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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Upholstered and Leather Club Chair, Approx. 1960
Located in Kastrup, DK
Danish upholstered and leather club chair, circa 1960, with a tub back and partially padded leather armrest. Original leather with a warm patina and new upholstery from Baker.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

Set of 2 Kartell Venice Chairs in Mat White by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A tribute to the city of Venice in a chair for both the table and the living room, which combines classic lines with comfort. Venice is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.    
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Fauteuil Josh
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Josh Armchair: Tradition Reinterpreted The Josh Armchair revolutionizes sitting by breaking conventional design rules while providing unique comfort. With its organically curved ba...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Fauteuil Josh
Fauteuil Josh
$6,117 / item
Exclusive Contemporary Chaise Lounge Black Metal & Blue Navy 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 ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

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

Contemporary Minimal Chaise Lounge Black Steel & Natural Tan Tobacco 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

'Maria' Armchair by Anacleto Spazzapan 'Minimalists' Series
Located in Milano, IT
An armchair designed and made by Anacleto Spazzapan by welding an iron rod bearing the artist's initials and belongs to the 'Minimalists' series, furniture designed to be enjoyed bot...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Sculptural Contemporary Chaise Lounge Old Silver Steel & 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

Giorgio Collection Dune Outdoor Occasional Armchair
Located in New York, NY
Giorgio Collection Dune Outdoor occasional chair in special treated fabric. Cushion filling in waterproof dacron. Structure in combination of satined black metal treated in cataphore...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pair of Contemporary Gray Leather Arm Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Contemporary gray leather seat and square back arm chairs with chrome cantilevered bases and gray wrapped arms.
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

De Sede Leather Folds Armchair by Alfredo Häberli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-373/01 armchair by De Sede. Technical Details: Standard Configuration: Legs steel, matt nickel bronze-coated. Chair without rotation function. If not specified otherwise, t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Contemporary Armchair 'Barba Club' by Fogia, Karakorum
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Armchair 'Barba Club' designed by Andreas Engesvik for Fogia Materials: - Fabric, foam and wood Dimensions: H. 66 x 70 x 72 cm H. 26 x 27.5 x 27.5 in Fabric shown on...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Polish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood

Katana Gray Leather Armchair by Paolo Rizzatto
Located in Milan, IT
Marked by an embracing, plush cushion simultaneously serving as backrest and armrests, this armchair makes for the perfect nest where to relax after a long workday. Its restrained ye...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Dust Armchair with Beech Ash-056-5 and Aluminium
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Marcelo Manhago for Parma Ebonized Cane & Walnut Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Brazilian Modern armchairs with walnut and ebonized wood frames, caned panels, and striped upholstered seat cushions. (MARCELO MANHAGO FOR PARMA)(PRICED AS PAIR) Condition: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Leather swivel armchairs, early 21st century
Located in Manzano, IT
Add a touch of character and originality to your space with this set of two Space Age swivel chairs, made in the 1970s. Each chair features: Aluminum tulip base, an icon of Space A...
Category

18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

De Sede DS-163 Armchair in Cigarro Upholstery, Virginia Harper & Babak Hakakian
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Relax in style, in the salon-ready item of furniture. With its extravagant appearance, the DS-163 round armchair proves itself an extremely salon ready item of furniture, be it for cocktails in an elegant hotel bar or reading in the comfortable surroundings of home. The conical base carries a soft seat shell while the supple design of the armchair exudes infinite comfort. The use of neck leather up to 5-mm-thick underscores the warmth and the comfort that are destined to surround the person. Virginia...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Gervasoni Brick Armchair in Pavone Upholstery with Black Lacquered Oak
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Armchair with solid wood structure in natural Canaletto walnut, bleached oak or oak lacquered in white, grey, black, ocean or dove-grey, Brick 305 has the seat and backrest softened ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Dust Armchair with Beech Ash-056-1, Polished Brass and Teal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dust Armchair with Beech Ash-056-1 and Paris Lavanda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

"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

De Sede DS-4 Armchair in Snow Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The DS-4 is a clear statement from the designer to follow an IDEA, a style, a personal claim to perfection to the very depths. Thanks to its raised backrest, the DS-4 offers that sty...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-5 Armchair in Snow Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Life becomes a lot easier when you take a deep breath and decelerate your everyday life. Who better to translate this into a formal language than a master of her trade? Antonella Sca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

A Pair of Iron and tailored leather armchairs.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The restrained silhouette and subtle details of the iron and leather embody J.M. Frank's signature aesthetic— great luxury through simplicity. These armchairs are emblematic of the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Argentine Modern Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Dust Armchair with Beech Ash-056-5 and Teal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Gervasoni Gray 08 Armchair with Walnut Legs & Lead Upholstery, Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gray 08 is a wooden armchair characterised by an enveloping low backrest in the shape of a semicircle, padded with polyurethane foam with removable cover. The solid wood legs interse...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

"Plie'" White or Light Grey Armchair Designed by L. and R. Palomba for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Plie'" is a white or light grey polyethylene monobloc iconic armchair, designed by Ludovica e Roberto Palomba and manufactured by Driade. White version only is available in quick ship. Indoor and outdoor use. DIMENSIONS: D. 30.3", W. 35.4", H. 48.4", Seat H. 17.7" An outdoor sofa designed for the old and very noble art of conversation. Everyone can find his own ideal depth of seating position and posture on this sofa: more composed or more gently relaxed, depending on mood or circumstances of the day. Ludovica e Roberto Palomba wanted Grand Plié...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Bold Blue Lounge Chair
Located in Milan, IT
Characterized by elegant minimalistic lines and a timeless and versatile combination of hues, this lounge chair will effortlessly furnish any private home or contract area, infusing ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

