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Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
2008 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in Tan Naugahyde
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (multiple chairs are available, but the price listed is for each chair) Herman Miller Eames aluminum group management desk chair in tan naugahyde, the fav...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Vitra AM Fully Adjustable Ergonomic Office Chairs by Alberto Meda 2021
Located in Miami, FL
Vitra AM Fully Adjustable Ergonomic Office Chairs by Alberto Meda 2021 Offered for sale individually are six Vitra AM fully adjustable, ergonomic office chairs designed by Alberto M...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Plastic

Montgomery Solid Wood and Woven Leather Dining Chair by Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Montgomery Dining Chair by Crump and Kwash Hand shaped black oak frame / commercial grade finish / handwoven vegetable tanned black leather seat and back. Ships in 1 -2 weeks.
Category

2010s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

2004 Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Executive Desk Chairs in Tan Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Executive-Height Soft Pad Desk Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1968. This particular example dates to 2004. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Fritz Hansen Oxford Chair Ruby Red Leather
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Arne Jacobsen for Oxford University. This is a sleek swivel chair that can be used as a desk chair. Only one available. Signed by Fritz Hansen.
Category

20th Century Danish Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

2005 Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Aluminum Executive Desk Chair in Blue Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Executive-Height Soft Pad Desk Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1968. This particular example dates to 2005. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

2007 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chairs in Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single (multiple chairs are available, but the price listed is for each chair) Eames aluminum group management desk chair in black leather with polished aluminum base. The ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Willy Rizzo C2 70s Production Chromed Steel Frame Gray Vintage Leather Set of 4
Located in IT
Willy Rizzo chairs C2 70s production with chromed steel frame and gray vintage leather seats. Set of 4 chairs. The seat has been re upholstered with vintage leather. The chairs are...
Category

Late 20th Century European Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

1970s Solid Walnut Desk Chair by John Nyquist made in California
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a rare circa 1970s swiveling desk chair that was hand crafted by John Nyquist in Long Beach, California. Nyquist was designer and craftsm...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

1999 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Executive Desk Chair in Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Executive-Height Soft Pad Desk Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1968. This particular example dates to 1999. T...
Category

1990s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Giorgetti Clip Office Leather Walnut Chair Designed by M2atelier
Located in Boston, MA
Designed by M2ATELIER Clip executive office armchair in Ivory Saddle Leather with back structure in profiled steel, seat in Polimex (composite polyester/polyurethane material), and ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Walnut

2005 Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Executive Desk Chairs In Tan Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Executive-Height Soft Pad Desk Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1968. This particular example dates to 2005. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

2008 Interstuhl Silver 262S Office Desk Chair in Black Leather by Hadi Teherani
By Interstuhl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (multiple chairs are available but the listing price is only for one) 2008 production Silver 262S desk chair, designed by Hadi Teherani...
Category

Early 2000s German Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

1974 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Rolling Executive Office Chairs Original Tan Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (each chair is sold separately, though eight are available) Eero Saarinen rolling executive armless office chair. Thes...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

2011 Vitra Meda by Alberto Meda Desk Chair Tan Full Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale are multiple (sold separately) Vitra Meda tan leather desk chairs, designed by Alberto Meda. The chairs feature clean leather in very nice s...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Vintage Dark Grey Plastic Rolling Desk Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Strive
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage Dark Grey Plastic Rolling Desk Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Strive. These plastic chairs are easy to move around with the wheels on the bottom and can serve as desk chairs...
Category

1990s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Plastic

1977 Eames Herman Miller EC175 Upholstered Fiberglass Shell Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a rare and marvelous EC175-8 chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames, produced by Herman Miller. This is one of the more unique and later Eames designs, building...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Fiberglass

1979 Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Model 3117 Adjustable Desk Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Model 3117 adjustable rolling desk chair, designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen in 1955. This particular example was manufactured in Denmark in 1979. The chair’s seat ...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

Nicos Zographos Alpha Bucket Desk Chairs w/ Bronze Base Cordovan Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous set of six Nicos Zographos Alpha Bucket rolling desk chairs chairs, produced circa 1990. These examples were specified i...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Bronze

C. 2006 Richard Sapper for Knoll Management Desk Chair in Red Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Sapper Series management desk chair, designed by Richard Sapper in 1979 and produced by Knoll. These examples date to circa 2006. The listed price includes one chair, and w...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

2018 Vitra Physix Rolling Desk Chair by Alberta Meda Gray Mesh Sets Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (1) Physix rolling desk chair designed by Alberto Meda and produced by Vitra. This piece was specified with a polished aluminum base and dark gray (carbon...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

2015 Gray Vitra ID Mesh Desk Chairs by Antonio Citterio Polished Arms / Bases
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (multiple chairs are available, but they are each sold separately) Vitra ID Mesh chair, designed by Antonio Citterio. These chairs...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

