Skip to main content

Victorian Papier Mache Chair

Lacquer Papier Mâché Chair
Lacquer Papier Mâché Chair

Lacquer Papier Mâché Chair

Located in New York, NY

Important English Victorian black lacquer papier mâché chair. Scalloped back with open-work intricately inlaid with mother-of-pearl in floral motifs.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Side Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Cane

Victorian Lacquered Side Chairs, Papier-Mâché with Inlaid Pearl
Victorian Lacquered Side Chairs, Papier-Mâché with Inlaid Pearl

Victorian Lacquered Side Chairs, Papier-Mâché with Inlaid Pearl

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of English Victorian papier-mache and pearl inlaid black lacquer side chairs with spindle design back and stretcher

Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Vintage Boho Mother of Pearl Inlay Papier Mache Chair
Vintage Boho Mother of Pearl Inlay Papier Mache Chair

Vintage Boho Mother of Pearl Inlay Papier Mache Chair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Discover the captivating allure of this exquisite vintage accent chair, featuring intricate mother-of-pearl inlay shimmering against a deep black lacquered finish, likely over a trad...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Cane

Vintage Papier Mache Cane Chairs - A Pair
Vintage Papier Mache Cane Chairs - A Pair

Vintage Papier Mache Cane Chairs - A Pair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This rare pair of Victorian papier-mâché side chairs represents the height of 19th-century decorative opulence.

Category

Antique 19th Century British Napoleon III Side Chairs

Materials

Gold Leaf

Papier - mâché / Paper Mache and Lacquer Chair with Gilded Design, 19th Century
Papier - mâché / Paper Mache and Lacquer Chair with Gilded Design, 19th Century

Papier - mâché / Paper Mache and Lacquer Chair with Gilded Design, 19th Century

Located in Wichita, KS

19th Century papier- mâché / paper mache chair with lacquer paint and a caned seat. The pierced slipper back form is beautiful with gilding design. Some color added in greens and...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Early Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Cane, Wood, Paint

Antique English 19th Century Lacquered Mother of Pearl Papier-mâché Side Chair
Antique English 19th Century Lacquered Mother of Pearl Papier-mâché Side Chair

Antique English 19th Century Lacquered Mother of Pearl Papier-mâché Side Chair

Located in London, GB

Antique English 19th Century Lacquered Mother of Pearl Papier-mâché Gilt Detailed Side Chair C.1840 In very good condition commensurate of age. Please message for an accurate shipp...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Early Victorian Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer

English Victorian Papier Mache Pearl Bergére Arm Chair
English Victorian Papier Mache Pearl Bergére Arm Chair

English Victorian Papier Mache Pearl Bergére Arm Chair

Located in Queens, NY

English Victorian Papier mache pearl inlaid and decorated small bergere arm chair with tapestry seat and floral design back.

Category

20th Century British Victorian Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Recent Sales

VICTORIAN PAPIER MACHE CHAIR.
VICTORIAN PAPIER MACHE CHAIR.

VICTORIAN PAPIER MACHE CHAIR.

Sold

H 36 in W 24.5 in D 25 in

VICTORIAN PAPIER MACHE CHAIR.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

BEAUTIFUL ENGLISH ROCOCO RIVIVAL DECORETED WOOD AND PAPIER MACHE CHAIR. THE BACK OF THE CHAIR IS HAND PAINTED. THE SEAT IS UPHOLSTER IN NEEDLE POINT FABRIC.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Chairs

Materials

Wood, Paint, Papier Mâché

Pair of English 19th Century High Victorian Papier Mache Chairs
Pair of English 19th Century High Victorian Papier Mache Chairs

Pair of English 19th Century High Victorian Papier Mache Chairs

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A pair of superb quality early Victorian papier mache chairs; having pierced lobed spoon backs, the centre back splat richly decorated in water gilding, mother of pearl, imitation di...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Furniture

Materials

Other

Victorian Papier Machè Chair with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
Victorian Papier Machè Chair with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay

Victorian Papier Machè Chair with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay

Located in Chicago, IL

So industrious Victorians relied on paper mâché to recreate the luster and sheen of natural lacquer.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Chairs

Materials

Other

Pair of English Victorian Papier Mache and Pearl Side Chairs
Pair of English Victorian Papier Mache and Pearl Side Chairs

Pair of English Victorian Papier Mache and Pearl Side Chairs

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of English Victorian paper mâché and pearl inlaid black lacquer side chairs with shaped open back and stretcher.  

