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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
1
162
to
8
104
57
162
162
162
5,829
1,519
806
162
89
63
50
33
29
20
16
15
11
8
8
7
6
4
4
588
3,301
15
162
350
1
5
14
11
33
74
130
83
58
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
97
76
17
15
8
8
5
5
5
5
4
5
89
76
65
27
24
117
45
26
25
19
6
4
4
4
3
Style: Modern
Period: Mid-20th Century
Pair of China Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of China Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Fritz Hansen. Designed in 1944 and manufactured by Fritz Hansen. Stained cherrywood with loose upholstered seat cushion.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Cherry
Modular Armchair Deigned by Afra e Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy, 1968
Located in Madrid, ES
Modular armchair designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina in 1968 in Italy. it is made on a solid wood structure covered in foam and upholstered by hand in a beige bouclé. It is...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
Rare Nicos Zographos Black Leather -Brushed Aiiminum Parsons Club Chairs 4 AVAIL
Located in Hudson, NY
Stunning black leather Nicos Zogrophos club chairs. Priced per chair. 4 chaiors available.
Nicos Zographos made his name during his time at the renown architecture firm Skidmore, Ow...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel, Aluminum
Pair of Harvey Probber Solid Bar Aluminum Lounge Chairs, 1960's
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair of Harvey Probber 1427A Solid Bar Aluminum Lounge Chairs. Featuring solid Aluminum bar construction, ergonomic slant back, attached spacious cushions, with tufted Blue, Red, Whi...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
Tubular Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Armchair and ottoman in steel and leather, Europe, 1950s.
Modern tubular armchair and matching ottoman. These items are made of bent tubular steel with black saddle leather upholste...
Category
1950s European Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal, Steel
Tubular Lounge Chair in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair in steel and leather, Europe, 1950s.
Modern armchair made in Europe in the 1950s. This chair is made of bent tubular steel with black saddle leather upholstery. Beautif...
Category
1950s European Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal, Steel
Poltrona Valentina, Carla Venosta, Cinova con pouf
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Poltrona più pouf rarissimi della designer italiana Carla Venosta. Elemento di base in acciaio e rivestimento nuovo in boucle.
Misure pouf: 85x80x35
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
1 of the 4 Piccola Papilio Armchairs by B&B Italia, New Upholstery Metaphores
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 4 Piccola Papilio armchairs, designed by Naoto Fukasawa for B&B Italia.
"Although small in size, the armchair ensures exceptional comfort. The backrest is designed as two “w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
A pair of Guillerme et Chambron of armchairs
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A sette in black oak which can be divided in two single armchairs
dimensions are for one piece
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Werther Toffoloni Piero Palange Armchair
Located in L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE, FR
G23 Armchair Edition Germa Italy 1970
Lacquered wood and leather,
in excellent condition like new !
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Hardwood
Gilbert Rohde, Armchairs, Cherry, Velvet, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of cherrywood and purple velvet armchairs designed by Gilbert Rohde and produced by Herman Miller, Zeeland, Michigan, 1940s.
Seat height 17.5”.
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Cherry, Velvet
Bent Steel Lounge Chair by Jacques Hitier for Tubauto, France, c. 1955
Located in New York City, NY
Two Available; Priced Individually
Graphic bent metal lounge chairs by celebrated architect and designer Jacques Hitier. These chairs are a gr...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Vintage Pair of Knoll Brno Flat Bar Chairs by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Knoll Brno Flat Bar Chairs, Cantilever Design, Newly Chrome Plated and Reupholstered in a Sage Color Mohair, Padded Armrest
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Cut Steel, Chrome
Guillerme et Chambron oak armchairs
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
a Guillerme et Chambron "Elmore " seat in oak
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Pair of Thonet Style Bentwood Armchairs, C1960
By Thonet
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of hard to find bentwood armchairs in the style of Thonet. In very good vintage condition with minimal wear. Have other sets that can be combined but these are the only...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Beech
Poltrona S148, Centro Progetti Tecno, Tecno Spa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
La Poltrona S148, realizzata dal Centro Progetti Tecno per Tecno Spa, è un'icona del design moderno. Presentata nel 1965, questa poltrona rappresenta l'eccellenza dell'artigianato it...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Model 5003, Rudolf Wolf, 1950. set of armchairs
By Rudolf Wolf
Located in The Hague, NL
Amazing pair of minimalist and constructivist armchairs model 5003 for Elsrijk, The Netherlands, 1950
The solid steel rod frames are repainted but still have a bit of a patina.
