William Morris Arm Chairs
20th Century English Georgian Wingback Chairs
Leather, Beech
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Wingback Chairs
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage 1950s American Queen Anne Armchairs
Cotton, Wood, Upholstery
Antique 1870s English Arts and Crafts Armchairs
Rush, Elm
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20th Century English Victorian Sofas
Upholstery, Hardwood
20th Century English Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Leather, Elm
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Table Lamps
Porcelain
20th Century English Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Leather, Walnut
Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Living Room Sets
Leather
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Oak
Early 18th Century Baroque Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Bookcases
Glass, Oak
Early 20th Century American Georgian Bookcases
Brass
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Sofas
Leather
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Bookcases
Glass, Oak
Antique Early 1900s Bookcases
Oak
20th Century British Sofas
Cowhide
Antique 1720s Spanish Baroque Beds and Bed Frames
Giltwood, Paint
2010s American Sofas
Upholstery
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Bookcases
Brass
Recent Sales
Antique Late 19th Century American Aesthetic Movement Armchairs
Oak
Antique 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Armchairs
Wood, Upholstery, Linen
Early 20th Century English Victorian Wingback Chairs
Leather
20th Century English Chesterfield Wingback Chairs
Leather, Hardwood
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Wingback Chairs
Leather
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Club Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
20th Century British Modern Wingback Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1980s North American Arts and Crafts Lounge Chairs
Leather, Oak
Late 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Armchairs
Leather, Cherry
Late 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Armchairs
Leather, Cherry
Antique 19th Century English Armchairs
Wood, Rush
Early 20th Century French Armchairs
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Dining Room Chairs
20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Armchairs
Oak, Leather
Antique 19th Century Victorian Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique 1890s French Victorian Armchairs
Beech
Late 20th Century North American Arts and Crafts Lounge Chairs
Oak
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Wingback Chairs
Leather, Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century British Arts and Crafts Armchairs
Rush, Hardwood
Antique 1890s English Dining Room Chairs
Beech, Rush
Antique Late 19th Century English Armchairs
Beech
Antique Late 19th Century English Armchairs
Ash, Beech
20th Century English Lounge Chairs
Brass
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.
Read More
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Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Riotous Shapes and Colors Have Made Uchronia’s Designs the Toast of Paris
Julien Sebban’s energetic design collective is radically reshaping the look of 21st-century European furniture and interiors.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.
Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.