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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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
Polished white fiberglass armchair, Lloyd Schwan for Cappellini Italy 1995
Located in Catania, IT
Sculptural lounge chair made of reinforced fiberglass in glossy white on a heavy metal powder-coated base. "Statuette" was designed by the late Lloyd Schwan...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Wrong Woods Numbered Edition Studio Chair by Sebastian Wrong and Richard Woods
Located in London, GB
Measures: Seat height: 45 cm.
Limited edition design with only four numbered editions left in stock: #13/50, #14/50, #16/60, and #20/50.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Multicolored 'Bulat Flower' Armchair by Anacleto Spazzapan 'Fabric' Series
Located in Milano, IT
An armchair designed and made by Anacleto Spazzapan by welding an iron rod later embellished with multicolored fabric using the technique of weaving and bows. A chair that recalls th...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
$3,322 Sale Price
20% Off
Saturn Chair, Occasional, Modern, Sculptural, Bronze frame, Furry Pink Fabric
By Lara Bohinc
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
The distinctive Saturn chair is a return to the split sphere concepts. The lower semi sphere metal constructions cradle the soft upper spheres of Bohinc’s...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Genuine Soft Leather Sling Chair, Modern Stylish Sensory Swing
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
Stripped away from all excess, this hanging chair has a circular frame with the sheets of soft leather hanging loose within it, to create a sleek, sexy, and oh so comfortable experie...
Category
2010s South African Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Customizable ClassiCon Bibendum Lounge Armchair by Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
Bibendum is one of a kind. Nowhere in the history of design will one find an armchair that compares to this. It is captivatingly harmonious despite its size and unites a majestic imp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Leather, Textile
Giorgetti Progetti Armchair by Umberto Asnago
Located in Kastrup, DK
Armchair by Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti – part of the Progetti collection.
Light and elegant construction with Pau Ferro wood detailing at the top of the armrests, showcasing a beau...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Contemporary Barrel Armchair In Classic Elegant Style
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Handcrafted armchair shown in fumed word frame with burnt orange velvet and black piping.
Multiple layers of foam with various densities provide high level of comfort.
Stain resistan...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery
Pair of Dazzling Modern Chairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
Dazzling Modern chair, bold in character, this dazzling chair is unique in every way. Its one-of-a-kind shape was born from design exploration of the organic beauty and inspiration f...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
$11,980 / set
1960s Set of Eight Mies van der Rohe Stainless Steel Flat Bar Brno Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of eight Flat Bar Brno Chairs, originally designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1929 and produced by Knoll in the 1960s. These iconic chairs feature flat-bar stainless steel...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Outdoor Lounge Armchair Featuring Leather Upholstery and Gold Accents
By Myface
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Céline Lounge Chair
The Céline armchair features a minimalist design enriched with subtle details that bring out the essence of the brand, making it a versatile piece that integrat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Pair of Armchairs by B&B Italia, Late 20th Century
By B&B Italia
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of modern armchairs featuring a chrome-plated metal frame with wide support straps. Generously cushioned and upholstered in a brick-red fabric, these chairs combine comfort with...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Armchair 'Four Balls' by Anacleto Spazzapan Series 'Lace'
Located in Milano, IT
Armchair designed and made by Anacleto Spazzapan by welding small iron parts made from a rod and then enameled black consisting of four spheres connected by the seat and back. Armcha...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
$4,936 Sale Price
20% Off
Riva Armchair Red by Collector
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
A harmonious blend of craftsmanship and relaxation, the Riva Lounge Chair features a sculptural wooden base paired with plush, upholstered cushions. Its fluid, organic form offers bo...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Nora Bordeaux Armchair, Designed by Michael Schmidt, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (1.8)
The Nora is characterized by welcoming lines ensuring a high level of comfort.
Distinguished by the special inclination of the rear legs and the harmonious and proportionate shell of the chair, enhanced with seams to delineate the different parts - seat, back, armrests.
Designed by Michael Schmidt...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Pair of Dakota Jackson PFM Royale Leather Dining Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic pair of hardwood dining armchairs designed by Dakota Jackson known as PFM Royale chairs. The pair feature whimsical bowed arms conjoined to a generous seating area with cogn...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Francesco Zaccone for Thonet Golf Dining Chairs, Germany, 1970
Located in Almelo, NL
Francesco Zaccone for Thonet golf dining chairs, Germany, 1970
Presenting this stunning set of 12 ‘Golf’ chairs by Francesco Zaccone for Thonet. Beautifu...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Hello Lounge Chair–Contemporary design Seating in Dedar Mountain Tiger by NOOM
Located in Paris, FR
Designed to make a statement, the HELLO collection blends artful geometry with soft, inviting forms. Perfect as an accent chair or sculptural lounge piece, HELLO is ideal for modern ...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Fabric, Wool, Mohair, Bouclé, Velvet, Faux Fur, Ash
Customizable Artifort Mushroom Junior Armchair by Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
If you’re a design-lover and your son or daughter likes to have their own chair with the “big people” then Artifort’s Junior Collection is for you. Like the junior version of the Mus...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile
Woven Lounge Chair in Ivory Fabric by La Maison Pierre Frey
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Modernist chair designed by Goncalo Compos for Pierre Frey. The armchair features a suspended backrest with graphic angular lines against a round base. Completely upholstered in Pier...
