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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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3,644
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Style: Modern
Blue Bloom by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Bloom by Kenneth Cobonpue Materials: Microfiber, fiberglass reinforced polymer, and steel. Dimensions: 98 x 105 x H 87cm Inspired by a d...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Na Pali Armchair, Walnut & COM, Insidherland by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Na Pali means “the cliffs” and is a breathtaking landscape located on Kauai, a volcanic island resulting from the rain and the blasts of winter waves against the cliffs. Inspired by Mother Nature, the Na Pali armchair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut, Wood

Trevor Dining Chair with Armrests, Modern, Bronze Colour Frame Cream Bouclé
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
Trevor dining chair makes a perfect accompaniment for the tea room, its round spheres forming backrest and armrests, floating on thin metal rods, just like bonbons speared on cocktai...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

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

Corolla 271 Red and Orange Armchair by Cristina Celestino
Located in Milan, IT
Characterized by an exquisite combination of warm hues, this armchair features two different upholsteries: a red fabric covering the seat and back cushions, and an orange one for the waved backrest and armrests. An exquisite modern design by Cristina Celestino, it rests on a red-lacquered beechwood structure comprising four slanted legs...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile, Beech

Customizable ClassiCon Munich Armchair by Sauerbruch Hutton
Located in New York, NY
Modern art of the 20th and 21st centuries deserves an appropriate setting, with a building and its furniture that is just as modern. Berlin architects Sauerbruch Hutton were thus fac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Arflex Ladle Armchair with High Backrest in Giada Leather by Luca Nichetto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arflex Ladle Armchair with High Backrest in Giada Leather by Luca Nichetto. It is possible to create a very large possibility of proposals with a person...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Classic Contemporary Chaise Lounge Aged Brass Steel & Navy Blue 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

Bilbao Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
This Minimalist, steel-frame armchair features a seat and back covered in white leather, along with a metal seat pan enveloped in black technical fabric. Its four, flat, thin, metal ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Steel

Bilbao Armchair
Bilbao Armchair
$1,472 / item
Sculptural Contemporary Chaise Lounge Black Smoke Metal & Dark Brown Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary chaise longue is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 16 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the doubl...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Lot Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom Sizes Available. Price is COM.
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Linen, Upholstery

Abbracci Circular Green Armchair by Lorenza Bozzoli
Located in Milan, IT
Named after the Italian for hugs, this remarkable armchair is a synthesis of impeccable comfort and a captivating aesthetic. Plump volumes generously stuffed and covered in green-hue...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Pair of Armchairs, Italy, Mid-20th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of armchairs with rounded blue upholstered seat shells with cushions on conical pointed feet.
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

"Toy" Mustard Yellow or Carnation Stackable Armchair by P. Starck for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Toy" is a stackable armchair (max 14 pieces), designed by Philippe Starck and manufactured by Driade, in polypropylene monobloc available in mustard yellow or carnation colors. Smocking cotton or 100% preshrunk cotton loose covers...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Acrylic

Victoria Armchair by Chiara Provasi
Located in Milan, IT
Inspired by the chic elegance and bold style of Art Deco furniture, this superb armchair will be a standout addition in a classically decorated home or a striking contrasting piece i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile, Wood, Beech

Green Stylex "Rhythm" Armchair by Sava Cvek, Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This piece is a simple, yet elegant modern "Rhythm" armchair featuring a chromed steel base with a molded "black twilight" plastic seat. The chair was designed by Sava Cvek...
Category

Early 2000s Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Meridiani Teresa Armchair with Black Oak Frame and Leather Details
Located in Boston, MA
The Meridiani Teresa armchair, designed by Andrea Parisio, features essential lines accentuated by the warmth and solidity of skillfully crafted oak wood. The black oak frame is pair...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood, Oak

Dazzling Modern Chair Blue Velvet
Located in Westwood, NJ
Inspired by the organic elegance of nature, its sculptural frame evokes the fluidity of branches or coral reaching for the light. Crafted from solid brass and finished in a lustrous ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Rare Pair Sleek Nicos Zographos Limited Leather & Stainless Steel Club Chairs
Located in Hudson, NY
Pair of stunning black leather Nicos Zogrophos club chairs. Priced per pair. two pair available. Nicos Zographos made his name during his time at the renown architecture firm ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

