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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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: Late 20th Century
Restored 1990s Mid-Century Boucle Armchairs: White Upholstered with Beech Finish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Experience the charm of the 1990s with our newly restored mid-century boucle armchairs. Masterfully crafted from wood by our team of expert craftsmen, these vintage chairs exemplify ...
Category
1990s American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Foam, Polyester, Wood, Lacquer
Pino Pedano Italian Dismountable 1970s Wood Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
Architectural Italian dismountable 1970s wood and screws armchair.
Designed by Pino Pedano, Milan
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Designer Chairs, Bone, Black Leather, Brass
By James Mont
Located in Miami, FL
Fabulous pair of designer chairs with black leather seat cushions. Chairs are partly covered in bone with brass details. Please see all pictures. Four chairs in total available. Pric...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Six "Rubber Chairs" by Brian Kane for Metropolitan Furniture – Steelcase
By Brian Kane
Located in Dallas, TX
Fabulous set of six bold black armchairs by Metro for Steelcase designed by Brian Kane. These sleek vintage chairs are made of black steel encased in EPDM rubber tubing with comforta...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Custom Olive Goatskin Onassis Chairs in the Manner of Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
A total of six custom "Onassis" -style chairs in olive goatskin with a light dusting of shimmery gold in the lacquer. Priced at $3600 per pair.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Goatskin, Wood
Armchair and Footstool Model Hal by Marc Sadler for Cassina
By Cassina, Marc Sadler
Located in Milano, IT
Stunning armchair with footstool model Hal by Marc Sadler for the fine manufacture of Cassina from 1997.
The structure of Hal armchair is in steel with padding in polyurethane foam ...
Category
1990s French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Pratfall Philippe Starck Lounge Chairs, Driade Aleph, Italy
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of 2 iconic armchairs or lounge chairs designed by Philippe Starck and made by Driade Aleph Italy.
This model called Pratfall is larger then the Starck model Costes chair,
what makes these chairs great as lounge chairs, hall chairs, side chairs, catering industry chairs, cigar bar chairs or waiting room chairs.
These armchairs have black leather seating, black lacquered plywood shell or back and black steel legs.
Under they are marked Starck with the labels of Driade and Aleph.
This set of chairs was used at a doctor's waiting room,
so are not perfect anymore and in vintage condition.
The leather is still in beautifull condition,
the wood does have some traces of use on the edges and under.
Black lounge chairs - Philippe Starck Chairs - Pratfall Chairs...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
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
1970s in Style of Zanuso Reclining Purple Velvet Armchairs, Set of Two
By Marco Zanuso
Located in IT
Two Reclining Armchairs from Italy from 1970s Attributed to Zanuso.
Reupholstered in Purple Velvet , they have been attributed to Zanuso for lines, shapes and proportions.
The rec...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet
George Smith Whiskey Mohair Custom Butterfly Armchair, Accent Lounge Chair
By George Smith
Located in Brooklyn, NY
George Smith Whiskey Mohair custom butterfly armchair, accent lounge chair. MSRP of over 8500 USD. Each piece of George Smith furniture is meticulou...
Category
Late 20th Century British Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile, Velvet
Vintage Modern Herman Miller Slat Back Armchairs Burnt Orange Brushed Chenille
Located in Topeka, KS
Fantastic vintage modern Herman Miller slat back armchairs comprised of brown mahogany finished wood frames with slat backs and their original burnt...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Lou Hodges Lounge Chair
By Lou Hodges
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Rare lounge chair designed by Lou Hodges for California Design Group in the 1970s. Cantilever design oak frame features trademark rounded edges. Restored in striking black ceruse fin...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Linen, Upholstery, Oak
Jacques Henri Varichon Galaxie Chair for Steiner, France 1972
By Jacques Henri Varichon
Located in London, GB
The Galaxie chair, otherwise known as the Zig-Zag chair, is an inimitable design by the French architect and designer Jacques-Henri Varichon (1945-presen...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
1 Keilhauer Arm Chair
By Keilhauer
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 Keilhauer arm chair
Modern take on a barrel chair with oak frames and grey wool blend
upholstery.
Nine available.
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Modern Open Frame Club Chair with Floating Seat and Back in Oak and Teal Fabric
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome modern oak open frame club chair with a floating upholstered seat and back. There are eight available and we are pricing them per chair. They are all in good vintage conditi...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak, Fabric
Modernist Vintage Armchairs Revers Andrea Branzi for Cassina Milan, Italy, 1993
By Cassina, Andrea Branzi
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
Rare Pair of 'Karate' Swiveling Fiberglass Shell Chairs by Michel Cadestin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare pair of 'Karate' swiveling fiberglass shell chairs by Michel Cadestin.
These iconic chairs were designed circa 1970 by Michel Cadestin for French furniture manufacturer Airbo...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Iron
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
Impressions Aluminum Stacking Outdoor Chair by Tropitone
By Tropitone
Located in Pasadena, TX
Tropitone was founded in 1954 to serve the contract market, including hotels, motels, clubs and resorts with high performing outdoor patio furniture.
