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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
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Style: Modern
Philippe Starck armchair
Located in PARIS, FR
Chair model Pat Conley II by designer Philippe Starck for XO, from the 1980s. Gray anodized metal structure. In perfect condition.
DV515
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Contemporary Velvet Armchair Offered With Nails On The Curve & Back
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This armchair is the epitome of serenity inducing design. With an embracing silhouette and luxurious deep seat, its sensuous curves and comfortable back perfectly adapt to the body. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
21st Century Carrés Orange Terracotta Fabric Armchair Indoor Outdoor Metal
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Carrés" terracotta-coloured armchair
Terracotta-coloured "Carrés" armchair. Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrace.
Available in a range of fabric and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Iron
Thos. Moser Catena Arm Chair Cherry 2008 Thomas Moser
By Thomas Moser
Located in Miami, FL
Handmade Moser Arm Chair from 2008 in Cherry. In good condition with some normal wear. Please see our other listings for more Moser furniture.
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Cherry
21st Century Carrés Beige Fabric Armchair Indoor Outdoor Metal
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Beige armchair "Carrés
Beige "Carrés" armchair. Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrace.
Available in a range of fabric and frame colours.
This armchair...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Iron
Wave-Shaped 21st Century Orange Terracotta Fabric Armchair Indoor Outdoor
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wave-shaped terracotta color armchair
Wave-shaped terracotta armchair with cylinder scrolls on the back and seat. Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Wave-Shaped 21st Century Beige Fabric Armchair Indoor Outdoor
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wave-shaped Beige armchair
Beige Wave-shaped armchair with cylinder rollers on the back and seat. Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrace.
Available in ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Wave-Shaped 21st Century Dark Green Fabric Armchair Indoor Outdoor
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Dark Green Wave Armchair
Dark green wave-shaped armchair with cylinder rollers on the back and seat. Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrace.
Available ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Wave-Shaped 21st Century Creme Fabric Armchair Indoor Outdoor
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wave-shaped Cream armchair
Cream-coloured Wave-shaped armchair with cylinder rollers on the back and seat. Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrace.
Avai...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Green Gardenias Armchair with Pergola, Outdoor by Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The Gardenias collection is the second largest collection by Jaime Hayon for BD.
Structure made of cast and extruded aluminium. Powder-coated green (RAL 6021) with Alesta by Axalta....
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
Toothpick Chair
By Soft Baroque
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The traditional and tapered mortice and tenon have been rebranded many times. We continue this evolution, converging to a sharp a point, becoming a piece of domestic hostile design. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs
Materials
Beech
1970s Arne Jacobsen "Lily" armchair , oak / niger leather.
Located in København V, DK
Arne Jacobsen. Pair of armchairs. Model 3208 ("The Lily" ). 1970s edition. Armrests in oak, seat and back upholstered in patinated natural cognak coloured niger goat leather.
The mo...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of "Wassily" Armchairs, Breuer (designer) Knoll (Manufacturer), Circa 1980
By Knoll, Marcel Breuer
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful pair of “Wassily” model armchairs designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925. These armchairs are in chrome tubes and black leather. Published by Knoll.
Marcel Breuer designed this ...
Category
1980s Hungarian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Guillerme et Chambron oak armchairs
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
a Guillerme et Chambron "Elmore " seat in oak
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Contemporary Armchair by Hessentia in Blue Velvet, plissè embroidery on the back
Located in Carate, Brianza (MB)
Penelope armchair, suitable to furnish modern living areas, can be also chosen as a unique and refined item for bedrooms. It is characterized by a sinuous and soft structure composed...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Poltrona in tessuto bouclet con basamento in metallo finitura titanio
Located in Bisceglie, IT
La poltrona Ford, parte della collezione Diamond, si ispira a quelle che sono le facce del diamante che ne conferiscono la particolare forma dello schienale.
Questa poltrona a pozzet...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
Custom Curved Modern Metal Dining Chairs
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Introducing the stunning and sophisticated Curved Modern Dining Chair, a true masterpiece crafted by the skilled artisans at Carrocel. This exceptional chair features a curved back d...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal, Brass
Italian modern armchairs in black fabric, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern armchairs in black fabric, 1970s
Pair of black fabric armchairs. The seat, backrest and armrests have linear, squared and essent...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Pair Leather Arm Chairs Designed by KURT BEIER & KATI QUINGER for Bullfrog
By Kurt Beier
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Casino Leather Arm Chairs Designed by Kurt Beier & Kati Quinger for Bullfrog. Made in Germany, gray leather and black steel base. Back is adjustable.
