Porters Balloon Chairs
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Wingback Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chairs
Bamboo, Rattan
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Vintage 1950s Indonesian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
Early 20th Century French Hollywood Regency Chandeliers and Pendants
Crystal, Brass
Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Wingback Chairs
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage 1930s Indonesian Organic Modern Chairs
Wood, Reclaimed Wood, Teak
Late 20th Century Chinese Qing Porcelain
Porcelain, Wood
Antique 1840s British Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Rosewood
Antique Early 1900s Indonesian Organic Modern Chairs
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
Antique 1880s Victorian Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Dining Room Chairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Chrome
Vintage 1960s Indonesian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Hardwood
Antique 1850s Victorian Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century American Folk Art Painted Furniture
Wood
Vintage 1960s Indonesian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Rattan
Early 20th Century British Chairs
Fabric, Rattan
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Fabric
Recent Sales
Vintage 1920s French Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century French Armchairs
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary French Provincial Wingback Chairs
Brass
Early 2000s Lounge Chairs
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Armchairs
20th Century Louis XV Armchairs
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.
- What is a balloon back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A balloon back chair is a specific type of seat that became popular during the Victorian era. It features a curved back that tapers as it travels down to the seat. Many balloon back chairs are armless, and nearly all examples feature upholstered seats. You'll find a range of balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Balloon back chairs are from the Victorian era, which lasted from the late 1830s to the turn of the 20th century. These chairs get their name from their rounded backrests and narrow waists, which make it seem like their tops have ballooned or grown in size. On 1stDibs, shop a range of balloon back chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Balloon back chairs were made mostly in the Victorian era, as they were highly popular at this time in the 19th century. It is generally regarded as a classic antique dining room chair. Browse an array of authentic antique balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.
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