Contrast Welt
Vintage 1940s French Armchairs
Cherry, Fabric
Antique 19th Century Settees
21st Century and Contemporary Pillows and Throws
20th Century Italian Club Chairs
Velvet, Upholstery
Vintage 1940s French Chairs
Raffia, Leather
Vintage 1950s American Wingback Chairs
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary Pillows and Throws
Cotton
Vintage 1950s Armchairs
Vintage 1940s American Chairs
Wood, Foam, Fabric
Vintage 1940s Armchairs
Fruitwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Hardwood, Down, Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Hardwood, Down, Upholstery
Vintage 1930s French Armchairs
Wood, Upholstery
Vintage 1940s French Dining Room Chairs
Vintage 1940s French Club Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1950s American Wingback Chairs
20th Century American Chairs
Wood, Rattan, Cotton
Vintage 1950s American Side Chairs
Mohair
Vintage 1940s French Club Chairs
Early 20th Century American Wingback Chairs
Wool
Vintage 1930s Czech Armchairs
Fabric
20th Century Benches
Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Sofas
Vintage 1960s American Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American American Classical Sofas
Mohair, Wood
Vintage 1950s French Neoclassical Daybeds
Wood, Upholstery
Vintage 1960s American Sofas
Antique 1790s French Directoire Bergere Chairs
Paint
Vintage 1940s American American Classical Chairs
Velvet, Hardwood
Vintage 1940s American Bergere Chairs
Wood, Velvet
Early 20th Century Swedish Benches
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Ottomans and Poufs
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Brass, Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Wool
Antique Mid-18th Century Austrian Sofas
Cane, Hardwood
20th Century Chinoiserie Armchairs
Wood, Linen
Vintage 1930s American Sofas
Wood, Mohair, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sectional Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Down
20th Century American Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s American Club Chairs
Vintage 1950s American Wingback Chairs
Vintage 1970s American Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Vintage 1930s Armchairs
Vintage 1950s American Armchairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Wingback Chairs
Lacquer
Vintage 1940s American Club Chairs
Vintage 1940s French Chairs
Vintage 1960s Sofas
Vintage 1950s American Settees
Vintage 1940s American Lounge Chairs
Vintage 1960s Chairs
Vintage 1950s Lounge Chairs
20th Century Unknown Chairs
Upholstery
Vintage 1940s American Chairs
Vintage 1940s American Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1930s American Lounge Chairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Maple, Upholstery
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Contrast Welt For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Contrast Welt?
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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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.