Vintage Bedroom Small Upholstered Armchair
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Cotton, Beech
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Velvet, Beech
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Velvet, Wood
Late 20th Century Indonesian Ming Dining Room Chairs
Canvas, Teak
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Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Fireplaces and Mantels
Metal
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Rosewood, Leather
Vintage 1950s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Beech
Antique 1850s British Early Victorian Animal Sculptures
Mahogany
Antique 1870s English Victorian Wingback Chairs
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Oak
Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Fireplaces and Mantels
Metal
Mid-20th Century Louis XV Armchairs
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Canvas, Oak
Early 20th Century European Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Brass
Antique Early 1900s Italian Neoclassical Revival Armchairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century South American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Hardwood
Late 20th Century Renaissance Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century Regency Club Chairs
Leather, Wood
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Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Velvet
20th Century French Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1950s French Armchairs
20th Century Chinoiserie Club Chairs
Fabric, Wood
2010s British Modern Living Room Sets
Metal
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Chairs
Beech, Wool
Vintage 1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric
20th Century Italian Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Walnut, Faux Leather, Oak
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Elm, Fabric
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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