Roman Sella
2010s Portuguese Greco Roman Stools
Upholstery, Hardwood
2010s Portuguese Greco Roman Stools
Upholstery, Hardwood
2010s Portuguese Greco Roman Stools
Upholstery, Hardwood
Antique Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century Belgian Empire Armchairs
Cane, Bentwood
Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Neoclassical Benches
Wood, Cane
20th Century French Empire Chairs
Metal, Ormolu
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather
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Antique 18th Century English Georgian Sofas
Beech
Mid-20th Century Belgian Space Age Sofas
Steel
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Furniture
Lacquer
Vintage 1920s English George I Chairs
Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Bronze
Late 20th Century American Statues
Bronze
Antique 1870s Austrian Fireplaces and Mantels
Wood
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Footstools
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Trimming
Vintage 1910s French Rococo Figurative Sculptures
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Early 20th Century Italian American Classical Busts
Bronze
Antique 16th Century French Renaissance Armchairs
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Chairs
Hardwood
Antique 19th Century French Moorish Busts
Bronze
2010s Portuguese Architectural Elements
Bronze, Stainless Steel, Chrome, Steel
Recent Sales
20th Century French Stools
Fabric, Beech
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Stools
Antique Early 1900s European Classical Roman Side Chairs
Wrought Iron
Antique Early 19th Century French Regency Stools
Mahogany
Antique Early 1800s French Directoire Stools
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Stools
Linen, Walnut
20th Century Italian Stools
Brass, Wrought Iron
Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Neoclassical Armchairs
Bronze
Antique Early 1900s European Classical Roman Side Chairs
Wrought Iron
Antique 19th Century Italian Greco Roman Figurative Sculptures
Marble, Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Stools
Wood
Antique Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Armchairs
Leather, Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century British Regency Stools
Upholstery, 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
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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.