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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Organic Modern Twins Curved Sofa, White Bouclé, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Twins cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Bouclé, Fabric

Modern Almourol Sofa, Light Blue Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Almourol Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Almourol leather sofa draws inspiration from the distinctive...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Modern Capelinhos Lounge Chair, Swivel, Leather, Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Capelinhos Swivel Lounge Chair with foot rest, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Capelinhos lea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pinch Armchair in Super Remix 3 Upholstery with Ivory Base by Skrivo Design
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pinch selection stems from reflection on materials and the construction techniques in contemporary padded seating. The structures of Pinch sofas and arm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

CraftAssociates Armchairs, Peabody Modern Cane Back Armchairs, Walnut, Caneback
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Armchairs, Peabody Modern Cane Back Armchairs, Walnut, Caneback These Lawrence Peabody modern cane back arm chairs for Craft Associates Furniture are expertly handcrafted and upholstered. These Peabody chairs are a licensed reintroduction for Craft Associates. The chairs are shown here in solid walnut and leather, but each is hand built and made to order so wood species and fabric can be customized. Craft Associates has a full fabric program available. Craft Associates Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. They strive to Craft a product that will Stand the test of time. They use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We Stand 100% behind our product. Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, cane, leather Dimensions: H 32" (81.28cm) W 24" (60.96cm) D 26.25" (66.68cm) Arm height 22.5" (57.15cm) Seat height 16" (40.64cm) Seat width 21" (53.34cm) Seat depth 20" (50.8cm) "The U.S. would profit by the example of the Danes, whose great work in furniture design is the result of combining proficient craftsmanship, Fine design and technical skill. The Danes do more than sell arts and crafts in their distinguished work, they sell Denmark." - Lawrence Peabody, 1957 History Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Artifort Armchairs in Metal and Beige Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Artifort, lounge chair model '905', metal, fabric upholstery, the Netherlands, design 1964 The Artifort '905' armchair was designed by the company in 1964. Although the design was c...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Oak

'Sara' Leather Lounge Chairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, c 1971, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful off-white leather pair of lounge chairs by illustrious architect and designer Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, Italy. Designed in the 1970s, this pair of soft, comfy, lea...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Pair of Armchairs, Italy, 1990s
Located in New York, NY
Inox steel frames featuring wraparound backs upholstered in dark brown leather, the seats and backs upholstered in the original crushed velvet with leaf pattern. These chairs were de...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Mastercraft Brass Dining Armchairs with Grandma Fabric, Set of Four, circa 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This super cute set of four (4) dining armchairs by Mastercraft feature a brass base with light patina and a very unique and interesting fabric that features light pink and baby blue...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Ciottolo 04 by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Ciottolo 04 by Imperfettolab 1999 Dimensions: W 110 x D 91 x H 54 cm Materials: Fiberglass Avalaible in black, white / gold, chrome Imperfetto lab Who we are ? We are a famil...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Blue Chrome Vinyl Shiro Chair, Kuramata Tribute, Ideal for Waiting Areas (80s)
Located in Brooklyn, NY
It seats two people back to back or one next to each other. Made in Italy Its language is a classic take on modern movement furniture pieces such as Mies Van Der Rohe's Barcelona cha...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Italy Contemporary Design Coffee Color Linen Upholstered Armchair
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an elegant armchairs totally hand made in Italy and designed by the Italian interior design studio DD Dimore. It has been upholstered in pure linen in coffee color. The shape...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Linen

1950s Pair of Armchairs Attributed to Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in IT
Pair of 1950s armchairs attributed to Guglielmo Ulrich, a designer characterized by producing a great deal of unique furniture and furnishings designed down to the smallest detail. ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cotton

Jens Risom Pair of Walnut Lounge Chairs
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A pair of lounge chairs designed by the Danish designer Jens Risom (1916-2016). Newly upholstered, these chairs feature a walnut wood frame and a tufted back. The chairs are unmarked.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Set of Brno Chairs by Mies van der Rohe
Located in Austin, TX
Set of four Brno chairs by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll. This set has the classic chrome structure with the original flat bar design. The upholstery is all black leather. These chairs...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