1990s Richard Sapper for Knoll Management Desk Chair in Dark Green Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Sapper Series management desk chair, designed by Richard Sapper in 1979 and produced by Knoll. This is one of Sapper's most iconic works, along with the Tizio lamp. The lis...
Category

1990s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

1974 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Rolling Executive Office Chairs Original Red Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (each chair is sold separately, though three are available) Eero Saarinen rolling executive office chair with arms. These are gorgeous and original exampl...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

2012 Vitra ID Trim Desk Chair Polished Aluminum & Leather by Antonio Citterio
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (multiple chairs are available but the price listed is for one chair) ID Trim chair in very dark brown leather, designed by Antonio Citterio, produced by ...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Papillonne Swivel Wheeled White Office Chair with Real Brown Leather Pillow
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Standing out in every field with its eye-catching modern design approach and material variety, the Papillonne series brings a brand new face to spaces with its minimal appearance. Wh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Metal

1985 Eames Herman Miller EC175 Upholstered Fiberglass Shell Chair Museum Quality
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a very rare and marvelous EC175-8 chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames, produced by Herman Miller. This is one of the more unique and later Eames designs, buil...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

MEETINGFRAME 44 / 437 Desk Chair by Alberto Meda for Alias 10x Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single MEETINGFRAME 44 / 437 Swivel Desk Chair, designed by Alberto Meda for Alias Italy. Mr. Meda designed this piece in 1994, but this example hails from the 2000s. We have multiple chairs available. The frame of this piece is made of chromed aluminum and has die-cast aluminum elements, rendering a strong yet lightweight chair. The seat is composed of pvc covered polyester mesh, allowing for a cool seating...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

1974 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Rolling Executive Office Chair Original Blue Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (each chair is sold separately, though two are available) Eero Saarinen rolling executive office chair with arms. These are gorgeous and original examples...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Papillonne Blue Kenzo Swivel Black Office Chair *LEAD TIME 4 WEEKS*
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
*LEAD TIME IS 4 WEEKS* Standing out in every field with its eye-catching modern design approach and material variety, the Papillonne series brings a brand new face to spaces with it...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

1979 Vincent Cafiero for Knoll Leather Rolling Desk Chair Model 187DSBS
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Cafiero Executive Desk Chairs, Model 187-DSBS, designed by Vincent Cafiero for Knoll in 1960. These examples date to the 1970s, many of them dated 1979. The listed price in...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

1980s Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Bronze & Fabric Bucket Desk Chairs 2x
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single sculptural barrel-back desk chair, retaining its original blue fabric upholstered seat, and resting on a bronze 5-point base with Shepherd Profile casters. This chai...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric

1990s Richard Sapper for Knoll Office / Desk Chair with Black Fabric and Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a (multiple chairs are available but the price listed is for one chair) Richard Sapper for Knoll office / desk chair in black fabric with black enameled frame. Thi...
Category

1990s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

2004 Vincent Cafiero for Knoll Black Leather Executive Desk Chair, Model 180SPS.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Cafiero Executive Desk Chairs, Model 180 SPS, designed by Vincent Cafiero for Knoll in 1960. These examples date to 2004. The listed price includes one Cafiero chair, and w...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Enamel, Steel

Papillonne Pink Kenzo Swivel Chrome Office Chair (Lead time 4-5 Weeks)
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
**LEAD TIME 5 WEEKS** Standing out in every field with its eye-catching modern design approach and material variety, the Papillonne series brings a brand new face to spaces with its...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

1980s Nicos Zographos Alpha Bucket Executive Chair in Leather w/ Steel Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single original Alpha bucket executive desk chair, designed by Nicos Zographos in 1964. The piece was produced by his namesake Zographos Designs...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

1980s Nicos Zographos High Back Bucket Executive Chair w/ Alpha Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Alpha bucket executive desk chair, designed by Nicos Zographos in 1964. The listed price includes one chair, but several are available...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

1980s Nicos Zographos Grey Leather Bucket Desk Chairs w/ Alpha Bases
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is one (the price listed is for one chair, but two are available) very rare Nicos Zographos rolling bucket desk chairs in gray leathe...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

"Ginger" by Roberto Lazzeroni for Poltrona Frau in Leather W/Swivel Base
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chair offered here is "Ginger" designed by Roberto Lazzeroni for Poltrona Frau, in Italy. Outside shell is covered in 5mm dark brown saddle leather, inside is covered in soft leathe...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather, Ash

Steelcase 487 Cachet Swivel Office Desk Chair with Blue Seat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Steelcase 487 Cachet Swivel Office Desk Chair with Blue Seat. Item featured is adjustable in height, blue seat, rolling casters, lift up armrests, original l...
Category

