$17,500
H 26.78 in W 91.34 in D 31.89 in
Illum Wikkelsø "V11" Brown Leather Sofa for Holger Christiansen, Denmark 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Utrecht, NL
This freestanding sofa, better known as “Model V11” is considered among the masterpiece designs of Illum Wikkelsø.
Leather, Wood
$17,066
H 27.17 in W 93.71 in D 31.5 in
Illum Wikkelsø V11 Sofa in Original Leather and Rosewood legs, Denmark, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in amstelveen, NL
An exceptional and rare three-seat V11 sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø, Denmark, circa 1960s.
Leather
Illum Wikkelsø Sofa V11 by Holger Christiansen
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Dallas, TX
A sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen. Original black leather and rosewood legs.
Leather
$21,900
H 25.5 in W 90 in D 32 in
Midcentury 1965 Illum Wikkelsø – Model V11 Three-Seater Leather Sofa - Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare and highly collectible Model V11 three-seater sofa is a signature piece by Illum Wikkelsø, one of Denmark’s most celebrated mid-century modern designers.
Leather
$15,889
H 34.26 in W 37.8 in D 37.41 in
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chair Model V11 Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare easy chair model V11 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark.
Leather, Oak
$19,420
H 27.17 in W 88.59 in D 31.5 in
Black Leather Danish Mid Century "V11" Three Seater Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and iconic Danish mid century three seater sofa model "V11" in original black leather and rosewood feet with natural and decorative patina designed by Illum Wikkelsø and ...
Leather, Walnut
$19,420
H 27.17 in W 90.56 in D 31.5 in
Brown Leather Danish Mid Century "V11" Three Seater Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and an iconic example of a Danish mid century three seater sofa model "V11" in thick original light brown and beautifully patinated leather with beautiful matching wooden...
Leather, Walnut
$19,420
H 27.17 in W 88.59 in D 31.5 in
Danish Mid Century V11 Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø in Olive Brown Leather, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and perfect example of an iconic Danish mid century three seater sofa model "V11" in thick original olive brown leather with beautiful matching wooden legs by Illum Wikke...
Leather, Walnut
$11,152
H 33.08 in W 33.86 in D 30.71 in
V11 - Lounge chair w. stool in buffalo leather by Illum Wikkelsø
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Designed in 1965 by Illum Wikkelsø.
Leather, Rosewood
$17,500
H 27.56 in W 91.34 in D 32.88 in
“Model V11” Three-Seater Leather Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø, Denmark, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø, Holger Christiansen
Located in Utrecht, NL
This free-standing sofa, better known as “Model V11” is considered among the masterpiece designs of Illum Wikkelsø.
Leather, Wood
$15,500
H 26.78 in W 85.04 in D 31.3 in
Illum Wikkelsø Model V11 Leather Sofa for Holger Christiansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Utrecht, NL
This freestanding sofa, better known as “Model V11” is considered among the masterpiece designs of Illum Wikkelsø.
Leather, Wood
Illum Wikkelsø, Settee, Brown Leather, Rosewood, Denmark, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø, Holger Christiansen
Located in Stamford, CT
Illum Wikkelsø, Danish Mid-Century Modern, V11 Settee, Brown Leather, Rosewood, Denmark, 1960s A rare model V11 two seater sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø (1919-1999) for Holger Chr...
Leather, Rosewood
Unavailable
H 26.38 in W 65.75 in D 30.71 in
1960ties Illum Wikkelsoe V11, 2-Seat Sofa by Holger Christensen
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Vejle, DK
Produced by Holger Kristiansen, V11 series, 1960s-1970s. Measures: H. 67/41 cm.
Oak
Vintage Illum Wikkelso V11 Chair From Denmark, 1960s
Located in Nashville, TN
Vintage Illum Wikkelso V11 Chair From Denmark, 1960s. Original brown leather upholstery with light wear and patina.
Leather
Illum Wikkelso V11 Pyramid Lounge Chair for Holger Christiansen
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is a rare Illum Wikkelso V11 pyramid lounge chair in supple brown leather for Holger Christiansen.
Illum Wikkelsø V11 Sofa by Holger Christiansen
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully restored V11 sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø. The original birch legs have been refinished and the sofa has been reupholstered in Holly Hunt / Lush / Dusk thick velvet.
Velvet
Illum Wikkelsø V11 Sofa for Holger Christiansen
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in 1960's by Danish designer, Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen, this three seater low profile sofa features the original black leather upholstery. The sofa sits atop ...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 90.56 in L 29.53 in
Illum Wikkelsø V11 Brown Leather Three-seat Sofa for Holger Christiansen, 1960s
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This freestanding sofa, better known as “Model V11” is considered among the masterpiece designs of Illum Wikkelsø.
