Sister Parish Chair
20th Century Italian Armchairs
Wood
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2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Gustavian Armchairs
Beech
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Armchairs
Wood
2010s British Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Desks and Writing Tables
Bronze
Vintage 1950s French Louis XVI Panelling
Wood
2010s British Louis XV Sofas
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis XV Chandeliers and Pendants
Quartz, Rock Crystal, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Patio and Garden Furniture
Carrara Marble, Aluminum
Antique Mid-18th Century French Rococo Armchairs
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Canapes
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Antique 1790s Russian Directoire Pedestals and Columns
Marble, Ormolu
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XIV Fireplaces and Mantels
Breccia Marble, Bronze
Recent Sales
20th Century American Regency Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Unknown Hollywood Regency Swivel Chairs
Fabric
Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Armchairs
Cane, Wood, Paint
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Down, Cotton
Vintage 1950s American Side Chairs
20th Century Louis XVI Bergere Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1970s Unknown Hollywood Regency Club Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1940s Side Chairs
20th Century French Louis XV Bergere Chairs
Beech
Late 20th Century French Chinoiserie Table Lamps
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Chairs
2010s American Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century American Sofas
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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The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
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After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.