Impressions aluminum outdoor stacking chair...
Category
Late 20th Century North American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
Gregg Fleishman Prototype European Cutout Plywood "Lumbarest" or Puzzle Chair
Located in Brussels , BE
Gregg Fleishman Prototype European cutout plywood "Lumbarest" or Puzzle chair, from the 1970's.
Category
1970s European Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Plywood
Vintage Hippopotamus Spectator Casino Billiards Oak Game Arm Chairs, Set of 4
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Hippopotamus spectator casino billiards oak game arm chairs - Set of 4. Item features (4) armchairs, casino/game printed upholstery with cards,...
Category
Late 20th Century North American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Pair Dowel Wood Lounge Chairs in Zebra Hide
Located in New York, NY
Pair of dowel Cerused wood lounge chairs in Zebra Hide. The chairs are well made, sturdy with zebra hide upholstery.
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
White Lacquer and Gold Rams Head Armchair by Enrique Garcel
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s white lacquered armchair with gold rams head details, designed by Colombian designer Enrique Garcel.
The seat is newly recovered with a so...
Category
1980s Colombian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Wood, Lacquer
Ron Arad, Victoria and Albert Moroso Armchair
By Ron Arad
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Ron Arad, Victoria and Albert Moroso armchair, blue wool cover.
Category
1990s French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Armchair and Ottoman in Leather, 1970s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Armchair and ottoman in grooved leather, glossy brown color. Large armchair with its sliding seat. Square or cube shaped ottoman.
Work realized in the 1970s.
Dimensions : armch...
Category
1970s European Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Pair of Zanuso Style Lounge Chairs in Black and White
By Marco Zanuso
Located in North York, ON
Pair of Zanuso style lounge chairs in black and white. Iconic Zanuso styling, recently upholstered in a unique black and white geometric design with accenting black leather arms. Com...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Modern Pair Off-White and Chrome Accent or Dining Armchairs by Steelcase
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
Guillerme et Chambron large 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
Pair of Sculptural Ebonized Wood Finish Arm Chairs
Located in Stamford, CT
Good looking muscular pair of sculptural ebonized wood finished arm chairs. - Reminiscent of a Richard Meier design. Seat 20.5" width and 16.5" depth 17" height.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
One of Six De Sede 'DS-14' Armchair Lounge Chair, Cognac Leather Teak
By De Sede
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of four De Sede 'DS-14' armchairs in a warm high quality cognac brown leather with a solid Teak base, designed in 1989 and manufactured between 1989 and 1997.
The chairs are in g...
Category
1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood, Teak
Guillerme et Chambron, "Petronille" Oak Armchair Edition Votre Maison, circa1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Guillerme et Chambron, "Petronille " oak armchair Edition Votre Maison circa 1970.
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Cherner Style Natural Beech Armchair with White Leather Upholstery, 2 Available
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Cherner style natural beech armchair with white leather upholstery, 2 available
Sold individually
The seat is 19" W x 16" D
Arm height is 26" high, the seat height is 18".
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Beech
Rare Pair of "Stripe" Dining Chair Armchairs by Giancarlo Vegni for Fasem, 1999
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of rare chairs rendered in white stitched leather seat, back, and arms with chrome-plated steel frames designed by Giancarlo Vegni for Fasem, ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Chrome, Steel
Modern Pair of Black and Walnut Tone Wood Accent or Dining Armchairs by Haworth
By Haworth
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome pair of walnut tone wood accent or dining armchairs with black wool-like fabric upholstery. They are in wonderful original condition. The fabric is nearly perfect. The walnut stained, we believe ash, wood does show signs of age and use but nothing outstanding. There is wear to the stain on the arms where hands have rubbed. We call this patina. Please see photos, circa 1996.
Here is a wonderful pair of little black chairs that can go everywhere. Just like that little black dress. This handsome set is made by Haworth Wood Seating of High Point, NC, circa 1996. Most likely they began life in an office setting, but this beautiful modern and sleek pair of chairs would enhance most any living space where you need a couple more places to sit. Or they would be fabulous host and hostess chairs at your dining table mixed with a myriad of other design options. Or place them at a small table for two...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Philippe Starck Black Chair Armchair Driade Aleph Model Pratfall
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Armchair model Pratfall by Philippe Starck for Italian manufacture Driade Aleph.
Black leather and black lacquered plywood shell on black steel tube.
Th...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Post Modern Gray Faux Leather Parson’s Style Armed Accent Chair on Casters
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous modern gray faux leather modified Parson’s style armed accent chair on casters. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vin...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Armchairs
Materials
Faux Leather
1990´s Pair of Convertible Armchairs in Rattan 'Malacca Cane'
Located in Girona, ES
Pair of convertible armchairs in rattan (Malacca cane), adjustable back and sliding footrest, under the seat. Magazine rack on one side. New cond...
