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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Emeco Navy Armchair in Brushed Aluminum and Walnut by US Navy
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

Gea High Armchair by Giovanni Tommaso Garattoni
Located in Milan, IT
A contemporary interpretation of 18th century bergère style, this armchair is pure design and creativity. The legs in painted beech wood are available in various finishes. The body, ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other

Grey Stained Birch Couture Armchair
Located in Barcelona, ES
Upholstered seat and backrest (non-removable) with wood internal structure. Backrest consists of birch or walnut plywood pieces sewn together with polyamide thread. Upholstered in BD...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Moon & Sun Chair with Armrests by Fratelli Boffi
Located in Milan, IT
This stunning chair is a superb example of exquisite craftsmanship and modern sensibility. Inspired by a traditional design, its structure in wood boasts a natural oak finish that st...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Obsidian Black Leather and Antique Brass Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Armchair is as refined as it is comfortable. This variation is upholstered in a deep, obsidian black leather. The foam seat cushions have been wrapped in down, allo...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Black Wool and Polished Brass Armchair
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

Italian Modern Design Black Metal and Black Leather Large Armchair
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Outstanding shape, cocooning, organic and Italian handcraft lounge armchair compose of a fiberglass shell wearing a comfy black leather with black metal feet.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Black Wool and Antique Brass Armchair
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

Hand-Dyed Indigo Canvas and Antique Copper Armchair
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

Cassina Andrea Branzi Mod952 Revers Six Armchairs, 1993
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Armchair produced by Cassina, design Andrea Branzi, year 1993. Dynamic design for the armchair with aluminum structure, wooden seat and a continuous band of curved solid beech that forms the backrest and armrests. This is a vintage product, made between the 1990s and 2000s, in excellent condition. The Cassina Vintage Reverse chair...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Rustic Greyed Oak Klismos Dining Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A rustic greyed oak Klismos dining chair in our grey Echo finish, with a parquetry bar top rail and splat, upholstered saddle seat raised on square tape...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Black Leather in the Style of Marco Zanuso, circa 1960s Three Armchairs
Located in IT
1960s Black Leather Zanuso for Poltronova Three Armchairs Available wood Armrest and steel leg endings Price refers to single piece Size : Conditions : wears coherent with age ,...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

New Custom Finishes 'Tucroma' Chairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These incredible special editions of the classic 'Tucroma' armchairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani are new custom frame finishes, completed as a special edition of the Tucroma chair during it's 50th Year Anniversary of the design. Signed with Mariani labels. The seats and backs have supple matching leather upholstery and are attached to sleek tubular frames, as well as being bridged together by wide leather straps at the back with hand-tied detail. Available frame finishes are: - Classic Chrome (Not shown in photos) - Dark Rose Gold - Bright Gold - Copper - Textured White In addition, you can select a leather color or fabric type of your choice. i4 Mariani was a specialty Italian design division of the Pace Collection and Guido Faleschini was the star designer who created famous designs such as the Tucroma line and a line of bedroom furniture for Hermès. Mariani still produces the Tucroma chair to the same specifications as the 1970s along with a full line of high quality designs with expert Italian craftsmanship. We carry a large selection of designs by i4 Mariani and Guido Faleschini, contact us if you are looking for anything else. This is an interior design magazine cover worthy set of chairs and would look so amazing with a marble or travertine dining table, such as designs by Angelo Mangiarotti and Roche Bobois or lacquered goatskin tables by Karl Springer and Steve Chase. This sleek set of dining / arm / side chairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani would inject some 1970s Italian modern into any interior and would compliment various locations such as a Mid-Century Modern, Contemporary, Postmodern, neoclassical, or Transitional dining room...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Finn Juhl Chieftain Armchair Wood and Leather
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1949, relaunched in 2002. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. The iconic Chieftain Chair is one of Finn Juhl’s absolute masterpieces, re...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Square Armchair Upholstered in Custom Velvet Colors
Located in New York, NY
This is a one-of-a-kind armchair that perfectly matches the square shapes of its structure with the soft curves and comfort of the upholstery. The padded structure is upholstered in a different fabric as the seat and back pillows. You can mix and match different materials to obtain the result you want and that your project needs. Pictured Materials: Blue Haze...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Wing Armchair with Ottoman Upholstered in Custom Velvet Color
Located in New York, NY
This Lounge chair measured proportions perfectly balance thickness and straight lines. The four-leg structure is presented in wood while the seat, back, and armrest are fully upholst...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Minimalist Lounge Chair in Custom Velvet Color
Located in New York, NY
This stunning armchair is the result of highly innovative solutions attached to functional and cozy shapes, merging in a harmonious craftwork design. Without armrests, the wide back ...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Extra Deep Lounge Chair in Custom Velvet Color
Located in New York, NY
The back and the seat of this armchair designed with a slight ergonomic curve to upgrade your level of relaxation for prolonged sittings. The solid metal structure in black texturize...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Outdoor Armchair with Micro-Textured Stainless Steel Frame
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary outdoor armchair with upholstered seat and back cushions. Micro-textured stainless steel structure in black or white color. The back straps are offered in black or wh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Stainless Steel

