Skip to main content

Carved Swan Empire Chairs

20th Century Magnificent Empire Swan Chair/Bergere, gold
20th Century Magnificent Empire Swan Chair/Bergere, gold

20th Century Magnificent Empire Swan Chair/Bergere, gold

Located in Berlin, DE

20th Century Magnificent Empire Swan Chair/Bergere, gold Solid wood, hand-carved, with very fine and detailed craftsmanship.

Category

20th Century French Chairs

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Magnificent Empire Swan Chair/Bergere, Black and Gold
20th Century Magnificent Empire Swan Chair/Bergere, Black and Gold

20th Century Magnificent Empire Swan Chair/Bergere, Black and Gold

Located in Berlin, DE

20th Century Magnificent Empire Swan Chair/Bergere, Black and Gold Solid wood, hand-carved, with very fine and detailed craftsmanship.

Category

20th Century French Chairs

Materials

Bronze

ANTIQUE PAIR OF WILLIAM KENT EMPIRE GREEN & GOLD GILT SWAN CARVED SIDE CHAIRs
ANTIQUE PAIR OF WILLIAM KENT EMPIRE GREEN & GOLD GILT SWAN CARVED SIDE CHAIRs

ANTIQUE PAIR OF WILLIAM KENT EMPIRE GREEN & GOLD GILT SWAN CARVED SIDE CHAIRs

By William Kent

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this sublime pair of circa 1880-1900 hand carved side chairs depicting swans, hand painted in green with gol...

Category

Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Wood

1940s Carved Gilt Wood Swan Barrel Chairs, Set of 2
1940s Carved Gilt Wood Swan Barrel Chairs, Set of 2

1940s Carved Gilt Wood Swan Barrel Chairs, Set of 2

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, carved wood swan club chairs on castors set you could hope to find. In the style of George Smith. Outstanding design i...

Category

Vintage 1940s English Empire Club Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

20th Century Napoleonic Swan Chair in the Empire Style Beechwood Poliment Gilded
20th Century Napoleonic Swan Chair in the Empire Style Beechwood Poliment Gilded

20th Century Napoleonic Swan Chair in the Empire Style Beechwood Poliment Gilded

Located in Berlin, DE

Very exact Fine-carved sculpture made of solid beech. Poliment gilded. Arranged frame on plastically carved legs ending in claws. Armrests volute-shaped bent in swan head. High-backe...

Category

20th Century French Empire Armchairs

Materials

Beech

19th Century Gilt Carved Wood Swan Library Chair
19th Century Gilt Carved Wood Swan Library Chair

19th Century Gilt Carved Wood Swan Library Chair

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, chairs you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it be...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Empire Revival Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

19th Century Gilt Carved Wood Swan Wings Library Chair
19th Century Gilt Carved Wood Swan Wings Library Chair

19th Century Gilt Carved Wood Swan Wings Library Chair

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, chairs you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it be...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Empire Revival Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Recent Sales

French Empire Style Parcel Gilt Carved Mahogany Swan Chair
French Empire Style Parcel Gilt Carved Mahogany Swan Chair

French Empire Style Parcel Gilt Carved Mahogany Swan Chair

Located in West Hartford, CT

Elegant French empire style carved mahogany barrel back chair with exquisite gold details and the most magnificent gold swans on both of the arms!

Category

Late 20th Century Empire Club Chairs

Materials

Silk, Mahogany, Giltwood

Antique Empire Style Gondola Chairs, Set of 6 With Carved Swan Heads
Antique Empire Style Gondola Chairs, Set of 6 With Carved Swan Heads

Antique Empire Style Gondola Chairs, Set of 6 With Carved Swan Heads

Located in Houston, TX

Elevate your dining space with these Vintage French Dining Chairs, featuring intricately carved swan heads and solid wood craftsmanship. Their rustic allure and supple upholstery off...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

French Bergere Chair with Gilt Carved Swans
French Bergere Chair with Gilt Carved Swans

French Bergere Chair with Gilt Carved Swans

Sold

H 31.25 in W 26.5 in D 29 in

French Bergere Chair with Gilt Carved Swans

Located in Houston, TX

Revitalize your living space with a 20th Century French Bergere Chair adorned with stunning gilt carved swans and fresh upholstery. This piece seamlessly blends classic French crafts...

