$16,995 / item
H 26.5 in W 31 in D 33.5 in
Percival Lafer's Lounge Chair model MP-61 in Maharam Leather and Rosewood, 1973
By Percival Lafer
Located in Seattle, WA
A rare lounge chair designed by Percival Lafer for Móveis Lafer, Model MP-61, with fiberglass shell
Leather, Fiberglass, Rosewood
$28,500 / set
H 27.17 in W 33.08 in D 32.29 in
Pair of MP-97 Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer, Midcentury, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
and construction make this an authentic statement piece. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a
Leather, Foam, Cedar
$28,500 / set
H 27.17 in W 33.08 in D 32.29 in
Pair of MP-97 Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer, Midcentury, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
and construction make this an authentic statement piece. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a
Leather, Foam, Cedar
$28,500 / set
H 26.38 in W 27.76 in D 29.41 in
Pair of MP-97 Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer, Midcentury, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
and construction make this an authentic statement piece. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a
Leather, Foam, Wood
$28,500 / set
H 27.17 in W 33.08 in D 32.29 in
Pair of MP-97 Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer, Midcentury, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
and construction make this an authentic statement piece. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a
Leather, Foam, Cedar
$30,800 / set
H 26.38 in W 27.76 in D 29.41 in
Pair of MP-97 Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer, Midcentury, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
and construction make this an authentic statement piece. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a
Leather, Foam, Wood
Rare MP-61 Sofa, Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Amsterdam, NL
system that maintains comfort without excess material. Móveis Lafer played a significant role in
Leather, Fiberglass, Hardwood
Rare MP-71 Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Percival Lafer, 1974
By Percival Lafer
Located in São Paulo, BR
MP-71 Armchair, designed by Percival Lafer in the 1970s and produced by Móveis Lafer, is
Leather, Foam, Fiberglass
$26,600
H 26.38 in W 32.49 in D 29.53 in
MP-71 Armchair with ottoman by Percival Lafer, 1970s, Brazilian Midcentury
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
the same principle as the MP-61, with laminated foam applied directly to the shell. Móveis Lafer
Leather, Cedar
$20,000
H 29.9 in W 84.6 in D 33.5 in
Brazilian Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Beige Leather, Percival Lafer, 1967
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
Lafer, his father's furniture company. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a wide range of products
Chrome
$4,000
H 18 in W 20 in D 22 in
Brazilian Modern Side Table in Hardwood & Marble, Percival Lafer, 1970's
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
Lafer, his father's furniture company. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a wide range of products
Marble
Pair of "MP-97" armchairs by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in São Paulo, BR
Percival's ingenuity thrived was Móveis Lafer, which played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of
Wood
$17,170
H 33.47 in W 81.11 in D 35.44 in
Percival Lafer MP-81 three seater sofa in yellow leather, Brazil 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
a highly sought after model which combines comfort and breathtaking design. Móveis Lafer, where
Leather, Wood
$6,461
H 37.41 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Percival Lafer MP‑41 Lounge Chair in wood and leather, Brazil, 1970s
By Sergio Rodrigues, Percival Lafer
Located in Argelato, BO
the mid-century modern aesthetic. Originally produced by Móveis Lafer (Lafer's family company, which
Leather, Wood
$12,300 / item
H 33.47 in W 37.41 in D 34.65 in
Lounge Chairs 'MP-81' by Percival Lafer, Brazil, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
of Móveis Lafer, these chairs also feature demountable and easy-to-transport elements, making them
Leather, Walnut
MP-51 Brazilian Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer for Móveis Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in TORONTO, CA
Stunning MP-51 lounge chair by Percival Lafer. In great original vintage condition with original
Jacaranda
Unavailable
H 22.84 in W 39.38 in D 33.47 in
Brazilian Mid-Century Pair of Armchairs MP-13 by Percival Lafer, c. 1960
By Percival Lafer
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
most relevant work. He was the creative mind behind Móveis Lafer, a company he led with his brothers
Metal
Unavailable
H 33.47 in W 28.75 in D 28.75 in
