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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Gervasoni Armchair Saia 05 by David Lopez Quincoces
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With balanced lines, the Saia upholstered collection is created from a classic ideal reinterpreted in a contemporary key. The name, meaning "skirt" in Portuguese, illustrates its dis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

"Pietra" Curved Armchair with Arms Upholstered in Natural Leather Caramel
Located in Centro, RS
Pietra from Italian: Stone The designer Marta Manente is of Italian descent, her great-grandparents migrated from Italy over 100 years ago and lived in the region of Bento Gonçalves ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

1980s Italian Modern Memphis Style Armchair in the Manner of Massimo Iosa Ghini
Located in Chicago, IL
Italian Modern vintage lounge chair or armchair, model Numero Uno, from leather and chrome in the manner of Massimo Iosa Ghini for Moroso 1986, Italy. Freestanding ergonomic lounge c...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide

Organic Modern Twins Curved Sofa, White Bouclé, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Twins cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Bouclé, Wood

Pair of Armchairs by B&B Italia, Late 20th Century
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

Customizable Artifort Tulip Lounge with Swivel Base by Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
The tulip armchair for Artifort…. as if designer Pierre Paulin had premonitions of flower power! The simple tulip spreads its half-open petals around the sitter, inviting and warming...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile

Italian modern red armchair Marenco by Mario Marenco for Arflex, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern red armchair Marenco by Mario Marenco for Arflex, 1970s Square shaped armchair mod. Marenco. The seat and backrest are composed of t...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

'Caverna' contemporary wooden armchair by Brazilian Studio Knót Artesanal
Located in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
Cavernas are the arched structures that, when combined, form the skeleton of a vessel. These delicately sculpted pieces are the pure embodiment of design, blending the strength and...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Yeti Sofa by Pepe Albargues
Located in Geneve, CH
Yeti Sofa by Pepe Albargues by Vladimir Naumov Dimensions: W 202 x D 110 x H 82 cm. Materials: Mongolia fur, pine wood structure, plywood and tablex, foam cm...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Faux Fur, Foam, Wood, Beech, Plywood

LEWIS Lounge Chair – Modern Minimalist Statement Piece
Located in Frazão, Porto
LEWIS’ modern and consensual design makes it the perfect armchair for any room. It can be upholstered in contrasting fabrics for a bolder result or using the same fabric for classic ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Moooi Hortensia Armchair in Dodo Pavone Jacquard Darkgrey 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

Pair of Scandinavian armchairs in pine circa 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A scandinavian pair of pine and fabric armchairs circa 1970
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Pine

Baleri Italia Caprichair Armchair in Leather by Hannes Wettstein
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Caprichair is a precise idea: function perfectly expressed. A playful, almost anthropomorphic form, a serendipitous example of details and small finishing touches. Its formal and con...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

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

Gaulino Black Chair by Oscar Tusquets
Located in Geneve, CH
Gaulino black chair by Oscar Tusquets Dimensions: D 55 x W 70 x H 76 cm Materials: Structure and backrest in solid natural ash, lacquered in black or varnished. Seat upholstered i...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Ash

Moss Green Bloom by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Bloom by Kenneth Cobonpue Materials: microfiber, fiberglass reinforced polymer, and steel. Dimensions: 98 x 105 x H 87cm Inspired by a delicate blossom, Bloom is composed of hun...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Sly Low Armchair Rombi with Ropes by Italo Pertichini
Located in Milan, IT
With its enveloping shape, this designer armchair is characterized by the slits on the back, which is available in a high or low version. The slits are close...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Other

Moroso BOUQUET Armchair in Sand Finish by Tokujin Yoshioka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
From a slim chrome metal stem blooms a bouquet of petals, formed from squares of fabric which are hand folded and sewn one by one by skilled hands and infinite patience. A tribute to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Cowhide Leather Tucroma Armchairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, New
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Currently, the most coveted dining chairs by interior designers are 'Tucroma' chairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, and we have this incredible pair (2) of Tucroma armchairs in ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Tlaquepaque Armchairs by Architect Ricardo Legorreta
Located in Mexico City, MX
Ricardo Legorreta was one of the most influential architects of his generation. During his productive life, Ricardo Legorreta received many awards and acknowledgements on a local and...
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

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

mm3 Armchair, Tilting Backrest, Off-White Leather and Iron Frame by Mario Milana
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The mm3 is an armchair where the tilting backrest invites a constant interaction with the chair, providing an active way of sitting that promotes a mindful physical presence. Thanks...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Iron