Category
2010s French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile, Upholstery, Beech
Cast Brass & White Leather Brutalist Primal Lounge Chair by Egg Designs
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The white leather Primal lounge chair, a quintessential masterpiece from Egg Designs that stands as an icon of contemporary design. Versatile and striking, it seamlessly integrates i...
Category
2010s South African Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Upholstered Theia Lounge Chair in Ebonized Oak by Cultivation Objects
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Theia Lounge Chair inherited its name from the Greek goddess who gave birth to Selene, the moon goddess. The name Theia was also later used to describe a planet which, according ...
Category
2010s American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak, Mohair
Contemporary Velvet Armchair Offered With Nails On The Curve & Back
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This armchair is the epitome of serenity inducing design. With an embracing silhouette and luxurious deep seat, its sensuous curves and comfortable back perfectly adapt to the body. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
"Ten" Fabric or Leather Armchair Designed by Naoto Fukasawa for Driade
By Naoto Fukasawa, Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Ten" is an elegant armchair, designed by Naoto Fukasawa and manufactured by Driade, with structure in flexible polyurethane foam and metal insert.
Feet in solid mahogany wood or ebo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Seated Cage, Contempoary Artist
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Seated Cage. Contemporary artist. made by order and available in other textures, colors and finishes.
Category
2010s French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
$7,712 / item
Pair of Vintage Arm Chairs by Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover a pair of timeless elegance with these mid-century armchairs, authentically designed by Rudolf Gätzl for Walter Knoll. Crafted in the 1970s by Rudolf Gätzl, they're freshly ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Moroso REDONDO Small Armchair by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A collection with a distinctive two–part shape, the padded shell embraces the huge seat cushions. Its curves are shown off by the total absence of sharp corners and the softness of t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
$3,086 / item
Pair of Olivier Gagnere Bridge Chairs for Cafe Marly at the Louvre Museum Paris
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Pair of "Marly" bridge chair or armchairs designed in 1994 by Oliver Gagnère for "Le Cafe Marly" at the Louvre Museum Paris for Artelano Paris France.
A reference of typical French d...
Category
1990s French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Cleo Adjustable Reclining Leather Easy Lounge Chair by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Cleo chair by De Sede. Slim and self-assured in every setting – the Cleo easy-chair is made for relaxing. Its striking modern lines transform it into a contemporary sculpture tha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Pair of Minio Swivel Armchair - Modern Upholstered Design, Curved Arms by Lagu
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Production Time: 6-7 weeks.
The Minio sofa, which gives you freedom of movement while sitting with its rotating mechanism, reveals its difference in design with the striking curved ...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Foam
Log Armchair C.R.& S. Riva1920 Contemporary Natural Cedar Made in Italy Riva1920
By Riva 1920
Located in Cantù, IT
Armchair made from a single block of scented cedar. Distinguished by its squared lines and ergonomic seat.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Niemeyer II Swivel Armchair, Fur and Oak, 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
The Niemeyer II fur armchair in this swivel version is named after the Brazilian A...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fur, Oak, Fabric, Wood
Contemporary Swivel Armchair with Curved Lines and Metal Base
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This swivel armchair is a harmonious blend of design and craftsmanship, showcasing an expressive silhouette defined by smooth, flowing curves. Its sculptural form reflects meticulous...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Palace Wood Chair, by George Sowden for Memphis Milano Collection
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Palace chair in colored lacquered wood, designed in 1983, by George Sowden.
George Sowden was born in Leeds, UK in 1942. He studied architecture at Glou...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Italian leather & steel Plona armchair Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian leather & steel Plona armchair Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli 1970s.
Plona model armchair, foldable, with chromed oval aluminum tube structure and original black leather...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Set of 2 Green Velvet and Oak Wood Armchairs and a Sofa, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 2 armchairs and a sofa. Upholstered with green velvet an oak wood. Manufactured by unknown designer in Spain, circa 1950. Materials: Velvet. Oakwood. Important inf...
Category
1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak, Velvet
$3,398 Sale Price / item
69% Off
Contemporary Armchair by Hessentia in Blue Velvet, plissè embroidery on the back
Located in Carate, Brianza (MB)
Penelope armchair, suitable to furnish modern living areas, can be also chosen as a unique and refined item for bedrooms. It is characterized by a sinuous and soft structure composed...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Brown Ostrich Leather “Onassis” Chair by Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare 1984 brown ostrich leather “Onassis” chair by Karl Springer.
Original commission by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Constructed of carved wood covered with ostrich leather.
