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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Style: Modern
Number in Set: Set of 3
"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

Contemporary modular Sofa & Armchairs system , high quality leather
Located in Milano, IT
Modular Sofa - Armchair / Armchairs in black metallic Patina Technical and tactile like an air-cooled engine, Lamè melts the hardware world of engines mechanics with the softness o...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

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

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

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

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

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 - 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 - 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

Bar Cabinet Carmen, Special Edition (Centinelas), Contemporary Mexican Design
Located in Mexico City, MX
Carmen is a bartender, a storage cabinet with a functional design. Inside, it has a pair of drawers for storing objects, space for bottles, compartments for glasses and a cup holder...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

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 - Anouk 304
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

Candelaria Contemporary Loveseat
Located in Mexico City, MX
A conversational loveseat 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, Leather

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

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, Leather

Candelaria Contemporary Sofa
Located in Mexico City, MX
A conversational loveseat 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, Leather

Natural Oak Arm Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
With a luxe, lounge-like aesthetic, this statement-maker exemplifies a unity of materiality, form and function. An upholstered no-sag foam seat and backrest. With a pillared Natural...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Armchair Play in velour fabric
Located in Kyiv, UA
“PLAY” armchair has an unusual shape that was assembled from several geometric elements. The bagel-shaped detail serves the back of the chair. Handcrafted in Ukraine, this armchair embodies the perfect blend of comfort and style. Its sleek design and attention to detail make it a true statement piece for any space. With its ergonomic features, it offers superior comfort, allowing you to relax and unwind in style. Armchair PLAY...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Plywood

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

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

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other

Hayche Abrazo Armchair - Brown, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Abrazo Armchair, translating to "Hug" in Spanish, embodies a design that lightly envelops the user. Crafted with a powder-coated metal frame and fire-retardant foam and fabric, i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Hayche Abrazo Armchair - Green, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Abrazo Armchair, translating to "Hug" in Spanish, embodies a design that lightly envelops the user. Crafted with a powder-coated metal frame and fire-retardant foam and fabric, i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Hayche Abrazo Armchair - Gravel, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Abrazo Armchair, translating to "Hug" in Spanish, embodies a design that lightly envelops the user. Crafted with a powder-coated metal frame and fire-retardant foam and fabric, i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Hayche Abrazo Armchair - Gray, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Abrazo Armchair, translating to "Hug" in Spanish, embodies a design that lightly envelops the user. Crafted with a powder-coated metal frame and fire-retardant foam and fabric, i...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Mater Armchair by Patricia Bustos de la Torre
Located in Geneve, CH
Mater Armchair by Patricia Bustos de la Torre Dimensions: D 66 x W 82 x H 63 cm. Materials: Wood and plush. Mater - Latin for mother- is a...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other

Wonatti Viana Armchair, Walnut Wood Armchair, Suede Armchair
Located in Vila Nova De Famalicão, 03
A true statement of luxury Combining the finest and ancient craftsmanship with luxurious levels of design, quality, and comfort. Viana Armchair, Modern Collection, Walnut Wood, Sue...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Suede, Wood, Walnut

Armchair Poly made of reinforced plastic sage green for indoor modern design
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Armachair in reinforced plastic, available in different colors and suitable for kitchens, bars or restaurants, very comfortable. Colorful armchair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

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 chair elegantly combines transparent PMMA sides with HR40 foam cushions ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other

Lotus Armchair - Modern Brown 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

Lotus Armchair - Modern White 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

Armchair Poly made of reinforced plastic white color for indoor modern design
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Armachair in reinforced plastic, available in different colors and suitable for kitchens, bars or restaurants, very comfortable. Colorful armchair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Gervasoni Sofa Upholstered Saia 10 by David Lopez Quincoces
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With balanced lines, the Saia upholstered collection is created from a classic ideal reinterpreted in a contemporary key. The name, meaning "skirt" in Portuguese, illustrates its dis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Armchair Poly made of reinforced plastic yellow for indoor modern design
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Armachair in reinforced plastic, available in different colors and suitable for kitchens, bars or restaurants, very comfortable. Colorful armchair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Armchair Poly made of reinforced plastic blue color for indoor modern design
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Armachair in reinforced plastic, available in different colors and suitable for kitchens, bars or restaurants, very comfortable. Colorful armchair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Armchair Poly in plastic reinforced col. antracithe for indoor modern design
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Armachair in reinforced plastic, available in different colors and suitable for kitchens, bars or restaurants, very comfortable. Colorful armchair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

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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