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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Chair and Ottoman Set with Antique Rug Upholstery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique chair and ottoman set in the style of Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection is upholstered with a 100-year-old Kazak Persian rug f...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

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

Outdoor Armchair With Patterned Fabric and Leather Details
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Hound armchair The Hound chair combines classic elegance and durability to take your outdoor space to new heights of design and comfort. Developed using high-quality materials, it i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Set of 2 rattan armchair by Lio Carminati, 1960 circa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The set of two rattan armchairs by Lio Carminati, circa 1960, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of mid-century design and the skilled craftsmanship of Italian designer Lio...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rattan

Vintage Mid Century Wrought Iron Pierced Rose Garden Patio Dining Arm Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Wrought Iron Pierced Rose Garden Patio Dining Arm Chair. Item features a pierced rose design to backrest, metal mesh seat, wrought iron construction, very nice vi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Cognac Leather and Blackened Steel 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

1970s Set of Four Herman Miller Eames Fiberglass DAX Dining Chairs w/ H-Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four DAX upholstered fiberglass dining chairs, initially designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1950. This set dates to the 1970s, and the listed pri...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Italian Modern Norman Foster + Partners for Mattiazzi MC 21 Leva Black Ash Chair
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Fabulous MC 21 Leva dining or desk armchair by Mattiazzi. Leva is inspired by the efficiency of the form and materiality of an oar, designed ergonomically, its steam-bent arms, made ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Ash

Modernist Tubular Steel Armchairs, Can Be Covered In Fabric Or Leather, c 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist tubular steel armchairs with an elegant sinuous shape. The upholstery can be covered with fabric or leather. The armchairs were designed and manufactured by Gottwald, Cze...
Category

1930s Czech Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

De Sede Leather Club Chair by Kurt Erni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-2620/01 armchair by De Sede. Technical details: Standard configuration: Legs beechwood black-coated. If not specified otherwise, the standard configuration will be confirmed....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

"Tokyo-Pop" White or Black Monobloc Armchair Designed by T. Yoshioka for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Tokyo-Pop" is a white or black anthracite polyethylene monobloc iconic armchair, designed by Tokujin Yoshioka and manufactured by Driade. White version only is available in quick s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Wood Frame Armchair in Solid Walnut and Leather Designed by Craig Bassam
Located in Ridgefield, CT
The BassamFellows Wood Frame Collection has become one of the brand’s classic signatures. Adding to the collection are upholstered dining chairs and upholstered stools. The Woo...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Corolla 271 Teal Armchair by Cristina Celestino
Located in Milan, IT
An ode to nature actualized in a contemporary design, this armchair in walnut-finished beech owes its name the scalloped edge accenting the shell's lower profile and the sinuous shap...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Modern Almourol Sofa, Camel Italian Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Almourol Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Almourol leather sofa draws inspiration from the distinctive...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

MONO Slipper Chair in Gold Metal and White Boucle fabric
Located in Miami, FL
The Mono occasional chair, elegantly upholstered in white fabric and supported by a gold metal frame, showcases Uultis' commitment to refined design. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail by Uultis architects and designers, this monochromatic chair blends seamlessly into any decor style, offering both simplicity and functionality. Its pure, clean lines exude sophistication, making it suitable for various environments from living rooms to offices. Designed with high-quality foam for exceptional comfort, every material used in the Mono chair...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Kandy Brown Lounge Chair by Pacini & Cappellini
Located in Milan, IT
This stunning lounge chair was designed by the internal design team of Pacini & Cappellini. Its unique piece will make a statement in a modern entryway, a rustic living room...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Leather

Solo Chairs by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, Italy, 2000s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Solo armchairs by Antonio Citterio in luxurious dark blue velvet for B&B Italia. Made under the esteemed B&B Italia brand, these pristine armchairs redefine the concept of contemporary seating...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Mongolian Grey Sheepskin and Antique Nickel Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection brings together 3 elements: a steel welded frame, replica Swiss military belts and soft foam and down upholstered c...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Green Primitive Armchair, Designed by Studio Nucleo, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Primitive armchair, played on the asymmetry of primary volumes, is made with a padded structure and covered with a melange-colored cloth. “Primitive as primary geometric figur...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Modern Liberty Armchair Low Back in Polished Brass and White Sheep Fur Cushions
Located in Oporto, PT
Inspiration: The sculptural forms of the 30s inspired the Liberty Collection. The tubular and steel structures that have marked those years are combined with a new inspiration that...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Metal

