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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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1,204
1,088
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Style: Modern
Black Leather and Antique Brass Dining Chair with Blackened Steel Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A steel and leather chair with a comfortable seat, easily stackable to save space when needed. This version has a blackened steel frame, a brass backrest, and a black leather upholst...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

e15 Jean Stool Wood by Stefan Diez
Located in New York, NY
The bar stool jean is a natural development of the dynamic chair family Houdini. Jan consists of a seat with circumferential brim, which provides comfort and hold when seated. Betwee...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

UNA Dining Chair in Black Stained Oak with Leather Back by Estudio Persona
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The UNA chair intersects a round wooden seat and legs with a leather upholstered cylindrical back. Using these fluid shapes allows greater focus on the detai...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Oak

Angelo Modular Modern Customizable Sectional Sofa
Located in Studio City, CA
Sleek and low and sexy this five-piece modern modular sectional. Various configurations. Multiple fabrics and colors to choose from. Measures...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Kartell Upper Step Ladder in Crystal by Alberto Meda, Paolo Rizzatto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stepladder has a strong personality and great functionality. It is also a successful marriage of form and function. Its pragmatism is made possible by the technology employed by...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Contemporary Denim Stool, Made from Hardened 'Worn' Blue Jeans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The worn stool is the staple piece of our 'Worn' collection. The stool "wears" (no pun intended) the urban character and grit of Brooklyn, the city where we thrift the very jeans ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Cotton, Epoxy Resin

Seletti "Snakes" Pouf by Toiletpaper
Located in Doral, FL
Pouf by Toiletpaper. - Size: cm 51 × 46, H 42 - Material: Fabrics in polyester, frame in wood with polyurethane padding, metal.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Seating

Materials

Polyester, Wood

Seletti "Lipsticks" Upholstered Occasional Chair by Toiletpaper
Located in Doral, FL
Mix and match the wildest graphics designed by Toiletpaper and get the most iconic dining room of all. - Material: Fabrics in polyester, frame in wood with polyurethane padding an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Seating

Materials

Polyester, Wood

Modern Lloyd Accent Chair in White Oak, Brass, Shearling
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Lloyd Chair by Crump and Kwash Solid wood construction / hand rubbed oil finished / solid waxed brass rungs / shearling wrapped back support / shearling wrapped seat cushion. D...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Emeco Broom Counter Stool in White by Philippe Starck
Located in Hanover, PA
Philippe Starck and Emeco came together to create a new chair that is reclaimed, repurposed, recyclable – and designed to last. The chair is made from 75% waste polypropylene and 15% reclaimed wood that would normally be swept into the trash, “Imagine”, says Philippe Starck, “a guy who takes a humble broom...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Large Custom Sectional Sofa with Chaise Lounge
Located in Greenwich, CT
This sectional sofa was a custom order that features three sections: a chaise lounge, loveseat and pod chaise. It also features a low back, with track arms. The back cushions are stu...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Hudson Ottoman 22"Ø in Silver Grey Tibetan Lamb by Moses Nadel
Located in Oyster Bay, NY
Featured in Tibetan Lamb Shearling, the Hudson Ottoman exudes luxury. These structured and supportive round ball ottomans are designed to function as a traditional leg rest, add a tw...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Wool, Lambskin

Design sofa Mw01 Bronze, made in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
"Elevate furniture aesthetics to an artistic level" Premium designer sofa, custom-made in France. This MW01 combines comfort, design, and aesthetics. The HR40 foam seat, elegantly...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel, Other

Harbor Counter Stool, Handmade Modern Rope Seat Counter Stool with Backrest
Located in Stevenson, WA
Phloem Studio Harbor Counter Stool is a modern contemporary solid wood stool handmade custom to order. The Harbor Stool is available in counter or...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Rope, Hardwood

BAKER Mid 20th Century White Armless Three-Piece Sectional Slipper Sofa
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Contemporary style three-piece sectional armless slipper sofa by Baker Furniture. Hardwood frame construction; upholstered in a soft white color brocade fabric, armless with a slip...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

YoYo Stool, Hand-Turned, Hardwood Side Table or Seating, Natural
Located in St. Paul, MN
Stacked lamination of ash hardwood with a maple top, turned on a lathe. This pleasing sculptural object can be used as a side table or stool for seating. They look great in this natu...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Muller Van Severen, Outdoor Lounge Chair Model "Wire S #1", Belgium, 2017
Located in Barcelona, ES
Muller Van Severen Outdoor lounge chair model “Wire S #1” Manufactured by Muller Van Severen Produced for Side Gallery Stainless steel Measurements 139 cm x 60 cm x 37 H cm...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

