Modern Chairs
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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Modern Wood Stool by Pierre Sarkis
Located in Guatemala City, Central America
Modern Wood Stool by Pierre Sarkis from Celine collection. Accent stool, butterfly outdoor set. Fine and selected tropical woods and natural fibers, ...
Category
2010s Guatemalan Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Contemporary Wood Dining Chair by Costantini, Palermo Hollywood, In Stock
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Palermo Hollywood Chair in fabric.
Measurements are 19" W x 20" D x 32" H x 19" SH
Available as shown for immediate delivery or order in any solid wood or finish.
Other mater...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Vanity Seat in Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vanity seat.
Grey lacquer.
Handmade.
Wood base.
Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with at least 60 coats of org...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Chairs
Materials
Lacquer
Gaulino Easy Chair occasional chair black stained ash black hide, contemporary
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Gaulino Easy Chair is the natural progression from the iconic Gaulino.
It retains the functional artistry of the Gaulino while sitting lighter, wider,
and lower. BD introduced ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Ash
Vladimir Kagan Fettucini Single Back Chair in Black Leather with Metal Base
Located in Clifton, NJ
The kinetic lines of the Fettucini Chair fold together and gracefully join along the legs, drawing the eye across each contour.The floating backrest fl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Modern Solid Wood Lounge Chairs by Pierre Sarkis
Located in Guatemala City, Central America
Modern Solid Wood lounge chairs by Pierre Sarkis from Valentina Collection. Inspired in the Origami Folds theory, finding in basic geometry mea...
Category
2010s Guatemalan Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
Moon Armchair in Brown Leather Cushion by Ludovica & Roberto Palomba for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The lacquered shell of the Moon and FullMoon chaise lounge sits on a very light metal frame and comfortably pampers your body in a subtle, seductive interplay of amazement and unders...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Lacquered Metal and Leather Chair from Costantini, Rodelio Bianco, In Stock
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Measurements are 21" W x 20" D x 37" H x 19" SH
This one-of-a-kind protoype is one of Costantini founder William Stuart's first designs, shown here in ...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
"Frevo" Chair by Ronald Sasson, Brazilian Contemporary Design
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Frevo chair is a stunning piece of furniture created by the Brazilian artist and designer Ronald Sasson in 2021. It reflects the unique vision and sh...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass, Wood
Gaulino Easy Chair by Oscar Tysquets black lacquered ashwood, contemporary
Located in Barcelona, ES
“The challenge was to design a light armchair, not too high, using wood and leather. At the beginning, it was going in a different direction, but after making various models, prototypes and considering BD’s design team’s different perspectives on the matter, the result has inevitably drawn toward what is now the Gaulino chair, which was designed nearly 30 years ago. We did not envision it so, but the ergonomics and the aesthetic coherence of this piece has taken us toward a solution much like the Gaulino chair, an heiress of Gaudí and Mollino, and have decided to conserve the name.” OSCAR TUSQUETS
The Gaulino Easy Chair...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Hide, Ash
Sedia Bianca Armchair with Mosaic Seat by Yukiko Nagai
Located in Milan, IT
Sedia Bianca has an antique frame and a seat made with unique mosaic technique. The Designer’s concept consists in the interpretation of various materials using exclusively marble an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Modern Exotic Wood and Leather Lounge Chair from Costantini, Belgrano 'In Stock'
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
The Belgrano lounge chair is inspired by mid-twentieth century modernist design and features an ergonomic design that can be customized with the use of accent pillows. It features a ...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Isadora Chair with arms Polvere Saddle Extra leather Grey
Located in New York, NY
The Isadora chair is inspired by the grace of Isadora Duncan, pioneer of contemporary dance. Created by Roberto Lazzeroni, its original design is shaped ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Ash
Cast Aluminum and Brass "Gallium" Sconce by Arcana
By Arcana
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Drawing inspiration from celestial bodies and human inventions that explore them, the gallium sconce casts a soft glow off the rippled lunar-like texture of the aluminum reflectors. An articulating brass lens...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Bronze
Poltrona Gemella Armchair with Mosaic Seat by Yukiko Nagai
Located in Milan, IT
This Armchair has an antique frame and a seat made with unique handmade mosaic technique. The designer’s concept consists in the interpretation of various materials using exclusively...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Moon Armchair in Beige with Brown Leather Cushion by Ludovica & Roberto Palomba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The lacquered shell of the Moon and FullMoon chaise longue sits on a very light metal frame and comfortably pampers your body in a subtle, seductive interplay of amazement and unders...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Sedia Con Rose Chair with Venetian Glass Seat by Yukiko Nagai
Located in Milan, IT
An antique garden chair, made of cast iron. On the seat there’s a ”stone fabric” mosaic, made with marbles capable of creating a smooth surface, s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Marble
American Studio Craft Artist David N. Ebner's Dining Chair
Located in Bellport, NY
David N. Ebner's early dining chair in the style of Danish modern, walnut and curly maple dining room chair. Leather seat (your fabric of choice) crafted to order; one or more.
