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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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.
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Item type: New and Made To Order
Style: Modern
Emeco Navy Armchair in Brushed Aluminum and Cherry by US Navy
By Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
First built for use on submarines in 1944, the Navy Chair has been in continuous Production ever since. With the famous 77 step Process, our craftsmen take soft, recycled aluminum, h...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
LUI 6/A Upholstered Armchair composed of Hexagons in dark American Walnut
Located in Lentate sul Seveso, Monza e Brianza
Step into the realm of avant-garde design with the Lui6 Armchair, a masterpiece meticulously handcrafted in Italy by Philippe Bestenheider. This extraordinary piece defies convention...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
LUI5/S Double Cane Small Armchair composed of Pentagons By Philippe Bestenheider
Located in Lentate sul Seveso, Monza e Brianza
Behold the epitome of Italian craftsmanship with our exquisite masterpiece, the Lui 5 by Philippe Bestenheider, a shining star among the iconic creations by Fratelli Boffi. This wood...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Wood, Mahogany
Miller Armchair
By Zanaboni
Located in Milan, IT
This glamorous armchair, inspired by the elegance of Art Deco style, makes a statement with its vibrant color and classic shape. The curved back envelops the seat and flows into the ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Sly Low Armchair Rombi with Ropes by Italo Pertichini
By Adrenalina
Located in Milan, IT
With its enveloping shape, this designer armchair is characterized by the slits on the back, which is available in a high or low version. The slits are close...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Other
Arflex Mojo Armchair in Brown Fabric and Swivel Base by Claesson Koivisto Rune
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Mojo" is a type of magic charm, the word originates from Africa, where it means "soul" or "life-force", on which the design of this armchair is based.
Additional information:
Ma...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Vienna Soft Little Armchair, Contemporary Design Inspired by Traditional Chairs
Located in Milan, Lombardy
Vienna soft is an extraordinarily comfortable and elegant dining little armchair for designed by Emmanuel Gallina who loves to quote Brancusi when saying that “simplicity is complexi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Beech, Upholstery
Contemporary Tux Chair Special Edition in Navy Melton Wool with Legs in Brass
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Tux is our contemporary interpretation of the Classic Chesterfield. The deep buttoning and tailored detailing make this piece a personal favourite. Tux Chair Special Edition show...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
21st Century Key West Armchair in Silk by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
New and appealing design for the Key West armchair. Featuring sinuous and rounded shapes, it has an enveloping seatback in polished golden metal and a comfortable seat. Sensuality, w...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Customizable ClassiCon Munich Armchair by Sauerbruch Hutton
Located in New York, NY
Modern art of the 20th and 21st centuries deserves an appropriate setting, with a building and its furniture that is just as modern. Berlin architects Sauerbruch Hutton were thus fac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Nube Italia Gordon Armchair in Off-White by Kemistry of Style
Located in New York, NY
Inner steel frame covered with polyurethane cold-foam. Bright or brushed chromium-plated base. Not removable cover.
Kemistry of style was launched in 2001 by Marco Corti, a respec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Nube Italia Fency Dinig Chair in White by Marco Corti
Located in New York, NY
Armchair with internal metal frame covered by shape retaining polyurethane foam. Black oven painted or black nickel painted feet. Not removable cover.
Marco Corti was born in Milano in 1960. He graduated at Politecnico of Milano in Architecture 1987. In 1988 collaborated with Tecno SpA...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Grasso Armchair + footstool by Stephen Burks 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
Momento Solid Wood Armchair, Walnut in Hand-Made Natural Finish, Contemporary
By Dale Italia
Located in Cadeglioppi de Oppeano, VR
This seat is the result of the combination of fine Italian design and superior craftsmanship.
