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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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.
17
19,032
3,019
1,155
to
919
10,734
10,291
23,206
5,918
9,197
40,862
23,206
8,882
4,117
1,558
1,408
1,200
1,091
948
927
779
741
690
654
501
468
357
230
2
17
3,000
20,187
56
766
1,887
1
3
27
53
88
171
304
630
544
346
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
19,597
17,072
15,010
16,280
14,730
15,796
14,577
15,873
14,607
15,352
14,275
15,644
11,748
10,176
9,499
5,135
4,763
16,284
6,213
4,354
3,875
3,519
716
434
359
325
324
Style: Modern
1958 Florence Knoll Parallel Bar Three Seat Sofa, Model 57 in Green Fabric
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an extremely early Florence Knoll ‘Parallel Bar’ Sofa, Model 57, designed by Florence Knoll in 1958. It is a rare example of Florence K...
Category
1950s American Vintage 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
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
One of One Handcrafted Kidney Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W70 D33 H29.5 SW64 SD23-24 SH17
Kidney sofa completely built from scratch in house in soft tweed and turned white oak legs finished in a dark walnut. Item features a new wooden fram...
Category
2010s Modern Seating
Materials
Fabric
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
Italy Ghidini 1961 Set 6 Burnished Brass Armchairs Contemporary Design
By Ghidini 1961
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
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
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
'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
Arteriors Torcello Armchair in Muslin
Located in New York, NY
Iron framed "Torcello" armchair in muslin by Arteriors. The iron frame is seemlessly made and the floating seat is covered in an off white muslin fabric. Preowed and in great conditi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating
Materials
Iron
Chelsea Checkerboard Round Ottoman
Located in Houston, TX
The Chelsea Checkerboard Round Ottoman is a delightful fusion of classic elegance and contemporary flair. Its round shape and plush cushioning provide both comfort and versatility, m...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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 Patinated Steel Benches
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of patinated steel benches with a "saddle seat" form, having four tapered legs resting on a shaped foot.
Category
2010s American Modern Seating
Materials
Steel
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
Leather and Metal Stool, France, c. 1950
Located in New York City, NY
Two Available; Priced individually.
Beautifully patinated oxblood leather stools with blackened metal hairpin legs.
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Seating
Materials
Steel
Christian Liaigre for A. Rudin Square Cocktail Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
Presenting a huge seating or cocktail table option for home or office. Creamy black leather. Beautiful minimalist design by Christian Liaigre for A. Rudin.
Located in Philadelphia...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Seating
Materials
Leather
Roche Bobois Long Island Sofa
By Roche Bobois
Located in New York, NY
Stunning olive green couch from Roche Bobois in a luxurious chenille or velvet fabric.
This “Long Island” model currently retails for over $30,000.
The fabric reflects light creat...
Category
2010s French Modern Seating
Materials
Fabric
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
'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
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
Christian Werner Ligne Roset 'Pop' Lounge Chair with Orange Ultrasuede
By Ligne Roset
Located in Miami, FL
Christian Werner Ligne Roset 'Pop' Lounge Slipper Chair with Orange Ultrasuede
Offered for sale is an upholstered contemporary 'Pop' Lounge Chair by Christian Werner for Ligne Ro...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Ginga XL Footstool in Black Oak, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Ginga XL Footstool in Black Oak, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
Ginga is the swaying movement of Brazilian martial art, Capoeira. It is characterized by a flowing movement from o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating
Materials
Brass
Italian modern chromed metal and black leather curved shape chairs, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern chromed metal and black leather curved shape chairs, 1980s.
Chair with armrests, with chromed steel structure and curved metal back and seat covered in black leather.
...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Seating
Materials
Metal, Steel
Vladimir Kagan for American Leather Curved 'Zoe' Sofa
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Embrace the epitome of iconic design with this stunning vintage Mid Century "Zoe" Sofa, an homage to the legendary Vladimir Kagan's signature aesthetics. Designed by Kagan for Americ...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Seating
Materials
Polyester
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
Pair of 1940s Rounded Arm Belgian Armchairs with New Cushions
Located in Toronto, CA
A pair of excellent chairs. The 1940's Belgian wood frames feature swooping round arms and original cotton webbing. Updated and accentuated with new cushions boasting a vanilla-hued ...
