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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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
Period: 20th Century
Set of Six Steel and Leather Dining Chairs in the Manner of McGuire
By 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 furniture would look great on an indoor...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Office Chair No.6150 by Adolf Loos for Thonet
By Adolf Loos, Thonet
Located in Kleinburg, ON
The Secession office chair no.6150 is a classic piece of furniture designed by the influential Austrian architect and designer Adolf Loos in the early 20th century. It was executed b...
Category
1910s Austrian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Bentwood
Bespoke Modernist Tubular Steel Armchair, Fabric/ Leather Upholstery c. 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Bespoke Modernist tubular steel cantilever armchair manufactured by Mücke-Melder, c. 1930. Available in fabric or leather upholstery.
This armchairs are restored on request and avai...
Category
1930s Czech Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Armchair 54, Gae Aulenti, Knoll International
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Armchair 54, Gae Aulenti, Knoll International. This piece is attributed to the designer/manufacturer shown above. It has no attribution mark
Mid-Century Style, Modern Italian, Moder...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Pair Blue of Niccola Lounge Chairs by Andrea Branzi for Zanotta
By Zanotta, Andrea Branzi
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of armchairs, model Niccola, designed in 1993 by Andrea Branzi for Zanotta. Construction on a four-legged tubular steel frame, upholstered and covered in dark blue leather, armr...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Contemporary American Beige Pebbled Leather Upholstered Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of Contemporary American armchairs with dark finished wooden frames, square slightly reclined backs, and tapered armrests, upholstered in a beige / taupe pebbled leather and resting on four square tapered legs ending in brass sabots. (LILY JACK...
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage Central European Wooden Upholstered Armchairs, A Pair
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wooden upholstered armchairs created in 20th century central Europe. Characteristic of mid-century central European design, these chairs exude a forthright and functional d...
Category
20th Century European Modern Armchairs
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery, Bentwood
Office armchairs on wheels, modern Italian made by Saporiti Italia 1970s
By Saporiti
Located in MIlano, IT
Pair of office armchairs with four-spoke steel chair base on casters and curved armrests, with straight upholstered leather upholstered support part in its original black leather.
Pr...
Category
1970s European Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Sculptural 1970s Dunbar Chairs in Ivory Bouclé
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Sultry pair of Dunbar sculptural chairs freshly transported from the 1970s now in ivory bouclé. Created by Lydia dePolo and Jack Dunbar, these are the perfect chairs for the buyer wh...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
Armchair “Little Big Easy” by Ron Arad for Moroso 1989
Located in Wien, AT
Early Armchair “Little Big Easy” by Ron Arad for Moroso, Italy 1989.
The Big Easy, steel chair designed by Ron Arad in 1988, shows that a volume, as sim...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Modernist Thonet A 745/F Armchair manufactured by Tatra, Stained Wood, c. 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist armchair modell A 745/F in stained bentwood designed by Thonet and manufactured under Thonet licence by Tatra, Slovakia, c. 1930.
Category
1930s Slovak Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Bentwood
Set of 4 Contemporary American Beige Pebbled Leather Upholstered Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
SET of 4 Contemporary American armchairs with dark finished wooden frames, square slightly reclined backs, and tapered armrests, upholstered in a beige / taupe pebbled leather and resting on four square tapered legs ending in brass sabots. (LILY JACK...
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal, Brass
Liceu De Artes e Oficios Pair of Midcentury Brazilian Jacaranda Armchairs Cream
Located in Barcelona, ES
Liceu de artes e oficios
Pair of armchairs
Manufactured by Liceo de Arte e Oficios
Brazil, 1950
Solid jacaranda and upholstery
Cream upholstered Mid-Century Modern
Measure...
Category
20th Century Brazilian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Jacaranda
Contemporary Gray Tufted Leather Arm Chair
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary "Foster" square back lounge / arm chair with tufted stone gray leather upholstery and silver metal legs (Similar chair without tufting: MTL009A)
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Giorgetti "Gallery 1975" Armchairs in Bouclé Upholstery Italy
Located in Almelo, NL
Giorgetti "Gallery 1975" Armchairs in Bouclé Upholstery Italy
These pair of two Giorgetti "Gallery 1975" armchairs are a perfect blend of classical a...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery, Beech
Coalesse Bob Lounge Leather Armchairs Pair, Exclusive by Pearson Lloyd
By Coalesse
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of RRP £5500 Coalesse Bob lounge armchairs with adjustable head rests designed by Pearson Lloyd
A...
Category
20th Century English Modern Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Vintage French Armchairs
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of armchairs in the French modernist style. The vintage armchairs feature an ivory polyurethane shell with an original black vinyl upholstery inside. The armchairs swivel on a c...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Dutch Modernist Tubular Steel Armchairs in the manner of Marcel Breuer
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Originally created by the Bauhaus school of design, the tubular steel chair was inspired by bicycle handlebars. Up to 1925, steel tubing had mainly been used for hospital furniture...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Italian modern brown armchair Artona by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown armchair Artona by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 1980s
Cockpit armchair mod. Artona with backrest and seat in brown leather. The backrest and the seat have ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Reclining Armchair Pair, Italy, 1960.
