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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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.
4
3,132
595
148
to
239
2,329
1,239
3,875
1,034
1,508
9,179
3,875
1,977
1,417
513
443
365
277
270
257
214
183
173
168
162
115
57
33
4
591
3,280
15
164
353
1
5
14
12
34
72
133
83
57
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
3,291
2,867
2,392
2,568
2,356
2,508
2,343
2,508
2,339
2,453
2,320
2,490
2,091
1,658
1,632
1,129
1,039
3,103
1,448
518
373
300
212
74
64
64
58
Style: Modern
"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
Armchair in the Manner of Adriano Piazzesi, Italy, c. 1970
Located in New York City, NY
This armchair is reminiscent of Adriano Piazzesi's bold, quintessentially Italian designs.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Ginga XL Footstool in Black Oak, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Ginga XL Footstool 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 o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Italian modern brown leather armchair with a triangular base, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown leather armchair with a triangular base, 1970s
Armchair with triangular base. The seat and backrest are composed of a single padded cushion covered in brown leat...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Salvador Dali Surrealist Leda Armchair Sculpture Black Label Limited Edition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Leda armchair designed by Dali manufactured by BD.
All pieces of ironwork in this collection are made of brass. The black label Leda collection has an artisanal application of a spe...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Italian modern brown leather Wassily armchair by Marcel Breuer for Gavina, 1970s
By Gavina, Marcel Breuer
Located in MIlano, IT
Iconic Italian modern brown leather Wassily armchair by Marcel Breuer for Gavina, 1970s
Wassily or B3 model armchair, with chromed tubular steel structur...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Roche Bobois Hans Hopfer Vintage Informel Cognac Aniline Leather Lounge Chair
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Roche Bobois armchair Lounge Chair Model Informel in cognac brandy soft aniline leather.
Design by Hans Hopfer in the late 70ties.
Original l...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Foam, Leather
Tubular Lounge Chair in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair in steel and leather, Europe, 1950s.
Modern armchair made in Europe in the 1950s. This chair is made of bent tubular steel with black saddle leather upholstery. Beautif...
Category
1950s European Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal, Steel
L'EMBLEMATIQUE Armchair in White by Alexandre Ligios, REP by Tuleste Factory
Located in New York, NY
L'EMBLEMATIQUE Armchair by Alexandre Ligios
Curly Wool
L 39 x H 28 x D 24
The wave-shaped design armchair is a contemporary and elegant piece that evokes a sense of fluid and orga...
Category
2010s Moroccan Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wool
CraftAssociates Arm Chair, Milo Baughman Arm Chair, Walnut, Oval Cane Back
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Arm Chair, Milo Baughman Arm Chair, Walnut, Oval Cane Back
The Milo Baughman Oval Cane Back Walnut Arm Chair for Craft Associates® Furniture is expertly crafted. The...
Category
2010s American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Cane, Wood, Walnut
Italian rattan and chromed metal armchair by Lyda Levi, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian rattan and chromed metal armchair by Lyda Levi, 1970s
Armchair with rectangular base. The supporting structure is made of chromed metal rod with a square section, and makes u...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Mone Modern Armchair by JNK
By Jnk
Located in Miami, FL
Mone: The New Expression of Modern Elegance
Designed in harmony with the rhythm of modern life, the Mone furniture collection brings together aesthetics and functionality. Mone, eac...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
D120 armchair by Valeria Borsani and and Alfredo Bonetti for Tecno
Located in Milano, IT
The D120 armchair, designed by Valeria Borsani and Alfredo Bonetti for Tecno in the 1970s, stands as a testament to the era's innovative approach to furniture design. This remarkable...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Rue de Babylone Arm Chair by Christophe Delcourt
Located in Toronto, ON
Framed by 19th century Parisian architecture, the Rue de Babylone guides both locals and tourists alike through the most celebrated and unassumed segments of Paris. Referencing the a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Fabric
Ginga Leather Armchair in Black Oak, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Ginga Leather 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 fr...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Trevor Chair, Chrome Finish Steel Frame in Cream Boucle by Lara Bohinc in Stock
By Lara Bohinc
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
Trevor dining chair makes a perfect accompaniment for the tea room, its round spheres forming backrest and armrests, floating on thin metal rods, just like bonbons speared on cocktai...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Trevor Chair with Armrests Chrome Finish Steel Frame in Bouclé by Lara Bohinc
By Lara Bohinc
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
Trevor dining chair makes a perfect accompaniment for the tea room, its round spheres forming backrest and armrests, floating on thin metal rods, just like bonbons speared on cocktai...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Saturn Chair, Chrome Finish Steel Frame and Cream Boucle Wool by Lara Bohinc
By Lara Bohinc
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
The distinctive Saturn chair is a return to the split sphere concepts Bohinc originally created for her jewelry collections such as Sun and Moon (2007) and Solaris (2012). This form ...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Poltrona Valentina, Carla Venosta, Cinova con pouf
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Poltrona più pouf rarissimi della designer italiana Carla Venosta. Elemento di base in acciaio e rivestimento nuovo in boucle.
