$1,418Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Risom Risom Lounge Chair for Knoll, Clear Maple & Flax Webbing
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Reading, Berkshire
The original design is particularly notable for its use of webbing, which formed part of Risom's response to wartime material restrictions.
Maple
2021 Jens Risom for Knoll Risom Side Dining Chair Ebonized Maple & Black Webbing
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single Risom dining chair in ebonized maple with black cotton webbing designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll.
Ash
Pair of Jens Risom Oak Chairs with Leather Webbing, France 1950s
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
These chairs match a set of eight Risom chairs we are also offering and are in the same restored condition.
Leather, Oak
Jens Risom 'Vostra' Lounge Chair in Canvas Webbing
By Walter Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Risom for Walter Knoll, 'Vostra' chair, beech, canvas, brass, United States, design 1941, production 1950s An elegant lounge chair featuring exquisite canvas webbing, this piec...
Brass
Jens Risom 'Vostra' Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Canvas Webbing
By Jens Risom, Walter Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Risom for Walter Knoll, 'Vostra' chair with ottoman, beech, canvas, brass, United States, design 1941, production 1950s An elegant lounge chair with ottoman featuring exquisite...
Brass
1950 Knoll Risom Side Chair in Maple with Black Webbing, Model 666C-WB
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Risom side chair, Model 666C-WB, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll in 1943.
Steel
2000s Jens Risom For Knoll Armless Lounge Chair in Maple with Purple Webbing
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Armless Lounge Chair, originally designed by Jens Risom for Knoll in 1943. This particular example was produced in the United States in the 2000s.
Maple, Fabric
Jens Risom Pair of 'Vostra' Lounge Chairs with Ottoman in Canvas Webbing
By Walter Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Risom for Walter Knoll, pair of 'Vostra' chairs with ottoman, beech, canvas, brass, United States, design 1941, production 1950s An elegant lounge chair with ottoman featuring ...
Brass
C. 1941 Jens Risom for Knoll Associates Three-Seater Sofa/Settee w/ New Webbing
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a three-seater settee, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll Associates in 1941. The piece has a frame constructed of pine (or possibly birch), and has newly re-done webbed straps.
Copper
2021 Jens Risom for Knoll Counter Height Stool in Clear Maple with Black Webbing
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single 2021 production Risom counter height stool designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll. This example was acquired directly from a Knoll employee, who pur...
Birch, Maple
1940s Jens Risom For Knoll Associates 666 WSP Dining Chair with Webbing in Maple
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original Jens Risom for Knoll Associates 666 WSP dining chair, circa 1940s. The chair is in gorgeous original condition with some patina and wear shown to the s...
Maple
1946 Jen Risom 666 WSP Side Chairs Black Webbing for Knoll Associates Set of Six
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These pieces were constructed using a solid maple wooden frame and black webbing that is stain resistant. The chairs were acquired from a Wisconsin estate and were just freshly reuph...
Wood, Maple
Mid Century Modern Jens Risom Walnut Coffee Table
By Jens Risom
Located in Tulsa, OK
**Use of Natural Materials**: Risom frequently used high-quality, natural materials such as wood, leather, and woven webbing.
Walnut
$2,600 / set
Pair of Jens Risom Lounge Chairs for Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Winnetka, IL
These timeless pieces features a solid walnut frame paired with Jens Risom’s signature woven cotton webbing, here in a rich ecru tone that provides both comfort and a striking visual...
Walnut, Canvas
Lounge Chair by Jens Risom
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Morristown, NJ
Newly refinished webbed lounge chair in birch by Jens Risom. Webbing is a white vinyl. Signed Knoll International.
Birch, Fabric
Sold
H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in
Early Jens Risom Armchair by Knoll or Vostra with Original Webbing
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Early Jens Risom armchair by Vostra (German licensed and labeled) with off-white original webbing.
Birch, Cotton Canvas
Sold
H 28.35 in W 31.5 in D 23.63 in
Early Jens Risom Armchairs by Knoll / Vostra with New Leather Webbing
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Early Jens Risom armchair by Vostra (German licensed and labeled) with new high quality leather webbing.
Beech, Leather
Sold
H 29.53 in W 28.35 in D 19.69 in
Pair of Matched Jens Risom Lounge Chairs in Black Webbing for Knoll
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
A very nice matched pair of Jens Risom lounge chairs by Walter Knoll (Vostra), 1950s German production in excellent vintage condition.
