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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Bold Armchair - Azimut 100
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...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

DS-60 Armchair by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-60 armchair by De Sede Designer: Gordon Guillaumier Dimensions: D 54 x W 74 x H 76 cm Materials: Metal frame. Seat with belted suspension Fixed upholstery and armrest in leather S...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Bold Armchair - Karakorum 003 by Dedar
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

Bouclé

Bold Armchair - Anouk 100
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...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé

Bold Armchair - Anouk 105
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...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé

Bold Armchair - Anouk 304
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...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé

Six Chairs with a Pair of 20th Century Italian Armchairs
Located in Madrid, ES
Six Chairs with a Pair of 20th Century Italian Armchairs SIX CHAIRS in walnut with Italian vintage white fabric h 95.5 x 45 x 45cm PAIR OF ARMCHAIRS in walnut with Italian vintage ...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Mario Bellini "Forma" Cantilever Armchair for Vitra, Italy 1990s
Located in Budapest, HU
The now historic story goes: “About 20 years ago Rolf Fehlbaum, the Chairman of Vitra, called me up and said: The things we’re making are too boring. We want to change that, and you...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Sculptural Arm Chair after Josef Hoffman, circa 1980
Located in New York, NY
With its handsome, curvilinear frame and upholstered seat, this sculptural armchair evokes Josef Hoffman’s turn-of-the-century bentwood designs for the Cafe Fledermaus in Vienna. The...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Knoll Studio “Saarinen Executive” Armchair in “Volo” Brown Leather
Located in Barrowford, GB
On offer on this occasion is a rare, original “Saarinen Executive Armchair” armchair from the world renown furniture house of Knoll Studio, dressed in a sublime, tactile “American Go...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Half Half Designed by Thomas Dariel
Located in Geneve, CH
Half Half designed by Thomas Dariel, Maison Dada Measures: W 83 x D 66 x H 90cm Structure in solid timber and plywood • Memory foam Base and s...
Category

2010s French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Digamma by Ignazio Gardella, Set of 2 with 2 Pouf
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Designed by Ignazio Gardella in 1957, the Digamma armchair is a comfortable chair rooted in the tradition of late Italian modernism. Its rational structure features two geometric sec...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Candelaria Contemporary Armchair
Located in Mexico City, MX
A conversational armchair built by a unique assembly process of three separate elements, with a subtle visual effect intended to create a classic, but infinitely bold piece. Ad Hoc g...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Bold Armchair
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...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé

Candelaria Contemporary Loveseat
Located in Mexico City, MX
A conversational loveseat built by a unique assembly process of three separate elements, with a subtle visual effect intended to create a classic, but infinitely bold piece. Ad Hoc g...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Leather

Candelaria Contemporary Armchair
Located in Mexico City, MX
A conversational armchair built by a unique assembly process of three separate elements, with a subtle visual effect intended to create a classic, but infinitely bold piece. Ad Hoc g...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Modern Italian armchairs, brown leather and chrome-plated steel, Cassina ca. 1970.
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian and modern period armchairs in brown leather and chrome-plated steel, produced by Cassina ca. 1970. Pair of brown leather office or desk armchairs with chrome-plated steel ar...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Candelaria Contemporary Sofa
Located in Mexico City, MX
A conversational loveseat built by a unique assembly process of three separate elements, with a subtle visual effect intended to create a classic, but infinitely bold piece. Ad Hoc g...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Leather

Candelaria Contemporary Armchair
Located in Mexico City, MX
A conversational armchair built by a unique assembly process of three separate elements, with a subtle visual effect intended to create a classic, but infinitely bold piece. Ad Hoc g...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Leather