Category

20th Century French Empire Revival Bergere Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mid-Century Empire Style Fruitwood & Green Leather Carved Swan Chairs - Pair
Mid-Century Empire Style Fruitwood & Green Leather Carved Swan Chairs - Pair

Mid-Century Empire Style Fruitwood & Green Leather Carved Swan Chairs - Pair

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a pair of American carved mahogany Empire style arm chairs in a vibrant green leather . They are a mid-century find and are unmarked. They have lite general wear.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Empire Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fruitwood

Set of Six French Empire Mahogany Swan Gondola Dining Chairs
Set of Six French Empire Mahogany Swan Gondola Dining Chairs

Set of Six French Empire Mahogany Swan Gondola Dining Chairs

Located in Rio Vista, CA

An elegant set of six French Empire-style side dining chairs, each featuring a remarkable carved swan neck decorative motif.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Damask, Mahogany

You May Also Like

Maitland Smith Regency Style Ebonized and Gilt Armchair
Maitland Smith Regency Style Ebonized and Gilt Armchair

Maitland Smith Regency Style Ebonized and Gilt Armchair

By Maitland Smith

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Dimensions - H: 33 IN W: 22 3/4 IN D: 22 1/2 IN SH: 19 1/2 IN A striking and highly decorative Regency-style armchair by Maitland Smith, embodying the brand’s signature blend of cl...

Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Regency Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer

20th Century Empire Style Napoleonic Swan Armchair
20th Century Empire Style Napoleonic Swan Armchair

20th Century Empire Style Napoleonic Swan Armchair

$1,392

H 46.46 in W 26.38 in D 23.23 in

20th Century Empire Style Napoleonic Swan Armchair

Located in Berlin, DE

Napoleonic pavilion armchair in Empire style. Very exact fine-carved sculpture made of solid, blackened beechwood. Poliment gold-plated. Scratched frame on plastically carved legs e...

Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Wood

1940's Pair French Louis XV Style Carved Armchairs
1940's Pair French Louis XV Style Carved Armchairs

1940's Pair French Louis XV Style Carved Armchairs

$1,395 / set

H 35 in W 23.75 in D 23.75 in

1940's Pair French Louis XV Style Carved Armchairs

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This attractive pair of French Louis XV-style armchairs, dating to approximately the 1940s, displays the graceful curves, restrained carving, and comfortable proportions characterist...

Category

Vintage 1940s French Louis XV Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Maitland-Smith Bergère Lounge Chairs With Gilt Parcel Swan Heads
Pair of Maitland-Smith Bergère Lounge Chairs With Gilt Parcel Swan Heads

Pair of Maitland-Smith Bergère Lounge Chairs With Gilt Parcel Swan Heads

By Maitland Smith

Located in Peabody, MA

A pair of Maitland-Smith empire bergère chairs in parcel gilt with hand-carved swan-neck armrests and silk grosgrain upholstery, circa 1980s. One retains its original foil Maitland S...

Category

Vintage 1980s Indonesian Empire Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Giltwood

French Regency Style Ebonized Chair W/ Gilt Neo-Classical Swans & Tiger Velvet
French Regency Style Ebonized Chair W/ Gilt Neo-Classical Swans & Tiger Velvet

French Regency Style Ebonized Chair W/ Gilt Neo-Classical Swans & Tiger Velvet

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a killer chair! It is a regency style ebonized arm chair with neo-classical giltwood swan arms and paws. The tiger velvet is new. The chair is unmarked and is possibly by Pat...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Empire Bergere Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Fruitwood, Giltwood

Pair of French Early 20th Century Regency Style Mahogany Carved Armchairs
Pair of French Early 20th Century Regency Style Mahogany Carved Armchairs

Pair of French Early 20th Century Regency Style Mahogany Carved Armchairs

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A fine pair of French early 20th century Regency style mahogany carved armchairs, each upholstered in a light cream color pleather, Paris, circa 1920s. Measures: Height 38 3/4 inc...

Category

Early 20th Century French Regency Armchairs

Materials

Synthetic, Mahogany

Companion Pair of Antique French Louis XVI Style Gold Gilt Carved Armchairs
Companion Pair of Antique French Louis XVI Style Gold Gilt Carved Armchairs

Companion Pair of Antique French Louis XVI Style Gold Gilt Carved Armchairs

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Dimensions - H: 36in W: 24in D: 23 1/4in SH: 16 3/4in This pair of antique companion pair of Louis XVI style distressed gilt armchairs is perfect for you and your home and are a lov...

