Neoclassical Banquettes
Antique Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Fabric, Paint, Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Louis XVI Benches
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Antique 1790s Italian Louis XVI Benches
Silk, Upholstery, Wood, Beech, Textile
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Wood
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofas
Linen, Wood, Paint
Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Canapes
Tapestry, Giltwood
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2010s Italian Louis XVI Benches
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Sofas
Wood, Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Metal
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Chaise Longues
Fabric, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Benches
Fabric, Beech
Antique 19th Century American Country Benches
Wood, Paint
Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables
Wood
2010s American Modern Benches
Fabric, Hardwood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Benches
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Stools
Giltwood
Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Sofas
Velvet
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Benches
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century English Campaign Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Hardwood
Antique 19th Century Sofas
Velvet
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Benches
Bouclé
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century Austrian Benches
Mahogany
Vintage 1940s Italian Benches
Vintage 1950s French Neoclassical Benches
Antique Early 19th Century European Neoclassical Benches
Walnut
Mid-20th Century European Neoclassical Benches
Wood
Antique 1820s Austrian Neoclassical Benches
Zebra Hide, Fruitwood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Benches
Wrought Iron
20th Century American Neoclassical Dining Room Sets
Iron
Antique 1890s French Louis XVI Benches
Cane, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Benches
Paint, Fabric, Wood
20th Century American Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs
Wrought Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Velvet, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century Sofas
Wood, Upholstery
Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofas
Linen, Wood, Paint
Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Settees
Linen, Wood
Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofas
Wood
Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofas
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Settees
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Settees
Antique 19th Century Swedish Sofas
Wood, Upholstery, Paint
Antique 1840s German Biedermeier Settees
Brass
Vintage 1940s French Neoclassical Benches
Bronze, Steel
20th Century French Neoclassical Settees
Walnut, Fabric
Late 20th Century Italian Louis XVI Benches
Wood, Leather
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Settees
Antique 19th Century Italian 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.
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This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Riotous Shapes and Colors Have Made Uchronia’s Designs the Toast of Paris
Julien Sebban’s energetic design collective is radically reshaping the look of 21st-century European furniture and interiors.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.
Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.