Skip to main content

Modern Armchairs

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.

592
149
to
124
1,886
945
3,142
292
768
3,142
805
159
157
50
44
21
20
15
13
13
9
8
8
4
4
3
3
3,142
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
2,873
2,559
2,351
2,503
2,342
2,475
2,334
2,494
2,333
2,445
2,316
2,482
1,737
1,343
1,300
896
814
2,557
1,175
518
246
221
199
72
61
58
57
Item type: New and Made To Order
Style: Modern
Infinity Star
Located in London, GB
The chair is hand embroidered and designed by Geraldine Larkin and handcrafted by David Linley with a walnut base and legs. the design on the back of the chair is inspired by art dec...
Category

2010s British Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metallic Thread

Armchair PLAY in wool fabric
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 e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Plywood

Dottie Left Module White Seating
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
The Dottie collection adapts to every living space with its light tones, minimal design, comfort and modular installation. DOTTIE modules, which create pieces that you can design acc...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery, Foam, Hardwood

Finn Juhl 45 Chair, Wood and Fabric
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1945, relaunched in 2003. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. In the Autumn of 1945, Finn Juhl presented the 45 Chair at the annual Cabi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Yomi "Cocktail Ruka II" design armchair, Mojow X Nep, limited edition 15/100.
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
COCKTAIL RUKA II is the name of the new limited series created with the artist NEP. An emerging artist recognized in the free figuration and neo-expressionism movement, Nep works sp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other

Foz Armchair, COM, Insidherland by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Foz is an armchair with the same design as the grand sofa that gathers surprising details of a beach located in Porto, in the north of Portugal. Designed in layers, the contour of t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Ginga Armchair in Black Oak, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Ginga Armchair 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 one s...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

'Riaza Armchair' natural/tabacco, La Caja
Located in MADRID, ES
A member of LACAJA’s iconic Riaza Family, the Riaza Armchair is a modern take on the traditional Spanish “frailero” chair, a design that dates back to the 16th century. The incorpora...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

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 Armchairs

Materials

Rattan

Jet Armchair - Modern White Upholstered Armchair
Located in London, GB
The angled lines of the Jet collection are inspired by the swift spoilers of aviation, gifting it with a glaring look and an aerodynamic silhouette that looks like it is about to tak...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Hidden Armchair Leather
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Standing out with its material diversity and geometric forms, the HIDDEN series takes its place in the upper segment design world with its nostalgic design approach and fine craftsma...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Foam, Hardwood

Arthur Single Module/Armchair Blue
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
The ARTHUR series, which stands out with its calm color tones and changeable design, is among the indispensables with its variety of usage areas and comfort. In the collection, where aesthetics and modern language meet, changes made according to needs are the first address of those looking for quick solutions. In addition, ARTHUR sofas, which offer storage space, are ready to take the most suitable form according to your living space, like a jigsaw puzzle. Faux leather bolster cushion...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Foam, Hardwood

Jet Sofa - Modern White Upholstered Two Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
The angled lines of the Jet collection are inspired by the swift spoilers of aviation, gifting it with a glaring look and an aerodynamic silhouette that looks like it is about to tak...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Poltrona in tessuto bouclet con basamento in metallo finitura titanio
Located in Bisceglie, IT
La poltrona Ford, parte della collezione Diamond, si ispira a quelle che sono le facce del diamante che ne conferiscono la particolare forma dello schienale. Questa poltrona a pozzet...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

21st Century Carrés Pink Fabric Armchair Indoor Outdoor Metal
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Carrés" pink armchair. Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrace. Available in a range of fabric and frame colours. This armchair comes with a weather co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Velvet Armchair Offered With Nails On The Curve & Back
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This armchair is the epitome of serenity inducing design. With an embracing silhouette and luxurious deep seat, its sensuous curves and comfortable back perfectly adapt to the body. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Delta Armchair - Modern White Upholstered Armchair
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

21st Century Carrés Dark Green Fabric Armchair, Indoor, Outdoor, Metal
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Dark green "Carrés" armchair Dark green "Carrés" armchair. Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrace. Available in a range of fabric and frame colours. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Modern Pink Terracotta Armchair Outdoor or Indoor in Metal and Ropes, 21 century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Modern Pink Terracotta Armchair Outdoor or Indoor in Metal and Ropes, 21 century Modern production armchair for outdoor or indoor use. The frame is made of metal and reinforced with ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Cream Outdoor or Indoor Metal and Cord Armchairs, 21 century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Cream Outdoor or Indoor Metal and Cord Armchairs, 21 century Modern production armchair for outdoors or indoors. The structure is in metal and reinforced by the ropes on the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Grey Outdoor or Indoor Metal and Cord Armchairs, 21 century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Grey Outdoor or Indoor Metal and Cord Armchairs, 21 century Modern production armchair for outdoors or indoors. The structure is in metal and reinforced by the ropes on the b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Modern Grey Armchair Outdoor or Indoor in Metal and Ropes, 21 century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Modern Grey Armchair Outdoor or Indoor in Metal and Ropes, 21 century Modern production armchair for outdoors or indoors. The frame is made of metal and reinforced with ropes on the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Modern Green Outdoor or Indoor Armchair in Metal and Ropes, 21 century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Modern Green Outdoor or Indoor Armchair in Metal and Ropes, 21 century Modern production armchair for outdoor or indoor use. The frame is made of metal and reinforced with ropes on t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