Brazilian Earth Chair and Ottoman by Percival Lafer for Lafer MP, 1970s
By Percival Lafer, Lafer
Located in Warsaw, PL
comfort and luxury. This chair was manufactured by Lafer MP (Moveis Patenteados) during the 1970s and is
Steel
Table basse Percival Lafer mod. MP-97, Móveis Lafer circa 1970
Located in SAINT-SEVER, FR
DESCRIPTION Table basse de Percival Lafer mod. MP-97 Édition Móveis Lafer circa 1970 Piètement en
Wood
Percival Lafer, Rosewood, Leather, MP-41 Lounge Chairs, Brazil, 1960s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Manhasset, NY
, Brazil, 1960s Rare pair of MP-41 lounge chairs by Percival Lafer for Móveis Lafer c. 1960s. This model
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 17.5 in W 19.7 in D 22 in
Brazilian Modern Side Table in Hardwood & Travertine, Percival Lafer, 1970's
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
brothers took over Móveis Lafer, his father's furniture company. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a
Marble
Sold
H 27.6 in W 29.1 in D 30.3 in
Brazilian Modern "MP-01" 2 Chair Set in Wood and Leather by Percival Lafer, 1963
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
brothers took over Móveis Lafer, his father's furniture company. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a
Iron
Sold
H 27.6 in W 39.4 in D 31.5 in
Midcentury Armchairs MP-13 by Percival Lafer in Hardwood & Beige Leather, Brazil
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
took over Móveis Lafer, his father's furniture company. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a wide
Chrome
MP-97 Midcentury Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
good condition, with the extremely comfortable injectable foam. Móveis Lafer, where Percival
Leather, Cedar
Pair of MP-97 Midcentury Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
suede leather using historical references, maintaining the original foam. Móveis Lafer, where
Cedar, Leather
Sold
H 25.6 in W 85.44 in D 35.44 in
MP-61 Sofa in Rosewood by Brazilian Designer Percival Lafer, 1973
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
made of plywood plates covered in Rosewood veneers. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a wide
Leather, Fiberglass, Rosewood
1970s Brazilian Leather MP97 Sofa by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Victoria, BC
exceptionally rare high-back variation of Percival Lafer's iconic MP97 sofa for Móveis Lafer. Originating from
Leather
Sold
H 26.38 in W 32.49 in D 29.53 in
Vintage MP-97 Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer, 1970s, Brazilian Midcentury
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
fabric according to the client's taste. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a wide range of products
Faux Leather, Cedar
Percival Lafer MP-81 Side Table In Black Leather, Brazil 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
from natural and high quality materials. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a wide range of
Leather, Wood
Percival Lafer MP-81 Lounge Chair with ottoman, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
breathtaking design. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a wide range of products, played a substantial role
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 33.47 in W 81.11 in D 35.44 in
Percival Lafer MP-81 Three Seater Sofa In Black Leather, Brazil 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
combines comfort and breathtaking design. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a wide range of products
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 35.44 in W 38.19 in D 35.44 in
Percival Lafer MP-81 lounge chairs in yellow leather, Brazil 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
after model which combines comfort and breathtaking design. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 35.44 in W 38.19 in D 35.44 in
Percival Lafer MP-81 Lounge Chairs With Ottoman In Black Leather, Brazil 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
after model which combines comfort and breathtaking design. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 31 in W 35 in D 38 in
Mid Century Brazilian Pair of Lounge Chairs in the Style of Percival Lafer
By Moveis Corazza, Sao Paulo
Located in Asheville, NC
vintage condition. Circa 1960s. Made in Brazil by ‘Moveis Corazza’ company. Measures: 35” W x 38” D
Rosewood
Sold
H 26.38 in W 30.91 in D 33.27 in
Armchair MP-61 in Brazilian Rosewood by Percival Lafer, Móveis Lafer, 1973
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
plywood plates covered in Rosewood veneers. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a wide range of
Leather, Fiberglass, Rosewood
Sold
H 25.79 in W 29.93 in D 32.29 in
Armchair MP-61 in Brazilian Rosewood by Percival Lafer, Móveis Lafer, 1973
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
