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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Blue Silk Velvet Modern Lounge Chair "Digamma" by Ignazio Gardella, Italy
Located in New York City, NY
This modernist armchair was designed by Ignazio Gardella in 1957. It features a clever design with a three-position reclining back, minimalist lines, and Gardella's signature "duck" ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Brass, Steel

Bold Armchair - Karakorum 007 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

William Katavolos Prototype Arm Chair in Brushed Bronze with Tan Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a prototype arm chair in Brushed Bronze with Tan leather, designed by Bill or William Katavolos and produced by Gratz Industries in 2009. This example came from the private c...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

"Orixá" Chair by Ronald Sasson, Brazilian Contemporary Design
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Orixá armchair is a masterpiece of design that showcases the unique style and creativity of Ronald Sasson. The armchair is an embodiment of comfort a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam

Gea High Armchair by Giovanni Tommaso Garattoni
Located in Milan, IT
The armchair with wings returns with a futuristic look and cabriole legs, available in various types of wood. With a slender and enveloping form, the color is customizable with a cho...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other

Roche Bobois leather armchair for Hermès 1970s/80s Vintage
Located in Villa Verucchio, Emilia-Romagna
Design and luxury: an icon of vintage This extraordinary leather armchair by Roche Bobois for Hermès, dating from the 1970s/80s, is more than just a piece of furniture. It represent...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

One Two Folding Savonarola Armchairs with Silk Hanging Tassels Well Carved
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 traditional chair with the rounded arms and silk tassels, the other chair...
Category

20th Century English Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Rattan Armchair Set in White Washed Solid Oak
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Contemporary rattan armchair set of two. The seat is upholstered in white Bouclé and the back in woven natural cane. The solid oakwood structure provides strength and lightness to th...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Rattan, Oak

Modern "Disused" Armchair in Terracotta Edition
Located in Florence, IT
This elegant and minimalistic armchair was designed as an addition to "The Disused Collection". The armchair has sectional construction. It makes the armchair easy to fold. The armc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Nube Italia Stream Armchair in Cream Blend Fabric by Marco Corti
Located in New York, NY
Base in Asform curved, painted and finished under high heat steel. Internal frame in multi-layered, curved wood frame, covered in shape retaining polyurethane with a differentiated d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Pasqualina Relax Armchair by Grassi & Bianchi
Located in Milan, IT
The comfortable Relax armchair is covered in silk-gray leather over a tubular steel frame. Other colors and finishings are available, guaranteeing it wi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

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

Bold Armchair - Karakorum by Dedar 001
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

Abbracci Brown Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
Marked by a charming and noble combination of materials and hues, this splendid armchair will make an opulent statement in an elegant interior, whether it be modern or traditional. A...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Gervasoni Ghost 25 Armchair in White Linen Upholstery by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Chairs with and without armrests, have a minimal structure, with clean and defined geometric shapes. The Ghost chair family has a wooden structure that is combined with polyurethane ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

exclusive original Designer Chair light blue leather Poltrona Frau Don'Do
Located in Berlin, DE
The Don’do rocking chair and the first rocking chair by Poltrona Frau is the contemporary reinterpretation of a Classic for leisure. It was designed by Jean-Marie Massaud and combines a clear and secure character with great attention to comfort. Don’do is a new testament to the high level of craftsmanship applied to contemporary design, a perfect balance between lines, bends and thicknesses achieved through skilled artisanal techniques. The structure and armrests of the Don’do rocking chair are made of cast rigid polyurethane, which is reinforced with a metal insert. The feet are made of valuable, steam-bent solid oak with an antique walnut look. Cover made of Pelle Frau® leather. A special longitudinal seam decorates the entire covered surface of the structure. The height of the headrest cushion can be adjusted with a perforated belt...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

De Sede RH-305 Armchair in Truffe Fabric with Chrome Finish by Robert Haussmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The cantilevered armchair is suitable for any living space – also because the seating comfort is overwhelming and appealing in every situation. The current product is a re-edition an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Nube Italia Stream Armchair in Grey Blend Fabric by Marco Corti
Located in New York, NY
"Base in Asform curved, painted and finished under high heat steel. Internal frame in multi-layered, curved wood frame, covered in shape retaining polyurethane with a differentiated ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Set Sculptural Chaise Lounge & Pouf, Black Smoke Metal & Natural Tan Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary chaise longue and ottoman is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 16 / 12 mm is complemented by the flexibil...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Fully Upholstered Armchair with Classic Silhouette by Munna
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

Foxhole 120 Armchair by spHaus
Located in Geneve, CH
Foxhole 120 Armchair by spHaus Dimensions: D 100 x W 120 x H 87 cm. Materials: Powder-coated steel, upholstered eco pillows. FoxHole is a family of outdoor and indoor products featu...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Jaime Hayon, Contemporary, Plywood Walnut Leather Upholstery Lounger Armchair
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair structure base in cast aluminum. Seat, backrest are in plywood with exteriors in walnut nature effect NG EN2 upholstered in aged camel V18 Various fabrics and leather...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

