$6,000 / set
Rare Midcentury Tony Paul Chairs Set of Six
By Tony Paul
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A rare set of six mid-century Tony Paul chairs, model No. 701. The iron frames are strong and sturdy.
Steel, Iron
$3,360Sale Price / set|31% Off
Pair of Vintage Tony Paul Sling Chairs
By Tony Paul
Located in Pasadena, TX
A pair of vintage sculptural Tony Paul Sling Chairs with reinforced black leather seats and backrests and a chrome frame.
Chrome
$675 / item
Pair Wrought Iron Chairs after Tony Paul
By Tony Paul
Located in New York, NY
Stylish pair of midcentury wrought iron chairs, having hoop form backs, and newly upholstered pad seats (blue Sunbrella fabric). Both chairs are in very good, clean condition showing...
Wrought Iron
Wrought Iron Chair Att. to Tony Paul with Tilt Backrest
By Tony Paul
Located in New York, NY
This example is in very good, original, clean and ready to use condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age. Design attributed to Tony Paul, unsigned.
Wrought Iron
Pair of Triangular Midcentury Lounge Chairs by Tony Paul
By Tony Paul
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Triangular Lounge Chairs by Tony Paul, c. 1954, USA Enameled Steel with Canvas and Rattan Seats H 42" x W 20" x D 28" / Seat Ht 14.5" *Wear consistent with age and use.
Steel
Mid-Century Ice Cream Parlor Chairs by Tony Paul, Orange Upholstery
By Tony Paul
Located in Queens, NY
(TONY PAUL)(PRICED AS SET) Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Fabric
Wrought Iron Dining Chairs in the Style of Tony Paul
By Tony Paul
Located in Denton, TX
Rare set of four "Pasadena" Iron dining chairs by Polly of California. Architechual design makes these very dramatic for any dining room or patio.
Iron
MCM Rocking Chair in Canvas on Wrought Iron Base After Tony Paul, c. 1960's
By Tony Paul
Located in Deland, FL
Constructed from wrought iron with the original forest green canvas seat and back. An exceptional build. Buy them as-is or message us prior to checkout if you are interested to discu...
Canvas
Mid-Century Modern Wrought Iron Dining Chairs Attributed To Tony Paul
By Tony Paul, Salterini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Delicate set of four wrought iron dining armchairs attributed to Tony Paul feature minimal frames with concentric loops as backrests and seats newly upholstered in "Firenze Ruby" by ...
Wrought Iron
$3,230 / set
Jerry Johnson Sling Chairs
By Tony Paul
Located in Denton, TX
New Leather and black matte powder coating vintage Sling chairs Designed by Jerry Johnson.
Iron
Pair of Tony Paul Chairs
By Tony Paul
Located in Oakland, CA
These whimsical chairs were designed by Tony Paul and were distributed by Raymor in the 1950's.
Iron
Pair of Tony Paul Sling Chairs
By Tony Paul
Located in Austin, TX
Two atomic age chairs by Tony Paul. Original black leather seat with chrome and steel frame construction that breaks down for transport.
Chrome, Steel
Set of Four Tony Paul Chairs
By Tony Paul
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Tony Paul for Rubel,1954. Love these and you will too! ;-)! Super sexy and very comfortable. They retain their original painted surface but for a fee can be transformed...
Wrought Iron
Tony Paul, Chairs, Brass, Green Velvet, Rubel, America, 1954
By Tony Paul
Located in High Point, NC
A pair brass and green velvet chairs designed by Tony Paul and produced by Rubel, United States, 1954.
Brass
Tony Paul, Chairs, Brass, Green Velvet, Rubel, America, 1954
By Tony Paul
Located in High Point, NC
A pair brass and green velvet chairs designed by Tony Paul and produced by Rubel, United States, 1954.
Brass
Tony Paul, Chairs, Brass, Green Velvet, Rubel, America, 1954
By Tony Paul
Located in High Point, NC
A pair brass and green velvet chairs designed by Tony Paul and produced by Rubel, United States, 1954.
