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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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.
16
5,695
684
173
to
241
3,797
1,921
6,552
1,303
2,628
8,529
6,552
1,293
648
363
238
191
187
183
175
172
164
147
139
112
102
85
72
1
5
678
5,868
17
177
426
12
14
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39
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106
176
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to
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to
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5,093
4,572
3,822
4,629
3,749
4,379
3,695
4,521
3,727
4,215
3,647
4,517
2,938
3,001
2,402
1,455
1,376
4,812
2,181
927
684
489
235
180
160
135
103
Style: Modern
Fabio Lenci 'Hyaline' Lounge Chair for Stendig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fabio Lenci "Hyaline" lounge chair, Italy, c.1970s. The chair features two thick tempered glass side panels with a strip of suede bolster cushions down the middle serving as a sling ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Oscar Modular Sofa, End Module, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Oscar Modular Sofa, End Module, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
Inspired by the poetic curved lines of Oscar Niemeyer’s architecture, Oscar modular sofa middle allures for its sen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Mid Century Modern Clam Chairs by Seymour Weiner for Kodawood - Set of 4
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Clam Shell Chairs by Seymour James Weiner for Kodawood - Set of 4
Featuring 4 vintage MCM “Clam Shell” armchairs designed by Seymour J. Wiener for Kodawoo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
1990s Cassina “Utrecht” Chairs by Gerrit Rietveld, a Pair
Located in Roanoke, VA
Fantastic pair of modernist lounge chairs, model 637 Utrecht by the designer Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Cassina from the 1990s. Fabric is a cool silvery blue. Check out the incredibl...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet
Set Of 4 Black Leather Chairs by Matteo Grassi
Located in Brussels , BE
Set of 4 very elegant chairs.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
A Pair of Frank Lloyd Wright Robie Chairs for Cassina Italy 1986
Located in Bjuråker, SE
A pair of 2 Cassina chairs Crafted with precision and attention to detail, these chairs blend exquisite design with supreme comfort, making them a perfect addition to any modern or c...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design
Dimensions: D 60.3 x W 62.2 x H 76.2 cm.
Materials: Powder-coated steel and upholstery.
Solid steel flat bar available in a flat black or white...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of 6 Tulip Dining Chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, XXth Century.
By Knoll
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 6 Tulip Dining Chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, XXth Century.
Set of 6 tulip chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll for dining room in black fibreglass and fabric, cushions reno...
Category
20th Century French Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Fiberglass
Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design
Dimensions: D 60.3 x W 62.2 x H 76.2 cm.
Materials: Powder-coated steel and upholstery.
Solid steel flat bar available in a flat black or white...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design
Dimensions: D 60.3 x W 62.2 x H 76.2 cm.
Materials: Powder-coated steel and upholstery.
Solid steel flat bar available in a flat black or white...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Italian modern white plastic 860 Universale Chairs, Joe Colombo, Kartell, 1970s
By Joe Colombo, Kartell
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern white plastic 860 Universale Chairs, Joe Colombo, Kartell, 1970s.
Set consisting of four model 860 chairs, also known as Universale Chair, in cream white ABS plastic. ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Italian modern five metal, beech and white cotton Cesca style chairs, 1970s
By Gavina, Marcel Breuer
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern set of five metal, beech and white cotton Cesca style chairs, 1970s
Set of five Cesca style chairs with tubular steel structure, armrests in solid curved beech and pad...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Modern Red Plastic Vintage Seven Dining Chairs Ron Arad for Kartell 1999 Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern set of 7 red plastic vintage chairs or dining chairs from red plastic and aluminum FPE Fantastic Plastic Elastic by Ron Arad for Kartell Italy 1999.
An amazing set of seven ( ...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of 1980s Lacquered Wood Modular Chairs.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of 1980s Lacquered Wood Modular Chairs.
Pair of 1980s modular chairs in black lacquered wood.
w: 88cm, h: 98cm, d: 50,5cm
Category
20th Century French Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Italian modern black leather and tubolar chromed metal chairs by Zanotta, 1970s
By Zanotta
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black leather and tubolar chromed metal chairs by Zanotta, 1970s.
Set composed of six chairs with chromed metal tubular structure and black leather seat and back. Unde...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal, Steel
Italian modern Boulevard aluminium chairs by Ferdinand A. Porsche for Ycami 1990
Located in MIlano, IT
Set of four Boulevard model chairs with round seat, entirely in aluminium. The seat and backrest have decorative perforations with curved lines and the structure of the armrests and ...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Italian modern Boulevard aluminium chairs by Ferdinand A. Porsche for Ycami 1990
Located in MIlano, IT
Set of eight Boulevard model chairs with round seat, entirely in aluminium. The seat and backrest have decorative perforations with curved lines and the structure of the armrests and...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Desk ‘Bird’ Chair by Preben Fabricius for Alfred Kill
Located in Stamford, CT
A Bird chair by Jorgen Kastholm and Preben Fabricius for Alfred Kill. This desk chair model has the rarer Casters. Newly recovered in black Sorensen leather.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Robert Van Horn Lucite Ribbon Chair & Ottoman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Chair & Ottoman Are In Overall Good Condition
There Are Minor Scratches On The Lucite Consistent With Age
Newly Upholstered Cushion & Ottoman
Chair Is Hand Signed With Patent ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Lucite
Italian modern chromed steel Sabrina chair by Gastone Rinaldi for Rima, 1970s
By Gastone Rinaldi, RIMA
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern chromed steel Sabrina chair by Gastone Rinaldi for Rima, 1970s.