Two ...
Category
1950s European Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Pierre Jeanneret Sofa Chair PJ-SI-36-A / Authentic Mid-Century Modern Chandigarh
Located in Zürich, CH
This iconic piece of furniture with its characteristic A-shaped profile is a rare classic of history. Through its sophisticated proportions and its elegant shape, the chair represent...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Cowhide, Teak
Pair of André Sornay Armchairs in Sapele Mahogany and Bouclé, France, 1950s
By Andre Sornay
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of armchairs was designed by André Sornay and produced by his workshop in Lyon in the early 1950s. High, angled backrest in sapele mahogany with upholstered cushions. ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé, Chenille, Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
Arflex armchair mod. Springtime designed by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Milano, IT
Gorgeous armchair designed by Marco Zanuso for Arflex.
A beautiful and functional lightweight armchair perfect for any living room that can be easily moved with its original chrome...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Poltrone Nastro CL9 in GPR giallo, Franca Stagi e Cesare Leonardi per Elco, 1969
Located in MIlano, IT
Coppia di poltrone modello Nastro CL9 gialle, composte da una striscia continua di GRP, ossia vetro resina, montata su una struttura in tubolare di metallo tramite un attacco per sup...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Poltrona Nastro CL9 in GPR giallo, Franca Stagi e Cesare Leonardi per Elco, 1969
Located in MIlano, IT
Poltrona modello Nastro CL9 gialle, composta da una striscia continua di GRP, ossia vetro resina, montata su una struttura in tubolare di metallo tramite un attacco per supporti anti...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Italian Modern Red Wood Chair Kazuki by Takahama for Simone Gavina, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Red wood chair mod. Kazuki by Kazuhide Takahama for Simone Gavina, 1960s
Armchair mod. Kazuki in glossy red lacquered wood. The back is...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Digamma by Ignazio Gardella, Set of 2 with 2 Pouf
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Designed by Ignazio Gardella in 1957, the Digamma armchair is a comfortable chair rooted in the tradition of late Italian modernism.
Its rational structure features two geometric sec...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Set of 2 rattan armchair by Lio Carminati, 1960 circa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The set of two rattan armchairs by Lio Carminati, circa 1960, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of mid-century design and the skilled craftsmanship of Italian designer Lio...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Rattan
Angel Pazmino, Suite of four armchairs, leather and wood, circa 1960, Ecuador.
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Angel Pazmino,
Suite of four Ecuadorian armchairs,
leather and wood,
circa 1960, Ecuador.
Height 77 cm, seat height 42 cm, width 62 cm, depth 52 cm.
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
1960s Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Dining Arm Chairs with Bronze Frames
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Platner Armchairs, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll in 1966. These are early examples, dating to the late 1960s. The frames of these chairs are composed of pati...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of G 10 armchairs by Pierre Guariche, Editions Airborne, France, circa 1960
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of G 10 armchairs by Pierre Guariche for Airborne, recently upholstered in Bergamo woollen fabric by Bisson Bruneel.
Seat entirely redone (straps, foam, fabric), black lacquered...
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Pair of armchairs, France, circa 1940
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of very comfortable armchairs with feather cushions.
The solid wood structure has been revised by our cabinetmaker and the traditional upholstery has been completely redone. New...
