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Modern 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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Italian grey metal and black leather chairs by Fly Line by Carrè, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian grey metal and black leather chairs by Fly Line by Carrè, 1990s. Set of three stackable chairs with armrests with square seat in black leather. The structure is in light gray...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Muse Bench by Jude Di Leo
Located in Geneve, CH
Muse bench by Jude Di Leo Dimensions: 160 x 50 x 47 cm Materials: Solid white oak Muse was designed with Bear & Lion partner Bernardo Guillermo in 2008. I...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak

Roly Poly Polyethylene Armchair in Flesh by Faye Toogood for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The distinctive, reassuringly chunky lines of Faye Toogood’s Roly-Poly furniture collection become even more inviting in her new collaboration with Driade. The latest line for the It...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Baleri Italia Juliette Stackable Chair in Steel by Hannes Wettstein
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Out of the frenetic turmoil of Wettstein's design activity, one day emerged the idea of a chair; defying all known logic, the structure of the back, curved forwards. With this idea a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 2 Kartell One More Please Counter Stools in Crystal by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
If you want to sip a drink at the bar in peace and quiet, you need a comfortable tall stool with a back to lean against. Sometimes one drink is not ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Modern Dining Chair Gropius CS1 Fluffy Edition in Misia Azur Faux Fur by Noom
Located in Paris, FR
New Noom furniture collection is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bauhaus School in Germany. Ideas of functionalism and conciseness, the combination of craft...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Fur, Faux Fur, Ash

White Goatskin Altay Armchair by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Geneve, CH
White Goatskin Altay armchair by Patricia Urquiola Materials: Structure in varnished natural solid beech. Seat covered with white Mongolian goatskin Technique: Varnished wood. Upho...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Goatskin, Goat Hair, Beech

Italian modern Wood folding chair Morettina by Ettore Moretti for Zanotta, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Wood folding chair Morettina by Ettore Moretti for Zanotta, 1970s Folding chair mod. Morettina in black painted wood. The backrest and seat is made up of a series of s...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

De Sede DS 57 Armchair in Teak Upholstery by 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 t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Tensa Chair, Yellow by Ries
Located in Geneve, CH
Tensa chair, yellow by Ries Dimensions: W40 x D49,5 x H82 cm Materials: Round steel tube, laser cut metal sheet, high density foam, velvet upholstery, aluminum/bronze caps Matte ...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Chair in Natural Solid Wood, Upholstered, Quilted, No Arms
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Dry chair collection. The Dry chair concept is to work in a mixture of distinct references resulting in a modern classic in a dance between the retro and the modern. A heavy and i...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Laminate, Hardwood

Set of 2 Kartell Papyrus Chair in Smoke Brown by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Papyrus is a remake of the archetypal antique rush chair, from a time when chair structures were decisive and strong. This chair combines a transluc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Mummy chairs by Jean Nouvel for Matteo Grassi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
MM chair (mummy): Coach hide is one of Jean Nouvel’s favourites materials, always recalling its own real value. Jean Nouvel gives a very original name to his latest project: the name...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Pair Contemporary Bar Stool w. Backrest Dark Brown Leather Black Rubber Metal
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary stool belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as t...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Kartell Grey Miss Trip Dining Chair by Philippe Starck
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Grey Miss Trip Dining Chair by renowned designer Philippe Starck for Kartell. This stunning piece combines sleek modern design with unparalleled comfort, making it th...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic, Wood

Unique Modern Piece of Werner Schmidt, 1990 "Faltsessel" Beechwood Folding Chair
Located in Vienna, AT
This unique piece is a prototype, that never went in production. Material used is beechwood. Technical data Width 57 cm (22.44 inch) Height 83 cm (32.68 inch) Depth 47 cm (18.5 inch...
Category

Late 20th Century Austrian Modern Chairs

Materials

Beech

CARE chair
Located in Giza Governorate, EG
When a chair represents a hug about to happen. The safety and security of an arm around you. The care chair drives you to envision attachment and protection through its carefully cra...
Category

2010s Egyptian Modern Chairs

Materials

Polyester

Minimalist Organic Chair in natural Solid Wood, black leather Seating tone
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." Introducing the Collana Chairs, Armchairs and ottomans Collection, a testament to the seamless integration of aest...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Tete-a-Tete Rocker
Located in New York, NY
The original tete-a-tete seat was created during the pre-Victorian era for intimate conversation. This modern rocking version, is fabricated in Baltic Birch plywood that is CNC slice...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs

Materials

Birch

Pair of Chic 'Méandre' Side Chairs by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of chic undulating 'Méandre' side chairs by Design Frères. Bronzed steel frames. Natural linen upholstered cushions. These Méandre™ chairs from our exclusive Design Frères® li...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pietro Costantini Focus Dining Chair
Located in Basildon, London
Underneath the captivating charm of the Focus chair lies an impeccable balance of shapes and proportions. This seating solution boasts a rectangular padded backrest and a solid beech...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Rapunzel Easy Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Rapunzel easy armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Polypile, urethane foam, stainless steel, steel. Also available in other colors. Dimensions: 91 cm x 78 cm x H 63 cm. S...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Set of 4 Moca Bar Chair by Collector
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 Moca bar chair by Collector Dimensions: W 45 x D 52 x H 102 cm Materials: boucle ivory fabric, oak wood Other materials available The Co...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Modern "Normative-Chair" in Limited Burgundy Edition
Located in Florence, IT
This Modern chair is made of high quality painted wood, metal chrome frame and Raf Simons upholstery. The "Normative-chair" was created as a par...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mattiwatta Modern Solid Brass Upholstered Luxury Lounge Chair by Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Mattiwatta bespoke, lounge chair is designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa. This luxury lounge chair has a frame of solid sand cast brass, the method of san...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Rombo Outdoor Green Chair
Located in Milan, IT
This retro, vintage-inspired yet simple and contemporary stainless steel chair will blend well both in a traditional and in a more modern patio. The light green color and the soft, s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Minimalist Modern Lounge Chair in Natural Leather and Polished Stainless Steel
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Embracing the purpose to take a break, LISBOA chair invites you to just sit and relax. Combining many observations from different cultures of how people use chairs...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Walnut Counter Stool with Leather Upholstery in Black or Brown Leather
Located in Ballard, CA
A tailored counter stool inspired by the Bahaus movement of the 1920s. This refined stool has a Minimalist flair, with its refined tapered legs and disti...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Walnut

Arflex Botolo Low Back Armchair in Natural Fur & Black Metal Legs by Cini Boeri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An innovative upholstered rolling chair with three large tubular legs. Botolo is an ideal place to sit, relax and be creative.Cini Boeri designed Botolo in 1973, giving life to a new design style, where you could choose the height of the legs to have a dining chair in the high version or a style, at that time modern, "the living at a low level", a way of living...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fur

Ash Dalya Armchair by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Geneve, CH
Ash Dalya armchair by Patricia Urquiola Materials: Solid ash or solid beech. Technique: Blacked stained ash or coral lacquered beech. Seat and back in polyurethane foam of differen...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Ash, Wood, Foam

Miss Atacama Chair
Located in Milan, IT
Ergonomic and charmingly stylish, this gorgeous chair will imbue any indoor or outdoor setting with its bold and iconic character. Clean and essential, it features a steel structure ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile

Ghidini 1961 Leporello Senior Dark Durmast Barstool in Brass by Paolo Rizzatto
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Bar stool in brass and dark durmast The height-adjustable stool, subject of which you can appreciate the adaptability with a gesture, in different contexts and users, becomes a prec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Red Leather Cassina Hola 367 Dining Armchair
Located in Basildon, London
The Red Leather Cassina 367 Dining Armchair epitomises contemporary elegance with its sleek design and premium materials. Upholstered in luxurious red leather, this chair exudes soph...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Stag Chair by Rick Owens
Located in Geneve, CH
Stag Chair by Rick Owens Signed And Numbered Limited Edition Of 20 Pieces Dimensions: D 69 x W 87 x H 127 cm. SH: 46 cm. Materials: Burnt and panted plywood and moose antler. Rick O...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Antler, Plywood

Gervasoni Inout 28 Barstool in Glossy White Lacquered Aluminum by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gervasoni Inout 28 Barstool in glossy white lacquered aluminum by Paola Navone Bar stool in lacquered cast aluminum, available in glossy white and orange and embossed gray, sage a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Set of 8 Collezione Surrealista Chairs by Qvinto Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 8 Collezione Surrealista Chairs by Qvinto Studio Unique Pieces. Handmade. Dimensions: D 40 x W 40 x H 114 cm (each). Materials: stainless steel. COLLEZIONE SURREALISTA ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Modern Margot Dining Chair, Brown Leather Camel, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Margot Chair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Margot leather dining chair stands as a contemporary piece that redefines the standards of modern...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Bouclé, Velvet, Beech

"Julia" Stool in Solid Wood and Customized Handwoven
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
When she created Julia stool, Alessandra Delgado wanted a piece with delicate features, exploring the curves of the wood with a design inspired by the master designer Joaquim Tenreir...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Leather, Canvas, Velvet, Polyester

Italian metal and cotton Vienna chair by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian metal and cotton Vienna chair by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast, 1980s. Vienna model chair or armchair with structure with armrests with a curved profile, in round-section me...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

“Carmen” dining chair, Enzo Mari for Zanotta. Italy 1980s.
Located in Barcelona, ES
“Carmen” dining chair, designed by Enzo Mari and manufactured by Zanotta. Crafted with a robust black lacquered frame, providing durability and style. The ergonomically designed seat...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

New York Chair 1 by Marras in Beige Upholstery & Chrome Legs by Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A sophisticated item of furniture for the dining area, the New York chair with or without armrests stands out with its sprightly structure and comfortable upholstery embellished by small tonal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Ostrich Fluff Sofa by Egg Designs
Located in Geneve, CH
Ostrich fluff sofa by Egg Designs. Dimensions: 160 L X 79 D X 85 H Materials: antique brass coated steel, brass buttons, ostrich feather trim, velvet upholstery. Founded by Sout...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Maxalto Amoenus Soft Chairs by Antonio Citterio, Set of Two
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Maxalto Amoenus Soft Chairs, a set of two luxurious pieces that will elevate any living space. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, these chairs feature a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