Cotton, Wood
Sold
H 28.35 in W 23.63 in D 31.5 in
Set of Two Early Jens Risom Armchairs by Knoll with New Leather Webbing
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of two early Jens Risom armchairs by Knoll (labeled) with new high quality leather webbing.
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 28.35 in W 23.63 in D 31.5 in
Set of Two Early Jens Risom Armchairs by Knoll with New Leather Webbing
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of two early Jens Risom armchairs by Knoll (labeled) with new high quality leather webbing.
Leather, Wood
Pair of Early Jens Risom 654W Lounge Chairs by Knoll with Leather Webbing
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Excellent pair of Classic Jens Risom lounge chairs with new leather webbing. The leather will age darker quiet fast and will get a stunning cognac color and also a very personal pati...
Birch
Sold
H 29.93 in W 20.08 in D 28.35 in
Pair of Early Jens Risom 654W Lounge Chairs by Knoll with New Leather Webbing
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Excellent pair of classic Jens Risom lounge chairs with new leather webbing. The leather will age darker quiet fast and will get a stunning cognac color and also a very personal pati...
Leather, Birch
Pair of Jens Risom Lounge Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A matched pair of solid maple lounge chairs by Jens Risom for Knoll with original webbing. These particular chairs are dated 1952.
Wood
Sold
H 30.25 in W 23.75 in
Armed Lounge Chair with Light Walnut Frame with Khaki Cotton Webbing, Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Tulsa, OK
These armed lounge chairs have a light walnut frame with Kahki colored 100% cotton webbing creating back and seat. Jens Risom's designs were the first pieces conceived for and man...
Cotton, Walnut
Set of Ten 666 W Side Chairs by Jens Risom for Knoll
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of ten side chairs by Jens Risom with new webbing and in solid birch. Signed!
Cotton, Birch
Sold
H 30.5 in W 23.5 in D 28 in
Iconic Jens Risom Lounge Chair for Knoll, Model 652-W, Mid-Century Modern
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This timeless piece features a solid walnut frame paired with Jens Risom’s signature woven cotton webbing, here in a rich green tone that provides both comfort and a striking visual ...
Cotton, Wood
Jens Risom Lounge Chair with Original Webbing for Knoll, circa 1950s
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Peabody, MA
Lounge chair Model 652 with original webbing by Jens Risom, early design for Knoll, circa 1950s.
Wood
Sold
H 17.75 in W 20 in D 14 in
Jens Risom Inspired Accent Stool with Black and Red Webbing and Wooden Frame
By Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Small Jens Risom style stool with original red and black webbing.
Wood
Sold
H 30 in W 20.25 in D 25 in
Pair Jens Risom Armless Lounge Chairs. Maple with Red Webbing. Signed.
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of Jens Risom lounge chairs from his original 1941 design collection for Knoll. These are more recent production, signed with the Knoll Studio medallion. These have been used ...
Nylon, Maple
Sold
H 29.53 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in
Pair of Jens Risom Lounge Chairs in brown webbing for Knoll 1950s
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Jens Risom lounge chairs in brown webbing for Knoll. The seat is removable and adjustable from lounge to occasional chairs.
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 31.89 in W 16.54 in D 19.69 in
Rare Oak Jens Risom Set of Ten Webbed Knoll Chairs in Leather Webbing, France
By Jens Risom
Located in Berlin, DE
This set of ten side chairs with new leather webbing in the exact leather as they produced these chairs in France in the 1950s. All chairs has been fully restored and reglued. A rare...
Leather, Oak
Pair of Stained Walnut Bar Stools with Original Leather Webbing
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
These bar stools are reminiscent of the chairs Jens Risom designed for Knoll with the interwoven leather seat construction. They are nicely aged and both leather and walnut are in go...
Leather, Walnut
Set of Four Risom for KnollStudio Side Chairs, Ebony with Blue Webbing, 2010s
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in San Francisco, CA
A four-piece set of early 2010s Jens Risom side chairs for KnollStudio in ebonized maple with blue webbing seats.
Nylon, Maple
Jens Risom Leather Lounge Chair
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Maastricht, NL
A lounge chair with a leather webbing by Jens Risom for Hans Knoll in 1943. Labeled by Knoll underneath.