A pair of "Spirit" Sofas by John Hutton
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair “spirit” sofas by John Hutton for Dohghia. Covered in a deep rust colored velvet with decorative velvet rosettes across the back. Retains Donghia label. Condition: Very goo...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Set of Six Lucite Upholstered Armchairs Attributed to Lion in Frost
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of six Lucite newly upholstered armchairs unmarked but strongly attributed to Lion in Frost.
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Lucite

Pair of Armchairs, Italy, 1990s
Located in New York, NY
Inox steel frames featuring wraparound backs upholstered in dark brown leather, the seats and backs upholstered in the original crushed velvet with leaf pattern. These chairs were de...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Italian modern Blu fabric Armchair Felix by Burkhard Vogtherr for Arflex, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Blu fabric Armchair Felix by Burkhard Vogtherr for Arflex, 1980s Armchair mod. Felix with squared seat and backrest, padded and covered in blue fabric with abstract fl...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Pair of Polar Bear Chairs in the style of Jean Royere
Located in New York, NY
Absolutely stunning pair of Jean Royere style chairs in light pink faux fur. The chairs are extremely comfortable with a unique profile hiding 4 wood legs. These chairs were custo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating

Materials

Faux Fur

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

Black leather club chair by Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Kleinburg, ON
The black leather club chair by Tom Ford for Gucci is a luxurious and stylish piece of furniture that exudes elegance and sophistication. The chair has a curved backrest and a deep s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Herman Miller Aeron Ergonomic Side Chairs, Black Tubular Metal Frames & Mesh
Located in Miami, FL
Herman Miller Aeron Ergonomic Side Chairs, Black Tubular Metal Frames & Mesh Offered for sale is a pair of Herman Miller "Aeron" ergonomic side ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Pillar Bar Stool 3 Legged Wood and Lacquered, Blue
Located in Istanbul, 34
The Pillar bar stool is made of linden wood and is a completely solid product. It can be used as a bar stool or as a stand where decoration products can be displayed. A simple 3-l...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Seating

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

In stock in Los Angeles, Blue Velvet Pouf, Designed by Marco Zito, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (1.8) In Stock in Los Angeles Used as a central seat or alongside a sofa, this velvet Pouf i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Frau Italian leather sofa by Tito Agnoli, Poppy model
Located in Milano, IT
Imagine entering a living room adorned with the epitome of sophistication and style. At the center of this refined environment is the exclusive Poppy seating set, a masterpiece designed by Tito Agnoli and made by Poltrona Frau. With its classic design and vintage charm, the Poppy sofa...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Moro Armchair by Sebastian Herkner
Located in Geneve, CH
Moro Armchair by Sebastian Herkner Dimensions: D 80 x W 79.7 x H 78.5 cm Materials: Sheepskin Available in different fabrics. ‘Mor...
Category

2010s French Modern Seating

Materials

Sheepskin

Torn High Console Table by Lucas Tyra Morten
Located in Geneve, CH
Torn high console table by Lucas Tyra Morten 2018 Limited Edition of 29 Dimensions: W 90.5, H 89, D 40 Material: handwaxed plywood Torn table with its two ...
Category

2010s Swedish Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

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

Celeste Straight Chair in Espresso Peplos Velvet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Celeste Straight Chair in Espresso Peplos velvet from Clarence House. Made in Los Angeles. SAMPLE: THIS ITEM IS A FLOOR MODEL IN GOOD CONDITION (LIGHT WEAR). PRICE IS PER CHAIR. FIN...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet

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

Slab Coffee Table by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Slab coffee table by Imperfettolab 2011 Dimensions: 131 x 83 x H 30 Materials: Fibreglass Available in black and white. Seat/Coffee table in fibreglass. Imperfetto Lab Who...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Fiberglass

Angulo Chair
Located in Ciudad de México, MX
HEMISFERIOS is the act of doing both: the intricate and the simple. It is the palpable philosophy of seeing things from their most complex and basic form. Specifically in this series...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Seating

Materials

Oak

Penca Lounge Chair
Located in Ciudad de México, MX
Penca is a line of outdoor furniture with a strong Mexican identity, designed for residential spaces as well as for common areas of restaurants or boutique hotels. The concept of the...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Penca Bar Stool
Located in Ciudad de México, MX
Penca is a line of outdoor furniture with a strong Mexican identity, designed for residential spaces as well as for common areas of restaurants or boutique hotels. The concept of the...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Penca Dining Chair
Located in Ciudad de México, MX
Penca is a line of outdoor furniture with a strong Mexican identity, designed for residential spaces as well as for common areas of restaurants or boutique hotels. The concept of the...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

ADELE Armchair with wheels brass by Dainelli Studio by Somaschini
Located in Cabiate, IT
A small armchair, with a deliberately outsized and conspicuous wheel. Adele is soft, round, elegant yet ironic. Brass and bright colors, curves and tightly stretched fabrics, it coul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Pair of Round Ottomans in Sage Green Velvet, France 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming pair of vintage ottomans sourced in the South of France. These have been professionally restored in a beautiful green velvet. DIMENSIONS: 24.5"Dia x 17"H
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery

