Empire Style Chairs
Early 20th Century French Empire Chairs
Cherry
Antique Mid-19th Century Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s Belgian Empire Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
20th Century French Empire Armchairs
Wood
Early 20th Century European Empire Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Upholstery, Beech
Vintage 1940s American Empire Revival Armchairs
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Silk, Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Elm
2010s Italian Empire Chairs
Silver Leaf, Gold Leaf
20th Century Unknown Empire Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Empire Chairs
Gold
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century French Empire Armchairs
Giltwood
Vintage 1950s Italian Empire Chairs
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Dining Room Chairs
Brass, Metal
Vintage 1970s North American American Empire Lounge Chairs
Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Empire Chairs
Upholstery, Giltwood
Early 20th Century French Empire Chairs
Cotton, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Belgian Empire Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Early 20th Century American Empire Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century American Empire Armchairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s Italian Empire Revival Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique 1880s French Empire Side Chairs
Fabric, Beech
Early 20th Century French Empire Side Chairs
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Ormolu
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Bronze
20th Century Empire Chairs
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Side Chairs
Ormolu
Late 20th Century Italian Empire Chairs
Ormolu
Antique 1880s French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century French Empire Bergere Chairs
Wood
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century European Empire Desks and Writing Tables
Leather, Wood
Antique 1820s American Empire Chairs
Wood
20th Century French Empire Chairs
Metal, Ormolu
2010s Italian Empire Chairs
Silver Leaf, Gold Leaf
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Wood, Rosewood
20th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Velvet, Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century French Empire Chairs
Giltwood, Ebony
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Chairs
Plywood
Vintage 1940s American Empire Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Other Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Walnut, Fabric
Antique 19th Century French Empire Side Chairs
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Empire Side Chairs
Ormolu
Vintage 1950s American Empire Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 19th Century American American Empire Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
20th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Brass, Bronze
20th Century Empire Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Empire Bergere Chairs
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Empire Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Cherry
Mid-20th Century American Empire Dining Room Chairs
Cherry, Fabric
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Maple
Antique 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Ormolu
20th Century Swedish Empire Club Chairs
Antique 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
- 1
- ...
Empire Style Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Empire Style Chairs?
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.
- What is an Empire chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021An Empire chair refers to a piece of seating furniture created in the Empire style. A phase of the neoclassical style, the Empire style gets its name from the rule of the Emperor Napoleon I. The furniture is colossal, weight-wise, and richly adorned with bronze and marble. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary Empire chairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Classical world is primarily what influenced French Empire furniture. Greek and Roman motifs appear on many pieces. In addition, the opulence of Egyptian furniture inspired furniture makers active during the period. On 1stDibs, shop a range of French Empire furniture.
- What is a French-style chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023The term French-style chair usually refers to one of two styles of chairs. The first is an upholstered armchair with an exposed wood frame, and the other is a cane chair with loose seat cushions. Both types of French-style chairs are also called bergères. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of bergères from some of the world’s top boutiques.
- What is a Morris-style chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Morris-style chair is a type of furniture used for seating. The name comes from Morris & Company, the original manufacturer of the chair. It features a boxy reclining backrest, a matching upholstered seat cushion and wide wooden arms. Shop a selection of Morris-style chairs on 1stDibs.
- What style is a spool chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Spool chairs are associated with a number of furniture styles. Early examples date back to the Italian Renaissance, but the heavily carved chairs became popular during the Arts and Crafts movement of the mid 18th century. You'll find a collection of spool chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a Thonet-style chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A Thonet-style chair is a wooden chair that has a curvy, bent backrest, a round seat and subtly flared legs. The chairs get their name from the original manufacturer, Thonet, which produced chairs in the mid-century modern style in Europe during the 20th century. Shop a range of Thonet furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Cassina Argyle Chair is in the style of Art Nouveau but its design lands between the Arts and Crafts era and the Art Deco style, giving it an interesting appearance that is difficult to pigeonhole. This chair was commissioned for the Argyle Street Tearooms, which gives it its name. Shop a collection of Art Nouveau furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a Parsons-style chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Parsons-style chair is a type of seating furniture with a simple square back and straight arms that connect to rectangular legs. The name comes from the Parsons School of Design in Paris, France, where the chairs originated in the 1930s. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Parsons-style chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Chippendale is a style of chair that is mainly characterized by cabriole legs, yoked top railing, intricate back splats and dark wooden finish. It is an American design style that originated in the 16th century and yielded a wide range of furniture, in addition to chairs. Shop on 1stDibs for antique, vintage and new Chippendale style chairs today.
- Are swivel chairs in style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Like most home decor trends, swivel chairs have come in and out of popularity multiple times since their creation. However, swivel chairs are considered classic decor even when they’re not on-trend. Swivel chairs continue to be a popular choice because they spin and can suit a variety of spaces. Shop a wide variety of swivel chair styles on 1stDibs.
- What style is a bouclé chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024There is no single style for a bouclé chair. The term bouclé actually refers to a type of upholstery made up of looped yarns. You can find it on many different kinds of accent chairs, including mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Louis XVI pieces. Explore a diverse assortment of bouclé chairs on 1stDibs.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
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.