Seating
20th Century Brazilian Modern Seating
Leather
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Leather
Early 2000s French Modern Seating
Metal
1970s Indian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Cane, Wood
1960s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Seating
Leather, Fiberglass
1990s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Seating
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood, Rosewood
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Seating
Fabric
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Upholstery, Birch
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Seating
Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Seating
Leather, Wood
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Upholstery, Oak
Late 20th Century Modern Seating
Leather, Maple
1960s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Chrome
1940s French Louis XVI Vintage Seating
Beech
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Seating
Velvet, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Seating
Fabric
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Bouclé, Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Early 20th Century Mission Seating
Faux Leather, Oak
2010s Seating
Velvet
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Seating
Gold Leaf
1960s Italian Vintage Seating
Fabric, Foam
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Chrome
Late 20th Century French Provincial Seating
Linen, Oak
1990s Dutch Art Deco Seating
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Rustic Seating
Fabric, Walnut
2010s American Modern Seating
Fabric, Upholstery, Cherry, Oak, Walnut
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Steel, Chrome
Early 2000s European Scandinavian Modern Seating
Lambskin, Bentwood
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Seating
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating
Leather
1950s American Vintage Seating
Wicker, Rattan
Late 20th Century Art Deco Seating
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Czech Art Deco Seating
Upholstery, Wood, Beech
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Fabric, Wood
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Fabric, Rattan
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Textile, Formica
2010s Chinese Louis XVI Seating
Beech
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Steel
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Seating
Nutwood
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Faux Leather, Wood
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Wool, Oak
1890s British Antique Seating
Ash
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating
Metal
1950s Chinoiserie Vintage Seating
Mahogany
1990s Seating
Cotton
1960s French Vintage Seating
Steel
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Wool, Mahogany
Early 20th Century British Colonial Seating
Cherry
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Wool, Teak
1960s European Vintage Seating
Upholstery
1970s French Post-Modern Vintage Seating
Fabric
Late 20th Century Modern Seating
Upholstery, Hardwood
Early 20th Century Country Seating
Oak
1990s American Post-Modern Seating
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Seating
Leather
Unique Chairs, Sofas and Other Seating for Sale 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.
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.
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.
Light and Dwell Brings Elegance and Ease to an Oregon Wine Country Estate
Molly Kidd lets her affection for France shine through in a new-build home that has the character of a centuries-old villa but still feels light and fresh.