Victorian Church Chairs
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Rocking Chairs
Cane, Oak
Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Rocking Chairs
Oak
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Side Chairs
Velvet, Hardwood
Antique 1890s English Gothic Revival Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1950s Chairs
Leather, Wood
Antique 1880s English Art Nouveau Chairs
Oak
Antique 1870s English Gothic Revival Side Chairs
Oak
Antique 1860s Italian High Victorian Benches
Oak
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
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2010s French Modern Chairs
Oak
2010s Modern Tables
Hardwood, Oak
2010s American Modern Stools
Oak
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Organic Modern Chandeliers and ...
Copper, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Stools
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Bergere Chairs
Linen
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Bergere Chairs
Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Country Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Side Chairs
Wrought Iron
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Side Tables
Oak
Vintage 1950s Adirondack Chairs
Wood
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Antique 1850s British Gothic Revival Chairs
Pine
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wicker, Birch
Antique 19th Century British Arts and Crafts Chairs
Walnut
Vintage 1920s Scottish Victorian Tables
Wood
Antique 1890s British Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Antique 1880s Scottish Chairs
Walnut
Antique 19th Century European Victorian Chairs
Oak
Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Chairs
Oak
Antique 19th Century British Schoolhouse Benches
Elm
Antique Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Chairs
Metal
Antique 1870s French Victorian Side Chairs
Ebony
Antique 19th Century English Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique 1870s English High Victorian Armchairs
Leather
Antique 1860s British Victorian Armchairs
Leather, Oak
Antique 1860s Danish High Victorian Benches
Oak
Antique 19th Century English Tables
Antique 1890s British Paintings
Canvas, Giltwood
20th Century English Charles II Bookcases
Oak
Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Pine
Antique 1890s Scottish Sheraton Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Upholstery, Boxwood, Mahogany
19th Century Victorian Figurative Paintings
Oil, Canvas
Antique 1890s Scottish Sheraton Dining Room Tables
Brass
Antique 1870s French Gothic Revival Benches
Fabric, Oak
Antique 1830s English Victorian Tray Tables
Paper
Antique 1850s British Gothic Revival Chairs
Pine
Antique 19th Century English Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 1860s English Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Pine, Elm
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 ExpertFebruary 27, 2024The chairs in a church are often called pews. The word comes from the Old French word puye, which means balcony. You may also sometimes see pews referred to as benches. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of pews from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Victorian slipper chair is a chair that was made to be shorter than the average chair. The height of its seat was 15 inches from the floor, compared to the standard 17 to 18 inches. Shop a collection of Victorian slipper chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023What a Victorian lounge chair is called depends on its style. A piece that is long and narrow and has a raised headrest on one end and a lower backrest on the other is a fainting couch. Upholstered chairs that have long, extended seats meant for reclining are chaise longues. Find a collection of lounge chairs on 1stDibs.
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