In Stock in Los Angeles, Set of 2 Black Leather Bella Dining Chairs
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Set of 2 x black leather dining chairs The Bella armchair has a high back upholstered entirely in leather. The padding is in flame-retardant polyurethane foam and the frame is made ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Classic T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Armchairs for Widdicomb, ca' 1950's
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of classic, original, arm chairs by T.H.Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, ca' 1950's. Timeless styling, long, elegant arms. Walnut frames with attached seat and tapered wedge s...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

Shao Fan Armchairs
By Shao Fan
Located in Denton, TX
Combined two single arm chairs executed in 1996 by Shao Fan. Made of catalpa and elmwood. He has designed furniture which represents art rather than being purely functional. Each ch...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Elm, Paint, Upholstery

Italian Designer, Armchairs, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and white fabric armchairs designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Seat height: 16”
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mw02 design armchair, handmade in France by designer Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
The "MW02" armchair by Olivier SANTINI is handmade in France, in a signed and numbered edition. This abstract armchair elegantly combines red glass sides with pink TPU cushions cove...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other, Stainless Steel

Design armchair Mw01, made in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
"Elevate furniture aesthetics to an artistic level" Premium designer armchair, custom-made in France. This MW01 combines comfort, design, and aesthetics. The blue TPU seat, elegan...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel, Other

Design armchair Mw03, handmade in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
This MW03 armchair is an exceptional piece, custom-made in France. The armchair's sides are made of grey-colored acrylic glass. Newly designed architectural shapes, surprising and i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome, Stainless Steel, Other

Nespolo Lattina Armchair by Gugliermetto Experience
Located in Milan, Italy
Nespolo Lattina armchair produced and disigned by Gugliermetto Experience. Ugo Nespolo graphics. Can a simple jar become a very comfortable armchair? The answer is yes! A session tha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Design armchair Mw03, handmade in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
This MW03 armchair is an exceptional piece, custom-made in France. The armchair's sides are made of grey-colored acrylic glass. Newly designed architectural shapes, surprising and i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome, Stainless Steel, Other

Mw05 design armchair, handmade in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
This MW05 armchair won the DNA Paris Design Awards 2023. It is a handmade collectible piece from France. A rare and unique object, targeting decorators and art lovers in search of or...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel, Other

Nespolo Lattina Armchair by Gugliermetto Experience
Located in Milan, Italy
Nespolo Lattina armchair produced and disigned by Gugliermetto experience. Ugo Nespolo graphics. Can a simple jar become a very comfortable armchair? The answer is yes! A session tha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Mw02 design armchair, handmade in France by designer Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
"Elevate furniture aesthetics to an artistic level." This high-end designer armchair, custom-made in France, is named MW02. It combines comfort, design, and aesthetics. The seat, c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel, Other

