Saarinen Executive Side Chair Leather
Early 2000s American Modern Chairs
Aluminum, Chrome
2010s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1970s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Chrome
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1980s North American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk C...
Aluminum
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Steel
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Foam, Oak
Antique 1830s English William IV Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Faux Leather
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Cane, Burl
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
1990s Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Steel, Chrome
Late 20th Century American American Craftsman Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Recent Sales
Vintage 1950s American Side Chairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Steel
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1970s American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1940s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1970s American Side Chairs
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Metal
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
American 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.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Chair Shook Modernism and Charmed Hollywood
The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.
Herman Miller Got Its Start in the Office, but Its Legacy Is in the Home
The brand that turned Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson into mid-century household names is just as relevant today as it was six decades ago.
May’s Most Popular Interiors on Instagram
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the rooms our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
April’s Most-Liked Interiors on Instagram
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
See How New York City Designers Experiment on Their Own Homes
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Jeff Andrews Captures Old Hollywood Glamour in His Cinematic Spaces
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
New Orleans’ Lee Ledbetter Makes Design Magic by Mixing Past and Present
The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.