Category
2010s German Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Modern Green Velvet Armchair Cactus Shape with Gold Swivel Base
Located in Porto, PT
Ajui Armchair II is a conceptual piece. It’s an accent chair that combines an artsy interpretation of a cactus with the comfort expected from a luxury armchair. This modern armchair ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Poltrona S148, Centro Progetti Tecno, Tecno Spa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
La Poltrona S148, realizzata dal Centro Progetti Tecno per Tecno Spa, è un'icona del design moderno. Presentata nel 1965, questa poltrona rappresenta l'eccellenza dell'artigianato it...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Pierre Paulin “Ben” Lounge Chairs for Artifort
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair Artifort Lounge Chairs designed by french designer Pierre Paulin. Labeled. Original fabric. 28w 29d 29h 17s
Category
1990s Dutch Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Ralph Lauren Writer's Aged Brown Leather Armchair and Footstool Ottoman
By Ralph Lauren
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Ralph Lauren Writers armchair and matching ottoman RRP £15,745 in aged brown vintage leat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
"Wind" Ottoman in Velvet and Silk Fringes
Located in Centro, RS
The breeze is identified with the lightness and freshness of the feeling of the skin, of the wind, in its constant movement. Thus came the inspiration for the design of the Wind otto...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet
Stephen Burks Contemporary Fabric Upholstered and Iron 'Grasso' Armchair for BD
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Stephen Bruks manufactured by BD Barcelona.
An iron tubular (25 mm) structured armchair. Seat and backrest upholstered in fabric.
The fabric upholstery oozes o...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Iron
Contemporary Modern Black Bamboo Bentwood Armchair or Lounge Chair, IDN 2023
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Contemporary, stylish black armchair or lounge chair from an indonesian artist. This incredible designed, modern armchair impresses with its beautiful shaped wide lines. Elaborately ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Bamboo, Bentwood
Bold Armchair - Vladimiro 025
By Mohdern
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, Upholstery, Velvet
Antique Olive Green Painted Armchair, Sweden, 1900s
Located in Rīga, LV
Vintage Swedish green-gray painted armchair with new olive green washed linen upholstery. The decoration ribbon was left original to save the character of the chair.
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
The Lucia Armchair with frilled skirt upholstered in Fuchsia Linen Silver Leaf
Located in London, GB
The Lucia armchair is a beauty – soft and pretty inside and out, she most definitely takes centre stage. She’s a girly joyful thing, a sort of chubby take on the traditional Howard. The scale is both bold and neat; with ample curves, English arms and a gently raked back for the ultimately comfortable sit. Delightful in her detail with Turkish corners...
Category
2010s British Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Guerrero Armchair, Leather and Dark Tropical Wood, Contemporary Mexican Design
Located in Mexico City, MX
The Guerrero armchair is a favorite best seller since it was first designed in 2015. A great piece for a small waiting area, it’s so comfortable that it also makes for a perfect read...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs
Materials
Hardwood
De Sede DS-255 Armchair with Headrest in Snow Upholstery by De Sede Design Team
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The chair is the modern furnishing object that has occupied designers the most. No other piece of furniture has been so carefully tested, studied and closely examined for its composi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
De Sede DS-47 Armchair in Brown Leather Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-47 is available as a two- and three-seat sofa, and as an armchair and stool; 5-mm-thick neck leather recognizable in characteristic fat wrinkles lend it an unmistakable expression...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Ralph nubuck leather armchair with fabric seat and back cushion
Located in Bisceglie, IT
The Ralph armchair, a cornerstone of the Hoffman collection, is composed of a rigid wooden shell that can be upholstered in a variety of fabric or leather combinations; the inner cus...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Velvet
Brigitte woven leather armchair with fabric seat and back cushion
Located in Bisceglie, IT
The Brigitte armchair, is inspired by the world of fashion and leather goods. Its hard shell characterized by its silhouette is covered in the highest quality hand-woven leather. The...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Velvet
Green Indoor / Outdoor Filicudi Cactus Chair, Made in Italy
By MARCANTONIO
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products.
This green and brass indoor / outdoor armchair features a brass finish mid century legs...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Modern Mel Armchair, Velvet Pearl Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mel Armchair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Mel armchair, named after nature’s purest and sweetest gift, brings forth the comforting e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Rattan Armchair Set in White Washed Solid Oak
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary rattan armchair set of two. The seat is upholstered in white Bouclé and the back in woven natural cane. The solid oakwood structure provides strength and lightness to th...
Category
2010s European Modern Armchairs
Materials
Bouclé, Rattan, Oak
Set of 6 Modern Metal Dining Chairs
Located in North York, ON
Set of 6 Harlowe dining chairs. This exquisite iron frame is gently hand forged and sculpted. Perfectly poised and perched on delicate tapering legs. The tight seat and bolster back ...
Category
2010s American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Iron
Fauteuil Zanotta "Hillroad" en cuir design Christophe Pillet Italie 1990 Modern
Located in AIX-LES-BAINS, FR
Fauteuil pivotant en cuir Marron foncé avec piètement métal.
Dessiné par Christophe Pillet ,pour Zanotta il trouvera sa place dans un salon lounge, pop, Space Age
Christophe Pillet,...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Jaime Hayon Contemporary Plywood Upholstery Lounger Armchair for BD
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Lounger armchair designed by Jaime Hayon.
Manufactured by BD Barcelona Design.
