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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

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Item type: New and Made To Order
Style: Modern
Modern Lisboa Sofa Terracotta Jacquard Fabric Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Lisboa sofa, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. A masterfully crafted sofa whose robust wooden structure and high-quality memory foam retain their sh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Grasso armchair + footstool by Stephen Burks organge leather red metal 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

Grasso Armchair by Stephen Burks black padded leather 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

Grasso Armchair by Stephen Burks pale brown clay leather painted brown stucture
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

Contemporary Armchair by Hessentia in Blue Velvet, plissè embroidery on the back
Located in Carate, Brianza (MB)
Penelope armchair, suitable to furnish modern living areas, can be also chosen as a unique and refined item for bedrooms. It is characterized by a sinuous and soft structure composed...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

"Olav" Chair in Black Carbon Steel, Upholstered and Wood Detail
Located in Centro, RS
The structure of the OLAV chair is made of carbon steel in the painted with black ink. The upholstery fabric that can be customized (request information). It has leather backrest in ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Bold Armchair - Azimut 102
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...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

"Olav" Stool in Black Carbon Steel, Upholstered and Wood Detail
Located in Centro, RS
The structure of the OLAV stool is made of carbon steel in the painted with black ink, can be customized (request information). The upholstery fabric that can be customized (request ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

21st Century Kivu Chair in Leather by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
A slim and essential design for the Kivu chair. The thin metal armrest that rotates around the structure is characterized by a particular bush-hammered finish that lends a rough and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Leather

Lotus Armchair, Modern Black Leather Sofa with Stainless Steel Legs
Located in London, GB
The Lotus collection was created as a reference of elegance and etiquette, imbuing its design of a magnetic personality with its geometrical beauty. Its structure is shaped from curv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ciottolo 04 by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Ciottolo 04 by Imperfettolab 1999 Dimensions: W 110 x D 91 x H 54 cm Materials: Fiberglass Avalaible in black, white / gold, chrome Imperfetto lab Who we are ? We are a famil...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Hokkaido Armchair - Modern and Minimalistic Black Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Hokkaido armchair imbues the environment with an oriental style with its Minimalist and simple design, like quick strokes over an empty canvas. Its structure is shaped from stain...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Umbra Armchair, Modern and Minimalistic Black Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Umbra armchair has an embracing and minimalistic design, playing with slim silhouettes and contrasts it gives a sense of comfort to the eye. Its structure is shaped from stained ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Aura Armchair - Modern and minimalistic oak armchair with upholstered seat
Located in London, GB
The Aura Armchair combines a minimalist and ethereal shape, in an eye-catching design. Its structure is shaped from curved solid wood with an upholstered seat which can be customized...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

Vertex Armchair, Modern and Minimalistic Oak Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Vertex armchair design evocates geometric harmony from every one of its angles, luring the eye into its capricious crevices. Its structure is shaped from curved solid wood with a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

Branch Armchair, Modern and Minimalistic Oak Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in London, GB
The Branch armchair's organic shape was designed to take inspiration from its natural roots, bringing a grasp of the outdoors back into our houses. Its structure is shaped from curve...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

Bold Armchair - Sancho 004
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...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cotton

Bold Armchair - Azimut 101
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...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Contemporary Armchair Upholstered In Bouclé Fabric, Set of 2
Located in New York, NY
With its curved lines and unique shapes, this armchair shows a Classic and timeless design that makes it ideal as an imposing complement to the decor of your living room. Dimensions...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Modern Grass Armchair, Pink Nubuck Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Grass Armchair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Grass armchair takes its shape from nature’s own dewdrop on grass, promising a comfortab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Jaime Hayon Contemporary Grey Gardenias Outdoor Armchair
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 grey (RAL 7015) with Alesta by Axalta. ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Modern Caju Lounge Chair, Swivel, Velvet, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Caju lounge chair stands as a trendy furniture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

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 (25mm) structured armchair. Seat and backrest upholstered in fabric. The fabric upholstery oozes ov...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Contemporary Vegas Sofa upholstered in Mark Alexander Velvet with walnut legs
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Vegas Sofa, features a pronounced high back and sweeping curved arms. This special edition is upholstered in Mark Alexander Empire II velvet, colour Otter, with legs in natural o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Armchairs

Materials

Walnut, Velvet

"Wind" Swivel Armchair in Velvet with Silk Fringes Green
Located in Centro, RS
The wind swivel armchair is elegantly upholstered in velvet: Green, black, or offwhite colors options. The breeze is identified with the lightnes...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

21st Century Iranja Armchair in Jacquard by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Iranja is a small armchair with compact proportions and a captivating geometric design. The cushion covered in animalier fabric makes the seat comfortable while enriching the decorat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Foam, Fabric, Wood

21st Century Curacao Bergère in Black Fabric by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
A dynamic and embracing shape with sinuous lines for the Curaçao Bergère. With four sloping legs with references to the Fifties, it is proposed in different fabrics of the collection...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Bold Armchair - Azimut 104
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...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

armchair art. Ines in white leather for living room or restaurant, confortable
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
The armchair Ines is the excellent italian manufactures. The frame in solid wood is curved by hand and work with skill. The padding is soft ,comfortable and at the same time long-las...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Contemporary Cross Banded Armchair in Light Brown Corduroy
Located in Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia
Wrapped in a luxurious light brown corduroy and suede upholstery, this armchair is not just a piece of furniture; it’s a statement of sophisticated relaxation. The light brown cordur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Candelaria Contemporary Armchair
Located in Mexico City, MX
A conversational armchair built by a unique assembly process of three separate elements, with a subtle visual effect intended to create a classic, but infinitely bold piece. Ad Hoc g...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Armchair Large GREEN, seduta ecologica in carta - fatta a mano
Located in Parabita, LE
La scocca della seduta è fatta a mano con l'uso di stampi. Per raggiungere la tenuta meccanica si susseguono varie pose del materiale umido, con successive asciugature. Ad ogni strat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Paper

armchair art. Ines in green leather for living room or restaurant, confortable
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
The armchair Ines is the excellent italian manufactures. The frame in solid wood is curved by hand and work with skill. The padding is soft ,comfortable and at the same time long-las...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Baba Armchair Salmon-Pink Designed By Chloé Nègre
Located in PARIS, FR
The Baba armchair was designed and imagined for a residential project in Paris. Its iconic design was inspired by the floral shapes of 70s furniture. Th...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cotton

