Telephone Gossip Bench
Vintage 1960s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Papercord, Oak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Bergere Chairs
Bouclé, Mahogany
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2010s South African Minimalist Night Stands
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Side Tables
Marble, Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Carts and Bar Carts
Marble
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Pine
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs
Bouclé
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Wood, Birch
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
2010s Turkish Minimalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Stone, Travertine
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin, Beech
2010s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal, Brass
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Teak
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Oak
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Fabric, Oak
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Fabric, Teak
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Oak
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Iron
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Rosewood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Walnut
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Credenzas
Brass
Late 20th Century Spanish Chairs
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Benches
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.
- When were gossip benches made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Gossip benches, also known as telephone benches, became popular shortly after the telephone was invented in the 1870s. They’re still made to this day, and are beloved by many homeowners and interior designers for their vintage flair. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary gossip benches from some of the world’s top sellers.
- What is a telephone bench?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A telephone bench, sometimes called a gossip-bench, is a bench that features an attached side-table at one end. These styles became popular after the telephone was invented in the 19th century. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of vintage and contemporary telephone benches from some of the world’s top sellers.
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