Italian modern armchair Proust by Alessandro Mendini for Cappellini, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern armchair Proust by Alessandro Mendini for Cappellini, 1990s Armchair mod. Proust with fabric and hand-painted wood. The pattern of the fabric and the decoration on the...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of 2 Piazzesi Armchairs model "Okay," A. Piazzesi, Italy, 1970s
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Pair of Okay model armchairs in black Sky and steel. The armchairs designed by designer Adriano Piazzesi and produced by Studio Tre D Florence are distinguished not only by their wel...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Natural Oak Arm Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
With a luxe, lounge-like aesthetic, this statement-maker exemplifies a unity of materiality, form and function. An upholstered no-sag foam seat and backrest. With a pillared Natural...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Hayche Abrazo Armchair - Brown, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Abrazo Armchair, translating to "Hug" in Spanish, embodies a design that lightly envelops the user. Crafted with a powder-coated metal frame and fire-retardant foam and fabric, i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Hayche Abrazo Armchair - Gravel, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Abrazo Armchair, translating to "Hug" in Spanish, embodies a design that lightly envelops the user. Crafted with a powder-coated metal frame and fire-retardant foam and fabric, i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Hayche Abrazo Armchair - Green, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Abrazo Armchair, translating to "Hug" in Spanish, embodies a design that lightly envelops the user. Crafted with a powder-coated metal frame and fire-retardant foam and fabric, i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Hayche Abrazo Armchair - Gray, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Abrazo Armchair, translating to "Hug" in Spanish, embodies a design that lightly envelops the user. Crafted with a powder-coated metal frame and fire-retardant foam and fabric, i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

1970s upholstered armchair with headrest
Located in Premariacco, IT
Italian 1970s design armchair with black fabric-covered frame and removable upholstered cushions. It has a removable headrest that can be removed as desired. H 39cm seat. Height wi...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Plastic, Polyester, Rubber

Pair of guillerme et chambron oak armchairs
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A large pair of oak arm chairs "Romeo" by Guillerme et chambray edition votre maison
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Husk Armchair and Ottoman - Designed by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia
Located in Tulsa, OK
Husk Armchair - B&B Italia With an original spirit that merges with various styles, the Husk armchair, designed by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia, conv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Upholstery

Flat Bar Armchair in Cream Leather and Chrome, in the style of Mies van der Rohe
Located in San Francisco, CA
A modern, timeless classic, this chair has a perfect sense of proportion, as well as minimalist form and exquisitely refined details. The cantilevered base and padded arms support th...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Chauffeuse d'angle Togo "peau de pêche" par Michel Ducaroy pour Ligne Roset
Located in SAINT-ESTÈVE, FR
Très belle chauffeuse d'angle, modèle Togo, créée par Michel Ducaroy pour Ligne Roset dans les années 70. Modèle en "peau de pêche" datant du début des a...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Art Deco / Modern Club Chairs in Ivory White Ultrasuede
Located in Stratford, CT
Simple yet really elegant design, the metal structure going though each armrest shows only its narrow side, giving the chair an illusion of lightness. In the style of Milo Baughman o...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Black Goatskin Altay Armchair by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Goatskin Altay armchair by Patricia Urquiola Materials: Black lacquered solid beech structure. Seat covered with black Mongolian goatskin. Technique: Lacquered and stained wood...
Category

2010s French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Goatskin, Goat Hair, Beech

Poltrona Plona italiana di Piretti per Anonima Castelli in pelle e acciaio 1970
Located in MIlano, IT
Poltrona modello Plona, pieghevole, con struttura in tubo di alluminio ovale cromato e seduta in pelle nera originale. Produzione di Anonima Castelli del 1970 ca. e disegno di Gianca...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of French Bamboo & Woven Seagrass Armchairs with Bouclé Seat Cushions
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of French Bamboo & Woven Seagrass Armchairs with Bouclé Seat Cushions France, Late 20th Century Offering exotic French elegance and comfort, this pair of Late 20th Century Fre...
Category

20th Century French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan, Seagrass, Reed, Willow

Toribio & Alcira Throne Chairs by Christian Mohaded
Located in Geneve, CH
Toribio & Alcira Throne Chairs by Christian Mohaded Limited Edition Dimensions: D 45 x W 66 x H 142 cm Materials: handmade Algarrobo wood + natural was finishing + handmade braded le...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pair Of Harris Armchairs By Joseph Jeup
By Joe Jeup
Located in London, London
Pair of armchairs Harris model By Joseph Jeup Contemporary USA
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Lotus Armchair - Modern Brown Leather Sofa with Stainless Steel Legs
Located in London, GB
The Lotus collection was created as a reference of elegance and etiquette, imbuing its design of a magnetic personality with its geometrical beauty. Its structure is shaped from curv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Lotus Armchair - Modern White Leather Sofa with Stainless Steel Legs
Located in London, GB
The Lotus collection was created as a reference of elegance and etiquette, imbuing its design of a magnetic personality with its geometrical beauty. Its structure is shaped from curv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Solid Wood and Woven Papercord Armchair, Europe 1970s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Twisted paper cord as a form of upholstery has been used to form the seats of European chairs since the 1940s, but through the 1950s and 1970s, paper cord became perhaps the most dis...
Category