Located in Madrid, ES
This italian reclinable armchair is made out of a solid metal and wood structure, covered in foam, and upholstered in a bright green velvet fabric.
It's a comfortable and versatile ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Italian modern foldable red armchairs Jolly Cappai Mainardis for Alfeo, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern foldable red armchairs Jolly Cappai Mainardis for Alfeo, 1980s
Set of four armchairs mod. Jolly with a rectangular base. The structure is in black painted metal rod an...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Art Déco Streamline Tubular Steel Cantilever Armchairs, Fabric Upholstery c 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Déco Streamline tubular steel cantilever armchairs manufactured by Mücke-Melder, circa. 1930
This armchairs are restored on request and available in different amounts.
Delivery...
Category
1930s Czech Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Vintage Green Leather TV Comfortable Armchair
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
"lagu selection" is dedicated to preserving local values and brings together the craftsmanship of boutique producers and user-friendly, high-quality designs. This selection showcases rare antique items and unique pieces crafted by hand, aiming to emphasize the value of art and craftsmanship.
The real leather semi-reclining TV armchair...
Category
20th Century Turkish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Italian Modern Brown Suede Marenco Armchair by Mario Marenco for Arflex, 1970s
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown suede Marenco armchair by Mario Marenco for Arflex, 1970s.
Marenco model armchair, with invisible metal structure and wooden base, to which the cushions that co...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Pair of armchairs mod. Torso by Paolo Deganello for Cassina
Located in Rivoli, IT
Pair of armchairs model Torso designed by architect Paolo Degannello and produced by Cassina in the 1980s
This is how Architect Degannello describes the design of the Torso armchairs...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Umberto Asnago Highback Chair for Giorgetti-Progetti Italy, 1980s
Located in Almelo, NL
Umberto Asnago wingback chair for Giorgetti-Progetti, Italy, 1980s
This is a beautiful wingback chair designed by Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti-Progetti in the 1980s. It has been ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Wood and Velvet Modernist Armchairs
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of Armchairs, French, in the manner of Pierre Jeanneret, of cerused oak, upholstered in a brown velvet blend.
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Oak
Exceptional Guglielmo Ulrich Armchair in Velvet and Fluted Walnut, Italy, 1940s
Located in The Hague, NL
This exceptionally rare armchair was designed by Guglielmo Ulrich in the 1940s.
The elegant design is marked by the distinct, curved lines of the winged backrest and the rounded li...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Wassily Armchairs by Marcel Breuer
Located in Austin, TX
Armchair, Italian, produced by Gavina. This B3 armchair by Marcel Breuer features a bent chromed steel tubular construction and black stained...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Umberto Asnago Highback Chair for Giorgetti-Progetti Italy, 1980s
Located in Almelo, NL
Umberto Asnago wingback chair for Giorgetti-Progetti, Italy, 1980s
This is a beautiful wingback chair designed by Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti-Progetti in the 1980s. It has been up...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Italian Modern Teddy Fabric Alky Armchairs by G. Piretti, Anonima Castelli 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern pair of white teddy fabric and metal details Alky armchairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s.
Pair of Alky model monocoque armchairs, fully upholstere...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Calligaris Chairs in Leather
By Calligaris
Located in Dronten, NL
Elegant Calligaris three legged arm chairs. Enameled steel frame and legs, upholstery in nappa leather.
Marked under the seat of each chair. Three available, priced individually.
...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina Crate Chairs, Italy, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina crate chairs, Italy 1970s.
Pair of two Gerrit Rietveld' Crate' chairs. These chairs were designed in 1934 and produced by...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Ash
Italian modern light wood armchair with armrests and wooden slats , 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern wooden armchair, 1980s
Wooden armchair with parallel slats structure on the inclined seat and backrest, squared armrests of irregular shape, Suitable for outdoor use s...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
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
Pair of Black Armchairs with White Leather Upholstery by Thonet, at circa 1980
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Incredible looking pair of black lacquered armchairs made by the renown company of Thonet Vienna around 1980. These timeless designed black armchairs from the late 20th century impress with elegant lines and were crafted out of fine beechwood. The still original white leather upholstery shows minimal signs of use and age and build a great contrast to the black frames. A really fantastic, timeless designed pair of contemporary armchairs from the 1980s in Austria, manufactured by the famous company of Thonet Vienna.
PLEASE NOTE: we also offer the matching black round coffe table/ side table from Thonet, which would perfectly transforms this pair of armchairs into an amazing coffee seating set. (please see pictures #3, #16 & #19) It would also be a great addition to our offered black Thonet writing desk...
Category
Late 20th Century Austrian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Beech
Shiro Kuramata "How High the Moon" Armchair in Steel Produced by Vitra, 1980s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and early "High the Moon" chair designed by Shiro Kuramata and produced by Vitra in 1986. In great original condition with almost no signs of age and use.
A spectacular and icon...