plywood plates covered in Rosewood veneers. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a wide range of
Leather, Fiberglass, Rosewood
Sold
H 27.6 in W 39.4 in D 31.5 in
Brazilian Modern Armchair MP-13 in Hardwood & Leather, Percival Lafer, 1967
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
and his brothers took over Móveis Lafer, his father's furniture company. Móveis Lafer, where Percival
Chrome
Sold
H 27.17 in W 33.08 in D 32.29 in
Pair of MP-97 Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer, Midcentury, Brazil, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
and construction make this an authentic statement piece. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a
Leather, Foam, Cedar
Sold
H 31.89 in W 25.99 in D 35.44 in
Midcentury Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer, "2 of 2 Deposit in the clients name"
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
construction make this an authentic statement piece. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a wide range of
Leather, Cherry
Sold
H 31.89 in W 25.99 in D 35.44 in
Midcentury Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer, "1 of 2 Deposit in the clients name"
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
construction make this an authentic statement piece. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a wide range of
Leather, Cherry
MP-97 Midcentury Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
using historical references, maintaining the original foam. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a
Faux Leather, Cedar
Sold
H 26.38 in W 32.49 in D 29.53 in
Pair of MP-97 Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer, 1970s, Brazilian Midcentury
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
black leather using historical references, maintaining the original foam. Móveis Lafer, where
Cedar, Leather
Sold
H 26.38 in W 32.49 in D 29.53 in
Single MP-97 Midcentury Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer, 1970s, Brazilian Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
using historical references, maintaining the original foam. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a
Faux Leather, Cedar
Sold
H 28.35 in W 33.08 in D 33.47 in
Pair of Brazilian Mp-97 Midcentury Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer, 1970s
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
suede leather using historical references, maintaining the original foam. Móveis Lafer, where
Cedar, Leather
Sold
H 25.2 in W 31.5 in D 33.08 in
Pair of Armchair MP-61 in Rosewood by Brazilian Designer Percival Lafer, 1973
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
made of plywood plates covered in Rosewood veneers. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a wide
Leather, Fiberglass, Rosewood
Sold
H 33.86 in W 36.03 in D 31.3 in
Pair of MP-81 Lounge Chairs by Percival Lafer, 1970, Brazilian Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
upholstery is made with injected foam. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a wide range of products
Leather, Fiberglass, Wood
Sold
H 33.47 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
MP-81 Lounge Chair, by Percival Lafer, Late Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1970
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
upholstery is made with injected foam. Móveis Lafer, where Percival designed a wide range of products
Leather, Wood, Fiberglass
Sold
H 31.5 in W 21 in D 21.5 in
Set Six Rosewood and Suede Dining Chairs by Percival Lafer / Brazil / Modernist
By Percival Lafer, J.D. Moveis e Decoracoes
Located in Buffalo, NY
The Brazilian furniture designer Percival Lafer, Rosewood frame dining chairs featuring floating
Suede, Rosewood
MP-41 Sofa by Brazilian Designer Percival Lafer for Móveis Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in TORONTO, CA
Three seater sofa designed by Percival Lafer reupholstered at some point in it's life, identical
Jacaranda
MP-41 Sofa by Brazilian Designer Percival Lafer for Móveis Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in TORONTO, CA
Three seater sofa designed by Percival Lafer reupholstered at some point in it's life, identical
Jacaranda
Sold
H 27.5 in W 38 in L 27.5 in
MP-41 Lounge Chair by Brazilian Designer Percival Lafer for Móveis Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in TORONTO, CA
Lounge chair designed by Percival Lafer reupholstered at some point in it's life, identical and
Jacaranda
Sold
H 30.5 in W 39 in D 38 in
MP-211 Lounge Chair by Brazilian Designer Percival Lafer for Móveis Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in TORONTO, CA
1960-1979 production. Original leather upholstery in a Tuscany Yellow, with beautiful patina, as photographed. Both the MP-211 lounge chair and matching sofa date to the 60s-70s. ...