No...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
Gaulino chair by Oscar Tusquets ash wood black lacquer leather hide seat, Spain
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Gaulino Chair is one of the best designs by Oscar Tusquets and has become an iconic Spanish design. Made exclusively from wood and leather, the name comes from the influences th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Ash
Set of 10 Modern Walnut Dining Chairs in Turquoise Designer Velvet
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Set of 10 custom monica dining chairs in designer velvet. Unique sleek modern shaped dining chair, custom made in Canada. Upholstered in a turquoise blue designer velvet with rich wa...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Moon Armchair in Beige with Fabric Cushion by Ludovica & Roberto Palomba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The lacquered shell of the Moon and Full Moon chaise longue sits on a very light metal frame and comfortably pampers your body in a subtle, seductive interplay of amazement and under...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Modern Exotic Wood and Leather Lounge Chair from Costantini, Belgrano 'In Stock'
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
The Belgrano lounge chair is inspired by mid-twentieth century modernist design and features an ergonomic design that can be customized with the use of accent pillows. It features a ...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Leather
Light Gray Upholstered Armchair with Padded Arms and Plush Comfort, Kolo Line
Located in Miami, FL
A Kolo armchair by Uultis, with light gray fabric. The Kolo armchair, upholstered in Smoke Blue Plain Weave fabric, offers both elegance and comfort with its serene light gray tone. ...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
Hand Painted Tiger Gaulino Easy Armchair Ash Wood Limited Edition of 50
Located in Barcelona, ES
«A limited edition of 50 unique pieces, where the seat has been painted one by one by myself, with the interpretations of a tiger’s skin. This edition celebrates, on the one hand, BD...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Hide, Ash
Set of Black Leather Dining Chair with Mocha Stained Ash Wood Leg, Poltrona Frau
Located in Tulsa, OK
Diva dining chair by Poltrona Frau
This chair has a curled top on the backrest which is a stylish reference to the classics objects. The folds on the corners of the seat as well as the biconical springs for suspension are coming from a long tradition. The seat frame and back are padded and is in birch plywood. Shell in rigid moulded polyurethane. Base and legs in mocha stained solid ash wood. Upholstery is Pelle Frau black leather.
Additional photos show detail of construction and a custom velvet upholstered version available for order of the diva chair...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Studio Stirling Twin Deal Outdoor Blue, Free Shipping
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
Our outdoor sling hanging chair is crafted with Spradling Silvertex material – a highly sustainable environmentally-friendly vegan material.
The Slings can be ordered as a SINGLE but also works together as a pair which is slightly different from each other – making an interesting and fun ‘twin’ look.
Stripped away from all excess, this hanging chair has a circular frame with the sheets of fabric hanging loose within it, to create a sleek, sexy, and oh so comfortable experience. This chair’s clean lines and lightness makes it a perfect fit for any space.
It has a sleek look and an air of functional elegance.
Each one is handmade with care by our craftsmen. Form-fitting comfort, perfect for any indoor, under cover patio or outdoor space
It comes with a bolster for comfort.
