Seating
19th Century European Louis XVI Antique Seating
Leather, Hardwood, Paint
2010s European Mid-Century Modern Seating
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating
Upholstery, Maple, Burl
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Velvet
1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Cane, Beech
Late 20th Century Finnish Bauhaus Seating
Steel, Chrome
1920s Revival Vintage Seating
Leather
2010s Portuguese Modern Seating
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Steel, Chrome
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Seating
Rosewood
19th Century Italian Gothic Antique Seating
Leather, Walnut
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Plastic
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Textile, Beech, Wool
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Wicker, Wood
2010s Portuguese Modern Seating
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Aluminum
2010s Italian Seating
Steel
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Seating
Textile, Beech
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Seating
Ceramic
2010s Italian Seating
Textile
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Chrome
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Papercord, Oak
1960s American Chippendale Vintage Seating
Brass
Late 19th Century English Renaissance Antique Seating
Walnut
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Fabric, Oak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Textile, Mahogany
19th Century Japanese Japonisme Antique Seating
Pine
1660s Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Seating
Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Seating
Rush, Pine
19th Century Antique Seating
Walnut
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Velvet, Wood
19th Century English William IV Antique Seating
Other
2010s Portuguese Modern Seating
Wood, Bouclé, Upholstery
2010s Italian Seating
Textile
1940s French Vintage Seating
Elm, Oak
2010s Mexican Post-Modern Seating
Onyx, Marble
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Fabric, Foam, Wood
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Seating
Wool, Oak, Teak
1950s English Campaign Vintage Seating
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Upholstery
1980s American Art Deco Vintage Seating
Upholstery
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Pine
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Wrought Iron, Wire
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Leather, Lucite
2010s Mexican Post-Modern Seating
Steel
2010s Portuguese Modern Seating
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Seating
Linen, Cane, Wood, Paint
1980s French Post-Modern Vintage Seating
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Upholstery
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Fabric, Oak, Teak
2010s Brazilian Modern Seating
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Bamboo, String
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating
Fabric, Wood
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Beech, Mohair
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Wood, Fruitwood
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Leather, Sheepskin, Beech
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Wool, Beech, Mohair
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Seating
Sheepskin, Beech
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
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.
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.