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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Contemporary Armchair by Hessentia with silver bouclè fabric and ash wood base
Located in Carate, Brianza (MB)
Kiro armchair is characterized by rounded shapes for both back and seat. Its strength is represented by the enveloping structure with the padding partition “into wedges” which gives ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Ash, Wood

Italian modern Black leather steel Armchair Wassily B3 by Breuer Gavina, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Black leather and steel Armchair Wassily or B3 by Marcel Breuer for Gavina, 1980s Iconic and vintage armchair mod. Wassily or B3, with chromed tubular steel structure ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Cappellini Sunset Armchair in Beech with Fabric or Leather by Christophe Pillet
Located in New York, NY
The Sunset armchair by Christophe Pillet has a swiveling design and backrest and seat made of curved beech wood; the base is made of satined stainless steel. The padding of the Sunse...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Leda Cushion Armchair in Black Metal Base, by Francesco Beghetto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Leda chair with is shown with an upholstered cushion and armrests, as well as in the black Metal structure. The chair is available without arms as well...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

De Sede Craft Fabric Armchair by Gordon Guillaumier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-49/01 armchair by De Sede. Technical details: Standard configuration: Back cushion and cushion in leather. Legs polished aluminium. If not specified otherwise, the standard c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Mid-Century Modern Reclining Armchair Pair, Italy, 1960.
Located in Madrid, ES
This Italian reclinable armchair is made out of a solid metal and wood structure, covered in foam, and upholstered in a bright green velvet fabric. It's a comfortable and versatile ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Pasqualina Relax Armchair by Grassi & Bianchi
Located in Milan, IT
The comfortable Relax armchair is covered in silk-gray leather over a tubular steel frame. Other colors and finishings are available, guaranteeing it wi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec Basket 011 Armchair in Varnish Metal for Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
A casual, relaxed appeal characterizes the Basket 011 sofa, created for Cappellini by the French designer-duo, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. The collection, composed of a two and three...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Wingback Chairs by Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti / Progetti in Bouclé Wool Fabric
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of two Modern Progetti wingback chairs / arm chairs by Umberto Asnago For Giorgetti In New Bouclé Wool Fabric. Stylish and very comfo...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Hayche Glover Armchair - Wooden Base - Crema, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Luscious in its proportions but low key in terms of profile, the Glover is an OEM chair that is perfect for break out spaces and equally functional within hospitality as much as it i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Poltrona moderna Wassily in pelle e acciaio di Marcel Breuer per Knoll, 1970 ca.
Located in MIlano, IT
Wassily or B3 model leather armchair, with chromed tubular steel structure. The back, the armrests and seat are in banded entirely in brown leather, with visible stitching. Disegnata...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

One of Six De Sede 'DS-14' Armchair Lounge Chair, Cognac Leather Teak
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of four De Sede 'DS-14' armchairs in a warm high quality cognac brown leather with a solid Teak base, designed in 1989 and manufactured between 1989 and 1997. The chairs are in g...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Teak

Italian modern yellow fabric Armchairs Alky by Piretti for Anonima Castelli 1970
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern yellow teddy fabric Armchairs Alky by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s Pair of armchair mod. Alky in yellow teddy fabric. The monocoque structure is provi...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Italian modern Blue fabric Armchairs Alky by Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Blue teddy fabric Armchairs Alky by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s Pair of armchair mod. Alky in blue teddy fabric. The monocoque structure is provided ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Modernist Vintage Four Dining Chairs Cognac Brown Leather Chrome, 1980s, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Modernist vintage four ( 4 ) dining chairs or armchairs from cognac brown leather and chromed base by Fasem, Italy 1980s. A beautiful set of four ( 4 ) dining chairs or armchairs fr...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Indoor Croissant Easy Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Croissant easy armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Abacca, nylon, steel. Dimensions: 95cm x 103 cm x H 68cm. The distinctive shape of the Croissant makes it a structural b...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Hayche Glover Armchair - Metal Legs - Yellow, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Luscious in its proportions but low key in terms of profile, the Glover is an OEM chair that is perfect for break out spaces and equally functional within hospitality as much as it i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Nube Italia Fency Armchair in Light Brown Leather with Cushion by Marco Corti
Located in New York, NY
Armchair and stool with internal metal frame covered by shape retaining polyurethane foam. Black oven painted or black nichel painted feet. Not removable cover. Marco Corti was born...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of 1960s Italian Armchairs in Orange Velvet Metal Base
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of original 1960s Italian armchairs in orange velvet, metal structure new fabric and padding.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Erich Dieckmann Modernist Art Deco Rope Chair 1930s
Located in Forest, BE
Wooden armchair by modernist Erich Dieckmann. Made of massive bentwood and rope. Elegant and minimalist with a great combination of materials. Lightweight, easy to move around. The s...
Category