Textile, Wood, Fabric

Contemporary Armchair in Chocolate Finish with Charcoal Upholstery - Bella Line
Located in Miami, FL
A Bella contemporary armchair designed by Sérgio Batista for Uultis with chocolate metallic finish and charcoal fabric. *Please check availability prior to purchase*. The Bella cont...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Sipario Green Armchair by Lorenza Bozzoli
Located in Milan, IT
This refined armchair flaunts a plump and compact body, generously stuffed to provide a comfortable seat embraced by a curved backrest. The fine upholstery in green leather is marked...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Teak Wood Armchair with Natural Cane Back and Shaped Wooden Seat, Turn Line
Located in Miami, FL
A Turn teak wood armchair with natural cane back. *Please check availability prior to purchase*. The Turn armchair by Sérgio Batista for Uultis is a refined blend of natural materia...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Teak, Cane

Teak Armchair with Black Leather Cushions and Slotted Backrest – Tai Collection
Located in Miami, FL
The Tai armchair in teak wood with black leather cushions by Uultis captures the essence of modern sophistication blended seamlessly with traditional craf...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Teak, Leather, Upholstery

Western Armchair, Walnut & COM, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Western is a captivating armchair that recreates the image of an old cowboy hat standing in a saddle rack. The top of the armchair performs the concave hat with rounded tabs and the band around it turns into a comfortable cushion. The base in walnut approaches the structure and color of the saddle rack. Having a modernist inspiration at a fist sight, the Western armchair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut, Wood

Katakana Lounge Chair by Dare Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Katakana lounge chair by Dare Studio, 2009 Dimensions: H 79 x D 82.8 x W 72 cm Materials: American black walnut, black leather Features: Can be used in vertical or horizontal posi...
Category

2010s British Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Couture Wooden-Legged Chair by Stefano Bigi
Located in Milan, IT
This chair was designed to fit perfectly into any space. The seat's shape holds up the back, ensuring comfort, while four Canaletto-walnut legs support the structure. The shell is in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, 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

Rush cane armchair designed John Hutton for Donghia 1980s mahogany accents
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Heavy well made John Hutton design for Donghia from DD Building NYC. No longer in production.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rush

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

Century Club Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
A chic contemporary take on a true classic, the Century Club Armchair is designed for pure comfort. In moody green upholstery with a copper geometric ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile

Dodo Green Armchair by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Milan, IT
Ideal to be paired with its sofa counterpart for a cohesive look, this armchair couples neat lines to generous volumes to provide excellent comfort wi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile

Arflex Gloria Armchair Low Backrest in Grey Fabric by Claesson Koivisto Rune
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arflex Gloria Low Version Chair in Cabas Fabric by Claesson Koivisto Rune. She can look smart for when she goes to work, dressed up when going to a party, or put on something cosy when staying in. Dress her as you want her to be! Additional Information: Materials: Upholstered seat with black lacquered metal & black protective nylon glides Color: Fabric Cabas 49, T2 Structure: Trademark low energy consumption material with recyclable technology and poplar multiply wood Springing: Elstic straps Seat Upholstery: Shaped polyurethane with differentiated density / polyester slip cover Armrest and Backrest Upholstery: Shaped polyurethane with differentiated density / polyester slip cover Base: Black lacquered metal & black protective nylon glides Cover: Fabric or leather. Not removable cover, except for version wih skirt Cover in leather not available for armchair with skirt...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Collectible Contemporary Slinky Armchair - Balsam 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

Sweet Set of Mustard Armchair and Pouf by Elisa Giovannoni
Located in Milan, IT
Soft curves and harmonious proportions define the silhouette of the armchair and pouf making up this set. Both upholstered in smooth, mustard-hued leather for a luxe and inebriating ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Bucket Yellow/Gray Armchair with Tall Headrest by E. Giovannoni
Located in Milan, IT
This exclusive armchair boasts a welcoming design resulting equally apt to fit in commercial or residential settings. Raised on bold feet, the silhouette is cleverly sculpted and stu...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile

Overseas Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
A contemporary take on the timeless must-have, the Overseas Armchair creates a cool lounge environment and welcomes hours of cozy relaxation. On an open-pore ash base with a charcoal...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile

Overseas Armchair
Overseas Armchair
$6,383 / item
Colette Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
This elegant armchair features delicate curves that are both comfortable and sophisticated and will be an exquisite accent to a Classic living room. The structure is in solid wood, c...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other

Colette Armchair
Colette Armchair
$10,724 / item
MCR Armchair By André Fu Living
Located in Admiralty, HK
a sculptural armchair designed to capture the silhouette of poetic dance movements. bold in shape and integrated into a curvilinear solid ash frame, the armchair exudes a sense of co...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Ash

