Porters Balloon Chairs
Mid-20th Century Unknown Hollywood Regency Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Wingback Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chairs
Bamboo, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Louis XV Chairs
Suede, Cane
20th Century French Provincial Wingback Chairs
Brass
Recent Sales
Vintage 1920s French Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century French Armchairs
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary French Provincial Wingback Chairs
Brass
Early 2000s Lounge Chairs
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Armchairs
20th Century Louis XV Armchairs
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2010s Dutch Modern Side Tables
Marble
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Lanterns
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Table Lamps
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s Portuguese Modern Pillows and Throws
Cotton, Velvet
2010s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century Dutch Sofas
Fabric, Palmwood
Antique 19th Century American American Classical Sofas
Mahogany, Burl
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
Vintage 1920s Hungarian Other Paintings
Canvas
21st Century and Contemporary American Anglo-Indian Taxidermy
Wood, Feathers
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Wall Mirrors
Mirror, Oak
2010s American Modern Night Stands
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Table Lamps
Agate
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 ExpertAugust 15, 2024A porter's chair is called that due to its history. Early examples of porter's chairs date back to medieval England and France. At that time, households positioned the chairs near the front doors of homes to give the hall porters a place to sit while they waited to receive guests. Although hall porters are less commonly employed in homes today, the upholstered chairs with their curved, deep backs continue to bear the name. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs.
- What is a balloon back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A balloon back chair is a specific type of seat that became popular during the Victorian era. It features a curved back that tapers as it travels down to the seat. Many balloon back chairs are armless, and nearly all examples feature upholstered seats. You'll find a range of balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Balloon back chairs are from the Victorian era, which lasted from the late 1830s to the turn of the 20th century. These chairs get their name from their rounded backrests and narrow waists, which make it seem like their tops have ballooned or grown in size. On 1stDibs, shop a range of balloon back chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Balloon back chairs were made mostly in the Victorian era, as they were highly popular at this time in the 19th century. It is generally regarded as a classic antique dining room chair. Browse an array of authentic antique balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.
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