Settees
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Settees
Velvet, Beech
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Settees
Fabric
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Settees
Metal
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Settees
Upholstery
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Settees
Mohair
1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Settees
Wool, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Settees
Wool
Early 20th Century American Country Settees
Oak, Leather
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Settees
Brass
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Settees
Steel, Chrome
1990s Italian Post-Modern Settees
Stainless Steel
1980s French Post-Modern Vintage Settees
Chrome
1980s Italian Classical Roman Vintage Settees
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Settees
Metal
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Settees
Upholstery
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Settees
Fabric
1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Settees
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary English George II Settees
Upholstery, Wood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Settees
Fabric
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Settees
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Metal
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Settees
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Metal
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Settees
Other
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Metal
20th Century Victorian Settees
Velvet, Walnut
Mid-20th Century French Settees
Iron
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Settees
Velvet, Leather
1920s French Louis XV Vintage Settees
Fabric
1960s American Vintage Settees
Fiberglass, Rubber
Mid-20th Century British Modern Settees
Velvet
18th Century French Directoire Antique Settees
Mahogany, Velvet
1940s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Settees
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Settees
Iron
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Settees
Velvet
1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Settees
Fabric
20th Century Settees
Gold
Late 20th Century German Settees
Chrome
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Settees
Velvet, Wood
Vintage, New and Antique Settees
Vintage, new and antique settees are a smart and stylish choice for adding more seating to a room.
Settees first appeared in 17th-century Europe. A very famous settee, known as the Knole settee, was actually used by a monarch in South East England to receive visitors. This seating furniture was often part of a set that included matching chairs. While settees were popular in parlors, you could also find similar seating, such as daybeds and chaises longues (both of which derive from the settee, as does the chesterfield), where you might relax with guests in your home.
Today, a settee is still furniture that invites socializing. They’re common in living rooms and other shared areas because they allow you to cozy up to someone and have a conversation with them.
Settees are typically small seats that can fit two or more people, but they aren’t as wide as couches or sofas. A settee is more intimate and offers more sitting room than an armchair. Settees often have a backrest for optimal support and are frequently upholstered.
Are you looking to add more seating to an entertainment room but working with limited space? We promise that your vintage settee will look great next to your coffee table in your main seating area. You can also add a settee to your mudroom so that guests have a comfortable spot to sit down and take off their shoes. If you have a small space in your home that you’re still figuring out how to use, add a settee to turn it into a comfortable reading nook. They work in bedrooms too; a tufted settee designed by Danish modernist Finn Juhl makes perfect sense at the foot of your bed.
Most settees come with an upholstered seat, but you can find variations that aren’t upholstered. There are antique wood settees and benches that will look right at home in a rustic decor.
The backrest is an important consideration when choosing a settee. You can find pieces with low seat backs that look discreet and don’t provide a lot of support. If you want more support, we recommend choosing a settee with a high back.
A settee with a high back can become a statement piece, especially if you choose an item with a unique upholstery print or decorative frame.<a href=https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/seating/settees/style/victorian/ target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Victorian settees are ideal for introducing an air of sophistication to your living room. These pieces often feature frames of walnut or mahogany, a seat upholstered in chintz fabric (Victorians appreciated that the glazed finish made it easy to wipe clean) and sculptural hand-carved cabriole legs.
If you want something that feels more contemporary or will work better with your mid-century modern side tables and lounge chair, consider Space Age settees or mid-century modern versions. In your main seating area, tie the elements together with a large rug. (Find more tips on how to arrange furniture here.)
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage, new and antique settees from different eras to match any furniture style.