Deconstructed French Chair
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish French Provincial Lounge Chairs
Leather, Jute, Linen, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs
Other
2010s Contemporary Color Photography
Archival Pigment
Late 20th Century American Modern Nude Prints
Etching
Late 20th Century American Modern Nude Prints
Etching
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Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Velvet, Wood
2010s Swiss Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage 1980s English Chinoiserie Sofas
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Paintings
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Fabric
2010s American Modern Sofas
Upholstery
2010s Portuguese Sofas
Brass
2010s American Modern Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sectional Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Wood
1990s Contemporary Nude Photography
Polaroid, Archival Paper
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Resin
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Recent Sales
Antique Early 18th Century European Baroque Revival Wingback Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Slipper Chairs
Antique 19th Century French Side Chairs
20th Century European Louis XV Bergere Chairs
Burlap, Linen, Walnut
Early 20th Century European Louis XV Bergere Chairs
Linen, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Stools
Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs
Linen, Upholstery, Giltwood
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Bergere Chairs
Muslin, Hardwood, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Slipper Chairs
Burlap, Muslin, Linen, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Lounge Chairs
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis Philippe Armchairs
Beech
Antique Late 19th Century French Club Chairs
Velvet, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Slipper Chairs
Antique 19th Century French Slipper Chairs
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Slipper Chairs
Mid-20th Century French Lounge Chairs
Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Louis XVI Armchairs
Antique 19th Century French Bergere Chairs
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Wood
Vintage 1960s French Armchairs
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Read More
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