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Modern Seating

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Modern Brown Leather Vintage Dining Chairs Tito Agnoli for Matteo Grassi, 1979
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern set of 8 cognac brown vintage dining chairs or chairs, which were designed by Tito Agnoli for Matteo Grassi 1979, Italy. A special feature from the model of chair Korium is hi...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Maharam Covered Stool by Scholten & Baijings
Located in New York, NY
Covered Stool by Scholten & Baijings Small Dot Pattern by Charles and Ray Eames, 1947 105 Charcoal Tinted beechwood base with Small Dot pattern textile....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Seating

Materials

Textile, Wood

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 Seating

Materials

Aluminum

1980s Vintage Overscale Leather Club Lounge Chairs, a Pair
Located in Miami, FL
1980s vintage overscale leather club lounge chairs, a pair Offered is a pair of 1980s overscaled leather lounge or club chairs The cha...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Una 'Articolo Indeterminativo' Wood Chaise Longue
Located in Roma, IT
The chaise longue is the third piece of the collection Una (Articolo Indeterminativo) by Stefano Marolla. The name of the collection comes from the Italian grammar where the indeterminative article precedes a non-identified noun. The objects play on the ambiguity of the matter than can deceive the eye: a sturdy element like wood, hand-curved and levigated, looks like a light tapestry. The curves and the soft drapery of the wood are inspired by a long and attentive study on the usage of drapery in art’s history, going back from the ancient Greece to Bernini’s sculptures...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Italian modern Velvet sofa Utrecht by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Cassina , 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Velvet sofa mod. Utrecht by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Cassina , 1990s fantastic three-seater sofa mod. Utrecht with curved seat and backrest, padded and upholstered ...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet

Curved Sofa 'Cottonflower' in White Fabric by Kabinet
Located in San Pietro di Morubio, Verona
The rounded, curved shape, is crafted into the unique and original design of this well-proportioned and visually distinctive sofa series, available in custom sizes, ensuring intimacy...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery

Contemporary Scott Wilson for Coalesse SW_1 Swivel Conference Chairs, Set of 4
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The Modern beauty and elegant design of the SW_1 Conference swivel chair fits seamlessly into any environment and among Mid-Century classic design. The breathable mesh back provides increased comfort for long work sessions. Please note the price listed is for a set of 4 chairs. Specification: Seat and upper back upholstered in gray color fabric Lower back: 3D Knit Mesh provide back support and breathability, Coal color 5-star base Aluminum matte polished Dual-wheel Aluminum matte polished casters Frame Steel Tube Pneumatic adjustable seat height 360 swivel base mechanism Style: Contemporary/Modern Designed by: Scott Wilson...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

LRC Dining Chairs by Wiel Arets for Lensvelt, Netherlands, circa 2005
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Sculptural modernistic dining chairs designed by architect Wiel Arets and manufactured by Lensvelt. The chairs were designed for the Leidsche Rijn College (...
Category

Early 2000s Dutch Modern Seating

Materials

Fiberglass

Eric Schmitt (*1955), Osselet Chairs, 1996
Located in New York, NY
Pair of sculptural " Osselet " side chairs by Eric Schmitt. Patinated bronze frames and cognac leather seats.
Category

1990s French Modern Seating

Materials

Bronze

Black Playdough Chair by kar
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Playdough chair by kar Materials: FRP. Dimensions: 37 x 39 x 89 cm. Soft like cotton, with a strong contrast to the hard texture, the unique app...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Seating

Materials

Fiberglass

Large Mecato Bench by Sebastian Herkner
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Mecato bench by Sebastian Herkner Materials: galvanized and powder-coated tubular steel. Fibers from Iraca palm leaves. Technique: weaved by local craftspeople in Colombia. ...
Category

