Skip to main content

Seating

7
588
19
1
to
80
314
283
608
594
594
41,009
23,297
8,909
4,113
1,565
1,416
1,209
1,093
951
924
798
734
690
644
508
364
231
10
425
153
20
66
28
20
17
1
3
2
5
7
2
2
5
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
389
160
35
48
22
36
15
27
14
22
13
23
555
236
225
124
119
477
254
85
67
63
11
7
4
3
3
Seating For Sale
Style: Empire
Style: Late Victorian
19th Century Gold Gilt and Painted Empire Armchair
Located in San Angelo, TX
Here is a beautiful Empire chair that we purchased in Naples, Italy. This is a classic style, with a fun pop of color with blue velvet that can be left as is or can be reupholstered ...
Category

19th Century European Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Wood, Paint

Around 1800 Baltic States 4 Dining Chairs Mohagony Brasswire Decor
Located in Epfach, DE
4 chairs for a dining room, around 1800, provenance probably from a noble household in the Baltic States Mahogany, backrests and seat frames decorated with brass wire, designed in s...
Category

1810s Baltic Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Early 19th Century Empire Mahogany Fauteuils Bergères Aux Dauphins, circa 1830
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A 1830s pair of Empire mahogany French bergères Aux Dauphins Empire armchairs in the manner of Pierre Bellange (1760-1844). The mahogany frame with sabre front legs continuing as arm...
Category

1830s French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Victorian Ladder Back Carved Mahogany Needlepoint Upholstered Side Chairs, Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite pair of finely carved Mahogany Ladder Back victorian chairs with needlepoint seats in great condition. Seats are very firm and very comfortable. Use them as extra seats...
Category

Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of French Empire Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Mounted Armchairs
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A striking pair of late French Empire mahogany armchairs, highly decorated with gilded bronze mounts on the upper back rail and all round the bottom of the seat as well. The curved open front arms terminate in carved dolphins. The chairs have been re-upholsterd in a cream and dark green striped antique silk fabric...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Silk, Mahogany

Pair of Empire Armchairs, Northern Europe, circa 1870.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A pair of EMpire style armchairs, Northern Europe, circa 1870. Very good condition, after professional renovation and changing the upholstery. Wood: mahogany dimensions height 101 cm...
Category

1870s Scandinavian Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Empire Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Pair Armchair
Located in Tarry Town, NY
19th century French Empire style handcrafted gilt bronze mahogany framed upholstered pair of armchair. Each armchairs is set on four straight mahogany legs, the front two of which ar...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Bronze

Impressive 12 Chairs First Empire Napoleon III Early 19th Cent Sold at Sotheby's
Located in Madrid, ES
Impressive 12 chairs first Empire Napoleon III early 19th century. Sold at Sotheby's for €25,000 golden wood and silk 80cm x 48cm provenance: Roman family. perfect condition for...
Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Wood

19th Century Pompeian Style Armchair
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Exceptional 19th century Danish masters work in Pompeian style. Ca 1850 Denmark. The armchair is carved in walnut wood with marquetry inlaid.
Category

19th Century Danish Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Wood

Set of Ten French Empire Mahogany Caned Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Glorious set of ten mahogany dining chairs made in the neoclassical French empire taste. The chairs feature decorative bronze mounts ...
Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Empire Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Settee / Sofa
Located in Tarry Town, NY
19th century French Empire style handcrafted gilt bronze mahogany framed upholstered settee / sofa. The settee features four straight mahogany legs, the front two of which are set on...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Bronze

Amazing Set of Armchair and 2 Chair First Empire Napoleon III Early 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of armchair and 2 chair First Empire Napoleon III early 19th Century France measure armchair: 86cm x 64cm x 54cm measures chairs: 82cm x 50cm x 45cm wood proveniente : Roman...
Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Wood

Vintage Mission Oak Flip-Top Low Stool Commode Trash Box Bucket
Located in Germantown, MD
Versatile use Vintage Mission Oak Low Stool, Bedroom Commode or Trash Box whichever way you want to use it. Very good vintage condition. Measures 14.75"W x ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Late Victorian Seating

Materials

Oak

Elegant French Empire Five Piece Mahogany Salon Set with Bronze Swan Decoration
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stunning parlor set of antique French Empire mahogany and bronze upholstered sofa or loveseat, two armchairs and two side chairs. Fre...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of Antique Claw & Ball Restored Hand Dyed Brown Leather Wingback Armchairs
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of his & her’s fully restored Wingback armchairs in hand dyed brown leather and finished ...
Category

1880s English Late Victorian Antique Seating

Materials

Leather

Antique Victorian Striped Upholstered Chairs, Circa 1890s
Located in Germantown, MD
Antique Eastlake Parlor chair from the Victorian Era approximately the late 1880's - 1890's with original wood front wheels. Very Good C...
Category

Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Antique Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Empire Style High Sided Bench with Gilt Details and Mohair Velvet Upholstery
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1920s French Empire style wooden stool has an antique white painted frame with gilded details and new gray mohair velvet upholstery. Two stools available at the time of posting...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Seating

Materials

Gesso, Upholstery, Wood

Fine Pair of Late 19th Century to Early 20th C Empire Parcel Gilt Benches
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine late 19th century to early 20th century Empire mahogany and parcel gilt pair of benches. Tufted upholstery.
Category

Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Victorian circa 1900 Club Armchair with Chintz Embroidered Upholstery
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer this lovely late Victorian circa 1900 club armchair with stunning Chinz style embroidered upholstery A very good looking and well made armchair, it’s a l...
Category

Early 1900s English Late Victorian Antique Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

1920s Victorian Oak Upholstered Parlor Side Parlor Chairs, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautiful pair of 1920s Victorian Oak Upholstered Parlor Side Parlor Chairs in very good condition. Have been refinished and reupholstered. Very firm seats. Very clean. No stain. O...
Category

Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Pair of French Empire Mahogany Armchairs Attributed to Jacob Desmalter
By Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Stamford, CT
A very fine pair of French Empire mahogany armchairs attributed to Jacob Desmalter, circa 1805. The shaped backs ending in beautifully...
Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Mahogany

1950s Ladies Petite Carved Mahogany and Silk Tufted Upholstered Bureau Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite 1950s ladies Petite carved Mahogany and silk tufted upholstered Bureau chair in beautiful vintage condition. Comfortable seat in good conditi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Late Victorian Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Pair of Antique circa 1900 Haxyes Steamer Deck Chairs Canopy Top & Footrests
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of circa 1900-1920 Haxyes steamer deck chairs with canopy tops and retractable footrests A t...
Category

Early 1900s English Late Victorian Antique Seating

Materials

Canvas, Beech

French Empire Style Bergère Kidney Shaped Stool
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
French Empire style Bergère kidney shaped stool. This is a charming French empire style walnut stool, the stool has a charming golden colour an...
Category

Early 20th Century Empire Seating

Materials

Walnut

Set of Four Empire Barrel Chairs
Located in Belmont, MA
This set of 4 Empire Barrel chairs dates back to around 1810-20. They come from France. The chairs have a very pretty walnut veneer. They have a v...
Category

1810s French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Walnut

Antique Pair of Claw & Ball Feet Leather Club Tub Armchairs Chippendale Cushions
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of vintage circa 1900 hand made in England tub armchairs with carved Claw & Ball feet and Chippendale floating button cushions ...
Category

Early 1900s English Late Victorian Antique Seating

Materials

Leather

French Empire Salon Set After Jean Francois Bellange
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
This three piece early 19 Century salon set features finely carved gold leaf gilded frames accented by rosettes palmettes and acanthus characterizing most French Empire furnitur...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Beech

Empire Restauration Period Armchair Bergère, France, 1825
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Empire restauration period armchair bergère, France, circa 1815-1830. solid mahogani wood with gold leaf details. fully restored, new upholstery with lace up padding. very com...
Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Gold Leaf

Elegant Antique French Carved Wood Recamier Bench with Bronze Mounts
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant and rare French 19th century mahogany recamier bench having pronounced curved sides and lovely carved cabriole legs that terminate in gilded hairy paw feet. There are other g...
Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Bronze

Set of 6 Empire Barrel Chairs, 1810-20
Located in Belmont, MA
This unique and original set of 6 early 19th century Empire barrel chairs stands out for its elegant design. The chairs feature a beautiful walnut...
Category

1810s French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Walnut

Mid 20th Century Cherry Empire Style Dining Armchair
Located in Charlotte, NC
A dining armchair in the Empire style, unbranded. Solid cherry with carved barback crest rail, carved backrest, curved arms, upholstered seat in a gold colored textured fabric and ge...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Empire Seating

Materials

Fabric, Cherry

Set of Eight Antique English Late Victorian Chairs
Located in London, GB
Set of eight antique English late Victorian chairs English, c.1880 Measures: Height 87cm, width 46cm, depth 48cm These excellent chairs were craft...
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Seating

Materials

Wicker, Hardwood

Gorgeous Pair of French Empire Carved Walnut Armchairs with Dolphin Armrests
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Handsome pair of classic French Empire walnut square back carved armchairs with stunning dolphin armrests. Measures: Seat height 17.5 Arm height ...
Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Empire period ormolu and mahogany swans' heads stool
Located in London, GB
Empire period ormolu and mahogany swans' heads stool French, Early 19th Century Height 68cm, width 77cm, depth 39cm This beautiful antique stool is a class...
Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Ormolu