1930s German Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rope, Hardwood

Hayche Glover Armchair - Metal Legs - Blue, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Luscious in its proportions but low key in terms of profile, the Glover is an OEM chair that is perfect for break out spaces and equally functional within hospitality as much as it i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Hayche Glover Armchair - Metal XBase - Blue, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Luscious in its proportions but low key in terms of profile, the Glover is an OEM chair that is perfect for break out spaces and equally functional within hospitality as much as it i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

B&B Italia "Tulip" leather armchairs designed by Jeffrey Bernett in 2000
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
B&B Italia "Tulip" chairs designed by Jeffrey Bernett in 2000. Stunning leather armchairs with a functional 360-degree swivel base. The highlight of this design is the merger of stra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Hayche Glover Armchair - Metal XBase - Grey, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Luscious in its proportions but low key in terms of profile, the Glover is an OEM chair that is perfect for break out spaces and equally functional within hospitality as much as it i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Italian modern black wood armchair mod. 4801 by Joe Colombo for Kartell, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black wood armchair mod. 4801 by Joe Colombo for Kartell, 1970s Armchair mod. 4801 with structure made up of several interlocking parts, in black wood. It has a semi-o...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Swedish Grace Birch Armchairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Swedish Grace armchairs. Made of birch and reupholstered in woven petroleum blue textile. Sold as a pair (Price is for the pair)
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Shiro Kuramata 1985 Sing Sing Sing Armchair
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the Sing Sing Sing armchair, a stunning and iconic piece of furniture designed by Shiro Kuramata in 1985 and produced by xO in France. This ...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Coppia di poltrone nere in legno laccato rivestite in velluto Kirkby, 1970
Located in Florence, IT
Coppia di poltrone nere in legno laccato rivestite di recente con velluto Kirkby toni del grigio a righe sfumate. Buone condizioni vintage.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Lacquer

Black and Brass Outdoor Cactus Chair by Marcantonio, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2) In Stock in Los Angeles This black and brass indoor / outdoor armchair features a brass finish mid century...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Set of 2 White and Brass Outdoor Cactus Chairs, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2) In Stock in Los Angeles Set of 2 white and brass indoor / outdoor cactus chairs...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Finn Juhl Pelican Chair Upholstered in Offwhite Sheepskin
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Pelican chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1940, relaunched in 2001. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. Pelican chair was probably the one furthest ahead of its time. When it was presented at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition in 1940, it stood out with its unusual shape and sturdy legs. The characteristic soft and organic shape is almost like a body holding a body. When you sit down, the chair practically gives you a friendly hug. Like many of Finn Juhl’s later designs, the chair offers several comfortable ways to sit. As a tribute to the Pelican Chair House of Finn Juhl is launching it in natural sheepskin from Gotland. This upholstery gives the chair an individual and unique expression, as the warmth of the sheepskin pleasantly underlines the character of the sculptural chair. The new edition of the Pelican chair will be available from December 1st. Because the supply of sheepskin from Gotland is seasonal, the quantity for sale will be limited. Materials: Gotland Sheepskin...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Sheepskin