‘Pilotis’ Ottoman in Cognac Edelman Leather by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage ‘Pilotis’ ottoman designed by French interior and furniture designer Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt in 1995. This piece features a sleek square black metal base with tubu...
Category

1990s American Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Single Ruched Leather Lounge Chair in the Style of De Sede, France 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
1970s French lounge chair in the style of De Sede. This regal chair features a block frame with curved arms and sits low to the ground on circular acrylic feet. It retains the origin...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Upholstery

Modern Slim Rocker
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
This unique Rocker is endearingly called Shay’s Chaise and seamlessly blends the charm of a rocker with the comfort of a deckchair. Versatile and adaptable, it's equally fitting fo...
Category

2010s South African Modern Seating

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Large Gradient Bench by Philipp Aduatz
Located in Geneve, CH
Large gradient bench by Philipp Aduatz Limited Edition of 50 Dimensions: 230 x 56 x 45 cm Materials: 3D printed concrete dyed, reinforced with steel Also available in small. Available in red, blue, beige, green and black. The 3D printed gradient furniture collection is Philipp Aduatz latest project in the field of 3D concrete...
Category

2010s Austrian Modern Seating

Materials

Concrete, Steel

Set of Four No.811 Chairs, Josef Hoffmann, 1960s
Located in London, GB
A vintage set of four beech Model 811 chairs designed by Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann in the mid to late 1920s. The chair was featured on the front cover of Thonet-Mundus' catal...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Linen, Beech

LC4 Lounge Chair by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret et Perriand for Cassina limited
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
The lounge chair LC4 was designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret et Charlotte for the Salon d’Automne in Paris. This lounge chair with a black steel base, an adjustable polished c...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Seating

Materials

Metal, Steel

Leather Altay Armchair by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Geneve, CH
Leather altay armchair by Patricia Urquiola Materials: Black lacquered solid beech structure. Seat covered in full-grain black leather. Technique: Lacquered and stained wood. Uphol...
Category

2010s French Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Beech

Set of Three Flo Chairs and Dining Table by Patricia Urquiola for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Spanish-born, Milan-based architect and designer Patricia Urquiola’s design for the Flo line for Driade relies on steel structures covered in cane, giving the pieces a durability and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Sosa Two Seater Brown Teddy Sofa
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
With its monolithic structure and its perfect integration with the floor it is on, the Sosa sofa offers an image that is different from the usual form and appearance that includes yo...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Seating

Materials

Foam, Hardwood, Bouclé, Upholstery

Italian modern round chromed metal stool and white faux leather, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern round chromed metal stool and white faux leather, 1980s Stool with round base, with padded seat covered in white faux leather. The main structure is in chromed metal r...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

"Koala" Armchair by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, France, 1990s
Located in New York, NY
Armchair upholstered in a beige, tightly woven boucle fabric. Model "Koala". Chair: Height: 32” back, 16”, seat width 30”, depth 30”  
Category

1990s French Modern Seating

Materials

Bronze

Charlotte Perriand Berger Stool
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful example of Charlotte Perriand's Berger stool--her famous modernist interpretation of the classic tripod wood milking stool. This particular stool shows considerable wea...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Hardwood

Contemporary, Modern Tufted Window Bench, Chrome, Acrylic, Green Velvet, 2010s
Located in Stamford, CT
Contemporary, Modern Tufted Window Bench, Chrome, Acrylic, Green Velvet, 2010s Retails for $2,272 IPZ
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet, Acrylic

Contemporary, Modern Footstool, Chrome, Acrylic, Faux Snakeskin, 2010s
Located in Stamford, CT
Contemporary, Modern Footstool or Ottoman, Chrome, Acrylic, Faux Snakeskin, 2010s Retails for $1,890. Faux snakeskin upholstery. 20H x 19W x 19D
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Acrylic

Italian modern beige chairs DSC by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern beige chairs DSC by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s Set of four chairs mod. DSC padded and covered in beige tending to yellow leather. The seat and backr...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Poltrona Frau Leather Bar Stools- Set of three
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W16 D16 H37 SW16 SD15 SH30 Leather Stools with a bar seat height in great gently used condition. Stools are all structurally sound with no large visible. Chrome has very light patin...
Category

1990s Modern Seating

Materials

Chrome

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

Eva' White Leather + Beechwood Lounge Chair by Bruno Mathsson for DUX, Sweden
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1960s Swedish ‘Eva’ lounge chair designed by Bruno Mathsson for DUX. This Scandinavian Modern lounge chair features a sculptural bent beechwood frame with dramatic curved arms and ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

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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