Anglo Chinese Chairs
Vintage 1980s European Other Chairs
Wood, Cane
Antique Late 19th Century British Chairs
Rosewood
Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Corner Chairs
Elm
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinoiserie Dining Room Sets
Upholstery, Teak
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinoiserie Dining Room Sets
Upholstery, Teak
Recent Sales
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Side Chairs
Oak
Antique 1830s Chinese Chairs
Antique 19th Century Chinese Chairs
Early 20th Century Chinese Anglo Raj Armchairs
Antique Late 19th Century Anglo-Indian Chairs
Enamel
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary American Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Side Tables
Wood, Lacquer
Vintage 1960s Chinese Hollywood Regency Table Lamps
Porcelain
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar s Objects
Stone
Antique 19th Century Korean Cabinets
Nickel
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Stainless Steel
Antique 19th Century Chinese Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Ceramic
2010s British Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Alpaca, Beech
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Upholstery
Antique 19th Century Chinese Decorative Boxes
Wood
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Sofas
Fabric, Ash
Antique Early 19th Century English Neoclassical Planters and Jardinieres
Stoneware
Vintage 1980s Regency Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary British Stools
Pine
Vintage 1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Chrome
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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