Steelmobil armchair, 1980s
Located in Athens, Attiki
Vintage wooden Steelmobil armchair, 1980s Elegant curves and shape. Very good condition.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Bespoke Modernist Tubular Steel Armchair, Fabric/ Leather Upholstery c. 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Bespoke Modernist tubular steel cantilever armchair manufactured by Mücke-Melder, c. 1930. Available in fabric or leather upholstery. This armchairs are restored on request and avai...
Category

1930s Czech Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Fiberglass Armchair, Fudge Chair by Faye Toogood
Located in Warsaw, PL
Contemporary fiberglass armchair - Fudge chair by Faye Toogood. This is shown in the malachite fiberglass finish. Design: Faye Toogood Material: Fiberglass Available also in charcoal, cream or malachite opaque finish Faye Toogood’s new Fudge armchair celebrates the role that chance and subtle imperfections play in the design process. The chair’s solid form, standing foursquare on stout cuboid legs, develops the satisfying chunkiness familiar from Toogood’s Roly-Poly furniture collection, imbuing it with a playful plasticity. The subtle asymmetries and softly curving lines of the original clay maquette have been assiduously reproduced full-size, first hand-carved in wood and then faithfully cast in durable fibreglass. The armchair is available in four hues – ranging from subtle cream and charcoal to pastel mallow and rich malachite green - all with a handsanded satin-matte finish. The finished confection has a playful charm which acknowledges that strength in design arises from an element of chance in the moment of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Pair Blue of Niccola Lounge Chairs by Andrea Branzi for Zanotta
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of armchairs, model Niccola, designed in 1993 by Andrea Branzi for Zanotta. Construction on a four-legged tubular steel frame, upholstered and covered in dark blue leather, armr...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Outdoor Manolo Easy Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Outdoor Manolo easy armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Polyethelene, nylon, steel. Also available in other colors and for indoors. Dimen...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Office armchairs on wheels, modern Italian made by Saporiti Italia 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Pair of office armchairs with four-spoke steel chair base on casters and curved armrests, with straight upholstered leather upholstered support part in its original black leather. Pr...
Category

1970s European Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Hayche Leyi Armchair, United Kingdom, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Leyi Armchair exemplifies sustainable design with its contemporary elegance. Combining practicality and exceptional comfort, this piece is crafted with a long life-cycle in mind....
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Chestnut Fiberglass Chair, Roly-Poly Chair by Faye Toogood
Located in Warsaw, PL
Contemporary fiberglass chair - Roly Poly chair by Faye Toogood. This is shown in the chestnut fiberglass finish. Design: Faye Toogood ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Armchair 54, Gae Aulenti, Knoll International
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Armchair 54, Gae Aulenti, Knoll International. This piece is attributed to the designer/manufacturer shown above. It has no attribution mark Mid-Century Style, Modern Italian, Moder...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Hayche Retro Armchair - Grey, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Retro Armchair celebrates a timeline of British and Scandinavian upholstery design. Straddling a decade period from 1960 through to 1970 we...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Oak

ASAWA Sculptural Contemporary Armchair in Fabric and solid wood
Located in London, GB
The Asawa Lounge Chair, accompaniment to the Asawa sofa, is characterised by a sculptural and organic back which seems to have grown from the ground up. A solid wood piece acts as th...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Dark Green Aluminium Armchair with Lapping Cane Seating from Anodised Wicker Col
Located in London, GB
Armchair made from dark green anodised aluminium extrusions and woven cane seating. Originally realised for the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield and inspired by Donald Judd and Børge M...
Category

2010s British Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Solid Wood "Money Chair" with Upholstered Cushions, Europe late 19th century
Located in Utrecht, NL
This chair is in many ways the definition of a unique piece both in visual terms and from a historic aspect. It hasn’t a single aspect that is usual, making it a fascinating and hist...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