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

Wow Armchair by Simone Micheli
Located in Milan, IT
Wow is the Adrenalina cocoon armchair by Simone Micheli, a cozy chair you can sit on to reflect, make a phone call, work on a tabet or simply isolate yo...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other, Metal

Gigi Radice Attributed Armchair for Minotti in Blue Linen 1960's
By Alberto Minotti, Gigi Radice
Located in New York, NY
This chic armchair recently upholstered in blue linen is attributed to architect and designer Louigi "Gigi" Radice and was made for Italian furniture company Minotti. Radice collabo...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Colette Grey Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
Timeless and elegant, this armchair will be equally at home in a Classic living room, in a modern entryway, or in a contemporary bedroom. Its structure in solid wood with tall backre...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Feathers, Textile

Italian Design / Mid-Century Style Modern Lounge Chair by Andrea Branzi, 1993
Located in New York, NY
An iconic, visually stunning modern design armchair by Andrea Branzi in a matt anodized steel frame with a molded beech wood back support and arm structure in the form of reverse rib...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Armchairs

Moroso Gemma Armchair in Blur Black and White by Daniel Libeskind
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Gemma collection was developed around the idea of contrast and experience derived from the perception of a shape. The sharp asymmetry of its three-dimensional geometry contrasts the softness of the upholstery. The multi-faceted profile is reminiscent of both a precious gemstone and of the compositions typical of fifteenth century Italian tapestries. The collection represents a synergy between the complex geometries of Libeskind and the well-known expertise of Moroso. Libeskind has drawn a tremendous amount of inspiration from natural geological forms including crystals, gems and natural rock formations...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

THUMB Armchair in Mahogany and Maple Wood with Padded Seat and Back
Located in Lentate sul Seveso, Monza e Brianza
The generously sized supporting structure is a masterpiece crafted from curved mahogany wood and adorned with inlaid maple wood, finished with a glossy touch. The chromatic interplay...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile, Mahogany, Maple

LUI5/S Double Cane Small Armchair composed of Pentagons By Philippe Bestenheider
Located in Lentate sul Seveso, Monza e Brianza
Behold the epitome of Italian craftsmanship with our exquisite masterpiece, the Lui 5 by Philippe Bestenheider, a shining star among the iconic creations by Fratelli Boffi. This wood...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Wood, Mahogany

Surf Brazilian Contemporary Wood and Leather Chair by Lattoog
Located in Sao Paolo, BR
Developed for both outdoor and indoor areas, this armchair refers directly to a sport with great cultural identification with Brazil: surf. The first piece produced in order to present the concept had the backrest and chair seat shaped manually in expanded polyurethane, the same used in the manufacture of surfboards. Now, in the official release for the market as serial pieces, we offer both chair and armchair in two versions: upholstered or wooden chair seat.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Modern and minimalist “Oscar” armchair, made of solid wood upholstered in fabric
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
When she created the Oscar armchair, Alessandra Delgado wanted a piece with delicate features, exploring the curves of the wood with a design inspired by the work of master designer ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Synthetic, Polyester, Wood, Leather, Fabric

Arflex Sella Armchair in Leather with Black Metal Base
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sella is an armchair, where modernity and refinement blend together, to create a timeless classic. Additional information: Materials: Upholstered seat and backrest with black lac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Jaime Hayon, Dino Armchair Contemporary Green Hayon Edition Upholstery
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Dino armchair designed by Jaime Hayonmonufactured by BD Main body made of rigid polyurethane covered with polyether foam cushioning. A fixed head rest, seat cushion and backrest i...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Astral Brazilian Contemporary Wood and Fabric Easychair by Lattoog
Located in Sao Paolo, BR
The “Astral” armchair is Lattoog's latest release for Empório das Cadeiras and is the youngest of a family of furniture affectionately baptized by the designers of Série Viralatas. Two pieces of furniture, in general modernist classics, are fused (or syncretized) to result in a third design of an original piece of furniture, completely different from the others, but with a strong “genetic load” of its generative matrices. A concept invented by Lattoog in 2005 that has been a great influence for designers from Brazil and abroad as well. Here, strong but subtle references to Brazilian roots and culture are presented: miscegenation, syncretism and “viralism”. Astral is born from the fusion of the shapes of the Tank armchair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Textile, Fabric

Luxurious Lacquered Sleek Black Dining and Armchair with Upholstery
Located in Cairo, EG
Luxurious Lacquered Sleek Black Dining and Armchair with Upholstery. Our Sleek Black chair is super comfortable for an enjoyable meal and long chats afterwards! Its curvaceous moder...
Category

2010s Egyptian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Pine, Lacquer

Easychair Coral Wood Back Brazilian Contemporary Wood and Fabric by Lattoog
Located in Sao Paolo, BR
Armchair with wooden structure and upholstered seat. The first sketches of the Coral Line, consisting of an armchair and a chair, start from the observation of marine life, shells an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Textile, Wood