Brass
Tony Paul Tilt Back Chair Raymor
By Raymor, Tony Paul
Located in New Windsor, NY
Tony Paul designed metal frame tilt back chair. Black metal frame with wire metal mesh back and upholstered in its original black vinyl and a refreshed kelly green fabric seat.
Iron, Steel
Set of 4 Tony Paul Side Chairs
By Tony Paul
Located in Los Angeles, CA
side chairs w/canvas back, round rattan seat, & iron legs
Iron
Pair of Iron Slipper Chairs by Tony Paul
By Tony Paul
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Scarce pair of slipper lounge chairs by Tony Paul with low-profile, angular wrought iron frames, wooden ball feet, and cushioned seats and backrests newly upholstered in textural gra...
Tony Paul Armchair in Knoll Boucle
By Tony Paul
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tony Paul's wrought iron armchair reupholstered in a cream Knoll Boucle fabric.
Wrought Iron
Pair of Tony Paul Cafe Chairs in Black Lacquered Wire MoMA "Good Design"
By Tony Paul
Located in Oakland, CA
Lacquered steel wire Cafe chairs with round upholstered seats by 1950s New York designer Tony Paul.
Steel
Sold
H 46 in W 23 in D 34 in
Mid Century Atomic Age Sling Chair in Leather, Iron & Chrome by Tony Paul
By Tony Paul
Located in San Diego, CA
A unique single sling chair in chrome pipping, with a solid iron combination, Freshly Recovered in Black leather and riveted, the chair is in its original condition circa 1970s, the ...
Chrome, Iron
Sold
H 46 in W 23 in D 34 in
A rare tall back sling chair in leather, iron & chrome atrib. to Tony Paul
By Tony Paul
Located in San Diego, CA
A unique single sling chair in chrome pipping , with solid iron combination , original patch work leather and ribeted , the chair its in its original condition circa 1970s, the chair...
Chrome, Iron
Rare Set of Tony Paul Male and Female Lounge Chairs, USA, 1950s
Located in Berlin, DE
Very Avant Garde set of Tony Paul with a wicker seat a wrought iron base, a rope and canvas back. Very hard to find!
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 27.56 in W 17.33 in D 18.9 in
Newly Upholstered Wrought Iron and Wood Chair Attributed to Clifford Pascoe
By Tony Paul, Clifford Pascoe, Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Newly upholstered chair made of wrought iron and wood attributed to Clifford Pascoe.
Wrought Iron
Tony Paul, Chair, Brass, Green Velvet, Rubel, America, 1954
By Tony Paul
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and green velvet chair designed by Tony Paul and produced by Rubel, United States, 1954.
Brass
Tony Paul Lounge Chair
By Tony Paul
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Wrought iron frame and upholstered body reupholstered about three years ago. Metal frame is capped in front with two plastic clear balls!
Metal
Two Tony Paul for Raymor Ice Cream Parlor Group Chairs
By Tony Paul
Located in Buffalo, NY
Nice pair of Tony Paul for Raymor twisted iron black metal chairs.
Sold
H 32 in W 17 in D 17 in
Pair of Tony Paul for Rubel Walnut and Spiral Black Wire Cafe Chairs & Table
By Tony Paul
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Tony Paul designed, Rubel produced, Black enameled Brass Wire & Walnut pair of dining chairs and table, 1954.
Iron, Wire
Sold
H 32 in W 15 in D 16 in
Set of Four Tony Paul for Woodlin-Hall Black Enameled Iron Bistro Chairs, 1950s
By Raymor, Tony Paul
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Set of four Tony Paul "Ice Cream Parlor Group"Indoor Outdoor Black Metal Chairs manufactured by Woodlin-Hall and distributed by Raymor.