Leather, Wood
Jens Risom Model 652 Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Jens Risom
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Jens Risom lounge chair Model 652 with original webbing by Jens Risom for Knoll, circa 1950s.
Upholstery, Birch
1940's Jens Risom Style Furniture Set With a Klaus Grabe Chaise
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
chairs + side table attributed to Jens Risom. USA, c 1940s original webbing + wood lounge chaise 53” h x 24 ⅝” w x 62 ⅛” d x seat 20 ⅛” h rocking lounge chair 29” h x 20” w x 27 ...
Wood
Jens Risom settee
Located in New York, NY
1950s 2-seat Jens Risom settee with original brown webbing and finish
Jens Risom Lounge Chair for Knoll , 1941
Located in San Francisco, CA
Surprisingly comfortable and light arm chair designed by Jens Risom with webbing seat and back. Casual elegance in abundance with webbed version of Knoll's reissue of quintessential...
Pair of Jens Risom Lounge Chairs for Knoll with Black Webbing
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Pair of black strap weaved Jens Risom lounge chairs for Knoll. The chair was manufactured in the 1960s. The chair comes as a pair.
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 30.25 in W 20 in D 27.75 in
Pair of Jens Risom for KnollStudio Lounge Chairs, Maple with Maize Webbing, 2013
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of 2013 Jens Risom lounge chairs for KnollStudio in maple with maize webbing seats.
Maple, Cotton
Vintage Pair of Walnut and Leather Webbed Side Chairs
By Jens Risom
Located in Retie, BE
Set of two vintage dining chairs - side chairs in the style of Jens Risom & Mel Smilow. Black leather webbing chairs circa 1950 with walnut frame.
Leather, Walnut
Bruno Mathsson Danish Modern Bentwood Eva Lounge Chair
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Bentwood "Eva" Model Lounge Chair, designed by Bruno Mathsson, and signed underneath, Sweden, circa 1960s.
Upholstery, Beech
One Vintage Jens Risom for Knoll Lounge Chairs
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Pasadena, TX
One mid-century modern armless lounge chair designed by Jens Risom for Knoll originally in 1946. This early design has a hard maple frame with new linen upholstery.
Fabric, Maple
Early Ralph Rapson Rocker with Leather Webbing
By Knoll, Ralph Rapson
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
This is a rare first year production from HG Knoll Associates of a stunning rocking chair designed by Ralph Rapson. It boasts a solid birch frame with original woven leather webbing ...
Leather, Birch
Early Chair Attributed to Jens Risom for Knoll
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in South Charleston, WV
A very early chair that is attributed to Jens Risom for Knoll. The chair features a vinyl type finish that is in good condition with a few marks and light staining. The legs have ...
Jens Risom Model-654 Walnut & Woven Lounge Chair for Knoll Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Walnut, Original Cotton Webbing Designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll Studio, this Model 654LA lounge chair is a later produ...
Cotton, Walnut
$20,612
H 33.86 in W 27.56 in D 33.86 in
2 MODERNIST Oak ARMCHAIRS in RENE GABRIEL & PIERRE GUARICHE Style, France 1950
By Rene Gabriel
Located in PARIS, FR
A spectacular pair of large armchairs, Modernist, Bauhaus, Constructivist, Reconstruction, very dynamic architectural structures in solid dark oak, astonishing openwork backs, with a...
Fabric, Foam, Oak
$6,375Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 29.5 in W 20 in D 17 in
Pair of Early Woven Leather Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom for Knoll
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
RARE PAIR of Early woven leather lounge chairs by Jens Risom for Knoll. Made in USA, circa 1950's. Stamped. See images. East Coast Delivery for a fee. Please message for pricing.
Leather, Birch
$4,065
H 33.5 in W 27 in D 22 in
Rare Midcentury Pair Oak X-frame Dagobert Armchairs with Leather Seats and Back
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish and hand made X-framed folding chairs from circa 1950. These stylized Renaissance chairs are made of solid tiger oak and they come with leather seats and backs that are all ...
Leather, Oak
Bruno Mathsson "Eva" Lounge Chair by Karl Mathsson, 1970s
By Bruno Mathsson, Ivan Schlechter
Located in Odense, DK
Vintage "Eva" lounge chair by Bruno Mathsson made by Karl Mathsson in 1974. The beechwood and hemp webbings has a nice patina and the chair comes with a leather cover hand sewn by Iv...