Early 2000s Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Papillonne Pink Kenzo Swivel Chrome Office Chair
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Standing out in every field with its eye-catching modern design approach and material variety, the Papillonne series brings a brand new face to spaces with its minimal appearance. Wh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Oyster Wellness Seat
Located in Westhampton Beach, NY
Awarded Best of Year by Interior Design Magazine, The Oyster Wellness Seat is the result of a collaboration between Oyster Studio Furniture and renowned exercise physiologist, Jesse ...
Category

2010s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Foam, Fabric

Oyster Wellness Seat Metaphores Boucle by Alex Muradian
Located in Westhampton Beach, NY
The Oyster Meditation Cushion is the result of a collaboration between Oyster Studio Furniture and renowned exercise physiologist, Jesse Schwartzman, MS, RD, ACSM CPT, who has helped...
Category

2010s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam

Oyster Wellness Seat by Alex Muradian in Basket Weave Fabric
Located in Westhampton Beach, NY
Awarded Best of Year by Interior Design Magazine, The Oyster Meditation and Wellness Seat is the result of a collaboration between Oyster Studio Furniture and renowned exercise physi...
Category

2010s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam

Oyster Wellness Seat Donghia Mohair by Alex Muradian
Located in Westhampton Beach, NY
Awarded Best of Year by Interior Design Magazine, The Oyster Meditation and Wellness Seat is the result of a collaboration between Oyster Studio Furniture and renowned exercise physi...
Category

2010s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam

Vintage Bonacina Miss B Classic Wheels Office Chair by Tito Agnoli
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Italian design swivel chair are designed by Tito Agnoli and are manufactured by Bonacina. A comfortable contemporary office chair. Modell Miss B designed ...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Nine-0 Chairs by Ettore Sottsass for Emeco
Located in Chicago, IL
Aluminum construction with seat pad in blue. Price is for the set. Contact us if you'd like to purchase a single item.
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Office Chair by Antonio Citterio for Vitra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Office/desk chair designed by Antonio Citterio and manufactured by Vitra and part of the Axess collection. The chair is height adjustable, the back tilts back and the armrests also ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Eight Wheeled B&B MaxAlto Collection Alcantara Armchairs, 1990s
Located in IT
Eight wheeled B&B Max Alto Collection Alcantara armchairs from Italy from 1990s. Suitable both for office and living room chairs. No restoration needed. Excellent conditions. A vid...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Acrylic

Papillonne Black Swivel Wheeled Office Chair**LEAD TIME 5 WEEKS**
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
**LEAD TIME 5 WEEKS** Standing out in every field with its eye-catching modern design approach and material variety, the Papillonne series brings a brand new face to spaces with its...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Papillonne Blue Swivel Office Chair with Black Wheel **LEAD TIME 5 WEEKS**
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
**LEAD TIME 5 WEEKS** Standing out in every field with its eye-catching modern design approach and material variety, the Papillonne series brings a brand new face to spaces with its...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Late 20th Century Drexel Mahogany and Leather Office Chair with Nailhaed Trims
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 20th Century PU Leather Office Chair with Nailhead Trims by Drexel. Measures 22'5" in width, 24" in depth and stands 33" tall. Seat height is 17" and arm height 25.5". Seat in...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather

Papillonne Blue and Beige Swivel Office Chair with Black Wheel
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Standing out in every field with its eye-catching modern design approach and material variety, the Papillonne series brings a brand new face to spaces with its minimal appearance. Wh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Papillonne Blue Kenzo Swivel Black Office Chair
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Standing out in every field with its eye-catching modern design approach and material variety, the Papillonne series brings a brand new face to spaces with its minimal appearance. Wh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

sedia dsc 106 , anonima Castelli. mod. king size
Located in Felino, IT
sedia dsc 106, Anonima castelli, by Giancarlo Piretti. anni 70 . modello largo (king size) piu' larga e piu' profonda. struttura in alluminio fuso robustissima. seduta in legno rives...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Spring Swivel Armchairs by Massimo Scolari for Giorgetti Italy
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of early 21st century spring swivel armchairs by Massimo Scolari for Giorgetti Italy. Feature polished solid beech wood frames, ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Original Herman Miller Fully Adjustable Classic Aeron Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
The original Herman Miller Classic Aeron Chair Fully Adjustable in great vintage condition. Measures 24 to 30" in width with swinging arms, 24" in depth and stands 42" max. height. A...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

De Sede International Steel Tube Armchair by Hans Eichenberger
Located in Brooklyn, NY
HE-113/01 armchair by De Sede. Technical details: Upholstery: SEDEX upholstery with wadding cushion. Strap cover in core leather black. Frame: Chrome...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Modern office chairs and desk chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern office chairs and desk chairs 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 office chairs and desk chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with animal skin, leather and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern office chairs and desk chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original office chairs and desk chairs, popular names associated with this style include Herman Miller, Kartell, Charles and Ray Eames, and De Sede. 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 office chairs and desk chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $156 and tops out at $49,000 while the average work can sell for $2,000.

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