Seating
Mid-20th Century North American Victorian Seating
Wrought Iron
19th Century Swedish Victorian Antique Seating
Cotton, Linen, Pine
2010s Italian Victorian Seating
Gold Leaf
19th Century American Victorian Antique Seating
Iron
19th Century American Victorian Antique Seating
Iron
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Seating
Iron, Wrought Iron
2010s European Industrial Seating
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Wrought Iron
1960s French Industrial Vintage Seating
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary American Seating
Fabric, Wood
Early 20th Century Spanish Victorian Seating
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Seating
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Seating
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Seating
Wrought Iron
2010s Brazilian Seating
Upholstery, Cane, Hardwood
Early 20th Century American Victorian Seating
Metal
Early 20th Century American Victorian Seating
Metal
Early 20th Century American Victorian Seating
Jute, Wicker, Reed, Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century North American Victorian Seating
Wrought Iron
19th Century Indian Victorian Antique Seating
Wicker
Early 20th Century American Victorian Seating
Naugahyde, Wicker, Wood
20th Century French Victorian Seating
Iron
20th Century French Victorian Seating
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Early 20th Century American Victorian Seating
Naugahyde, Wicker, Wood
1940s American Victorian Vintage Seating
Iron
Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique Seating
Iron
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Seating
Brass
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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