Leather, Jacaranda
Sold
H 27.5 in W 78 in D 33 in
MP-211 Sofa in Leather by Brazilian Designer Percival Lafer for Móveis Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in TORONTO, CA
1960-1979 Production. Original leather upholstery in a Tuscany Yellow, with some patina, as photographed. Both the MP-211 sofa and matching lounge chair date to the 60s-70s. Measu...
Leather, Jacaranda
Percival Lafer MP-41 Lounge Chair
By Percival Lafer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage lounge chair by Percival Lafer for Móveis Lafer, Brazil. Tufted mustard tone leather
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 26.78 in W 33.47 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Brazilian Midcentury Lounge Chairs MP-97 by Percival Lafer, 1970s
By Percival Pernet
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
, the latter being his most relevant work. He was the creative mind behind Móveis Lafer, a company he
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Armchairs - 1958 by Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Paris, FR
intended for the mass market and patented. The factory was named Lafer MP, the initials MP meaning Moveis
Leather
Pair of Armchairs by Lafer
Located in New York, NY
Dark brown armchair by Lafer Móveis.
$12,200 / item
H 43.31 in W 17.72 in D 35.44 in
Contemporary Mexican Design Handcrafted Wood Cabinet Carmen, Mirror
By Comité de Proyectos
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Carmen is a bartender, a storage cabinet with a functional design. Inside, it has a pair of drawers for storing objects, space for bottles, compartments for glasses and a cup holder...
Steel
Paavo Tynell 'Model 5321' Brass and Rattan Table Lamp
By Paavo Tynell, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Paavo Tynell 'Model 5321' Brass and Rattan Table Lamp Originally designed by Paavo Tynell in 1938, this authorized GUBI re-edition is executed in brass and rattan. The 5321 table la...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables
By Theodore Alexander
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Pacific walnut side table, the square top with rounded corners and a reeded edge above a similar under tier, on bobbin turned legs. Dimensions: 26" W x 26" D x 28.5" H.
Wood
$34,000 / set
H 26 in W 48 in D 36 in
Pair of Adrian Pearsall Attributed Swivel Lounge Chairs in Ivory Bouclé
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Saint Louis, MO
So sculptural so fresh, this pair of 1970s modern Adrian Pearsall attributed throne swivel chairs were professionally reupholstered in soft ivory bouclé and swivel atop walnut bases ...
Bouclé, Walnut
$5,800 / set
H 28.35 in W 26.78 in D 25.99 in
Arne Norell, Pair of "Sirocco" Safari Chairs in Ash & Green Leather, 1960s
By Arne Norell, Aneby Mobler
Located in Odense, DK
Presenting a beautiful pair of “Sirocco” armchairs designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, during the 1960s. Crafted with stained ash wood frames and...
Leather, Ash
Pierre Paulin, Lounge Chair, Metal, Leather, Netherlands, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in High Point, NC
A brown leather and metal "F-444" lounge chair designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by Artifort, Netherlands, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 37.8” H x 32.75” W x 29.5” D ...
Metal
$9,025 / item
H 35.44 in W 63 in D 27.56 in
Brass and Alabaster Mobile Chandelier by Glustin Luminaires
By Glustin Creation
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Mobile kinetic chandelier made of patinated brass with a round counterweight and two enlighten alabaster globes. Original design by Glustin Luminaires.
Alabaster, Brass
Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue
By Streicher Goods, Ethan Streicher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Every mushroom lamp is hand-made and hand-painted by Ethan Streicher, the founder and designer behind the Streicher Goods brand in Brooklyn, NY. The lamp's silhouette is simple and c...
