Lyre Back Chair Jansen
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Brass, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs
Iron
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Brass
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Vintage 1940s Argentine Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Side Chairs
Vintage 1940s French Dining Room Chairs
Vintage 1950s French Dining Room Chairs
Bronze
Vintage 1950s French Louis XVI Chairs
Beech
Vintage 1960s French Louis XVI Dining Room Chairs
Beech
Vintage 1940s Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Bronze, Iron
Vintage 1950s French Neoclassical Dining Room Sets
Brass, Wrought Iron
20th Century Dining Room Chairs
Wood, Leather
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1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Footstools
Brass
2010s Italian Other Chandeliers and Pendants
Blown Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Vintage 1980s French Vanities
Metal
Mid-20th Century English Dinner Plates
Porcelain
Antique 18th Century and Earlier American American Classical Sofas
Antique 18th Century Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Patio and Garden Furniture
Wrought Iron
2010s Belgian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures
Clay
Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Louis XVI Fireplaces and Mantels
Belgian Black Marble
Antique 18th Century and Earlier European Empire Porcelain
Porcelain
Vintage 1950s Italian Wall Lights and Sconces
Silver Plate
Vintage 1960s English Georgian Platters and Serveware
Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Louis XVI Loveseats
Wood
2010s Belgian Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures
Clay
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.
- What is a lyre back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A lyre back chair is a type of furniture used for seating that originated during the early 18th century. It features a square back embellished with wood shaped like a lyre, an ancient stringed musical instrument. On 1stDibs, find a variety of lyre back chairs.
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