De Sede DS-164 Armchair in Off White Upholstery by Hugo de Ruiter
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Revolutionary back-push mechanism DS-164 can be transformed from an open sofa into an elegant chaise longue in a single movement, while the backrest can be stylefull rotated infinite...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Candelaria Contemporary Armchair
Located in Mexico City, MX
A conversational armchair built by a unique assembly process of three separate elements, with a subtle visual effect intended to create a classic, but infinitely bold piece. Ad Hoc g...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Acerbis Palla Armchair with Pouf by Claudio Salocchi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
At the forefront of both design and approach to seating, the Palla armchair by Claudio Salocchi is a manifesto of the creative energy of the 1960s, stands out for its radical conce...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of 1970s fabric armchairs mod. Coronado design Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in None, IT
Pair of armchairs with metal frame and brown fabric upholstery. Coronado model, design Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear giv...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Adrian Contemporary Abstract Black Mix-Media Large Painting
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary abstract painting by Adrian. Untitled. Mixed-media on wood. Handsigned and dated on the back. Dimensions: 120 x 180 cm.
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Outdoor Lolah Easy Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Outdoor lolah easy armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: polyethelene. aluminum. Also available in other colors and for indoors. Dimensions: ...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Philippe Starck Chair Armchair Chair Driade Aleph Model Jack Lang Set of 4
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These chairs are true Iconic armchairs dining chairs designed by Philippe Starck 1987 for Italian manufacture Driade Aleph. The Model name is named after the french politician Jack Lang...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Modern Conchula Curved Sofa, Ivory Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Conchula Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Conchula curved sofa is a room-defining furniture piece, dis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood, Oak

Corolla 271 Teal Armchair by Cristina Celestino
Located in Milan, IT
An ode to nature actualized in a contemporary design, this armchair in walnut-finished beech owes its name the scalloped edge accenting the shell's lower profile and the sinuous shap...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Velis Swivel Armchair by Potocco
Located in Boston, MA
Velis is proposed in the upholstered swivel lounge chair, in fire retardant polyurethane foam, removable, with fabric or leather upholstery as per collection and a structure in Canal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Yeti Sofa by Pepe Albargues
Located in Geneve, CH
Yeti Sofa by Pepe Albargues by Vladimir Naumov Dimensions: H 82 x W 202 x L 110 cm Materials: Faux lama fur Mongolia fur for the Yeti collection available i...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Faux Fur

Pair of Toad Leather Patchwork Armchairs
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous 1980’s pair of toad leather patchwork arm chairs. Constructed of wood covered with toad leather and lacquered, the seat is off white leather. ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

21st Century Anemone Armchair Multicolor Elasticated Giancarlo Zema Giovannetti
Located in Casalguidi, IT
A comfortable swivel armchair that reminds us soft shapes of Anemone from sea. Swivel seat. Fire retardant polyurethane foam. Steel frame Painted stee...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Modern Outdoor Armchair Crafted from Iroko Wood with Striped Cushions
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This is an outdoor armchair, crafted from iroko wood, given its warm, medium-brown wood tone. The chair features a modern, rectilinear design with clean lines. The frame consists of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Molteni&C D.151.4 Velvet Armchair by Gio Ponti
Located in Boston, MA
Gio Ponti leaned on nautical inspiration to design this armchair that was destined for use on ocean liners and today is a part of Molteni&C's Heritage Collection. A contoured backres...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Visionnaire Il Pavone Smeraldo Armchair with Chromed Steel Base by Marc Ange
Located in Bologna, IT
Armchair upholstered in leather or fabric. Internal seat structure in poplar plywood, padded with seat in polyurethane foam shaped to different densities. Base with 7 elements in chr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Candelaria Contemporary Sofa
Located in Mexico City, MX
A conversational loveseat built by a unique assembly process of three separate elements, with a subtle visual effect intended to create a classic, but infinitely bold piece. Ad Hoc g...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Leather

Outdoor Armchair in Solid Iroko White Water- Repellent Fabric by CDW - GUSTO
Located in Miami, FL
Crafted for enduring outdoor elegance, the Gusto Armchair brings architectural simplicity and robust comfort to any garden, terrace, or veranda. Made from premium-grade Iroko wood, t...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Teak

