Midcentury Reading Chair
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Rosewood, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Unknown Revival Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Upholstery, Oak
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Upholstery, Beech
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Upholstery, Ash
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Upholstery, Cherry
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Fiberglass, Beech
Vintage 1970s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Beech
Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Beech
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Steel
Mid-20th Century Czech Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Czech Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Czech Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Birch
Mid-20th Century French Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Upholstery, Oak
Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Armchairs
Rush, Oak
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Armchairs
Rush, Oak
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
2010s British Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1960s Chairs
Wool, Teak
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Club Chairs
Fabric
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets
Metal
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Danish Chairs
Antique Mid-19th Century English Georgian Chairs
Wood, Leather
Late 20th Century British Club Chairs
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Federal Wingback Chairs
Fabric, Textile, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Enamel
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Fabric
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Teak
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Linen, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Bauhaus Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Fabric
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Leather, Plastic
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Oak
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Linen, Walnut
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Walnut
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Walnut, Mohair
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1970s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Canvas, Beech
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Bouclé, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Side Chairs
Rattan
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Chairs
Fabric, Beech, Teak
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Cane, Walnut
- 1
Midcentury Reading Chair For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Midcentury Reading Chair?
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 ExpertOctober 12, 2021The best chair for reading is ultimately a matter of preference. You’ll want to think about a comfortable chair that will be suitable to sit in for a long period — think about form, upholstery, whether the chair will support your back and neck properly and more. Keep your space constrictions in mind as well as your budget. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique, new and vintage chairs.
- What makes a good reading chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A good reading chair will have a high, firm back to provide enough support to the neck and back. It should also have comfortable armrests so that one’s arms are relaxed and it is easy to prop a book. A plush upholstered cushion for the seat will make the reading experience even better. Find a collection of antique and vintage reading chairs on 1stDibs today.
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