Minton Spidell Arm Chairs
1990s American French Provincial Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Louis XV Dining Room Chairs
Brass
Late 20th Century American French Provincial Bergere Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Late 20th Century American George II Lounge Chairs
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Armchairs
Wood, Linen
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2010s American Hollywood Regency Benches
Velvet
Mid-20th Century American Hepplewhite Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Bergere Chairs
Linen, Giltwood, Paint
Vintage 1940s French Louis XVI Club Chairs
Beech
2010s British Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1910s Italian Baroque Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Late 20th Century American Louis XV Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut, Paint
Antique 1880s French Louis XIV Living Room Sets
Upholstery, Textile, Wood, Giltwood
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Bergere Chairs
Linen, Cane, Walnut
Vintage 1920s French Louis XV Bergere Chairs
Linen, Walnut, Paint
Antique 19th Century French Grand Tour Wallpaper
Wood, Paper
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Walnut, Velvet
Early 20th Century English Regency Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 1790s French Louis XV Canapes
Silk, Wood
Recent Sales
Early 2000s Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs
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.