21st Century Carrés Olive Green Fabric Armchair, Indoor , Outdoor, Metal
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Olive colour armchair "Carrés Pink armchair "Carrés". Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrace. Available in a range of fabric and frame colours. This ar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Modern Yellow Armchair Outdoor or Indoor in Metal and Ropes, 21 century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Modern Yellow Armchair Outdoor or Indoor in Metal and Ropes, 21 century Modern production armchair for outdoor or indoor use. The structure is m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Blue Outdoor or Indoor Metal and Cord Armchairs, 21 century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Blue Outdoor or Indoor Metal and Cord Armchairs, 21 century Modern production armchair for outdoors or indoors. The structure is in metal and reinforced by the ropes on the b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

21st Century Carrés Orange Terracotta Fabric Armchair Indoor Outdoor Metal
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Carrés" terracotta-coloured armchair Terracotta-coloured "Carrés" armchair. Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrace. Available in a range of fabric and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Iron

21st Century Carrés Beige Fabric Armchair Indoor Outdoor Metal
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Beige armchair "Carrés Beige "Carrés" armchair. Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrace. Available in a range of fabric and frame colours. This armchair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Wave-Shaped 21st Century Orange Terracotta Fabric Armchair Indoor Outdoor
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wave-shaped terracotta color armchair Wave-shaped terracotta armchair with cylinder scrolls on the back and seat. Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Wave-Shaped 21st Century Beige Fabric Armchair Indoor Outdoor
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wave-shaped Beige armchair Beige Wave-shaped armchair with cylinder rollers on the back and seat. Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrace. Available in ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Wave-Shaped 21st Century Dark Green Fabric Armchair Indoor Outdoor
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Dark Green Wave Armchair Dark green wave-shaped armchair with cylinder rollers on the back and seat. Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrace. Available ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Wave-Shaped 21st Century Creme Fabric Armchair Indoor Outdoor
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wave-shaped Cream armchair Cream-coloured Wave-shaped armchair with cylinder rollers on the back and seat. Very comfortable and original, it can decorate your garden or terrace. Avai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Green Gardenias Armchair with Pergola, Outdoor by Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The Gardenias collection is the second largest collection by Jaime Hayon for BD. Structure made of cast and extruded aluminium. Powder-coated green (RAL 6021) with Alesta by Axalta....
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Toothpick Chair
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The traditional and tapered mortice and tenon have been rebranded many times. We continue this evolution, converging to a sharp a point, becoming a piece of domestic hostile design. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Beech

Custom Curved Modern Metal Dining Chairs
Located in North York, ON
Introducing the stunning and sophisticated Curved Modern Dining Chair, a true masterpiece crafted by the skilled artisans at Carrocel. This exceptional chair features a curved back d...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

"Wind" Ottoman in Velvet and Silk Fringes
Located in Centro, RS
The breeze is identified with the lightness and freshness of the feeling of the skin, of the wind, in its constant movement. Thus came the inspiration for the design of the Wind otto...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Contemporary Modern Black Bamboo Bentwood Armchair or Lounge Chair, IDN 2023
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Contemporary, stylish black armchair or lounge chair from an indonesian artist. This incredible designed, modern armchair impresses with its beautiful shaped wide lines. Elaborately ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo, Bentwood

Stephen Burks Contemporary Fabric Upholstered and Iron 'Grasso' Armchair for BD
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Stephen Bruks manufactured by BD Barcelona. An iron tubular (25 mm) structured armchair. Seat and backrest upholstered in fabric. The fabric upholstery oozes o...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Bold Armchair - Vladimiro 025
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Celebrating the art of relaxed sophistication, the Bold Armchair is a statement piece that embodies the spirit of modern design. The skillful use of high-quality materials, combined ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet

In Stock in Los Angeles, Set of 2 Black Leather Bella Dining Chairs
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Set of 2 x black leather dining chairs The Bella armchair has a high back upholstered entirely in leather. The padding is in flame-retardant polyurethane foam and the frame is made ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

The Lucia Armchair with frilled skirt upholstered in Fuchsia Linen Silver Leaf
Located in London, GB
The Lucia armchair is a beauty – soft and pretty inside and out, she most definitely takes centre stage. She’s a girly joyful thing, a sort of chubby take on the traditional Howard. The scale is both bold and neat; with ample curves, English arms and a gently raked back for the ultimately comfortable sit. Delightful in her detail with Turkish corners...
Category

2010s British Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

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 Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Ralph nubuck leather armchair with fabric seat and back cushion
Located in Bisceglie, IT
The Ralph armchair, a cornerstone of the Hoffman collection, is composed of a rigid wooden shell that can be upholstered in a variety of fabric or leather combinations; the inner cus...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Velvet