Iron
Sold
H 40.5 in W 14 in D 19 in
Gothic 1950s Iron Rod Black + Brass High Back Accent Chair Vintage Minimalist
By Paul McCobb, Tony Paul, Paul Tuttle
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very fun, low cost 50s minimally constructed tall enameled steel rod dining chair. This example has aged nicely, tarnished brass finials, and even the black naugahyde has taken on a ...
Steel
Tony Paul Spiral Back Cafe Chairs
By Tony Paul
Located in Hudson, NY
Designed by Tony Paul for Rubel 1954.
Metal
Pair of Iron Circle Chairs, Tony Paul
By Tony Paul
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Indoor Outdoor, California Design. Welded black iron frames with seats and backs upholstered in red woven fabric.
Iron
Rare Tony Paul Iron Lounge Chairs, 1950s
By Tony Paul
Located in Berkeley, CA
These chairs are documented on Tony Paul Designs website.
Iron
4 Tony Paul Cafe Chairs with Spiral Backs
By Tony Paul
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tre's adorable! Designed by Tony Paul for Rubel,1954. If Alexander Calder designed a chair, it would have looked like this!
1954 Mid-century Modern Metal "Owl" Chair by Tony Paul for Rubel
By Tony Paul
Located in West Reading, PA
This is an "Owl" Chair, designed by Tony Paul and produced by Ravel in America in 1954.
Steel
Canvas, reed and iron lounge chair by Tony Paul
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Canvas, Reed and Iron Chair by Tony Paul
Iron
Solid walnut, leather & steel chairs by Tony Paul
Located in Hollywood, CA
A pair of solid walnut chairs with sculpted detailing, original patinaned metal supports, and black leather upholstery with reddish undertones. Chairs are large as side chairs but ...
Metal
Wrought Iron Table and Chairs Designed by Tony Paul
Located in Dallas, TX
Table and two chairs. The 24" diameter, 22.5" tall table has a maple top. the two chairs are upholstered in chartreuse leather.
A Modernist Metal, Wood and Leather Armchair attr. to Tony Paul
Located in New York, NY
A modernist armchair featuring a body in tubular metal with ball feet, a wood backrest as well as wood armrests with original finish showing great wear and a black leather upholstere...
Metal
Mid-Century Metal Dining Set
By Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Very nice mid-century metal dining set with four chairs. Original white vinyl upholstery. Paul McCobb - Tony Paul style.
Rare Tony Paul Iron Lounge Chairs, 1950s
By Tony Paul
Located in Berkeley, CA
These chairs are documented on Tony Paul Designs website.
Iron
Pair of Circle Chairs Designed by Joseph Cicchelli for Reilly-Wolff
By Tony Paul
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Pair of iron circle chairs, designed by Joseph Cicchelli in 1953 and featured in the Museum of Modern Art's Good Design exhibit for that year. Newly upholstered, they are comfort...
Iron
Near Pair of Woodard Sculptura Lounge Armchairs Restored
By Russell Woodard
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Restored near pair of Sculptura armchair lounge chairs. Totally cleaned down and powder coated silver with new plastic floor glides. Sold as a set (2) One chair is slightly smaller ...
Iron
Set of 6 Alfred Hendrickx Dining Chairs S4
By Belform, Alfred Hendrickx
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
Beautiful set of 6 Alfred Hendrickx S4 dining chairs from 1955. These elegant chairs were designed for Belform. They show Hendrickx’s elegant craftsmanship and taste for design. The ...
Wood
$1,633Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 35.83 in W 23.23 in D 18.9 in
Wrought Iron Chairs from the 1950s Casa e Giardino
Located in bari, IT
Set of four wrought iron chairs Italian home and garden production mid-1950s, The four chairs are intentionally left with their antique patina.
Wrought Iron
1960s Wrought Iron Cafe Chairs, Pair
Located in Esperance, NY
1960s Wrought iron cafe chairs - a pair.
Metal
Mid-century Modern Shovel Chairs by Lee Woodard
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Combining wrought iron frames with sculpted wood seats and backs. Uncommon black finish go well with the sturdy black frames for a sleek modern look. Lee Woodard gives attention to d...
