Sprunger Bench
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Walnut, Upholstery
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Upholstery, Rosewood
Antique 19th Century Benches
Upholstery, Reed
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Benches
Bronze
Early 2000s English Brutalist Patio and Garden Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Daybeds
Velvet, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees
Wood
Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Living Room Sets
Leather
Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Living Room Sets
Leather
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Aluminum
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Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s American Industrial Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
Vintage 1940s Italian Neoclassical Benches
Mirror, Wood
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry
Brass
Antique 1880s Swedish Gustavian Benches
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Dining Room Tables
Wood, Walnut
Antique Early 1900s English Regency Benches
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Beds and Bed Frames
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Benches
Leather, Wood, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Bergere Chairs
Linen
Early 20th Century French Regency Benches
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Hardwood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Mahogany
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Vintage 1940s American Benches
Vintage 1940s American Benches
Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Benches
Vintage 1940s American Benches
Antique Mid-19th Century German Renaissance Revival Benches
Oak
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s American Benches
Vintage 1960s American Art Deco Benches
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Benches
Chrome
Antique Late 19th Century Benches
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Benches
Leather, Oak
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Benches
Leather, Walnut
Antique 19th Century Great Britain (UK) Adam Style Benches
Leather, Mahogany
20th Century British Edwardian Armchairs
Rattan, Walnut
Antique 1860s English Victorian Sofas
Leather
20th Century English Victorian Sofas
Upholstery
Antique 1840s British Early Victorian Sofas
Leather, Oak
Early 2000s Italian International Style Sectional Sofas
Steel
Vintage 1970s Benches
Leather
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Chrome
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Benches
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Patio and Garden Furniture
Iron
Antique Early 1900s English Victorian Stools
Leather, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary English Benches
Walnut
Vintage 1930s Italian Benches
Mahogany, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary American Benches
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
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.
Read More
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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.
Riotous Shapes and Colors Have Made Uchronia’s Designs the Toast of Paris
Julien Sebban’s energetic design collective is radically reshaping the look of 21st-century European furniture and interiors.
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.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.
Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.