Sabrina model chair, with seat and backrest made entirely of fine chromed steel tubing, which follows t...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Camber Chair, Paul Coenen
By Paul Coenen
Located in Geneve, CH
Camber Chair, Paul Coenen
Dimensions: L 40.5 x W 42.0 x H 84.5 cm
Materials: Stainless Steel
Custom materials, sizes and finishes possible on request. Please contact us.
The Camber ...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Warren Platner for Knoll classic armchair designed 1966
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in London, GB
Warren Platner studied at Cornell University, graduating in 1941 with a degree in architecture. He went on to work with legendary architects Raymond Loewy, Eero Saarinen, and I. M. P...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Italian Modern Red Wood Chair Kazuki by Takahama for Simone Gavina, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Red wood chair mod. Kazuki by Kazuhide Takahama for Simone Gavina, 1960s
Armchair mod. Kazuki in glossy red lacquered wood. The back is...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Contemporary Fei Tian Wen Chair in Repoussé Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fei Tian Wen Chair
Antique Copper
Wood Base
Hand Repoussé
Limited Edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decora...
Category
2010s Modern Chairs
Materials
Copper
Vintage Modern Leather and Steel BoConcept Jet Chair
By BoConcept
Located in Weymouth, MA
Pair of heavy steel and leather BoConcept arm chairs. Finely detailed with sturdy steel base.
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
White Stool by kar
Located in Geneve, CH
White stool by kar
Materials: FRP.
Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 45 cm.
It shapes in a curl-up position, casual meanwhile restrained. The side designed as a cross-section of the furniture t...
Category
2010s Chinese Modern Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass
Lula Chair, Ivory Bouclé & Black Lacquer by Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order bouclé and wood chair designed by Christian Siriano.
Base: Black Lacquer
Fabric: Ivory Bouclé
Measures: Overall depth: 28”
Overall height: 40”
Seat depth: 21”
Seat ...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, Maple
Paire de chaises vintage
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-RIVIÈRE, FR
Paire de chaises en bois en état moyen. Le bois est vermoulé. Le tissu est déchiré à certains endroits et le métal est rouillé.
Category
1990s European Modern Chairs
Materials
Softwood
New Design "Ball" Chair Leather Upholstery
Located in Madrid, ES
High gloss black lacquering, leather upholstery, stainless steel base.
Dimensions
92 x 90 x 85 cm
36.2 x 35.4 x 33.5 in
Weight
37 kg
81.6 lbs.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Set of Eight Grassi & Bianchi Pasqualina "CAB" Leather Chairs, Pellizoni, Italy
Located in Dronten, NL
Gorgeous set of 8 Enrico Pellizzoni Pasqualina chairs designed by Grassi & Bianchi. These chairs are covered in wonderful white all ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Paire de chaiss en plastique vintage
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-RIVIÈRE, FR
Paire de chaise en plastique et pieds métal en état moyen. Le plastique est taché et décoloré. Le métal est rouillé.
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
PVC
NEW DESIGN Armchair Coconut finish, Leather Upholstery COLLECTION 2024
Located in Madrid, ES
NEW DESIGN Armchair Coconut finish, leather upholstery.
Dimensions
73 x 94 x 103 cm
28.7 x 37 x 40.6 in
Weight
22 kg / 48.5 lbs
Embrace the comfort of the supple leather cushion as ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Resin
"OTI" armchair by Niels Gammelgaard for Ikea, circa 1980
Located in LYON, FR
Very pretty tubular steel armchair created by the Danish designer Niels Gammelgaard on behalf of the publisher IKEA. An iconic piece in very good condition and with a lovely patina.
...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Petite Wood Float Chair, Walnut Wood and Acrylic Chair
Located in Houston, TX
The Petite Wood Float Chair blurs the lines between art and furniture and encourages an internal dialogue with the viewer. Is this art or can I sit in it? Both. Handcrafted from soli...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Chairs
Materials
Acrylic, Walnut, Wood
Modern Laurence Dining Chairs, Off-White Bouclé, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Laurence Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Laurence dining chair was crea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
Pouf Pill S by Houtique
By Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf Pill S by Houtique
Dimensions: H 45 x D 35 cm
Materials: Velvet upholstery and 30cm fringes
Pill Pouf S
Art Deco style pouf with wood structure and velvet fabric.