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Black Lacquer and Gilt Papier Mache Chair
Black Lacquer and Gilt Papier Mache Chair

Black Lacquer and Gilt Papier Mache Chair

Sold

H 35 in W 18.5 in D 20 in

Black Lacquer and Gilt Papier Mache Chair

Located in Dallas, TX

a curved back black lacquer and gilt finish papier mache chair with turned front legs, gilt swirls decorate the chair's frame including the splat and legs, small paintings of women a...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Lacquer, Wood

19th c. English Pearl Inlaid Papier Mache Side Chair
19th c. English Pearl Inlaid Papier Mache Side Chair

19th c. English Pearl Inlaid Papier Mache Side Chair

Located in Queens, NY

Nineteenth century English papier mache side chair with an open back design and inlaid floral pearl designs.

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Pearl

Jennens & Bettridge Brimm Parcel Gilt Papier Mâché Mother of Pearl Birds Chair
Jennens & Bettridge Brimm Parcel Gilt Papier Mâché Mother of Pearl Birds Chair

Jennens & Bettridge Brimm Parcel Gilt Papier Mâché Mother of Pearl Birds Chair

By Aaron Jennens & T.H. Bettridge

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare Jenners & Bettrige Birmm London early 19th century parcel gilt papier mâché mother of pearl chair with bergère seat and inlaid tropi...

Category

Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Paper

English Papier Mâché Gondola Chair
English Papier Mâché Gondola Chair

English Papier Mâché Gondola Chair

Sold

H 37 in W 26 in D 25 in

English Papier Mâché Gondola Chair

Located in Westwood, NJ

English black papier mâché gondola form armchair with mother-of-pearl inlay and cabriole legs.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Armchairs

Pair of Antique Victorian Papier Mache Chairs
Pair of Antique Victorian Papier Mache Chairs

Pair of Antique Victorian Papier Mache Chairs

Sold

H 31.89 in W 18.12 in D 20.87 in

Pair of Antique Victorian Papier Mache Chairs

Located in London, GB

A stunning pair of antique Victorian Papier Mache chairs. They were made in England, they date from the 1860-1880 period.

Category

Antique 1860s British High Victorian Chairs

Materials

Wood, Paper

1880s Victorian Papier Mâché Petite Slipper Chair
1880s Victorian Papier Mâché Petite Slipper Chair

1880s Victorian Papier Mâché Petite Slipper Chair

Located in Stamford, CT

Victorian era papier mâché slipper chair. Parcel-gilt painted detailing with mother-of-pearl inlay.

Category

Antique 1880s American Victorian Slipper Chairs

Materials

Cane, Wood, Paint, Mother-of-Pearl

19th c. English Papier Mache Pearl-Inlaid Lacquered Side Chair
19th c. English Papier Mache Pearl-Inlaid Lacquered Side Chair

19th c. English Papier Mache Pearl-Inlaid Lacquered Side Chair

Located in Queens, NY

19th c. English Victorian papier mache black lacquered pearl inlaid side chair with a shaped, floral design back and cane seat.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Cane, Lacquer, Mother-of-Pearl, Paper, Wood

Papier Mache Victorian Painted and Mother of Pearl Inlaid Chairs
Papier Mache Victorian Painted and Mother of Pearl Inlaid Chairs

Papier Mache Victorian Painted and Mother of Pearl Inlaid Chairs

Located in Santa Fe, NM

Pair of Victorian papier mache chairs, floral painted motifs, mother of pearl inlay and polychrome gilt.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Shell, Paint, Papier Mâché

Victorian Papier Mache Side Chair
Victorian Papier Mache Side Chair

Victorian Papier Mache Side Chair

Sold

H 33 in W 17 in D 17 in

Victorian Papier Mache Side Chair

Located in Roswell, GA

English Victorian Papier Mache Occasional Chair inlaid with Mother of Pearl and hand painted.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Fabric, Papier Mâché

Pair of Papier Mache Chairs
Pair of Papier Mache Chairs

Pair of Papier Mache Chairs

Sold

H 33 in W 24 in D 26 in

Pair of Papier Mache Chairs

Located in Kilmarnock, VA

A very fine near pair of late Regency or early Victorian papier mache slipper/lounge chairs with mother-of-pearl inlay and gilt decoration depicting a floral and butterfly motif.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Slipper Chairs

