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International Style Armchairs

INTERNATIONAL STYLE

The International Style, a modernist movement within architecture and furniture design that was given its name by American architect Philip Johnson and historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock, was born during the 1920s and ’30s. It gained steam initially in Europe and then in the United States as a response to the first World War. Building projects associated with the movement, as well as vintage International Style chairs, tables and other furnishings, are minimal and pared back. 

Pioneers of the International Style — architect Walter Gropius and his Bauhaus colleagues Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, De Stijl advocate and Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and visionary designer Le Corbusier — stripped away decorative elements and placed considerable value on functionality and clean lines, integrating the use of industrial materials like steel, concrete and large sheets of glass in their work. Quite aptly, this mode of design and architectural style coincided with an era now known as the Machine Age and became a global symbol of modernism. The primary motive of its practitioners was to address the changing needs of a rapidly industrializing society, especially the demand for office complexes and apartments in large cities, through economical, technologically advanced, yet aesthetically pleasing designs for furniture and buildings. 

“Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep,” said Le Corbusier of the philosophy behind his practical modernist architecture

The International Style’s designers and architects were inspired by the advantages afforded them by the era’s new technology and industrial machinery as well as state-of-the-art materials. Le Corbusier was fond of framing his buildings in steel but reinforced concrete made far more economic sense. He is probably most admired for the iconic private homes and commercial buildings that he designed or codesigned with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, which are spread across the world, from New York City to Paris to Chandigarh, India. Today, Breuer’s Wassily Lounge chair; the elegant LC series created by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand; and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich, are emblems of progressive modernist design and all make prominent use of tubular steel. Vintage originals are the prized cornerstone of collections.

“The International Style is probably the first fundamentally original and widely distributed style since the Gothic,” posited Johnson in the book that accompanied “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition,” an architectural show he cocurated with Hitchcock that featured the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra and others. While the term “International Style” had previously been circulating in Europe, when the show opened at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, it yielded a much broader application of this important style of design. 

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Style: International Style
Madras Armchair in Cherry by Laura Gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
The Madras armchair is made with a hand-carved wooden base and hand-painted in a high-gloss, cherry red lacquer. This flagship armchair from our collec...
Category

2010s French International Style Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Italian Armchair With ottoman Crocodile Leather Brown
Located in Long Island, NY
Italian Armchair , With Ottoman in Brown Leather Crocodile Made in Italy , The Finest Furniture. Beautiful And Rare Armchair and Ottoman .
Category

Early 2000s Italian International Style Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Bella Armchair Open Weave Leather
Located in Hollywood, FL
"Bella” is Italian for “beautiful” and this chair is truly that! Stable and comfortable, the intricate weave is done with leather and is available in several colors. The airy play of...
Category

2010s Philippine International Style Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Showtime Regal Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Showtime veneer showcases an exquisite blend of rattan strips and coco twigs intricately woven together and adorned side by side. It is then delicately coated with a layer of res...
Category

2010s Philippine International Style Armchairs

Materials

Rattan, Coconut

Set of 4 Handkerchief Armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 handkerchief armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. In 1968 Vignelli was contracted by Knoll to re-envision the corporate identity ...
Category

1980s American Vintage International Style Armchairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of 4 Handkerchief Armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 handkerchief armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. In 1968 Vignelli was contracted by Knoll to re-envision the corporate identity ...
Category

1980s American Vintage International Style Armchairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Showtime Royal Armchair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Showtime veneer is a combination of rattan strips and coco twigs inlaid side by side, then covered with resin. Repeated sanding and more resin give this material a lustrous Finis...
Category

2010s Philippine International Style Armchairs

Materials

Rattan, Coconut

Arco Armchair, by RAIN, Contemporary Armchair, Upholstery on Wood Structure
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Arco is an upholstered armchair of simple and enveloping geometry. The shape of the piece reproduces the arch of the body, creating a welcoming anatomical shell. The armchair is cove...
Category

2010s Brazilian International Style Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Bella Armchair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Bella Chair lives up to its Italian name, which translates to "beautiful." This stunning piece of furniture not only boasts intricate leather weaving, but it also offers remarkab...
Category

