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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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3,139
595
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1,245
3,882
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9,164
3,882
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513
443
365
277
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257
214
183
173
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57
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3,287
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1,659
1,631
1,135
1,039
3,104
1,448
518
379
306
212
74
64
64
58
Style: Modern
Customizable Artifort Orange Slice Armchair by Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
The orange slice armchair by designer Pierre Paulin is one of the most popular design armchairs in the world. The iconic armchair makes every roo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile
Castelvecchio Armchair Limited Edition by Ferdinando Meccani
Located in Milan, IT
Designed in 1987 by Ferdinando Meccani after an inspiring visit to the Museum of Castelvecchio in Verona restored by renowned architect Carlo Scarp...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
1994's Ancella Armchair project by M. Lovi for Giovannetti Collezioni
Located in Casalguidi, IT
A unique bedroom armachair - elegant, comfortable and functional at the same time. Ancella is suitable for the bedroom and dressing-room.
Beechwood frame. Shape-retaining polyuretha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Flower Armchair Project by Sandro Santantonio for Giovannetti Collezioni New
Located in Casalguidi, IT
When elegance and lightness meet each other born flower armchair. A very comfortable and solid armchair that can change every room.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Wooden Decorative Dining Chair with Armrests, Straw Caned Seat with Seat Pillow
Located in Barlassina, IT
Decorative dining chair with armrests. This armchair was designed by Belloni in 1990 and included in its "Cocto" contemporary collection. It is still in production and it is apprecia...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Modern Pair of Black and Walnut Tone Wood Accent or Dining Armchairs by Haworth
By Haworth
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome pair of walnut tone wood accent or dining armchairs with black wool-like fabric upholstery. They are in wonderful original condition. The fabric is nearly perfect. The walnut stained, we believe ash, wood does show signs of age and use but nothing outstanding. There is wear to the stain on the arms where hands have rubbed. We call this patina. Please see photos, circa 1996.
Here is a wonderful pair of little black chairs that can go everywhere. Just like that little black dress. This handsome set is made by Haworth Wood Seating of High Point, NC, circa 1996. Most likely they began life in an office setting, but this beautiful modern and sleek pair of chairs would enhance most any living space where you need a couple more places to sit. Or they would be fabulous host and hostess chairs at your dining table mixed with a myriad of other design options. Or place them at a small table for two...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH Sugiloo Chair in Black Lacquer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The rigorous style of Michael Anastassiades defines the new SUGILOO bent wood chair with wood or upholstered seat, proposed with and without wooden bac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Kartell Madame Chair in New York Print by Philippe Starck and La Double J
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Thanks to its neutral colour palette, this chair makes the ideal furniture piece for inserting in sophisticated residential interiors or the most refined contract projects.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Set of 2 Kartell Venice Chairs in Glossy Rusty Orange by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A tribute to the city of Venice in a chair for both the table and the living room, which combines classic lines with comfort. Venice is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Plastic
Modern Light Pearl Gray Fabric Dining Armchair with Steel Base Black
By Lunchstudio
Located in Mexico, MX
Helsinki collection. Helsinki armchair: simple, elegant, comfortable. Available in steel base electrostatically painted, may be upholstered with variety of fabrics and colors. Also a...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Kartell Bubble Club Armchair in Light Grey by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bubble club armchair in light grey.
Dimensions: Height 30.75 in.; Width 40.15 in.; Depth 29.5 in.; Unit weight 17 kg. Made of: Polyethylene. Outdoor use.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Plastic
COR Conseta Back Pair of Leather Armchair
Located in Munich, Bavaria
COR pair of leather model Conseta
Back aniline leather.
Comfortable armchair with decent design.
Design by Friedrich Wilhelm Möller
A German masterpiece of functional design.
