Thomas Jefferson Chair
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Chairs
Leather, Walnut
Vintage 1970s American American Colonial Dining Room Chairs
Cane, Wood
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Vintage 1940s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1940s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1940s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Wood
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Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Rush, Oak
Mid-20th Century Italian Baroque Revival Dining Room Sets
Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Armchairs
Wood
Antique 1860s British Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Hardwood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Federal Side Chairs
Rush, Wood
2010s French Modern Chairs
Oak, Fabric, Bouclé
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Pine
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Country Cabinets
Pine
1970s Old Masters Portrait Paintings
Oil, Canvas
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
Laminate, Plywood
20th Century Unknown George II Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Wood, Burl
Antique Early 1800s Spanish French Provincial Side Chairs
Poplar
Vintage 1980s English Benches
Leather
Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Armchairs
Upholstery, Fruitwood
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 ExpertMarch 3, 2023Yes, Thomas Jefferson is believed to have created a swivel chair out of a Windsor chair that he had in his home. However, Thomas E. Warren was the inventor who developed the modern swiveling chair on wheels. Called the Centripetal Spring armchair, his design dates back to 1849. Shop a range of swivel chairs on 1stDibs.
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