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Modern Armchairs

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Style: Modern
1970s Cesca B64 Armchair by Marcel Breuer for Knoll / Thonet 12+ Avail
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 'Cesca' armchair, model B64, originally designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928. These particular examples were seemingly manufactured by Knoll in the 1970s. Some may have been p...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

2021 Charles Eames & Eero Saarinen Organic Chair by Vitra in Dark Green Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Organic chair designed by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen as part of their submission for the Organic Designs in Home Furnishings exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in...
Category

2010s German Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Modern Capelinhos Lounge Chair, Swivel, Velvet, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Capelinhos Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Capelinhos modern lounge chair stands as a testament to timeless comfort...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak, Velvet

Credenza Ramón, Special Edition (Centinelas), Contemporary Mexican Design
Located in Mexico City, MX
Ramón is a credenza, a horizontal storage unit with a distinctive shape that gives it a concave surface. On the front, it has 4 doors, while inside it houses a pair of drawers and sh...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Hardwood, Upholstery

Pair of armchairs, wood and cotton, circa 1970, Italy.
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Pair of armchairs, wood and cotton, circa 1970, Italy. Height 85 cm, seat height 35 cm, width 90 cm, depth 85 cm.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cotton, Wood

Papillonne Swivel Armchair / Bergere / **LEAD TIME 5 WEEKS** / Customizable
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
**LEAD TIME 5 WEEKS** The PAPILLONNE series offers eye-catching modern design and ease of use in every area, thanks especially to its 360-degree rotating mechanism. Its minimal appe...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Foam

Pair of "Ring" Armchairs by McGuire for the Laura Kirar Collection, 2011
Located in Hamburg, PA
A stunning pair of bamboo "Ring" armchairs by McGuire for the Laura Kirar Collection. The chairs are described as having Mid-Century Modern flair on the McGuire website. The ebonized...
Category

2010s Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo

1960s Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Dining Arm Chairs with Bronze Frames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Platner Armchairs, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll in 1966. These are early examples, dating to the late 1960s. The frames of these chairs are composed of pati...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Bar Cabinet Carmen, Special Edition (Centinelas), Contemporary Mexican Design
Located in Mexico City, MX
Carmen is a bartender, a storage cabinet with a functional design. Inside, it has a pair of drawers for storing objects, space for bottles, compartments for glasses and a cup holder...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Modern Grass Armchair, Terracotta Jacquard, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Grass Armchair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Grass armchair takes its shape from nature’s own dewdrop on grass, promising a comfortab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chenille, Wool, Oak, Faux Fur

Italian modern Black leather steel Armchair Wassily B3 by Breuer Gavina, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Black leather and steel Armchair Wassily or B3 by Marcel Breuer for Gavina, 1980s Iconic and vintage armchair mod. Wassily or B3, with chromed tubular steel structure ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

21st Century Type Armchair in Blue Jacquard Fabric by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
With its wide armrests and soft lines that convey a feeling of reassuring welcome, the Type armchair is the emblem of comfort and relax. An armchair with a timeless style and eclecti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Papillonne Blue Velvet and Beige Corduroy Fabric Armchair
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
The Papillonne-armchair complements your style with its flawless form and unmatched comfort, adding a unique character to your space... If you like the abstract pattern, please con...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood, Foam, Upholstery

Vibieffe 1355 Timeless Walnut Armchair by Gianluigi Landoni
Located in Boston, MA
1355 Timeless chair's appearance comes in a fabric, Mumble 02 (cat.nature), with black piping and a Canaletto Walnut Frame. The cover is conveniently removable for easy maintenance a...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Late 20th Century Gray & Chrome Cantilever Chairs Style Steelcase Set of 8
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome gray & chrome vintage cantilever chairs by United Chair Company in the style of Steelcase, set of 8. Comprised of a chrome cantilever fram...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Contemporary Armchair by Hessentia with silver bouclè fabric and ash wood base
Located in Carate, Brianza (MB)
Kiro armchair is characterized by rounded shapes for both back and seat. Its strength is represented by the enveloping structure with the padding partition “into wedges” which gives ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Ash, Wood

2021 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Arm Chair Leather w/ Wood Legs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eero Saarinen for Knoll executive armchair in off-white leather with light walnut wood legs. The chair was produced in 2021, acquired directly from a Knoll employee. It ha...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Leather

Modern Caju Lounge Chair, Swivel, Bouclé Leather, Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Caju lounge chair stands as a trendy furniture piece that personifies the orga...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Giorgetti Progetti Highback Leather Armchair Designed by Centro Ricerche Set of
Located in Boston, MA
Progetti is an armchair with a strongly recognizable image, that, thanks to the innovative and freshness design, it has become an icon for Giorgetti. This product is a showroom floor...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Walnut

