Terracotta Leather Office Chairs
2010s Argentine Modern Side Chairs
Wood, Leather
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21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Oak
2010s Argentine Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Wood, Leather, Fabric
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Side Chairs
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Argentine Modern Side Chairs
Wood, Leather
2010s Argentine Modern Chairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Dry Bars
Pine
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Iron
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Dining Room Tables
Wood
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dry Bars
Metal, Steel
2010s Argentine Modern Stools
Rosewood
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Smoked Glass, Wood
20th Century American Art Deco Side Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1950s Argentine Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Bronze
Vintage 1940s Argentine Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
Leather, Wood
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Mid-20th Century European Wingback Chairs
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Leather, Walnut
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Walnut
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Leather, Beech
Antique 19th Century English Chippendale Side Chairs
Hardwood
20th Century French Daybeds
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 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.
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