Green Indoor / Outdoor Filicudi Cactus Chair, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. This green and brass indoor / outdoor armchair features a brass finish mid century legs...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Modern Barao Lounge Chair, Caramel Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Barão Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Barão leather lounge chair draws inspiration from the meticulous craftsmanship of sh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Rattan Armchair Set in White Washed Solid Oak
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary rattan armchair set of two. The seat is upholstered in white Bouclé and the back in woven natural cane. The solid oakwood structure provides strength and lightness to th...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Rattan, Oak

Armchair Large GRAY, seduta ecologica in carta - fatta a mano
Located in Parabita, LE
La scocca della seduta è fatta a mano con l'uso di stampi. Per raggiungere la tenuta meccanica si susseguono varie pose del materiale umido, con successive asciugature. Ad ogni strat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Paper

Armchair Large, seduta ecologica in carta fatta a mano
Located in Parabita, LE
La scocca della seduta è fatta a mano con l'uso di stampi. Per raggiungere la tenuta meccanica si susseguono varie pose del materiale umido, con successive asciugature. Ad ogni strat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Paper

Armchair in Boucle Fabric Molteni&C by Gio Ponti D.154.2 - made in Italy
Located in New York, NY
D.154.2 Lovechair in Bouclé Fabric by Gio Ponti. Expert-crafted in Italy exclusively by Molteni&C. The mid-century D.154.2 lovechair features a shell-like structure inspired by ren...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé

Baba Armchair Designed By Chloé Nègre
Located in PARIS, FR
The Baba armchair was designed and imagined for a residential project in Paris. Its iconic design was inspired by the floral shapes of 70s furniture. Th...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cotton

Set of 4 Stools Upholstered in Linen Fabric in Champagne Colored Metallic Feet
Located in Centro, RS
The set of 4 stools is upholstered in fabric like a linen, with champagne-colored metallic feet made of carbon steel. (as the photo in the environment). We can deliver the set with ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 6 Oscar Tusquets Mid-Century Modern Black Gaulino Spanish Easy Chairs
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gaulino easy chair designed by Oscar Tusquets manufactured by BD Barcelona Design. Solid ash lacquered in black with seat in black hide. Gaulino chair which, designed in 1987, was...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Ash

Patrick Norguet Rive Droite in Pucci Upholstery Fabrics for Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
The Rive Droite armchair by Patrick Norguet is supported by a structure in polyurethane foam with a metal insert, combined with a seat made of poplar plywo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Jasper Morrison Thinking Man's Chair in Metal Tube with Writings for Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
An eloquent name for a product that invites contemplation. For the Thinking Man’s chair hair, Jasper Morrison envisioned a design in which all the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

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 s...
Category

2010s French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

KGBL Armstrong Armchair
By KGBL
Located in New York, NY
The architectural rigor of the Armstrong Armchair's mechanically fastened, metal frame forms a striking juxtaposition to the generously proportioned, down-filled seat and back cushio...
Category

2010s Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Emeco Hudson Armchair in Polished Aluminum by Philippe Starck
Located in Hanover, PA
The Hudson, designed for the Hudson hotel in NYC, is Emeco and Starck’s first collaboration. Starck described the chair as “washing the details from the Navy Chair”. It takes an addi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

MW02 " Gold Cane " armchair by Olivier Santini - handmade in france
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
The MW02 Cannage gold Armchair embodies timeless elegance, an iconic symbol of Dior. This chair is simultaneously a haven of comfort, a decorative asset, and a precious collectible i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other, Gold Leaf

Candelaria Contemporary Armchair
Located in Mexico City, MX
A conversational armchair built by a unique assembly process of three separate elements, with a subtle visual effect intended to create a classic, but infinitely bold piece. Ad Hoc g...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Bold Love Seat
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Expressing modern design excellence, the Bold Love Seat is a testament to the artistry of luxury living. Decades of design expertise are showcased through an elegant and refined aest...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé

Italian Contemporary Creamy White Chenille and Wood Armchair
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Beautiful armchair upholstered with creamy white chenille, designed and handcrafted by us with structure in solid wood, legs and armrests. It is an object of high quality and refinem...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chenille, Wood

Bold Armchair - Karakorum 003 by Dedar
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

Bouclé

NEW armchair in black fabric. By Legame Italia
Located in Pistoia, IT
The Di Nuovo armchair echoes the characteristic lines of 1970s design; it has an abundant and generous shape, with a wide seat and high back. The name in Italian is meant for what this furniture represents to designer Ricardo Antonio, an armchair that welcomes us like a hug. 'Again' every moment, as if it were the first time. Di Nuovo line includes sofa and armchair. It can be upholstered in fabric in the range offered by Legame Italia...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery

Bold Armchair - Azimut 100
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...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Bold Armchair - Anouk 100
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...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé

Bold Armchair - Anouk 105
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...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé

Bold Armchair
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...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé

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.

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