Leather, Hardwood
Leather V11 Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Dallas, TX
V11 sofa in original leather with full down cushions.
Leather V11 Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Dallas, TX
V11 sofa in original leather with full down cushions.
V11 Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø, circa 1965
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
"V11" sofa by Illum Wikkelsø, circa 1965. This piece has been restored in a beautiful nubby cream bouclé.
Bouclé, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Sofa V11 by Holger Christiansen
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Dallas, TX
A sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen. Down filled cushions with original leather and rosewood legs.
Leather
Illum Wikkelsø Sofa V11 by Holger Christiansen
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Dallas, TX
A sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen. Down filled cushions with original leather and rosewood legs.
Leather
"V11" Leather Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø
By Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
The V11 leather sofa by Illum Wikkelsø is considered a design Classic.
Leather, Rosewood
Illum Wikkelso Three-Seat Sofa 'V11' in Brown Leather
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Antwerp, BE
Illum Wikkelsø, sofa model V11, brown leather and wood, Denmark, 1960s.
Leather, Rosewood, Down
Illum Wikkelsø Sofa Model V11 by Holger Christiansen in Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model V11 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark.
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 34.26 in W 34.65 in L 34.26 in
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chairs Model V11 Produced by Holger Christensen in Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare pair of easy chairs model V11 and 1 foot stool designed by Illum Wikkelsø.
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 90.56 in D 31.5 in
Illum Wikkelsø Sofa Model V11 Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark, 1960s
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This freestanding sofa, better known as “Model V11” is considered among the masterpiece designs of Illum Wikkelsø.
Leather, Hardwood
Sold
H 27.17 in W 88.59 in D 31.5 in
Illum Wikkelsø Three-Seater Sofa Model V11 in Black Leather, Denmark 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø, Holger Christiansen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Three-seater sofa model V11, designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen, Denmark, 1960s.
Leather, Wood, Down
Sold
H 16.54 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Midcentury Stool Model V11 in Leather and Rosewood, Designed by Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø, Holger Christiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in patinated leather, designed by Illum Wikkelsø and made by Holger Christiansen. Great original condition.
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 32.29 in W 88.19 in L 32.29 in
1960s Danish V11 Sofa By Illum WIkkelso for Holger Christiansen in Brown Leather
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in London, London
V11 Sofa By Illum Wikkelso For Holger Christiansen Reupholstered in brown leather Feather filled cushions Rosewood pyramid legs Denmark 1960s.
Leather
Vintage Illum Wikkelsø Sofa, Model V11, Denmark, 1960
Located in Nashville, TN
Vintage Illum Wikkelsø Sofa, Model V11, Produced by Holger Christiansen, Denmark, 1960.
Leather
Rare Illum Wikkelsø Three-Seat Sofa "V11" in Brown Leather
Located in Nashville, TN
Rare Illum Wikkelsø three-seat sofa, model V11, in brown leather.
Vintage Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chair, Model V11, From Denmark, Circa 1960
Located in Nashville, TN
Vintage Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chair, Model V11, From Denmark, Circa 1960.
Leather
1960ties Illum Wikkelsoe V11, 2-Seat Sofa by Holger Christensen
By Illum Wikkelsø, Holger Christiansen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Produced by Holger Kristiansen, V11 series.
Leather, Rosewood
Illum Wikkelsø sofa model V11, Denmark, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Stockholm, SE
Black Leather sofa model V11 by Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen, Denmark, 1960s.
Leather
Illum Wikkelsø Sofa Model V11 by Holger Christiansen in Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model V11 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark.
Leather, Rosewood
Illum Wikkelsø sofa model V11 by Holger Christiansen in Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model V11 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark.
Leather, Rosewood
Illum Wikkelsø Three-Seat Sofa 'V11' in Light Brown Leather
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, sofa model V11, brown leather and wood, Denmark, 1960s.
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 27.17 in W 90.56 in D 32.29 in
Illum Wikkelsø Sofa Model V11 Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model V11 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark.
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 27.96 in W 90.56 in D 31.89 in
Illum Wikkelsø Sofa Model V11 Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model V11 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark.
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 33.47 in W 34.26 in D 36.23 in
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chair Model V11 by Holger Christiansen in Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare easy chair model V11 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark.
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 27.96 in W 90.56 in D 31.5 in
Beautiful Danish Sofa Mod. V11 by Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful Danish sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø and manufactured by Holger Christiansen in the 1960ies. The sofa comes in black patinated leather and is in great original condition...
Leather
Sold
H 28.75 in W 90.56 in D 32.68 in
Illum Wikkelsø Three-Seat ‘V11’ Sofa in Cognac Leather, Denmark, 1960s
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Illum Wikkelsø Three-seat ‘V11’ sofa in cognac coloured leather and wooden pyramid legs.