Category
1940s French Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Stylish American 1960s Grand Ledge Caned High-back Arm Chair
Located in San Francisco, CA
with deep brown lacquered finish, the tall graduated caned back above a loose cushion flanked by down-swept arms all over splayed legs
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
C. 1960s Mies van der Rohe Brno High Back Chair in Gold over Bronze Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a rare Brno chair designed by Mies van der Rohe, produced circa 1960’s, with custom high back and also gold plated over actual bronze flat bar which is very unusual. Gratz In...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Green F560 Mushroom Chair
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by Pierre Paulin in 1960 in collaboration with Artifort, the Mushroom chair, also known as the F560, is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, making it a true design icon.
Inspired by women’s swimming...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Continuum Armchair, Gio Ponti, Bonacina 1963
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Continuum armchair by Bonacina 1889 bears a signature of great prestige, that of the great "noble father" of Italian design, Gio Ponti. The Continuum armchair was created in 1969...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile, Rattan
C. 2000s "Frank" Chair Prototype by Frank Gratz in Polished Stainless
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a prototype Frank chair, designed and fabricated by Frank Gratz, patriarch of Gratz Industries in the late 1950s. This is a recent production example from the 2000s as Gratz ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Stylish Pair of Swedish 1960s Walnut Arm Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
each with padded crest rail above an openwork back over a tight seat with a channeled apron; flanked by upright arm rests
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Mid 20th Century Set Of 2 Armchairs, Tatra Pravenec, Circa 1960
Located in Lučenec, SK
This is a beautiful set of 2 armchairs designed and produced by Tatra Nabytek, Czech Republic. They provide comfortable seating. The armchairs are in original condition, no restorati...
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Beech
Erich Dieckmann Modernist Art Deco Rope Chair 1930s
Located in Forest, BE
Wooden armchair by modernist Erich Dieckmann. Made of massive bentwood and rope. Elegant and minimalist with a great combination of materials. Lightweight, easy to move around. The s...
Category
1930s German Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Rope, Hardwood
Pair of armchairs by Jacques Hitier, Tubauto edition
Located in PARIS, FR
Jacques Hitier was a French decorator and furniture designer born in Paris on March 28, 1917, and died in La Frette-sur-Seine on March 6, 19991. Patrick Favardin describes him as "on...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Modernist Armchair by Dom Hans van der Laan, Netherlands, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Dutch modernist chair, Dom Hans Van Der Laan, Jan De Jong, 1961, Bossche School
One of 12 ever made, from the boards room of the townhall of Budel, 1961, The Netherlands.
It was com...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Copper
Italian mid-century Outdoor Armchairs in bamboo and rattan, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Outdoor Armchairs in bamboo and rattan, 1960s
Set of6 armchairs with curved armrests in finely woven bamboo of different shades. The legs are joined in the middle...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Rattan
1960s Børge Mogensen Spanish Dining Arm Chair Model 3238 by CI Designs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Model 3238 Spanish Dining Chair. It features a brawny quarter-sawn solid oak frame, with a thick slung saddle-leather seat and backrest. It was designed by the great Danish designer Børge Mogensen in 1958 and manufactured by CI designs...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Reclining Armchair Pair, Italy, 1960.
Located in Madrid, ES
This Italian reclinable armchair is made out of a solid metal and wood structure, covered in foam, and upholstered in a bright green velvet fabric.
It's a comfortable and versatile ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
1950s Pair of Lena Arm Chairs by Sven-Erik Fryklund for Hagafors Stolfabrik
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Lena armchairs designed by Sven-Erik Fryklund, originally designed in 1955. They were manufactured by the Swedish furniture company Hagafors Stolfabrik and distribu...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Birch
Set of Four Modernist Armchairs by Ico Parisi
Located in New York, NY
Set of four MOdernist armchairs by Ico Parisi.