Armchair structure base in cast aluminium and painted. Seat and backrest are in plywood with exteriors...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
Foz Armchair, Bouclé & Brass, 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
Jaime Hayon, Contemporary, Ash, Pistachio Upholstery Low Lounger Armchair
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair structure base in cast aluminium.
Structure base in tubular steel and painted. Seat, backrest are in plywood with exteriors in ash- natural FR13, and Pistachio Y19 upholste...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
Model 5003, Rudolf Wolf, 1950. set of armchairs
By Rudolf Wolf
Located in The Hague, NL
Amazing pair of minimalist and constructivist armchairs model 5003 for Elsrijk, The Netherlands, 1950
The solid steel rod frames are repainted but still have a bit of a patina.
Two ...
Category
1950s European Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Aluminum Armchair 'Industry Collection' by Seletti, Sky Blue
By Seletti
Located in Doral, FL
From its very first year in 1964, Seletti in Cicognara, Mantova, has followed its principle of professionality service and constant research to strive for betterness innovation and o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of Brazilian Leather Armchairs
Located in Toronto, CA
Soft caramel leather wraps and curves over the tubular wood frame of these substantial yet sophisticated armchairs that strike a chord from any angle. Suspected 1970s production, unm...
Category
1970s Brazilian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Blown-Up Chair by Schimmel & Schweikle, Netherlands, 2022
Located in Antwerp, BE
Blown-up chair by Schimmel & Schweikle, crafted from recycled plastic durable hard PU coating with brown peel structure.
Schimmel & Schweikle is an ongoing collaboration between Janne Schimmel and Moreno Schweikle. Their work revolves around the nexus of technology, art, and culture. In that realm, Schimmel & Schweikle focus on developing concepts that deal with the closing gap of the digital and physical realm. For their graduation project "Return to Default" in 2018, Moreno Schweikle and Janne Schimmel digitally manipulated the DNA of three standard office chairs, creating faintly familiar mutants. The ordinary desk chair became a three-seater sofa, and twelve office stools melted into a majestic lounge chair. This particular conference chair was blown up into an overstuffed version, showcasing the importance of recycling shapes in design. The off-size frame was 3D-printed, traditionally upholstered, and reintroduced into the office space.
We currently have a selection of these armchairs in stock...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fiberglass, Polyester
Jaime Hayon, Contemporary, Plywood Orange Leather Low Lounger Armchair
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair structure base in cast aluminium.
Footstool structure base in tubular steel and painted. Seat, backrest and footstool are in plywood with exteriors in walnut nature effect ...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of Thonet Style Bentwood Armchairs, C1960
By Thonet
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of hard to find bentwood armchairs in the style of Thonet. In very good vintage condition with minimal wear. Have other sets that can be combined but these are the only...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Beech
Jaime Hayon, Monocolor Red Fabric Leather Upholstery Dino Armchair
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Main body made of rigid polyurethane covered with polyether foam cushioning. A fixed head rest, seat cushion and backrest in polyether foam cushioning. Cushion covers are removable. ...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
Dazzling Modern Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Dazzling Modern chair, bold in character, this dazzling chair is unique in every way. Its one-of-a-kind shape was born from design exploration of the organic beauty and inspiration f...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Montana armchairs by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort, 1990s - set of 4
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Set of 4 black fabric armchairs on casters designed by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort.
The chairs are labeled on the side with a round metal plate and marked underneath the seates.
...
Category
1990s Belgian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
DUO Handcrafted Matrice Chair in Steel and Velvet by Tawla
By Studio 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
Metal, Steel
DUO Handcrafted Matrice Chair in Steel and Parma Velvet by Tawla
By Studio Tawla
Located in MONTROZIER, FR
Marie Antoinette 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 f...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal, Steel
Baxter Black Leather Diner Model pair of Armchairs
Located in IT
Baxter armchairs in glossy black leather and steel feet. Diner model. 2000s. In perfect condition.
Each Armchair measures 93 x 87 x87 cm
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Henrik Bønnelycke Black Leather and Wood Armchair, Model 102
Located in Madrid, ES
Lounge chair, model 102, designed by Henrik Bønnelycke and made of steam-bent black-stained oak. Seat upholstered in black leather. Soft lines, comfortable round back and armrests.
Category
Early 2000s Danish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Pierre Jeanneret Sofa Chair PJ-SI-36-A / Authentic Mid-Century Modern Chandigarh
Located in Zürich, CH
This iconic piece of furniture with its characteristic A-shaped profile is a rare classic of history. Through its sophisticated proportions and its elegant shape, the chair represent...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Cowhide, Teak
Vintage Leather Armchairs by Paul Tuttle for Strässle International
By Knoll
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of lounge chairs by Paul Tuttle for Strässle International featuring soft cognac colored leather upholstery and strong and dynamic chrome structures. Each seat sits back to crea...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Giorgetti Alina Chair by Antonello Mosca
Located in Boston, MA
This small armchair, with its removable cover, has all the characteristics of the meticulous manufacturing tradition. This is a floor sample model.
Fabric: ELOM 12829/01 NOTTE
Base...
Category
2010s Modern Armchairs
Materials
Walnut, Wenge
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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