,000 / set
H 28.75 in W 32.29 in D 35.04 in
Marco Zanuso for Arflex Pair of ‘Square’ Lounge Chairs in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, pair of ‘Square’ lounge chairs, leather, metal, wood, Italy, 1962 This eccentric pair of club chairs by Marco Zanuso is well-executed embodying a solid con...
Metal
Unavailable
H 35.44 in W 77.17 in D 28.35 in
Marco Zanuso Set of Two Square Sofa and Two Armchairs for Arfnex, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Milan, IT
Marco Zanuso died in 2001.
Fabric
Pair of "Square" Chairs by Marco Zanuso for Airflex
By Milo Baughman
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair square form upholstered armchairs, loose feather down wrap cushion iron legs on polished teak disk feet.
Iron
Marco Zanuso Square Bar Table for Arflex, Italy, 1965
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Hellouw, NL
Interesting Marco Zanuso square bar table for Arflex, Italy 1965.
Wood
Marco Zanuso "Square" Sofa
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, circa 1962. A model "Square" three-seat sofa beautifully reupholstered in cream linen with brown leather piping.
Sold
H 28.74 in W 31.5 in D 33.85 in
Marco Zanuso 'Square' Black Velvet Chairs with Teak Feet, Italy, circa 1955
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Vienna, AT
Marco Zanuso 'Square' black velvet chairs with, Italy circa 1955 Very stylish club chairs in amazing condition, very comfortable and upholstered in black velvet.
Steel
Marco Zanuso "Square" model living room set
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Milano, IT
COD-CV168 Marco Zanuso (1916-2001) "Square" model living room composed of a three-seater sofa, two armchairs and two poufs covered in velvet.
Velvet
Marco Zanuso Square Sofa Arflex Italy 1962
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning “Square sofa” by architect and designer Marco Zanuso and made in Italy by Arflex in 1962.
Metal
Marco Zanuso "Square Series" Pair of Lounge Chairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Miami, FL
Newly restored to perfection, a pair of lounge chairs from the "square" series designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, circa 1960.
Marco Zanuso Square Chairs Pair Arflex Italy 1962
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Pair of "Square chairs" by architect and designer Marco Zanuso and made in Italy by Arflex in 1962.
Metal
Marco Zanuso Pair of "Square" Chairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1962. A pair of armchairs model "Square" beautifully reupholstered in high grade cream linen with brown leather piping, metal tubular legs with large ...
Three-Seat Sofa 'SQUARE' by Marco Zanuso, Arflex, 1961
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Sofa from the RSQUARE series, designed by Marco Zanuso. Italy, Arflex 1961. Newly upholstered sofa by Marco Zanuso, with buttoned backrest and three loose seat cushions. Black met...
Metal
Sold
H 28.35 in W 75.6 in D 33.86 in
Black leathered ''Square'' Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Quarrata, IT
''Square'' sofa designed by Marco Zanuso and manufactered by Arflex during 1960s.
Metal
Leather "Square" Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1962
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Austin, TX
Black leather "Square" sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. Three loose seat cushions meet with button tufted tight-back sofa frame.
Steel
Sofa Square by Marco Zanuso, Arflex Italy 1966
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Berlin, DE
Sofa square by Marco Zanuso, Arflex Italy 1966.
Metal
Sold
H 16.93 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
"Square" coffee table in walnut wood by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1965
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Vicenza, VI
Tavolino da caffè “Square” attribuito a Marco Zanuso per Arflex realizzato intorno agli anni ‘60/’65.
Wood, Nutwood
Coffee Table "Square" by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy 1965s
By Marco Zanuso Jr.
Located in Lot/Drogenbos, BE
Coffee Table model "Square" in wood designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy 1965s Designer - Marco Zanuso.
Wood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 33.47 in D 35.04 in
Marco Zanuso Italian Midcentury Velvet "Square" Armchairs for Arflex, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design couple of large and very comfortable armchairs lounge chairs model ”Square” designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex in 1962 with new upholstery in dusty ...
