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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
French modern black chairs by Philippe Gonnet for Protis Editions, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
French modern black chairs by Philippe Gonnet for Protis Editions, 1980s Set of six chairs with rectangular seat. The chair develops "forwards" following a diagonal line. The seat is...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mera Chair
Located in London, GB
Inspired by a traditional cane chair design, this chair is a contemporary version of a much loved classic that we have seen in many forms. The spoke-shaved frame is a solid ash, give...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Cane, Rattan, Ash

Peacock Easy Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Peacock Easy armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Rattan Also available in other colors. Dimensions: 68.5 cm x 90 cm x H 198 cm Peacock is a modern take on the traditional wick...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Chairs

Materials

Rattan

Jacques Adnet Eight Armchairs
Located in Georges Mills, NH
Set of eight hand-stitched leather armchairs with brass-plated sabots. Designed for the U.N.E.S.C.O headquarters in Paris; 1958. Each chair is individually numbered on an embossed al...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Plump Chair by Ian Cochran, Represented by Tuleste Factory
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

Sedia Tiffany in velluto, gambe laccate e decori in metallo
Located in Bisceglie, IT
Una seduta pranzo dai tratti delicati, e dall elevato standard qualitativo. Rivestita in velluto, ma disponibile anche in tessuto bouclè, viene caratterizzata dal dettaglio in metall...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Korhogo Cloth, Velvet

Modern Grand Pouf White Cotton Bouclé Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Grand Pouf, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. A comfy pouf stool with a luxurious touch. Upholstered in white cotton bouclé fabric, Flox stands out o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

INVICTA Dining Chair in Velvet
Located in Frazão, Porto
The Invicta dining chair is a unique piece, and the impressive design with just one leg in the back, in solid wood, will make the dining room a so...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Lacquer

"Julia" Minimalist Chair in Solid Wood, cane backrest and natural leather seat
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
When she created Julia chair with wooden arms, Alessandra Delgado wanted a piece with delicate features, exploring the curves of the wood with a design inspired by the master designe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Cotton, Wood, Leather

Mid-Century Modern to Modern Oak Maroon Vinyl Rolling Game or Dining Chairs
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful Mid-Century Modern to modern rolling game or dining chairs comprised of oak frames, maroon vinyl seats and backs, brass sabots, and casters. Beautiful condition, keeping in...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Oak

Selene Chair - White
Located in Princeton Junction, NJ
Selene Chair - White
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

"Julia" Chair with Wooden Arms, cane back and natural leather seat
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
When she created Julia chair with wooden arms, Alessandra Delgado wanted a piece with delicate features, exploring the curves of the wood with a design inspired by the master designe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Cotton, Leather

Modern Timeless Office Chair, Bouclé Faux Fur, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Greenapple Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Timeless bouclé office chair was designed and craft...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Original Red Carimate Armchairs by Vico Magistretti
Located in MADRID, ES
Vico Magistretti (6 October 1920 - 19 September 2006) was an Italian industrial designer, dedicated to furniture and architecture. He graduated from the Milan Polytechnic in 1945, and became a follower of Ernesto Nathan Rogers. During the 1950s he devoted himself to designing mass-produced furniture. Some of his lamps are famous, such as the so-called Eclisse. Some of his designs can be found in important museums in Europe, the United States and Japan. The MoMA in New York houses objects...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Straw, Zebra Wood

Sentada Chair • Handmade Edition • in Steel by Pedro Paulo-Venzon
Located in Florianopolis, Santa Catarina
As outras moralidades [The other moralities / Series] As outras moralidades start from an affect, in the rhizomatic molds of Deleuze and Guattari, cuir-suleado [queer and oriented t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Philippe Starck chair
Located in PARIS, FR
Chair model Wendy Wright by French designer Philippe Starck for Disform, from the 1980s. It is in white/grey anodized metal. In very good condition. DV516
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Philippe Starck chair
Located in PARIS, FR
Chair model Wendy Wright by French designer Philippe Starck for Disform, from the 1980s. It is in gray anodized metal. In very good condition. DV517
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Vintage French School Chairs, Set of Four
Located in High Point, NC
A set of four vintage school chairs with high armrests manufactured in France circa 1950. These authentic metal chairs feature low backrests and ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Italian modern Black chairs by Adalberto del Lago for Misura Emme, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Black chairs by Adalberto del Lago for Misura Emme, 1980s Black chairs in enamelled metal rod, with seat and high back in black leath...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Chic 'Méandre' Bronze Chairs by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Méandre™ dark bronze side chairs by DESIGN FRÈRES®. Chic and understated.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Arches Dining Chair, Brass & COM, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Best Chair Design at the International Design & Architecture Awards 2021 Honorable Mention at the European Product Design Awards 2021 The Arches dining chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Mawu Chair Printed
Located in Paris, FR
Original chair in golden oak, satin finish, flared legs. * Production lead time from 12 to 14 weeks. * Customize the fabric and dimensions of your chair.
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Satin, Oak

