White Sofa English Arm
2010s American Sofas
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary North American Sofas
Linen
20th Century American Sofas
Cotton
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
Antique Early 1900s English Baroque Revival Settees
Velvet
Antique Late 19th Century English Baroque Settees
Linen
Antique Late 19th Century English Georgian Living Room Sets
Upholstery, Velvet, Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Charles II Settees
Tapestry, Velvet
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2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
1990s North American Sofas
Upholstery
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Chandeliers and Pen...
Brass
Early 2000s British Sofas
Damask
20th Century Hollywood Regency Sofas
Upholstery
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chandeliers and Pendants
Murano Glass
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary North American Bohemian Sofas
Cotton, Upholstery, Wood, Feathers
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights an...
Brass, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Beds and Bed Frames
Steel
2010s Belgian Modern Club Chairs
Linen
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
Antique Late 19th Century American Sofas
Upholstery
20th Century English Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century British Sofas
Brass
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Fabric
Antique 19th Century English Armchairs
Antique 1820s English George IV Decorative Art
Art Glass, Softwood, Paper
21st Century and Contemporary North American Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary North American Sofas
Linen
20th Century European Chesterfield Sofas
Linen, Bentwood, Down
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Fabric
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Club Chairs
Upholstery, Oak
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Patio and Garden Furniture
Wicker, Rattan
20th Century British Federal Sofas
Wood, Cotton, Down, Feathers
Antique 19th Century English Sofas
Rosewood
Antique 19th Century English Sofas
Rosewood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Sofas
Poplar, Mahogany
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Settees
Poplar, Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century English Sofas
Mahogany
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 ExpertApril 5, 2022An English roll arm sofa is a style of sofa that is recognizable by its deep seat, tight untufted back and rolled arms. You can shop a collection of English roll arm sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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