Category
1960s German Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Down
Loomi Armchair with Black Upholshtered Seat and Back by Lapo Ciatti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Loomi is the padded seat by Lapo Ciatti designed to meet the many needs of our daily life. Larger than a chair, less bulky than an armchair. A comfortable place to snuggle up, a smal...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Diplopia Armchair in Blue Fabric with Lacquered Canapa Legs by Skrivo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Diplopia addresses the theme of the ‘double’ and the ‘splitting’. The repetition of the seat, the back, and the legs, combined with the use of polyurethane foam, makes it a structura...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Pair of RIMA Design Armchairs Made in Italy
By Gastone Rinaldi, RIMA
Located in Catania, IT
Pair of eco-leather and iron armchairs, Italian production of the 1960s attributable to the designer Gastone Rinaldi for Rima, the beautiful armchairs are in excellent condition, but...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Iron
Green Channel Armchair with White Frame
Located in Milan, IT
Exuding romantic sophistication, this armchair is a perfect example of masterful craftsmanship combining traditional techniques and modern aesthetic. Innovative and versatile, the si...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Rope, Textile, Reed
De Sede DS-414 Swivel Base Armchair in White Upholstery by De Sede Design Team
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
When the little brother suddenly grows up DS-414 is a chair that follows the movements of the person seated and provides noticeable support for the sitting posture: sitting has never...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
De Sede DS-277 Armchair with Footrest in Cafe Brown Fabric by Christian Werner
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Maximum relax comfort. DS-277 is impressive for its formally exciting transition between the seat and back shell as a characteristic feature. A variety of leather qualities are available for the outer and inner shell. Infinitely height-adjustable headrest. When tilting to the rear, an otherwise invisible footrest can be extended for maximum relax comfort.
On a par with a king’s throne...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
De Sede DS 57 Armchair in Teak Upholstery by Franz Romero
By De Sede, Franz Romero
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bugatti Type 57, an icon of Art Deco design, inspired Franz Romero when he designed the DS-57 armchair for De Sede. The designer not only managed to incorporate the characteristic seating comfort of Bugatti car...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Post Modern Gray Faux Leather Parson’s Style Armed Accent Chair on Casters
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous modern gray faux leather modified Parson’s style armed accent chair on casters. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vin...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Armchairs
Materials
Faux Leather
Discovery Brown Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
Sculptural in the details, this captivating armchair boasts an innovative and masterfully crafted silhouette. Harmoniously combining different materials, the structure is composed of...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
"MT1" Sculptural Monobloc Armchair Designed by Ron Arad for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"MT1" is an iconic sculptural polyethylene monobloc armchair, designed by Ron Arad and manufactured by Driade, sand white colored outside and red, lilac, black or violet colored insi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Plastic
Celeste Gray Armchair by Hanno Giesler
By Meroni 1984
Located in Milan, IT
A contemporary take on a timeless classic by Hanno Giesler, this exquisite armchair is distinguished by an elegantly tufted profile that will create a st...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile
Sculptural Armchair from Silicone & Jesmonite by Eduard Locota
Located in Timisoara, RO
The invisible words written under the surface of the throne, evoke the continuous struggle for power; the intrinsic need to overcome and replace what is – with what will be. That native state of the universe, which starts from the subatomic level to the macrocosm.
The throne, symbol of the distorted perception of high positions, of dictators, pure white object...
Category
2010s Balkan Modern Armchairs
Materials
Cast Stone
19th Century Modernist Chair
By France"
Located in Madrid, ES
19th centuy mordenist chair.
Solid wood and leather work.
Very decorative.
