Olive Velvet Bench
2010s Cambodian Benches
Fabric, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Trimming
Antique Late 19th Century American Eastlake Armchairs
Walnut
2010s Lounge Chairs
Oak, Burl
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary English Benches
Velvet, Oak
2010s Cambodian Benches
Fabric, Oak
2010s Cambodian Benches
Oak, Fabric
Vintage 1970s American Benches
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Brass
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Benches
Velvet
20th Century French Provincial Benches
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet
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Antique 1840s French Louis Philippe Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Marble, Ormolu
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Art Deco Daybeds
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Wool, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Art Deco Cabinets
Brass
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Linen, Velvet
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Tables
Mohair, Oak
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Footstools
Velvet, Wood
20th Century American Schoolhouse Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Alabaster, Brass
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Plywood
2010s Vietnamese Dining Room Chairs
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Bohemian Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Wallpaper
Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
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.
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The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.