Category
1940s Belgian Vintage Modern Seating
Materials
Cotton, Wood
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
Melon Legs Base Swing Chair Modern 21st Century Steel Daybed in/Outdoor White
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
The Melon Lounger is inspired by a hammock - but with its structured hard frame it will not fold in and is thus hugely comfortable.
It’s organic shape is reminiscent of a slice of f...
Category
2010s South African Modern Seating
Materials
Steel
Early Fritz Hansen Egg Chair
Located in New York, NY
Authentic early example of the iconic Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen. Fritz Hansen signature is etched into the base.
This chair features cognac upholstery in what appears to be fake l...
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Modern Seating
Materials
Faux Leather
"Nie" Sofa Minimalist Style in Gray Fabric
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
The name Nie emerges as an affectionate nickname for Oscar Niemeyer, whose work Alessandra was inspired by his creation. The design of the piece refers to the femininity of the maste...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating
Materials
Fabric
Odin Sofa by Konstantin Grcic, ClassiCon
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The special geometry of the seat means that people are not sitting parallel to each other, but facing each other: an invitation to dialogue. Seen in this way, Odin is a modern interp...
Category
1990s German Modern Seating
Materials
Velvet
Pair of Vintage Barcelona Chairs by Mies van der Rohe
Located in Zandhoven, BE
Iconic Vintage Pair of Barcelona Lounge Chairs by Mies van der Rohe!
Timeless pair of Barcelona lounge chairs, a design classic by the legendary Mies van der Rohe! These chairs ar...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Modern Seating
Materials
Leather
Set of Two Salvador Dali Contemporary Portlligat Wood Sculpture Sunbed
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Introducing a one-of-a-kind wooden sculpture by renowned artist Salvador Dali. The Salvador Dali Contemporary Portlligat wood sculpture sunbed is a unique and exclusive piece that is...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of Four Springer Onassis Style Dining Chairs in Lacquered Goatskin by Garcel
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Set of Four Springer Onassis Style Dining Chairs in Lacquered Goatskin by Garcel
Designed in the 1980s for Jimeco Ltda, these chairs exude an air of sophistication and luxury. The sl...
Category
1980s Colombian Vintage Modern Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Pair Leather Siren Scoop Armchairs by Holly Hunt
By HOLLY HUNT
Located in Fulton, CA
A pair of leather Siren dining armchairs by Holly Hunt. Scoop seat design. Retaining Holly Hunt metal label. Original leather upholstery in good condition, but does have light scuffi...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Seating
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
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
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
Italian modern brown leather armchair with a triangular base, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown leather armchair with a triangular base, 1970s
Armchair with triangular base. The seat and backrest are composed of a single padded cushion covered in brown leat...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Set of Four Constantini Pietro Rosewood and Leather Upholstered Dining Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautiful Set of Four Constantini Pietro glossy finish Rosewood and soft, top grain Leather Upholstered Dining Chairs in great condition. Measure 19" in width, 25" in dwpth and sta...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Italian modern white lacquered curved chairs, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern white lacquered curved chairs, 1970s
Set of six chairs in white lacquered wood. The seat and backrest have curved and rounded lines, which are shaped in the lower par...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Rue de Babylone Angled Sofa by Christophe Delcourt
Located in Toronto, ON
Framed by 19th century Parisian architecture, the Rue de Babylone guides both locals and tourists alike through the most celebrated and unassumed segments of Paris. Referencing the a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Leather, Fabric
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
Restoration Hardware 'Lancaster' Distressed Leather Sofa
Located in Boston, MA
Restoration Hardware Three-Seater Lancaster Leather Sofa. Presented in distressed grayish brown leather. Premium down-feather filled cushions and soft, supple leather, contribute to ...