Made in Italy with passion by expert hands, the structure it’s in premium solid walnut, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Walnut, Faux Leather
Spy 659 Brown and Blue Armchair by Emilio Nanni
Located in Milan, IT
A timeless design inviting a moment of pure relaxation, this glamorous armchair couples classic and modern inspiration. The structure fashioned of sol...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Beech
Visionnaire Cà Foscari Armchair in Wood with Upholstery by Alessandro La Spada
Located in Bologna, IT
Armchair with non-removable upholstery in leather or fabric, structure in plywood and solid wood with elastic webbing belts. Seats, internal parts of armrests and backrests padded on...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Bold Beige Lounge Chair
By Ghidini 1961
Located in Milan, IT
This exquisite lounge chair will create a suffused and charming effect in both a modern or classic living room or contract area, especially when combined to other designs form the Bold Collection...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Bold Blue Lounge Chair
By Ghidini 1961
Located in Milan, IT
Characterized by elegant minimalistic lines and a timeless and versatile combination of hues, this lounge chair will effortlessly furnish any private home or contract area, infusing ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Oscar Contemporary Chair
By Guerra Vanni
Located in Milan, IT
Offering sophistication and luxury to any contemporary decor, this stylish Oscar Collection Armchair combines tradition and modernity with a splendid ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile
Brentwood Navy Leather and Blackened Steel Armchair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Armchair by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, ...
Category
2010s American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Blue and Yellow Marquetry Armairs "Cube" by Aymeric Lefort
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Pair of armchairs in tinted wood marquetry.
The marquetry is made of tinted sycamore and charm wood. The setting is build in the frame, there is to back cushion.
They are two prototy...
Category
2010s French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Customizable ClassiCon Munich Lounge in Leather by Sauerbruch Hutton
Located in New York, NY
Modern art of the 20th and 21st centuries deserves an appropriate setting, with a building and its furniture that is just as modern. Berlin architects Sauerbruch Hutton were thus fac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Navy Leather and Antique Nickel Armchair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Armchair by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, ...
Category
2010s American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Baleri Italia Mama Armchair with headrest in Red by Denis Santachiara
Located in Milan, IT
Rocking armchair with adjustable headrest. Internal structure with steel tubing. Filler in flexible polyurethane, cold-processed without CFC.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Bad Green Armchair by Vanessa Tambelli
By D3co
Located in Milan, IT
The epitome of modern sophistication, this streamlined armchair is an ideal nest to relax on or work on thanks to the plush, 42cm-high seat and to the height-adjustable backrest. The...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile
Emeco Navy Armchair in Brushed Aluminum by US Navy
By Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
First built for use on submarines in 1944, the Navy chair has been in continuous Production ever since. With the famous 77 step Process, our craftsmen take soft, recycled aluminum, h...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
21st Century Ligomancer Armchair in Metal and Black Elastic Webbing by CTRLZAK
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
"Ligomancer armchair shows what is normally hidden. More than one hundred meters of elastic band, the type commonly used for the internal structure of cushioned furniture, is wrapped...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal, Copper
Werner Aisslinger Juli Plastic Chair in Anthracite Metal Base by Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
The Juli plastic armchair, by Werner Aisslinger, reflects new experimental frontiers. Over the decades, this chair has lent itself to numerous creative and constructive interpretatio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Armchair Art, Balu' Metal Frame Varnish and Fabric Red by Emilio Nanni
By EMILIO NANNI
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
The deep, rounded seat encourages relaxation and conversation. The perfectly balanced volume of the body matches impeccably with the characteristic support frame, thus redefining the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Walnut Leather and Antique Brass Armchair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A new chair in our leather series, this version of the Inheritance collection chair has walnut leather upholstery atop an antique brass frame with...
Category
2010s American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Dining Chair Upholstered Armchair Interlock André Fu Living Grey Oak Green New
By André Fu
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Description: Dining arm chair
Color: Grey and travertine sage green
Size: 57 x 52.5 x 72 H cm
Material: Oak and fabric
Collection: Interlock
Dining chair with armrest, grey oak wood...
