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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 Ships From: Europe
Style: Modern
Modern Seven Vintage Cognac Leather Teak Dining Chairs Cassina, 1990s, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern set of 7 vintage dining chairs, which were made out of a wooden base and cognac brown leather armchair shell. Stamped Cassina - N 10 The set of dining chairs by Josep Lluska f...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

William Lounge Chair, Walnut
Located in Monte-Serzedo, 13
William lounge is a chair with statement character, inspired by the classics of 20th century design. We bring our own interpretation of a classic archetype that will bring you a nost...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut, Oak, Wood, Faux Leather, Upholstery, Wool

Gaulino Easy Chair by Oscar Tysquets black lacquered ashwood, contemporary
Located in Barcelona, ES
“The challenge was to design a light armchair, not too high, using wood and leather. At the beginning, it was going in a different direction, but after making various models, prototypes and considering BD’s design team’s different perspectives on the matter, the result has inevitably drawn toward what is now the Gaulino chair, which was designed nearly 30 years ago. We did not envision it so, but the ergonomics and the aesthetic coherence of this piece has taken us toward a solution much like the Gaulino chair, an heiress of Gaudí and Mollino, and have decided to conserve the name.” OSCAR TUSQUETS The Gaulino Easy Chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Hide, Ash

Log Armchair C.R.& S. Riva1920 Contemporary Natural Cedar Made in Italy Riva1920
Located in Cantù, IT
Armchair made from a single block of scented cedar. Distinguished by its squared lines and ergonomic seat.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Pair of armchairs Garouste & Bonetti ‘Koala’ bronze green velvet 1995
Located in Paris, IDF
This is a beautiful pair of armchairs by Elizabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti, model Koala, with solid bronze feet, fully restored and reupholstered. Garouste & Bonetti began their co...
Category

1990s French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

Modern Caju Lounge Chair, Swivel, Jacquard Velvet, Handmade Portugal 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 piece that personifies the orga...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

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

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

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

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

Contemporary Bronze Sculptural Armchair by Hessentia, real bronze metal
Located in Carate, Brianza (MB)
“Iconique” is the name and maybe the most appropriate adjective to describe this metal armchair, which looks like a real timeless artwork. It is completely made of bronze, but despit...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

"Dino" contemporary armchair / lounge chair by Jamie Hayon, mustard fabric
Located in Barcelona, ES
An armchair by Jaime Hayon which will convert into a classic. As comfortable as possible within certain dimensions that adapt well to the body and space it’s in, for both home and co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Modern T50 Lounge Chair, Pierre Frey Bouclé, Handmade in 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

Mohair, Bouclé, Wood, Oak

Modern Barao Lounge Chair, Beige Nubuck Leather, Handmade 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

Modern Twins Curved Sofa, Beige Wool Linen, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins sofa, contemporary collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the contemporary collection, the Twins ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Bouclé, Fabric

Modern Capelinhos Lounge Chair, Swivel, Leather, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Capelinhos Swivel Lounge Chair with foot rest, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Capelinhos lea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Purple Swan Swivel Armchair
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, the swan armchair was groundbreaking at the time and has gone on to become a true classic. The ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Modern Caju Lounge Chair, Swivel, DEDAR Velvet, Handmade 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 piece that personifies the organic shape of a cashew. Upholstered in Dedar white velvet, the design of the lounge chair ensures unparalleled comfort and a modern touch in the living space. Caju combines fine craftsmanship and timeless design, becoming a Greenapple’s best-seller and a favorite piece among designers. Caju armchair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Purple Swan Swivel Armchair, Set of Two
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, the swan armchair was groundbreaking at the time and has gone on to become a true classic. The ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Armchair "Papillon" NEW, Red, Production Giovannetti, Modern Style
Located in Casalguidi, IT
The papillon series designed and conceived to steal your heart away. Comfort and elegance for an informal life - style. Tip up seat (90°). The backrest becomes a seat and viceversa, ...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Polyester

Modern Caju Lounge Chair, Swivel, Bouclé Faux Fur, Handmade Portugal 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 piece that personifies the orga...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Modern Almourol Sofa, Olive Green Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Almourol Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Almourol leather sofa draws inspiration from the distinctive...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Moder Grass Armchair, Light Orange Faux Fur, 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

Niemeyer II Armchair, Bouclé and Oak, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Gold Design Award Winner for Furniture Design Category at the A’Design Award Competition 2021-2022 The Niemeyer II armchair is named after the Br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Modern Twins Outdoors Sofa, DEDAR Libertino Velvet, Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Sofa Outdoors, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak, Leather, Wood, Fabric

Organic Modern Twins Curved Sofa, White Bouclé, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Twins cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Bouclé, Fabric

