Thomas Tuft Chippendale
20th Century English Regency Armchairs
Leather
20th Century Indonesian Chippendale Ottomans and Poufs
Hardwood
Antique Late 18th Century American Chippendale Side Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique 1760s English Georgian Footstools
Leather, Hardwood
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Armchairs
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Living Room Sets
Leather
Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Living Room Sets
Leather
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Antique Late 18th Century British Neoclassical Center Tables
Marble
Antique 18th Century American Chippendale Wall Mirrors
Mahogany
Vintage 1980s Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Footstools
Upholstery
Antique Early 1900s French Jacobean Ottomans and Poufs
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Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
Vintage 1960s American Louis XV Gueridon
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Antique 18th Century Irish George III Card Tables and Tea Tables
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Early 20th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings
Coral
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
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Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Tea Caddies
Pewter
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools
Leather, Beech
Antique 1890s North African Moorish Side Tables
Wood
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Benches
Leather, Hardwood
Recent Sales
Antique 18th Century English Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Mahogany
20th Century English Georgian Wingback Chairs
Leather
Antique Mid-19th Century English George III Armchairs
Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Regency Armchairs
Leather, Hardwood
Antique 1770s American Chippendale Side Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Chesterfield Sofas
Leather, Wood
20th Century English Chesterfield Wingback Chairs
Leather
20th Century English Regency Sofas
Leather, Hardwood
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Armchairs
Leather
Antique Early 1900s English Victorian Stools
Leather, Hardwood
2010s American Chippendale Armchairs
Leather
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 ExpertApril 5, 2022Thomas Chippendale was known for his works in the 16th century. Blending Chinese and gothic design styles, his furniture became wildly popular between 1750 and 1780. You can shop a selection of expertly vetted Chippendale pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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