Woodmark Original Chairs
Late 20th Century Unknown Queen Anne Wingback Chairs
Mahogany
Recent Sales
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Upholstery
People Also Browsed
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Louis XVI Console Tables
Carrara Marble
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique 18th Century English Neoclassical Console Tables
Alabaster, Marble, Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Bergere Chairs
Walnut
20th Century Unknown George II Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Wood, Burl
Antique Early 1800s Swiss Painted Furniture
Wood
Early 20th Century Unknown Jacobean Dining Room Tables
Oak
Antique 19th Century English Louis XIV Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Bronze, Ormolu
Vintage 1970s American Louis XV Settees
Cotton, Upholstery, Wood
Antique 19th Century American Gothic Revival Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Late 20th Century French Paintings
Paint
Late 20th Century American Gothic Side Tables
Marble, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Urns
Porcelain
Antique 1880s French Napoleon III Wall Mirrors
Gold Leaf
Antique 19th Century French Empire Revival Bergere Chairs
Ormolu
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, 2022The slipper chair originated in 18th century Europe. It was used in women’s bedrooms as seating for when maids would assist them in putting on their slippers. Today, a slipper chair refers to a low-slung chair. Browse a selection of modern and antique slipper chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023The original Eames chair was made out of molded plywood and leather. Charles and Ray Eames designed the iconic mid-century modern chair for Herman Miller in 1958. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Eames chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024To identify an original Wishbone chair, first look at the backrest. Originals feature bentwood frames, so the backrest will be a single piece of wood. Most later reproductions are composed of two or three pieces of wood and will display noticeable seams. Next, look at the seat. Authentic originals will have perfect 90-degree angles at all four corners and many lines in the center with a tight weave. Imperfect corners, a few central lines and loose weaving are all signs of a reproduction. Finally, measure the distance between the bottom of the Y on the backrest and the seat. On originals, the distance is 10 millimeters. Any variations will usually indicate that a chair is a reproduction. When in doubt, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Shop a variety of Hans J. Wegner Wishbone chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 14, 2024One way to spot an original Wassily chair is to look at the tubular steel frame. There will be no weld in the corners. The frame of an authentic Wassily chair is a single continuous piece of chromed tubular steel, with no cap on the end. Each original Wassily chair should feel lightweight but robust. It's a well-made chair and will feel like one. The material used for the seat and backrest, which was initially durable canvas — Knoll's Wassily chairs are available with leather slings — should feel equally substantial even if it's a vintage model. Lastly, the price of a real Wassily chair will also reflect the fact that this is a collectible design.
Inspired by bicycle handlebars, the Wassily lounge chair is one of Marcel Breuer's (1902–81) greatest achievements. Even though the tubular metal chair looked like an artifact from the future when the Hungarian-American designer and architect conceived it in 1925, Breuer could not have foreseen the significant impact that this would have on modern design.
Find original Wassily chairs for sale on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022In 1949, Hans Wegner made the original Wishbone chair, a bentwood piece with a curved rail and Y-back. Today, Carl Hansen & Søn manufactures the chair based on Wegner's original design. You can find a variety of Hans Wegner chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The original Eames chair and matching ottoman were designed by Charles and Ray Aemes for the Herman Miller furniture company in 1956. The Eames chair is considered the epitome of modern interior design and is widely coveted by home decor enthusiasts. Browse a range of authenticated Eames chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The original Barcelona chair designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe featured ivory upholstery made of pigskin leather. Modern incarnations come in a wide range of upholstery colors and are available from Knoll Furniture. You'll find a variety of Barcelona chairs 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022There are a number of ways that you can tell an original Marcel Breuer chair. One trick is to examine the frame. If you see end caps, you're likely looking at a replica. Authentic Breuer chairs featured polished, welded ends. Some chairs also feature stickers that identify the model name located under their seats. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly vetted Marcel Breuer chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 21, 2020
The design has changed over the years, but most antique carver chairs were made of wood. Antique carver chairs were wide chairs made in 17th century New England — with backs that featured several supporting spindles — although there were no spindles between the armrests and the seat. Antique carver chairs were typically topped with decorative ornaments.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Which chair is best for a George Nakashima Origins for Widdicomb desk is largely a matter of preference. George Nakashima chairs with Shaker-inspired spindle backs like the Mira and Conoid tend to complement the lines of the desks in the collection. However, you can mix and match styles to create an eclectic look. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of George Nakashima desks and chairs.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Chair Shook Modernism and Charmed Hollywood
The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.
Herman Miller Got Its Start in the Office, but Its Legacy Is in the Home
The brand that turned Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson into mid-century household names is just as relevant today as it was six decades ago.
May’s Most Popular Interiors on Instagram
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the rooms our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
April’s Most-Liked Interiors on Instagram
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
See How New York City Designers Experiment on Their Own Homes
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Jeff Andrews Captures Old Hollywood Glamour in His Cinematic Spaces
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
New Orleans’ Lee Ledbetter Makes Design Magic by Mixing Past and Present
The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.