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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Modern Lounge Armchair Wooden Curved Back Ironwood Polished Brass Gold Finish
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The luxurious curved "Lazy Day Armchair" is part of a seating collection in which sofas are also available for two or three seats. The curved back is manufactured in high-gloss iro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cut Steel, Stainless Steel, Copper, Brass, Steel

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

Gervasoni Gray 26 Armchair with Grey Oak Legs & Blue Upholstery by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gray 26/27 is a family of dining armchairs with an enveloping backrest in the shape of a semicircle, available with padded seat and back with removable cover and visible stitching. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak

21st Century Madras Armchair in Fabric by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Madras is an elegant and sophisticated armchair, characterized by soft and harmonious lines, emphasized by the upholstery with Leroy fabric, featuring a typical cashmere design and p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Kartell Madame Chair in Paris Print by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Thanks to its neutral colour palette, this chair makes the ideal furniture piece for inserting in sophisticated residential interiors or the most refin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Kartell Madame Chair in Shanghai Print by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Thanks to its neutral colour palette, this chair makes the ideal furniture piece for inserting in sophisticated residential interiors or the most refin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Moooi Hana Swivel Armchair in Calligraphy Bird Jacquard Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Create your own world in your safe space that is the Hana Armchair. Let the softness of the folds lure you in and when you step into that abundance of soft fabric, you’re stepping in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Solid Argentine Rosewood Lounge Chair in Leather from Costantini, Simone
Located in New York, NY
The Simone Chair’s gently sloping sides and back allude to forms from early 20th century, Art Deco style. Shown in Argentine Rosewood finish and but available in various finishes and...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Leather

Kartell Bubble Club Armchair in Powder by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bubble club armchair in light grey. Dimensions: Height 30.75 in., width 40.15 in., depth 29.5 in.; unit weight 17 kg. Made of: Polyethylene. Outdoor use.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Modern Armchair with Curved Metal Leg, Gunmetal
Located in Miami, FL
The Mille armchairs is a three-legged armchair that juxtaposes the softness and warmth of multi-layer foam upholstery with the stability and nobleness of metal. A slightly inclined l...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

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

Lounge Armchair with Wing Style Design in White Cowhide
Located in Miami, FL
Sensual curves follow through the design of this “petit” JENN lounge chair whose shell hugs you and gives you comfort. Slightly tilted to achieve a relaxed, ergonomic seating positio...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Modern Pair Off-White and Chrome Accent or Dining Armchairs by Steelcase
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome pair of modern chrome accent or dining armchairs with an off-white gaberdine-like fabric upholstery. They are in wonderful original condition. The chrome has been cleaned and polished and is gleaming. The fabric is in awesome condition. The back of one chair had come loose and was reattached by our experienced staff. Please see photos, circa 1986. The perfect pair. The perfect pair of fabulous accent chairs! This handsome set was made by Steelcase, circa 1986. They probably began life in an office or lobby, but their sleek modern styling will be oh so awesome in a home setting just about anywhere. Imagine them as extra seating in your living room or flanking a door in an entry. They would also be fabulous as the host and hostess chair at your dining table mixed with just about any design style. Or place them at a small table for two...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Armchair Eve Bag, with Hold-All Armrest, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The authenticity comes from the uniqueness of items belonging to this collection: EVE Collection, with its "Hold-All" armrest, evokes the female spirit and emphasizes it through one ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern White Velvet Armchair Cactus Shape with Gold Swivel Base
Located in Porto, PT
Ajui Armchair II is a conceptual piece. It’s an accent chair that combines an artsy interpretation of a cactus with the comfort expected from a luxury armchair. This modern armchair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Modernist Vintage Armchairs Revers Andrea Branzi for Cassina Milan, Italy, 1993
Located in Vienna, AT
Modernist vintage pair of armchairs model Revers, which was designed by Andrea Branzi for Cassina, Italy 1993. Andrea Branzi (1938) Italian architect and designer. After getting hi...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Beech

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

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Ola Armchair with Armrest in Vip Blue Upholstery & Grey Legs by Saba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ola originates from a simple idea but at the same time represents a complex concept – a welcoming arm chair created utilising four individual curved sheets. Each sheet converges towa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

One Two Decorative Folding Savonarola Armchairs with Lion Head Well Carved Arms
By Dante Savonarola
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale one of two Savonarola armchairs I have a pair, this auction is for the chair with Lion head arms , the other chair which is listed under my othe...
Category

20th Century English Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Rec Matt Chrome Armchair
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Rec armchair that you will enjoy using in your living room, offices or waiting areas with its matte chrome square form design as well as its long-lasting and durable felt fabric... ...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Set of 6 Jorge Pensi "Gorka" Chair
Located in San Francisco, CA
A fully Leather-upholstered high-back version of the GORKA chair by Jorge Pensi for AKABA. Clad in Leather with polished aluminum arms, this chair is supremely comfortable and eve...
Category