"Gimme Shelter" Upholstered Armchair & Steel Frame & Base by Moroso for Diesel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Gimme Shelter" is an armchair, designed by Diesel Creative Team and manufactured by Moroso, featuring injected flame-retardant foam over internal steel frame and base in varnished s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Moooi Hortensia Armchair in Dwarf Rhino Buffed Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Hortensia armchair, by Andrés Reisinger & Júlia Esqué, innovatively replicates the beauty of nature. This blooming beauty is inspired by the bas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Stainless Steel "Heap" Chair, Hokuto Ando and Toshiya Hayashi
Located in Geneve, CH
Stainless steel "Heap" chair, Hokuto Ando Dimensions: 550 x 530 x 900cm Materials: Stainless steel May differ slightly from the picture, each chair is hand-sculpted and unique. ...
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Dior Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
A unique combination of comfort and elegant design, this armchair will create a sophisticated ambiance in both a Classic and a contemporary home. As accent chair in a living room or ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile

Dior Armchair
Dior Armchair
$16,261 / item
Dust Armchair with Beech Ash-056-1 and Vigo Plantain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dust Armchair with Beech Ash-056-1, Polished Brass and Paris Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dust Armchair with Beech Ash-056-5 and Paris Mouse
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dust Armchair with Natural Oak and Corn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

2010 Set of Six Gas Armchairs by Jesus Gasca for STUA in Aluminum and Mesh
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of six "Gas" Armchairs, initially designed by Jesus Gasca for his company STUA in Spain in 1999. These examples were produced in 2010, and the listed price includes the...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Contemporary Pair of Italian Armchairs, Wood and White Boucle Fabric
Located in Brussels, BE
Contemporary Pair of Italian Armchairs, Wood and White Boucle Fabric
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Gufram Magritta Rouge Sculpture-Armchair by Sebastian Matta
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
MAgriTTA is a sculpture-armchair, homage to Surrealism. The green apple and the black bowler hat, recurrent figurative elements in the works of René Magritte, are assembled by the vi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other

1970s Set of 12 Jack Lenor Larsen Furniture Dining Arm Chairs in Maple
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of twelve Dining Chairs with Arms, designed and produced by Jack Lenor Larsen in the 1970s. The chairs have solid maple frames, and they feature upholstered seats and b...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Maple, Fabric, Foam, Plywood

Dust Armchair with Beech Ash-056-1, Polished Brass and Smooth 60
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Arflex Algon Low Back Armchair in Brown Perla Leather by Luca Nichetto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Algon lounge Chair was developed together with the Algon Chair, melding Scandinavian simplicity with a patterned quilted upholstery. Contrary to the Algon Chair, that has a strict formality, the Algon lounge chair has high sides, that allow for a sense of privacy, perfect for hushed late-night conversations or a solitary moment...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Dust Armchair with Natural Oak and Aluminium
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Kartell Foliage Armchair in Teal by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Foliage collection is a family of soft chairs. The key players are a two-seater sofa and an armchair, that seem to have grown "naturally": the frame provides support for a comfortabl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

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

Dust Armchair with Natural Oak, Polished Brass and Corn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dust Armchair with Natural Oak, Polished Brass and Aluminium
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dust Armchair with Beech Ash-056-1 and Barcelona Lotus
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dust Armchair with Beech Ash-056-1 and Paris Mouse
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dust Armchair with Beech Ash-056-1, Polished Brass and Paris Green
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dust Armchair with Beech Ash-056-5 and Paris Safira
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dust Armchair with Natural Oak, Polished Brass and Vigo Plantain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dust Armchair with Natural Oak and Smooth 72
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The dust armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Blue Petrol Leather Modern Bhutan Armchair
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the stunning architecture of Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest Temple, this armchair blends luxurious leather upholstery with sophisticated lines for an elegant seating experience. D...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

"Costes" Curved Striped Wenge or Bamboo Plywood Armchair by P. Starck for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Costes" is an iconic armchair with a black painted tubular steel structure and curved striped wenge or bamboo plywood finished shell. Polyurethane foams padded seat with black or li...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

De Sede DS-1051/112 Armchair in Black Upholstery by De Sede Design Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-1051 is available in a wide variety of versions: high- or low-backed, with or without armrests, as a cantilevered chair, with four-star swivel base or with a five-star base. Extre...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Set of 2 Kartell Louis Ghost Armchairs in Crystal Green by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comfortable armchair in transparent and colored polycarbonate in the Louis XV style, it is the quintessence of baroque revisited to dazzle, excite and captivate. Louis Ghost is the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Q-Wood Arm Chair by Philippe Starck in Dark Wood Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Q/Wood is the armchair from the Smart Wood collection, with enveloping lines that create soft armrests and offer maximum seating comfort. Using patented technology, the wood is worke...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Set of 3 Stools by Camilo Andres Rodriguez Marquez
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 stools by Camilo Andres Rodriguez Marquez Dimensions: D 30 x W 30 x H 40 cm Material: Wood These stools are designed with the intention that the viewer will appreciate its...
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Maiori, Occasional Armchair Upholstered with Leather and Fabric
Located in Ponsacco, IT
The Maiori occasional armchair is a new way of decorating an interior environment. Its smooth and tapering silhouette allows it to create harmony in a brand-new or existing ambience...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Ash

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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