Schindler Chair
Vintage 1940s Austrian Modern Chairs
Plywood
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Aluminum
2010s Belgian Modern Lounge Chairs
Aluminum
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Living Room Sets
Beech, Leather, Bentwood
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Living Room Sets
Brass
Early 2000s Dutch Machine Age Books
Paper
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21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood, Linen, Fiberglass
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers an...
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Side Tables
Marble, Travertine
2010s American Minimalist Beds and Bed Frames
Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches
Velvet, Wood, Lacquer, Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Steel, Brass, Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Benches
Oak, Walnut
2010s American Organic Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Hardwood, Walnut
2010s American Modern Stools
Sheepskin, Wood, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Center Tables
Travertine
2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Steel, Iron
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Chestnut
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel, Nickel
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Leather, Wood
Recent Sales
2010s American Chairs
Leather
2010s American Chairs
Leather, Plywood
Vintage 1920s Japanese Prairie School Chairs
Upholstery, Oak
Vintage 1940s North American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Dining Room Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1950s American Dining Room Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1940s Unknown Chairs
Wood
20th Century American Armchairs
20th Century American Art Deco Armchairs
Chrome
Vintage 1980s American Minimalist Dining Room Sets
Wool, Maple, Plywood
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Armchairs
Beech, Bentwood
Vintage 1950s Czech Chairs
Vintage 1940s American Chairs
20th Century American Lounge Chairs
Cedar, Canvas
Vintage 1950s American Chairs
Vintage 1940s American Side Chairs
Vintage 1930s American Armchairs
Wood
Early 20th Century European Vienna Secession Armchairs
Bentwood
Vintage 1930s American Patio and Garden Furniture
Steel
Early 20th Century American American Classical Sofas
Fabric
Early 20th Century American American Classical Sofas
Fabric
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Plywood
Early 20th Century American American Classical Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary American Chairs
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.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.
Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.
Light and Dwell Brings Elegance and Ease to an Oregon Wine Country Estate
Molly Kidd lets her affection for France shine through in a new-build home that has the character of a centuries-old villa but still feels light and fresh.