Brigitte woven leather armchair with fabric seat and back cushion
Located in Bisceglie, IT
The Brigitte armchair, is inspired by the world of fashion and leather goods. Its hard shell characterized by its silhouette is covered in the highest quality hand-woven leather. The...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Velvet

Grasso Armchair by Stephen Burks padded grey curved upholstery black structure
Located in Barcelona, ES
“Grasso is not fat. Grasso is more than fat. It’s overflowing.” This is how Stephen Burks sums up his collection for BD. An armchair that pursues “ultra-comfort”, and invites you to ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Jaime Hayon Contemporary Plywood Upholstery Lounger Armchair for BD
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Lounger armchair designed by Jaime Hayon. Manufactured by BD Barcelona Design. Armchair structure base in cast aluminium and painted. Seat and backrest are in plywood with exteriors...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Grasso Armchair by Stephen Burks padded red upholstery with a red metal structur
Located in Barcelona, ES
“Grasso is not fat. Grasso is more than fat. It’s overflowing.” This is how Stephen Burks sums up his collection for BD. An armchair that pursues “ultra-comfort”, and invites you to ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Foz Armchair, Bouclé & Brass, Insidherland by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Foz is an armchair with the same design as the grand sofa that gathers surprising details of a beach located in Porto, in the north of Portugal. Designed in layers, the contour of t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Jaime Hayon, Contemporary, Ash, Pistachio Upholstery Low Lounger Armchair
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair structure base in cast aluminium. Structure base in tubular steel and painted. Seat, backrest are in plywood with exteriors in ash- natural FR13, and Pistachio Y19 upholste...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Mw02 "Pop" design armchair, handmade in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
Olivier SANTINI's "MW02 POP" armchair, handmade in France, comes in a signed and numbered edition, MW022212. The POP model is a modern, unique armchair with a delightfully carefree...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other

Blown-Up Chair by Schimmel & Schweikle, Netherlands, 2022
Located in Antwerp, BE
Blown-up chair by Schimmel & Schweikle, crafted from recycled plastic durable hard PU coating with brown peel structure. Schimmel & Schweikle is an ongoing collaboration between Janne Schimmel and Moreno Schweikle. Their work revolves around the nexus of technology, art, and culture. In that realm, Schimmel & Schweikle focus on developing concepts that deal with the closing gap of the digital and physical realm. For their graduation project "Return to Default" in 2018, Moreno Schweikle and Janne Schimmel digitally manipulated the DNA of three standard office chairs, creating faintly familiar mutants. The ordinary desk chair became a three-seater sofa, and twelve office stools melted into a majestic lounge chair. This particular conference chair was blown up into an overstuffed version, showcasing the importance of recycling shapes in design. The off-size frame was 3D-printed, traditionally upholstered, and reintroduced into the office space. We currently have a selection of these armchairs in stock...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fiberglass, Polyester

Jaime Hayon, Contemporary, Plywood Orange Leather Low Lounger Armchair
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair structure base in cast aluminium. Footstool structure base in tubular steel and painted. Seat, backrest and footstool are in plywood with exteriors in walnut nature effect ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Dazzling Modern Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Dazzling Modern chair, bold in character, this dazzling chair is unique in every way. Its one-of-a-kind shape was born from design exploration of the organic beauty and inspiration f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Jaime Hayon, Monocolor Red Fabric Leather Upholstery Dino Armchair
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Main body made of rigid polyurethane covered with polyether foam cushioning. A fixed head rest, seat cushion and backrest in polyether foam cushioning. Cushion covers are removable. ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Mw04 "J'adore" design chair by Olivier Santini and Leah Kirsch, made in France
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
The MW04 "J'adore" chair (identification number MW042305) is limited to 20 pieces worldwide. It is the result of a collaboration between Olivier SANTINI, the designer of MOJOW...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other

DUO Handcrafted Matrice Chair in Steel and Velvet by Tawla
Located in MONTROZIER, FR
Matrice side chair is a side chair designed around the imprint. The imprint created by the interaction between two materials, a ductile and a soft one. Inspiration from Gabriele Basi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Steel

DUO Handcrafted Matrice Chair in Steel and Parma Velvet by Tawla
Located in MONTROZIER, FR
Marie Antoinette Matrice side chair is a side chair designed around the imprint. The imprint created by the interaction between two materials, a ductile and a soft one. Inspiration f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Steel

Modern T50 Lounge Chair, Holly Hunt Light Brown, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
T50 Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the T50 lounge chair pays homage...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wool, Mohair, Bouclé, Wood, Oak

Modern armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern 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, building and garden elements, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern armchairs 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 armchairs, popular names associated with this style include Finn Juhl, De Sede, Jaime Hayon, and Philippe Starck. 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 $139 and tops out at $497,965 while the average work can sell for $4,833.

Recently Viewed

View All