Rounded Curvy Armchair Offered in Leather
Located in New York, NY
This curvy armchair is upholstered in luxury leather with double stitching. The double stitching at the leather edges create a couture like piece. The...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Italian Mid Century Style Limited edition Armchair with brass legs
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Elegant Italian Mid Century style armchair with brass legs and ottoman and botanical theme fabric with back in black velvet. The Ottoman collection has been designed by Massimiliano...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Gufram Roxanne Armchair in Green Melange by Michael Young
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The name of this seat evokes music as well as Michael Young's passion for Sting and the Police. And music played a fundamental role in the conception of this sinuous armchair: as a m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

GUFRAM Roxanne Armchair in Blue Melange by Michael Young
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The name of this seat evokes music as well as Michael Young's passion for Sting and the Police. And music played a fundamental role in the conception of this sinuous armchair: as a m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Gufram Roxanne Armchair in Grey Melange by Michael Young
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The name of this seat evokes music as well as Michael Young's passion for sting and the police. And music played a fundamental role in the conception of this sinuous armchair: as a m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Gufram Roxanne Armchair in Yellow Melange by Michael Young
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The name of this seat evokes music as well as Michael Young's passion for Sting and the Police. And music played a fundamental role in the conception of this sinuous armchair: as a m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Gufram Roxanne Armchair in Orange Melange by Michael Young
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The name of this seat evokes music as well as Michael Young's passion for Sting and the Police. And music played a fundamental role in the conception of this sinuous armchair: as a m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Gufram Roxanne Armchair in Pink Melange by Michael Young
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The name of this seat evokes music as well as Michael Young's passion for Sting and the Police. And music played a fundamental role in the conception of this sinuous armchair: as a m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Saint-Germain Armchair in Ruby Velvet and Antiqued Silver
Located in Milano, IT
SAINT-GERMAIN armchair is part of the FLEURS DU MAL Capsule Collection.‎ SAINT-GERMAIN armchair and its footrest, available as an optional purchase, are composed of an visible frame in matt black lacquered wood, covered with a metal plating. The seat and back padding are made of different densities polyurethane foam inserted in a mixed goose down cushion. The seat of the armchair rests on a matt black painted metal frame. The metal platings and the feet of the armchair and footrest are available in the metal finishes of the collection. Saint-Germain armchair is upholstered with GIOPAGANI's Infinity Velvet Porpora a technical innovation in velour, characterized by its elegant shine, the brilliance of the colours and a very soft touch. . While feet and case are in Raw Silver, a handmade oxidation of a steel surface recalling an antiqued mirror look.
Category

2010s 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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