1970s European Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Papercord, Wood

Set of 2 rattan armchair by Lio Carminati, 1960 circa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The set of two rattan armchairs by Lio Carminati, circa 1960, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of mid-century design and the skilled craftsmanship of Italian designer Lio...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rattan

6 Seville Armchairs - Modern and Minimalistic Oak Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Seville Armchair design is shaped with agile and swirling contours, gifting it an unspoken grace of its own. Its structure is shaped from curved plywood veneer with an upholstere...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

6 Hokkaido Armchairs - Modern Minimalistic Black Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Hokkaido armchair imbues the environment with an oriental style with its Minimalist and simple design, like quick strokes over an empty canvas. Its structure is shaped from stain...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

6 Branch Armchairs - Modern and Minimalistic Oak Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Branch armchair's organic shape was designed to take inspiration from its natural roots, bringing a grasp of the outdoors back into our houses. Its structure is shaped from curve...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

6 Vertex Armchairs - Modern and Minimalistic Oak Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Vertex armchair design evocates geometric harmony from every one of its angles, luring the eye into its capricious crevices. Its structure is shaped from curved solid wood with a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

6 Aura Armchairs - Modern and minimalistic oak armchair with upholstered seat
Located in London, GB
The Aura Armchair combines a minimalist and ethereal shape, in an eye-catching design. Its structure is shaped from curved solid wood with an upholstered seat which can be customized...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

6 Umbra Armchairs - Modern and Minimalistic Black Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Umbra armchair has an embracing and minimalistic design, playing with slim silhouettes and contrasts it gives a sense of comfort to the eye. Its structure is shaped from stained ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

8 Umbra Armchairs - Modern and Minimalistic Black Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Umbra armchair has an embracing and minimalistic design, playing with slim silhouettes and contrasts it gives a sense of comfort to the eye. Its structure is shaped from stained ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

8 Aura Armchairs - Modern and minimalistic oak armchair with upholstered seat
Located in London, GB
The Aura Armchair combines a minimalist and ethereal shape, in an eye-catching design. Its structure is shaped from curved solid wood with an upholstered seat which can be customized...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

8 Vertex Armchairs - Modern and Minimalistic Oak Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Vertex armchair design evocates geometric harmony from every one of its angles, luring the eye into its capricious crevices. Its structure is shaped from curved solid wood with a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

8 Branch Armchairs - Modern and Minimalistic Oak Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Branch armchair's organic shape was designed to take inspiration from its natural roots, bringing a grasp of the outdoors back into our houses. Its structure is shaped from curve...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

8 Hokkaido Armchairs - Modern Minimalistic Black Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Hokkaido armchair imbues the environment with an oriental style with its Minimalist and simple design, like quick strokes over an empty canvas. Its structure is shaped from stain...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

8 Seville Armchairs - Modern and Minimalistic Oak Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Seville Armchair design is shaped with agile and swirling contours, gifting it an unspoken grace of its own. Its structure is shaped from curved plywood veneer with an upholstere...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

Papillonne Blue Velvet and Beige Corduroy Fabric Armchair
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
The Papillonne-armchair complements your style with its flawless form and unmatched comfort, adding a unique character to your space... If you like the abstract pattern, please con...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood, Foam, Upholstery

Vintage Patchwork Bean Bag brown Aniline Leather Lounge Chair
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Vintage Bean Bag upholstered with brown patchwork leather and filled with polystyrene beads. Armchair Lounge Chair in aniline leather. Original leather f...
Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Foam, Polystyrene

Armchair Poly made of reinforced plastic sage green for indoor modern design
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Armachair in reinforced plastic, available in different colors and suitable for kitchens, bars or restaurants, very comfortable. Colorful armchair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Pair of Emanuele Rambaldi Modernist Brown Lacquered Armchairs, Italy 1940s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Emanuele Rambaldi Modernist Brown Lacquered Armchairs, Italy 1940s Emanuele Rambaldi (1903 - 1968) was active/lived in Italy. Emanuele Rambaldi is known for furniture & Pain...
Category

20th Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wicker, Wood

Armchair Poly made of reinforced plastic yellow for indoor modern design
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Armachair in reinforced plastic, available in different colors and suitable for kitchens, bars or restaurants, very comfortable. Colorful armchair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

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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