Poltrona Frau Leather Armchair
Located in Austin, TX
Leather armchair of black leather by Poltrona Frau.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Wingback Chairs by Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti / Progetti in Bouclé Wool Fabric
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of two Modern Progetti wingback chairs / arm chairs by Umberto Asnago For Giorgetti In New Bouclé Wool Fabric. Stylish and very comfo...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Reclining Armchair Pair, Italy, 1960.
Located in Madrid, ES
This Italian reclinable armchair is made out of a solid metal and wood structure, covered in foam, and upholstered in a bright green velvet fabric. It's a comfortable and versatile ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Handcrafted Matrice Chair in Steel and Velvet by Tawla
Located in MONTROZIER, FR
Matrice side chair is a side chair designed around the imprint. The imprint created by the interaction between two materials, a ductile and a soft one. Inspiration from Gabriele Basi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

21st Century Ratio Up Armchair in Green Velvet by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
A perfect mix between modernity and tradition, Ratio is a soft and welcoming armchair, characterized by decorative stitching, an expression of Etro Home Interiors’ sartorial quality....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

21st Century Dahlia Armchair in Brown Jacquard Fabric by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Fabric and colour. The two founding themes of the fashion Maison are among the main peculiarities of the Dahlia armchair, a piece of furniture with contemporary lines that takes insp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

2006 Visasoft Stacking Armchair by Antonio Citterio for Vitra in Tan Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Visasoft stacking armchair (multiple chairs are available, though the price listed is for each chair), designed by Antonio Citterio for Vitra in 2002. The cantilevered fram...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

1960s Børge Mogensen Spanish Dining Arm Chair Model 3238 by CI Designs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Model 3238 Spanish Dining Chair. It features a brawny quarter-sawn solid oak frame, with a thick slung saddle-leather seat and backrest. It was designed by the great Danish designer Børge Mogensen in 1958 and manufactured by CI designs...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Set of Four Modernist Armchairs by Ico Parisi
Located in New York, NY
Set of four MOdernist armchairs by Ico Parisi. Model #814. Frames in Italian walnut.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Hayche Glover Armchair - Wooden Base - Crema, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Luscious in its proportions but low key in terms of profile, the Glover is an OEM chair that is perfect for break out spaces and equally functional within hospitality as much as it i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Shiro Kuramata 1985 Sing Sing Sing Armchair
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the Sing Sing Sing armchair, a stunning and iconic piece of furniture designed by Shiro Kuramata in 1985 and produced by xO in France. This ...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Tisa Armchair
Located in Beograd, RS
Tisa armchair has an extremely sculptural form of an insect like character. The line made by the front leg, the armrest and the back leg in the "ready to jump" position due to the ch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balkan Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

Poltrona moderna Wassily in pelle e acciaio di Marcel Breuer per Knoll, 1970 ca.
Located in MIlano, IT
Wassily or B3 model leather armchair, with chromed tubular steel structure. The back, the armrests and seat are in banded entirely in brown leather, with visible stitching. Disegnata...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

2014 Bob Lounge/Side Swivel Chair by Pearson Lloyd for Coalesse / Walter Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Bob Guest Swivel Chair, Model 231, designed by Luke Pearson and Tom Lloyd of Pearson Lloyd for Coalesse and Walter Knoll in 2014. The listed price includes one chair. We ha...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Donghia Black Lacquered Designer Arm Chairs
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Donghia Black Lacquered Designer Arm Chairs W Freshly Upholstered Silk Cut Velvet Seats.
Category

1990s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

1950s Pair of Lena Arm Chairs by Sven-Erik Fryklund for Hagafors Stolfabrik
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Lena armchairs designed by Sven-Erik Fryklund, originally designed in 1955. They were manufactured by the Swedish furniture company Hagafors Stolfabrik and distribu...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Birch

Modern Caju Lounge Chair, Swivel, White Faux Fur, Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Caju lounge chair stands as a trendy furniture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

"Metropolitan" Armchair by Jeffrey Bernett for B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Armchair designed by Jeffrey Bernet and manufactured in Italy by B&B italy. The chair was produced in 2002 and we just had it reupholstered in a beautiful cream leather. The seat...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Rudolf B. Glatzel Vintage Walter Knoll Art Collection Leather & Stainless Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original vintage 1970's Rudolf B. Glatzel armchair, produced by Walter Knoll in Germany (The company owned by Hans Knoll of Knoll International's family). This ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Italian modern Blue fabric Armchairs Alky by Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Blue teddy fabric Armchairs Alky by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s Pair of armchair mod. Alky in blue teddy fabric. The monocoque structure is provided ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Italian modern yellow fabric Armchairs Alky by Piretti for Anonima Castelli 1970
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern yellow teddy fabric Armchairs Alky by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s Pair of armchair mod. Alky in yellow teddy fabric. The monocoque structure is provi...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Armchair Play in velour fabric
Located in Kyiv, UA
“PLAY” armchair has an unusual shape that was assembled from several geometric elements. The bagel-shaped detail serves the back of the chair. Handcrafted in Ukraine, this armchair embodies the perfect blend of comfort and style. Its sleek design and attention to detail make it a true statement piece for any space. With its ergonomic features, it offers superior comfort, allowing you to relax and unwind in style. Armchair PLAY...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Plywood

