Unpainted French Chairs
Mid-20th Century French Brutalist Chairs
Hardwood
Vintage 1950s French Brutalist Side Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Dutch Brutalist Chairs
Aluminum
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21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Mid-20th Century French Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Hardwood
Vintage 1970s French Trunks and Luggage
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
2010s French Modern Chairs
Oak
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights an...
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Chestnut
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Stools
Pine
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Doors and Gates
Steel
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
Antique Early 1900s Swiss Black Forest Tables
Antler, Wood
Vintage 1930s French Primitive Stools
Oak
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20th Century French Chairs
Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Beech
Early 20th Century French Chairs
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century French Brutalist Chairs
Hardwood
20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Rattan, Wicker, Wood
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.
- What is a French-style chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023The term French-style chair usually refers to one of two styles of chairs. The first is an upholstered armchair with an exposed wood frame, and the other is a cane chair with loose seat cushions. Both types of French-style chairs are also called bergères. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of bergères from some of the world’s top boutiques.
- What is a French berère chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A French berère chair is a style of chair with an upholstered back and armrests. These French-style chairs are crafted to be wider than standard chairs with comfort in mind. You’ll find a variety of French berère chairs on 1stDibs.
- What are French chairs called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022French chairs are called bergère. Bergères have an upholstered back and armrests with wooden exposed framing. Bergère continues to be a popular style that adds an elegant touch to any room. You’ll find a selection of antique chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023What French bistro chairs are made of varies. Introduced during the 19th century, many French bistro chairs feature a frame made of aluminum or wrought iron, while the seat cushions and backrests of these furnishings are frequently made of rattan. This type of chair became especially popular in the busy cafes of Paris during the 1920s. On 1stDibs, find a selection of bistro chairs.
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