Theodore Alexander Ottoman
Late 20th Century American Georgian Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Mahogany
1990s Vietnamese Modern Stools
Leather, Wood
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century Baroque Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1980s Vietnamese Regency Benches
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Chairs
Stainless Steel
1990s Rococo Ottomans and Poufs
Wood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Benches
Velvet, Wood
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Sheepskin, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Porcelain
Porcelain
Antique 16th Century French Renaissance Figurative Sculptures
Sandstone
1990s Settees
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Industrial Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Wall Mirrors
Mirror
Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Living Room Sets
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage 1980s German Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern End Tables
Brass
Vintage 1940s French Wall Lights and Sconces
Plaster
20th Century American Organic Modern Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Rattan, Oak
Late 20th Century American Georgian Console Tables
Marble
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Sofas
Mohair, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal, 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.
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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.
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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.