Seating By Century
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1980s French Provincial Armchairs
Damask, Mahogany
1990s Sofas
Cotton
Vintage 1980s American Armchairs
Mahogany, Cotton
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1980s American Chinoiserie Armchairs
Wood, Upholstery
Vintage 1980s American Chippendale Armchairs
Wood, Cotton
Mid-20th Century American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Side Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Club Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Side Chairs
Wood, Fabric, Lacquer
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Cotton, Wood
Late 20th Century American Dining Room Chairs
Wood
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Velvet, Wood
20th Century American Regency Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brutalist Sofas
Porcelain
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Fabric, Faux Bamboo, Wood
Late 20th Century Chippendale Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Chairs
Copper
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Stools
Copper
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Stools
Steel
20th Century Italian Modern Living Room Sets
Metal
Late 20th Century American Empire Armchairs
Fruitwood, Fabric
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Armchairs
Fabric, Maple
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Canapes
Wood
20th Century Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Metal
Vintage 1970s French Provincial Dining Room Chairs
Cane, Wood
Vintage 1970s Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century French Benches
Horn, Fur
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Stools
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Chairs
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Chairs
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Chairs
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Chairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1980s French Provincial Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Settees
Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Stools
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Stools
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Stools
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
1990s French Provincial Armchairs
Leather, Walnut
Vintage 1980s Dining Room Chairs
Cotton, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Ming Benches
Fabric, Hardwood, Lacquer
Vintage 1970s Chinoiserie Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century American Modern Swivel Chairs
Brocade
Antique 18th Century Italian Benches
Metal
2010s Italian Other Settees
Wood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Aluminum, Steel
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Chairs
Aluminum
Late 20th Century American Queen Anne Side Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Side Chairs
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lounge Chairs
Upholstery
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Seating By Century For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Seating By Century?
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 antique, new and vintage seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
- What is banquette seating?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Banquettes are a bench-like seat that can be either freestanding or built into a wall. They're similar to a booth in a restaurant in that they can seat multiple people.
- What is Tandem seating?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Tandem seating is a style of seating featuring a series of chairs attached to each other, side by side. It is a common form of seating for use in public spaces, such as waiting rooms or lobbies. Shop an array of tandem seating from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a camel seat?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A camel seat is a stool that features a camel saddle as the base. It is usually topped by a comfortably upholstered seat. This piece of furniture can also be used as an ottoman. On 1stDibs, find an array of camel seats from top sellers worldwide.
- What is a cantilever seat?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Cantilever seats are chairs that have a uniquely designed base. Instead of featuring four legs, a cantilever chair has two tubular metal legs in the front. They travel straight down and then bend inward, continuing to the back of the chair where a crossbar joins them. The name of the seat comes from bridge construction and architecture. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cantilever chairs.
- What is a bench seat?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021Benches can be used in nearly every space, from the foyer to the bedroom to the living room. The perfect option to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in entryways, benches can also transform dining areas, making it possible to host several guests with limited space. On 1stDibs, find benches and other seating today.
- What is a seating banquette?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A banquette is a bench that accompanies a table to provide more seating for guests. They usually come upholstered and are different from a booth, which you typically sit in, not on. You can shop a collection of banquette seating from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Bench seats are typically around 18 inches deep.
- What is a backless seat called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A backless seat is also called a stool. It is one of the earliest types of seating. It resembles a chair in many ways. It comprises a single seat with no back or armrests for one person. There are one, two, three, or four legs on the base of a stool. Find a collection of antique and vintage backless seats on 1stDibs today.
- What is a bench seat sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A bench seat sofa is a seating system that can seat two to three people at a time. Generally, a bench seat sofa does not have a backrest. Find a collection of antique and vintage bench seat sofas on 1stDibs today.
- What is a window seat called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A window seat is called a window bench, window nook or alcove. It is a mini sofa without a backrest for filling the gap of a window. Window benches are a great way to utilize extra or unused space for seating.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 16, 2019
A loveseat generally has two seats.
- What is rush seating made of?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Rush seating on chairs is made out of long grasses like cattails. To produce the seats, artisans dry out the plant matter and then carefully weave the pieces together. You can find a range of chairs with rush seating on 1stDibs.
- What are cinema seats called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Cinema seats are sometimes called theater, stadium or auditorium seating. You may also see people simply refer to them as cinema seats. All the names for the seats describe the large public spaces that they provide seating in. You'll find a selection of cinema seats on 1stDibs.
- What are rush seats on chairs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Rush seats are chairs where the seating part is woven out of long, grass-like vegetation. After the material dries, the makers weave it to make a strong surface for sitting. Shop antique rush chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a tête-à-tête seat?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A tête-à-tête is a two-seat sofa, similar to a loveseat except for the fact that it’s designed for both seaters to comfortably sit next to one another. It has an s-shaped backing with seats featuring opposite directions. Shop a collection of tête-à-têtes on 1stDibs.
- What is a 3 seat couch called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A standard sofa has either two seats or three seats, so a three-seat couch is typically just called a couch or sofa.
- What is a two seat couch called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A two-seat couch is also called a loveseat. It is a seating designed to accommodate two people. It can be ideal for a small space, or can also be used as an additional piece of seating. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage couches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A couch with two seats is known as a loveseat. The name 'loveseat’ refers to the fact that it is a two-seat couch. Loveseats are very common pieces of furniture in living rooms. Shop a selection of loveseats on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A bench seat should be between 18 and 20 inches in height (46-51 cm). Though this is an average range, the height depends on its use. Bench height is also defined based on the distance from the seat to the ground. Find antique and vintage benches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021There are many types of seating arrangements that can be used for events. Popular ones include Theatre, reflecting a theatre, U-Shape and Horseshoe.
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