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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Style: Modern
Color: Beige
Pois Crate Chair by A. Guerriero for Alchimia Redesign Collection
Located in Milan, Italy
Chair re-designed by Alessandro Guerriero for the Alchimia Redesign Collection. The piece is a tribute to the famous Crate chair designed ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Plexiglass
Emeco Alfi High Back Chair with Aluminum Frame by Jasper Morrison
By Jasper Morrison, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco and Jasper Morrison together, designed and engineered the Alfi Collection with the conviction that what you don't see is as important as what you do see. Made of reclaimed mate...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Modern Liberty Armchair High Back, Aged Brass and Lelièvre Beige Bouclé Cushions
By Bessa
Located in Oporto, PT
Inspiration:
The sculptural forms of the 30s inspired the Liberty Collection. The tubular and steel structures that have marked those years are combined with a new inspiration that e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass, Metal
Pair Sculptural Contemporary Barstool Brass Metal & Natural Tan Tobacco Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary barstool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the double 3.5 ...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair Contemporary Bar Stool Aged Brass Metal & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary barstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned metal ...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Classic Contemporary Bar Stool Aged Brass Metal Finish & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary barstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned metal ...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Jasper Morrison Bac Chair in Solid Ashwood for Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetics and functionality form the perfect union in the Bac chair range. Envisioned by designer Jasper Morrison, these objects of design were inspired by ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Ash
UCCIO Chair Brass and Leather
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Calm, patient and consistent, the UCCIO chair was conceived with two key objectives at heart - strength and capacity. A true gentleman in its manner, the chair steps back to allow an...
Category
2010s Australian Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
De Sede DS-9090 Beanbag in Offwhite by De Sede Design Team
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beanbags have long been part of the De Sede inventory. With the DS-9090 the Swiss manufacture has now gone one step further. Launched in 2018, a beanbag was created in which casual s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Emeco Alfi Low Back Chair with Aluminum Frame by Jasper Morrison
By Jasper Morrison, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco and Jasper Morrison together, designed and engineered the Alfi Collection with the conviction that what you don't see is as important as what you do see. Made of reclaimed mate...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Gesture Monochrome Fully Upholstered Lounge Chair in Oak, by Hans Olsen
By Hans Olsen
Located in Viby J, DK
Now the distinctive 1950s Gesture design is also available as a sculptural lounge chair. The popular moulded design was the brainchild of the renowned Danish architect Hans Olsen, wh...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Set of 3 Contemporary Bar Stool Aged Brass Metal & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary barstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned metal ...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Natural Canvas and Marbled Rust Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek and refined, the chair from Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection is a great addition to nearly any space.
This variation is upholstered in natural canvas. The foam seat cushi...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Gesture Two-Tone Fully Upholstered Chair in Teak, by Hans Olsen from Warm Nordic
By Hans Olsen
Located in Viby J, DK
This beautiful, moulded gesture chair, designed in the 1950s, was the work of the acclaimed Danish architect, Hans Olsen. With its welcoming design, the gesture chair creates a warm ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
GLOOH Tall Bar Stool with Cantilever in Beige Leather by KFF
By KFF
Located in New York, NY
One design concept — many prototypes: be they conventional chairs, catilevers or barstools including the pneumatic spring type, GLOOH, aside from having an extensive range and comfort to offer, conveys an unmistakable design. Small wonder that GLOOH has been distinguished with an international award on a number of occasions.
Height adjustable swivel bar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Set of 3 Contemporary Bar Stool Aged Brass Metal & Natural Tobacco Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary barstool belongs to a collection of Minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned metal ...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair Bar Stool Aged Brass Meal and Navy Blue Leather Contemporary Style
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary barstool belongs to a collection of Minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned metal ...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
White Fabric Waterproof Gold-Plated Stainless Steel Outdoor Dining Armchair
By Myface
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Nodo Outdoor Dining Armchair
The most luxurious and sophisticated outdoor furniture piece that will assure elegance and a comfortable space to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Pair Kitchen Counter Bar Stool Brass Metal Dark Brown Leather Contemporary Style
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary counter stool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the double...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair Contemporary Kitchen Counter Bar Stool Brass Metal & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary counter stool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the double...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Croissant 572 Beige Lounge Chair by Emilio Nanni
Located in Milan, IT
This sophisticated lounge chair in solid beech invites to take a seat while enjoying the company of a good book. Tinted in cement gray, the ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Beech
Park Place Dining Chair by Yabu Pushelberg in Matte Black and Boucle Chenille
Located in Toronto, ON
This Park Place dining chair by Yabu Pushelberg in black soft touch is upholstered in Aberdeen Avenue boucle chenille blend. Aberdeen Avenue comes in 7 colorways from Italy with a co...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Chair with Metal Legs Modern, Georgette
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Chair with metal legs and upper part upholstered. Characterized by a soft backrest perfectly curved that hugs you and enhances the comfort and a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Contemporary Kitchen Counter Bar Stool, Aged Brass Metal & Dark Brown Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary counter stool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Cappellini Newood Relax Light Armchair in Beech & Ashwood by Brogliato Traverso
Located in New York, NY
The Newood Relax Light chair, by BrogliatoTraverso, is an elegant interpretation of the Newood chair, but this version is lighter due to the elimination of the eight rods that charac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Ash, Beech, Foam
Contemporary Kitchen Counter Bar Stool Aged Brass Metal & Blue Navy Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary counter stool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Park Place Dining Chair by Yabu Pushelberg in Black Nickel and Jacquard Tweed
Located in Toronto, ON
This Park Place dining chair by Yabu Pushelberg in black nickel is upholstered in Rue Cambon jacquard tweed, made of chenille & velour. Rue Cambon comes in 3 colorways from Italy wit...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Brogliato Traverso Newood Stool in Solid Ashwood Structure for Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
The result of a contemporary re-interpretation of the timeless charm of Windsor-style chairs. Newood chairs and stools express the successful harmony between technologically advanced...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Jasper Morrison Large Morrison Stool in Ash with Fabric or Leather
Located in New York, NY
Available in three different heights, the Morrison stool by Jasper Morrison has a slightly concave seat that is a harmonious contrast to the straight, well-defined lines of the base:...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Set of 3 Contemporary Bar Stool Brass Metal & Natural Tan Tobacco Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary barstool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the double 3.5 ...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of 3 Contemporary Kitchen Counter Bar Stool Aged Brass Metal & Navy Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary counter stool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the double...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Contemporary Kitchen Counter Bar Stool Aged Brass steel & Dark Brown Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary counter stool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair Contemporary Classic Counter Bar Stool Aged Brass Metal & Navy Blue Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary counter stool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned m...