Italian modern leather armchairs Hyaline by Fabio Lenci for Comfort Line, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern leather armchairs Hyaline by Fabio Lenci for Comfort Line, 1970s Pair of armchairs mod. Hyaline with rectangular base. The seat and backrest are composed of various cy...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Wrought Iron & Blue Cotton Jacques Quinet Armchairs, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Petite pair of armchairs in square wrought iron with brass adjuster feet and brass hardware, upholstered in blue cotton.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Bertu Arm Chairs, Suelo Quick Ship Arm Chair, Walnut
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Need something now? We are offering a few of our pieces, including this Suelo Arm Chair ready to ship! 20% off and in perfect/excellent condition. These are all one-off pieces. First...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Hoop Armchair in Black Leather 1972 by Pietro Palange & Werther Toffoloni
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Hoop Armchair designed by Piero Palange and Werther Toffolon. Italy, Germa, 1972. Lacquered wooden frame with original leather upholstery. Very Good Condition. Feel free to reques...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Modular Armchair Deigned by Afra e Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1968
Located in Madrid, ES
Modular armchair designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina in 1968 in Italy. it is made on a solid wood structure covered in foam and upholstered by hand in a beige bouclé. It is...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Delta Armchair - Modern Tangerine Orange Upholstered Armchair
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Baleri Italia Caprichair Armchair in Red Fabric by Hannes Wettstein
Located in Milan, IT
Caprichair is a precise idea: function perfectly expressed. A playful, almost anthropomorphic form, a serendipitous example of details and small finishing touches. Its formal and con...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Delta Armchair - Modern Violet Upholstered Armchair
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Armchair - Modern Purple Upholstered Armchair
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Armchair - Modern Sky Blue Upholstered Armchair
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Armchair - Modern Turquoise Upholstered Armchair
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Armchair - Modern Lime Green Upholstered Armchair
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Armchair - Modern Raspberry Red Upholstered Armchair
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Armchair - Modern Ultra Violet Upholstered Armchair
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Armchair - Modern Classic Blue Upholstered Armchair
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Armchair - Modern Lemon Yellow Upholstered Armchair
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Contemporary Natural Oak Lounge Chair by Ellen Degeneres Parkdale Chair
Located in North York, ON
Contemporary natural oak lounge chair by Ellen Degeneres Parkdale Chair. Beautiful contemporary design with thick natural light show wood. Featuring pl...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Pair of Harvey Probber Solid Bar Aluminum Lounge Chairs, 1960's
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair of Harvey Probber 1427A Solid Bar Aluminum Lounge Chairs. Featuring solid Aluminum bar construction, ergonomic slant back, attached spacious cushions, with tufted Blue, Red, Whi...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Contemporary Pair of Italian Armchairs, Wood and White Boucle Fabric
Located in Brussels, BE
Contemporary Pair of Italian Armchairs, Wood and White Boucle Fabric
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

"Xitle" Armchair
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
The "Xitle" chair is part of ADN Studio´s Volcan collection. This collection seeks to go back to basics. It is a subtle and refined interpretation of the archytypical modern furnitur...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Bold Armchairs - Barnum 24
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Celebrating the art of relaxed sophistication, the Bold Armchair is a statement piece that embodies the spirit of modern design. The skillful use of high-quality materials, combined ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery

Pair of B&B Italia ‘Ray’ armchairs designed by Antonio Citterio
Located in TOLLEBEEK, NL
Pair of beautiful armchairs in grey wool upholstery from B&B Italia from award-winning designer Antonio Citterio. A successful design strategy that achieves a balance of functional ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wool

Eight Emerald Green Leather Tucroma Chairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, New
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of eight (8) Tucroma armchairs (Brand New) in beautiful emerald green leather with polished chrome frames. The seats and backs have supple green leather upholstery and are attach...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Vintage LC2 Corbusier Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of vintage LC2 Corbusier armchairs. Original leather and chrome frame.      
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Brand New Black Leather Tucroma Chairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Currently, the most coveted dining chairs by interior designers are 'Tucroma' chairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, and we have this incredible set of four (4) Tucroma armchairs...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Tubular Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Armchair and ottoman in steel and leather, Europe, 1950s. Modern tubular armchair and matching ottoman. These items are made of bent tubular steel with black saddle leather upholste...
Category

1950s European Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Steel

"Koala" Armchair by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, France, 1990s
Located in New York, NY
Armchair upholstered in a beige, tightly woven boucle fabric. Model "Koala". Chair: Height: 32” back, 16”, seat width 30”, depth 30”  
Category

1990s French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

Adele, Poltroncina con ruote ottone, Dainelli Studio for Somaschini, Italy
Located in Cabiate, IT
A small armchair, with a deliberately outsized and conspicuous wheel. Adele is soft, round, elegant yet ironic. Brass and bright colors, curves and tightly stretched fabrics, it coul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of China Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of China Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Fritz Hansen. Designed in 1944 and manufactured by Fritz Hansen. Stained cherrywood with loose upholstered seat cushion.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cherry

"Diz" Armchair in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, 2001, Brazil
Located in New York, NY
The awesome "Diz" Armchair in Hardwood designed by Sergio Rodrigues in Brazil in 2001 is nothing less than exquisite! The "Diz" armchair showcases a captivating blend of sculptural...
Category

Early 2000s Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Hardwood

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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