Lee Industries Ottoman
20th Century American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery
20th Century American Arts and Crafts Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs
Leather
Recent Sales
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Textile
2010s American Bohemian Ottomans and Poufs
Metal
Mid-20th Century Post-Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery
Vintage 1980s American Chesterfield Ottomans and Poufs
Chrome
Late 20th Century American Louis XVI Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Regency Swivel Chairs
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Hollywood Regency Club Chairs
Upholstery
Early 2000s American Art Deco Club Chairs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
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21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Empire Center Tables
Wood
2010s Mexican Brutalist Contemporary Art
Wood
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Bouclé, Ash
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Bergere Chairs
Velvet, Wood
2010s American Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1980s English Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Daybeds
Fabric, Walnut
Late 20th Century Louis XVI End Tables
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Side Tables
Brass
2010s French Modern Chairs
Oak, Fabric, Bouclé
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Linen
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Bergere Chairs
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary French Organic Modern Pillows and Throws
Chenille, Down, Feathers
2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Maple, Oak, Plywood
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.