Large Round Settee
Antique Early 19th Century American Neoclassical Settees
Wood
Antique 1870s French Settees
Damask, Giltwood
Late 20th Century American Modern Settees
Leather
Vintage 1910s American Arts and Crafts Settees
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Steel
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Wool, Teak
Vintage 1950s Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Steel
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Vintage 1930s Italian Arts and Crafts Chairs
Fabric, Cherry, Bentwood
Vintage 1920s Italian Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
Vintage 1910s French Louis XVI Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze
2010s American Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Living Room Sets
Silk, Giltwood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Living Room Sets
Fabric, Giltwood
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Bouclé, Upholstery
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Living Room Sets
Silk, Wood
2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Composition
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Bouclé, Wood
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
Birch
Early 20th Century American Renaissance Revival Tableware
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1910s American Arts and Crafts Bookcases
Brass
Vintage 1960s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments
Aluminum
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Settees
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Settees
Linen, Wood, Paint
Antique Late 19th Century English Empire Living Room Sets
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century French Settees
Antique 19th Century French Settees
Giltwood
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Settees
Leather, Oak
Antique Mid-19th Century French Provincial Settees
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Velvet, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Colonial Revival Painted Furniture
Teak
Early 20th Century European Edwardian Sofas
Oak
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wool, Walnut
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Sofas
Wood, Mohair
2010s European Hollywood Regency Sofas
Wood
Early 20th Century French Living Room Sets
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Metal
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Sofas
Paint, Fabric, Linen, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Walnut, Animal Skin, Sheepskin
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Stools
Antique Late 19th Century French Directoire Benches
Beech
Antique Late 19th Century French Directoire Benches
Beech, Fabric
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Settees
Linen, Wood, Gesso
20th Century Italian Art Deco Settees
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Victorian Patio and Garden Furniture
Iron
Antique Late 19th Century French Directoire Benches
Canvas, Beech
Antique Late 19th Century French Directoire Benches
Fabric, Beech
20th Century American Neoclassical Sofas
Brass
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Armchairs
Leather, Wood
20th Century Settees
Plywood
Vintage 1950s American Patio and Garden Furniture
Antique 19th Century English Side Tables
Walnut
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.
Read More
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This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Riotous Shapes and Colors Have Made Uchronia’s Designs the Toast of Paris
Julien Sebban’s energetic design collective is radically reshaping the look of 21st-century European furniture and interiors.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.
Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.