Category
1980s German Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Italian Modern Solid Wood and Checkered Black and White Fabric Armchair, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern solid wood and checkered black and white fabric armchair, 1970s
Armchair in light colored solid wood, with squared armrests and padded cushion on the seat and back. P...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Wave Armchair, Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Wave Armchairs, designed by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, are a captivating pair of chairs that embody elegance and innovation. With their distincti...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Faux Leather
Original from the 80ies, Modern Swivel Chair Maurizio Peregalli, Signed
Located in Vienna, AT
Design: Maurizio Peregalli, Noto ZEUS Milano, signed, 1988.
Material used is rubber and metal.
Category
1980s Austrian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Marcel Breuer, Wassily Armchair, Edition Knoll - Circa 1990
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Marcel Breuer-
Wassily armchair -
Edition Knoll
Rare in this limited edition version:
luxury black cavallino leather
Steel structure / black colt
W7...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Wooden A-Shaped Armchair by UP Závody, Czechoslovakia
By Up Závody
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Unique armchair manufactured by UP Závody, home to famous Czech architect Jindrich Halabala, in late 40s / early 50s. Design attributed to Jan Vanek. Wooden structure in good origina...
Category
1940s Czech Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Black Armchair "D20" Axel Bruchhäuser for Tecta, Germany, 1980
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Black arm chair "D20" by axel Bruchhäuser for tecta, Germany 1980s
Introducing the black arm chair "D20" by axel Bruchhäuser for tecta, Germany 198...
Category
1980s German Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Norvegian Modern Wood and Leather Armchairs by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Norvegian modern curved wood and black leather armchairs by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa, 1970s.
Set of three armchairs with curved wooden structure with matt black coloring and blac...
Category
1970s Norwegian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Leather, Fabric
Umberto Asnago Highback Chairs for Giorgetti-Progetti Italy, 1980s
Located in Almelo, NL
Umberto Asnago wingback chairs for Giorgetti-Progetti, Italy, 1980s
Modern Progetti wingback chairs/armchairs by Umberto Asnago For Giorgetti in ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Poltrona Mod 915, Carlo De Carli, Cinova
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This tubular steel armchair was designed by Carlo de Carli for Cinova in Italy in 1969. An elegant armchair with a soft, solid frame that will prove comfortable and cozy, like all hi...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Italian Modern Semi-Oval Outdoor Armchair in Rattan, Orange Tubular Metal, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Semi-oval outdoor armchair in rattan and orange tubular metal, 1980s
Semi-oval armchair in wicker and metal. The backrest and the long sea...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Set of Two White Armchairs by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Brazil, 1950s
Painted stainless steel, fabric upholstery
Set of two pieces.
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Blue Silk Velvet Lounge Chair "Digamma" by Ignazio Gardella
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
Bachelor Chair
Located in Forest, BE
The “Bachelor” chair has been known as being the first success of Verner Panton. An original Fritz Hansen work designed and created in 1953. The chair was marketed toward businesses,...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Italian Modern LC4 chaise lounge, Le Corbusier Jeanneret Perriand, Cassina 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black leather and metal LC4 chaise longue by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Perriand for Cassina, 1970s.
LC4 armchair or chaise longue, with black metal structure to sup...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal, Steel
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Purple Swan Swivel Armchair
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, the swan armchair was groundbreaking at the time and has gone on to become a true classic.
The ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Italian Modern Armchair in Beige Leather and Light Blue Wood, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Armchair in beige leather and light blue wood, 1980s
Armchair with rounded seat and back, padded and upholstered in beige leather. The cerulean light blue painted woo...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Ficks Reed Club Chair Upholstered in Todd Hase High Performance
By Ficks Reed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fabulous Ficks Reed club chair upholstered in new Todd Hase High Performance cushions with frames newly lacquered in white. This piece has an authentic Ficks Reed label. Great additi...
Category
1960s Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile, Reed
Mid-Century Set of 4 Thonet Style Bentwood Dining Room Armchairs
By Thonet
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous set of 4 fancy bentwood Thonet Style upholstered armchairs. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Blue vinyl is a vibrant color and is easily changed out. Chairs...
Category
1970s Polish Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Naugahyde, Beech
Harry Bertoia, Bird Armchair and Ottoman, 1952
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Bird Chair" armchair H. Bertoia
Armchair with its ottoman
First edition
Bird chair designed by harry bertoia for knoll in 1952. The structure of the chair is made up of solid st...
Category
1950s European Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Pair of Rare, Early Edition ‘Locus Solus’ Chairs by Gae Aulenti, 1964
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Athens, Attiki
A pair of rare, early edition ‘Locus Solus’ velvet chairs.
‘Locus Solus’ chair was born in 1964 from the genius of the architect Gae Aulenti and was...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Midcentury Modern Pair of Black Leather Soriana Lounge Chairs by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Pair of armchairs Soriana designed by Tobia Scarpa and edited for Cassina. Structure in cromed steel and leather. Italy, 60s.
Every item LA Studio offers is checked by our team of 1...
Category
1960s European Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
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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