Oxblood Bench
Antique Early 1800s Italian Baroque Benches
Leather, Giltwood
Early 20th Century Chinese Benches
Elm
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Benches
Pine
Early 20th Century American Rustic Benches
Bronze
Vintage 1970s American Modern Benches
Goatskin, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
2010s English Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables
Leather, Elm, Burl
Antique 18th Century Swedish Rustic Beds and Bed Frames
Pine
Early 20th Century Chinese Center Tables
Elm
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2010s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Side Tables
Marble, Travertine
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin, Oak
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches
Fabric, Velvet, Lacquer, Wood
2010s South African Minimalist Night Stands
Burl, Poplar
Antique Late 18th Century French French Provincial Benches
Pine
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Dining Room Chairs
Suede, Mahogany
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Organic Modern Chandeliers and ...
Copper, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Primitive Benches
Wood
Antique Early 1900s French French Provincial Benches
Pine, Paint
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Benches
Pine
Early 20th Century Hungarian Country Benches
Pine
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Blown Glass
Recent Sales
Vintage 1970s American Modern Benches
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary American Benches
Antique Late 19th Century English Benches
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1960s American Benches
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century Hungarian Benches
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century English Benches
Pine
Antique 18th Century Chinese Qing Benches
Elm, Lacquer
Early 20th Century Benches
Elm
Antique 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Benches
Leather, Hardwood
20th Century British Chesterfield Wingback Chairs
Leather
Antique 18th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Elm
20th Century British Chesterfield Club Chairs
Leather, Oak
Early 20th Century Benches
Wood
Antique 1850s English Folk Art Benches
Pine
Mid-20th Century English Footstools
Leather
Vintage 1910s Italian Folk Art Painted Furniture
Beech
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Club Chairs
Leather
Antique 19th Century Scottish Victorian Fireplaces and Mantels
Wrought Iron
Antique Late 19th Century Gustavian Sofas
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.
Read More
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Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
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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.