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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Italian modern Dark brown leather Reclining armchairs and pouf by De Sede, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Dark brown leather Reclining armchairs and pouf by De Sede, 1970s Pair of reclining armchairs and pouf in dark brown leather and dark wood. The square back and seat ar...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

New Design Armchair in AMS Leather
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 reinforce...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Paire de chaises vintage années 1980
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-RIVIÈRE, FR
Paire de chaises des années 1980 en état correct mais le tissu est fatigué. Le chrome est piqué un peu partout.
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Design armchair Mw01 "Black Wood", 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 MW01 combines comfort, design, and aesthetics. The HR40 foam seat, eleg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other, Stainless Steel

Fauteuil de bureau simili cuir en état moyen
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-RIVIÈRE, FR
Fauteuil de bureau en simili cuir en état moyen (petites déchirures, système de réglage de hauteur à réparer, ...
Category

1990s French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Synthetic

Luciano Frigerio (1928-1999), Armchair with ottoman, circa 1970
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Luciano Frigerio (1928-1999), Armchair with ottoman, wood and leather, circa 1970, Italy. Armchair: Height 83 cm, seat height 35 cm, depth 112 cm, width 92 cm. Ottoman: height 40 c...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Italian modern black Spaghetti armchairs by Giandomenico Belotti for Alias 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black plastic and metal Spaghetti armchairs by Giandomenico Belotti for Alias, 1980s Spaghetti armchair with black painted metal structure with a geometric shape and s...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Italian modern black Spaghetti armchairs by Giandomenico Belotti for Alias 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black plastic and metal Spaghetti armchairs by Giandomenico Belotti for Alias, 1980s Spaghetti armchair, with armrests and structure in black lacquered metal and seat ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Werther Toffoloni Piero Palange Armchair
Located in L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE, FR
G23 Armchair Edition Germa Italy 1970 Lacquered wood and leather, in excellent condition like new !
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Hardwood

Wassily Armchairs by Marcel Breuer
Located in Austin, TX
Armchair, Italian, produced by Gavina. This B3 armchair by Marcel Breuer features a bent chromed steel tubular construction and black stained...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Gilbert Rohde, Armchairs, Cherry, Velvet, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of cherrywood and purple velvet armchairs designed by Gilbert Rohde and produced by Herman Miller, Zeeland, Michigan, 1940s.  Seat height 17.5”.
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cherry, Velvet

Rush cane armchair designed John Hutton for Donghia 1980s mahogany accents
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Heavy well made John Hutton design for Donghia from DD Building NYC. No longer in production.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rush

Modern Andrea Salvetti for Dilmos Milano White Armchair Lacquered Fiberglass
Located in Milan, IT
Extraordinary armchair made in white glossy fiberglass for Dilmos Milano. The artist Andrea Salvetti was inspired by the posture of the Madonna holding Christ in the famous Pietà scu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Modern Andrea Salvetti for Dilmos Polished Armchair Aluminium Cast
Located in Milan, IT
Extraordinary armchair made in lost wax-casting aluminium for Dilmos Milano. The artist Andrea Salvetti was inspired by the posture of the Madonna holding Christ in the famous Pietà ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Bill Sofield Baker Contemporary Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A pair of Bill Sofield for Baker Furniture contemporary upholstered arm chairs. The modern styled chairs with straight backs and slightly flared arms are upholstered in a beautiful ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Le Jeune Upholstery SLJ1 Dining Desk Armchair Showroom Model
Located in Miami, FL
Le Jeune Upholstery SLJ1 Dining Desk Armchair Showroom Model Offered for sale is a Le Jeune Upholstery showroom model SLJ1 DC5.923 Dining Armchair. This is a wood-arm modern desk ch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood, Mahogany

Poltrona Tre Cerchi in Rattan, Tito Agnoli, Bonacina
Located in Milano, Lombardia
La poltrona Tre Cerchi in rattan, progettata da Tito Agnoli per Bonacina, rappresenta un’icona del design italiano degli anni ’60. Caratterizzata da una struttura elegante e leggera,...
Category

1850s Italian Antique Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rattan

Set Sculptural Chaise Lounge & Pouf, Black Smoke Metal, & Tan Leather Sample
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary chaise longue and ottoman is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 16 / 12 mm is complemented by the flexibil...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Modernist Lounge Chair in Woven Ivory Fabric by Pierre Frey
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Contemporary armchair designed by Goncalo Compos for Pierre Frey. The modernist chair features a suspended backrest with graphic angular lines against a round base. Completely uphols...
Category