Moroso GEMMA Sofa by Daniel Libeskind
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Gemma collection was developed around the idea of contrast and experience derived from the perception of a shape. The sharp asymmetry of its three-dimensional geometry contrasts ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Reading Lounge Chair Upholstered in Leather with Headrest, Cream & Beach Gray
Located in Miami, FL
Inspired by the graciousness of stingrays and their flying movement underwater this MAN-T lounge chair invites you to chill. The wings of this accent al...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Outdoor Armchair Made to Order in Solid Wood, Wenge Finish
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Contemporary upholstered garden sofa with armrests. Frame and legs are made of thermally treated Ash wood. Upholstered seat and back cushions are removable and made of high density p...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Ash

Swivel Pouf Fiberglass by Draga&Aurel, Alpaca Fur, and Brass 21st Century
Located in Como, IT
Dialoghi Mimetici collection by Draga&Aurel: Structure in fiberglass. Upholstery in second hand fox fur. Brass structure. Alpaca fur Color white, size cm: Ø 52, H 46. Please note t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

High-Back Pasqualina Armchair by Grassi & Bianchi
Located in Milan, IT
This high-backed armchair is completely covered in ivory-colored leather atop a tubular steel frame, and its metal seat pan is covered in black technical fabric. Its silhouette plays...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Abbracci Circular Red Armchair by Lorenza Bozzoli
Located in Milan, IT
The comforting feeling of an hug inspired the enveloping silhouette of this plush armchair, marked by a curved shell with sloping sides that shares with...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Sculptural Organic Contemporary Chaise Lounge Black Smoke Metal & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
HUG Chaise Lounge Black Steel and Black Saddle Leather The HUG contemporary chaise lounge is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod o...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Customizable Artifort Kalm Armchair with Swivel Base by Patrick Norguet
Located in New York, NY
Kalm is Artifort’s large, new cosy armchair by our French designer Patrick Norguet. It is a sanctuary in its own right, a place to unwind and get comfortable. With Kalm, Patrick Norg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile

Fronteira Brazilian Contemporary Wood Fabric 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

Upholstery, Wood, Fabric

Modern Club Armchair Made with Wood And Bouclé, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
The Club collection is inspired by exclusive clubs devoted to socializing among privileged members. In order to create functional areas that serve the purpose of a club, this collect...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile, Wood, Bouclé

De Sede DS-2011 Armchair in Jade Upholstery by De Sede Design Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With its fluid, curved shapes, the DS-2011 appears powerful and dynamic where other furniture is already in a sleep mode. The visual lightness and modern, casual elegance underline t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Teak and Oatmeal Fabric Armchair, Modern Minimalist Tai Collection
Located in Miami, FL
A teak wood Tai armchair designed by Sérgio Batista for Uultis with oatmeal fabric. *Please check availability prior to purchase*. The Tai armchair blend...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Teak, Fabric, Upholstery

"Xitle" Armchair
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
The "Xitle" chair is part of ADN Studio´s Volcan collection. This collection seeks to go back to basics. It is a subtle and refined interpretation of the archytypical modern furnitur...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Doumo Armchair by Setsu & Shinobu Ito
Located in Milan, IT
A captivating design, characterized by straight lines, interrupted only by slight curves and bulges. Doumo is a collection which, due to its playful coloring, easily matches in with ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other, Metal

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

Leather Armchair with Metal Zipper Detail, White with Gold
Located in Miami, FL
LAMPO armchair. The love for details in fashion couture inspired this sleek refined leather armchair with its oversized tailored zippers. The cubic shape of its body with thinly desi...
Category

2010s English Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Set Sculptural Chaise Lounge & Pouf, Black Smoke Metal, & Tan Leather Sample
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary chaise longue and ottoman is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 16 / 12 mm is complemented by the flexibil...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Mahogany Armchair Attributed to Jacob Kjaer
Located in San Francisco, CA
A wonderful armchair, attributed to Jacob Kjaer. Featuring an elegant rosewood frame and original black leather seat and back.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany, Leather

Customizable Artifort Kalm Armchair with Wooden Base by Patrick Norguet
Located in New York, NY
Kalm is Artifort’s large, new cosy armchair by our French designer Patrick Norguet. It is a sanctuary in its own right, a place to unwind and get comfortable. With Kalm, Patrick Norg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile

Contemporary Tux Chair in Moon Melton Earth Fire Wool with Walnut Legs
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Tux Chair is our contemporary interpretation of the Classic Chesterfield. The deep buttoning and tailored detailing make this piece a personal favourite. Shown here upholstered in Moon Melton Earth Fire...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wool, Walnut

Handmade Contemporary Chaise Lounge Old Silver Metal & Natural Tan Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
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 the hand-turned m...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Bold Love Seat - Anouk 304
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

Collectible Contemporary Slinky Armchair - Taupe Velvet
Located in Mexico City, MX
Ottoman is not included* Slinky collection is a statement piece that redefines the essence of modern living. Bibi Bibi was inspired by an architectural silhouette and fluid, sculpt...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

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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