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Modern Seating

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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19,125
3,020
1,150
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972
11,052
10,090
23,295
6,000
9,289
41,203
23,295
8,861
4,182
1,539
1,437
1,233
1,100
979
947
812
733
720
644
520
476
360
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2,999
20,275
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775
1,874
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19,636
17,065
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16,296
14,706
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14,578
15,359
14,242
15,652
11,835
10,201
9,547
5,174
4,800
16,480
6,369
4,329
3,919
3,493
717
434
366
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342
Style: Modern
Low Black Stained Milk Stools
Located in Geneve, CH
Low black stained milk stools Dimensions: Diameter 30cm x height 30cm Materials: Natural wood. Pigment. Available in multiple materials and finishes. Technique: Carved wood. Handmade...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Poltrona Frau Eleonora Grey Armchair
Located in London, GB
Elevate your space with the timeless elegance of the Poltrona Frau Grey Armchair. Meticulously crafted in Italy, this masterpiece seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Featu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Gispen desk chair Model 1637 by A.R. Cordemeyer
Located in TOLLEBEEK, NL
Original Gispen swivel desk chair Model 1637 designed in 1963 by A.R. Cordemeyer and the Gispen design team. The chair is upholstered unblock eco leather and is equipped with castors...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

Modern Laurence Dining Chairs, Dedar Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Laurence Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Laurence dining chair was crea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Modern Tufted Upholstered Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modern tufted upholstered bench. Perfect addition to any tight space in need of seating. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ )
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric

Italian modern Wood Chair with bottle rack- artwork by Bogdan, 2000s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Wood penis chair- artwork by Bogdan, 2000s Piece of art entitled Espositore n. 14 coming from the exhibition Vini da Leggere, linked to the t...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Milan Sculptural Armchair Featuring Textured Fabric Body With Beechwood Details
Located in İstiklal, TR
The Milan Armchair, designed by the talented Turkish designer Sinan Bora Ozisik for GEOSTUDIO, is a harmonious blend of simple geometric forms. The design features a textured fabric...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Lacquer, Beech

Modern Fortune Swivel Chair Made with Iron and Suede, Handmade by Stylish Club.2
Located in Seroa, PT
The Fortune collection creates a disruption of the traditional. The joining of different materials and the combination of straight lines creates pieces that escape the conceptualizat...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Iron

Contemporary David Mocarski for Gunlocke Tia Side Guest Chairs Brand New, a Pair
Located in Secaucus, NJ
A fabulous pair of Tia side guest chairs feature a simple and refined design. Tia is driven by profile, silhouette, and proportion. Its wooden frame embraces and cradles the continuous seat. Pitch and tapered legs bring a subtle elegance. Gunlocke's innovative wood carving technology shapes the beautifully sculpted solid wood frame, which is elegantly upholstered. A versatile addition to your home or office, will add subtle drama and sensuality to any modern, minimal, or mid-century modern setting, can be used as a dining, guest, or side chair. Please note the price listed is for a pair (two chairs) Specifications: Single upholstery seat and back with violet and purple color fabric. The frame is maple hardwood with a natural oak finish. Hardwood frame joined by mortise and tenon, and corner blocks. Style: Contemporary Modern Designer: David Mocarski...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood, Maple, Oak, Plywood

Modern Drama Swivel Pouf Chair in White Boucle
Located in Chicago, IL
Swivel pouf upholstered in white Italian merino wool/poly blend performance boucle. COM upholstery option available as well.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé

Modern Laurence Dining Chairs, Pink Velvet, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Laurence Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Laurence leather dining chair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Monk chair, Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, 1969
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Monk Chair, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Molteni in 1969, is an extraordinary example of Italian design. This iconic piece represents the perfect combination of function...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Hide, Wood

Pink Ribbon Chair by Nika Zupanc, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The ribbon chair is the object that expresses the female language of Nika Zupanc with a strong and essential icon. The ribbon chair is an object whose identity expresses feeling and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Plastic

Strelitzia Modern Solid Brass Upholstered Luxury Dining Chair by Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Strelitzia bespoke, dining chair is designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa. This luxury dining chair has a backrest of so...
Category

2010s South African Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Modern Pearson Lloyd for Coalesse Bob Swivel Chairs by Walter Knoll - Set of 4
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The Bob guest swivel chair's modern beauty and smart design fit seamlessly into any environment and among mid-century classic designs. The shell shape, with gently curved armrests, a...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Chrome

Geppo Stool Marco Baxadonne Contemporary Natural Cedar Made in Italy Riva 1920
Located in Cantù, IT
Stool in solid wood of scented cedar made from a single block, is characterized by its “soft” and curvilinear shape. Its particular shape with an open space under the seat is useful ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Cedar, Wood

Traditional Michael Thonet for TON Bentwood 150 Barstools Brand New - Set of 3
Located in Secaucus, NJ
This elegant bentwood 150 barstool balances rustic and romance. Will looks great in a variety of spaces, from farm-to-table restaurants to French bistros and cafes. This barstool ret...
Category

