S Upholsterd Dining
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Walnut
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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 dining server?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A dining server is a type of table that is slim and designed to be placed along a dining room wall. It’s meant to be a spot to stage food before it’s served to guests and not necessarily used for storage, although some dining servers may have cabinets. Find a selection of dining servers on 1stDibs.
- What is a dining chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024A dining chair is a chair used to provide seating while dining at a table. There are two main types: side chairs and armchairs. As the name suggests, armchairs feature integrated arms, and they typically go along the short ends of rectangular tables. Free of arms, side chairs are usually arranged along the sides of rectangular tables. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of dining chairs.
- What is the best dining table?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Dining tables come in a huge variety of styles and are often chosen according to individual preference. The best dining tables are ones that are sturdy, well-made and able to withstand wear and tear. You should also consider your space limitations as well as budget. Find a versatile collection of antique and vintage dining tables on 1stDibs today.
- What is a dining room hutch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A dining room hutch is a cabinet that has drawers and shelves where you can store your dining items like napkins, spoons, and tablecloths. Shop a range of antique and vintage dining room hutch on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021The narrowest a dining table can be is 36 inches. This leaves 18 inches of space for each of the guests on the opposite side of the table, as well as room in the center for serving dishes or platters. Find a collection of antique and vintage dining tables on 1stDibs today.
- Is a dining table necessary?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024No, a dining table isn't always necessary. People who eat only a few meals at home may not need a dining table, and some people prefer to eat at kitchen counters using counter-height stools. Or, they may choose to sit on the floor in front of a coffee table or to take their meals at a desk or on a TV tray or end table. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of dining tables.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024How wide a dining table should be largely depends on its shape. Most rectangular and oval dining tables are 36 to 40 inches wide. Round table widths or diameters vary and will determine how many people can sit comfortably at one time. Generally, a round table 36 to 44 inches in width is ideal for up to four people, while ones that are 44 to 54 inches in diameter can accommodate four to six. Tables between 54 and 59 inches in width are suitable for six to eight people. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of dining tables.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024The height of a dining table varies from piece to piece. However, standard dining tables are usually 28 to 30 inches tall. Counter-height tables are taller at 34 to 36 inches, and bar-height tables are the highest at 40 to 42 inches high. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of dining tables from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024How high a dining table should be varies. If you already have your dining chairs, look for a table that is 10 to 12 inches taller than the seat height to provide ample legroom. The standard height for dining tables is around 30 inches. However, you can opt for taller pieces, such as 34- to 36-inch counter-height tables or 40- to 42-inch bar-height tables. Shop a large selection of dining tables on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Dining chairs should be around 18 inches tall. Since most dining tables are 30 inches high, 18 inch tall dining chairs allow for a comfortable amount of legroom. As a general rule of thumb, there should be around 12 inches between a dining table and a seat.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A server in a dining room is a slim piece of furniture placed near the dining table and is typically used to stage food before serving. Traditionally, servers were unassuming and provided surfaces for serving dishes — they occupied less room than a buffet or a sideboard. Newly designed servers include drawers where you can store dishes, cutlery and other necessary elements for meals. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage servers.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A dining table with leaf is a dining table that has its middle part as solid and remains in place, but the two sides of the table drop down on a hinge, so they hang at the side. This is where the name 'drop leaf' comes from. Many homeowners have decided to go with leaf tables as they offer a lot of flexibility to their homes. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of dining table options as well as a range of vintage and antique drop-leaf tables.
- What is a carver dining chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A carver dining chair is a kind of spool chair with legs rising above the seat level to frame the back and support the armrests. A theory about how carver chairs got their name is that the “master of the household” would sit at the head of the dining table and carve the meat that would be served for dinner. A widely reported origin story for the carver chair is that the name references a Pilgrim named John Carver, who was the founder of the Plymouth colony of Massachusetts in the United States. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage carver chairs.
- What is an MCM dining table?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An MCM dining table is a table that reflects the mid-century modern style. Typically these tables are functional and have clean minimalist lines. MCM furniture is made with a variety of materials and colors, but wood is the most common. Find a selection of mid-century modern tables and furniture on 1stDibs.
- What art did Jim Dine do?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Jim Dine produced collages, paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs. He also gave art performances. His work reflects characteristics of Abstract Expressionism, Neo-Dadaism and Pop art. You'll find a collection of Jim Dine art from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024How thick a dining table should be varies. Many tables feature tops that are between 0.75 and 1 inch in thickness. However, some tables may have tops that are up to 2 inches thick. Typically, tables with thicker tops will have a more rustic appearance. Shop a large selection of dining tables on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Dining room tables with butterfly leaves look like they have wings when they’re being opened, which is why they’re called butterflies. A butterfly leaf affords you more space at your dining table for additional house guests. Owing to geared slides, butterfly leaf tables should open easily.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A dining chair with arms is called a carver chair or elbow chair. It is a traditional dining chair with arms added to it for a more structured look and is a popular option for dining seats for a spot to comfortably rest your arms. Shop a selection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A draw-leaf dining table means that the table’s leaves are stored under the main tabletop. The top of the table is lifted slightly on its frame and the leaves pulled out on each end. Relatedly, a drop-leaf table is a table with a fixed center section, but on either side of that, there are hinged leaves that can be raised or lowered according to your specific needs. The purpose of a drop-leaf table is to save space when the table is not in use. Drop-leaf tables can also be used as nightstands, side tables, coffee tables, and desks. Find a collection of antique and vintage draw-leaf dining tables on 1stDibs today.
- Are ceramic dining tables good?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021Yes, ceramic dining tables are really good as they are very strong and durable. Made from sturdy materials, ceramic dining tables are resistant to spills, cuts, scratches and extreme heat. You can select from varying styles of ceramic dining tables, including Antique, Vintage, 21st Century, Mid Century on 1st Dibs.
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