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Mid-20th Century Italian Armchairs
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Tableware
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Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
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Vintage 1960s Italian Chairs
Vintage 1960s Italian Dining Room Chairs
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Vintage 1970s Italian Armchairs
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.
- Are copper pans any good?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021Yes, copper pans are really good because copper is one of the best conductors of heat and so it warms quickly and retains the heat to ensure uniform cooking. The food cooked on copper pans is delicious to eat as it is perfectly cooked. On 1stDibs, you can choose from a wide range of copper pans to go with your culinary decor, including those designed during the 18th century, 19th century, late 19th century and 20th-century..
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024The difference between a silver plate and a Sheffield plate is that one item is a type of the other. Silverplate, which is sometimes spelled silver-plate or silver plate, is the general name for any silver wares made predominantly of a base metal finished with a thin layer of pure silver.
Developed in the 1700s by Thomas Boulsover in Sheffield, England, Sheffield silverplate is a specific type of silverplate created by fusing silver with copper. This new material felt like silver but was substantially cheaper. It was then used to produce a variety of serveware, candlesticks, buttons, tea sets and more.
Find antique Sheffield silverplate and other silverplate objects for sale on 1stDibs. - What are Imari plates?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Imari is the Western term for Arita ware, or Japanese porcelain made at the Arita kilns. Imari porcelain was very popular in the 17th and 18th century and was produced in large quantities. Typically these items were made with an underglaze of blue, with additional colors added in an overglaze style. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
- What is an armorial plate?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An armorial plate, also known as heraldic china, is a ceramic plate decorated with the coat of arms of either a family or an institution, typically European. You’ll find a variety of armorial plates from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a service plate?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A service plate is a large plate used for serving a multi-course meal. A service plate is never used to serve or eat food directly from; it is used as a base plate for appetizers, soup, and salad. Shop a variety of antique and vintage service plates on 1stDibs.
- What is Sheffield plate?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Sheffield plate is a layered combination of silver and copper.
- What is an Imari plate?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021An Imari plate is crafted from a style of Japanese porcelain made in the region now known as Arita. These plates and other Imari ware are brightly colored. Find a collection of antique and vintage Imari plates on 1stDibs today.
- What is a Wedgwood plate?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Wedgwood plate is a flat round dish produced by Wedgwood, a manufacturer based in Stoke-on-Trent, UK, that opened in 1759. Depending on the design, the plates may function purely as decorative objects or be suitable for serving food. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Wedgwood plates.
- What is a plate rack?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A plate rack is a piece of storage furniture with vertical or horizontal rods designed to hold dishes. Most mount on the wall, but you can also find freestanding racks. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage plate racks.
- What is a majolica plate?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A majolica plate is a decorative piece of pottery that has a round flat shape. It is a heavy clay vessel that features a painted and glazed enamel finish. It emerged from 15th-century Italy but quickly became popular in Spain. Later examples come from Victorian England. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of majolica plates.
- What is a melamine plate?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Melamine plates, and dinnerware as a whole, are crafted with an organic-based material that makes it shatter-resistant and more durable than standard plastic. On 1stDibs, find a collection of melamine dinnerware from some of the world’s top sellers.
- What is a porcelain plate?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024A porcelain plate is a dish made out of a material called porcelain. A type of ceramic, porcelain is made out of highly refined clay that gets fired at high temperatures. Porcelain plates have an appealing translucent appearance and are harder and less porous than other types of ceramic dinnerware. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of porcelain plates.
- What is a canape plate?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A canape plate is also known as an appetizer plate. It's generally smaller than a salad plate, making it just big enough for a few hors d'oeuvres.
- What are cloisonne plates?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Cloisonne plates are decorative enamel plates. Cloisonne refers to a type of enameling technique where wires are soldered in place on the plate to be decorated and filled with a single color of enamel. Shop a range of antique cloisonne plates on 1stDibs.
- What was silver plate called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The silver plate commonly used during the 18th century is Sheffield plate. It is a combination of silver and copper. By the mid 19th century, most silver plate pieces featured electroplating. Find a collection of Sheffield plate silver ware on 1stDibs.
- Are wooden plates hygienic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021Yes, wooden plates are perfectly hygienic. These plates can be used to eat, serve, or prepare food provided that they are properly cleaned and sanitized. In case the wooden plates are cracked, chipped, or stained, it is important to replace them. Find a collection of wooden serveware, tableware and more on 1stDibs. .
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To hang Fornasetti plates, thread a length of string through the two small holes found on the tops of their backs. Tie the string in a secure knot and then hang from a nail, screw or hook. Avoid using plate hanger hardware, as it could crack or damage the plates. You'll find a collection of Fornasetti plates on 1stDibs.
- Does gold plating tarnish?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024Yes, gold plating does tarnish in some cases. Compounds in the air, sweat, beauty products and cleaning products can react with metals and cause discoloration. To keep your gold-plated jewelry looking great, follow the maker's care and storage instructions and remove it before swimming, showering, applying skin care products and cosmetics and working with household chemicals. Shop a variety of gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Fornasetti plates are hand-made in Italy. They continue a tradition of excellent craftsmanship that goes back to founder Piero Fornasetti, who established the atelier during the 1950s. Shop antique and modern Fornasetti plates from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The hallmark for silver plate depends on the manufacturer. Most often, companies do not place hallmarks on silver plate. This differs from sterling silver, which usually bears a 925 mark. In some cases, companies may stamp "plated" or a similar term, but this is uncommon. On 1stDibs, find a range of silver plate serveware and decorative objects.
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