Ray Wilkes Chiclet Chair
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Chairs
Metal
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s American Club Chairs
Textile
Vintage 1970s Post-Modern Club Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Chairs
Fabric
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Upholstery
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Wool
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric
Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Armchairs
Metal
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric
Late 20th Century American Lounge Chairs
Fabric
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
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Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Travertine, Brass, Metal
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Glass, Wood, Oak
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Upholstery
2010s American Organic Modern Decorative Boxes
Walnut
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sideboards
Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Chrome
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Night Stands
Bakelite, Beech
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Buffets
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Linen, Velvet
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables
Brass
Vintage 1970s Side Tables
Rattan
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Stoneware
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Dressers
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Gold Leaf, Bronze
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Wood, Teak
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.