Wavy Bar Stool
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Steel
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20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Metal
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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 ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The height of a bar stool is typically around 28 to 38 inches tall. This is because bar tops are usually around 40 to 42 inches high, so bar stools need to be under this height in order to provide ample leg room.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021The most comfortable bar stool is a matter of preference. There are many different types of bar stools for your house, and many different comfy versions have been developed over time. To select the best one, we suggest thinking about height, weight, design and fabric so you can find the best set for your preferences and budget. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary bar stools from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024The difference between bar stools and counter stools comes down to height. Bar stools are usually between 28 and 32 inches tall to provide comfortable seating at bars and bar-height tables. To pair with kitchen counters and counter-height tables, counter stools are normally 24 to 27 inches tall. Find a large collection of dining stools on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, bar stools are taller than counter stools. The average height of counter stools is 24 inches, and they are best suited for counter height tables and kitchen islands. Barstools are typically an additional five to six inches taller to fit the height of traditional bar counters. Shop a wide selection of bar stools and counter-height stools on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Since counters are generally 34 to 39 inches high, counter stools should be 24 to 27 inches tall; bars are 40 to 46 inches from the ground, so bar stools typically stand 30 to 36 inches tall.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Counter height bar stools are stools that typically have a seat around 24 inches to 27 inches high and are designed to provide seating along a bar or at counter height tables. On 1stDibs, find an array of counter height bar stools from top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The comfort of a rattan bar stool is really a matter of preference. Some styles are crafted with a back or cushion for additional comfort, while some may support the addition of a cushioned seat. On 1stDivs, find a range of rattan bar stool styles to suit any preference.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The best wood for bar stools is largely a matter of personal preference. Walnut, oak, cherry and birch are commonly used materials. On 1stDibs, find a selection of bar stools from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A standard bar stool will sit around 29 to 32 inches high, and extra-tall bar stools will sit around 33 to 36 inches high. To ensure the best fit for your space, measure the height of the bar or table you want to accent. Shop a wide selection of bar stools on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2023Whether saddle bar stools are comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, some people find the curved seats featured on these stools supportive because they conform to the body's contours. Find a variety of saddle bar stools on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To identify Marcel Breuer bar stools, start by examining the frame. Genuine models will usually feature smooth, welded ends. Most reproductions have end caps instead. You can also look for a sticker that bears the model name on the underside of the seat. On 1stDibs, find a range of expertly vetted Marcel Breuer bar stools.
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