2010s Czech Modern Seating

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Italian modern blue fabric DSC chairs Giancarlo Piretti Anonima Castelli, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern blue fabric DSC chairs Giancarlo Piretti Anonima Castelli, 1970s Set of six chairs mod. DSC stackable, padded and covered in electric blue fabric with rectangular seat...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Torn High Console Table by Lucas Tyra Morten
Located in Geneve, CH
Torn high console table by Lucas Tyra Morten 2018 Limited Edition of 29 Dimensions: W 90.5, H 89, D 40 Material: handwaxed plywood Torn table with its two individual legs symbolizes...
Category

2010s Swedish Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Leather and Aluminum Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Long rectangular bench upholstered in a cream colored leather with piping along the edges. The cushion sits on a brushed aluminum base with four tapered legs. Two available, priced ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

"Pietra" Organic Couch Upholstered in Bouclé Fabric and Leather Arms 2.2m
Located in Centro, RS
The inspiration for the design features comes from the Italian name Pietra: The translation Stone, an element of organic nature that brings a feeling of biophilia and well-being to t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé

Heritage Swivel Dining Chair
Located in Frazão, Porto
More of a design piece than a simple chair, Heritage is perfect for those who love to have a piece of furniture that stands out. This swivel dining chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Upholstery, Faux Leather

"Flag" Couch and Chaise Longue in Off-white Sheepskin Fabric and Wood Feet
Located in Centro, RS
The Flag Couch is a smart and multifunctional piece. The couch has a cushion built into the seat that makes the piece with dual functionality: when is closed, it works as a comfortab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

"Flag" Couch and Chaise Longue in Grey Sheepskin fabric and Wood Feet
Located in Centro, RS
The Flag Couch is a smart and multifunctional piece. The couch has a cushion built into the seat that makes the piece with dual functionality: when is closed, it works as a comfortab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

"Cuore" Armchair in Black Carbon Steel, Upholstered in Sheepskin and Wood Detail
Located in Centro, RS
Cuore was designed with organic and fluid lines in carbon steel tubes with black paint, which embrace those who experience it. Upholstered with sheepskin bouclé fabric, with rustic w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Set of 2 Kartell Masters Chairs in White by Philippe Starck & Eugeni Quitllet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The masters chair is a powerful tribute to three symbolic chairs, re-read and re-interpreted by the creative genius of Starck. The unmistakable silhouett...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Plastic

"Pietra" Organic Couch Upholstered in Bouclé Fabric 1.72m
Located in Centro, RS
The inspiration for the design features comes from the Italian name Pietra: The translation Stone, an element of organic nature that brings a feeling of biophilia and well-being to t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé

Solid Oak Mobley Bench in Natural Golden Finish
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Mobley bench in solid 1 3/4" oak using natural oils to give a golden finish Customizable to specifications.
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Seating

Materials

Oak

"Cuore" Chair in Black Carbon Steel, Upholstered in Bouclé Sheepskin Wood Detail
Located in Centro, RS
Cuore was designed with organic and fluid lines in carbon steel tubes with black paint, which embrace those who experience it. Upholstered with boucle sheepskin fabric, with rustic ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Kartell Pilastro Stool in Black by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pilastro stool is part of the Kartell goes Sottsass, a tribute to Memphis collection, launched in 2015 in homage to design guru Ettore Sottsass....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Pilastro Stool in Green by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pilastro stool is part of the Kartell goes Sottsass, a tribute to Memphis collection, launched in 2015 in homage to design guru Ettore Sottsass....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Plastic

"Cuore" Armchair in Carbon Steel, Upholstered in Natural Leather and Wood Detail
Located in Centro, RS
The Cuore armchair was designed with organic and fluid lines and shapes made in carbon steel tubes with Matte chocolate lacquer paint, which embrace those who experience it. Upholste...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

"Pietra" Organic Couch Upholstered in Bouclé Fabric and Leather Arms 2m
Located in Centro, RS
The inspiration for the design features comes from the Italian name Pietra: The translation Stone, an element of organic nature that brings a feeling of biophilia and well-being to t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé

Alma modern fabric ottoman with Canaletto Walnut profile
Located in Desio, IT
A pouf with a soft and rounded line, the base is presented in fine Canaletto walnut wood that gives it strength and elegance. Base realizable in various wood finishes. Upholstery ava...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

"Pietra" Organic Couch Upholstered in Bouclé Fabric 2.12m
Located in Centro, RS
The inspiration for the design features comes from the Italian name Pietra: The translation Stone, an element of organic nature that brings a feeling of biophilia and well-being to t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé

"Pietra" Organic Small Ottoman Upholsterd in Bouclé Fabric
Located in Centro, RS
From Italian: Stone The designer Marta Manente is of Italian descent, her great-grandparents migrated from Italy over 100 years ago and lived in the region of Bento Gonçalves – Brazi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé

"Cuore" Chair in Matte Golden Carbon Steel, Upholstered in Leather Wood Detail
Located in Centro, RS
The Cuore chair was designed with organic and fluid lines and shapes made in carbon steel tubes with Matte chocolate lacquer paint, which embrace those who experience it. Upholstered...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Ginga Armchair in Black Oak, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Ginga Armchair in Black Oak, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt Ginga is the swaying movement of Brazilian martial art, Capoeira. It is characterized by a flowing movement from one s...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

