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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
21st Century Belmer Armchair in Velvet by Matteo Cibic
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
"Between sculpture and design, Belmer is a wonder object suggesting a newly discovered sociality. Unusual encounter of irregular shapes, it appears as an alien organism, coming from ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Babe Armchair: A Contemporary Mid-Century Icon with Haute Couture Upholstery
By Munna Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This armchair holds the graciousness of modern mid-century design, with irresistible contemporary appeal. The haute couture upholstery and detailed seams, lacquered legs and outline ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Kissing Armchair, Modern, Sculptural, Rounded, Bronze Metal, Furry Pink Wool
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
Kissing armchair features two semi-circle layers; one bearing the cupped seat and a second forming the back-rest. All the lines are covered with soft ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

21st Century, Maclaine Armchair in Silk by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
With a distinctive 50s style, this exuberant and refined armchair lends a chic and contemporary touch to the living room. Maclaine comes in different finishings; in this case, it is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Arflex Botolo Low Back Armchair in Natural Fur & Black Metal Legs by Cini Boeri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An innovative upholstered rolling chair with three large tubular legs. Botolo is an ideal place to sit, relax and be creative.Cini Boeri designed Botolo in 1973, giving life to a new design style, where you could choose the height of the legs to have a dining chair in the high version or a style, at that time modern, "the living at a low level", a way of living...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fur

Poltrona S148, Centro Progetti Tecno, Tecno Spa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
La Poltrona S148, realizzata dal Centro Progetti Tecno per Tecno Spa, è un'icona del design moderno. Presentata nel 1965, questa poltrona rappres...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Palace Wood Chair, by George Sowden for Memphis Milano Collection
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Palace chair in colored lacquered wood, designed in 1983, by George Sowden. George Sowden was born in Leeds, UK in 1942. He studied architecture at Glou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 2 Black and Brass Outdoor Cactus Chairs, designed by Marcantonio
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. Set of 2 black and brass indoor / outdoor cactus chairs ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Set couple barrel-shaped oak armchairs with table year 1960 available
Located in Guazzora, IT
In the 1960s, at a time of great creative ferment, a furniture set was born that combined tradition and innovation. This set, consisting of two barrel-shaped oak armchairs and a matc...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Hardwood

Modern Low Chair Gropius CS1 in Fire Retardant Cobalt Blue Wool fabric by NOOM
Located in Paris, FR
New NOOM furniture collection is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bauhaus School in Germany. Ideas of functionalism and conciseness, the combination of Craft...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool

Paolo Panama Natural Armchairs by Eichholtz, Set of Two
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the stunning Paolo Armchair by Eichholtz, a luxurious addition to any living space. Crafted with the finest materials, this armchair boasts a sleek and sophisticated desi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Six Black Leather Tucroma Chairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, Brand New
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The most coveted dining chairs by interior designers are 'Tucroma' chairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, and we have this incredible set of six (6) Tucroma armchairs in beautifu...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Gervasoni Armchair Saia 09 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

Shao Fan Art Armchairs
By Shao Fan
Located in Denton, TX
Combined two single arm chairs executed in 1996 by Shao Fan. Made of catalpa and elmwood. He has designed furniture which represents art rather than being purely functional. Each ch...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Elm, Paint, Upholstery

Contemporary Armchair in Exotic Wood and Wrapped Leather by Costantini, Giovanni
Located in New York, NY
Giovanni Contemporary Armchair in Exotic Wood and Wrapped Leather by Costantini Measurements are: 23" W x 21" D x 32" H x 19" SH Costantini prides itself in using the hardest and m...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Beautiful Armchair Design Frame Made Solid Wood and Metal Wire customizable
Located in London, GB
Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’. The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality. A constant...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Go Chair by Ross Lovegrove by Bernhardt Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Go Chair by Ross Lovegrove by Bernhardt Furniture The magnesium powder coated frame and contour seat makes the Go chair unique and quite comfortable. Pric...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Modern Organic Style Collana Armchair in Solid Wood, Leather Flexible Seating
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." THE ARMCHAIRS 

The Collana armchairs are a celebration of refined design and unparalleled comfort. Crafted to elev...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Hardwood, Fiberglass, Upholstery, Textile

Sly Low Armchair Rombi with Ropes by Italo Pertichini
Located in Milan, IT
With its enveloping shape, this designer armchair is characterized by the slits on the back, which is available in a high or low version. The slits are close...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other

Coppia di poltrone vintage anni 80 in legno e tessuto design Italiano
Located in None, IT
Coppia di poltrone con struttura in legno nero e rivestimento in tessuto grigio, anni 80, design italiano. CONDIZIONI: In buone condizioni, presentano segni d'usura dati dal tempo. ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Modern Conchula Curved Sofa, Ivory Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Conchula Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Conchula curved sofa is a room-defining furniture piece, dis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood, Oak

