S Bent Bros
Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Windsor Chairs
Oak
Late 20th Century American Other Windsor Chairs
Enamel
Mid-20th Century American Colonial Armchairs
Wood, Paint
Late 20th Century American American Classical Rocking Chairs
Hardwood, Paint
20th Century American American Colonial Rocking Chairs
Maple
Early 20th Century American Other Windsor Chairs
Maple, Paint
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century American Rustic Stools
Wood
Late 20th Century Unknown Victorian Rocking Chairs
Oak
Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Windsor Chairs
Maple
Early 20th Century American Colonial Side Chairs
Maple
Late 20th Century Federal Side Chairs
Maple, Paint
Vintage 1970s American Armchairs
Wood
Vintage 1960s American Colonial Revival Dining Room Chairs
Ash, Maple
American Dining Room Chairs
Wood
People Also Browsed
Early 20th Century American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Hardwood, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Rustic Stools
Leather, Wood
Antique 19th Century American Renaissance Revival Night Stands
Marble
2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Steel
2010s Nautical Objects
Wood
20th Century Hollywood Regency Game Tables
Faux Leather, Wood
Late 20th Century American Modern Sideboards
Birdseye Maple, Rosewood
Antique Early 19th Century German Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Paint
Antique Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Rocking Chairs
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
Birch
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Windsor Chairs
Hardwood
Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Leather, Rosewood, Cocobolo
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Velvet, Birch
Antique 18th Century French Flooring
Terracotta
Antique 19th Century American Federal Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century American Louis XV Settees
Tapestry, Upholstery, 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.