2 fiber-board...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet
Italian modern red leather chairs Ed Archer by Philippe Starck for Driade, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern red leather chairs Ed Archer by Philippe Starck for Driade, 1980s
Pair of chairs mod. Ed Archer in red leather. The main structure is shaped to form the backrest, seat...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Vintage Pencil Reed Barrel Chair
Located in Ross, CA
Vintage pencil reed pod chair in the Crespi style. Comes with a white cushion that could easily be updated.
Can be picked up for free from my Bay ...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Chairs
Materials
Reed
Ab Ovo Hanging Pod Chair by William Emmerson
Located in Geneve, CH
Ab Ovo Hanging Pod Chair by William Emmerson
Limited Edition Of 3 Pieces.
Dimensions: D 99.06 x W 167.64 x H 208.28 cm. SH: 45.72.
Materials: Brass and brown leather.
Limited editio...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Ab Ovo Hanging Pod Chair by William Emmerson
Located in Geneve, CH
Ab Ovo Hanging Pod Chair by William Emmerson
Limited Edition Of 3 Pieces.
Dimensions: D 99.06 x W 167.64 x H 208.28 cm. SH: 45.72.
Materials: Brass and black leather.
Limited editio...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
The Berg Chair by William Emmerson
Located in Geneve, CH
The Berg Chair by William Emmerson
Limited Edition Of 2 Pieces.
Dimensions: D 36,5 x W 66,5 x H 39 cm.
Materials: Naxos marble.
A shape. A floating mass of white marble turned into...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Marble
The Berg Chair by William Emmerson
Located in Geneve, CH
The Berg Chair by William Emmerson
Limited Edition Of 2 Pieces.
Dimensions: D 36,5 x W 66,5 x H 39 cm.
Materials: Naxos marble.
A shape. A floating mass of white marble turned into...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Marble
The Drift Credenza by William Emmerson
Located in Geneve, CH
The Drift Credenza by William Emmerson
Limited Edition Of 2 Pieces.
Dimensions: D 12.75 x W 69.25 x H 32.5 cm.
Materials: Naxos marble.
A shape. A floating mass of white marble tur...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Marble
Plump Chair by Ian Cochran, Represented by Tuleste Factory
By Ian Cochran
Located in New York, NY
A continuation of the Plump series of sculptural furniture. The shapes play upon the effect that resin has as light is refracted through the solid parts. The chair is only held toget...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Chairs
Materials
Resin
Sedie Medea, Vittorio Nobili per Fratelli Tagliabue, 1960
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Le sedie Medea, progettate da Vittorio Nobili per Fratelli Tagliabue negli anni ’60, sono un’icona del design italiano del XX secolo. Caratterizzate da una silhouette slanciata e ele...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Tre Sedie grigie Modello 441 Bigframe di Alberto Meda per Alias 2000
By Alias, Alberto Meda
Located in Milano, IT
Gruppo di 3 sedie, in alluminio e la seduta e lo schienale in rete plastificata. Buone condizioni.
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Pink Mohair Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Design Institute of America
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful 1980’s pink soft mohair lounge chair and ottoman by Design Institute of America.
The chair rocks, newly recovered.
Retains DIA label.
Measurements:
chair- 36” hig...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Mohair
Minimalist Organic Chair in Solid Wood, camel leather Seating tone
By SIMONINI
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
1980s Postmodern Sculptural Arc Chairs - a Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
These chairs are incredible. Very heavy with a wooden swivel base in excellent condition. Use as is or redo in glue favorite fabric.
DIMENSIONS: 32ʺW × 32ʺD × 31ʺH
STYLES: Modern...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Minimalist Organic Chair in black Solid Wood, cian textiles Seating
By SIMONINI
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
Duo of Fast Forest chairs
Located in LYON, FR
We have had these aluminum chairs that we love professionally powder-coated in a current color that will fit perfectly into your garden or terrace. Indeed, initially intended for out...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Column Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Column Chair brings a striking architectural silhouette to any space. Solid steel rods transition into scrolls at the top of the chair, evoking classic ionic columns. The flared ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Car Designer Pininfarina for Reflex Angelo Occasional Chairs
By pinin farina, Reflex
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of RRP £1980 occasional chairs designed by the racing car manufacturer Pininfarina for Reflex Angelo
The chairs are simply st...
Category
20th Century German Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Bride’s Veil Static Chair by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Bride’s Veil Static Chair by Phase Design
Dimensions: D 75 x W 83,2 x H 68,6 cm.
Materials: Upholstery, steel and smoked brass.
Solid steel bar available in a smoked brass, polished...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Minimalist Organic Chair in natural Solid Wood, black leather Seating tone
By SIMONINI
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
Bride’s Veil Static Chair With High Back by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Bride’s Veil Static Chair With High Back by Phase Design
Dimensions: D 85,7 x W 91,4 x H 121,9 cm.
Materials: Upholstery, steel and polished chrome.
Solid steel bar available in a ...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Bride’s Veil Static Chair by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Bride’s Veil Static Chair by Phase Design
Dimensions: D 75 x W 83,2 x H 68,6 cm.
Materials: Upholstery and powder-coated steel.
Solid steel bar available in a smoked brass, polished...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Copper, Steel
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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