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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 ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A lambing chair is a refined piece of antique furniture. It is a boxy type of wood armchair that is rarely upholstered. It can be utilized as a seating arrangement in offices, homes and other types of environments should space allow for it. Its wooden box armchair-like appearance is quite eye-catching. Find a wide collection of unique lambing chairs on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Accent chairs are single-seat chairs that are used not only as an additional seating space, but also to add visual interest to a room. They are designed to be a focal point in a room — perhaps the color of the upholstery is offbeat or unconventional, perhaps the frame is especially ornate. These chairs are seating pieces that have a role beyond just their basic function. Find a collection of antique and vintage accent chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A corner chair is designed to fit into the corner of a room and be pulled out when additional seating is needed. Some corner chairs were also used at desks because they allowed more freedom of movement for the sitter. Corner chairs were also called roundabout chairs, smoking chairs, barber’s chairs, writing chairs and desk chairs. Shop a collection of corner chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A director’s chair is stereotypically associated with movie directors. The lightweight chair has scissored legs, can often be folded for ease of transport or storage and is a popular silhouette for camping chairs. Shop an assortment of director chair styles on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021Slipper chairs were used by women from royal families as well as by members of society’s upper class. They would sit on these chairs placed in their bedrooms while domestic servants helped them put on the shoes. Now the slipper chair is a medium to large upholstered occasional chair that lacks arms and sits low to the ground. It is a very common piece of furniture to have. 1stDibs offers a collection of slipper chairs to choose from.
- What plastic is used for chairs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A common plastic used in chairs is thermoplastic polypropylene injected into a mold. Because of its strength and durability, thermoplastic polypropylene is a great material and it doesn't present the risk of breaking or a furnishing losing its shape. This type of plastic is good for chairs that might undergo heavy wear.
- What is a wing chair used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A wing chair is another name for a wingback chair, which features long armchair protrusions that were initially designed to shield the chair’s occupant from the drafts and intense heat radiating from a fireplace. It has a long backrest with sides at the top that point out like wings. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of antique and vintage wingback chairs.
- What is a sedan chair used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A sedan chair was used in the past for transporting a passenger through the streets of the city. It is a covered cabin that was carried on poles by two people.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Panton chairs can be used outdoors. Crafted with molded plastic, the Panton chair can be stacked and can withstand the snow, rain and other weather elements. Designed by Verner Panton, this classic chair is widely loved by home decor enthusiasts and can be found through a variety of authorized retailers, including 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The white Eames lounge chair is the currently featured chair of the hosts (sharks) on the television show Shark Tank. This iconic chair was first designed by Charles and Ray Eames for the Herman Miller furniture company and was released in 1956. Created for a high-end market, these chairs have been a part of the New York’s Museum of Modern Art and are acclaimed worldwide. Find a collection of expertly vetted Eames furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Can I use Eiffel chairs outside?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, you can indeed use Eiffel chairs outside. Its molded plastic seat and durable frame make this gorgeous chair an excellent addition for your outdoor seating needs. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Eiffel chairs from some of the top sellers around the world.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023There are many kinds of furniture you can use instead of accent chairs. Depending on the style of your room, a cushioned dining chair or desk chair may work to provide extra seating. You can also introduce a second sofa or a loveseat. Large ottomans may also double as seating. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of chairs and other seating options.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, accent chairs are meant to be used. Although they enhance the appearance of a space, accent chairs can also serve as comfortable seats. In fact, many of the most iconic accent chairs like Charles and Ray Eames' Eames lounge chair and Arne Jacobsen's Egg chair were designed to both please the eye and comfortably support the contours of the human body. Explore a wide range of accent chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, you can use a lounge chair in a living room. In fact, the chairs are especially well-suited to use in living rooms. After all, the purpose of a lounge chair is to allow you to lean back and relax, and many people retire to their living rooms to unwind at the end of the day. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique and vintage lounge chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can buy used Herman Miller chairs from many sources. One option is to purchase from a local seller or from a vintage shop or auction house. Many online platforms, including 1stDibs, offer gently-used Herman Miller chairs, as well. Buying from a reputable store or platform can help to ensure that you receive an authentic chair. You'll find a collection of expertly vetted Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Eero Saarinen’s famed pedestal chairs, although streamlined in appearance, are crafted with a variety of materials from aluminum and molded fiberglass to the plastic-bonded finish. You can shop a selection of Eero Saarinen pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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