Set of 6 French Empire Dining Chairs in Mahogany with Bronze Mounts
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of 6 French Empire dining chairs in mahogany with bronze mounts are a stylish expression of the genre, with exotic imported ma...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Seating

Materials

Bronze

Mid 20th Century Cherry Empire Style Dining Side Chairs - Pair B
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of dining side chairs in the Empire style, unbranded. Solid cherry with carved barback crest rail, carved backrest, upholstered seat in a gold colored textured fabric and gent...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Empire Seating

Materials

Fabric, Cherry

Vintage Victorian Slipper Chair
Located in Hudson, NY
The vintage Victorian slipper chair, shown here, has been reupholstered in a Coraggio peacock-colored Venetian wool blend. The tufted back and tight ...
Category

Early 20th Century North American Late Victorian Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Finely Carved Mahogany Settee Loveseat Empire Claw Feet Tall Back CLEAN
By J. Horner
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Finely Carved Mahogany Settee Loveseat Empire Claw Feet Tall Back CLEAN
Category

20th Century American Empire Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Mid 20th Century Cherry Empire Style Dining Side Chairs - Pair A
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of dining side chairs in the Empire style, unbranded. Solid cherry with carved barback crest rail, carved backrest, upholstered seat in a gold colored textured fabric and gent...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Empire Seating

Materials

Cherry, Fabric

Antique American Flame Mahogany and Cane Empire Period Recamier or Chaise Longue
Located in Charleston, SC
Rare and important antique American flame mahogany and cane Empire period recamier or chaise longue, acquired from and made for the Charleston ...
Category

Early 19th Century American Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Mahogany, Cane

Late 19th-C. French Empire Gilt Bronze Mahogany Side Chairs - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of late 19th century French Empire mahogany side chairs with gilt bronze mounts. Note the griffins on the legs! The fabric appears to be silk. It is vintage and in ver...
Category

Late 19th Century European Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Bronze

2 Karges French Empire Regency Klismos Dining Arm Chairs Provincial
Located in Dayton, OH
Two vintage Karges French Empire dining arm or accent chairs. Painted white with gold carved accents, scrolled arms, brass plates, saber legs and red upholstery. Karges carefully crafts exquisite masterpieces in their Grand Rapids, Michigan facility. They do not do mass production and make each product upon order. Karges artisans are committed to let every chair, desk, table, bed, chest, sofa, and side piece emerge with integrity and handcraftsmanship and be its own unique piece. n 1886, Albert F. Karges, a first-generation German immigrant, invested $600 and began making moderately priced bedroom furniture of solid oak and walnut. At that time, the river port town of Evansville, Indiana was one of the largest hardwood furniture manufacturing centers in the world. The Company prospered through the turn of the century, and Albert's son Edwin F. Karges, Sr. joined the family business after World War I. He had a keen interest in European designs and traveled extensively in an effort to learn more about the old-world styles. Soon the Karges line took on a more classic look and began separating itself from its competitors as he began to develop his own ideas. Mr. ""K"", active in the company for over 60 years, left elegant, timeless designs, that are still best sellers after 30 years. After World War II Edwin's son, Edwin F. Karges, Jr., joined the business. He was graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Wood Technology, and his knowledge and skill in wood finishing provided the groundwork for developing the Karges finishing process. ""Eddie"", as he was known in the plant, was involved in all aspects of the business and will be ever regarded as the expert in matters relating to the unique Karges finish. In April of 2006, Ed Jr. passed away, leaving Karges personnel greatly saddened by the passing of this wonderfully kind and beloved man. Fortunately, however, he was a great teacher and saw to it that all were well-trained and equipped to carry on his dream for the Company. During the past 30 years, all four of Eddie's children have been involved in the business. Joan Karges Rogier, now President, worked alongside her father for nearly 30 years, representing the fourth generation of leadership. Joan brings to the Company a true understanding and appreciation of the strengths and experiences bequeathed by her predecessors as well as a sincere concern for the workers. She understands why Karges survived and why it remains strong today. Joan would tell you, ""The only way to make the very best furniture in the world is the slow, careful, hands-on way."" This quality philosophy trickles down to the work bench or desk of each employee. Joan's daughter Gretchen is the 5th generation of this amazing story, the child willing and able to work hard and take up the challenge of making furniture in the tried and true method of her progenitors. One might even say the American way. Gretchen has worked along side Ed, Joan, and an army of talented people who know and understand the goal: to make the best furniture possible. Gretchen and her husband Martin, Karges' safety director, maintenance guru and overall ""facilities engineer,"" have done everything required in a small family business. Everything from spearheading a media campaign to repairing damaged windows from a spring storm. Karges' story is not unique in American history, but it is indeed remarkable. As long as this group of dedicated artisans, family and beloved friends is able to continue practicing their craft, doing what will surely be missed should we not be on the scene, so we shall. In 2011 Karges Furniture will achieve the extremely rare distinction of being a 125-year-old, still-family-owned, American furniture manufacturing company. Bravo!! Stenella says: Karges is one of the most expensive and high end furniture manufacturers in the new furniture market. The used Karges furniture...
Category