Misure pouf: 85x80x35
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Neutral Upholstered Swivel Mini Papilio Armchair by B&B Italia - Available Now
By B&B Italia
Located in Tulsa, OK
The Mini Papilio Armchair by B&B Italia is covered in a neutral warm beige wool blend with zipper detail down the back. This armchair is suited for both residential homes and public ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Brand New Emerald Green Leather Tucroma Chairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of six Tucroma armchairs in beautiful emerald green leather with polished chrome frames. The seats and backs have supple green leather upholstery and are attached to graceful pol...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Brand New Emerald Green Leather Tucroma Chairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four Tucroma armchairs in beautiful emerald green leather with polished chrome frames. The seats and backs have supple green leather upholstery and are attached to graceful po...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Armchair Mw02 "Cannage", made in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
"Elevate furniture aesthetics to an artistic level".
High-end designer armchair, custom-made in France.
This MW02 "Cannage" combines vintage elegance with chic authenticity.
The b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel, Other
Modern Cantilevered Armchairs, 4
Located in New York, NY
Set of Four Modern Cantilevered Armchairs, 1970s. 33" H x 21" W x 22" D; seat: 17" H.
Category
20th Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
1 of the 4 Piccola Papilio Armchairs by B&B Italia, New Upholstery Metaphores
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 4 Piccola Papilio armchairs, designed by Naoto Fukasawa for B&B Italia.
"Although small in size, the armchair ensures exceptional comfort. The backrest is designed as two “w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Italian modern dark red rattan armchair 981 with footrest by Bonacina, 1980s
By Bonacina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern dark red rattan armchair 981 with footrest by Bonacina, 1980s
Rattan armchair or deckchair mod. 981 with armrests and footrest. The structure is painted dark red, with...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Divi Divi Fauteuils by Mark van Tilburg for Leolux, 1980s
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
An exclusive pair "Divi Divi" fauteuils by Mark van Tilburg for Leolux. Manufactured in 1988.
Reupholstered with a wonderful france white and red structured fabric form the hig-end ...
Category
1980s Dutch Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Limited Edition Salvador Dali Armchair, "Invisible Personage"
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Indulge in a rare opportunity to own a piece of art history with this Limited Edition Salvador Dali Armchair, featuring the artist's iconic "Invisible Personage" design. One of only ...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Lacquer
Design armchair Mw01 bronze, 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 HR40 foam seat, elegan...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel, Other
Pair of Upholstered Armchairs with Floral Velvet in Shades of Blue 1980
Located in Florence, IT
Pair of newly Upholstered Armchairs with Floral Velvet in Shades of Blue.
Perfect vintage condition.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet
Design armchair Mw01 bronze, 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 HR40 foam seat, elega...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Other, Stainless 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"
High-end designer armchair, custom-made in France.
This MW02 combines comfort, design, and aesthetics.
The seating in HR40 foam...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Other, Stainless Steel
Arteriors Torcello Armchair in Muslin
Located in New York, NY
Iron framed "Torcello" armchair in muslin by Arteriors. The iron frame is seemlessly made and the floating seat is covered in an off white muslin fabric. Preowed and in great conditi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Iron
Salvador Dali Surrealist Leda Armchair Sculpture Black Label Limited Edition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Leda armchair designed by Dali manufactured by BD.
All pieces of ironwork in this collection are made of brass. The black label Leda collection has an artisanal application of a spe...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Italian modern Blu fabric Armchair Felix by Burkhard Vogtherr for Arflex, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Blu fabric Armchair Felix by Burkhard Vogtherr for Arflex, 1980s
Armchair mod. Felix with squared seat and backrest, padded and covered in blue fabric with abstract fl...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
A pair of Guillerme et Chambron of armchairs
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A sette in black oak which can be divided in two single armchairs
dimensions are for one piece
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Italian modern Armchair LC3 by Le Corbusier Jeanneret Perriand for Cassina 2008
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Armchair LC3 by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Perriand for Cassina, 2008
Elegant armchair mod. LC3 with tubular metal structure painted in pale blue. The square seat, t...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Koala armchair by Garouste & Bonetti, France, 1990's
Located in Paris, FR
Red velvet Koala by Garouste & Bonetti, created circa 1995
Bronze feet, signed BG, with its cushion
Exceptional condition of the fabric which is original
Category
1990s French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Italian Modern Red Wood Chair Kazuki by Takahama for Simone Gavina, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Red wood chair mod. Kazuki by Kazuhide Takahama for Simone Gavina, 1960s
Armchair mod. Kazuki in glossy red lacquered wood. The back is...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Ginga Armchair XL in Black Oak, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Ginga Armchair XL 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 on...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Armchair mod. Le Témoindi Man Ray for Gavina, 1971
Located in Baranzate, IT
Polyurethane foam structure and skai upholstery. Rigid PVC supports. Prod. Simon Gavina, Italy, 1971
"The great eye, the witness, watches you persistently in the house, when your con...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Plastic, PVC
Falstaff Grey Leather Armchair by Stefan Diez for Dante Goods and Bads
By Stefan Diez
Located in Milano, IT
Contemporary Armchair - Collectible Design Lounge Chair - Grey Leather Living Room Chair
Designed by Stefan Diez for collectible furniture brand Dante Goods and Bads...
