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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Italian mid-century Outdoor Armchairs in bamboo and rattan, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Outdoor Armchairs in bamboo and rattan, 1960s Set of6 armchairs with curved armrests in finely woven bamboo of different shades. The legs are joined in the middle...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rattan

Papillonne Blue Velvet and Beige Corduroy Fabric Armchair
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
The Papillonne-armchair complements your style with its flawless form and unmatched comfort, adding a unique character to your space... If you like the abstract pattern, please con...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood, Foam, Upholstery

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

Giorgetti Janet High Armchair by Umberto Asnago
Located in Boston, MA
Designed by Umberto Asnago Janet High Back Armchair 97828 -Inside in fabric cat. C Penny, 02 Sable -Outside in pelle, 205 -Base in wood stained 2Z This item is a floor sample.
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Giorgetti Progetti Highback Leather Armchair Designed by Centro Ricerche Set of
By Giorgetti S.p.A., Centro Ricerche
Located in Boston, MA
Progetti is an armchair with a strongly recognizable image, that, thanks to the innovative and freshness design, it has become an icon for Giorgetti. This product is a showroom floor...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Walnut

Modern Grass Armchair, Terracotta Jacquard, 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

Chenille, Wool, Oak, Faux Fur

Vibieffe 1355 Timeless Walnut Armchair by Gianluigi Landoni
Located in Boston, MA
1355 Timeless chair's appearance comes in a fabric, Mumble 02 (cat.nature), with black piping and a Canaletto Walnut Frame. The cover is conveniently removable for easy maintenance a...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Late 20th Century Gray & Chrome Cantilever Chairs Style Steelcase Set of 8
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome gray & chrome vintage cantilever chairs by United Chair Company in the style of Steelcase, set of 8. Comprised of a chrome cantilever fram...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Modern Green Velvet Armchair Cactus Shape with Gold Swivel Base
Located in Porto, PT
Ajui Armchair II is a conceptual piece. It’s an accent chair that combines an artsy interpretation of a cactus with the comfort expected from a luxury armchair. This modern armchair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

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

2021 Charles Eames & Eero Saarinen Organic Chair by Vitra in Dark Green Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Organic chair designed by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen as part of their submission for the Organic Designs in Home Furnishings exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in...
Category

2010s German Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of George Smith Chelsea Large Wingback Armchairs Claw and Ball Feet
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of RRP £9,378 George Smith Low Scroll Arm wingback armchairs with Damask upholstery. A very good looking well made and comforta...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

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

Handcrafted Matrice Chair in Steel and Velvet by Tawla
Located in MONTROZIER, FR
Matrice side chair is a side chair designed around the imprint. The imprint created by the interaction between two materials, a ductile and a soft one. Inspiration from Gabriele Basi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

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

21st Century Ratio Up Armchair in Green Velvet by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
A perfect mix between modernity and tradition, Ratio is a soft and welcoming armchair, characterized by decorative stitching, an expression of Etro Home Interiors’ sartorial quality....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

St. James chair by Angelo Donghia for Donghia Inc
Located in Kleinburg, ON
Three elegant and very comfortable arm chairs that featuring deep cushions, tall back and high quality textured velvet fabric. The chairs have a sleek and modern design that reflects the style of the their creator, Angelo Donghia, who was known for his minimal and luxurious interiors. The chairs are perfect for relaxing, reading, or entertaining guests in any living room or bedroom. Angelo Donghia was an American interior designer, born in 1935 in Pennsylvania. He studied at Parsons School of Design and joined the firm of Yale Burge Interiors, where he became a partner in 1966. He was known for his minimal and luxurious interiors that featured silver-foil ceilings, lacquered walls, bleached floors and oversized furniture...
Category

1990s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut

21st Century Dahlia Armchair in Brown Jacquard Fabric by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Fabric and colour. The two founding themes of the fashion Maison are among the main peculiarities of the Dahlia armchair, a piece of furniture with contemporary lines that takes insp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

Tisa Armchair
Located in Beograd, RS
Tisa armchair has an extremely sculptural form of an insect like character. The line made by the front leg, the armrest and the back leg in the "ready to jump" position due to the ch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balkan Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

Butaque Lounge Chair Made of Solid Wood Inspired in Clara Porset Design
Located in Estado de Mexico CP, Estado de Mexico
Butaque lounge chair made of solid wood inspired in Clara Porset Design The Butaque lounge chair is an exquisite creation by NONO that draws inspiration from the celebrated des...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Hardwood

2021 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Arm Chair Leather w/ Wood Legs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eero Saarinen for Knoll executive armchair in off-white leather with light walnut wood legs. The chair was produced in 2021, acquired directly from a Knoll employee. It ha...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Leather

Pair of Donghia Black Lacquered Designer Arm Chairs
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Donghia Black Lacquered Designer Arm Chairs W Freshly Upholstered Silk Cut Velvet Seats.
Category

1990s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Set of Four Modernist Armchairs by Ico Parisi
Located in New York, NY
Set of four MOdernist armchairs by Ico Parisi. Model #814. Frames in Italian walnut.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

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

1960s Børge Mogensen Spanish Dining Arm Chair Model 3238 by CI Designs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Model 3238 Spanish Dining Chair. It features a brawny quarter-sawn solid oak frame, with a thick slung saddle-leather seat and backrest. It was designed by the great Danish designer Børge Mogensen in 1958 and manufactured by CI designs...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