2010s German Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Set of Twelve A. Rudin Mahogany Stained 729 Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand set of twelve hardwood dining chairs designed by A. Rudin in California. The 729 chairs consists of 10 side chairs and two armchairs measuring 22 inche...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Set of 2 Mustard Marshmallow Dining Chairs, Royal Stranger
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 mustard marshmallow dining chairs, Royal Stranger. Dimensions: 78 x 70 x 60 cm Materials: Velvet upholstery and brass. Available in: Mint green, light pink, royal green a...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Italy Ghidini 1961 Set 6 Burnished Brass Armchairs Contemporary Design
Located in Brescia, IT
This three-legged armchair with a very comfortable backrest, is an invitation to relax, to enjoy the minutes slowly. Fully hand made in Italy. The price are referring to the burnishe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

William Lounge Chair, Walnut
Located in Monte-Serzedo, 13
William lounge is a chair with statement character, inspired by the classics of 20th century design. We bring our own interpretation of a classic archetype that will bring you a nost...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut, Oak, Wood, Faux Leather, Upholstery, Wool

Set of Four Leather and Chrome Swivel Chairs by J Robert Scott & Associates
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A set of four Patchwork leather chairs with round polished chrome bases that swivel. Designed by Sally Sirkin Lewis and made for J Robert Scot...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Chrome

Henredon Ralph Lauren Saddle Leather Sofa
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning Ralph Lauren sofa in thick, buttery, luxurious saddle leather. Lovely light patina. Sink in comfort with the softest down filled cushions. L...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

Set of Four Acrylic Dining Chairs by Vivid
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Set of four newly reupholstered in an aqua blue fabric with slight gray tones acrylic dining chairs. The acrylic has been professionally polished. Made by Vivid of Los Angeles, cir...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Acrylic, Fabric

4 French Mid-Century Modern Industrial Iron Stools / Benches
Located in New York, NY
Two pairs of French Mid-Century Modern / Industrial Design stools Priced and sold by the pair.
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Gerrit Rietveld De Stijl Red Blue Chair
Located in New York, NY
Gerrit Rietveld (Dutch, 1888-1964) De Stijl Red Blue Chair, originally designed in 1918 with red, blue, yellow, and black colors applied in 1923, this e...
Category

20th Century Modern Seating

Materials

Wood, Paint

Gaulino Easy Chair by Oscar Tysquets black lacquered ashwood, contemporary
Located in Barcelona, ES
“The challenge was to design a light armchair, not too high, using wood and leather. At the beginning, it was going in a different direction, but after making various models, prototypes and considering BD’s design team’s different perspectives on the matter, the result has inevitably drawn toward what is now the Gaulino chair, which was designed nearly 30 years ago. We did not envision it so, but the ergonomics and the aesthetic coherence of this piece has taken us toward a solution much like the Gaulino chair, an heiress of Gaudí and Mollino, and have decided to conserve the name.” OSCAR TUSQUETS The Gaulino Easy Chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Seating

Materials

Hide, Ash

Ether Curved Velvet Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Heaven sent. A curved sofa announces to the world that you are on the varsity decorating squad. Airy yet edgy, our Ether Curved sofa is upholstered in heavenly Bergamo Azure velvet a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Pair of Italian Modern Black Velvet Accent Chairs
Located in North York, ON
This pair of Italian modern black velvet accent chairs is the perfect addition to any home. With their rounded curved backs and seats, these ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Arc Lounge Chair in Blue Recycled Fabric
By TRNK
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Incorporate this upholstered green lounge chair in your living room, or as a bold addition to a dining table or desk. Simple, striking, and deceptively comfortable despite its slende...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery

Concrete Machu Pichu Bench
Located in Hawthorne, CA
Machu picchu bench Inspired by Carlo Scarpa's architectural works, We have designed this original practical art piece as a bench to last forever, Conc...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Concrete

Togo Sofa in Velvet by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset
Located in Porto, PT
Togo sofa in velvet by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset The designer was inspired by the tooth paste tube Three seater sofa, upholstered in soft and smooth vetvet. The colour and and p...
Category