Nube Italia Sir Armchair in Gold with Wood Back by Carlo Colombo
Located in New York, NY
Multi-layered, curved, wood frame available in veneered rosewood or mat lacquered. New finishing 2010 outer covering in stainless steel. Padding in shape retaining polyurethane with ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Modern Pair of Black and Walnut Tone Wood Accent or Dining Armchairs by Haworth
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome pair of walnut tone wood accent or dining armchairs with black wool-like fabric upholstery. They are in wonderful original condition. The fabric is nearly perfect. The walnut stained, we believe ash, wood does show signs of age and use but nothing outstanding. There is wear to the stain on the arms where hands have rubbed. We call this patina. Please see photos, circa 1996. Here is a wonderful pair of little black chairs that can go everywhere. Just like that little black dress. This handsome set is made by Haworth Wood Seating of High Point, NC, circa 1996. Most likely they began life in an office setting, but this beautiful modern and sleek pair of chairs would enhance most any living space where you need a couple more places to sit. Or they would be fabulous host and hostess chairs at your dining table mixed with a myriad of other design options. Or place them at a small table for two...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

GRACE Urban Armchair in Walnut, Available Now
Located in Frazão, Porto
GRACE URBAN armchair: STOCK UNIT - Available for immediate delivery The GRACE Urban armchair is made of solid wood structure. With a singular and robust character, Grace stands out ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Cape Lounge Chair with Stitches, by Charlotte Høncke from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
An elegant armchair with an organic design inspired by the puffed sleeves and layered designs of haute couture. Its soft lines and chic details make the Cape armchair a real eyecatch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Foam

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

Tarantino Beige Velvet Armchair by Lorenza Bozzoli
Located in Milan, IT
Generous in its plush padding entirely covered in corduroy in a refined shade of beige, this armchair makes for the ideal nest where to enjoy moments of pure relaxation. Cylindrical ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Modern Armchair Frame in Wood Swivel Base Cover Removable Customisable
Located in London, GB
Large, solid, and comfortable, the Botero armchair captivates with its generous roundness. The solid and multilayer wood frame guarantees stability and durability, while the padding ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

ItooRaba Lounge Chair by Sizar Alexis
Located in Geneve, CH
ItooRaba lounge chair by Sizar Alexis Dimensions: length 60cm, width 60cm, height 70cm, seat height: 37cm Comes in stained black, white and natural pine Signed pieces. A furni...
Category

2010s Swedish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Block Chair by Estudio Persona
Located in Geneve, CH
Block chair by Estudio Persona Dimensions: W 76.2 x D 91.44 x H 66.04 cm Materials: Mohair Fabric Upholstered lounge chair. Shown in mohair fabric. ...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Mohair

Francesco Zaccone for Thonet Golf Dining Chairs, Germany, 1970
Located in Almelo, NL
Francesco Zaccone for Thonet golf dining chairs, Germany, 1970 Presenting this stunning set of 12 ‘Golf’ chairs by Francesco Zaccone for Thonet. Beautifu...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Mariani Wing Executive Office Chair by Luca Scacchetti Italy
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mariani Wing Executive Office chair, Collection Wing. i 4 Mariani WING Swivel high-back executive chair with 5-spoke base by Desig...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Colony Armchair in Black Legs, Walnut Structure, Upholstered Cushions, by Skrivo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Colony armchair with metal base varnished is offered here in black, however, also available in white, silk grey, dusty grey, intense blue or bronze. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Four De Sede 'DS-14' Armchairs Lounge Chairs, Cognac Leather Teak, 1989
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

1990s Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Teak

Ligne Roset Andy Armchair by Pierre Paulin
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Andy Armchair by Ligne Roset, a stunning addition to any modern living space. Crafted with the highest quality materials, this armchair boasts a sleek and contemporar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Visionnaire Mercury Anniversary Armchair
Located in Bologna, IT
Mercury, the armchair and sofa model designed by sculptor Rito Valla in 1961 for IPE, is returning with a limited edition by Visionnaire. Mercury was presented in the two sofa and a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Nutwood, Fabric

