Seng Chicago
Early 20th Century American Renaissance Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Oak, Walnut, Burl
Mid-20th Century Modern Armchairs
Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Modern Armchairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Modern Armchairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Modern Armchairs
Steel
Vintage 1930s German Mid-Century Modern Settees
Metal
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fiberglass, Wood
Vintage 1950s Stools
Rattan
Recent Sales
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fiberglass, Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Armchairs
Vintage 1960s American Stools
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Stools
Brass, Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Rattan
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Iron
Vintage 1960s American Stools
Wrought Iron, Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s American Side Chairs
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Iron
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Iron
Vintage 1950s American Armchairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Metal
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal, Brass
17th Century Old Masters Paintings
Oil
Vintage 1960s Portuguese Planters and Jardinieres
Ceramic
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Maple
Antique 18th Century Louis XV Dining Room Chairs
Silk, Giltwood
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Oak, Fabric
Antique 18th Century Other Dinner Plates
Enamel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Aluminum
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wool, Oak
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Benches
Metal
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Linen
Antique Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Pottery
Pottery
Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Architectural Elements
Composition
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.
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With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
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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.