Poltrona Frau Chester
2010s Sofas
Leather
2010s Italian Living Room Sets
Leather
Recent Sales
Early 2000s Italian Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
Late 20th Century Armchairs
Leather
Early 20th Century Italian Chesterfield Sofas
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1910s Italian Armchairs
Leather
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1970s Japanese Industrial Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Copper, Iron
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
Antique Mid-18th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary British Chinoiserie Wallpaper
Paper
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Loveseats
Faux Leather
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Ceramics
Ceramic
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Crystal
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Jars
Porcelain
1870s Victorian Portrait Paintings
Oil
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Crystal Serveware
Crystal, Ormolu
Antique 19th Century Unknown Quilts and Blankets
Silk
2010s American Modern Sofas
Steel
Vintage 1970s American Organic Modern Dining Room Tables
Hardwood, Olive
Antique 1770s French Louis XVI Vases
Agate, Bronze, Ormolu
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Baroque Revival Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Baroque Revival Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
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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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.
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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.