Measures: 65 x 50 x 110 cm
Good condition.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Lounge Chair from Costantini in Leather and Solid Argentine Rosewood, Simone
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
The Simone's gently sloping sides and back allude to forms from early 20th century French design. Debuted in 2009 at the Salone del Mobile. Available immediately as shown in argentin...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Walnut and Maple Wood Modern Armchair with Decorative Swans, Made in Italy
Located in Barlassina, IT
Armchair inspired by classic Empire-style armchairs, made modern, thanks to the stylized shape of the swan that characterizes the armrest. It was designed in 1998 and it is still in ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Beech, Walnut
Modern Liberty Armchair High Back in Polished Brass and Olive Colour Velvet
By Bessa
Located in Oporto, PT
Inspiration:
The sculptural forms of the 30s inspired the Liberty Collection. The tubular and steel structures that have marked those years are combined with a new inspiration that ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass, Metal
Blue Velvet and Leather Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
Fluid lines come together to create a pleated seat with intense textures and tones. The design is harmonious, delicate and intriguing with the lower part designed with a soft and flu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile
Schumacher Theodore Bamboo Chair in Miles Redd Harlequin Fabric- Sample
By Schumacher
Located in New York, NY
Crafted from bamboo and upholstered with Schumacher's Harlequin fabric in a chalk white colorway, this Theodore Chair is a perfect ethereal accent to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Armchairs
Materials
Cotton, Bamboo
Arflex Cross High Backrest Armchair in Blue Steelcut Fabric by Marcello Cuneo
By Marcello Cuneo, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The seat was born from a very simple idea: two tubes bent into a “U” shape and connected together by a joint.
Additional information:
Materials: Upholstered seat with Black Metal Frame
Color: Steelcut 2 Col...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Werner Aisslinger Juli Plastic Chair with Ash Base & Plastic Shell by Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
The Juli Plastic armchair, by Werner Aisslinger, reflects new experimental frontiers. Over the decades, this chair has lent itself to numerous creative and constructive interpretatio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Ash
De Sede DS-164 Armchair in Off White Upholstery by Hugo de Ruiter
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Revolutionary back-push mechanism DS-164 can be transformed from an open sofa into an elegant chaise longue in a single movement, while the backrest can be s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
LUSO lounge chair with feet in Antique Brass color
Located in Frazão, Porto
The LUSO armchair is a very delicate and elegant piece, suitable for any room decor. Besides its attention to the detail, like the contrasting piping or the brass colored feet, it is also a very comfortable and engaging piece.
Available in a wide range of fabric colors and textures, Eco-leather, Natural Leather or COM.
Primary image: shown upholstered with Confort 5 (structure) and Confort 2 (piping) combined with matte lacquered feet in antique brass color...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Lacquer, Leather
Corolla 271 White Armchair by Cristina Celestino
Located in Milan, IT
Designed by Cristina Celestino for Billiani, this splendid armchair boasts an elegant and ergonomic profile. Distinguished for a total-white look, it rests on beechwood legs with rou...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile, Beech
Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH Magistretti 03 01 Armchair in Beech
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed by Vico Magistretti in 2003, the Magistretti 03 01 chair combines the warmth of wood and the timeless elegance of the design language of Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH (GTV) wi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Roy Armchair
By Zanaboni
Located in Milan, IT
Part of the Roy Collection which includes a 3- and 2-seater sofa and an ottoman, this armchair epitomizes modern sophistication. Detailed with diamond-embroidered brown leather on th...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Textile, Walnut
Jasper Morrison Low Pad Armchair in Beech with Red Hero Fabric for Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
Maximum comfort, minimum dimensions: this was the underlying study behind this design by Jasper Morrison. The low pad has a shell made of curved beech plywood ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Plywood, Foam, Beech
Ceti Modern Armchair
By O&A London
Located in London, GB
The main feature of the Ceti contemporary armchair is the contrast between a large backrest and an elegantly shaped seat. The absence of armrests takes away the bulkiness associated ...
Category
2010s European Modern Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Cappellini Sunset Armchair in Beech with Blue Fabric by Christophe Pillet
Located in New York, NY
The Sunset armchair by Christophe Pillet has a swiveling design and backrest and seat made of curved beechwood; the base is made of satined stainless steel. The padding of the Sunset...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Arena Steel with Rope Weave Armchair
By Cotidiano
Located in Mexico City, MX
This reinterpretation of the Acapulco chair maintains the spirit of the 20th century. The city was a favorite for the worlds´ jet-set, one of the first destinations that put Mexico in the international spotlight...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Wood Frame Armchair in Solid Walnut and Leather Designed by Craig Bassam
Located in Ridgefield, CT
The BassamFellows Wood Frame Collection has become one of the brand’s classic signatures.
