Memphis Counter Stool
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Stools
Metal
Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Stools
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Brass
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary British Organic Modern Wall Lights and Sco...
Plaster
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Steel, Brass
2010s North American Modern Side Chairs
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal, Brass, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary American Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
2010s South African Modern Chairs
Steel
Late 20th Century Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Chairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Beds and Bed Frames
Cotton, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Wood
2010s American Modern Stools
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Console Tables
Travertine, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Marble, Brass
2010s American Modern Stools
Pine
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Night Stands
Wood
Recent Sales
20th Century Italian Post-Modern Stools
Metal
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Stools
Metal
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Stools
Metal
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Stools
Metal
20th Century American Modern Benches
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 counter stool?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A counter stool is a restaurant seating that is accessible to customers who are either sitting or standing. The standard height for a counter stool should be around 24" to 27" above floor level. Find a collection of antique and vintage counter stools on 1stDibs.
- What is a counter height stool?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A counter height stool is a stool that measures approx. 24 to 27 inches in height, at the seat level. Counter height stools are taller than chairs and are generally designed to go with counter height tables. They can be used in different settings, including counters, dining rooms, coffee tables, bars, restaurants and salons. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage counter height stools.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, bar stools are taller than counter stools. The average height of counter stools is 24 inches, and they are best suited for counter height tables and kitchen islands. Barstools are typically an additional five to six inches taller to fit the height of traditional bar counters. Shop a wide selection of bar stools and counter-height stools on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024The difference between bar stools and counter stools comes down to height. Bar stools are usually between 28 and 32 inches tall to provide comfortable seating at bars and bar-height tables. To pair with kitchen counters and counter-height tables, counter stools are normally 24 to 27 inches tall. Find a large collection of dining stools on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023How many stools you should have per counter depends on the length of the countertop. A good rule of thumb is to put one stool every 30 inches, so take the total length of the counter and divide by 30 to arrive at the right number. Shop an assortment of counter stools on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Since counters are generally 34 to 39 inches high, counter stools should be 24 to 27 inches tall; bars are 40 to 46 inches from the ground, so bar stools typically stand 30 to 36 inches tall.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Counter height bar stools are stools that typically have a seat around 24 inches to 27 inches high and are designed to provide seating along a bar or at counter height tables. On 1stDibs, find an array of counter height bar stools from top sellers.