2010s Philippine International Style Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Ari Geometric Armchair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Ari Chair is a true work of artistry in woodworking, showcasing a complex yet elegant geometric design that is simply stunning. Crafted from countless pieces of wood and finished to a smooth silky patina, this chair is offered in a choice of natural or rich reddish-brown tones. For added comfort, the chair comes with a taupe cotton seat...
Category

2010s Philippine International Style Armchairs

Materials

Cotton, Wood

Set of 4 Handkerchief Armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 handkerchief armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. In 1968 Vignelli was contracted by Knoll to re-envision the corporate identity ...
Category

1980s American Vintage International Style Armchairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Geraldo de Barros ( originals) set of 4 brazilian Jacaranda circa 1960
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible GERALDO DE BARROS (original) set of 4 armchairs in brazilian jacaranda circa 1960.
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage International Style Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Bruxelles Armchair .
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Bruxelles armchair from 1960, Czech Republic. Highly recommended item will be perfect complementation of the rooms in not only Classic style, but...
Category

1950s Czech Vintage International Style Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Bruxelles Armchair .
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Bruxelles armchair from 1960, Czech Republic. Highly recommended item will be perfect complementation of the rooms in not only Classic style, but...
Category

1950s Czech Vintage International Style Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Italian Poltrona Armchair Hand Made Emerald Green Velvet
Located in Long Island, NY
Beautiful Armchair Poltrona In Emerald Velvet and Gold Fabric All Hand Made In Italy .
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Armchairs

Materials

Oak

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George Smith Chelsea Signature Full Scroll Arm Brown Leather Armchair & Ottoman
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We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, hand dyed saddle brown leather George Smith Chelsea, Signature full scroll arm armchair with matching run up large ottoma...
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20th Century English International Style Armchairs

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Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Intl 'Handkerchief' Stacking Chairs, Signed, 20 Avail
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic Post-Modern design by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Knoll International is called the 'Handkerchief' stacking chair, labelled underneath with early production (original...
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Victorian walnut framed open armchair
Located in Malton, GB
This is a great looking 19th century Victorian period open armchair. The frame is walnut and has elegant carved details. There is an old repair to the back leg but done well and hard...
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19th Century Antique International Style Armchairs

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Victorian walnut framed open armchair
Victorian walnut framed open armchair
H 33.47 in W 28.75 in D 33.08 in
Superb Brno Armchairs for Knoll in Stainless Steel Not Chrome
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
beautiful set. These are special order non-magnetic stainless steel frames with a different sheen and slightly different color then the chrome frames. Hand-polished stainless steel ...
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Early 2000s American International Style Armchairs

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Chrome

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Huanghuali Horseshoe Back Armchairs
Located in Water Mill, NY
Pair of 19th century Chinese Huanghuali horseshoe back Armchair, with very good patina. Some restoration. Contact dealer for more information.
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19th Century Chinese Antique International Style Armchairs

Contemporary Armchair in Chocolate Finish with Charcoal Upholstery - Bella Line
Located in Miami, FL
A Bella contemporary armchair designed by Sérgio Batista for Uultis with chocolate metallic finish and charcoal fabric. *Please check availability prior to purchase*. The Bella cont...
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2010s Brazilian International Style Armchairs

Materials

Metal

RESTORED PAIR OF MOROSO CROCODILE ALLIGATOR PATINA BROWN LEATHER CLUB ARMCHAIRs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this pair of exquisite, fully restored, hand dyed Alligator / Crocodile patina...
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20th Century Italian International Style Armchairs

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Chrome

Lella and Massimo Vignelli Handkerchief Chairs for Knoll, Set of Four
Located in Miami, FL
Black high-gloss lacquered Handkerchief chairs on black lacquered frames by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. In 1968 Vignelli was contracted by Knoll to re-envision the corpo...
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Late 20th Century Italian International Style Armchairs

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Steel

Arena Steel with Rope Weave Armchair
Located in Mexico City, MX
This reinterpretation of the Acapulco chair maintains the spirit of the 20th century. The city was a favorite for the worlds´ jet-set, one of the first destinations that put Mexico in the international spotlight...
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2010s Mexican International Style Armchairs

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Steel

Arena Steel with Rope Weave Armchair
Arena Steel with Rope Weave Armchair
H 38.19 in W 41.34 in D 44.49 in
Beautiful Pair Of Victorian Carolean Open Armchairs
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this amazing pair of Victorian Carolean design open armchairs, the cresting rail pierced and carved with foliage over trailing grape vine and spiral turn...
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Leather, Oak