Set of 6 Modern Metal Dining Chairs
Located in North York, ON
Set of 6 Harlowe dining chairs. This exquisite iron frame is gently hand forged and sculpted. Perfectly poised and perched on delicate tapering legs. The tight seat and bolster back ...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Iron

21st Century Sharpei Armchair in Beige Leather by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
The refined manufacturing of the seatback, enriched with decorative studs, is the main feature of this original armchair which combines experimentation in the design of the shapes with the taste of sophisticated decoration. Sharpei Armchair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Foam

Organic Modern Arc Sofa Cream Wool Linen Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Arc sofa, contemporary collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. A masterfully crafted sofa whose robust wooden structure and high-quality memory foam retain their...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Thonet Style Bentwood Armchairs, C1960
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of hard to find bentwood armchairs in the style of Thonet. In very good vintage condition with minimal wear. Have other sets that can be combined but these are the only...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Beech

Set of Six Steel and Leather Dining Chairs in the Manner of McGuire
Located in Hamburg, PA
A lovely set of six bronzed steel and leather indoor patio chairs with cowboy-stitched leather that appears to be hand sewn. This set of patio furn...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Jute Armchair with Exposed Structure in Rattan and Ribbon
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Luxury comfort with luxury design: the Victoria. Piece of our Origins Collection, this chaise longue summerizes the desire to give identity to a space. High-quality handmade work to ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Jute, Wood, Trimming

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

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

Divi Divi Fauteuils by Mark van Tilburg for Leolux, 1980s
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
An exclusive pair "Divi Divi" fauteuils by Mark van Tilburg for Leolux. Manufactured in 1988. Reupholstered with a wonderful france white and red structured fabric form the hig-end ...
Category

1980s Dutch Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Gervasoni Dining Chairs Saia 25 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

Haring Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
Only for refined spirits; Daytona collection design custom fit solutions dedicated to luxury, elegance and practicality. This armchair has a plywood structure covered in multi-densit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Manhattan Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Manhattan leather armchair, dark grey contemporary top-grade leather with an unusual double iron frame. Dimensions: 30" W x 32" D x 30" H Seat - 18 H Arm - 22.5" H.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Design armchair vintage Mw03, handmade in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Beaumont-Louestault, FR
The MW03 armchair is a modern yet vintage design piece. This exceptional MW03 armchair is custom-made in France. This piece is limited to 20 units, and the model for sale is number 7...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome, Stainless Steel, Other

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

Upholstered Theia Lounge Chair in Ebonized Oak by Cultivation Objects
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Theia Lounge Chair inherited its name from the Greek goddess who gave birth to Selene, the moon goddess. The name Theia was also later used to describe a planet which, according ...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak, Mohair

Retro Style Lounge Chair Offered in Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Armchair influenced by the style of the 60s. Design that pays homage to the enveloping and rounded volumes, characteristic of the style of that decade. Upholstery: Velvet Legs: Sol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Italy Grassi & Bianchi for Enrico Pellizzoni Leather Pasqualina Armchairs a Pair
By Grassi & Bianchi 1, Enrico Pellizzoni
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Gorgeous pair of Enrico Pellizzoni Pasqualina armchairs designed by Grassi & Bianchi. The chairs were manufactured in 2014 and are meticulously maintained. This elegant chair essenti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Toshiyuki Kita Wink 111 Armchair in Black by Cassina, circa 1980
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Add an exceptional piece to your collection with this rare Toshiyuki Kita Wink 111 Armchair in Black, manufactured by Cassina in Italy circa 1980. The Win...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Bertu Arm Chairs, Suelo Quick Ship Arm Chair, Walnut
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Need something now? We are offering a few of our pieces, including this Suelo Arm Chair ready to ship! 20% off and in perfect/excellent condition. These are all one-off pieces. First come, first serve. This Suelo Modern Lounge chair...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Moroso BOUQUET Armchair in Pearl White Finish by Tokujin Yoshioka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
From a slim chrome metal stem blooms a bouquet of petals, formed from squares of fabric which are hand folded and sewn one by one by skilled hands and infinite patience. A tribute to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Modern Mel Armchair, White DEDAR Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mel Armchair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Mel armchair, named after nature’s purest and sweetest gift, brings forth the comforting e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Outdoor Dining Chair Upholstered in Green Leather
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

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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