DIG IT Pouf Jacquard Velvet
Located in Milano, IT
Dig It is a pouf with a cylindrical seat. The wooden shell is covered with polyurethane foam and finished with a top layer of acrylic fiber. The base can be ma...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Brass, Metal

Mono Contemporary Side Table in Wood
Located in London, GB
Mono is an object between a stool and a sidetable. It´s monolith- like, static appearance makes it a stand-alone piece but also works great in company. The object provides the functi...
Category

2010s German Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair Contemporary Counter Bar Stool Black Metal & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Counter stool in black smoke polished steel and black saddle leather. The phrases "Less is more" and "God is in the detail" from the German-American architect and industrial designe...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Pierre Chapo Daybed, France circa 1965
Located in Culver City, CA
Pierre Chapo Daybed France circa 1965 Model L01 “Godot” Daybed. Designed in 1959 for the writer Samuel Becket, and named in reference to his play “Waiting for Godot”. Frame composed ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Elm

Industrial Round Rolling Steel Stool or Seat with Cushion Manner of Brueton
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Industrial Round Rolling Steel Stool or Seat with Cushion Manner of Brueton Minimalist construction on heavy duty casters, satin stainless steel topped with a welted, black vinyl cus...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

Contour modern velvet pouf
Located in Desio, IT
Contour velvet pouf with a soft and unique shape. Metal feet. Upholstery available in a variety of fabrics and velvets
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Contour modern curved sofa without armrests in velvet
Located in Desio, IT
Contour velvet sofa. Its unique soft shape allows the sofa to be placed in the center of the room. Includes 2 structural pillows. Excluding decorative pillows. Excluding ottoman. Ava...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern curved fabric sofa composition
Located in Desio, IT
Contour sectional sofa with a soft and curvy line, allowing the sofa to be placed in the center of the room. Includes 3 structural pillows, excludes decorative pillows. Following the...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

21st Century Mini Pouf in Printed Nabuk by Gianfranco Ferré Home
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
The Mini pouf features a light and versatile design. Small, soft and compact, it adds character to any setting. Available in different menswear fabrics of the collection: pied-de-pou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Foam, Wood

Contemporary Swivel Chair in Shearling, Customizable
Located in Greenwich, CT
The Tyler Swivel chair is a contemporary swivel chair design that features track arms that curve up to the back. The loose cushion seat is h...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Guerrero Armchair, Leather and Dark Tropical Wood, Contemporary Mexican Design
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
The Guerrero armchair is a favorite best seller since it was first designed in 2015. A great piece for a small waiting area, it’s so comfortable that it also makes for a perfect read...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Seating

Materials

Hardwood

Maui Armchair Terry Dwan Contemporary Natural Cedar Made in Italy Riva 1920
Located in Cantù, IT
Armchair made from a single block of scented cedar. A sculptured monolith with a curvy and sinuous design. It has an ergonomic seat in a continuous line with the back. Available with...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Modern Steel Basket Hanging Swing Chair
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
The basket twig hanging swing chairs’ round shape creates a cozy feel. It is simple and striking in its visual appeal. The pattern detail is inspired by nature and reminiscent of th...
Category

2010s South African Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

De Sede DS-47 Armchair in Brown Leather Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-47 is available as a two- and three-seat sofa, and as an armchair and stool; 5-mm-thick neck leather recognizable in characteristic fat wrinkles lend it an unmistakable expression...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Mawu Sculpted Oak Chair by Laura Gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
Original chair in golden oak, satin finish. Flared legs, backrest and seat upholstered in a textured cream fabric by Dedar.
Category

2010s French Modern Seating

Materials

Oak

Lawrence Peabody Wing Chair for Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, velvet Yardage: 6 yards This Lawrence Peabody wing chair for Craft Associates...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Arflex Marenco Sofa in Fabric Heidi and Candy by Mario Marenco
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Marenco Sofa is designed by Mario Marenco for Arflex. This sofa features the system with making the armrest and seat as the base portion. There is a metal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Pair Contemporary Kitchen Counter Bar Stool , Old Silver Metal & Tobacco Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary counter stool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned m...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Pair of Vintage Poufs Newly Upholstered in Mixed Colored Velvet, 1970s
Located in Florence, IT
Pair of Vintage Poufs Newly Upholstered in turquoise and cyclamen pink. The metal is lacquered and matching with velvet. They come from a disused ship, i...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Iconic Eero Aarnio Small Black Mushroom Stool
Located in New York, NY
He mushroom is one of Eero’s oldest designs and in its fibreglass form is part of the same design family that includes the ball chair, Pastil and Tomato. It can be used as a stool or...
Category

2010s Finnish Modern Seating

Materials

Fiberglass

Modern seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern seating for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Portugal pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include De Sede, Finn Juhl, Emeco, and Moooi. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $25 and tops out at $497,965 while the average work can sell for $3,803.

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