Velvet, Wood
Tavolino Bar 'Square' di Marco Zanuso Produzione Arflex Anni '60
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in Milano, IT
Tavolino da centro con vano bar chiuso tramite sportello e vani a giorno laterali. Arredo in ottime condizioni realizzato in legno con impiallacciatura in legno esotico, ha beneficia...
Wood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 33.47 in D 33.47 in
"Square" Marco Zanuso by Arflex Italian Design 1960s Black Leather Armchairs
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Brescia, IT
"Square" Marco Zanuso by Arflex, 1962 Black leather and wood Feet Excellent condiction, just slight sign on a seat side (look the picture) Upholstery and Stuffing in very good...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 28.35 in W 77.17 in D 35.44 in
Square Sofa and Armchairs Set by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 70's
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Padova, IT
3 seater sofa and 2 armchairs with foam padding and velvet upholstery. Armchairs dimensions: 72,5 H - 83,5 L - 86 W - seat 44 Marco Zanuso (Milan, May 14, 1916 - July 11, 2001)...
Metal
Sold
H 27.56 in W 63 in D 37.41 in
Marco Zanuso Table "Marcuso" Stainless Steel and Glass for Zanotta, Italy
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Munster, NRW
Timeless design classic from Marco Zanuso early version c.1969, square glass top with rounded corners and attached stainless steel legs good condition
Stainless Steel
Square Sofa by M. Zanuso for Arflex Fabric Italy 1970s-1980s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Milano, IT
2 seater sofa; foam padding and fabric covering, metal legs with wooden plate.
Metal
"Square" Series Sofa by Marco Zanuso.
Located in Miami, FL
Rare sofa in the "square" series with black metal and rosewood feet designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex.
Marco Zanuso Square Sofa Arflex Italy, 1962
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare 'square' sofa designed by Marco Zanuso and manufactured by Arflex, Italy 1962.
Metal
Marco Zanuso 'Square' Sofa for Arflex 1970s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Milano, IT
Large 4 seater sofa; foam padding and fabric upholstery (renewed, not original of the period), metal legs with wooden plate.
Metal
Mid-Century Marco Zanuso 'Square' Sofa and Armchairs Suite
By Marco Zanuso
Located in London, GB
A pair of armchairs and three seater sofa. By Marco Zanuso for Arflex. Italy, c1962. Original upholstery wants updating, priced accordingly. Location: Belgium Gallery...
Fabric
Square Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex Years 70-80
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Milano, IT
3 seater sofa, foam padding, fabric covering.
Fabric, Foam
Sold
H 29.14 in W 34.26 in D 35.44 in
Italian mid-century modern cream white armchair Square Zanuso for Arflex, 1960s
By Arflex, Marco Zanuso
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern cream white armchair Square Marco Zanuso for Arflex 1960s Armchair mod.
Metal
Sold
H 28.35 in W 31.5 in D 35.44 in
Pair of Restored 'SQUARE' Lounge Chairs by Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1962, Signed
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Lovely pair of restored 'square' lounge chairs designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex,Italy in 1962.
Steel
Italian Design Square Coffee Table, 1970s
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
This design line and its qualities make it very similar to the production of the designer Marco Zanuso for Zanotta but there are no labels or brands.
Metal, Chrome
Marco Zanuso "Square" Armchairs
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Firenze, IT
Pair of 1962 armchairs designed for Arflex, original structure newly reupholstered in flower prinf velvet fabric, original steel feets with wood final details.
Steel
"Marcuso" Coffee Table Design by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta
By Marco Zanuso, Romano Zanotti
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Brightness and transparency for this coffee table XXL (100cm x 100cm) "Marcuso" design by Marco Zanuso, square glass and feet stainless, for the house Zanotta.
Chrome
1962 "Square" Two-Seat Sofa by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Firenze, IT
Italian sofa from the "Square" series manufactured by Arflex, new reupholstery in bouclè brown/white/black wool fabric, varnished tubular steel legs with turned palisander feet.