In b...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Ostrich Leather, Wood
Niemeyer II Armchair, Oak and 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
The Niemeyer II armchair is named after the Br...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Materials
Foam, Oak
Pair of Donghia Black Lacquered Designer Arm Chairs
By Donghia
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Donghia Black Lacquered Designer Arm Chairs W Freshly Upholstered Silk Cut Velvet Seats.
Category
1990s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
2 ART-DECO MODERNIST ARMCHAIRS by ROBERT MALLET-STEVENS & DARIEL, France 1925
Located in PARIS, FR
A spectacular pair of large -outside or terrasse- armchairs, Modernist, Bauhaus, Constructivist, white lacquered massive wood geometric structures, seatings made in strong fabric rub...
Category
1920s French Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Oscar Tusquets, Gaulinetta Chair, Black, Lacquered, LIMITED EDITION
Located in Barcelona, ES
Inspired by Enzo Mari and his Tonietta chair, Oscar Tusquets created an
adaptation of his Gaulino: The Gaulinetta. Tusquets’ reduction of the Gaulino armrests generates a sleek mode...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Hide, Ash
Italian modern armchair or chaise longue Wink Toshiyuki Kita for Cassina, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern armchair or chaise longue Wink Toshiyuki Kita for Cassina, 1980s
Armchair or chaise longue mod. Wink reclining and extendable. The struct...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Plastic
Red Aluminium Armchair with Lapping Cane Seating from Anodised Wicker Collection
By Tino Seubert
Located in London, GB
Armchair made from red anodised aluminium extrusions and woven cane seating.
Originally realised for the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield and inspired by Donald Judd and Børge Mogensen...
Category
2010s British Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
Contemporary Vegas Sofa upholstered in Mark Alexander Velvet with walnut legs
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Vegas Sofa, features a pronounced high back and sweeping curved arms. This special edition is upholstered in Mark Alexander Empire II velvet, colour Otter, with legs in natural o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Armchairs
Materials
Walnut, Velvet
DS-2011 Bauhaus Leather Armchair by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Armchair DS-2011/01 by De Sede. Aesthetics and functionality in a harmonious combination. An impressive design with a solid steel construction and light upholstery. Casual cushions and visible seams complete the harmonious look.
Details:
Standard configuration: Runners black...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Le Stelle armchair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1974.
Located in Athens, Attiki
Le Stelle armchair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1974.
Awards:Moma, Design Study Collection,New York.
Elastic membranes, polyure...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
"Monseigneur" Quilted Leather Armchair Designed by Philippe Starck for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Monseigneur" is an iconic armchair, designed by Philippe Starck and manufactured by Driade, featuring a padded quilted leather structure, with stainless cast steel front legs and ar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Kartell Bubble Club Armchair in Green 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
Fauteuil méridienne LC3 Le Corbusier pour Cassina en cuir rouge structure acier
Located in London, England
La méridienne LC3, conçue par le célèbre architecte Le Corbusier pour Cassina, est un véritable chef-d'œuvre du design moderniste. Avec son revêtement en cuir rouge éclatant, elle ap...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Shao Fan Art Armchairs
By Shao Fan
Located in Denton, TX
Combined two single arm chairs executed in 1996 by Shao Fan. Made of catalpa and elmwood. He has designed furniture which represents art rather than being purely functional. Each ch...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Elm, Paint, Upholstery
$18,000 / set
Arena Steel with Rope Weave Armchair
By Cotidiano
Located in Mexico City, MX
This reinterpretation of the Acapulco chair maintains the spirit of the 20th century. The city was a favorite for the worlds´ jet-set, one of the first destinations that put Mexico in the international spotlight...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
$2,390 / item
Salvador Dali Surrealist Leda Armchair Sculpture Black Label Limited Edition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Leda armchair designed by Dali manufactured by BD.
All pieces of ironwork in this collection are made of brass. The black label Leda collection has an artisanal application of a spe...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
$42,795 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Contemporary Bronze Sculptural Armchair by Hessentia, real bronze metal
Located in Carate, Brianza (MB)
“Iconique” is the name and maybe the most appropriate adjective to describe this metal armchair, which looks like a real timeless artwork. It is completely made of bronze, but despit...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
De Sede DS-2100/151 Armchair in Umbra Upholstery by De Sede Design Team
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The slats on DS-2100 in finest leather adapt to individual body contours and provide – with its embracing feeling – the highest level of comfort. Available as a low-backed, visitor s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
1980s Thonet Chrome Cantilever Sled Base Dining Arm Chairs in Grey Fabric
By Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Cantilever Sled Base Dining Armchairs, produced by Thonet in the 1980s. The listed price includes one chair, and we have several identical chairs available for purchase. Th...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Nora, Blue Armchair, Designed by Michael Schmidt, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (1.8)
The Nora armchair is characterized by welcoming lines ensuring a high level of comfort.
It is distinguished by the special inclination of the rear legs and the harmonious and proportionate shell of the chairs, enhanced with seams to delineate the different parts, seat, back, armrests.
Designed by Michael Schmidt...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Set of 2 Kartell Louis Ghost Armchairs in Ice Blue 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
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.