Sleeper Ottoman
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Metal
Antique 19th Century Unknown Textiles
Textile
2010s Sofas
Fabric
Recent Sales
2010s Sectional Sofas
Other
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Ottomans and Poufs
Steel
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Upholstery
20th Century American Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
21st Century and Contemporary Armchairs
People Also Browsed
20th Century Tableware
Sterling Silver
Antique 1890s French Rococo Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Brass, Bronze
20th Century Spanish Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Copper, Iron
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Metal, Chrome
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Wingback Chairs
Leather, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Doors and Gates
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics
Porcelain
Antique Late 19th Century European Moorish Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Beds and Bed Frames
Upholstery, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Nouveau Doors and Gates
2010s South African Minimalist Night Stands
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Serving Pieces
Porcelain
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sideboards
Beech, Teak
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Dining Room ...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Glass, Burl
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Wood
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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