Open Back Settee
20th Century Indian Anglo Raj Settees
Wood
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Settees
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Settees
Early 20th Century French Settees
Mid-20th Century Settees
Silk, Upholstery, Wood, Fruitwood
Antique Mid-18th Century European George II Settees
Velvet, Walnut, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary European Mid-Century Modern Benches
Wood
20th Century Italian Chairs
Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Living Room Sets
20th Century French Louis XV Settees
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wool, Beech
Vintage 1940s American Sofas
People Also Browsed
Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Table Lamps
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Beds and Bed Frames
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century French Restauration Daybeds
Ormolu, Bronze
Antique 1850s American American Empire Paintings
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
Late 20th Century Belgian Gustavian Pillows and Throws
Cotton
2010s British Louis XVI Sofas
Beech
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood
Antique 1810s American American Empire Wall Mirrors
Glass, Giltwood, Paint
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Table Lamps
Marble, Ormolu
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
2010s British Center Tables
Nickel
Antique 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Buffets
Glass, Mirror, Oak
20th Century Moroccan Bohemian Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Table Lamps
Bronze, Ormolu
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze
Antique 1890s English Gothic Revival Historical Memorabilia
Vermeil
Open Back Settee For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Open Back Settee?
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.
- What are open-back shoes called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024What an open-back shoe is called depends on its style. If the shoe has a closed toe and a completely open back, it's a mule, while an open heel with a strap to hold it in place is a slingback. A sandal with an open back is usually referred to as a slide. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of shoes.
- What are open-back heels called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024What open-back heels are called depends on the design of the back. A high-heeled shoe with a completely open back is a mule. On the other hand, heels with a strap in the back to keep the shoes in place are slingbacks. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of heels from some of the world's top boutiques.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To open a Waltham pocket watch, seek the help of an experienced watch repairer. Opening a pocket watch on your own could end up damaging the timepiece. A professional has the tools necessary to perform the task safely. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Waltham pocket watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022It’s highly recommended that if you need to open the back of your Rolex watch, you take it to a Rolex dealer. A trained professional will use special tools to access the back. Attempting to open your watch by yourself — rather than visiting a professional — may cause damage to your luxury timepiece. If you want to open it anyway, it is said that you can open the watch with the use of a rubber ball that measures about three inches across. Press the ball hard into the back of the case, and twist it in a counter-clockwise direction. Find a collection of vintage and modern Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
Read More
All the Furniture in This Organic Modern Soho Loft Can Be Yours
Andrianna Shamaris has filled her epic new home with pieces of her own design.
20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
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.
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.