$4,650
H 28 in W 25 in D 26 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chairs "657" Charles Pollock Knoll
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of 657 chairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll. C1960 design signed in two places by Knoll. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Some scuffs to the leather, pi...
Chrome
Vintage Sculptural Iron Springer Lounge Chairs - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This pair of vintage sculptural iron Springer lounge chairs brings expressive mid-century design to a seating arrangement, covered patio, or collected outdoor setting. Each chair fea...
Metal, Iron
Classic Modernist Chair . wood & iron by designed by Clifford Pascoe
By Clifford Pascoe
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist Design ! Plywood & iron chair by Clifford Pascoe feature thoughtful lines, and a curved birch backrest. The seat has been reupholstered in a burnt orange mohair... ...
Iron
$2,950 / set
H 28.5 in W 19 in D 19.5 in
Set of Six Clifford Pascoe for Modernmasters Dining Chairs Circa 1950s
By Clifford Pascoe, Modernmasters Inc.
Located in Peabody, MA
A set of six wrought iron and bentwood dining chairs designed by Clifford Pascoe for Modernmasters Inc., circa 1950s. Likely inspired by a similar chair by Paul McCobb for Winchendon...
Wrought Iron
Set of 6 chairs by Vittorio Dassi, 50s
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Buzzò, Emilia-Romagna
Embrace the height of Mid-Century Modern sophistication with this set of six dining chairs by the celebrated Italian designer Vittorio Dassi. Designed and first produced in 1959, the...
Wood
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs, circa 1960s
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
This striking pair of Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs, circa 1960s, features beautifully restored mahogany frames with elegant tapered legs and brass-capped feet. The sculptural des...
Brass
$2,723
H 42.52 in W 14.57 in D 14.97 in
A Sculptural MID-CENTURY-MODERN MODERNIST CHAIR by RAOUL GUYS, France 1950
By Raoul Guys
Located in PARIS, FR
A spectacular chair of tribal inspiration, Modernist, Brutalist, Popular Art, Free Form, black lacquered metal structure, seat and back with graphic openwork rattan decorations, by R...
Metal
Pair Parsons Lounge Chairs, 1980
By Parsons
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Parsons Lounge Chairs, 1980. Original ultra-suede upholstery shows minor wear, consistent with age and use
Ultrasuede
Pair of Iron Hoop Chairs
By Luther Conover, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1950s Pair of iron hoop chairs with woven seats and backs. Unknown designer, in the style of Van Keppel & Green or Luther Conover. Sculptural form with two circles forming the h...
Iron
$4,250
H 28 in W 32 in D 33 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tubular Sling Chairs by John Mascheroni model 424
By John Mascheroni
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of sling chairs by John Mascheroni. The fabric is original and in bad shape, torn so it needs a redo. Must say the dark blue velvet suits these chairs very well. Alumin...
Aluminum
$1,418
H 33.08 in W 21.46 in D 21.26 in
Bauhaus Chair: Metal & Wood, Mid-Century Modern, Netherlands, 1930
Located in Barcelona, ES
Bauhaus chair by unknown designer, probably Gispen. Manufactured in Holland, circa 1930. In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use.
Metal
Arc Small Sconce in Brass with White Lucite Shade
By Atelier de Troupe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The arc sconce is made of a solid unfinished brass and backplate with a white Lucite shade and brass screws. Small in inventory now: W 4.5in (13.5cm) x D 3.5in (13.5cm) x H 12in (30...
Brass
$4,306 / set
H 28.75 in W 196.86 in D 37.41 in
Nuvolone modular leather sofa 5 modules 70s Rino Maturi for Mimo Design
By Mimo Padova
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Modular cognaq leather sofa Nuvolone model designed in the 1970s by Rino Maturi for Mimo Design. the sofa is composed of by 5 seats including 1 ottoman and a corner module. the Sofa...