Brass
$2,115 / item
H 23.6 in Dm 19.6 in
'Yoruba Rose' Japanese Washi Paper & Stainless Steel Table Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer, Dagmar
Located in Glendale, CA
'Yoruba Rose' Japanese Washi paper & stainless steel table lamp for Ingo Maurer Designed by Dagmar Mombach and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the most celebrated German lightin...
Stainless Steel
$13,900
H 27.17 in W 29.14 in D 26.78 in
'Stella' Lounge Chair, by Sérgio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The "Stella" lounge chair, a creation of Sergio Rodrigues from 1956, is a symphony of timeless elegance and meticulous design. At first glance, its plush upholstery, reminiscent of s...
Other
Mid-Century Brutalist Wood and Leather Safari Armchair, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Imposant armchair with leather covering. A brutalist design. An impressive and cozy solitaire. The material combination of dark stained wood and brown leather is striking. The cheek...
Leather, Wood
$11,700 / set
H 26.58 in W 81.89 in D 87.41 in
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau 'Losange' King Bed in Red Leather
By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, double king bed model 'Losange', leather, Italy, 1972 A classic king bed designed by Luigi Massoni in 1972. This bed is upholstered in a beautifully...
Leather
$36,400
H 29.34 in W 43.31 in D 34.65 in
Vintage 'Mole' Rosewood Armchair with Ottoman by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Sergio Rodrigues created the "Mole'' concept between 1956 and 1957 at the photographer Otto Stupakoff's request, who wanted a two-seater sofa for his studio. The sofa should have cus...
Leather, Rosewood
Raphael Raffel “Croissant” Sofa, 1970
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Raphael Raffel “Croissant” sofa, leather, France, 1970. This exceptional "Croissant" lounge sofa, designed by the avant-gardist Raphael Raffel in his French atelier in 1970, embodie...
Leather
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Poplar Burl wood Lemon 25" High
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Envisioned by designer Yaniv Chen, the Constant nightstand exudes an air of refined luxury, celebrating the inherent splendor of Poplar burl wood. Meticulously crafted with impeccabl...
Poplar, Burl
$4,639 / item
H 31.5 in W 24.5 in D 29 in
Clara Porset's Mexican Butaque Chair, licensed reedition by Luteca
By Clara Porset, Luteca Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cuban-born Clara Porset was a pioneer for modern design in Mexico. Having studied architecture in New York and then Paris, she finally settled in Mexico devoting her life to champion...
Hide, Maple
When it comes to mid-century furniture, the innovative work of the Brazilian Modernists has often been overlooked, including the designs of prolific maker Percival Lafer. Lafer studied architecture at São Paulo’s Universidade Mackenzie. After he graduated, his father passed away suddenly, leaving a furniture business that Lafer took over with his brothers.
Taking up the mantle, Lafer made the jump from architecture to furniture design in 1961, putting a focus on thoughtfully designed pieces available at affordable prices. That year, Lafer introduced his supremely popular MP-1 chair, a plush piece of furniture made with iron and wood that he has riffed on throughout his entire career.
The silhouettes of Lafer lounge chairs, armchairs and other seating were distinct from streamlined American and European mid-century modernism, taking on casual, puffed forms thanks to his use of polyurethane layers as padding. He combined such contemporary industrial materials with local natural ones, namely Brazilian hardwoods, which delighted customers around the world as Lafer became one of the country’s leading exporters of furniture.
Lafer has continued to design furniture throughout his career, branching into sofas, tables and lighting. He was at the forefront of mechanical furniture movements, debuting the MP-7 sofa, which could turn into a twin bed, in 1965, the first such piece on the market. One of his most intriguing projects was the MP Lafer, a two-seat fiberglass roadster designed to emulate British sports cars. Some 4,300 units were produced over its 16-year manufacturing run in the ’70s and ’80s, with several ending up in the collections of major car museums.
Still, Lafer’s biggest claim to fame is his seating, which he continues to design, drawing inspiration from modern shapes and local materials. In 2017, a retrospective of his work was organized as part of the São Paulo Design Weekend.
Find vintage Percival Lafer furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
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.