Mid-20th Century Empire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood, Paint

White Wingback Chair With Ottoman, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
White; Fabric; Wingback Chair; Ottoman; Danish Design; 1950s; Walnut; Wood; Scandinavia; Scandinavian Design; Empire; Pouf; Lounge Chair; Upholstery; Stylish 1950s high back lounge...
Category

1950s Danish Empire Vintage Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Directoire Empire Transition Canape
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A very elegant, ebonised, early 19th Century French canape with fabulous Mermaid tail feet, back and front, and carved lotus flower motif to back.
Category

19th Century Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

17th Century Gilded Italian Chiavari Chairs
Located in Stockholm, SE
Offered for your consideration are a pair of antique Italian 17th century gilded Empire Chiavari chairs. Gilded willow hardwood with woven...
Category

Early 17th Century Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Gold Leaf

Antique Library Armchair, 19th Century
Located in Ely, GB
An unusual and super comfortable, late Victorian library armchair. The armchair has a wonderful shape, which has been completely refurbis...
Category

1880s British Late Victorian Antique Seating

Materials

Faux Leather

Vintage Garden Tete-a-Tete
Located in Sheffield, MA
Add this vintage painted metal Tete-a-Tete to your garden for added seating, charm and interest. Garden bench, outdoor seating, tete a tete.  
Category

Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Seating

Materials

Wire

Rider Gold Velvet and Brass Dining Chair
Located in New York, NY
Parisian Flair. Our modern homage to an Empire style dining chair. Our rider dining chair is petite and glamorous, but ultra-comfy. Great as a dinin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Empire Seating

Materials

Nickel

Antique English Brass Fireplace Trivet Ottoman or Stool
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique late 19th-century brass English fireplace footman trivet. The footman is an elegant nod to days gone by and would be a great decorative accent p...
Category

Late 19th Century American Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Brass

Empire Style Ebonized Cross-Sword Bench with Gilt Highlights
Located in San Francisco, CA
the rectangular upholstered seat above an ebonized wooden frame raised on splayed swords with gilt handles; newer upholstery
Category

1960s American Empire Vintage Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Antique French Empire Giltwood Winged Griffin Needlepoint Inlay Parlor Arm Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire giltwood winged Griffin needlepoint and inlay parlor arm chair. Item features gold gilt wood winged griffin arm supports, bell flo...
Category

Early 20th Century Empire Seating

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Swedish 1830s Empire Style Painted and Upholstered Stool with Spindle Arms
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Empire style painted wooden Curule stool from the mid-19th century, with spindle arms, X-form base and new upholstery. Created in Sweden during the first half of the 19th c...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

American Victorian Tufted Upholstered Red and Beige Checkered Mahogany Armchair
Located in New York, NY
American Victorian Eastlake style armchair with burgundy and beige checkered upholstery with a button tufted roll back and a mahogany frame with carved detail including floral medall...
Category

Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique Seating

Materials

Wood

Empire Armchair with winged Caryatids and yellow Silk Fabric, France circa 1800
Located in Greding, DE
Empire fauteuil in mahogany and yellow silk morée upholstery with red piping and carved winged caryatids, France c. 1800. Lit.: J. Mottheau, Meubles et Emsembles Directoire Empire, T...
Category

Early 1800s French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Silk, Mahogany

Antique French Oak Upholstered Corner Chairs, Circa 1890s
Located in Germantown, MD
Late Victorian period charming antique French oak corner chair with upholstered seats. Will look great in a farmhouse, country French or rustic setting. Very good condition. Newer ...
Category

Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Empire Sofa
Located in New Haven, CT
Second Empire period mahogany sofa with original ormolu mounts including the paw feet. Note: The fabric is in decent condition, but should be reupholstered.
Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century English Carved Oak Hallbench
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Highly carved English Victorian oak hall bench with storage under the lift-up seat and umbrella/stick stands to each side. Bobbin-turned column...
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Seating

Materials

Oak

Empire Mahogany Desk Chair, Early 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The desk chair with carved diamond motif on crest and richly carved griffin wings above articulated paw feet with tan colored leather upholstery. Height: 30" Seat height: 17" Depth: ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Seating

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

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.

Recently Viewed

View All