Contemporary Antique Pink Velvet Armchair with Silk Fringe Accents
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
The handmade armchair draws on the signature fashion theme, ruffling the scene and inviting guests with its fun and flirtatious feel. Featuring three layers of fringes that run along...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Silk, Velvet, Wood, Trimming

Lasta Armchair
Located in Beograd, RS
Inspired by the characteristic V position and the shape of the armrest which consists of two parts separated by the joint edge, which associates with the swallow’s tail, this armchai...
Category

2010s Balkan Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wool, Upholstery, Wood, Ash, Oak, Walnut

Armada Armchair
Located in Beograd, RS
The Armada is defined by its energetic design and exceptional lightness, achieved by combining the finest materials, giving furniture pieces of this collection the look of sculptures...
Category

2010s Balkan Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Ash, Oak, Walnut

Minas Armchair
Located in Beograd, RS
The basic characteristic of this armchair is the "oval" shape of the armchair composed of two semi-oval hemispheres, separated from each other, which generally resemble a coffee bean...
Category

2010s Balkan Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Ash, Oak, Walnut

Modernist Vintage Four Dining Chairs Cognac Brown Leather Chrome, 1980s, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Modernist vintage four ( 4 ) dining chairs or armchairs from cognac brown leather and chromed base by Fasem, Italy 1980s. A beautiful set of four ( 4 ) dining chairs or armchairs fr...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Erich Dieckmann Modernist Art Deco Rope Chair 1930s
Located in Forest, BE
Wooden armchair by modernist Erich Dieckmann. Made of massive bentwood and rope. Elegant and minimalist with a great combination of materials. Lightweight, easy to move around. The s...
Category

1930s German Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rope, Hardwood

Display Cabinet Vilma, Special Edition (Centinelas), Contemporary Mexican Design
Located in Mexico City, MX
Vilma is a vertical display cabinet composed of two modules: a drawer unit covered with rattan fiber and a storage cabinet with solid huanacaxaxtle wood doors and glass shelves. The ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

B&B Italia "Tulip" leather armchairs designed by Jeffrey Bernett in 2000
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
B&B Italia "Tulip" chairs designed by Jeffrey Bernett in 2000. Stunning leather armchairs with a functional 360-degree swivel base. The highlight of this design is the merger of stra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Hayche Glover Armchair - Metal Legs - Yellow, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Luscious in its proportions but low key in terms of profile, the Glover is an OEM chair that is perfect for break out spaces and equally functional within hospitality as much as it i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Lipa Armchair
Located in Beograd, RS
Lipa armchair is characterized by exceptional lightness, transparency and tenderness. Hence the name of the collection by the type of the tree linden-Lipa, which is exceptionally sof...
Category

2010s Balkan Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Hayche Glover Armchair - Metal Legs - Blue, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Luscious in its proportions but low key in terms of profile, the Glover is an OEM chair that is perfect for break out spaces and equally functional within hospitality as much as it i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Modern Modular Armchair in Beige Bouclé, Italy, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
Modular Italian armchair circa 1970. The armchair is made of a solid wood structure covered in foam and upholstered by hand in a beige bouclé. It is a comfortable and versatile modu...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

21st Century Levity Armchair in Green Jacquard Fabric by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
A light and refined design for Levity armchairs. Their eclectic style is expressed in retro inspiration combined with contemporary aesthetics. The minimalist structure that gives lif...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Hayche Glover Armchair - Metal XBase - Blue, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Luscious in its proportions but low key in terms of profile, the Glover is an OEM chair that is perfect for break out spaces and equally functional within hospitality as much as it i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Outdoor Armchair - Borea by B&B Italia
Located in Tulsa, OK
The Borea armchair with striking proportions, forming part of a collection of outdoor seats, tables and small tables, stands out for its tubular metal frame featuring a fluid, contin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

21st Century Cushy Armchair in Blue Jacquard Fabric by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Expression of a new domestic scenario made of expressive colors and immersive fabrics, Cushy is a line of furniture made up of a sofa, armchair, bed and pouf, all characterized by so...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

St. James chair by Angelo Donghia for Donghia Inc
Located in Kleinburg, ON
Three elegant and very comfortable arm chairs that featuring deep cushions, tall back and high quality textured velvet fabric. The chairs have a sleek and modern design that reflects the style of the their creator, Angelo Donghia, who was known for his minimal and luxurious interiors. The chairs are perfect for relaxing, reading, or entertaining guests in any living room or bedroom. Angelo Donghia was an American interior designer, born in 1935 in Pennsylvania. He studied at Parsons School of Design and joined the firm of Yale Burge Interiors, where he became a partner in 1966. He was known for his minimal and luxurious interiors that featured silver-foil ceilings, lacquered walls, bleached floors and oversized furniture...
Category

1990s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut

Modern armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern armchairs 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 armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern armchairs 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 armchairs, popular names associated with this style include Finn Juhl, De Sede, Jaime Hayon, and Philippe Starck. 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 armchairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $139 and tops out at $497,965 while the average work can sell for $4,833.

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