Tarlow Leather Chair
Late 20th Century Louis XIII Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Walnut
2010s Art Deco Club Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
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2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin, Beech
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Canapes
Mohair, Silk, Giltwood, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches
Fabric, Velvet, Lacquer, Wood
2010s Table Lamps
Iron
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Club Chairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern End Tables
Travertine, Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Table Lamps
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Chinoiserie Cabinets
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs
Bouclé
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
Antique 19th Century Neoclassical Sofas
Mahogany
20th Century Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs
Brass
20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Macassar, Ebony
Recent Sales
1990s Art Deco Club Chairs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Swivel Chairs
Leather, Fabric
20th Century American Gustavian Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Wood
Late 20th Century American Louis XV Armchairs
Brass
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Armchairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Chippendale Side Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1980s Dining Room Chairs
Late 20th Century Armchairs
Leather
20th Century American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Late 20th Century Club Chairs
Vintage 1950s Danish Armchairs
Teak, Leather
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021The best leather for chairs is going to depend on your personal preference. While choosing the leather for a chair, try to think of what you want out of your chair. While pigmented leather is the most durable, aniline leather looks more natural and preserves the hide of the animal. Semi-aniline on the other hand is more durable than aniline leather and it maintains the natural look. On 1stDibs, you can find a wide variety of leather chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021The best leather recliner chair will really be a matter of preference — what kind of recliner do you need? Keep size in mind, especially if you’re working with a small space. You’ll want to prioritize comfort and durability, too. 1stDibs offers a variety of leather recliner chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A good office chair should be comfortable with a high back, armrests and cushioned seating. Many leather office chairs can be called the best by different people depending on what appeals to them. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage leather office chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Whether leather is good for dining chairs is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people find leather to be easy to wipe clean and appreciate its texture and appearance. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of leather dining chairs.
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