Pew Cushions
Antique 19th Century Italian Religious Items
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century American Mission Benches
Linen, Silk, Oak
Antique 19th Century Italian Religious Items
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Metal
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2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Cherry
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century European Moorish Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century Hungarian Folk Art Benches
Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Italian Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Fiberglass
Antique 17th Century French Panelling
Softwood
Early 20th Century French Regency Benches
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Hardwood
Antique 19th Century Primitive Benches
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Victorian Games
Gold
2010s Canadian Post-Modern Chairs
Rattan, Maple
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Benches
Pine
Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Decorative Art
Other
2010s American Modern Decorative Art
Wool, Felt
Recent Sales
Vintage 1930s Unknown Benches
Zebra Hide
Antique 19th Century American Settees
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Benches
Leather, Oak
20th Century Historical Memorabilia
Leather
Antique Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Chairs
Metal
Antique 1890s Federal Benches
Pine, Upholstery
Antique 19th Century German Benches
Upholstery, Oak
Antique 19th Century English Religious Items
Oak
Antique 1760s British Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Cane, Beech
Antique 19th Century Italian Benches
Walnut
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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