Tan Wassily Chair
Vintage 1950s German Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Chrome
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Early 20th Century Bauhaus Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1960s Italian Bauhaus Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1960s Bauhaus Armchairs
Chrome
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Wool, Cotton
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Early 20th Century Meiji Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Wood
2010s North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Teak
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Alpaca
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Alpaca
Mid-20th Century Post-Modern Chairs
Formica
Vintage 1970s French Organic Modern Sofas
Leather, Upholstery
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1970s German Bauhaus Armchairs
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1950s German Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s American Bauhaus Lounge Chairs
Steel
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.
- When was the Wassily chair made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Wassily Chair, referenced as Model B3 chair, was designed at Bauhaus in 1925 by Marcel Breuer and produced by Knoll. The name Wassily was not given to the chair until decades later when it was re-released. Shop a collection of Bauhaus furniture, including Wassily Chairs, from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024The significance of the Wassily chair is that it was a landmark in furniture design. When it debuted in 1925, the chair proved that it was possible for everyday objects like furniture to be created with the principles of modern design. Marcel Breuer designed the chair with inspiration from bicycle construction and assembled the tubular steel frame using techniques employed by plumbers. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Wassily chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 14, 2024One way to spot an original Wassily chair is to look at the tubular steel frame. There will be no weld in the corners. The frame of an authentic Wassily chair is a single continuous piece of chromed tubular steel, with no cap on the end. Each original Wassily chair should feel lightweight but robust. It's a well-made chair and will feel like one. The material used for the seat and backrest, which was initially durable canvas — Knoll's Wassily chairs are available with leather slings — should feel equally substantial even if it's a vintage model. Lastly, the price of a real Wassily chair will also reflect the fact that this is a collectible design.
Inspired by bicycle handlebars, the Wassily lounge chair is one of Marcel Breuer's (1902–81) greatest achievements. Even though the tubular metal chair looked like an artifact from the future when the Hungarian-American designer and architect conceived it in 1925, Breuer could not have foreseen the significant impact that this would have on modern design.
Find original Wassily chairs for sale on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Read More
All the Furniture in This Organic Modern Soho Loft Can Be Yours
Andrianna Shamaris has filled her epic new home with pieces of her own design.
20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
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.