1990s French Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet

Woodard Maddox Black Wrought Iron Adjustable Pool Patio Chaise Lounge Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Woodard maddox black wrought iron adjustable pool patio chaise lounge chair. Item features a quality wrought iron frame, cross lattice seat, adjustable backrest, sleek sculptural for...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Seating

Materials

Wrought Iron

Eight Emerald Green Leather Tucroma Chairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, New
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of eight (8) Tucroma armchairs (Brand New) in beautiful emerald green leather with polished chrome frames. The seats and backs have supple green leather upholstery and are attach...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Chrome

Maralunga 675 Sofa, Armchair and Ottoman by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in Dronten, NL
Maralunga 2-seat sofa with matching lounge chair and ottoman, designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, in distinctive grey and black striped velvet. The unpretentious innovat...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional in Tan Mohair
Located in Culver City, CA
Step into the realm of luxury and design with this iconic Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa! Crafted with the finesse of a sculptor, this masterpiece is not just a piece of furniture; it's ...
Category

1990s Modern Seating

Materials

Mohair

Amazonian Checkered Foot Stool in Madeiras Wood, 1980's
Located in London, GB
This rare and unique stool/small bench was designed in Manauas-AM, the capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas, by Luiz Galvao.
Category

1980s South American Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Hardwood

Montauk Sofa Cognac Leather and Walnut Tuxedo Ottoman or Footstool, Canada 2000s
Located in Miami, FL
Classic Tuxedo cube ottoman or footstool rendered in cognac leather upholstery with a down filled foam cushion and walnut feet, made in Montreal Canada, 2000s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Wood

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa, Directional, in Chinoiserie Tiger Velvet
Located in Culver City, CA
This Vladimir Kagan Cloud sofa is divine! This is not just any sofa; it's a fantastical journey into the world of design where comfort meets chic in the most delightful way possible...
Category

1990s American Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet

Antonio Citterio Atoll Sofa for B&B Italia, Italy, 2018
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning left arm right facing sofa chaise lounge with two seat cushions and twelve back cushions for extra comfort that can be arranged in numerous combinations. Rendered in blue tw...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Pewter, Steel, Aluminum

Oak Curule Stool/Ottoman, France, c. 1940
Located in New York City, NY
Carved and upholstered oak curule stool/ottoman.
Category

1940s English Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Oak

In-Stock 'Méandre' Bench by Design Frères in Mohair Velvet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In-stock Méandre™ bench by DESIGN FRÈRES in mohair velvet. Shown in "shale" mohair. Mohair velvet is extremely durable and resists dirt and crushing. If a piece is going to be heavi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Brand New Black Leather Tucroma Chairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Currently, the most coveted dining chairs by interior designers are 'Tucroma' chairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, and we have this incredible set of four (4) Tucroma armchairs...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Pair of Lounge Chairs, Italian Manufacture, Mid-20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Pair of lounge armchairs with large trapezoidal backrests on conical legs. The armchairs have been reupholstered and covered with a high-quality black and white patterned fabric. The...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze Patio Ottoman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A bronze ottoman by Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan. The ottoman has simple construction in tubular bronze with a patinated finish, with rounded squares serving as runners on each side....
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Seating

Materials

Bronze

Fiberglass Sculptural Sofa, Bench, Loveseat '24U' Stone Finish Outdoor Indoor
By NAE
Located in Bochum, NRW
"2 4 U" is a limited edition designer Sofa, Bench, and Love seat for indoor or outdoor use. It is ideal for poolside, garden, or patio. The color can be changed upon request. Sculptu...
Category

2010s German Modern Seating

Materials

Fiberglass

Pair of China Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of China Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Fritz Hansen. Designed in 1944 and manufactured by Fritz Hansen. Stained cherrywood with loose upholstered seat cushion.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Cherry

'Canapé' by Mats Theselius, 1990s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Limited edition of 35 produced, this is edition 1/5 EA in British Racing Green. Provenance: Mats Theselius private collection. Very good condition with small signs of usage.
Category