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 28.75 in W 90.56 in D 32.68 in
Illum Wikkelsø Three-Seat ‘V11’ Sofa by Holger Christiansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Very well preserved Illum Wikkelsø three-seat ‘V11’ sofa in patinated mustard colored leather and rosewood pyramid legs.
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 34.26 in W 34.65 in D 36.23 in
Danish Modern Easy Chair Model "V11" in Brown Leather by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Odense, DK
Very rare original production large easy chair model "V11" with matching foot stool designed by Illum Wikkelsø.
Leather, Hardwood
1960ties Illum Wikkelsoe V11, 3-Seat Sofa by Holger Christensen
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Produced by Holger Kristiansen, V11 series.
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 38 in W 35 in D 35 in
High Back Lounge Chair by H.W. Klein for Bramin, Covered in Red Tonus Four Wool
By Illum Wikkelsø, Bramin Mobler, H.W. Klein
Located in Bridgeport, CT
HW Klein was well-known for his numerous designs of swivel chairs, however, this elegant edgy designed chair is a departure from his more traditional designs and bear more resemblanc...
Aluminum
Illum Wikkelso V11 Chair
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
Monumental V11 Lounge chair in superb black leather with rosewood pyramid legs designed by Illum Wikkelso for cabinet maker Holger Christiansen, Denmark.
Lounge chair, model V11 by Illum Wikkelso
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Chicago, IL
A leather and rosewood armchair designed by Illum Wikkelso.
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 27.5 in W 90.56 in D 31.5 in
Illum Wikkelsø Sofa V11 in Brown Leather for Holger Christiansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Sylacauga, AL
A nice example of the rare sculptural V11 by Illum Wikkelso. In brown leather with nice patina.
Leather, Wood
Brown Leather V11 Settee by Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen in 1965 as part of the V11 series, this two-seater sofa balances a deeply comfortable angled body on pyramidal rosewood legs.
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 34.5 in W 37.5 in D 38.5 in
Black Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Model V11, by Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed in 1965 and relaunched by Stouby Furniture, Illum Wikkelsø's V11 lounge chair and ottoman marry strong geometric lines and distinctive conical legs in oak with the comfortab...
Leather, Oak
1960ties Illum Wikkelsoe V11, 3-Seat Sofa by Holger Christensen
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Vejle, DK
Produced by Holger Kristiansen, V11 series. Measures: H. 67/41 cm. L. 230 cm. D. approx. 75 cm.
Oak
$3,500 / item
H 30.71 in W 39.38 in D 28.75 in
The Laziness Armchair in Brazilian Solid Wood with a rocking footstool
By Amilcar Oliveira
Located in São Paulo, SP
Laziness is a laid-back and spacious rocking armchair, crafted for sitting/lying down and unwinding. The low seat height from the ground draws inspiration from Japanese rocking chair...
Velvet, Foam, Wood, Hardwood
Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables
By Theodore Alexander
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Pacific walnut side table, the square top with rounded corners and a reeded edge above a similar under tier, on bobbin turned legs. Dimensions: 26" W x 26" D x 28.5" H.
Wood
$2,000 / item
H 8.5 in Dm 17.5 in
Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light
By DBO Home
Located in Sharon, CT
Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. We just love our new porcelain Parasol Fluted Pendants. Inspired by a vintage pie cover, we designed them to hang over our kitchen...
Brass
Murano Hand Blown Chartreuse Green Glass Chandelier, in stock
Located in Miami, FL
Murano hand blown studio glass chandelier, in stock All different shaped chartreuse green discs with white details, rigadin technique Brass plated structure with 24 exposed brass reg...
Brass
$3,905 / item
H 31.89 in W 21.46 in D 21.26 in
Frank Lloyd Wright "Barrel" Chair for Cassina, Black Leather, 1937
By Frank Lloyd Wright, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Frank Lloyd Wright "Barrel" chair for Cassina, patinated wood and black leather seat, Italy, 1937. A timeless design informed by exceptional constructive complexity, the iconic "Ba...
Wood, Leather
$560 / item
H 23.5 in W 23.5 in D 1 in
Peter Glassford Natural Parota Reclaimed Wood Collage, Set of 2 Brutalist tiles
By Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural Natural Parota collage tiles by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled into a richly textured, one-of-a-kind composition. Each tile mea...
Wood
$15,439 / item
H 32.68 in W 110.24 in D 40.56 in
Art Deco Sofa by Munna Design Studio with Velvet Upholstery
By Munna Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This sofa features a wonderfully elegant fan-shaped motif, with its accentuated curvy lines with decadent and lavish finish. The feminine curves are ravishingly enhanced by the diffe...
