Empire Style Seating
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Vintage 1940s French Empire Armchairs
Antique 19th Century French Empire Stools
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Empire Bergere Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1940s Italian Sofas
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Burl
Vintage 1940s American American Empire Armchairs
Mahogany
20th Century Empire Benches
Upholstery, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Empire Armchairs
Fabric, Wood, Giltwood
Antique Mid-19th Century French Empire Chairs
Ebony, Giltwood
Early 20th Century French Empire Benches
Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Empire Chairs
Cotton, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Empire Sofas
Walnut
1990s American Empire Armchairs
Wood
Vintage 1910s European Empire Armchairs
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century Unknown Empire Stools
Wood
Early 20th Century French Empire Chairs
Antique 19th Century French Empire Daybeds
Cotton
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Armchairs
Upholstery, Giltwood
Vintage 1940s Dutch Empire Armchairs
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1960s Empire Benches
Faux Leather, Paint, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Empire Benches
Velvet, Giltwood
20th Century Unknown Empire Armchairs
Antique Early 1900s French Empire Revival Benches
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Antique 19th Century French Empire Bergere Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Walnut
Vintage 1950s French Empire Armchairs
Antique Late 19th Century Empire Chairs
Other
20th Century American Stools
Wood
Vintage 1940s Argentine Settees
Wood, Fabric
Early 20th Century French Benches
Wood
French Daybeds
20th Century Sofas
Wood
Early 20th Century French Empire Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Sofas
Antique 1880s Swedish Empire Chairs
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Armchairs
Walnut
20th Century French Stools
Brass
20th Century Empire Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1950s French Empire Stools
Brass
20th Century American Armchairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century European Empire Stools
Brass
Vintage 1930s French Empire Side Chairs
Wood, Paint, Fabric
Antique 1860s Swedish Empire Sofas
Cotton, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Leather, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Empire Sofas
Wood
Early 20th Century French Empire Chairs
Brass, Wrought Iron
Antique 19th Century French Settees
Wood, Velvet, Upholstery
Early 20th Century American Sofas
Mahogany, Paint, Upholstery
Vintage 1930s French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Burlap, Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Empire Armchairs
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Chairs
Wood
Antique 1870s French Empire Armchairs
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1910s French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Velvet, Mahogany
Antique 1820s French Empire Bergere Chairs
- 1
- ...
Empire Style Seating For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Empire Style Seating?
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Classical world is primarily what influenced French Empire furniture. Greek and Roman motifs appear on many pieces. In addition, the opulence of Egyptian furniture inspired furniture makers active during the period. On 1stDibs, shop a range of French Empire furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024The difference between the Biedermeier and Empire styles lies largely in the characteristics most commonly associated with them. Although these two furniture styles both emerged around 1815 and persisted into the 1840s, pieces associated with them have differing features. Developed in France, the Empire style emphasized ornamentation and grandeur, with furniture makers often drawing inspiration from ancient Roman forms. Dark woods were the most commonly used materials of the style. In Germany and other parts of Central Europe, artisans working in the Biedermeier style favored simplicity. They also tended to source woods locally and chose light finishes for their pieces. Explore a selection of Biedermeier and Empire furniture on 1stDibs.
Read More
All the Furniture in This Organic Modern Soho Loft Can Be Yours
Andrianna Shamaris has filled her epic new home with pieces of her own design.
20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
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.