Tulip Bench
Late 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Benches
Aluminum
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Benches
Steel
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century Rustic Benches
Tulipwood
Vintage 1970s American Benches
Walnut, Fiberglass
Antique 18th Century English Benches
Oak
Antique Early 1900s French Empire Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Metal
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Game Tables
Slate, Aluminum
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Game Tables
Slate, Aluminum
Early 20th Century Italian Benches
Velvet, Tulipwood
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Benches
Walnut
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Mid-20th Century Dutch Art Deco Armchairs
Metal
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Alabaster, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...
Onyx, Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Space Age Sofas
Stainless Steel
2010s Italian Art Deco Screens and Room Dividers
Brass
2010s American Organic Modern Barware
Brass
Mid-20th Century English Neoclassical Benches
Iron
Vintage 1970s American Space Age Wardrobes and Armoires
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Steel, Chrome
Early 20th Century English Country Benches
Iron
Late 20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1980s American Space Age Wall Brackets
Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Country Benches
Iron
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Chinese and East Asian Rugs
Wool
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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Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
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The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.