2010s French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile, Upholstery, Beech

Set 3 Counter Height Stool w. Backrest Black Leather & Black Rubber Metal Sample
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Those chairs were part of our exhibition at last Maison Objet show in Paris as display product. The “Repose” contemporary stool belongs to a collection that revisit the director cha...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Armchair PLAY in wool 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 e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Plywood

Infinity Star
Located in London, GB
The chair is hand embroidered and designed by Geraldine Larkin and handcrafted by David Linley with a walnut base and legs. the design on the back of the chair is inspired by art dec...
Category

2010s British Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metallic Thread

Armchair, Le Bambole, Mario Bellini, B&B
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Throughout their history, Le Bambole have seen slight adaptations in shapes, proving that they are able to stay in step with the times. In addition to appearance, comfort is a key de...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

2 ART-DECO MODERNIST ARMCHAIRS by ROBERT MALLET-STEVENS & DARIEL, France 1925
Located in PARIS, FR
A spectacular pair of large -outside or terrasse- armchairs, Modernist, Bauhaus, Constructivist, white lacquered massive wood geometric structures, seatings made in strong fabric rub...
Category

1920s French Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Italian modern Black armchair Artona by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Black armchair Artona by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 1970s Vintage and fantastic armchair mod. Artona with seat, armrests and backrest composed of soft cushions...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Bent Steel Lounge Chair by Jacques Hitier for Tubauto, France, c. 1955
Located in New York City, NY
Two Available; Priced Individually Graphic bent metal lounge chairs by celebrated architect and designer Jacques Hitier. These chairs are a gr...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Dottie Left Module White Seating
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
The Dottie collection adapts to every living space with its light tones, minimal design, comfort and modular installation. DOTTIE modules, which create pieces that you can design acc...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery, Foam, Hardwood

Classic Contemporary Chaise Lounge Aged Brass Steel & Navy Blue Leather Sample
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Showroom sample The Wanderlust contemporary chaise lounge belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Papillonne Salmon Pink Armchair
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
The Papillonne Salmon pink armchair complements your style with its flawless form and unmatched comfort, adding a unique character to your space... I...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Italian orange velvet armchairs Coronado by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern orange velvet armchairs Coronado by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B, 1970s Pair of armchairs mod. Coronado in orange velvet with high back. The seat, armrests and backre...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic, Fabric

Le Bambole armchair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 2022
Located in Athens, Attiki
B&B Italia’s Le Bambola has received a radical redesign for its 50th anniversary by its original designer, Italian architect Mario Bellini. Le bambola was designed in 1972 and awarde...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Italian brown leather armchairs Coronado by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown leather armchairs Coronado by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B, 1970s Pair of armchairs mod. Coronado in brown leather with high back. The seat, armrests and backre...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Plastic

Pair of André Sornay Armchairs in Sapele Mahogany and Bouclé, France, 1950s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of armchairs was designed by André Sornay and produced by his workshop in Lyon in the early 1950s. High, angled backrest in sapele mahogany with upholstered cushions. ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Chenille, Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany

Finn Juhl 45 Chair, Wood and Fabric
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1945, relaunched in 2003. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. In the Autumn of 1945, Finn Juhl presented the 45 Chair at the annual Cabi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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 Armchairs

Materials

Brass

'Riaza Armchair' natural/tabacco, La Caja
Located in MADRID, ES
A member of LACAJA’s iconic Riaza Family, the Riaza Armchair is a modern take on the traditional Spanish “frailero” chair, a design that dates back to the 16th century. The incorpora...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Foz Armchair, COM, Insidherland by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Foz is an armchair with the same design as the grand sofa that gathers surprising details of a beach located in Porto, in the north of Portugal. Designed in layers, the contour of t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Italian modern brown teddy Alky armchairs by Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown teddy Alky armchairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s Pair of Alky model monocoque armchairs, in soft brown teddy fabric. The shell is provided o...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Jet Armchair - Modern White Upholstered Armchair
Located in London, GB
The angled lines of the Jet collection are inspired by the swift spoilers of aviation, gifting it with a glaring look and an aerodynamic silhouette that looks like it is about to tak...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Hidden Armchair Leather
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Standing out with its material diversity and geometric forms, the HIDDEN series takes its place in the upper segment design world with its nostalgic design approach and fine craftsma...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Foam, Hardwood