Materials

Cane, Lacquer, Mother-of-Pearl, Papier Mâché

English Victorian Papier Mache Slipper Chair
English Victorian Papier Mache Slipper Chair

English Victorian Papier Mache Slipper Chair

Sold

H 35.25 in W 20 in D 20.5 in

English Victorian Papier Mache Slipper Chair

Located in New York, NY

This fine mid ninteenth century English Victorian period papier mache slipper chair has a molded and shaped balloon back with mother of pearl inlay and gilded decoration, pierced scr...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Slipper Chairs

Materials

Wood, Cane, Paint, Mother-of-Pearl

Victorian Japanned and Inlaid Papier Mâché Slipper Chair
Victorian Japanned and Inlaid Papier Mâché Slipper Chair

Victorian Japanned and Inlaid Papier Mâché Slipper Chair

Located in Heathfield, East Sussex

A good example of a Victorian Japanned and inlaid papier mâché caned slipper chair possibly Jennens and Bettridge The pierced slipper back of scalloped form is beautifully gilded and...

Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Cane, Wood

Papier Mâché Side Chairs
Papier Mâché Side Chairs

Papier Mâché Side Chairs

Sold

H 38 in W 18 in D 16 in

Papier Mâché Side Chairs

Located in Stamford, CT

Pair of Victorian papier mâché side chairs in an ebonized finish.

Category

Antique 1890s High Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Mid-19th Century English Papier Mâché Chair
Mid-19th Century English Papier Mâché Chair

Mid-19th Century English Papier Mâché Chair

Sold

H 31.25 in W 17.75 in D 18.25 in

Mid-19th Century English Papier Mâché Chair

Located in Kilmarnock, VA

A small and elegant mid-19th century. English papier mâché  slipper chair with mother of pearl and gilt decoration and original cane seat.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Slipper Chairs

Materials

Lacquer

Pair of Papier-Mâché Japanned Lacquer Side Chairs by Bettridge
Pair of Papier-Mâché Japanned Lacquer Side Chairs by Bettridge

Pair of Papier-Mâché Japanned Lacquer Side Chairs by Bettridge

By John Bettridge

Located in Folkestone, Kent

An outstanding pair of exhibition standard black Japanned side chairs by John Bettridge of Birmingham, each with metal makers labels under the seat rails. The backs, legs and seat ra...

Category

Antique 19th Century Great Britain (UK) Victorian Chairs

Materials

Lacquer

A Papier-Mache Chair in Black Lacquer with Mother of Pearl Inlay, circa 1850
A Papier-Mache Chair in Black Lacquer with Mother of Pearl Inlay, circa 1850

A Papier-Mache Chair in Black Lacquer with Mother of Pearl Inlay, circa 1850

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A Papier-Mache chair in black lacquer finish with mother-of-pearl inlay details (including a charming spray of Lily of the Valley) , circa 1850. The seat is newly caned with a squab ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Chairs

Pair of 19th C. Papier-Mache Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Ballroom Chairs
Pair of 19th C. Papier-Mache Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Ballroom Chairs

Pair of 19th C. Papier-Mache Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Ballroom Chairs

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of black papier-mache mother-of-pearl inlaid ballroom chairs with brass nailheads and new Schumacher Chinoiserie-style silk-and-cotton upholstery depicting Chinese men in fish...

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Mother-of-Pearl, Silk, Cotton

English Victorian Rococo Revival Papier-Mâché Slipper Chair
English Victorian Rococo Revival Papier-Mâché Slipper Chair

English Victorian Rococo Revival Papier-Mâché Slipper Chair

Located in New York, NY

This fine mid-19th century English Victorian period papier-mâché slipper chair in the Rococo Revival taste has a molded and shaped balloon back with mother-of-pearl inlay and gilded ...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Rococo Revival Slipper Chairs

Materials

Wood, Cane, Paint, Mother-of-Pearl

Antique Hand Painted Papier Mache Mother of Pearl Chair, England 1870, B2846
Antique Hand Painted Papier Mache Mother of Pearl Chair, England 1870, B2846

Antique Hand Painted Papier Mache Mother of Pearl Chair, England 1870, B2846

Located in Vancouver, BC

Antique hand painted papier mache mother of pearl chair, England 1870, B2846 England 1870 Mother of Pearl Original finish Beautiful inlaid with Mother Of Pearl Extensively han...