Leather, Wood
$6,694 / set
H 24.01 in Dm 13.78 in
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Iroko Wood by Master Studio for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Neatly proportioned with exceptional detailing, the constant nightstand is your perfect bedside partner. In our furniture making, the IDEA is to create special pieces that you can bu...
Hardwood
A Stunning Mid Century Design Walnut and Chrome Desk
Located in Dublin, IE
A stunning Mid Century design richly patinated walnut and chrome desk of exceptional quality, finely carved and with a fabulous curvilear clean design. The well figured moulded and ...
Chrome
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool This White Oak Chile Counter Stool is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The stool is chunky and modern...
Wood, Oak
$2,838 / item
H 24 in W 24 in D 24 in
Modern Fabric Pendant Light by Studio Mirei, Nebula 60, from Costantini
Located in New York, NY
The Nebula collection is drawn out of the interstellar clouds of dust and gas in space - regions where stars begin to form. Made of a woven natural fiber from the banana tree, which ...
Natural Fiber
Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables
By Theodore Alexander
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Pacific walnut side table, the square top with rounded corners and a reeded edge above a similar under tier, on bobbin turned legs. Dimensions: 26" W x 26" D x 28.5" H.
Wood
$2,860 / item
H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Ethnic Straw Armchair by +55design Brazilian Design with Indigenous Craft
By Neca Abrantes
Located in Jardim America, SP
This rotating armchair by Neca Abrantes is a striking fusion of contemporary Brazilian design and indigenous handcrafted traditions. Known for her deep passion for native craftsmansh...
Straw
$592 / item
H 23.5 in W 23.5 in D 2 in
Set of 2 Brutalist Whitewashed Reclaimed Wood Collage Tiles by Peter Glassford
By Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural White wash collage tiles part of the Brutal Nature collection by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled into a richly textured, one-of-...
Wood
$2,723 / set
H 25.6 in W 13.98 in D 16.15 in
Functionalist Bedside Tables by Pauli Blomstedt, J. Merivaara, Finland, 1930s
By J.Merivaara, Pauli Blomstedt
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare and architecturally striking pair of functionalist bedside tables designed by Pauli Blomstedt and produced by J. Merivaara in Finland during the 1930s. These pieces embody th...
Steel
$3,250
H 31 in W 26.75 in D 29.5 in
Danish Easy Chair with Open Armrests by Alfred Christensen, 1940's
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic elegant Danish lowback easy armchair from the 1940s by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk with open armrests in beautifully curved mahogany stained beech. Nice low el...
Wool, Beech
Mechanical Disk Table
By Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Disk form table which opens to a two tier expanded coffee table size. Brass plated metal frame, with glass tops. Dimensions in listing are for the table in closed position, open L is...
Metal
Post Modern Knoll Swivel Desk, Office, Chairs 11 Available
By Knoll, Don Chadwick
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Knoll swivel desk chair(s) from the 1970's, in rich brown formed foam upholstery, on five star base. The chair swivels a full 360, and the base is on double wheel coaster...
Plastic
$576 / item
H 23.5 in W 23.5 in D 2 in
Set of 2 Brutalist Satin Black Reclaimed Wood Collage Tiles by Peter Glassford
By Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural Satin Black collage tiles part of the Brutal Nature collection by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled into a richly textured, one-of...
Wood
$560 / item
H 23.5 in W 23.5 in D 1 in
Peter Glassford Natural Parota Reclaimed Wood Collage, Set of 2 Brutalist tiles
By Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural Natural Parota collage tiles part of the Brutal Nature collection by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled into a richly textured, one...
Wood
$16,000 / set
H 29.14 in W 22.45 in D 18.9 in
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" Chairs for Cassina, Red Lacquered, 1960, Set of 8
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Carimate" dining chairs for Cassina, red lacquered wood and straw seat, Italy, 1960, set of eight. The "Carimate" chair is one of Vico Magistretti’s most famous ...
Straw, Wood
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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.
Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.
The brand that turned Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson into mid-century household names is just as relevant today as it was six decades ago.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the rooms our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.