Seating
18th Century Swedish Louis XVI Antique Seating
Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary French Beaux Arts Seating
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Seating
Leather, Canvas, Oak
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Seating
Leather, Foam
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Upholstery, Foam, Walnut
2010s American Modern Seating
Wood, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Chrome
2010s American Modern Seating
Bouclé, Oak
1890s French Renaissance Antique Seating
Walnut
19th Century English William IV Antique Seating
Other
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Seating
Brass
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Fabric
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Fabric, Wood, Teak
2010s American Organic Modern Seating
Wool, Wood
2010s Italian Modern Seating
Concrete
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Mid-Century Modern Seating
Leather
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Seating
Naugahyde, Maple
1920s French Louis XV Vintage Seating
Linen, Wood, Paint
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Wool, Oak
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Chrome
1970s Vintage Seating
Bronze
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
2010s Italian Modern Seating
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Lambskin, Oak
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Wool, Oak
2010s American Seating
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Mid-Century Modern Seating
Leather, Wood
1960s Italian Neoclassical Vintage Seating
Velvet, Wood, Lacquer
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Seating
Wood
1940s Italian Neoclassical Vintage Seating
Leather, Wood
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Metal
1970s German Brutalist Vintage Seating
Suede, Oak, Leather
1960s Greek Greek Revival Vintage Seating
Leather, Wood
1950s Hollywood Regency Vintage Seating
Aluminum
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Seating
Wood, Paint
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Fabric, Bouclé, Beech
2010s American Seating
Bronze, Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Other Seating
Leather, Suede, Cane, Walnut
1960s American Adirondack Vintage Seating
Leather, Cane, Oak
1960s Dutch Dutch Colonial Vintage Seating
Sheepskin, Beech
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Seating
Velvet, Hardwood
2010s Canadian Seating
Rush, Rope, Papercord, Oak, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Brutalist Seating
Oak
Early 18th Century English Queen Anne Antique Seating
Walnut
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Seating
Metal
20th Century Hollywood Regency Seating
Brass
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Seating
Alpaca, Beech, Oak
Late 20th Century Dutch Post-Modern Seating
Metal
1950s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Seating
Fabric, Hardwood, Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Fabric, Velvet, Beech
1970s Italian Vintage Seating
Steel
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Fabric
20th Century American Organic Modern Seating
Leather, Bamboo, Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Seating
Leather, Bentwood
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Chrome
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
20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
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.