Seating
Late 18th Century English Sheraton Antique Seating
Abalone, Mahogany
Mid-19th Century English William IV Antique Seating
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Irish George III Antique Seating
Mahogany
Late 19th Century French Antique Seating
Oak
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Seating
Walnut
Mid-19th Century German Black Forest Antique Seating
Walnut
1860s Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Seating
Teak
19th Century French Antique Seating
Linen, Wood
Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Antique Seating
Pine
Early 19th Century Italian Rustic Antique Seating
Wood
19th Century Antique Seating
Yew
19th Century Indian Antique Seating
Wood
1860s French Louis XVI Antique Seating
Oak
Early 19th Century Swedish Primitive Antique Seating
Pine
Mid-19th Century American Mid-Century Modern Antique Seating
Wood
Late 19th Century French Antique Seating
Oak
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Seating
Enamel, Iron
1810s German Biedermeier Antique Seating
Fruitwood
Late 19th Century American Eastlake Antique Seating
Upholstery, Walnut
1830s English William IV Antique Seating
Upholstery, Walnut
Early 19th Century English Primitive Antique Seating
Walnut
1880s Swedish Gustavian Antique Seating
Wood
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Seating
Mohair, Silk, Giltwood, Wood
18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Seating
Wood, Paint
Early 19th Century American Rustic Antique Seating
Wood
19th Century British Victorian Antique Seating
Brass
18th Century Swedish Antique Seating
Upholstery, Wood
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Seating
Fabric, Wood, Giltwood, Paint
19th Century French Antique Seating
Pine
18th Century Italian Antique Seating
Gold Leaf
Early 19th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Antique Seating
Bronze
Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Antique Seating
Silk, Wood
1790s Italian Directoire Antique Seating
Giltwood
Late 19th Century Italian Louis Philippe Antique Seating
Velvet, Walnut
1890s English Hepplewhite Antique Seating
Fabric, Mahogany
Mid-18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Seating
Walnut, Silk
Late 19th Century French Antique Seating
Fabric, Walnut
19th Century English Regency Antique Seating
Beech
1880s French Louis XIII Antique Seating
Upholstery, Wood
19th Century Polish Vienna Secession Antique Seating
Bentwood
19th Century English Antique Seating
Pine
Mid-19th Century English Regency Antique Seating
Leather, Wood
1870s British Antique Seating
Walnut
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Seating
Silk, Wood
1890s Canadian Arts and Crafts Antique Seating
Oak
Mid-19th Century French Antique Seating
Wood
Late 19th Century English Antique Seating
Fruitwood
1890s French Louis XVI Antique Seating
Tapestry, Wood, Giltwood
Late 19th Century Unknown Anglo-Indian Antique Seating
Cane, Teak
Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Seating
Hardwood, Paint
1880s English Victorian Antique Seating
Oak
1880s Dutch Country Antique Seating
Rush, Oak
19th Century French Empire Antique Seating
Velvet, Walnut
18th Century Italian Antique Seating
Cane, Walnut
Late 19th Century Hungarian Baroque Antique Seating
Velvet, Wood
19th Century Antique Seating
Elm
Late 18th Century French Louis XIII Antique Seating
Tapestry, Walnut
19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Seating
Elm
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.
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Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
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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.