Plantation Settee
Early 20th Century Javanese Dutch Colonial Furniture
Teak
Early 20th Century Javanese Benches
Teak
Antique 1850s Brazilian Empire Settees
Cane, Wood
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Asian Rustic Benches
Teak
Late 20th Century Sheraton Loveseats
Upholstery, Mahogany
Late 20th Century British Colonial Benches
Cane, Mahogany
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Antique 19th Century English Chinese Chippendale Vitrines
Glass, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Javanese Settees
Rattan, Teak
Early 20th Century Asian Dutch Colonial Settees
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century English Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Early 20th Century Jamaican Sofas
Cane, Wood
Early 20th Century Southeast Asian British Colonial Settees
Cane, Wood
Early 20th Century Javanese Dutch Colonial Settees
Rattan, Teak
Antique Late 19th Century Indonesian Dutch Colonial Settees
Leather, Teak
Antique Early 19th Century Cuban Regency Settees
Cane, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Cabinets
Brass
20th Century Javanese Dutch Colonial Armchairs
Rattan, Teak
Antique Early 18th Century Indonesian Dutch Colonial Furniture
Cane, Hardwood
Antique Late 19th Century Brazilian Romantic Chaise Longues
Wood
Antique 1880s Indian Anglo-Indian Settees
Bone, Wood, Ebony
20th Century French Napoleon III Panelling
Bronze
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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The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
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