Pair of Qing Dynasty Lacquered Horseshoe Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Striking pair of black lacquered horseshoe armchairs from the late Qing dynasty period Shandong province China. Decorative carvings on backsplat and apron with a beautiful worn lacqu...
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20th Century Chinese International Style Armchairs

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Wood, Lacquer

Brown Leather Armchair Hancock and Moore Style Leather Club Chair With Ottoman
Located in Rochester, NY
This set is an Emerson Leather top grain leather Armchair and Ottoman set, from Hickory, North Carolina. This is a gorgeous armchair and ottoman, the p...
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20th Century American International Style Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Previously Available Items
20 century circa 1955 lounge chair iconic design by François Letourneur
By François Letourneur
Located in Paris, FR
Rare model inspired by the famous Marco ZANUSO Lady chair Not re edited In its original condition
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1970s French Vintage International Style Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Luisa Wicker Lounge Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
Luisa, one of three fabulous new accent chairs from the ever-talented Vito Selma, is sensual and seductive. With an organic shape to guarantee comfort...
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2010s Philippine International Style Armchairs

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Wicker

Luisa Wicker Lounge Chair
Luisa Wicker Lounge Chair
H 27 in W 30 in D 39 in
Pr. Meis Van Der Rohe Designed Brno Chairs by Knoll in Brown Leather
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of classic Brno chairs, designed by Meis van Der Rohe, made by Knoll. The chairs are in original brown leather upholstery, which is in nicely worn condition, showing cosmet...
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Mid-20th Century American International Style Armchairs

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Stainless Steel

Cesca Arm Chairs Black Chrome and Cane Designed by Breuer Made in Italy, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Iconic cesca chair, designed by Marcel Breuer, this example was produced in Italy circa 1970s. The chair features a wood framed cane seat, and backrest, with a bright chrome cantilev...
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Mid-20th Century Italian International Style Armchairs

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Chrome

Chrome and Black Cesca Chair Designed by Marcel Breuer Made in Italy circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Chic Cesca arm chair, designed by Marcel Breuer. Iconic and timeless Bauhaus chair, still relevant to today’s interior spaces. This chair was produced ...
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Late 20th Century Italian International Style Armchairs

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Chrome

Eileen Gray, Transat Lounge Chair, 1970s
Located in Argelato, BO
Eileen Grey, Black leather lounge chair, model Transat, 1970s. Black lacquered wood, brushed metal, black leather.
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1970s Northern Irish Vintage International Style Armchairs

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Metal

Eileen Gray, Transat Lounge Chair, 1970s
Eileen Gray, Transat Lounge Chair, 1970s
H 31.11 in W 22.05 in D 36.23 in
Cesca Arm Chairs by Marcel Breuer Italy
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of Cesca bent wood and caned arm chairs with sculptural chromed metal tube frames . A classic design by Marcel Breuer which has stood t...
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Mid-20th Century Italian International Style Armchairs

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Chrome

Late 19th Century Antler Armchair with Leather Seat
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Antique antler armchair. Striking German design from the late 19th century. Legs, backrest and armrests are made from antlers from red and fallow deer. Solid ...
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Late 19th Century European Antique International Style Armchairs

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Antler, Leather

Marcel Breuer Design Leather and Chrome Arm Dining Office Chair c. 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Classic Marcel Breuer arm chair, having a leather seat, and back rest, with a chrome frame. The cantilevered design, considered revolutionary ...
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1970s Italian Vintage International Style Armchairs

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Chrome

Pr. Breuer Cesca Chairs Made in Italy, C 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Iconic and arguably the most important chair ever designed, the Breuer Cesca chair remains as relevant today as it was when first introduced in the 19...
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1970s Italian Vintage International Style Armchairs

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Chrome

Pair of Italian Pacha Armchairs, 70s
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of 70s Italian Pacha lounge chairs, fully upholstered in Shearling style. Organic shapes and full of roundness give a lot of comfort and elegance to these armchairs.
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1970s Italian Vintage International Style Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Wool, Cotton, Polyester