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

Amelie Pleated Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
A stunning piece of functional decor, this armchair combines comfort with an elegant design and features an exquisite upholstery in fabric that was pleated by hand throughout, making...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile

Ghidini 1961 Frame Armchair with Arms in Cuoio Leather by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Stefano Giovannoni designs frame for Ghidini 1961, a new collection composed of sofas, armchairs, dining and coffee tables, bookshelves and cabinets. Everything starts from a simple ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

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

Michelle Azure Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
Marked by a sleek silhouette and bold upholstery, this armchair will add a touch of classic glamour to a traditional living room or private study decor. The sinuous lines of the Berg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile

Niemeyer Armchair, Brass & COM, Insidherland by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Golden Winner at the Muse Design Awards Competition 2022 The Niemeyer armchair is named after the Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer whose Architecture w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Metal

Niemeyer II Armchair and Stool, COM, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Gold Design Award Winner for Furniture Design Category at the A’Design Award Competition 2021-2022 Both the Niemeyer II armchair and stool...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Foam, Oak, Fabric

Frame Leather Armchair by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Milan, IT
The Frame Armchair invites you to take a moment of relaxation with a warm and stylish design. Crafted in burnished aluminum, the frame is a sturdy and solid piece that marries perfec...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Set of 2 Kartell Louis Ghost Armchairs in Glossy White by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comfortable armchair in transparent and coloured polycarbonate in the Louis XV style, it is the Quintessence of Baroque revisited to dazzle, excite and captivate. Louis Ghost is th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Sipario Light-Brown Armchair by Lorenza Bozzoli
Located in Milan, IT
This sophisticated armchair boasts a bold and compact silhouette, marked by plump volumes richly stuffed to guarantee utmost comfort. The prized upholstery in brown leather flaunts a...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Morebillow Armchair Pink By Antonio Piciulo
Located in Milan, IT
Morebillow encapsulates retro lines with simple, clean shapes. On the one hand, we find the solidity of the structure in iron, and on the other, there is the softness of the bubble u...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other, Iron

De Sede DS 57 Armchair in Umbra Upholstery by Franz Romero
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bugatti type 57, an icon of Art Deco design, inspired Franz Romero when he designed the DS-57 armchair for De Sede. The designer not only managed t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Beautiful Armchair from Uluv in Cherry, 1960
Located in Vienna, Austria
Elegant armchair from Uluv in cherrywood. Handmade by one individual from start to finish. The upholstery is original with padding made from sea grass. Sea grass was used by many Eu...
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cherry

Vienna Lounge Armchair by Colé, Beechwood, Red Cushions Contemporary Design
Located in Milan, Lombardy
Vienna longue A living room armchair in wood and straw, that recalls the exclusive club atmosphere but in a contemporary key. Vienna is an extraordinarily comfortable and elegant lo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Pair of Harvey Probber Solid Bar Aluminum Lounge Chairs, 1960's
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair of Harvey Probber 1427A Solid Bar Aluminum Lounge Chairs. Featuring solid Aluminum bar construction, ergonomic slant back, attached spacious cushions, with tufted Blue, Red, Whi...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Deconstructed Design Rattan Armchair in Black Leather
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Hand-made, with a deconstructed design, this leather armchair has been designed to be the union of elegance, high quality design and comfort.? Available in different models thanks to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Jute, Wood, Leather, Rattan

Poltroncina meeting Black & More
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Meeting Armchair – Von Malerba Collection: Black & More Category: Office Armchairs Context: Office The Meeting Armchair from the Black & More Collection combines comfort, elegance,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Quartz Wood Armchair with Cane Back and Off-White Fabric, Soho Collection
Located in Miami, FL
A vintage style Soho quartz finish armchair by Sérgio Batista for Uultis, with cane back and off-white fabric. *Please check availability prior to purchase*. The Soho armchair, desi...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Original CM197 Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original CM197 armchair by Pierre Paulin. Designed for Thonet, France in 1958. Green vinyl upholstery in excellent original condition. Can be reupholstered easi...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Katana Jade Armchair By Paolo Rizzato
Located in Milan, IT
This armchair is part of the Katana Collection which borrows its name from the curve of its brass legs, recalling the profile of the traditional samurai sword. This armchair is a jew...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile

21st Century Bonnie_2 Armchair in Fabric and Leather by Gianfranco Ferré Home
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
An original and comfortable shape for Bonnie: halfway between an armchair and a chaise longue, it is characterized by the backrest that continues on the seat and on the lower part, replacing the legs in the front. The oblique rear legs with bronzed brass feet add an intriguing vintage note...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Beech

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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