Category

Antique 1870s Scottish Victorian Chairs

Materials

Walnut

People Also Browsed

Red Fox Fur Cushion by Muchi Decor, Made in Italy
Red Fox Fur Cushion by Muchi Decor, Made in Italy

Red Fox Fur Cushion by Muchi Decor, Made in Italy

$400 / item

H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 5.91 in

Red Fox Fur Cushion by Muchi Decor, Made in Italy

By Muchi Decor by LA-RI S.r.l.

Located in Poviglio, IT

This natural Red Fox fur cushion has been made by carefully selecting each skin, ro be processed as to create a chequered composition, combining colours and volumes in a meticulous a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Pillows and Throws

Materials

Other

Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Secretary Desk by Maddox, Asian Motif, 1970s
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Secretary Desk by Maddox, Asian Motif, 1970s

Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Secretary Desk by Maddox, Asian Motif, 1970s

By James Mont, Edward Wormley

Located in Chattanooga, TN

This incomparable slant-front chinoiserie black lacquer secretary desk depicts a serene, traditional Asian motif from head to toe. The gold and greens appear as mystical and radiant...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Antique French Renaissance Revival Richly Carved Wall Cabinet 19th Century Brass
Antique French Renaissance Revival Richly Carved Wall Cabinet 19th Century Brass

Antique French Renaissance Revival Richly Carved Wall Cabinet 19th Century Brass

Located in Ijzendijke, NL

Luxurious & romantic French Renaissance revival Wall cabinet / small cabinet , richly carved & decorated with brass. Very nice craftsmanship with impressive carvings. When opened...

Category

Antique 1880s French Renaissance Revival Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Brass

H.O. Miethke Das Werk folio "The Kiss" collotype print
H.O. Miethke Das Werk folio "The Kiss" collotype print

H.O. Miethke Das Werk folio "The Kiss" collotype print

By Gustav Klimt & K.K. Hof-und Staatsdruckerei

Located in Palm Beach, FL

The Kiss, no. 1 from the fifth installment of Das Werk Gustav Klimts Undoubtedly Klimt’s best known and most reproduced images, this printed version of The Kiss is the only one with...

Category

Early 1900s Vienna Secession Figurative Prints

Materials

Handmade Paper

La Carmencita by John Singer Sargent
La Carmencita by John Singer Sargent

La Carmencita by John Singer Sargent

By John Singer Sargent

Located in New Orleans, LA

John Singer Sargent 1856-1925 American Stamped by artist's estate (en verso) Oil on canvas John Singer Sargent, widely regarded as one of history's most distinguished portraitists...

Category

19th Century Academic Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Macbeth and the Three Witches a Painting on Panel by Francesco Zuccarelli
Macbeth and the Three Witches a Painting on Panel by Francesco Zuccarelli

Macbeth and the Three Witches a Painting on Panel by Francesco Zuccarelli

By Francesco Zuccarelli

Located in PARIS, FR

This painting, created during Zuccarelli's stay in England, represents the decisive moment when Macbeth, together with Banquo, meets the three witches who announce that he will be Ki...

Category

1760s Old Masters Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Two royal portraits (the Duc d'Angoulême and the Duc de Berry) by H.P. Danloux
Two royal portraits (the Duc d'Angoulême and the Duc de Berry) by H.P. Danloux

Two royal portraits (the Duc d'Angoulême and the Duc de Berry) by H.P. Danloux

Located in PARIS, FR

These two royal portraits are a major historical testimony to the stay of the Comte d'Artois (the future Charles X) and his family in Edinburgh in 1796-1797. Given by the sitters to ...

Category

1790s Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Wood Panel

Monumental Pair of Louis XV Style Ormolu and Crystal Girandoles by Baccarat
Monumental Pair of Louis XV Style Ormolu and Crystal Girandoles by Baccarat

Monumental Pair of Louis XV Style Ormolu and Crystal Girandoles by Baccarat

By Baccarat

Located in London, GB

A magnificent pair of Louis XV style Ormolu and crystal girandoles Probably by Baccarat Constructed from finely cast and chased ormolu, the imposing floor candelabra—almost 2-me...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Floor Lamps

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

19th Century English Chinoiserie Ladies Secretaire Writing Table
19th Century English Chinoiserie Ladies Secretaire Writing Table

