19th Century Inlay Savonarola Armchair
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Armchairs
Rosewood
Antique Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Armchairs
Brass
Antique 19th Century Italian Side Chairs
Wool
Recent Sales
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Armchairs
Bone, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century Armchairs
Silver
Antique 19th Century Italian Armchairs
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Italian Renaissance Armchairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Indian British Colonial Armchairs
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Anglo-Indian Armchairs
Bone, Walnut
Antique 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Armchairs
Wood
20th Century Moorish Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century Renaissance Chairs
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Indian Armchairs
Bone, Rosewood
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Early 20th Century European Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal, Brass, Wire
Mid-20th Century French Platters and Serveware
Porcelain
Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Side Tables
Birch, Elm
Antique 19th Century Chaise Longues
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Murano Glass
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Chestnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Chairs
Brass
20th Century Tableware
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s American Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Federal Bookcases
Leather, Glass, Mahogany
20th Century Art Nouveau Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Table Lamps
Ormolu
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood
Antique 19th Century Indian Rustic Blanket Chests
Iron
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Crystal Serveware
Crystal, Ormolu
Early 20th Century Wall-mounted Sculptures
Ceramic
Finding the Right Seating for You
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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