Seng Of Chicago
Vintage 1950s Stools
Rattan
Vintage 1930s German Mid-Century Modern Settees
Metal
Early 20th Century American Renaissance Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Oak, Walnut, Burl
Mid-20th Century American Modern Armchairs
Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Modern Armchairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Modern Armchairs
Steel
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20th Century Italian Baroque Dining Room Tables
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century Scottish Desks and Writing Tables
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights an...
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Organic Modern Table Lamps
Linen, Wood
Vintage 1950s Stools
Wicker, Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
Birch
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs
Textile, Cane, Wood, Hardwood
Vintage 1970s French Organic Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Foam, Upholstery
Antique Early 19th Century British Regency Tables
Rosewood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Walnut
Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus Sofas
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Steel
Recent Sales
Vintage 1950s American Armchairs
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Iron
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Rattan
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s American Side Chairs
Vintage 1960s American Stools
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Stools
Wrought Iron, Steel
Vintage 1950s American Stools
Brass, Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Iron
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Iron
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1950s American Armchairs
Metal
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 22, 2022Ludwig Mies van der Rohe lived in the Lake Shore Drive apartment towers in Chicago. He moved to the city in 1938. Once there, Mies worked as an architect. He also served as the dean of the Illinois Institute of Technology. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Mies van der Rohe furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022There are numerous Mies van der Rohe buildings. The campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology is home to 20 of his designs, such as the Minerals and Metals Research Building and the Engineering Research Building. Other Mies van der Rohe buildings found in Chicago include the Promontory Apartments, the 860-880 Lake Shore Apartments, the Chicago Federal Center and the Esplanade Apartment Buildings. Shop a selection of Mies van der Rohe furniture on 1stDibs.
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