INVICTA II dining chair in white boucle and brass rear leg
Located in Frazão, Porto
The INVICTA II dining chair has an exclusive and impressive design, with just one leg in the back, it brings shophistication to your decoration...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel, Nickel

Handcrafted Matrice Chair in Gold Steel and Blue Velvet
Located in MONTROZIER, FR
Matrice side chair is a steel corset compressing a velvet fleece, an organic, carnal form, compressed by a wire mesh. The interaction of two antagonistic materials reminds us of the poetry of blown glass, the bodice on the waist, the imprint left on the body by the wicker chairs. We tried to give the seat a feeling of comfort, both visually and in its use. The iconic Chesterfield sofa quickly became a reference to be summoned. Matrice is a reinterpretation, a sensitive statement of its imprint: the upholstery here is turned over like a glove, revealing the wire mesh structure. The latter forms a corset compressing the softness of the seat and backrest to give it an organic geometry. Matrice is customizable on demand (colors of steel and fabrics, other fabrics), modular in chair or multi-seater bench, and each piece is numbered. This handcrafted chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Metal

Skovby Danish Modern Teak High Back Dining Chairs - Set of 10
Located in Elkton, MD
Crafted by Skovby Mobelfabrik. Characterized by high sculpted backs, floating seats and solid teak construction.
Category

1990s Danish Modern Chairs

Materials

Teak

Contemporary Chair in Solid Wood, Upholstered in Leather or Textiles
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

Meridiana Chair in Transparent by Christophe Pillet for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Meridiana table stems from the ultimate globetrotter chair, revised this year with solid wooden legs. An archetype of the coffee shop or domestic table, it displays a precious balance between the round, wood particleboard top and the solid wood frame and legs. A mass-colored clay mixture is smoothed over the top by hand with a scraper. The table’s aesthetic is distinguished by the shaded, handmade finish of its top. Available in the following colors: Volcano red, Lava black and Champagne. Born in 1959, he graduated from the Academy of Decorative Arts in Nice in 1985 and a year later took a post-graduate course at the Domus Academy in Milan. From 1986 to 1988 he worked with Martine Bedin in Milan, and from 1988 to 1993 with Philippe Starck in Paris. His first items of furniture, issued by XO, date from 1991. Since May 1993 he has been working as an independent designer. His work ranges from furniture to product design, from interior design to architecture and exhibit design. He works, among others, with Artelano, Cappellini, Ceccotti, JC Decaux, Driade, Mazzega, Moroso, Trussardi, Daum, Moët e Chandon, Ecart International, Lacoste Lancome, l’Oreal, Shiseido, Whirlpool. Nominated Creator of the Year in 1995, he has exhibited his works at the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Lucerne and at many other prestige venues. Among his most recent works or works in progress...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Lula Chair, Ivory Bouclé & Natural Wood Chair by Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order bouclé and wood chair designed by Christian Siriano. Base: Natural Maple Fabric for seat/back cushion: Ivory Bouclé Meas...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Maple

Le Mautu by Naibu
Located in Geneve, CH
Le Mautu by Naibu Materials: Stainless steel. Dimensions: D 57 x W 40 x H 91 cm. Naibu We are a multidisciplinary studio founded by Mara Calderón de la Barca and Brenda Ochoa, based...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Sling Hanging Swing Chair Genuine Brown Leather 21st Century Modern
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
Stripped away from all excess, this hanging chair has a circular frame with a sheet of natural thick leather hanging loose within it, to create a sleek, sexy, and oh so comfortable e...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Sedie pieghevoli italiane e moderne, in metallo verniciato bianco, 1980 ca.
Located in MIlano, IT
Set di sei sedie da esterno pieghevoli, con struttura in ferro smaltato. La seduta e lo schienale della sedia sono microforati. Perfette per essere usate in giardino o in terrazzo. 1980 ca. Buone condizioni. Misure in cm 51x55x77h Set di sedie in ferro verniciato bianco, con alcuni segni del tempo sulla verniciatura, molto comode sia nel sedersi e accomodarsi, sia per quanto riguarda la possibilità di piegarle, chiuderle e riporle per quando si hanno molti ospiti e grandi...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Roly Poly Armchair in Concrete without cushion 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

Postmodern Metal Vintage Aluminum Patio Chairs Toledo Jorge Pensi Spain 1980s
Located in Vienna, AT
Postmodern vintage set of five aluminum stacking dining chairs patio chairs designed by Jorge Pensi, 1986-1988, and produced by Amat-3. Provide with the stamp "Toledo Design Jorge Pe...
Category

1980s Spanish Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

La Redonda Minimalistic Chair in Metal
Located in London, GB
La Redonda is a chair that flirts with a pure two-dimensional geometrical figure, the circle. This perfect shape is molded after being cut over a steel plat...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