Category
2010s Belgian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
"Liame" Armchair Upholstered in Linen with Four Golden Mate Feet
Located in Centro, RS
"Liame" Armchair Upholstered in Linen with Four Golden Mate Feet, has an elegant and versatile design.
Easy to match, transitions into many interior decor styles.
Its finishes are i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Manhattan Blue Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Upholstered in top-grade Chateau Blue leather, this chair is a statement piece that adds a modern touch to any space. Its unique double iron frame not only provides robust support bu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Surrealist Salivasofa 'Original' Prototype Red Lips Sofa By Salvador Dali
Located in Barcelona, ES
In the pioneering year of 1972, the visionary duo of Salvador Dalí and Oscar Tusquets unveiled their very first prototype sofa, a testament to their inn...
Category
Late 20th Century Spanish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Foam
"Virgola" Chairs By Yaacov Kaufman with Side Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Virgola Armchairs
Matches with Of-The-Period Trayed Ottoman Pair
Ottomans are Asymmetrical in Shape, But Same Height
One Chair Has Small Burnhole on the Back As Shown
Category
1990s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Manhattan Brown Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Upholstered in top-grade Havana Brown leather, this chair is a statement piece that adds a modern touch to any space. Its unique double iron frame not only provides robust support bu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Armchair Mw02 "Bronze Cannage", made in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
"Elevate furniture aesthetics to an artistic level" with this MW02 "Bronze Cannage".
High-end designer armchair, custom-made in France.
This MW02 "Bronze Cannage" combines vintage ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel, Other
Lotus Armchair, Modern Black Leather Sofa with Brass Legs
Located in London, GB
The Lotus collection was created as a reference of elegance and etiquette, imbuing its design of a magnetic personality with its geometrical beauty. Its structure is shaped from curv...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Lotus Armchair, Modern Brown Leather Sofa with Brass Legs
Located in London, GB
The Lotus collection was created as a reference of elegance and etiquette, imbuing its design of a magnetic personality with its geometrical beauty. Its structure is shaped from curv...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Archibald Genuine leather Armchair in Pelle SC 66 India Light Brown
Located in New York, NY
The Archibald by Jean-Marie Massaud is the perfect combination of substance and form, the armchairs and poufs boasting a comfortable and enveloping design ideal for meditation and re...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Lotus Armchair, Modern White Leather Sofa with Brass Legs
Located in London, GB
The Lotus collection was created as a reference of elegance and etiquette, imbuing its design of a magnetic personality with its geometrical beauty. Its structure is shaped from curv...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
A Pair Arrben Italy Stiletto Armchairs
By Arrben
Located in Vienna, AT
Arrben Italy armchairs, chromed metal frame, upholstered with patinated black leather. Seat height 46 cm. Produced by Arrben Design, Italy.
2 pieces available price for 2
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Vintage Slatted Teak Lounge Chairs
Located in Denton, TX
Solid teak slat lounge chairs with brass accents. The sides are curved with a nice angle on the back. These are very sturdy and very comfortable for long term sitting.
New upholster...
Category
20th Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Design armchair Mw02 "Jungle", handmade in France, designed by 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 a numbered and signed piece.
The MW02 "Jungle" model, limited to only...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Other
Industrial Black Leather Desk Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern industrial-style swivel desk chair with channel quilting onyx black leather upholstery on a metal frame with wooden armrests.
Dimensions: 25" W x 28" D x 38" H
Seat - 21" H
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Modern Quilted Blue Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
With top grain Chateau Blue leather, with a sloping rear and curved arms, with a partially quilted seat and backrest, with decorative buckles.
Dimensions: 31" W x 34" D x 34" H
Seat ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
New Design Armchair in Pacific Leather
By Europa
Located in Madrid, ES
Armchair
General Information
Dimensions (cm): 100 x 83 x 73
Dimensions (in): 39.4 x 32.7 x 28.7
Weight (kg): 24
Weight (lbs): 52.9
Materials and Colors
Structure: Resin reinforced...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
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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