Steel
Pair of Armchairs Designed by Marco Zanuso, 1960
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
pair of poltrone "square" designer Marco Zanuso for Arflex 1962 Pair black leather armchairs.
Leather
Sold
H 29.53 in W 98.43 in D 35.44 in
Four-Seat "Square" Sofa by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, circa 1960
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Wilnis, UT
Luxurious four-seat "Square" sofa designed by Marco Zanuso, manufactured by Arflex in Italy, circa 1960.
Metal
Sold
H 28.35 in W 31.5 in D 33.47 in
Pair of Pink "Square" Armchairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, Early 1960s
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Roma, IT
Pair of "Square" armchairs designed by Marco Zanuso and manufactured by Arflex, Italy, in the early 1960s.
Metal
Pair of Armchairs by M.Zanuso Model "Square, " 1962
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Fossano, IT
Beautiful armchairs designed by Marco Zanuso and produced by Arflex in 1962. This model called "square" for its own squared dimensions is really comfortable and strong with iron bl...
Iron
An early pair of "Square" lounge chairs by Marco Zanuso
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
An early pair of "Square" lounge chair by Marco Zanuso for Arflex. On four turned rosewood feet.
Steel
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Lounge Chairs
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sexy profile and armrest details clearly inspired by Marco Zanuso's "Lady" chair. The square-stock tubular legs evince likely use in a commercial setting, i.e. bank, public space, etc.
Pair of Marco Zanuso "Square" Brown Leather Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1962
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in New York, NY
Pair of square lounge chairs by Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, 1962.
Metal
Marco Zanuso 3 Seater Square Sofa for Arfnex, 1960s
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Milan, IT
Marco Zanuso died in 2001.
Wood
$4,250 / set
H 15.75 in W 5 in D 3 in
Brass and Murano Glass Sconces, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, New Design
Located in Austin, TX
Petite sconces from Murano, Italy made with smoked glass stamped into a lovely curved shape with texture. The brass structure has been newly wired to fit US standards. This pair is...
Brass
$1,650 / item
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
Rewire Custom Six-Shade Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Six-shade chandelier. Custom Fabrication by rewire gallery. Painted aluminum, with brass pivoting shades, French black twist silk cord. Rewired for US junction boxes. We recommend s...
Metal, Brass
$7,500 / item
H 9.85 in Dm 14.18 in
Stunning Florian Schulz Double Posa Brass Pendant Lamp with Side Counter Weights
By Florian Schulz
Located in Berlin, DE
Really beautiful Florian Schulz double posa pendant lamp with one E 27 / model a bulb in brass.
Brass
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool This White Oak Chile Counter Stool is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The stool is chunky and modern...
Wood, Oak
LUread Spot Sconce 'S'
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Lumfardo LUread spot sconce with a push switch on the backplate. A sconce inspired as a contemporary take on classic midcentury lines. Can be wired for any region worldwide...
Aluminum, Brass
$22,000 / set
H 31.89 in W 21.46 in D 21.26 in
Frank Lloyd Wright "Barrel" Chairs for Cassina, 1937, Burgundy Velvet, Set of 8
By Frank Lloyd Wright, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Frank Lloyd Wright "Barrel" chairs for Cassina, patinated wood and velvet seat, Italy, 1937, set of 8. A timeless design informed by exceptional constructive complexity, the icon...
Velvet, Wood
LU Louis Sconce PB
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome LU Louis sconce. An all brass wall sconce in patinated brass with patterned perforations by Lumfardo Luminaires. Made contemporary in the US. Multiples available for order. ...
Brass
$460 / item
H 15.75 in W 13.78 in D 19.69 in
Mid Century GFM Stool in Drawing Jacquard by Dedar, E. Homa, Europe, 1960s
By Edmund Homa
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful stool designed by Edmund Homa. The stool was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory from solid beechwood. The GFM type stool is regarded one of the best ...
