Parker Sofa
2010s Italian Sofas
Textile
2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Sofas
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Australian Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets
Fabric, Teak
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
Antique 1880s English Victorian Lounge Chairs
Hardwood
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Vintage 1940s French Modern Contemporary Art
Ceramic, Acrylic
Vintage 1970s Polish Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets
Velvet, Wood
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Early 20th Century Glass
Glass
Vintage 1960s English Arts and Crafts Armchairs
Oak
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets
Fabric
Early 20th Century English Hepplewhite Armchairs
Ash, Elm
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Ceramic
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Hide, Wood
Vintage 1930s American Glass
Glass
2010s American Modern Sofas
Metal
Vintage 1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Earthenware
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Teak, Fabric, Upholstery
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Aluminum, Chrome
Recent Sales
20th Century Sofas
Late 20th Century North American Regency Sofas
Velvet
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet
Vintage 1950s British Sofas
Mahogany, Mohair
2010s Sofas
Fabric
Vintage 1980s British Country Sofas
Textile
Vintage 1980s British Country Sofas
Textile
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Armchairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Late 20th Century British Sofas
Velvet
Antique Early 1900s English Victorian Stools
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Side Chairs
Fabric, Oak
2010s American Industrial Candlesticks
Ceramic, Earthenware
2010s American Industrial Abstract Sculptures
Ceramic, Earthenware
2010s American Industrial Candlesticks
Ceramic, Earthenware
2010s American Industrial Abstract Sculptures
Earthenware, Ceramic
Vintage 1960s Australian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Teak
Vintage 1950s American Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Early 20th Century British Sofas
Cotton, Wood
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 22, 2024Where Parker Knoll sofas are made has changed over time. In 2016, the luxury furniture maker moved its factory to Castlewood, Nottinghamshire. Prior to the relocation, the company produced most of its pieces in London and High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Parker Knoll sofas from some of the world's top sellers.
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