Hemp, Beech, Leather
Bruno Mathsson "Eva" Woven Cotton and Beech Side Chair
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Astoria, NY
Bruno Mathsson "Eva" Beech Side Chair, with tan cotton woven seat and back, marked "Bruno Mathsson / Design / Made in Sweden". 33" H x 19" W x 22" D; seat: 16" H. Provenance: A N...
Cotton, Beech
$3,600 / set
H 35.8 in W 18 in D 18.8 in
Brazilian Modern Pair of Armchairs in Hardwood & Cane, Unknown, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Attributed to an unknown Brazilian maker and dating to the 1960s, this pair of armchairs reflects the disciplined clarity that defines much of the period’s seating design. Their arch...
Cane, Hardwood
Marcel Gascoin, Pair of "CF" Chairs, France 1950
By Marcel Gascoin
Located in Catonvielle, FR
Marcel Gascoin, Pair of beech straw chairs, "CF" model, France 1950. Icon of the French Reconstruction period, this chair is remarkable in its rationalism, its ergonomics and the qua...
Straw, Beech
Pair of French Oak Armchairs, France, 1950s
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
This refined pair of French armchairs from the 1950s showcases the understated elegance of mid-century design. Crafted from solid oak, the chairs feature beautifully sculpted armrest...
Straw, Oak
Minimalist Chair in Hardwood Solid Black
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Evo Chair collection. Our Evo collection is based in the harmonic fusion between geometrical forms and the modern interpretation of wood archetypes. All elements that compose ...
Hardwood
Jens Risom, Lounge Chair, Maple, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in High Point, NC
A white fabric and maple lounge chair designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll, USA, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.0"H x 24.0"W x ...
Fabric, Maple
Mid Century Kofod Larsen Lounge Chair
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Pasadena, TX
Lounge chair by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig in Denmark, circa 1950s. Sculptural frame with walnut stain. The well-crafted armrests and barrel shape design shows beautiful details and e...
Walnut
Handcrafted English Side Drink Table, Walnut & Sycamore
By SUM Furniture
Located in London, GB
A beautifully hand-turned and handcrafted side table in English sycamore and American black walnut, inspired by modernist design principles. Elegant in its simplicity yet rich in det...
Maple, Sycamore, Walnut
$3,290 / item
H 35 in W 86 in D 40 in
Modern English Sofa in a Caramel Mustard Faux Velvet Mohair with Down Cushion
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Introducing Our Modern English Sofa in beautiful rich Caramel Mustard tone. This piece is designed to be the centerpiece of your living space, combining contemporary elegance with cl...
Cotton, Velvet, Oak, Down
$1,969Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 36.23 in W 30.71 in D 37.8 in
Pair of Durlet lounge chairs brown leather Belgium 1960
By Durlet
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
A beautiful pair of lounge chairs manufactured by Durlet in Belgium during the 1960s. The chairs feature generous proportions and a distinctive high-backed silhouette, combining the ...
Leather, Teak
Vintage Boho Waxed Chintz Camelback Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a bold statement with this Vintage Boho Waxed Chintz Camelback Sofa. Featuring the classic elegance of a camelback silhouette, this sofa is wrapped in vibrant, waxed chintz fabr...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Antique Rustic Farmhouse Folk Art Painted Bridal Chest
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Medium-sized antique painted bridal chest from Franconia, southern Germany, dating from around 1840. The chest is simply decorated and finished in a beautifully worn blue-grey colour...
Pine, Paint
Custom Made Dining Banquette Bench Upholstered or Slip Covered COM
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Custom made to order the Bloom Banquette can be done in any of our linens, performance fabrics, or COM. Can be made to any length, depth, and height. Leg finishes are also available ...
Linen, Foam, Wood
$4,650
H 28.75 in W 49.22 in D 23.63 in
Jean Prouvé Compass Direction Desk Limited RAW Steel and Natural Oak by Vitra
By Vitra, Jean Prouvé
Located in Dronten, NL
Jean Prouvé Compass direction desk in natural oak and clear lacquered steel for Vitra. Originally designed in 1953, Prouvé's iconic desk is based the design on the structural princip...
Steel
$2,800 / item
H 39.38 in W 39.38 in D 13.39 in
Sling Hanging Swing Chair Genuine Black Leather 21st Century Modern
By Joanina and David Pastoll
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
Stripped away from all excess, this hanging chair has a circular frame with the sheets of soft leather hanging loose within it, to create a sleek, sexy, and oh so comfortable experie...
