Sway Back Sofa
2010s Danish Sofas
Textile
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
Antique 19th Century Dutch Colonial Side Chairs
Ebony
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2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
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Travertine
Antique Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Buffets
Oak
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Early 20th Century Austrian Games
Bronze
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Rattan
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Plastic
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
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Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Sofas
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Antique 1880s English Victorian Sofas
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Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Elm
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.
- What is a split back sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A split back sofa is a sofa which features a back that is made up of two separate panels. These panels can be reclined and adjusted separately from one another, allowing for customizable comfort. On 1stDibs, find a range of split back sofas.
- What is a Bow back sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A bow back sofa is a sofa which has a back that bows upward, forming a graceful curve that peaks at the center of the bench and tapers down to the arms. Chairs can also have a bow back design. Browse a collection of bow back furniture from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a curved back sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Curved back sofas are also known as conversation sofas or crescent sofas. Curved sofas are highly coveted as comfortable seating as well as for being a unique seating option. Shop a wide selection of curved back sofas on 1stDibs.
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