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs

Materials

Gold Leaf

Pair French Regency Style Gold Chartreuse Velvet Music Chairs
Pair French Regency Style Gold Chartreuse Velvet Music Chairs

Pair French Regency Style Gold Chartreuse Velvet Music Chairs

$2,400 / set

H 33.5 in W 16.5 in D 17.75 in

Pair French Regency Style Gold Chartreuse Velvet Music Chairs

Located in Houston, TX

Pair of French Regency style music chairs with a carved and painted wood frame featuring fluted legs. The seat is upholstered in chartreuse velvet and finished with a nailhead trim.

Category

Early 20th Century French Regency Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Antique Swedish Biedermeier Armchairs, Golden Birch, Circa 1850-1880
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Armchairs, Golden Birch, Circa 1850-1880

Antique Swedish Biedermeier Armchairs, Golden Birch, Circa 1850-1880

Located in Lewes, England

Pair of rare antique Swedish Biedermeier armchairs tub chairs with golden birch bentwood arms in a rich honey color French polish finish and with delicately curved legs, C. mid late ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Art Deco Armchairs

Materials

Birch

Pair of Louis XVI-style arm chairs gilt wood, 19 th century
Pair of Louis XVI-style arm chairs gilt wood, 19 th century

Pair of Louis XVI-style arm chairs gilt wood, 19 th century

Located in Houston, TX

Classic louis XVI-style makes these chairs desirable. Fine giltwood carving and carpentry are evident. They are well constructed without any loose joints. They sit very well and the ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs

Materials

Giltwood

Armchair French Giltwood Rococo Style, France
Armchair French Giltwood Rococo Style, France

Armchair French Giltwood Rococo Style, France

$4,000

H 40.5 in W 28.5 in D 20 in

Armchair French Giltwood Rococo Style, France

Located in New York, NY

Armchair French giltwood Rococo style France. An armchair made during the 19th century in France. Frame of giltwood with beautiful carvings. Contemporary upholstery in dark brown cot...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Rococo Armchairs

Materials

Giltwood

19th Century Gold Gilt and Painted Empire Armchair
19th Century Gold Gilt and Painted Empire Armchair

19th Century Gold Gilt and Painted Empire Armchair

$2,396Sale Price|20% Off

H 38.5 in W 25 in D 18 in

19th Century Gold Gilt and Painted Empire Armchair

Located in San Angelo, TX

Here is a beautiful Empire chair that we purchased in Naples, Italy. This is a classic style, with a fun pop of color with blue velvet that can be left as is or can be reupholstered ...

Category

Antique 19th Century European Empire Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Paint

ANTIQUE 1920'S GREEN CHINESE CHINOISERIE HORSESHOE CHAIRS PART OF A LARGE SUiTE
ANTIQUE 1920'S GREEN CHINESE CHINOISERIE HORSESHOE CHAIRS PART OF A LARGE SUiTE

ANTIQUE 1920'S GREEN CHINESE CHINOISERIE HORSESHOE CHAIRS PART OF A LARGE SUiTE

$2,131Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 30.91 in W 22.25 in D 22.64 in

ANTIQUE 1920'S GREEN CHINESE CHINOISERIE HORSESHOE CHAIRS PART OF A LARGE SUiTE

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of original Chinese Chinoiserie Horseshoe armchairs which are part of a large suite Pleas...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Louis XV French Bergere Armchair Finished with Black Leather & Brass Stud Detail
Louis XV French Bergere Armchair Finished with Black Leather & Brass Stud Detail

Louis XV French Bergere Armchair Finished with Black Leather & Brass Stud Detail

Located in Reading, Berkshire

Louis XV Style French Bergère Armchair in Black Leather with Brass Stud Detailing An elegant French Louis XV style bergère armchair, beautifully reimagined in rich black leather and...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Armchairs

Materials

Brass

An Elegant Pair Italian Empire Pale-green Painted and Parcel-gilt Armchairs
An Elegant Pair Italian Empire Pale-green Painted and Parcel-gilt Armchairs

An Elegant Pair Italian Empire Pale-green Painted and Parcel-gilt Armchairs

$12,640Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 36 in W 23.5 in D 24.5 in

An Elegant Pair Italian Empire Pale-green Painted and Parcel-gilt Armchairs

Located in San Francisco, CA

each with incurved back sloping to join a tight seat flanked by bowed arms ending in swan neck terminals; raised on cabriole legs; adorned overall with giltwood acanthus leaves, bell...

