Chippendale Ribband Back Chair
Antique 1890s English Chippendale Chairs
Fabric, Upholstery, Mahogany
People Also Browsed
Antique 19th Century English Chesterfield Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Oak
20th Century American Campaign Armchairs
Brass
Antique 1760s English Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique 1830s English William IV Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Victorian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Brass, Steel
Antique Early 1900s French Directoire Bergere Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Chairs
Cotton, Wood
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Bergere Chairs
Mohair, Upholstery
Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Wingback Chairs
Leather
Antique 18th Century Louis XIV Chairs
Leather, Wood
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Side Chairs
Velvet, Hardwood
Antique 1850s French Mantel Clocks
Malachite, Bronze, Ormolu
Early 20th Century North American Paintings
Canvas, Paint
Late 20th Century Armchairs
Leather
1990s Italian Modern Swivel Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century English Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Late 20th Century Indonesian Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany, Wood
Antique 19th Century English Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century European Chippendale Side Chairs
Mahogany, Upholstery
Antique Late 19th Century English Chippendale Settees
Brocade, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Chippendale Side Chairs
Hardwood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Side Chairs
Mahogany
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.