Todo Modo
1990s Italian Post-Modern Slipper Chairs
Steel
Recent Sales
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Laminate, Wood
1990s Italian Post-Modern Slipper Chairs
Steel
Late 20th Century Sofas
Steel
People Also Browsed
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vanities
Mirror, Plastic, Acrylic, Wood
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables
Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Brass, Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Brass
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Metal
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Sectional Sofas
Fabric
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Burl
Vintage 1980s Italian Table Lamps
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Marble
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Wool, Cotton, Wood
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Metal
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Brass
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Iron
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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Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
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.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
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.