Category
1990s Indonesian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Rattan
1980s Ron Arad Fauteuil Rubber Crust Beech & Black Armchair
By Ron Arad
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
London based Israeli designer Ron Arad Fauteuil Crust Armchair Rubber Crust Contemporary
Modern 1980s
Contemporary Modern by Ron Arad Associates
29.5 H x 34.25 D x ...
Category
1980s English Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Rubber, Beech, Plywood
Ribbon Occasional Chair by Stone International
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the elegant and timeless "Ribbon" Occasional Chair by Stone International, a true masterpiece of Italian craftsmanship from the 1990s. This exquisite piece of furniture e...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Naugahyde, Wood
Orange Armchair by Paolo Piva for Wittmann, Model Aura
By Paolo Piva, Wittmann
Located in Schagen, NL
Circular forms combined with straight, this elegant armchair was designed by Paolo Piva for Wittmann, Austria.
The chair features an orange and yellow upholstery and black feet with a silver colored...
Category
Late 20th Century Austrian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Plastic
Pair Modern Open Frame Club Chairs with Floating Seat in Oak & Aubergine Fabric
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome pair of modern oak open frame club chairs with a floating seat upholstered in a beautiful aubergine fabric. They are both in wonderful vintage condition. But they are vintag...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Four De Sede 'DS-14' Armchairs Lounge Chairs, Cognac Leather Teak, 1989
By De Sede
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of four De Sede 'DS-14' armchairs in a warm high quality cognac brown leather with a solid Teak base, designed in 1989 and manufactured between 1989 and 1997.
The chairs are in g...
Category
1990s Swiss Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood, Teak
Modern Vintage Pair of Aluminum Chairs by Jorge Pensi, Spain 1986-1988 for Amat
By Jorge Pensi
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern vintage pair of robust aluminum chairs by Jorge Pensi with the model name Toledo. Also the chairs are stackable. A stamp is visible underneath with Jorge Pensi 1986-1988 for A...
Category
1980s Spanish Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of Michael Taylor for Baker Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Michael Taylor for Baker Asian style chairs. The chairs have black lacquered solid wooden frames with black vinyl cushioned seats. Chairs are...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Modern Square Frame Oak Armchairs with Original Blush Textured Fabric, Set of 4
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful set of four modern square frame, almost a Parsons style, armchairs comprised of oak, their original blush textured fabric, and chrome and nylon adjustable disc shaped feet....
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Set of 6 Sculptural Dining Chairs by Carson’s of Highpoint
By Carsons
Located in Denton, TX
Set of 6 sculptural dining chairs by Carson’s of highpoint. Carson’s has been producing high quality luxury furniture for over 60 years. These chairs have th...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Italian Swivel Armchair of the 1970s "Neanderthal" Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian swivel armchair of the 1970s "Neanderthal" style.
Reupholstered.
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Bentwood
Brown Leather House of Chesterfield Court Office Dining Chairs
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale 1 of 4 original House Of Chesterfield court chairs RRP £2300 each
These are original pieces, these were handmade in England, upholstered with fu...
Category
Late 20th Century British Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
De Sede Black Leather Armchair
By De Sede
Located in Munich, Bavaria
De Sede from Switzerland manufactured this elegant armchair.
Black select leather and a sculptural shape.
Feet made of polished aluminium
We have 2 chairs in stock.
Category
1990s Swiss Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
1980s Burkhard Vogtherr T-Line Armchair for Arflex
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition
- Produced in Italy
- Labeled.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Pair of Carved Armchairs by Arpex
Located in New York, NY
Pair of carved armchairs by Arpex.
Carved wood details.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
1990s Sculptural Armchair light wood and leather by Italian Anacleto Spazzapan
Located in London, GB
A 1990s very sculptural armchair Italian design by Anacleto Spazzapan light wood frame with loose leather threads in mustard, tobacco, dark gray colors.
Greatly executed with clever...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Pair of Italian Brass Carved Wooden Leaf Armchairs by Bartolozzi and Maioli
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A pair of spectacular hand carved wooden leaf armchairs design by Bartolozzi and Maioli in the 1970s.
The chairs are sprayed powder brass with o...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Alberto Orlandi, "Pompeii" Armchair, Italy, circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Polished steel and leather modernist armchair by Italian designer Alberto Orlandi, 1980s.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Walter Knoll Black Leather Armchairs, Line Jason, Austria, 1997
By Walter Knoll
Located in Paris, FR
Four Walter Knoll armchairs line Jason (1997) design by the Austrian studio EOOS, in black grained leather with anodized aluminum structure.
The armchairs are in like new- condition...
Category
1990s Austrian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
1970s Pair of Small Armchairs, Wood, Red Leather, Spain - Barcelona
Located in Girona, ES
Pair of small armchairs, black varnished wood and new red leather upholstery.
Design: A. García
Spain, Barcelona, circa 1970.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Leather
Pair of Patrician Furniture Co. Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Patrician Furniture Co.
leather and chrome armchairs.
New leather and upholstery.
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
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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