Odette Curvy Club Chair with Oak Wood Frame by Fred&Juul
Located in Fiesole, Florence
The Odette club chair is a modern take on the cozy wingback armchair that defies all categorizations, being also describable as a Bergère, as well as a barrel chair, thanks to its wo...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wool, Upholstery, Wood, Oak

Fronteira Brazilian Contemporary Wood and Leather Chair by Lattoog
Located in Sao Paolo, BR
One of the project assumptions for this chair was the intense formal dialogue between different materials like wood and fabric. The designers came to a trace that fluidly and continu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Wood

Custom Pair of Cerused Oak Alain Lounge Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Custom pair of cerused oak Alain lounge chairs in the French 1940s manner. Dimensions:   total Arm W 25" x H 31" x D 30". Arm Height:  23". Seat Height: 16". Inner Seat Cushion...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak, Muslin

Outdoor Dining Chair in Brown and White Leather with Gold Accents
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Céline Dining Chair The Céline armchair features a minimalist design enriched with subtle details that bring out the essence of the brand, making it a versatile piece that integrat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Sage Green Loop Padded Armchair, 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) Loop chair, born from the original and recognizable magical and Nordic trait typical o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

21st Century Snake Armchair in Leather by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Animals inspire interiors! A really aggressive armchair with two golden snakes that act as armrests, recalling the rich details used in Roberto Cavalli's world. Snake Armchair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Foam

Armchair model "Leda" Black Edition by Salvador Dalí Spanish Surrealism
Located in Barcelona, ES
Taken from “Femme à tête de roses" (1935)” 1935 (Woman with a head of roses). It was sufficient for this sculpture to be made as a three dimensional piece, remaining faithful to ever...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of contemporary lounge armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Stylish and elegant pair of comtemporary armchairs. Straight back with a fixed drop arm construction allowing the open back design. Standing on stained black ash tapering legs. Uph...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Italian modern dark green velvet armchairs Zozo by Seven Salotti, 1970s
By Seven Salotti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern dark green velvet armchairs Zozo by Seven Salotti, 1970s Pair of armchairs mod. Zozo fully padded and covered in forest green velvet. The seat and backrest have a soft...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Modern Low Chair Gropius CS1 with Ottoman in Faux Sheepskin by NOOM
Located in Paris, FR
New NOOM furniture collection is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bauhaus School in Germany. Ideas of functionalism and conciseness, the combination of Craft...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wool, Sheepskin, Fabric, Bouclé

Clare Graham Pop Top Armchair
By Clare Graham
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Clare Graham pop top armchair, in tin can tabs over metal frame.
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Midcentury Modern Style Armchair With Lacquered Legs and Brass Detailing
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This stylish armchair is designed for comfort and looks. It has a comfy seat covered in a captivating patterned fabric that adds personality. The chair's feet are smooth and polished...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

21st Century Maclaine Armchair in Velvet by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
With a distinctive 1950s style, the exuberant and refined armchair lends a chic and contemporary touch to the living room. Maclaine comes in different finishing, in this case, it is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Swivel Soneto armchair upholstered in forest green velvet by Bow and Arrow
Located in Lordelo, PT
Murmurio, renowned for its innovative designs, has teamed up with Bow and Arrow Upholstery to unveil an exclusive furniture collection that seamlessly blends vintage aesthetics with ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Sweet Mustard Armchair by Elisa Giovannoni
Located in Milan, IT
Ideal to infuse a dash of lively character to dull waiting rooms or living rooms, this armchair is inviting in its seamless juxtaposition of curves tracing plush volumes wrapped in s...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Kartell Uncle Jim Armchair in Smoke by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Uncle collection designed by Philippe Starck adds the Uncle Jim armchair. The armchair echoes the lines and sinuosity of Uncle Jack and lends itself to b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Lou Hodges Lounge Chair
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Rare lounge chair designed by Lou Hodges for California Design Group in the 1970s. Cantilever design oak frame features trademark rounded edges. Restored in striking black ceruse fin...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Linen, Upholstery, Oak

One Two Decorative Folding Savonarola Armchairs with Lion Head Well Carved Arms
By Dante Savonarola
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale one of two Savonarola armchairs I have a pair, this auction is for the chair with Lion head arms , the other chair which is listed under my othe...
Category

20th Century English Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 2 Green Velvet and Oak Wood Armchairs and a Sofa, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 2 armchairs and a sofa. Upholstered with green velvet an oak wood. Manufactured by unknown designer in Spain, circa 1950. Materials: Velvet. Oakwood. Important inf...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak, Velvet

