Pennsylvania House Arm Chair
Mid-20th Century Queen Anne Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Cherry
Vintage 1940s Spanish Biedermeier Chairs
Walnut, Wood
Vintage 1980s Spanish Bohemian Bergere Chairs
Rattan, Textile, Wicker, Cane
Mid-20th Century American Modern Lounge Chairs
Faux Leather, Plywood
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Steel
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21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Side Tables
Marble, Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches
Fabric, Velvet, Lacquer, Wood
Late 20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
Late 20th Century American Modern Swivel Chairs
Bouclé
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
2010s Modern Tables
Hardwood, Oak
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Marble, Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs
Bouclé
Antique 1890s French Louis XV Bergere Chairs
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Empire Revival Busts
Marble
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1960s Lounge Chairs
Fabric
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Late 20th Century North American Queen Anne Wingback Chairs
Fabric, Cherry
Mid-20th Century North American American Colonial Dining Room Chairs
Maple
Late 20th Century American Queen Anne Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1980s French Louis XVI Bergere Chairs
Rattan
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Velvet
Vintage 1980s Spanish Bohemian Bergere Chairs
Textile, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Canvas, Rosewood, Walnut
Antique 18th Century and Earlier British George I Chairs
Giltwood
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.
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