Thomas Jefferson Chair
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Chairs
Leather, Walnut
Late 20th Century Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
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Antique 18th Century Bergere Chairs
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Stainless Steel
Antique 1830s English Victorian Lounge Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
20th Century English Victorian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Beech
Early 20th Century English Chairs
Brass
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1950s British Georgian Ladders
Brass
Antique 1850s British Victorian Armchairs
Leather, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Bookcases
Brass, Iron
2010s Unknown Georgian Fireplaces and Mantels
Marble
Antique Early 19th Century French Bergere Chairs
Leather
Antique Early 19th Century English Club Chairs
Leather
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
20th Century English Victorian Chairs
Hardwood, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Upholstery
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century American Windsor Chairs
Vintage 1940s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1940s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1930s American Posters
Paper
Mid-20th Century Federal Dining Room Chairs
Walnut
Vintage 1940s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Wood
Early 20th Century American Paintings
Canvas
Vintage 1970s American Windsor Chairs
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Yes, Thomas Jefferson is believed to have created a swivel chair out of a Windsor chair that he had in his home. However, Thomas E. Warren was the inventor who developed the modern swiveling chair on wheels. Called the Centripetal Spring armchair, his design dates back to 1849. Shop a range of swivel chairs on 1stDibs.
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