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 in excellent condition, the steel shows only light signs of use. Set of 4 chairs. Measurements: L seat 45 cm, total P 55 cm, H 83 cm, seat P 41...
Category

Late 20th Century European Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pouf Pill S Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf Pill S Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique Dimensions: H 45 x D 35 cm Materials: Velvet upholstery and 30cm fringes Pill Pouf S Art Deco style pouf...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Strelitzia Modern Solid Brass Upholstered Luxury Dining Chair by Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Strelitzia bespoke, dining chair is designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa. This luxury dining chair has a backrest of soli...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Velvet, Bronzed Steel, Brass & Ostrich Feather, Ostrich Fluff Lounge Chair
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
This lounge chair is part of the Ostrich Fluff collection designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa. The lounge chair is constructed in two section, these are connected via two bronzed steel brackets which are then fixed with solid brass pins. The velvet upholstered seat section is finished off with a colored, delicate, genuine ostrich feather skirt...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH Stocksessel Folding Chair in Walnut
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A historical re-edition with all the charm of past times. A walking stick or folding stool made from bent beech wood with a woven cane seat connecting the three curved legs. The swan’s neck handle also provides a comfortable backrest. Legend has it that the empress Elizabeth...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

White Onyx Sugar Daddy Chair by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
White Onyx Sugar Daddy Chair by Pietro Franceschini Limited Edition Of 8 Pieces. Dimensions: D 59 x W 55 x H 50,5 cm. Materials: White onyx. Pietro Franceschini is an architect and ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Onyx

Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH Czech Black Armchair with Upholstered Seat & Beech
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed in 1994, the Hermann Czech chair represents the turning point of modern furniture towards the passion of reminiscence and intimacy: a contemporary design that evokes memorie...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Modern Laurence Dining Chairs, DEDAR Velvet, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Laurence Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Laurence dining chair is an artistic tribute to the essence of femininity in contemporar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Mohair, Bouclé, Linen

LUENA Modern Dining Chair
Located in Frazão, Porto
The prominent curved backrest gives this generously sized chair its modern design and makes it the ideal occasional piece for anyone looking for the ultimate in style without skimpin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Faux Leather

Guillerme et Chambron, Six Oak Chairs, Edition Votre Maison, circa 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Guillerme et Chambron, six oak chairs. Edition Votre Maison, circa 1970. price is for one chair 6 are available   
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Chairs

Materials

Wool, Oak

Minimal Style, Solid Wood Stool, Textiles or Leather Seatings, Caning Backboard
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The Wing chair solid wood collection, flexibility, modern aesthetics, comfort and softness are the keywords for this collection. The concept is inspired by the B-52 plane design, this inspiration gave us the freedom to create a collection where the design appropriate subtle elements, harmonic transitions and thin but resistant wood thicknesses, that gave life to a unique and contemporary collection. Our studio objective was to abstract most of the figurative elements and arrive in the very sweet spot in this design, driving the details in a three dimensional way. All our objects are drawn using the Da Vinci's "golden section", and the wing collection is not an exception, this assures pleasing proportions. The Wing chair collection is crafted with passion using premium materials and the latest technologies, and a very precise quality control, on its beauty there is the subtle variations between the wood veins in a real living item without ethnic appeal. All this qualities converge in and merge in a collection made to participate in the life of its users like a breeze, comfortably, pleasant and positive. Listing features the black ebonized solid wood stool...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Cane, Wood, Hardwood

Pouf Pill S Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf Pill S Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique Dimensions: H 45 x D 35 cm Materials: Velvet upholstery and 30cm fringes Pill Pouf S Art Deco style pouf...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Velvet, Bronzed Steel, Brass & Ostrich Feather, Ostrich Fluff Lounge Chair
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
This lounge chair is part of the Ostrich Fluff collection designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa. The lounge chair is constructed in two section, these are connected via two bronzed steel brackets which are then fixed with solid brass pins. The velvet upholstered seat section is finished off with a colored, delicate, genuine ostrich feather skirt...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Brass

Bertu Lounge Chairs, Mondo Modern Lounge Chair, Maple, Black, Upholstered
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Lounge Chairs, Mondo Modern Lounge Chair, Maple, Black, Upholstered This Modern Mondo lounge chair is beautifully constructed from solid wood and veneer in Ohio, USA. The chair's silhouette is low, simple, and modern with comfortable reversible back and seat cushions. I like to describe this collection as chunky/sleek! The Mondo Collection...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Maple

Collector Core Bar Chair in OAK
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
The Core Bar Chair blends architectural rigor with sculptural softness. With its strong, geometric oak frame and gently curved upholstered backrest, it offers both structure and comf...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak

Modern chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern 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 chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original chairs, popular names associated with this style include Finn Juhl, Jover + Valls, Emeco, and Kartell. 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 chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $25 and tops out at $103,950 while the average work can sell for $2,723.

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