20th Century Modern Wrought Iron Sculptural Black Outdoor Armchairs, Set of 4
Located in Philadelphia, PA
20th century modern wrought iron sculptural black outdoor armchairs - set of 4. Item features (4) armchairs, stacking frames, wrought iron const...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Moro Armchair by Sebastian Herkner
Located in Geneve, CH
Moro Armchair by Sebastian Herkner Dimensions: D 80 x W 79.7 x H 78.5 cm Materials: Sheepskin Available in different fabrics. ‘Mor...
Category

2010s French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Sheepskin

2006 Visasoft Stacking Armchair by Antonio Citterio for Vitra in Tan Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Visasoft stacking armchair (multiple chairs are available, though the price listed is for each chair), designed by Antonio Citterio for Vitra in 2002. The cantilevered fram...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Armada Armchair
Located in Beograd, RS
The Armada is defined by its energetic design and exceptional lightness, achieved by combining the finest materials, giving furniture pieces of this collection the look of sculptures...
Category

2010s Balkan Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Ash, Oak, Walnut

1950s Pair of Lena Arm Chairs by Sven-Erik Fryklund for Hagafors Stolfabrik
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Lena armchairs designed by Sven-Erik Fryklund, originally designed in 1955. They were manufactured by the Swedish furniture company Hagafors Stolfabrik and distribu...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Birch

Lasta Armchair
Located in Beograd, RS
Inspired by the characteristic V position and the shape of the armrest which consists of two parts separated by the joint edge, which associates with the swallow’s tail, this armchai...
Category

2010s Balkan Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wool, Upholstery, Wood, Ash, Oak, Walnut

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

Minas Armchair
Located in Beograd, RS
The basic characteristic of this armchair is the "oval" shape of the armchair composed of two semi-oval hemispheres, separated from each other, which generally resemble a coffee bean...
Category

2010s Balkan Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Ash, Oak, Walnut

Pair of "Ring" Armchairs by McGuire for the Laura Kirar Collection, 2011
Located in Hamburg, PA
A stunning pair of bamboo "Ring" armchairs by McGuire for the Laura Kirar Collection. The chairs are described as having Mid-Century Modern flair on the McGuire website. The ebonized...
Category

2010s Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo

Rudolf B. Glatzel Vintage Walter Knoll Art Collection Leather & Stainless Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original vintage 1970's Rudolf B. Glatzel armchair, produced by Walter Knoll in Germany (The company owned by Hans Knoll of Knoll International's family). This ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

2014 Bob Lounge/Side Swivel Chair by Pearson Lloyd for Coalesse / Walter Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Bob Guest Swivel Chair, Model 231, designed by Luke Pearson and Tom Lloyd of Pearson Lloyd for Coalesse and Walter Knoll in 2014. The listed price includes one chair. We ha...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

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

Lipa Armchair
Located in Beograd, RS
Lipa armchair is characterized by exceptional lightness, transparency and tenderness. Hence the name of the collection by the type of the tree linden-Lipa, which is exceptionally sof...
Category

2010s Balkan Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Papillonne Swivel Armchair / Bergere / **LEAD TIME 5 WEEKS** / Customizable
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
**LEAD TIME 5 WEEKS** The PAPILLONNE series offers eye-catching modern design and ease of use in every area, thanks especially to its 360-degree rotating mechanism. Its minimal appe...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Foam

Contemporary Antique Pink Velvet Armchair with Silk Fringe Accents
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
The handmade armchair draws on the signature fashion theme, ruffling the scene and inviting guests with its fun and flirtatious feel. Featuring three layers of fringes that run along...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Silk, Velvet, Wood, Trimming

Display Cabinet Vilma, Special Edition (Centinelas), Contemporary Mexican Design
Located in Mexico City, MX
Vilma is a vertical display cabinet composed of two modules: a drawer unit covered with rattan fiber and a storage cabinet with solid huanacaxaxtle wood doors and glass shelves. The ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

21st Century Levity Armchair in Green Jacquard Fabric by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
A light and refined design for Levity armchairs. Their eclectic style is expressed in retro inspiration combined with contemporary aesthetics. The minimalist structure that gives lif...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

21st Century Cushy Armchair in Blue Jacquard Fabric by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Expression of a new domestic scenario made of expressive colors and immersive fabrics, Cushy is a line of furniture made up of a sofa, armchair, bed and pouf, all characterized by so...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

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

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

De Sede DS-47 Armchair in Brown Leather Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-47 is available as a two- and three-seat sofa, and as an armchair and stool; 5-mm-thick neck leather recognizable in characteristic fat wrinkles lend it an unmistakable expression...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

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

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

Hayche Glover Armchair - Wooden Base - 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

Fabric, Wool, Wood

Armchair in Green Wool fabric - Molteni&C by Naoto Fukasawa Market Made in Italy
Located in New York, NY
Truly unique in style and structure, the Cinnamon armchair by Naoto Fukasawa envelops the body like a comforting hug. Built upon a curved foundation, the chair's shape follows the cu...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wool

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

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

Outdoor Armchair - Borea by B&B Italia
Located in Tulsa, OK
The Borea armchair with striking proportions, forming part of a collection of outdoor seats, tables and small tables, stands out for its tubular metal frame featuring a fluid, contin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

A Pair of French ebonized open armchairs with faux leather upholstery. C 1940
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very stylish pair of French ebonized open armchairs with faux leather upholstery. Circa 1940
Category

1940s French Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

Maple Faux Bamboo Tapestry Upholstered Arm Chairs, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite pair of faux bamboo maple and tapestry upholstery arm chairs. Very good vintage condition. Measures 23" in width x 23" in depth x 35" in height . Seat height is 19", arm...
Category

20th Century American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Tapestry, Faux Bamboo, Maple

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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