At Studio Stirling...
Category
2010s South African Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Set of 4 Grey Beige Leather Dining Chairs with Polished Chrome Cantilever Base
By Rolf Benz
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of four grey beige leather dining chairs with a cantilevered rectangular tubed base in polished chrome.
Showroom display chairs, two...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Neto Modern Chair from Costantini in Wood Frame and Argentine Leather
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Costantini prides itself in using the hardest and most beautiful hardwoods in the construction of its line of seating. The Neto Chair has a gently curved back leg, with sleek, straig...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Custom Modern Side Chair in Black and White Geometric Fabric
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Custom modern side chair in black and white geometric fabric. Art Deco inspired design with a modern flare. Finished in a black lacquer with unique geometric black and white fabric. ...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Muji 1 Seater Chair Japanese Contemporary Style Bentwood Chair
By Studio Jig
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Muji 1 seater chair.
Kenta Hirai created it with the technique "Free form lamination." It has characteristic streamlined combined back and seat. Made of Y...
Category
2010s Japanese Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Muji 2 Seater Chair 2 Japanese Contemporary Style Bentwood Chair
By Studio Jig
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Muji 2 seater chair.
Kenta Hirai created it with the technique "Free form lamination." It has characteristic streamlined combined back and seat. Made of ...
Category
2010s Japanese Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Gaulino dining chair by Oscar Tusquets, Spanish contemporary design natural ash
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Gaulino Chair is one of the best designs by Oscar Tusquets and has become an iconic Spanish design. Made exclusively from wood and leather, the name comes from the influences th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Ash
Mimbre Chair
Located in Mérida, MX
Piece and materials inspired by a childhood surrounded by ''wicker furniture'' , which also goes by the names "rattan" and "wicker," at our grandparents' house, the woven wicker adds...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Chairs
Materials
Cane, Wood, Cedar
Contemporary Occasional Chair Upholstered Seat, Walnut & Bronze Detail COM
Located in Tucson, AZ
COM OR COL ONLY
The meticulously handcrafted Dudley dining or occasional chair, with its woven bronze
back detail and plush seat cushion will provide for hours of dinner conversati...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Chairs
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 Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Pair of Armchairs, Italy, 1990s
Located in New York, NY
Inox steel frames featuring wraparound backs upholstered in dark brown leather, the seats and backs upholstered in the original crushed velvet with leaf pattern. These chairs were de...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Modern Grand Pouf White Cotton Bouclé Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Grand Pouf, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
A comfy pouf stool with a luxurious touch. Upholstered in white cotton bouclé fabric, Grand stands out ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, Oak
Modern Hand-Woven Cording Outdoor Banquette from Costantini 'In Stock'
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
The Modern Hand-Woven Cording Outdoor Banquette from Costantini 'In Stock' is an attic stock item we have in South American Teak and hand-woven cording. Available with cushions.
...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Chairs
Materials
Cord, Wood
Modern Sling Hanging Chair, Outdoor Sandy Colour, Vegan and Eco Friendly
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
Our outdoor sling hanging chair is crafted with Spradling Silvertex material – a highly sustainable environmentally-friendly vegan material.
The S...
Category
2010s South African Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Mawu Chair in Snow by Laura Gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
Original chair in golden oak, satin finish. Flared legs, backrest and seat upholstered in a textured cream fabric by Dedar.
Category
2010s French Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak, Fabric
Fledermaus Chair by Josef Hoffman (Model 728)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fledermaus Chair by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob and Josef Kohn, crafted in bent beechwood with wooden spheres at the joinery points (Model 728). An example of exceptional bentwood craft...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Antique Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Italian modern Chair in metal tubing and rods, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Chair in metal tubing and rods, 1970s
Chair with seat and back in metal rod. The structure and base are in tubular metal.