Category
2010s Unknown Modern Seating
Materials
Leather
Beige Oval Vanity Fabric Stool With Wheels
Located in London, GB
This beige round fabric stool offers a compact and flexible seating solution. Whether used as additional seating for small spaces or as a footrest for relaxation, it smoothly combine...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Seating
Materials
Fabric
Black leather dining chairs, set of 6 - 1980s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Vintage black leather upholstered dining chairs by Cattelan italy.
Comfortable dining chairs with nicely stiched leather.
Good overal condition
1980s - Italy
Dimensions
Height: 8...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Seating
Materials
Leather
Armchair in Black Stainless Steel and White Fabric
By Myface
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Trace Outdoor Dining Armchair
The Trace Dining Chair is the epitome of functional yet enjoyable dining. With its perfect combination of comfort and practicality, this chair is desi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Holly Hunt Christian Liaigre Orange Barbuda Lounge Chair
By HOLLY HUNT
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare chair you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The chair is statement piece and packed with ...
Category
1990s American Modern Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
6 chaises de Philippe Starck pour KARTELL
Located in PARIS, FR
La collaboration entre Philippe Starck et Kartell dans les années 1990 a donné naissance à une série de chaises révolutionnaires, notamment celles en polycarbonate rouge et transpare...
Category
1990s French Modern Seating
Materials
Plastic
1990s Ligne Roset French Line' Leather Chair by Didier Gomez
Located in Boston, MA
Ligne Roset 'French Line' chair by Didier Gomez, circa 1990s. Modern design with angular silhouette. Solid wood frame and buttery beige leather seat. Down filled polochon. Good condi...
Category
1990s French Modern Seating
Materials
Wood
Restoration Hardware Leather Cloud Sofa
Located in Boston, MA
Restoration Hardware Leather Cloud bench sofa. 8 feet long, circa 2018. Lovely soft and supple light gray leather and 100% feather down filled cushions and pillows, makes the seating...
Category
2010s Chinese Modern Seating
Materials
Leather
Girandola bench
Located in Houston, TX
Girandola Bench
A sinuous volume designed by a curved wooden shape welcomes a seat wrapped in quilted velvet upholstery. The Paraíso armchair appears light, suspended on slender meta...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Seating
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
Half Half Designed by Thomas Dariel
Located in Geneve, CH
Half Half designed by Thomas Dariel, Maison Dada
Measures: W 83 x D 66 x H 90cm
Structure in solid timber and plywood • Memory foam
Base and seat...
Category
2010s French Modern Seating
Materials
Fabric
Pair of Maui sofas by Vico Magistretti for Kartell
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of maui sofas by vico magistretti for kartell circa 1980.
Designed by well known italian architect and furniture designer vico magistretti (1920 - 2006)
Moulded plastic seats ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Chrome
Late 20th Century Black Leather & Walnut Pianura Sectional Sofa by Mario Bellini
Located in Firenze, Tuscany
Stunning Pianura sectional seating group of three pieces. Walnut wooden structure with high comfort black leather cushions. Designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in the 1970's.
The w...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Set of 6 Charles and Ray Eames Fiberglass Sidechairs with Eiffelbase
Located in Münster, DE
Set of 6 sidechairs, Charles and Ray Eames, fiberglass shell in off-white, 1970s, Vitra Eiffelbase chrome-plated, manufacturer Herman Miller, beautiful vintage condition
height 81 c...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Graffiti Project Lounge Chair by Wonwoo Koo
Located in Geneve, CH
Graffiti Project Lounge Chair by Wonwoo Koo
Dimensions: D 87.3 x W 50 x H 72.7 cm.
Materials: Oak wood veneer.
Different color options are available: black, beige, white gray, blue ...
Category
2010s South Korean Modern Seating
Materials
Oak
Set of 4/6/10 Dining Chairs by Derk Jan De Vries
By Maisa
Located in TORONTO, CA
1980-1990 production.
Great and rare example of a large set of 10 matching chairs from Belgian/Dutch designer Derk Jan de Vries for his Fir collection, which also consisted of drawe...
Category
1980s Belgian Vintage Modern Seating
Materials
Maple
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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