Singer Bar Stools
Vintage 1920s English Industrial Swivel Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs
Walnut
Recent Sales
20th Century English Industrial Stools
Iron
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet
20th Century Italian Vases
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Stools
Steel
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Beech
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
20th Century Country Dining Room Tables
Iron
Vintage 1970s Italian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Chinese and East Asian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Wood
Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Center Tables
Walnut
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Velvet, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Wood
Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Bedroom Sets
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Swivel Chairs
Leather, Hardwood
2010s Australian Organic Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Teak, Upholstery
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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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.