Theodore Alexander Bar Stool
20th Century Napoleon III Stools
Leather, Mahogany
Late 20th Century Unknown Country Stools
Metal
Late 20th Century Napoleon III Stools
Brass
Late 20th Century American Georgian Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century Regency Stools
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
Late 20th Century Baroque Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Mahogany
Late 20th Century Stools
Leather, Mahogany
Late 20th Century Napoleon III Stools
Brass
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Porcelain
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Benches
Stone, Limestone
Vintage 1980s Fountains
Bronze
Vintage 1980s Danish Chandeliers and Pendants
Porcelain
Antique Mid-19th Century English Mid-Century Modern Arms, Armor and Weapons
Wood
Late 20th Century American Georgian Console Tables
Marble
Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Chandeliers and Pendants
Crystal, Iron
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Side Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Garden Ornaments
Porcelain
Early 20th Century American Industrial and Work Tables
Marble
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern End Tables
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Living Room Sets
Upholstery, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary English Chinese Chippendale Pier Mirrors a...
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Canapes
Linen, Giltwood
Antique 18th Century Italian Floor Mirrors and Full-Length Mirrors
Mercury Glass, Giltwood
20th Century Natural Specimens
Malachite, Brass
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.