Moser Stool
1990s American Modern Benches
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Wood
Recent Sales
20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Stools
Fabric
Early 2000s American Modern Stools
Cherry
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Wood
Early 20th Century Austrian Stools
Wood
Early 2000s American American Craftsman Stools
Ash, Cherry
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Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Spanish Canapes
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Organic Modern Floor Lamps
Brass
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Maple, Oak, Plywood
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Metal
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Vintage 1960s Dutch Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Vintage 1950s Swiss Minimalist Planters and Jardinieres
Concrete
Vintage 1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Iron
Vintage 1920s Dutch Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Oak, Pine
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Formica, Wood, Lacquer
Vintage 1920s English Arts and Crafts Vanities
Oak
Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Concrete, Other
20th Century European Classical Roman Busts
Composition
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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