Category

Antique 1810s Italian Empire Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Blackened Wood Boudoir Chair - Napoleon III
Blackened Wood Boudoir Chair - Napoleon III

Blackened Wood Boudoir Chair - Napoleon III

$1,142

H 31.89 in W 19.69 in D 23.63 in

Blackened Wood Boudoir Chair - Napoleon III

Located in MOUGINS, FR

Beautiful boudoir chair from the Napoleon III period / late 19th century in blackened and gilded wood. Beautiful tapestry and trimmings in perfect condition. Very sturdy and suit...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Wood

People Also Browsed

18th Century Painted Six Panelled Screen Depicting an European Landscape
18th Century Painted Six Panelled Screen Depicting an European Landscape

18th Century Painted Six Panelled Screen Depicting an European Landscape

Located in London, GB

A six panelled screen of the late Baroque period Oil on canvas, depicting a panoramic view of a Capriccio north European landscape, perhaps Schlesweig-Holstein, with distant views o...

Category

Antique 18th Century German Baroque Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

"Avenir" Walnut Burl Wood Platform Queen Bed by Christiane Lemieux
"Avenir" Walnut Burl Wood Platform Queen Bed by Christiane Lemieux

"Avenir" Walnut Burl Wood Platform Queen Bed by Christiane Lemieux

By Christiane Lemieux

Located in New York, NY

The Avenir Bed showcases the natural beauty of mappa burl in a sculptural, architectural form. Influenced by Milo Baughman and T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings, designers known for refined ge...

Category

2010s Vietnamese Scandinavian Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Burl

Pair of Large Limoges White Porcelain Neoclassical Urn Swan Table Lamps
Pair of Large Limoges White Porcelain Neoclassical Urn Swan Table Lamps

Pair of Large Limoges White Porcelain Neoclassical Urn Swan Table Lamps

$2,950Sale Price / set|25% Off

H 23 in W 10 in D 7.5 in

Pair of Large Limoges White Porcelain Neoclassical Urn Swan Table Lamps

By Limoges

Located in Chicago, IL

Early 20th century white porcelain Limoges lamp (bases). Swan form handles on a neoclassical urn shaped vase. Limoge mark on underside of each. Uncertain to when this mark was used....

Category

Early 20th Century French Hollywood Regency Table Lamps

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Italian Marble Well Head
19th Century Italian Marble Well Head

19th Century Italian Marble Well Head

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Very rare 19th c. Italian Marble Well Head signed by Professor Polizi, Firenze, Italy

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Architectural Elements

Materials

Marble

Meissen Biscuit Figure of Dionysus
Meissen Biscuit Figure of Dionysus

Meissen Biscuit Figure of Dionysus

$6,000

H 8 in W 2.75 in D 2.75 in

Meissen Biscuit Figure of Dionysus

Located in New York, NY

Greek mythological figure of Dionysos, the god of the grape harvest. Youthful sensual portrayal of dionysus, beardless, holding grapes and staff. Meissen, Marcolini period (1774-...

Category

Antique 18th Century German Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Unique Dutch Arts & Crafts Brass & Glass Entry Hall Pendant Light / Lantern
Unique Dutch Arts & Crafts Brass & Glass Entry Hall Pendant Light / Lantern

Unique Dutch Arts & Crafts Brass & Glass Entry Hall Pendant Light / Lantern

Located in Lisse, NL

Unique Dutch Arts & Crafts brass and stained glass entry hall lantern, circa 1900. If you are looking for the best and the rarest when it comes to European Arts and Crafts antiques ...

Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Wire

Pair of Vintage Italian Terracotta Planters
Pair of Vintage Italian Terracotta Planters

Pair of Vintage Italian Terracotta Planters

$1,850 / set

H 16 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in

Pair of Vintage Italian Terracotta Planters

Located in Chicago, IL

This charming pair of vintage Italian terracotta garden planters is designed in the form of woven baskets, complete with thickly rolled rims and sculpted feet. Their surface is richl...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Country Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Terracotta

Magnificent Bust of the Greek God Ares
Magnificent Bust of the Greek God Ares

Magnificent Bust of the Greek God Ares

$2,077Sale Price|20% Off

H 34.26 in W 14.57 in D 8.27 in

Magnificent Bust of the Greek God Ares

Located in London, GB

Magnificent Bust of Ares Ancient Greek God of War His Head slightly turned to his Right Antique white finish Plaster

Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Plaster

English Regency Pagoda Form Tea Caddy
English Regency Pagoda Form Tea Caddy

English Regency Pagoda Form Tea Caddy

On Hold|$3,800

H 6.5 in W 7.25 in D 4.5 in

English Regency Pagoda Form Tea Caddy

Located in Lyndhurst, NJ

Unusual pagoda form caddy finely figured veneers. Interior lids are original and match the exterior of the caddy, resting on brass ball feet

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Tea Caddies

Materials

Tortoise Shell

Art Deco Figured walnut double bed
Art Deco Figured walnut double bed

Art Deco Figured walnut double bed

$2,253

H 50 in W 55 in D 82 in

Art Deco Figured walnut double bed

Located in Barnstaple, GB

Art Deco Figured Walnut double bed dating to Circa 1930. The headboard and footboard are a gorgeous conker colour with figured veneers. The headboard itself has foliate carving to th...

Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Superb Quality Pair of Antique Victorian Mahogany Hall / Side Chairs
Superb Quality Pair of Antique Victorian Mahogany Hall / Side Chairs

Superb Quality Pair of Antique Victorian Mahogany Hall / Side Chairs

Located in Suffolk, GB

A superb pair of antique Victorian mahogany hall / side chairs beautifully crafted with rich carved detail and elegant sweeping forms—an excellent example of mid-19th-century decorat...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Side Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

20th Century Italian Rococo Bird Cage, Hand-Painted Metal & Wood
20th Century Italian Rococo Bird Cage, Hand-Painted Metal & Wood

20th Century Italian Rococo Bird Cage, Hand-Painted Metal & Wood

Located in Queens, NY

Italian Venetian style (20th Cent) octagonal shaped painted and decorated metal and wood bird cage with 8 upholstered seat and back cushions around base. (Franco Zefferelli Collection)

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Rococo Bird Cages

Materials

Metal

French Empire Gilt Mounted Day Bed or Lit en Bateau Sleigh Bed of Flame Mahogany
French Empire Gilt Mounted Day Bed or Lit en Bateau Sleigh Bed of Flame Mahogany

French Empire Gilt Mounted Day Bed or Lit en Bateau Sleigh Bed of Flame Mahogany

Located in Austin, TX

A fine French Empire daybed - historically referred to as a lit en bateau (boat or sleigh bed) due to its iconic curved shape - from the early to mid 19th-century, featuring a decora...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Daybeds

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Louis XVI Style Bergère
French Louis XVI Style Bergère

French Louis XVI Style Bergère

$7,530 / item

H 39.5 in W 28 in D 31.5 in

French Louis XVI Style Bergère

Located in Westwood, NJ

Inspired by an 18th-century original, this fauteuil features a finely carved frame with a paper twist arched top rail, gently downswept padded arms terminating in intricate scrolls, ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Louis XVI Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Golden Bronze Sculpture of a Flying Eagle Signed Piece by J. Duval-Brasseur
Golden Bronze Sculpture of a Flying Eagle Signed Piece by J. Duval-Brasseur

Golden Bronze Sculpture of a Flying Eagle Signed Piece by J. Duval-Brasseur

By Jacques Duval-Brasseur 1

Located in Miami, FL

Superb movement for this bronze sculpture by J Duval Brasseur. The elegant curved lines and the shape of the base give a strong feeling of this flying eagle. Very unique piece by th...

Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Louis XVI Chest of Drawers Commode Marble, Bronze & Brass
Antique French Louis XVI Chest of Drawers Commode Marble, Bronze & Brass

Antique French Louis XVI Chest of Drawers Commode Marble, Bronze & Brass

Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire

Antique French Louis XVI style chest of drawers topped with a grey marble, fluted legs finished with golden bronze clogs. Dovetailed drawers with brass details, and a key. The photo...

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Carved Swan Empire Chairs", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Carved Swan Empire Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of carved swan empire chairs available on 1stDibs. The range of distinct carved swan empire chairs — often made from wood, fabric and animal skin — can elevate any home. Carved swan empire chairs have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Empire and neoclassical carved swan empire chairs are consistently popular styles. There have been many well-made carved swan empire chairs over the years, but those made by Cugini Lanzani are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Carved Swan Empire Chairs?

Prices for carved swan empire chairs start at $1,400 and top out at $58,600 with the average selling for $5,075.

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.