Category
2010s Chinese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
LUI 5/A Blue Upholstered and Lacquered Armchair Composed of Pentagons
Located in Lentate sul Seveso, Monza e Brianza
Step into a realm of unparalleled elegance with our Lui 5 Armchair, a captivating creation designed by Philippe Bestenheider and proudly showcased within the pr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood, Mahogany
Azucena Chinotto High Small Armchair by Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Novedrate, IT
Luigi Caccia Dominioni loved to surprise but never to shock. His objects are a play on scale and proportion as you can see in Chinotto. With a wave of a magic wand this scaled down a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Arflex Gloria Quilted Armchair High Backrest in Blue by Claesson Koivisto Rune
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arflex Gloria Quilted High Version Chair in Mistral Fabric by Claesson Koivisto Rune. She can look smart for when she goes to work, dressed up when going to a party, or put on something cosy when staying in. Dress her as you want her to be!
Additional Information:
Materials: Upholstered seat with black lacquered metal & black protective nylon glides
Color: Fabric Mistral 44, T4
Structure: Trademark low energy consumption material with recyclable technology and poplar multiply wood
Springing: Elstic straps
Seat Upholstery: Shaped polyurethane with differentiated density / polyester slip cover
Armrest and Backrest Upholstery: Shaped polyurethane with differentiated density / polyester slip cover
Base: Black lacquered metal & black protective nylon glides
Cover: Fabric or leather. Not removable cover, except for version wih skirt
Cover in leather not available for armchair with skirt...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Contemporary Minimal Chaise Lounge Black Steel & Natural Tan Tobacco Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary chaise lounge belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned m...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass, Steel
Timeless Dining Armchair in Grayn by Borja Garcia & José A. Gandia-Blasco
Located in New York, NY
Timeless is the outdoor furniture collection inspired by the rational architectural language from the early 20th century, designed by José A. Gandía-Blasco Canales and Borja García. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
Détente Armchair - Maxime Old
By Maxime Old
Located in Paris, FR
Détente armchair by Maxime Old, a contemporary edition by the Anne Jacquemin Sablon gallery. A sharp angled armchair in fabric standing on steel legs. ...
Category
2010s French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Gardenias Armchair in Leather by BD Barcelona
Located in Boston, MA
The Gardenias Collection is the second largest collection by Jaime Hayon for BD. It has quality, personality, elegance and just the right amount of romanticism and much versatility for the home as well as contract.
The structure is made of cast aluminum and laminates are of extruded aluminum. Painted in Alesta Anodic Black. Seat and back-rest are upholstered in BD’s leather...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
Spy 665 Red Sofa by Emilio Nanni
Located in Milan, IT
Characterized by unique pastel hues, this splendid sofa is part of a series designed by Emilio Nanni for Billiani. Showcasing a large and welcoming seat with tall back and armrests, ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile, Beech
Amy Armchair by Daytona
By Daytona
Located in Milan, IT
Elegant and luxurious, Amy armchair has a multilayer structure, covered with rubber, top layer in air soft covered with a layer of goose feather over the entire surface. In the upper...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile
Armchair Frame Made Solid Timber and Wood Lacquered Finish Feet Caps
By sicis
Located in London, GB
Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’.
The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality.