Arthur Single Module/Armchair Blue
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
The ARTHUR series, which stands out with its calm color tones and changeable design, is among the indispensables with its variety of usage areas and comfort. In the collection, where aesthetics and modern language meet, changes made according to needs are the first address of those looking for quick solutions. In addition, ARTHUR sofas, which offer storage space, are ready to take the most suitable form according to your living space, like a jigsaw puzzle. Faux leather bolster cushion...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Foam, Hardwood

Brass Vidal Grau Swan Chair
Located in Dronten, NL
Elegant Vidal Grau chair with swan head details in the armrest. Polished brass frame and legs, mahogany backrest, upholstery in nappa leather. Very nice vintage condition as shown in...
Category

1990s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Vintage Pair of Knoll Brno Flat Bar Chairs by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Knoll Brno Flat Bar Chairs, Cantilever Design, Newly Chrome Plated and Reupholstered in a Sage Color Mohair, Padded Armrest
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cut Steel, Chrome

Jet Sofa - Modern White Upholstered Two Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
The angled lines of the Jet collection are inspired by the swift spoilers of aviation, gifting it with a glaring look and an aerodynamic silhouette that looks like it is about to tak...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Armchair - Modern White 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

Modern Pink Terracotta Armchair Outdoor or Indoor in Metal and Ropes, 21 century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Modern Pink Terracotta Armchair Outdoor or Indoor in Metal and Ropes, 21 century Modern production armchair for outdoor or indoor use. The frame is made of metal and reinforced with ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

21st Century Carrés Pink Fabric Armchair Indoor Outdoor Metal
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Carrés" pink armchair. Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrace. Available in a range of fabric and frame colours. This armchair comes with a weather co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

21st Century Carrés Dark Green Fabric Armchair, Indoor, Outdoor, Metal
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Dark green "Carrés" armchair Dark green "Carrés" armchair. Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrace. Available in a range of fabric and frame colours. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Peacock Easy Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Peacock Easy armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Rattan Also available in other colors. Dimensions: 68.5 cm x 90 cm x H 198 cm Peacock is a modern take on the traditional wick...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rattan

Modern Green Outdoor or Indoor Armchair in Metal and Ropes, 21 century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Modern Green Outdoor or Indoor Armchair in Metal and Ropes, 21 century Modern production armchair for outdoor or indoor use. The frame is made of metal and reinforced with ropes on t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Cream Outdoor or Indoor Metal and Cord Armchairs, 21 century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Cream Outdoor or Indoor Metal and Cord Armchairs, 21 century Modern production armchair for outdoors or indoors. The structure is in metal and reinforced by the ropes on the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Grey Outdoor or Indoor Metal and Cord Armchairs, 21 century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Grey Outdoor or Indoor Metal and Cord Armchairs, 21 century Modern production armchair for outdoors or indoors. The structure is in metal and reinforced by the ropes on the b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

21st Century Carrés Olive Green Fabric Armchair, Indoor , Outdoor, Metal
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Olive colour armchair "Carrés Pink armchair "Carrés". Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrace. Available in a range of fabric and frame colours. This ar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Modern Grey Armchair Outdoor or Indoor in Metal and Ropes, 21 century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Modern Grey Armchair Outdoor or Indoor in Metal and Ropes, 21 century Modern production armchair for outdoors or indoors. The frame is made of metal and reinforced with ropes on the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Blue Outdoor or Indoor Metal and Cord Armchairs, 21 century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Blue Outdoor or Indoor Metal and Cord Armchairs, 21 century Modern production armchair for outdoors or indoors. The structure is in metal and reinforced by the ropes on the b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Modern Yellow Armchair Outdoor or Indoor in Metal and Ropes, 21 century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Modern Yellow Armchair Outdoor or Indoor in Metal and Ropes, 21 century Modern production armchair for outdoor or indoor use. The structure is m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Armchair by Piero Lissoni, Kartell Edition, Year 2000.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Armchair by Piero Lissoni, Kartell Edition, Year 2000. Armchair, model "Form" by Piero Lissoni, Kartell edition, in white polyester and chromed metal for the structure, circa 2000, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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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