Antique Leather Fireside Chairs
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Wingback Chairs
Leather
Antique Early 19th Century European Rustic Armchairs
Leather, Walnut
Recent Sales
2010s British Georgian Wingback Chairs
Leather, Beech
Antique 1880s French Renaissance Revival Chairs
Leather, Oak
Early 20th Century British Club Chairs
Oak
20th Century English Georgian Wingback Chairs
Leather
Antique Late 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Lounge Chairs
Leather
Early 20th Century English Armchairs
Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Armchairs
Leather, Walnut
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2010s American Floor Lamps
Iron
2010s American Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Screens and Room Dividers
Metal
Vintage 1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs
Wool, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights an...
Steel, Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables
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Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Wool, Oak
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Chaise Longues
Other
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Antique 19th Century English Edwardian Screens and Room Dividers
Cotton, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Blown Glass
Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Brass, Iron, Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century German Wall Clocks
Brass
20th Century Unknown Regency Revival Side Chairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
20th Century American George III Wingback Chairs
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century American Colonial Cabinets
Glass, Maple
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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