20th Century Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Nutwood, Fabric

Moooi Hana Armchair in White Dodo Pavone Jacquard Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Create your own world in your safe space that is the Hana Armchair. Let the softness of the folds lure you in and when you step into that abundance of soft fabric, you’re stepping in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Modern Armchair with Leather Belt Details, Navy
Located in Miami, FL
Bond armchair?. Inspired by the sensual fashion of Italy, this club armchair lets you indulge in haute furniture design combined with comfort and usability in your personal living sp...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

"Belo Horizonte" Armchair, by Lucas Takaoka, 2021, Brazilian Contemporary Design
By Lucas Takaoka
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Belo Horizonte lounge chair was created by Lucas Takaoka in 2021. The piece has a simple but outstanding design. The structure is made of solid ...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Black Leather Jay Spectre Tycoon Lounge Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Influenced by the classic Art Deco style, rarely seen or offered are the Tycoon chairs designed by one of the world's premier interior designer Jay Spectre. The Jay Spectre Collectio...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

ORIGIN 00009 Forest Green Arm Chair
Located in PARIS, FR
We found these dutch dining arm chairs "Ypsilon" by Just Meijet for Kemb, in a flea market in Paris, we were immediately charmed by their volume and silhouettes. They were in a bad s...
Category

20th Century European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Loomi Armchair with Brown & White Upholshtery by Lapo Ciatti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Loomi is the padded seat by Lapo Ciatti designed to meet the many needs of our daily life. Larger than a chair, less bulky than an armchair. A comfortable ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

De Sede Craft Fabric Armchair by Gordon Guillaumier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-49/01 armchair by De Sede. Technical details: Standard configuration: Back cushion and cushion in leather. Legs polished aluminium. If not specified otherwise, the standard c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Guillerme et Chambron Armchair, Edition Votre Maison, circa 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An armchair in black oak by Guillerme et Chambron. Edition Votre Maison circa 1970.
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Moooi Nest Armchair in Alfresco, Dazzleberry Upholstery with White Steel Frame
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Nest collection’s linear, clear metal structure lifts the plumpest and softest cushions from the floor. It is a comfy elevated nest for one or more people. For the lovers of fres...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

In Stock in Los Angeles, Black Gaia Velvet Dining Chair (5-Back)
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (1.8) In Stock in Los Angeles Gaia Velvet and Leather Upholstered...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Velvet

Modern Margot Dining Chairs, Cream Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Margot Chair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Margot leather dining chair stands as a contemporary piece that redef...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Velvet, Bouclé, Fabric

Gervasoni Gray 26 Armchair with Grey Oak Legs & Hopper Upholstery, Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gray 26/27 is a family of dining armchairs with an enveloping backrest in the shape of a semicircle, available with padded seat and back with removable cover and visible stitching. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Modern Beige Armchair with Metal Arms
Located in Miami, FL
Inspired by the enchanting bel canto of the Italian opera and its female protagonists the DONNA armchair represents timeless elegance and worldliness. The se...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metallic Thread

Modern Leather Semicircular Swivel Armchair - Off White
Located in Miami, FL
The design of the PALM BAY swivel armchair features a unique semicircular double-curved body that grants firmness and elegance to this chair. The pleasantly curved but rigorous form ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Ola Armchair in Vip Blue Upholstery & Black Nickel Legs by Saba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ola originates from a simple idea but at the same time represents a complex concept – a welcoming arm chair created utilising four individual curved sheets. Each sheet converges towa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Chillout Armchair in Special Brown Vegas Velvet by Giuseppe Viganò
Located in Brooklyn, NY
As soothing as background music, Chillout explores the new design trend that recreates old classics with a modern twist. Designed by Giuseppe Viganò, t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Moooi Bart Basic Armchair in Foam Seat with Ultra White Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bart Armchair brings a friendly sort of grandeur to your home. This single-seater does the rounded shapes of the Bart family even more justice, especially with the optional swive...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Contemporary Jaime Hayon Grey Dino Living Room Armchair Fabric Upholstered
Located in Barcelona, ES
A new armchair by Jaime Hayon which will convert into a classic. As comfortable as possible within certain dimensions that adapt well to the body and space it’s in, for both home and contract. It has sculptural forms and a lovely profile, similar to that of a dinosaur, from which the name comes. “During the last few years, I’ve worked with BD on different seatings developed with plywood boards. In the collection we now present, I wanted to take advantage of my previous experience with other moulded and upholstered seatings, to develop a new armchair." - Jamie Hayon    A rigid polyurethane structure covered with polyether foam cushioning and polyether foam headrest, seat cushion and backrest. Upholstered in grey fabric [Gaudi TG12]. Iron legs in a bronze black color. Born in Madrid in 1974, Jaime Hayon can boast one of the most glittering careers to be seen in the recent history of contemporary design. Hayon forged his identity as a designer at Benetton’s Fabrica communications research centre, near Treviso, where he worked under Oliviero Toscani...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Kartell Uncle Jim Armchair in Black by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Uncle collection designed by Philippe Starck adds the Uncle Jim armchair. The armchair echoes the lines and sinuosity of Uncle Jack and lends itself to b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Contemporary Modern Liberty Armchair High Back, Aged Brass, Pink Bouclé Cushions
Located in Oporto, PT
Inspiration: The sculptural forms of the 30s inspired the Liberty Collection. The tubular and steel structures that have marked those years are combined with a new inspiration that emphasizes the antagonistic feeling of deprivation of liberty. This conjunction marks the alliance of a vintage style with modern sensibilities. The curvy and exaggerated shapes of the chair´s arms symbolize the end of enclosed spaces which are transformed into open doors to freedom. Materials: Aged brass tube with matte varnish, classic coral cushions...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Brass, Bronze, Copper, Stainless Steel

