Petite Hall Bench
Antique Late 19th Century English Renaissance Revival Benches
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Benches
Wood, Teak
Antique 1880s French Gothic Revival Ladders
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Wall Mirrors
Pine
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
Copper
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21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary British Organic Modern Wall Lights and Sco...
Plaster
Antique Early 1900s Gothic Revival Benches
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Indonesian Other Benches
Wood, Teak
Antique Late 18th Century Spanish Baroque Blanket Chests
Iron
Antique 1860s Scottish Gothic Revival Benches
Brass
Antique 1860s French Gothic Revival Benches
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Benches
Oak
Antique 1880s English Georgian Wall Mirrors
Pine
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Fabric, Teak
Antique 1860s English Victorian Chaise Longues
Leather
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Teak
Antique 19th Century French Renaissance Tables
Oak
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Mirror, Pine
2010s Argentine Modern Benches
Metal, Bronze
Vintage 1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Mirror, Pine
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century English Benches
Antique Mid-19th Century French Renaissance Revival Benches
Walnut
Antique 1890s French French Provincial Benches
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Benches
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Rustic Benches
Wood, Teak
Antique 19th Century Benches
Antique Late 19th Century English Benches
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century Gothic Benches
Oak
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Mohair
Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Settees
Linen, Wood
Antique Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Benches
Oak
Early 20th Century English Benches
Oak, Wood
Antique 18th Century Italian Benches
Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Blanket Chests
Metal
Antique Early 19th Century French Louis XV Benches
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.
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This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
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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.