GTV Thonet Postsparkasse Chair in Black and Aluminium by Otto Wagner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Extreme shape synthesis. Minimalism, exclusivity and an eye for detail. The “Postsparkasse” series was designed in 1906 by Otto Wagner for the headquarters of the Post Office Savings...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

ONE SS CHAIR-Chair
Located in Giza Governorate, EG
What happens when two becomes one? “The Oness” objects or people. It is about how coming together creates chair entertains the thought of a merging, between two a new, sometimes sens...
Category

2010s Egyptian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Wood

Cult Stool by Panorammma
Located in Geneve, CH
Cult stool by Panorammma Materials: Black lacquer onyx. Dimensions: D 25 x H 45 cm. Also available in Onyx Conglomerate or Onyx Ice. Panorammma is a furniture design atelier based i...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Onyx

Aqua Botanica Step stool by WL Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Aqua Botanica Step stool by WL Ceramics Designer: Edward van Vliet Materials: Porcelain Dimensions: H36 x Ø56 cm At WL CERAMICS we make porcelain with passion. We are a family run ...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Chairs

Materials

Porcelain

INVICTA II dining chair with brass rear leg
Located in Frazão, Porto
The INVICTA II dining chair has an exclusive and impressive design, with just one leg in the back, it brings sophistication to all dining room....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass, Iron, Stainless Steel

Set of Six Anna R Chairs by L&R Palomba for Crassevig, Italy
Located in Dronten, NL
A set of six Anna R dining chairs designed by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba for Crassevig, Italy. These chairs feature a dark brown solid wood frame with double-paneled back and a se...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Plywood

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

Chair in Wood and Leather Molteni&C by Tobia Scarpa - Made in Italy - Miss
Located in New York, NY
Miss Chair in Wood and Leather by Afra and Tobia Scarpa. Expert-crafted in Italy exclusively by Molteni&C. Husband and wife powerhouse designers Afra and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Ash

Armchair in Boucle Fabric Molteni&C by Gio Ponti D.154.2 - made in Italy
Located in New York, NY
D.154.2 Lovechair in Bouclé Fabric by Gio Ponti. Expert-crafted in Italy exclusively by Molteni&C. The mid-century D.154.2 lovechair features a shell-like structure inspired by ren...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé

Chair in Black Ashwood and Black Leather Molteni&C by Tobia Scarpa - Miss
Located in New York, NY
Miss Chair in Black Ashwood and Black Leather by Afra and Tobia Scarpa. Expert-crafted in Italy exclusively by Molteni&C. Husband and wife powerhouse desi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Ash, Leather

Bondi Stackable Dining Chair in Ashwood
By Please Wait to be Seated, Fräg Woodall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Please Wait to be Seated Bondi chair is inspired by designer Frag Woodall's earliest memories of watching artisans at work, fascinated by the way they joined and fitted timber. The s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Iola Upholstered Chair in Black Metal Base, by E-ggs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iola chair comes with a seat, back and armrests in a injected flameretardant polyurethane foam covered with the listed fabrics. The structure base is available for custom orders in W...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Beetley Bar Stool
Located in North York, ON
Beetley Bar Stool. Crafted with a sleek and minimalist design, this bar stool exudes a sense of sophistication and elegance. Made with high-quality walnut wo...
Category

2010s Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Minimal Style, Solid Wood Chair, Special Textile Seating, 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...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Hardwood, Cane

Minimalist Organic Chair in Solid Wood, Upholstered Seating
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...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

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

Sculptural Organic Vintage Side Chairs Pair Bohuslav Horak 1988 Czech Republic
By Bohuslav Horák
Located in Vienna, AT
Sculptural metal vintage chairs model Pupeny or Buds by Bohuslav Horak, 1988. A sculptural and fairy-tale design with a twist, these side chairs s...
Category

1980s Czech Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Iron

Modern Black Green Gray White Orange Pink Red Purple or Blue Rabbit Accent Chair
Located in Origgio (VA), IT
Rabbit is a family of products with a strong media impact, one of Stefano Giovannoni's hat tricks, and immediately became a pop icon, a symbol of love and fertility, which brings goo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Pouf Pill S 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 vel...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

e15 Calle Wood Bench by Philipp Mainzer
Located in New York, NY
The solid wood bench Calle consists of a contoured seat, two sides flushed with the seat and a support beam underneath. The top surface tapers toward the middle to allow comfortable ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

e15 Mr. Collins Stool by Stefan Diez
Located in New York, NY
With its dynamic form and ergonomic comfort, Mr. Collins is an endearing stool applicable in diverse arrangements for living or working situations. Based on couture construction meth...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

e15 Karnak Chair with European Oak Base by Ferdinand Kramer
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1925, the elegant and archetypal chair Karnak features Ferdinand Kramer's masterful grip on simplicity. Available in waxed solid European o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

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

Laminate, Hardwood, Leather, Textile, Upholstery

Contemporary Chair in Natural Solid Wood, Upholstered, Natural Wood Back, 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

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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