Rattan Gossip Bench
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees
Rattan
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20th Century American American Classical Benches
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21st Century and Contemporary Chandeliers and Pendants
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Early 2000s Italian Modern Lounge Chairs
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Glass, Wood, Giltwood
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Brass
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Dressers
Bronze
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Country Corner Cupboards
Pine
2010s French Architectural Elements
Iron
Late 20th Century Hollywood Regency Benches
Wrought Iron
1990s Italian Post-Modern Chaise Longues
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Metal
Vintage 1980s Lounge Chairs
Cotton
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Cherry
20th Century French Art Nouveau Buffets
Cherry
Mid-20th Century English Patio and Garden Furniture
Wicker, Cane
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.
- When were gossip benches made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Gossip benches, also known as telephone benches, became popular shortly after the telephone was invented in the 1870s. They’re still made to this day, and are beloved by many homeowners and interior designers for their vintage flair. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary gossip benches from some of the world’s top sellers.
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