A constant...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Lacquer, Wood
Newood Relax Light Armchair in Beech and Cream Leather by Brogliato Traverso
Located in New York, NY
The Newood relax light chair, by BrogliatoTraverso, is an elegant interpretation of the Newood chair, but this version is lighter due to the elimination of the eight rods that charac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Ash, Beech, Foam
Ghidini 1961 Tarantino Armchair in Beige Cord Fabric with Brass by L. Bozzoli
By Ghidini 1961
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Soft and welcoming, this sofa is inspired by the 1970s; a decade that changed our culture forever through freedom and self-discovery. The Sofa invites you to a world of fantasy where...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Werner Aisslinger Juli Plastic Chair with Graphite Black Seat by Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
The Juli plastic armchair, by Werner Aisslinger, reflects new experimental frontiers. Over the decades, this chair has lent itself to numerous creative and constructive interpretations. For this edition of Juli plastic, the curves of the shell have undergone a slight restyling that maintains all of the original sculptural plasticity, but also provides additional comfort. The plastic shell, available in pure white, graphite black...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Ash
"Gimme Shelter" Upholstered Armchair & Steel Frame & Base by Moroso for Diesel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Gimme Shelter" is an armchair, designed by Diesel Creative Team and manufactured by Moroso, featuring injected flame-retardant foam over internal steel frame and base in varnished s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Orla Swivel Armchair in Poplar and Dark Brown Leather by Jasper Morrison
Located in New York, NY
Classic and contemporary stylistic elements define the Orla sofas and armchairs by Jasper Morrison, a masterpiece of contemporary design that has entered the collection of the Tate M...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Nube Italia Stream Armchair in Grey Blend Fabric by Marco Corti
Located in New York, NY
"Base in Asform curved, painted and finished under high heat steel. Internal frame in multi-layered, curved wood frame, covered in shape retaining polyurethane with a differentiated ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Amelie Armchair
By Zanaboni
Located in Milan, IT
An exercise in comfort and modern design, this armchair is timeless and elegant and will bring a luxurious accent into any home. Either in an entrance, paired with a twin in the livi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile
Taupe Nubuck Leather and Antique Brass Armchair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Armchair by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, ...
Category
2010s American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Color-blocked St. Charles Armchair by VOLK
By VOLK 3
Located in Brooklyn, NY
As Shown:
Solid white oak with black lacquer finish Shown in color-blocked upholstery
Dimensions: 26 1/2”H x 24”W x 24”D
COM or custom fabric options available
Offered in a varie...
Category
2010s American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Baleri Italia Marì Armchair in Black by Luigi Baroli
Located in Milan, IT
Steel frame with flexible armrests and backrest in rigid polyurethane on a harmonic-steel skeleton. Seat in cold-cured CFC-free polyurethane foam. Cover in fabric. Available with fou...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Daisy Armchair by Chiara Provasi
Located in Milan, IT
A striking piece of functional decor that will be equally at ease by a bookcase in a study or in the middle of a living room to show off the unique combination of two different cotto...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile, Wood, Beech
Armchair, AUGUSTE, by Reda Amalou, 2019 - Walnut
Located in Paris, FR
Auguste Armchair, confortable, elegant, cosy.
Auguste sets down, impose himself and uses his seduction at his full capacity. The Auguste seat is not an invitation to sit down, it is ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Swivel Pouf Fiberglass by Draga & Aurel, Lambswool and Brass 21st Century
Located in Como, IT
Dialoghi Mimetici collection by Draga & Aurel:
Structure in fiberglass. Upholstery in second hand fox fur. Brass structure.
Lambswool fur
Color white, size cm: Ø 52, H 46.
Please n...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
21st Century Masai Armchair in Overdose Fabric by Etro Home Interiors
By Etro
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Emblematic of the ethnic mood of the ETRO Home Interiors 2019 collection, the Masai armchair is a tribute to Africa: the reference to the African continent can be found in its shape ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Oscar Armchair with Silver Leaf Details
By Guerra Vanni
Located in Milan, IT
Perfect for any setting with an exquisitely contemporary and cosmopolitan flavor, this stylish Oscar Collection Armchair combines tradition and modern...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile
Roche Armchair in Pale Blue By Daria Zinovatnaya
By Adrenalina
Located in Milan, IT
The geometric design offers a futuristic aspect and with the base made from beech wood, it is available in various colors. This armchair features a wrap-around back and the seat is p...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Other
Parabolica Gold Frame Armchair by Paolo Castelli
Located in Boston, MA
Parabolica armchair is a delicate size luxury seat, suitable in lounging and waiting areas, entrances and living spaces, ideal for conversation.
It stands out for the shape of the s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
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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