Paw Foot Ottoman
1990s Hollywood Regency Footstools
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Early 1800s Empire Ottomans and Poufs
Mahogany
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21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Plaster
Vintage 1940s French Beaux Arts Architectural Elements
Plaster, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Wall Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique Early 19th Century Greek Renaissance Historical Memorabilia
Plaster
Antique 19th Century Italian Decorative Art
Plaster, Wood
Mid-20th Century Turkish Arts and Crafts Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Coating, Paint, Ash, Plaster, Acrylic, Resin, Pottery, Clay, Paste, Ceramic
Antique Late 19th Century French Statues
Plaster
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wall-mounted Sculptures
Plaster
Antique 19th Century Italian Renaissance Jewelry Boxes
Gesso, Plaster, Wood
Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Bronze
Early 20th Century North American Regency Wall-mounted Sculptures
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century French Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Table Lamps
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1950s Italian Hollywood Regency Pedestals and Columns
Alabaster, Marble, Brass
Antique 1850s French Belle Époque Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Historical Memorabilia
Bronze
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Lounge Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Oak, Teak
Vintage 1930s French Benches
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1940s American Ottomans and Poufs
Silk, Upholstery
Vintage 1960s American Ottomans and Poufs
Giltwood, Upholstery
Antique 1840s English Victorian Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Ottomans and Poufs
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Footstools
Leather, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Wool, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Wool, Oak, Teak
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Revival Sheffield and Silverplate
Silver Plate
2010s Belgian Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs
Wood, Foam, Fabric
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Wool, Upholstery, Teak
Antique 19th Century Ottomans and Poufs
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Oak, Teak
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Yes, an ottoman can be used as a footstool. The ottoman, originally an upholstered seat or small bench without a back or arms, was a family’s main seating furniture, a way to merge floor seating with cushions and mats. It wasn’t until they were brought to Europe from Turkey, during the 18th century, that it became popular to join ottomans with other pieces of furniture, such as at the base of a chair. On 1stDibs, find a collection of ottomans.
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