Lensvelt MVS S88 Armchair by Maarten van Severen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Lensvelt MVS S88 cognac-colored leather chair was designed by Maarten van Severen. It is a low armchair. Materials: The backrest is made of cognac-colored...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

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

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Foam

POEMA II Armchair with brass buttons
Located in Frazão, Porto
Very elegant, Classic and comfortable piece, suitable for any living room decor. Upholstered with Grey Bella 280 with matte lacquered base in S6502-Y color.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Custom Pair of Cerused Oak Lounge Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Custom pair of cerused oak lounge chairs in the French 1940s manner. Dimensions:   total Arm W 25" x H 31" x D 30". Arm Height:  23". Seat Height: 16". Inner Seat Cushion:  W 2...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak

1 SOHO Task Chair by Roberto Lucci & Paolo Orlandini for Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 SOHO Task chair by Roberto Lucci & Paolo Orlandini for Knoll Ergonomical design from 1994, this award winning chair features a wide seat that slid...
Category

Early 2000s North American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Floor Sample Meridiani Belmon Armchair by Andrea Parisio
Located in Boston, MA
Designed By Andrea Parisio Small armchair with completely removable covers. wooden frame · non-deformable polyurethane padding · feet in backlight - almond stained wood · metal b...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Tarantino Brown Velvet Armchair by Lorenza Bozzoli
Located in Milan, IT
This plush armchair was designed by Lorenza Bozzoli as a nest where to enjoy the embrace of generous padding coupled to the soft caress of a brown corduroy upholstery. Raised on sobe...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Moooi Jackson Chair in Black Leather Embroidery Upholstery with Steel Frame
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sometimes you just need to feel supported, seduced, protagonist of your own world for a moment. After much giving, working and planning for others, you need to find your center by settling down in your favourite chair, taking some time for yourself. Energized and sustained by the grand backrest, you master the right frame of mind to conquer and create. Just recline the seat and swivel around in your Jackson till you are ready to bounce back to business! Additional information: Material: Steel, HR foam Upholstery: Signature leather embroidery...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Moooi Bart Swivel Armchair in Foam Seat with Shade Ochre 20291 Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bart armchair brings a friendly sort of grandeur to your home. This single-seater does the rounded shapes of the Bart family even more justice, especially with the optional swive...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Moooi Bart Swivel Armchair in Foam Seat with Shade Raw Umber 20292 Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bart armchair brings a friendly sort of grandeur to your home. This single-seater does the rounded shapes of the Bart family even more justice, especially with the optional swive...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Moooi Bart Swivel Armchair in Foam Seat with Divina 3 Red Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bart armchair brings a friendly sort of grandeur to your home. This single-seater does the rounded shapes of the Bart family even more justice, especially with the optional swive...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Guillerme et Chambron, Oak Bergere Chair, circa 1960, Edition Votre Maison
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Guillerme et Chambron, oak bergere chair, circa 1960, Edition Votre Maison. wood in good condition, upholstery and fabric to be changed.
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Amélie Armchair Vip Sweet Velvet A15 Dark Blue Upholstery by Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Delightfully pretty, the Amélie armchair conjures up visions of French haute couture. The special quilting highlighting the inner curves is done by hand according to a non-random pat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Arflex Cross Low Backrest Armchair in Brown Steelcut Fabric by Marcello Cuneo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The seat was born from a very simple idea: two tubes bent into a “U” shape and connected together by a joint. Additional information: Materials: Upholstered seat with Black Metal Frame Color: Steelcut 2 Col...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Gervasoni Ghost 04 Armchair in White Linen Upholstery by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The armchairs of the Ghost family have backrests with different heights and seats of various sizes, have a thin, minimal structure padded with polyurethane foam and loose cushions in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Adele Armchair by Castello Lagravinese
Located in Cascina, IT
Internal structure: Curved fir wood multi-ply. Padding: Sitting cushion: Natural , sterilized goose feathers , memory foam and expanded polyurethan...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Nutwood

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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