Adding to the collection are upholstered dining chairs and upholstered stools.
The Woo...
Category
2010s American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Contemporary Deco Henri Armchair in Designers Guild Velvet with Walnut feet
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
With its soft and sumptuous curves, The Henri Armchair presents elegant style and optimal comfort. Shown here: upholstered in Designers Guild Varese ‘Linen’ cotton velvet. Feet in na...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Armchairs
Materials
Walnut, Velvet
21st Century Kurgan Executive Chair in Leather by Gianfranco Ferré Home
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Original reinterpretation of the Classic ergonomic office chair, Kurgan swivel chair brings together comfort and quality of materials and workma...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Beech, Leather, Foam
Modern Style Gaia Chair from Tiago Curioni
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
In honor of the 100 years of Bauhaus, the Gaia chair reflects the purity and strength of the well-known school.
The piece, of pure lines and in primary c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Chair Genova Eticaliving, Blue Fabric and Velvet, Made in Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
Eticaliving: A Philosophy That Becomes Matter
The project Eticaliving, a cobranding between Slow+Fashion+Design and VGnewtrend, was created to meet a market need, increasingly fel...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
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
Purple Velvet Armchairs by Arketipo
Located in Madrid, ES
"Coast" armchairs in purple velvet designed by Francesco Rota for Arketipo Firenze. The continuous, enveloping line joining back and armrests makes for c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
1990´s Pair of Convertible Armchairs in Rattan 'Malacca Cane'
Located in Girona, ES
Pair of convertible armchairs in rattan (Malacca cane), adjustable back and sliding footrest, under the seat. Magazine rack on one side. New cond...
Category
1990s Indonesian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Rattan
Pair of RIMA Armchairs
By RIMA
Located in Catania, IT
Pair of reworked armchairs, Italian production of the 1960s attributable to the design company RIMA.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Iron
Jaime Hayon, Contemporary Monocolor Grey 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
Curved Armchair 'Cottonflower' in White Fabric
Located in San Pietro di Morubio, Verona
The rounded, curved shape, is crafted into the unique and original design of this well-proportioned and visually distinctive sofa series, available in custom sizes, ensuring intimacy...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Treble Side Chair by DeMuro Das with Curved Back and Dark Espresso Oak Legs
By DeMuro Das
Located in New York, NY
The Treble side or armchair by DeMuro Das has a curved profile supported by a three-legged wood base finished in Dark Espresso. A solid hardwood frame with European webbing and multi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Treble Side Chair by DeMuro Das with Hand-Cast, Solid Bronze Legs
By DeMuro Das
Located in New York, NY
The Treble side or armchair by DeMuro Das has a curved profile supported by a hand-cast, three-legged base in solid satin bronze. A solid hardwood frame with European webbing and mul...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Contemporary Elodie Dining Chair in Champagne Pearlized Leather with Walnut Legs
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
A sophisticated and simple silhouette with beautifully detailed flutes. This dining or occasional chair effortlessly appeals. Shown here: upholstered in half grain pearlized...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Armchairs
Materials
Walnut, Velvet
Flower Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
The Flower Armchair is easily defined and recognizable by its intelligent and rare use of a unique design. In fact it is made by experts of the profession who were able to give it bo...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile
Lounge Style Minimalist Armchair, Indoor or Outdoor, Hardwood, Metal and Rope
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The “Fence” collection concept is inspired by the country side elements that are part of the daily life, to create this premium outdoor collection the main question asked was how to ...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Philippe Starck Cinemascope Armchair in Goose Feather Padding, 2017
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Swivel armchair with rocking mechanisms. Brushed stainless steel base with adjustable feet. Polyurethane foams and goose feather padding. Fabric removabl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
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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