Velvet
$2,470 / set
H 9.85 in W 5.91 in D 8.86 in
Pair of Modern Solid Brass Sconces in the Style of Hans Agne Jakobsson, EL135
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Modern Italian wall lights in the taste of Hans Agne Jakobsson's work. Structure and cup in solid brass and frosted glass disc. Excellent condition (modern creation), quantity on req...
Brass
$12,500 / set
H 27.56 in W 70.87 in D 40.16 in
Michel Ducaroy “Togo” Living Room Set for Ligne Roset, Leather, 1973, Set of 2
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Michel Ducaroy “Togo” living room set for Ligne Roset, burgundy leather, 1973, France, set of two. Three-seater sofa + single chair Iconic and timeless, the Togo set by Michel Ducar...
Leather, Foam
On Hold|$7,650 / set
H 27.56 in W 37.41 in D 23.63 in
"Zen" lounge chairs in rust brown chenille by Kwok Hoi Chan for Steiner, 1970
By Steiner, Kwok Hoi Chan
Located in amstelveen, NL
Stunning "Zen" chairs in chenille fabric designed by Kwok Hoi Chan and manufactured by Steiner in France circa 1970. These chairs are a true masterpiece of minimalist design and ex...
Chenille
Pair of French Wrought Iron Martini Tables
Located in London, GB
Wrought iron martini tables, hand made in England inspired by an original 1940s French design. Finished with a natural bronze patina as standard. Can also be supplied in black or gi...
Iron
Organic Modern Table Lamp Sculptural Parota Wood Base
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
Pata de Elefante Small Table Lamp — Atomic Collection by Isabel Moncada Named ""Elephant's Foot"" for its bold, bulbous base, the Pata de Elefante Small is one of Isabel Moncada's m...
Fiberglass, Linen, Fabric, Wood
$2,095 / set
H 24.81 in W 23.63 in D 13.78 in
French Pair of Nightstands Side Cabinets Bedside Tables Brutalist Style, 2022
Located in Labrit, Landes
Pair of oak nightstands "Pyrénées" signed by Sébastien Lamarre. This french side cabinets were made by Sébastien Lamarre for Maison Marie Anne. The creator chose for the Pyrénées mo...
Oak
Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak 8-Drawer Dresser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With...
Teak, Wood
$28,231 / set
H 29.93 in W 25.6 in D 25.6 in
Very Rare Pair of Leather and steel Lounge Chairs by Paul Geoffroy for Uginox
By Paul Geoffroy, Uginox
Located in Echt, NL
Iconic pair of lounge chairs in excellent condition. Deigned by Paul Geoffroy and manufactured by Uginox in the 1970s in France. Striking design composed of curved stainless steel ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$5,649
H 28.35 in W 68.9 in D 31.5 in
De Sede DS-125 Sofa by Gert Lange in cognac Leather, Switzerland, 1980s
By De Sede
Located in amstelveen, NL
Exceptional and highly sculptural DS-125 sofa by Gert Lange for De Sede, Switzerland, circa 1980s. This iconic model exemplifies De Sede’s mastery of leather craftsmanship and arch...
Leather
The work of furniture designer Illum Wikkelsø wholly embodies the spirit of Scandinavian modernism. With their organic forms and wealth of angles inspired by the Danish countryside, his vintage lounge chairs, sofas and other seating pieces offer ergonomic comfort and lasting visual appeal.
Born Kristian Illum Wikkelsø and raised in a town near Faaborg, Denmark, the designer grew up around carpentry and cabinetmaking. He apprenticed with a cabinetmaker in his teens and enrolled in classes at the Technical Society School in Copenhagen as well as the Danish School of Arts & Crafts. At the latter, Wikkelsø studied under Kaare Klint, an architect and designer widely recognized as the father of modern Danish furniture.
After completing his studies, Wikkelsø went on to work with famed Danish architect and furniture maker Jacob Kjær. After a time with Kjær, he moved on. He went to work for designer and architect Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen at Hvidt & Mølgaard, a firm established by Mølgaard-Nielsen — Wikkelsø’s former instructor at the Technical Society School — and Peter Hvidt that yielded more than 250 designs and lasted over 30 years.
In 1954, Wikkelsø opened his own design studio in Aarhus, Denmark. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he made quite a name for himself, with designs that were new and innovative to the industry at the time. He created furniture for Holger Christiansen and secured commissions from the Danish government. While he’s likely best known today for his inviting teak and leather lounge chairs or slender rosewood dining chairs, some of Wikkelsø’s 1960s-era lounge chairs merged Danish craftsmanship and Pop art with their unconventionally shaped chrome frames and vibrantly colored upholstery.
Wikkelsø passed away in 1999, but collectors around the world continue to prize his outstanding designs.
Find vintage Illum Wikkelsø tables, seating and case pieces on 1stDibs.
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.