Steel
Swedish Six Drawer Dresser with Nordens Flora Illustrations
By Josef Frank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Swedish six drawer dresser / chest of drawers, circa 1960's. The cabinet is in very good condition overall with minor patina shown on the wood surfaces. Included is the original ke...
Brass
$2,691
H 28.75 in W 49.22 in D 23.63 in
Compass Desk, designed by Jean Prouvé in 1953 and produced by Vitra in 2021
By Vitra, Jean Prouvé
Located in Ravenna, IT
Compass executive desk designed by Jean Prouvé and produced by Vitra in 1953. The iconic piece gets its name from the aesthetics of the slender metal legs, resembling a compass. Comb...
Steel
Rare triangular Dutch Art Deco side table, Anton Lucas, 1920s
By Anton Lucas
Located in EVERDINGEN, NL
A remarkably rare triangular side table designed by Anton Lucas, dating from the 1920s. The model is documented in an original period publication (see last image) The design is wond...
Oak
Pair of Martini Side Table in Wrought Iron, Art Deco style, in stock
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Martini Side Table in Wrought Iron, Art Deco style, in stock Hammered and forged iron Hand Made in France Warm black patina that gives it a timeless aesthetic. Available indi...
Wrought Iron
$2,290 / item
H 17.72 in W 17.33 in D 16.54 in
artistic handmade Ceramic Side Table pink with blue (medium)
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
LARGE CERAMIC SIDE TABLE, designed in 2023. Hand-sculpted ceramic side table with an organic shape made in Project 213A's in-house ceramic workshop. Finished in a contemporary custo...
Ceramic, Clay
$629Sale Price|38% Off
H 7.88 in Dm 15.75 in
Large Spanish Crown Sunburst fixture in Gilt Metal and frost Glass , circa 1950
Located in La xara, VC
Large Spanish crown light in gilt metal and frosted glass, Spain, 1950s. Midcentury antique gilt iron frame or pendant with laurel leaf motifs surrounding a central frosted glass dif...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Paperclip Chair in Tubular Steel 1970's Canada Kinetics
By Hugh Hamilton & Philip Salmon
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Classic 1970s steel "paperclip" chair in original fire truck red enamel paint. Bright and shiny - a sculpture that happens to be a chair.
Stainless Steel
$9,733
H 29.14 in W 47.25 in D 36.23 in
Le Bambole armchair in cotton by Mario Bellini for B&b Italy 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole armchair designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia, 1972 Polyurethane structure, original cotton fabric. Excellent conditions, slight fading and small spots, le Bambole...
Fabric, Cotton, Rubber
The Danish-born Jens Risom brought the Scandinavian modern design sensibility to a wide audience in the United States. As the first designer for Knoll Inc., Risom introduced American buyers to the region’s enduring design values of simplicity, grace and craftsmanship.
Risom trained in furniture making at the Copenhagen School of Industrial Arts and Design under Ole Wanscher, alongside classmates Hans Wegner and Børge Mogensen. In 1939, a year after graduating from business school, Risom decided to move to the U.S.
While working for an interior designer in New York in 1941, he met Hans Knoll, and the businessman and the designer hit it off. They brought out their first line the next year, despite wartime materials restrictions. The signature piece — now a design icon — was a lounge chair with a striking, undulant birch frame and a seat made of webbed sub-military grade parachute straps. Risom was drafted into the army, and served as a translator under General George Patton. When he returned from the war, Risom clashed over furniture design ideals with his business partner’s new bride, Florence Knoll, the pioneering mid-century modernist who was schooled in the Bauhaus method, which favored furniture with strict, geometric metal frames. Risom then started his own company, Jens Risom Design.
In the course of his long career, Risom developed a stylistic vocabulary that was a reflection of the life of the man himself: his furniture has Danish warmth coupled with an American air of crisp efficiency. Vintage Risom chairs are almost instantly recognizable — the arms and seat backs are set at a distinctive angle that seems to invite people to sit back and relax, yet they know they can hop up in an instant, ready to go.
As you will see on these pages, Jens Risom is one of the great men of American modern design who made furniture that is unique and timeless.
Find a collection of vintage Jens Risom furniture on 1stDibs that includes lounge chairs, desks, coffee tables and more.
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.