Model #814. Frames in Italian walnut.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
A Pair of French ebonized open armchairs with faux leather upholstery. C 1940
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very stylish pair of French ebonized open armchairs with faux leather upholstery. Circa 1940
Category
1940s French Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Wood
Lounge Chair by František Jirák for Tatra Nábytok Pravenec
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Lounge chair by František Jirák for Tatra Nábytok Pravenec in 1960s. Armchair is professionally stained and repolished with new fabric.
Category
1960s Slovak Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Bespoke Modernist Tubular Steel Armchair, Fabric/ Leather Upholstery c. 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Bespoke Modernist tubular steel cantilever armchair manufactured by Mücke-Melder, c. 1930. Available in fabric or leather upholstery.
This armchairs are restored on request and avai...
Category
1930s Czech Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Modernist Tubular Steel Armchairs, Can Be Covered In Fabric Or Leather, c 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist tubular steel armchairs with an elegant sinuous shape. The upholstery can be covered with fabric or leather.
The armchairs were designed and manufactured by Gottwald, Cze...
Category
1930s Czech Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Reclining Armchair Pair, Italy, 1960.
Located in Madrid, ES
This italian reclinable armchair is made out of a solid metal and wood structure, covered in foam, and upholstered in a bright green velvet fabric.
It's a comfortable and versatile ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Art Déco Streamline Tubular Steel Cantilever Armchairs, Fabric Upholstery c 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Déco Streamline tubular steel cantilever armchairs manufactured by Mücke-Melder, circa. 1930
This armchairs are restored on request and available in different amounts.
Delivery...
Category
1930s Czech Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
20th Century Modern Wrought Iron Sculptural Black Outdoor Armchairs, Set of 4
Located in Philadelphia, PA
20th century modern wrought iron sculptural black outdoor armchairs - set of 4. Item features (4) armchairs, stacking frames, wrought iron const...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Exceptional Guglielmo Ulrich Armchair in Velvet and Fluted Walnut, Italy, 1940s
Located in The Hague, NL
This exceptionally rare armchair was designed by Guglielmo Ulrich in the 1940s.
The elegant design is marked by the distinct, curved lines of the winged backrest and the rounded li...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Modernist Thonet A 745/F Armchair manufactured by Tatra, Stained Wood, c. 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist armchair modell A 745/F in stained bentwood designed by Thonet and manufactured under Thonet licence by Tatra, Slovakia, c. 1930.
Category
1930s Slovak Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Bentwood
Vintage Wooden A-Shaped Armchair by UP Závody, Czechoslovakia
By Up Závody
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Unique armchair manufactured by UP Závody, home to famous Czech architect Jindrich Halabala, in late 40s / early 50s. Design attributed to Jan Vanek. Wooden structure in good origina...
Category
1940s Czech Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Set of 2 Armchairs by Mobilgirgi, Brown Leather
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Indulge in the timeless luxury of this set of two armchairs by Mobilgirgi, exquisitely upholstered in rich brown leather. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these armchairs...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Set of Two Armchair by Paul Frankl, Dal Vera
By Paul Frankl
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The set of 2 bamboo armchairs designed by Paul Frankl is a captivating combination of natural beauty and modern design. Crafted with sustainable bam...
Category
1960s Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Bamboo
Set of Two White Armchairs by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner
Located in Milan, IT
Brazil, 1950s
Painted stainless steel, fabric upholstery
Set of two pieces.
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Purple Swan Swivel Armchair
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, the swan armchair was groundbreaking at the time and has gone on to become a true classic.
The ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
20th Century Scandinavian Arm Chairs
Cantilever Leather Armchair
Tubular Chair Thonet
Mies Cantilever
Set Of Thrones
Empire Armchairs In Mahogany
Claw And Ball Footed
Pair 1940s Armchairs Italian
Carved Rams On Furniture
Ball And Claw Foot Furniture
Pair Armchair 1940s Italy Italian
Printed Fabric Upholstered Chairs
Ball And Claw Foot
Antique Louis Xvi Style Armchair
Pair Painted Regency Chairs
Leather Woven Armchair
Lacquered Bamboo Chair
Vintage Arm Chair Black Leather