Very Modern Chairs
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Maple
21st Century and Contemporary American Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage 1950s Italian Chairs
Wool, Mahogany
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Mahogany, Leather
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Plywood
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Sheepskin, Beech
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Bentwood
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Cane, Wood
Vintage 1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Brass
2010s South African Modern Chairs
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chairs
Velvet, Cherry
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Bamboo
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Bentwood
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Bamboo
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lounge Chairs
Linen, Wood
20th Century Italian Modern Chairs
Upholstery
2010s Modern Chairs
Leather, Walnut
2010s South African Modern Chairs
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Club Chairs
Faux Leather
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1980s European Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Chairs
Metal
1990s Italian Post-Modern Chairs
Steel
2010s American Modern Chairs
Maple
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Bamboo, Raffia
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Rope, Hardwood
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Wool, Oak
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Fiberglass
2010s North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Hardwood
2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs
Hardwood
2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs
Hardwood
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Rocking Chairs
Wool, Oak
2010s North American Modern Side Chairs
Hardwood
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Leather, Hardwood
2010s American Modern Lounge Chairs
Hardwood
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Teak
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Rope, Hardwood
2010s American Modern Chairs
Wood, Mahogany
Vintage 1960s French Modern Lounge Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
2010s South African Modern Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Fabric, Bentwood
Vintage 1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Cane, Hardwood
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Chairs
Wood
1990s American Modern Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Wingback Chairs
Fabric, Ash
Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Rocking Chairs
Wool, Oak
20th Century American Modern Chairs
Bentwood, Birch, Birdseye Maple
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Post-Modern Chairs
Fabric, Wood, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Rope, Hardwood
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric
2010s American Modern Lounge Chairs
Mahogany
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Velvet, Teak
20th Century Unknown Modern Chairs
Chrome
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Very Modern Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Very Modern Chairs?
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is midcentury modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Organic shapes, clean lines and elegant simplicity describe mid-century modern American furniture well. The style, which emerged primarily in the post-World War II era, is characterized by furniture that was crafted by creators who believed that good design was key to good living.Today, mid-century modern is by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
- What is a modern home?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A modern home is a style of residential building that was constructed during the modernist design movement of the mid-20th century. Modernist architecture is defined by clean lines, simple rectangular shapes and a lack of ornamentation.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
In art and design, the term contemporary is applied to works by 21st-century artists, while modern refers to works created from the 1880s and through the 1960s.
- Is a shag rug modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Shag rugs and shag carpeting were very popular in American households in the 1960s and 1970s, but they’ve been around much longer than that. This style of long nap rug can be traced back to Ancient Greece and has also been used for a long time in the Middle East and Central Asia. On 1stDibs, find a collection of shag rugs from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Who is the father of modern art?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Paul Cézanne is often cited as the father of modern art.
- What is Danish modern furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Danish modern furniture is the term for a style of furniture that emerged during the 1930s through the innovation of designers from Denmark. It is a subset of Scandinavian modern furniture, the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life. Some notable Danish modern designers include Hans J. Wegner, Kaare Klint, Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, Arne Vodder and Verner Panton. Shop a range of Danish modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Modern art is characterized by a rejection of realism and narrative and a trend toward abstraction.
- What is modern style furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Modern style furniture has smooth shiny surfaces, straight lines, simple shapes. The general objective is a simple uncluttered look.
- Is Mondrian mid century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Modern art encompasses Postimpressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, futurism, expressionism, Dada, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism and Pop art.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Modern day sculptures are typically made with bronze, which is an alloy of copper and tin. Sculptures can also be crafted with gold, silver, aluminum, lead and iron. Find a collection of sculptures from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Modern coffee tables tend to be low because they’re most commonly placed in front of couches and chairs. Historically, coffee tables were placed behind the couch which necessitated a taller table. Over time, as styles changed and coffee tables came to be positioned in front of couches, their heights were lowered to accommodate the modern arrangement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary coffee tables from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Is mid-century modern timeless?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, mid-century modern is timeless, in the opinion of many experts. Many characteristics of furniture and decorative accents produced in this style remain popular today. Among them are silhouettes marked by organic forms and clean lines, the promotion of functionality and the use of natural materials like teak, rosewood and oak and synthetic materials such as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of mid-century modern furniture.
- Is rattan mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.
- Did Picasso found modern art?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
No, Picasso was not a founder of modern art, but he is one of its most famous practitioners.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Riotous Shapes and Colors Have Made Uchronia’s Designs the Toast of Paris
Julien Sebban’s energetic design collective is radically reshaping the look of 21st-century European furniture and interiors.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.
Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.