Modern Almourol Sofa, Light Blue Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Almourol Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Almourol leather sofa draws inspiration from the distinctive...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Pinch Armchair in Super Remix 3 Upholstery with Ivory Base by Skrivo Design
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pinch selection stems from reflection on materials and the construction techniques in contemporary padded seating. The structures of Pinch sofas and arm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Artifort Armchairs in Metal and Beige Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Artifort, lounge chair model '905', metal, fabric upholstery, the Netherlands, design 1964 The Artifort '905' armchair was designed by the company in 1964. Although the design was c...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Modern Capelinhos Lounge Chair, Swivel, Leather, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Capelinhos Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Capelinhos leather lounge chair stands as a testament to timeless comfor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Oak

Contemporary Pair of Italian Armchairs, Wood and White Boucle Fabric
Located in Brussels, BE
Contemporary Pair of Italian Armchairs, Wood and White Boucle Fabric
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

Italy Contemporary Design Coffee Color Linen Upholstered Armchair
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an elegant armchairs totally hand made in Italy and designed by the Italian interior design studio DD Dimore. It has been upholstered in pure linen in coffee color. The shape...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Linen

Design armchair Mw01, made in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
"Elevate furniture aesthetics to an artistic level" Premium designer armchair, custom-made in France. This MW01 combines comfort, design, and aesthetics. The blue TPU seat, elegan...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel, Other

Nespolo Lattina Armchair by Gugliermetto Experience
Located in Milan, Italy
Nespolo Lattina armchair produced and disigned by Gugliermetto Experience. Ugo Nespolo graphics. Can a simple jar become a very comfortable armchair? The answer is yes! A session tha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Mw02 design armchair, handmade in France by designer Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
The "MW02" armchair by Olivier SANTINI is handmade in France, in a signed and numbered edition. This abstract armchair elegantly combines red glass sides with pink TPU cushions cove...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other, Stainless Steel

Design armchair Mw03, handmade in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
This MW03 armchair is an exceptional piece, custom-made in France. The armchair's sides are made of grey-colored acrylic glass. Newly designed architectural shapes, surprising and i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome, Stainless Steel, Other

Design armchair Mw03, handmade in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
This MW03 armchair is an exceptional piece, custom-made in France. The armchair's sides are made of grey-colored acrylic glass. Newly designed architectural shapes, surprising and i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome, Stainless Steel, Other

Mw05 design armchair, handmade in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
This MW05 armchair won the DNA Paris Design Awards 2023. It is a handmade collectible piece from France. A rare and unique object, targeting decorators and art lovers in search of or...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel, Other

Nespolo Lattina Armchair by Gugliermetto Experience
Located in Milan, Italy
Nespolo Lattina armchair produced and disigned by Gugliermetto experience. Ugo Nespolo graphics. Can a simple jar become a very comfortable armchair? The answer is yes! A session tha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Mw02 design armchair, handmade in France by designer Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
"Elevate furniture aesthetics to an artistic level." This high-end designer armchair, custom-made in France, is named MW02. It combines comfort, design, and aesthetics. The seat, c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel, Other

Italian modern leather armchairs Hyaline by Fabio Lenci for Comfort Line, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern leather armchairs Hyaline by Fabio Lenci for Comfort Line, 1970s Pair of armchairs mod. Hyaline with rectangular base. The seat and backrest are composed of various cy...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Roche Bobois Hans Hopfer Vintage Informel Cognac Aniline Leather Lounge Chair
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Roche Bobois armchair Lounge Chair Model Informel in cognac brandy soft aniline leather. Design by Hans Hopfer in the late 70ties. Original l...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Foam, Leather

Modular Armchair Deigned by Afra e Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1968
Located in Madrid, ES
Modular armchair designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina in 1968 in Italy. it is made on a solid wood structure covered in foam and upholstered by hand in a beige bouclé. It is...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Baleri Italia Caprichair Armchair in Red Fabric by Hannes Wettstein
Located in Milan, IT
Caprichair is a precise idea: function perfectly expressed. A playful, almost anthropomorphic form, a serendipitous example of details and small finishing touches. Its formal and con...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Delta Armchair - Modern Violet 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

Delta Armchair - Modern Purple 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

Delta Armchair - Modern Sky Blue 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

Delta Armchair - Modern Turquoise 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

Delta Armchair - Modern Lime Green 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

Delta Armchair - Modern Raspberry Red 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

Delta Armchair - Modern Ultra Violet 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

Delta Armchair - Modern Classic Blue 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

Delta Armchair - Modern Lemon Yellow 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

Delta Armchair - Modern Tangerine Orange 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

Bold Armchairs - Barnum 24
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, Bouclé, Upholstery

Pair of B&B Italia ‘Ray’ armchairs designed by Antonio Citterio
Located in TOLLEBEEK, NL
Pair of beautiful armchairs in grey wool upholstery from B&B Italia from award-winning designer Antonio Citterio. A successful design strategy that achieves a balance of functional ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wool

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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