1970s
Good condition, little lacks and scatte...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Eames EA219 Soft Pad High Back Leather Office Chair By ICF (NO ARMS)
Located in London, GB
Soft Pad EA219 High Back Leather Office Chair: This high back leather office chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Vitra, crafted in the 1990s, offers a blend of comfort and modern design...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Basket Chair for Beach or Slope by de Vries of Germany
Located in San Francisco, CA
Manufactured by deVries of Germany, this stylist basket chair is a must for beach or slopes! Made of brushed teak, the body is intricately braided in a circular pattern on both sides...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Fauteuil végétal Erwan et Ronan Bouroullec, vitra
Located in SAINT-SEVER, FR
Fauteuil végétal Erwan et Ronan Bouroullec édition vitra
Conçue pour une utilisation à l'extérieur, la chaise Vegetal est résistante aux intempéries et empilable pour des raisons pr...
Category
1990s French Modern Chairs
Materials
PVC
Set of 5 Classic Counter Stool w Backrest Navy Blue Leather & Black Rubber Metal
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary stool belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as t...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Matang, Rassoi, Stool
By Matang, Lucien Dumas
Located in Paris, FR
Matang
Rassoi
A wood and cotton rope stool, the rectangular sides joined by a cotton rope wrapped seat, the lower part with a spacer fixed with Makhrana marble keys.
Contemp...
Category
2010s French Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
INVICTA Dining Chair in Velvet
Located in Frazão, Porto
The Invicta dining chair is a unique piece, and the impressive design with just one leg in the back, in solid wood, will make the dining room a so...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Lacquer
Teak Wood Framed Chair, with Woven Leather Seat
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A hand-crafted teak framed & woven leather strap chair. These chairs are crafted by local artisans using a wood joinery technique without the use of nails. They feature a subtle wood...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Minimalist Modern Lounge Chair in Natural Leather and Polished Stainless Steel
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Embracing the purpose to take a break, LISBOA chair invites you to just sit and relax. Combining many observations from different cultures of how people use chairs...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Chubby Chair in Dijon 3d Printed Recycled Plastic
Located in London, GB
Dirk van der Kooij first fell in love with low resolution 3D printing as a student, fulfilling his search for honest and functional ornamentation. T...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Black Chubby Chair in 3d Printed Recycled Plastic
Located in London, GB
Dirk van der Kooij first fell in love with low resolution 3D printing as a student, fulfilling his search for honest and functional ornamentation. T...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Modern Laurence Dining Chairs, Velvet, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Laurence Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Laurence leather dining chair ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Abra Armchair in White Leather and Walnut Wood Finish
Located in Miami, FL
Introducing the Abra armchair—a welcoming blend of comfort and elegance by Uultis. Upholstered in luxurious white leather and framed in walnut wood finis...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Walnut
Moooi Smoke Armchair in Shade Pitch Black Upholstery by Maarten Baas
By Moooi, Maarten Baas
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Furniture finished with fire. The beauty and character of burned wood is now captured in a long lasting material, creating the strange sensation of sitting on burnt furniture Maarten Baas interpreted his fascination for the element fire with a groundbreaking approach. Capturing the burning flames into the solidity of wood. Each chair is unique due to this exceptional production process. Just like the Phoenix, the Smoke objects are reborn from their ashes, gaining new vitality and beauty in a very unusual way.
Additional information:
Material: Burnt wood finished with epoxy resin, fire retardant foam, leather upholstery
Upholstery: Shade pitch black...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
Celeste Chair in Boucle Fabric and Brass and Mint Metal by Lara Bohinc
By Lara Bohinc
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
Celeste chair plays with contrasting shapes, materials and textures. The circles and squares join to make a chair that has both substance and lightness. ...
Category
2010s British Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Chubby Chair in Eraser 3D Printed Recycled Plastic
Located in London, GB
Dirk van der Kooij first fell in love with low resolution 3D printing as a student, fulfilling his search for honest and functional ornamentation. The chubby chair...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Modern Laurence Dining Chairs, Dedar Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Laurence Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Laurence dining chair was crea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
Modern chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern chairs 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 chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original chairs, popular names associated with this style include Finn Juhl, Jover + Valls, Emeco, and Kartell. 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 chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $25 and tops out at $103,950 while the average work can sell for $2,723.