Manhattan Brown Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Upholstered in top-grade Havana Brown leather, this chair is a statement piece that adds a modern touch to any space. Its unique double iron frame not only provides robust support bu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Laurameroni "BD 21" Modern Minimalist Armchair in leather and wood
Located in Monza, IT
Armchair with wooden structure in wood painted wenge, back and seat cushions covered in Cat. B Montana leather. FINISH: Cat. B Montana leather and woo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pavo Adjustable Leather Armchair by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Pavo chair by De Sede. The all-purpose armchair. Pavo has many facets, whether as an elegant side armchair or as a comfortable relaxing armchair with remarkable functions. Pavo o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

1960s Warren Platner Dining Arm Chair in Bronze Finish w/ Hopsack Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Platner Dining Armchair, model 1725, initially designed by Warren Platner for Knoll in 1966. This is an early example, dating to the late 1960s. The frame of this chair is ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Canoa by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Canoa by Imperfettolab Dimensions: 490 x 85 x H 71 cm Materials: Fibreglass Other colors available. Imperfetto Lab Who we are ? We are a family. Verter Turroni, Emanuela Rave...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Corolla 271 Green Patterned Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
The delicate shape of flower corollas inspired this splendid armchair from the Corolla series, stunning in its scalloped lower profile, which seals the contours of the enveloping sea...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Burned steel Arm Chair 032025 ARNO DECLERCQ
Located in Lubbeek, BE
ARMCHAIR 032025 Burned steel exterior and fabric possible of your choice (max 200 euro linear meter for Fabric) Fabric shown is late 1980’ from fashion house Celine (only 2 pc. avai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Celine Dark Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
This elegant armchair is a timeless objet d'art that will enrich the decor of a classic or contemporary home. Either in an entryway or living room, this chair can be displayed agains...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile

Celine Dark Armchair
Celine Dark Armchair
$12,938 / item
Le Stelle armchair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1974.
Located in Athens, Attiki
Le Stelle armchair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1974. Awards:Moma, Design Study Collection,New York. Elastic membranes, polyure...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Mw02 design armchair, handmade in France by designer Olivier Santini
Located in Beaumont-Louestault, FR
Elevating furniture design to an artistic level, the MW02 armchair enhances and transforms any space it occupies. Its tempered glass panels, extremely resistant, are meticulously sig...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other, Stainless Steel

Classic Contemporary Chaise Lounge Aged Brass Steel & Navy Blue Leather Sample
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Showroom sample The Wanderlust contemporary chaise lounge belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Petroglyph Armchair
Located in Roma, IT
The petroglyph collection recodes and reprocess scrap material sourced by the Nucleo Laboratory, in an assemblage that is constantly changing and evolving its form. The layers of the material evoke the wooden tablets...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Scrap Wood

Handmade Mexican Contemporary Conacaste Solid Wood Living-room Armchair
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Mexican architect Estrella Mora's collection "was born with the intention of returning the identity of Mexico's history to design, creating links between artisans and designers, so that working together we can weave a future respectful of ancestral techniques, as well as being an engine for the economic development of the communities that continue to work in an artisanal way," as she mentions in the interview. This beautiful armchair is crafted using high end solid conacaste wood (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) also known as Parota wood. By partnering with local communities in Michoacan, Mexico, Estrella collaborates with artisans from Ihuatzio and Cuanajo to create a durable, contemporary, and resistant beach house chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Natural Fiber, Wood, Bentwood

Emily Armchair by Chiara Provasi
Located in Milan, IT
As if straight from a glamorous lounge, the Emily armchair exudes luxury where minimalism just won't do. On a bronze-colored base, the chair is upholstered in dramatic red cotton vel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cotton, Faux Leather

Cane and Beechwood Lounge Chair in Ivory Basketweave by Pierre Frey
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Armchair by La Maison Pierre Frey, features a sleek contemporary solid beech wood frame with cane sides in a natural tan finish. Newly upholstered in Pierre Frey fabric from the Hano...
Category

2010s French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile, Cane, Beech

"Bubble club" club chair, Kartell Edition circa 1980
Located in Mouscron, WHT
"Bubble club" club chair, Kartell Edition circa 1980
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Fully Upholstered Armchair with Classic Silhouette by Munna
By Munna Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Drawing from the impossibly elegant waistlines of the pin ups, this armchair is a sensuous piece that offers a generous seat. The seaming details are exqui...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Modern Italian dark blue velvet tub armchairs, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Pair of blue velvet tub armchairs. 1970 approx. Reupholstered, excellent condition. Measurements in cm 50x70x58h 42h seat A beautiful pair of tub-...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Nube Italia Rest Armchair in Brown and Black Fabric by Carlo Colombo
Located in New York, NY
"Metal base painted and finished under high heat in col. Opaque black nichel. Multi-layered curved wood frame covered in polyurethane foam with a differentiated density and shape ret...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Modern Armchair with Black Matte Frame and Greige Leather - Above Collection
Located in Miami, FL
An Above armchair with black matte finish and greige leather. *Please check availability prior to purchase*. A refined take on modern seating, the Above armchair blends sleek design...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Lacquer, Wood

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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