Textile, Beech
LUdown Cylinder Flush Mount AS
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The LUdown cylinder flush mount AS fixture by Lumfardo Luminaires is part of our contemporary collection. Available in aged silver and steel with (1) E26 medium based socket. Light b...
Gold, Silver, Brass, Steel
Black Ceramic Table Lamp Oatmeal Linen Shade, Barro Bruñido
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
This collection is shaped from clay sourced from the Sierra Madre mountains in Oaxaca. Local legend holds that the clay is blessed. Before firing, each piece is meticulously burnish...
Clay, Linen
Pair of French Art Deco chairs
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Pair of French Art Deco chairs
Fabric, Wood
$1,065 / item
H 9.85 in W 5.52 in D 7.49 in
Small Italian Wall Light, Stilnovo Style, Opaline and Brass "Allegra"
By Stilnovo
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Modern Italian sconces made of brass and opaline. Beautiful sculptural and decorative wall light in the style of Stilnovo. We also have it bigger with diameter 20 cm.
Brass
$2,800
H 43.31 in W 59.45 in D 16.93 in
Mid-Century Cabinet / Sideboard in Teak & Oak, Danish Cabinetmaker, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Lovely rare cabinet in teak & oak. Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker in 1960s. Highlighted details and plenty of shelves featured in this beautiful cabinet. A fine vintage object that...
Oak, Teak
$38,400 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Two-tone Velvet, Set of 8
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, velvet, metal and plastic, Italy, 1970, eight elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully res...
Plastic, Velvet
Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Hardwood round coffee table 1960's
By Percival Lafer, Jorge Zalszupin, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Den Haag, NL
Brazilian hardwood round coffee table 1960's made by unknown designer (in research) The table still has some original 1950's brazilian stamps and moving notes on the back. Please n...
Hardwood
Italian designer Marco Zanuso helped cement his country’s place as a world leader in furniture design that used new materials in revolutionary ways.
Zanuso was part of a generation of furniture designers who encouraged a sharp departure from the traditionalism and classicalism that reigned over the design industry before the war. These designers, who are associated with what we now call mid-century modernism, experimented with new technologies and materials to deliver on the world’s newfound need for streamlined products that represented the future.
After graduating from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1939 with a degree in architecture, Zanuso served in the Navy during World War II. Soon after the war, he opened his own design firm in Milan in 1945. He later became an editor at well-regarded design magazines Domus and Casabella.
Zanuso used this editorial platform to both promote new Italian designs as well as his own pieces, some of which he made using unconventional materials like foam and latex. For instance, his famous Lady armchair from 1951 is a composition of foam rubber and Nastro Cord, a recently invented textile band of rubberized fabric that eliminated the need for metal springs. It was one of several pieces he designed for Italian manufacturer Arflex, along with the 1949 Antropus chair and the 1951 Sleep-o-matic sofa.
Zanuso often collaborated with other like-minded creatives. From 1955 until 1957, he was Olivetti’s architect, designing factories across Brazil, and for nearly two decades, he collaborated with German designer Richard Sapper. The pair’s most famous product is the 4999 children’s chair, manufactured in the 1960s by Kartell in Italy. The stackable chair was the first to be manufactured entirely of injection-molded plastic.
Zanuso and Sapper also partnered on the 1962 Brionvega Doney 14, the first European-made portable transistor TV; its sleek, compact and curvy form deeply influenced the design of television sets that followed, which were far more sculptural in form than the rigid boxes that characterized early models.
From the 1970s onward, Zanuso taught architecture and industrial design at the Polytechnic University of Milan. He still exercised his creative talents, planning the headquarters for computer companies and renovating Italian theaters.
Each of Zanuso’s elegant works were demonstrative of a forward-looking sensibility. His projects saw an integration of novel industrial materials that not only helped emphasize the beauty of good design but also played a role in rendering these well-made products accessible to everyday consumers.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Marco Zanuso furniture, including armchairs, sofas, table lamps and other items.
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.