Seating
19th Century American Classical Antique Seating
Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century American American Classical Seating
Textile, Cotton, Maple
20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Fabric, Wood
20th Century American Neoclassical Seating
Brass
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Seating
Textile, Wood
Late 20th Century American American Classical Seating
Chestnut, Pine
21st Century and Contemporary American American Classical Seating
Wood, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Seating
Wool, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Seating
Cane, Wood
Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Seating
Linen, Hardwood, Satinwood, Walnut
20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Linen, Wood, Paint
1980s North American American Classical Vintage Seating
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Upholstery, Ebony, Walnut
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Faux Leather, Wood
20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Iron
Early 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Seating
Walnut
Late 20th Century American American Classical Seating
Oak
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Seating
Chestnut, Cord
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Seating
Upholstery, Wood
1970s European Neoclassical Vintage Seating
Upholstery, Beech
Mid-20th Century American American Classical Seating
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
1920s Italian Neoclassical Vintage Seating
Metal, Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Seating
Velvet, Wood
1760s English Neoclassical Antique Seating
Damask, Mahogany
1940s American Neoclassical Vintage Seating
Fabric, Wood
Early 19th Century American American Classical Antique Seating
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.