GRACE Vintage Armchair with natural cane
Located in Frazão, Porto
The GRACE Vintage armchair is made of a solid wood structure. Grace stands out for its refined caned details, available in natural or wenguê color finish, and its unique and elegantl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cotton, Wood, Rattan, Cane, Velvet

Hayche Ela Armchair, Brown, United Kingdom, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Ela Armchair exemplifies sustainable design with its contemporary elegance and meaningful features. This modular and practical OEM product is exceptionally comfortable and crafte...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Modern Twins Curved Sofa, Terracotta Jacquard, 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

Brass

Hayche Clasico Armchair - Grey, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Drawing inspiration from mid-century Scandinavian modern design, the Clasico Armchair combines timeless aesthetics with exceptional comfort. As an OEM product, it allows for customiz...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wool, Wood

Hayche Clasico Armchair - Yellow, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Drawing inspiration from mid-century Scandinavian modern design, the Clasico Armchair combines timeless aesthetics with exceptional comfort. As an OEM product, it allows for customiz...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wool, Wood

Hayche Clasico Armchair - Grey, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Drawing inspiration from mid-century Scandinavian modern design, the Clasico Armchair combines timeless aesthetics with exceptional comfort. As an OEM product, it allows for customiz...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wool, Wood

Modernist Thonet A 745/F Armchair manufactured by Tatra, Stained Wood, c. 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist armchair modell A 745/F in stained bentwood designed by Thonet and manufactured under Thonet licence by Tatra, Slovakia, c. 1930.
Category

1930s Slovak Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

Armchair “Little Big Easy” by Ron Arad for Moroso 1989
Located in Wien, AT
Early Armchair “Little Big Easy” by Ron Arad for Moroso, Italy 1989. The Big Easy, steel chair designed by Ron Arad in 1988, shows that a volume, as sim...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

LEWIS Lounge Chair
Located in Frazão, Porto
LEWIS’ modern and consensual design makes it the perfect armchair for any room. It can be upholstered in contrasting fabrics for a bolder result or using the same fabric for classic ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Smoke - Little Albert armchair by Ron Arad, hand-painted, Signed Amane
Located in Paris, FR
"Smoke" - "Little Albert" armchair by Ron Arad in polyethylene hand-decorated with black lines and lacquered, signed Amane. One-piece seat and back form a flat base. The "Little Albert" armchair - one of the designer's most important and emblematic pieces - has a highly original graphic presence, with its tonic, contemporary lines and the geometric purity of its structure. This unique design piece features a modern painted and lacquered black and white decor. This unique piece, with its contemporary design and pure curves, is entirely hand-decorated. Extremely light and resistant, it can be moved from living room to terrace, indoors or out. The oval opening in the backrest makes it easy to handle. Structure in polyester resin reinforced with a steel support. This unique piece is the result of a collaboration between Galerie Atena...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Sibylia Sculptural Contemporary Armchair in Leather
Located in London, GB
Sibylia is a modular sofa characterised by its exaggerated and over-relaxed appearance. Oversized stitches define the edges each individual piece of the sofa. Offering maximum sink-i...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Outdoor Lounge Chair Made With Outdoor Foam
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Flow Armchair The Flow armchair features a resistant base that provides stability and support, ensuring that you can fully sink into it. Its soft and cozy design creates a true clo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Giorgetti "Gallery 1975" Armchairs in Bouclé Upholstery Italy
Located in Almelo, NL
Giorgetti "Gallery 1975" Armchairs in Bouclé Upholstery Italy These pair of two Giorgetti "Gallery 1975" armchairs are a perfect blend of classical a...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery, Beech

Dutch Modernist Tubular Steel Armchairs in the manner of Marcel Breuer
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Originally created by the Bauhaus school of design, the tubular steel chair was inspired by bicycle handlebars. Up to 1925, steel tubing had mainly been used for hospital furniture...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

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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