Harpist Stool
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Stools
Hardwood
Antique 19th Century Restauration Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Side Chairs
Wood, Beech
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Antique 1890s British Edwardian Stools
Fabric, Wood
20th Century British Edwardian Stools
Mahogany
Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Stools
Fabric, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Vitrines
Wood
Antique 19th Century British Empire Chairs
Leather, Cane, Beech
Vintage 1910s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Fabric, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Edwardian Stools
Mahogany
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Stools
Fabric, Beech
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Vitrines
Marble, Bronze
Antique 19th Century English Stools
Walnut
Late 20th Century English Georgian Club Chairs
Brass
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Animal Sculptures
Glass, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century British Edwardian Stools
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Queen Anne Bedroom Sets
Walnut
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Armchairs
Rush, Ash
Antique 19th Century German Cupboards
Bronze
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Antique 1880s French French Provincial Stools
Walnut
Vintage 1940s French Stools
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Swivel Chairs
Brass, Steel
Early 20th Century Regency Swivel Chairs
Mahogany
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Stools
Brass
Antique Mid-18th Century European Rococo Chairs
Walnut
Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Stools
Walnut
Antique 1830s English William IV Stools
Hardwood
Antique 19th Century French Restauration Swivel Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Stools
Walnut
Antique 19th Century British Stools
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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Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
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Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
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After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.