1990s Swedish Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

'Chaise Lounge' by Mats Theselius, 1990s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Limited edition of 50 produced, this is edition 16/50. Excellent condition with small signs of usage.
Category

1990s Swedish Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Set of Eight Wood Dining Chairs by Alwy Visschedyk
Located in Pasadena, CA
This rare set of 8 chairs in ash wood by designer Alwy Visschedyck is meticulously well-crafted and visually awesome in the simplicity of design. Despite their strikingly angular a...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Seating

Materials

Ash

Armchair in the Manner of Adriano Piazzesi, Italy, c. 1970
Located in New York City, NY
This armchair is reminiscent of Adriano Piazzesi's bold, quintessentially Italian designs.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Mod Cantilevered Dining Armchairs
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Set of four mod cantilevered dining armchairs with polished chrome frame, newly upholstered resist dye cushions and vegan leather shell, USA circa 19...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Chrome

Handsome Modern Robert Marinelli Sofa
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Handsome Modern Robert Marinelli Sofa
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Handsome Modern Robert Marinelli Sofa High Back Settee
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Handsome Modern Robert Marinelli Sofa High Back Settee
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Handsome Modern Robert Marinelli Super Stylish Club Chair
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Handsome Modern Robert Marinelli Super Stylish Club Chair.
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Walnut

Italian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Velvet, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and green velvet lounge chairs designed and produced in Italy, 1940s. Seat height: 14.18"
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Surge Bench
Located in Portland, OR
The "Surge Bench” is a fusion of art and functionality, crafted from Concrete Canvas, an innovative new material that is the signature material of Neal Aronowitz. Concrete Canvas exp...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Concrete, Cement

Armchair PLAY Boucle Best of year 2022 winner Interior Design Magazine
Located in Kyiv, UA
“PLAY” armchair has an unusual shape that was assembled from several geometric elements. The bagel-shaped detail serves the back of the chair. Handcrafted in Ukraine, this armchair embodies the perfect blend of comfort and style. Its sleek design and attention to detail make it a true statement piece for any space. With its ergonomic features, it offers superior comfort, allowing you to relax and unwind in style. Armchair PLAY...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Plywood

"Joca" Chair Solid Wood and Customized Handwoven
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
When she created Joca chair, Alessandra Delgado wanted a piece with delicate features, exploring the curves of the wood with a design inspired by the master designer Joaquim Tenreiro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Velvet, Polyester, Wood

Modernist Cantilever Armchair by Jindrich Halabala, Chromed Metal, Veneered Wood
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist cantilever chair H-128 designed by Jindrich Halabala and manufactured by UP Závody, Brno. This item is restored on request and available in different amounts. Delivery...
Category

2010s Czech Modern Seating

Materials

Chrome

Armchair PLAY Best of year 2022 winner by Interior Design Magazine
Located in Kyiv, UA
“PLAY” armchair has an unusual shape that was assembled from several geometric elements. The bagel-shaped detail serves the back of the chair. Handcrafted in Ukraine, this armchair embodies the perfect blend of comfort and style. Its sleek design and attention to detail make it a true statement piece for any space. With its ergonomic features, it offers superior comfort, allowing you to relax and unwind in style. Armchair PLAY...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Plywood

Giovannetti, 1970s Anfibio Foldable Sofa in Cream Colored Fabric Project, Becchi
Located in Casalguidi, IT
The bed-sofa, designed by Alessandro Becchi together with the Giovannetti staff has recently celebrated its 50 years. Its history is full of important events and participations. A p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Apollo Loveseat, Chrome Finish Steel Frame and Cream Boucle by Lara Bohinc
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
The Apollo loveseat comprises of a series of playfully fine, elongated metal loops, which embrace the upholstered cushion rolls together to form its long, wavy floating seat. The two...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Metal, Steel

Modern seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern seating 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 seating, popular names associated with this style include De Sede, Finn Juhl, Emeco, and Moooi. 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 seating 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 $497,965 while the average work can sell for $3,803.

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