Dragon Settee
Vintage 1920s French Empire Revival Settees
Bronze
Early 20th Century Unknown Louis XV Settees
Fabric, Walnut
Recent Sales
Antique 1820s Settees
Fabric
20th Century Settees
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Directoire Settees
20th Century Settees
Hardwood
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Wood
Antique 19th Century Chinese Benches
Wood
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Settees
Teak
Early 20th Century American Sofas
Mahogany
20th Century American Sofas
Wood, Silk, Linen
Antique 1890s Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Wood
People Also Browsed
Antique 19th Century European Louis XVI Settees
Rattan, Giltwood
Antique Mid-19th Century German Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Daybeds
Wood
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames
Velvet, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Vanities
Ormolu
Early 2000s French French Provincial Chaise Longues
Brass, Steel
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Settees
Textile, Wood
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Sofas
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Loveseats
Mohair, Upholstery, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Aluminum, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Asian French Provincial Bookcases
Wood
Early 20th Century Caribbean British Colonial Chairs
Cane, Mahogany
...
Antique 19th Century French Vitrines
Brass, Ormolu
Vintage 1950s French Louis XVI Settees
Silk, Velvet, Wood
Antique Early 1800s English Egyptian Prints
Paper
Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Rocking Chairs
Silver Leaf
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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