"Pietra" Curved Armchair with Leather Arms Upholstered in Bouclé Fabric
Located in Centro, RS
Pietra from Italian: Stone The designer Marta Manente is of Italian descent, her great-grandparents migrated from Italy over 100 years ago and lived in the region of Bento Gonçalves ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé

Outdoor Matilda Easy Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Outdoor matilda easy armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Polyethelene. Aluminum. Also available in other colors and for indoors. Dimensions: 100cm x 110cm x H 63cm. The sa...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Oversized Lounge Chair In Black Steel & Brushed Gold Detailing
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Introducing a unique lounge chair that redefines comfort and style with its rare dimensions. Measuring an impressive 40x40 inches, this extra-wide and extra-deep armchair offers unpa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Candelaria Contemporary Loveseat
Located in Mexico City, MX
A conversational loveseat built by a unique assembly process of three separate elements, with a subtle visual effect intended to create a classic, but infinitely bold piece. Ad Hoc g...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, 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

Contemporary Deep Buttoned Tux Chair in Straw Cotton Velvet with Walnut Legs
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Tux Chair is our contemporary interpretation of the Classic Chesterfield. The deep buttoning and tailored detailing make this piece a personal favourite. Shown here upholstered i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Moroso REDONDO 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

Italian Modern Brown Suede Marenco Armchair by Mario Marenco for Arflex, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown suede Marenco armchair by Mario Marenco for Arflex, 1970s. Marenco model armchair, with invisible metal structure and wooden base, to which the cushions that compose it are anchored, covered in suede. Project by Mario Marenco for Arflex, around 1970. Perfect condition, new leather upholstery. Measurements in cm 108x100x66h Il design inconfondibile e l’ampia modularità rendono ancor oggi il divano Marenco...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Modern Quilted Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern quilted leather armchair with top grain Cuba brown leather, with a sloping rear and curved arms, with a partially quilted seat and back...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

McGuire, Rattan And Bamboo Set of 4 Armchairs With Orange Cushions
Located in IT
Set of 4 armchairs with bamboo frame and orange silk cushions. The armchairs are all signed Mc Guire, have rattan backs with a very contemporary Viennese weave detail, and have bee...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Rounded Curvy Armchair Offered in Leather
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This curvy armchair is upholstered in luxury leather with double stitching. The double stitching at the leather edges create a couture like piece. The...
Category

2010s European Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 2 Kartell Louis Ghost Armchairs in Smoke Grey 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

Ondulé Swing
Located in Milan, IT
A splendid showcase of craftsmanship, this swing is fashioned of refined fabrics and materials. Its welcoming and soft silhouette combines velvet with suede, fabric, and unique leath...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Textile

Ondulé Swing
Ondulé Swing
$5,382 / item
Wood Frame Armchair in Solid Walnut and Leather Designed by Craig Bassam
Located in Ridgefield, CT
The BassamFellows Wood Frame Collection has become one of the brand’s classic signatures. Adding to the collection are upholstered dining chairs and upholstered stools. The Woo...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

"Wind" Swivel Armchair with Silk Fringes and Ottoman Set
Located in Centro, RS
The breeze is identified with the lightness and freshness of the feeling of the skin, of the wind, in its constant movement. Thus came the inspiration for the design of the Wind swivel armchair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Filou Adjustable Reclining Leather Easy Lounge Chair by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Filou chair by De Sede. Filou's seat and footrest are fully crafted and can be stopped at any angle without any effort. A clever solution presents the upholstery from being undul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Calvet Armchair, Antonio Gaudí
Located in Geneve, CH
Calvet armchair, Antonio Gaudí 1902 Dimensions: 65 x 52 x 95 cm Materials: Dark varnished oak Solid dark varnished oak Antoni Gaudí (1852/1926...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak

"Lord Yo" White, Black, Light Gray or Carnation Armchair by P. Starck for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Lord Yo" is an iconic armchair, designed by Philippe Starck and manufactured by Driade, featuring an aluminum structure and a polypropylene shell available in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

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

1970s Pair of Matteo Grassi Mart Stam Dining Arm Chairs in Leather and Chrome
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Mart Stam dining arm chairs, originally designed by Mart Stam in 1926. These particular examples were produced by Matteo Grassi in Italy and date back to the 1970s....
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Modern armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern armchairs for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern armchairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Portugal pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original armchairs, popular names associated with this style include Finn Juhl, De Sede, Jaime Hayon, and Philippe Starck. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for armchairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $139 and tops out at $497,965 while the average work can sell for $4,833.

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