Pair of Italian Pacha Armchairs, 70s
Pair of Italian Pacha Armchairs, 70s
H 31.89 in W 37.41 in D 31.5 in
Functional Art Chair / Throne "'Spring Swab" by Lionel Jadot
Located in Antwerp, BE
Collectible design / Functional art, Lionel Jadot for Everyday Gallery, Belgium 2020 Born in Brussels in 1969, Lionel Jadot is an interior designer, artist, designer, filmmaker, adventurer. But all at once, preferably. Lionel Jadot is firing on all cylinders. ‘I never throw anything, I pick up everything. Not having a green thumb, I’m trying cuttings, weddings against nature. I never forget a line.’ He’s inviting us in subtle, off-beat worlds, on the edge of reality. Its material is made of dilated time. A wandering spirit, he seeks a protective balance in a hostile world. It is his constant questioning: what happens to the place where we live? For Lionel Jadot, everything is object, everything is history. He draws from other places, other times, and seeks what’s linking them. He sews, stitches, unpicks, blends materials, combines eras. He will enshrine some wood essence in metal, some mineral in a plant, the old in the new. ‘I take extra care to the joint between two materials.’ With him, there is always some play in the parts, as in a piece of machinery. From a kingdom to another, he provokes organic, viral growths, generating energy. Linking past and future, he never forgets a line. ‘I accumulate them.’ He’s inviting us in subtle worlds, off-beat, on the edge of reality. Are we in 1930 or in 2030? Both, no doubt. Its material is made of dilated time. The eye goes hand in hand with the ear. ‘When I walk into a place, I listen to the good (or bad) it does to me. An ineffable feeling.’ He recreates mutant buildings, like the future Royal Botanique, a 5 stars hotel housed in the Church of the Gesu, a former convent behind a 1940 façade. He talks about a ‘hotel object’, which he holds and turns around in his hand. A wandering spirit, he’s flirting with retro-futurism. The Jam, another hotel, is intended for urban travelers, fans of swiftness, fluidity and hospitality. He designs interiors as a set of objects: a motorcycle cut in concrete becomes a bar counter. He finds gothic cartoon echoes, from the likes of Moebius, Alejandro Jodorowsky, Enki Bilal, sets from Garage Hermétique and Blade Runner, a protective balance in a hostile world. Discovering Jadot’s little cosmos of collected and accumulated goods, it becomes clear that every element has its own story. I tried to collect them and in turn, devour them in the coming paragraphs. But first: the show is best experienced seated, barring the distinction between object of use and object of attention, they invite for different types of conversation. The seats, chairs, thrones all make us think of our own physical comportment, and of how the seat lends grandeur to the person sitting on it, by crowning its presence. The crackling floor, the felt walls and the diffuse light slow you down into an oddly absorbing environment, in which you are left puzzled. In the eclectic collages of objects, bits and pieces collected all over the world come together in ways practical, and logical, though possibly only in the artist’s mind. All his finds eventually seem to fall into place. Starting with the mere conception of a chair, rather than with a set-out plan or sketch, the works are intuitively construed out of an archive that one can only imagine the dimensions of. Things forgotten by others, precious for him, were all once designed for their own purpose. Here they find their fit as a base, a closing system or a balancing element. The first piece that opens the exhibition, the most throne-like of all seats in the show, builds around a chair of his grandmother, protected by mops, and harassed with bed springs. As you enter the space, you pass by a shell leaning over a yellow seat that stems from his old Mustang, and find a white stool piece with Mexican leather dog training whips— the white building blocks of which turn out to be dried molding material, as found and broken out of a bucket by workers every morning. Further, the stone piece that reminds one of the stone age, is indeed made of 400 million old rocks, and the soft seats are lent from construction, where these strokes of textile carry up the heaviest goods. In the corner — but as you walk this walk please be seated on any of the thrones and experience the work for a moment— the green fluffy cover is made by XXXX who remakes cartographies of warzones, one of which is here mounted on a flexible fishing chair. On an experience level, the conversation chair enhances self-confidence, while putting you literally in a good spot with the person you’re conversing with. The lamp perfectly shows the playful Cadavre Exquis...
Category

2010s Belgian International Style Armchairs

Materials

Metal

International Style armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique International Style armchairs 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 armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used International Style armchairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, Asia, and Philippines pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original armchairs, popular names associated with this style include Knoll, Massimo Vignelli, Bontempi Casa, and laura gonzalez. 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 armchairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $395 and tops out at $24,000 while the average work can sell for $3,333.

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