19th Century English Chinoiserie Ladies Secretaire Writing Table

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Extraordinary 19th century English ladies secretaire desk or writing table. The two part desk was made in the Chinoiserie revival period of Europe in the mid-19th century. The desk f...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Chinese Qing Chinoiserie Lacquer Cabinet
Chinese Qing Chinoiserie Lacquer Cabinet

Chinese Qing Chinoiserie Lacquer Cabinet

$3,600

H 70 in W 50 in D 20 in

Chinese Qing Chinoiserie Lacquer Cabinet

Located in Bradenton, FL

Chinese Qing hand-painted lacquered wedding cabinets were popular in the1800s as wedding gifts and used to store linens, among other items The cabinet features front doors with a cen...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Rene Lalique Glass L'elegance Perfume Bottle
Rene Lalique Glass L'elegance Perfume Bottle

Rene Lalique Glass L'elegance Perfume Bottle

$6,499

H 3.86 in W 2.88 in D 0.91 in

Rene Lalique Glass L'elegance Perfume Bottle

By René Lalique

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

Rene Lalique clear and frosted glass L'elegance perfume bottle. This pattern features two dancing female figures amongst flowers. Sepia stained relief details. Moulded, 'R. LALIQUE' ...

Category

Vintage 1910s Bottles

Materials

Glass

Portrait of a Nobleman, French School 17th Century
Portrait of a Nobleman, French School 17th Century

Portrait of a Nobleman, French School 17th Century

$5,600Sale Price|20% Off

H 25.99 in W 22.84 in

Portrait of a Nobleman, French School 17th Century

Located in New York, NY

French portrait of a nobleman, 17th Century, great condition. With a beautiful carved wooden frame.

Category

17th Century Baroque Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Rare Louis XV Ormolu-Mounted Tulipwood and Chinese Lacquer Cabinet
Rare Louis XV Ormolu-Mounted Tulipwood and Chinese Lacquer Cabinet

Rare Louis XV Ormolu-Mounted Tulipwood and Chinese Lacquer Cabinet

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

A Rare Louis XV Ormolu-Mounted Tulipwood and Chinese Lacquer cabinet, c. 1750 (Regence Period) A truly magnificent, monumental, and one of a kind cabinet, painted throughout with gi...

Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Cabinets

Materials

Ormolu

A beautiful Celestial Table Globe produced by Gerard & Leonard Valk
A beautiful Celestial Table Globe produced by Gerard & Leonard Valk

A beautiful Celestial Table Globe produced by Gerard & Leonard Valk

By Gerard and Leonard Valk

Located in ZWIJNDRECHT, NL

A magnificent and very rare early 18th century celestial table globe produced by Gerard and Leonard Valk. Established at the end of the previous century by Gerard Valk, and assisted ...

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Globes

Materials

Other

The "Loretta" Chair, Dragonette Private Label
The "Loretta" Chair, Dragonette Private Label

The "Loretta" Chair, Dragonette Private Label

$3,613 / item

H 28 in W 21.5 in D 21 in

The "Loretta" Chair, Dragonette Private Label

By Dragonette Private Label

Located in Palm Desert, CA

This elegant piece, modeled after a vintage 1940 vanity chair, is custom order only and priced COM. The graceful walnut frame is shown in a high gloss espresso finish. 3 yards of...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

A pair of branches of Mediterranean red coral (Corallium Rubrum), Sicily 1790
A pair of branches of Mediterranean red coral (Corallium Rubrum), Sicily 1790

A pair of branches of Mediterranean red coral (Corallium Rubrum), Sicily 1790

Located in Milan, IT

Pair of large branches of Mediterranean red coral (Corallium Rubrum). Gilt bronze bases with phytomorphic calyx stem. Connection with an oval element in Lapis Lazuli and two spirals ...

Category

Antique 1790s Italian Other Natural Specimens

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Bronze

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Victorian Papier Mache Chair", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Victorian Papier Mache Chair For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic victorian papier mache chair available at 1stDibs. Each victorian papier mache chair for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using shell, mother-of-pearl and wood. Each victorian papier mache chair bearing Victorian hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one victorian papier mache chair that is appealing in its simplicity, but Aaron Jennens & T.H. Bettridge and John Bettridge produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Victorian Papier Mache Chair?

Prices for a victorian papier mache chair start at $525 and top out at $7,000 with the average selling for $2,250.

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.