Category
2010s European Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Gesture Two-Tone Fully Upholstered Chair in Oak, by Hans Olsen from Warm Nordic
By Hans Olsen
Located in Viby J, DK
This beautiful, moulded Gesture Chair, designed in the 1950s, was the work of the acclaimed Danish architect, Hans Olsen. With its welcoming design, the Gesture Chair creates a warm ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Orange Lounge Chair in Pure Wood, by Hans Olsen from Warm Nordic
By Hans Olsen
Located in Viby J, DK
This light, elegant chair, The Orange was designed in the 1950s by the acclaimed Danish architect, Hans Olsen. Thanks to its classic expression, The Orange chair will complement either a contemporary or more timeless interior as an effortless addition to the existing furniture in the home. Hans Olsen?s The Orange chair is one of the earliest known shell chairs and acquired its name because of its characteristic back and seat, which are reminiscent of orange peel. Reflecting both the era?s experiments with color and the architect?s own playful attitude to design, this upholstered shell chair...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
21st Century Sharpei Armchair in Beige Leather by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
The refined manufacturing of the seatback, enriched with decorative studs, is the main feature of this original armchair which combines experimentation in the design of the shapes with the taste of sophisticated decoration.
Sharpei Armchair...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Foam
Pair Contemporary Bar Stool, Aged Brass Metal & Black Saddle Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary barstool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the double 3.5 ...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Park Place Dining Chair by Yabu Pushelberg in Rose Copper and Jacquard Tweed
Located in Toronto, ON
This Park Place dining chair by Yabu Pushelberg in Rose Copper is upholstered in Rue Cambon jacquard tweed, made of chenille & velour. Rue Cambon comes in 3 colorways from Italy with...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
DeCastelli Pensando Ad Acapulco Chair in Polished Copper by IvDesign
By IVDESIGN, DeCastelli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pensando ad Acapulco (Thinking of Acapulco) is a tribute to the iconic Acapulco Chair of the Fifties. It gives shape to a new understanding of what a ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Copper
Wave Chair
By Guerra Vanni
Located in Milan, IT
A wonderful addition to any decor with a modern and cosmopolitan flavor, this stylish Oscar collection wave chair combines tradition and modernity with a sp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Textile
Gesture Lounge Chair in Pure Wood, by Hans Olsen from Warm Nordic
By Hans Olsen
Located in Viby J, DK
Now the distinctive 1950s Gesture design is also available as a sculptural lounge chair. The popular moulded design was the brainchild of the renowned Danish architect Hans Olsen, wh...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Set of 3 Contemporary Kitchen Counter Bar Stool Brass Metal & Dark Brown Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary counter stool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the double...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair Sculptural Contemporary Bar Stool, Aged Brass Metal & Dark Brown Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary barstool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the double 3.5 ...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair Contemporary Bar Stool Aged Brass Metal & Navy Blue Leather Organic Design
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary barstool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the double 3.5 ...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Ghidini 1961 Love Chair Rubis in Polished Brass by Nika Zupanc
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Love is all around. Clench yours tight, hold it close, and bestow on it the shiny perch it so wishes it deserved. Love chair for Ghidini 1961 provides a sumptuously soft landing for ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Ghidini 1961 Love Chair Powder Rose in Polished Brass by Nika Zupanc
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Love is all around. Clench yours tight, hold it close, and bestow on it the shiny perch it so wishes it deserved. Love chair for Ghidini 1961 provides a sumptuously soft landing for the love you’ve decided to start domesticating. Seated on a pale soft cushion and subtly yet firmly supported by the airy twists of the brass heart backrest your love has just enough room to stay right where it is. Thus installed it stays beautiful and liberating, and offers you the love-keeper a golden grip on it to bind it, chain it, or lock it up and silently hope it never breaks...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Set of 3 Classic Contemporary Counter Bar Stool Aged Brass Metal & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary counter stool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned m...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Park Place Dining Chair by Yabu Pushelberg in Black Nickel and Boucle Chenille
Located in Toronto, ON
This park place dining chair by Yabu Pushelberg in black nickel is upholstered in Aberdeen avenue boucle chenille blend. Aberdeen Avenue comes in 7 colorways from Italy with a compos...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of 3 Contemporary Counter Bar Stool Aged Brass Metal & Navy Blue Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary counter stool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned m...
Category
2010s European Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair Contemporary Counter Bar Stool Aged Brass Metal & Natural Tobacco Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary counter stool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned m...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Jasper Morrison Medium Morrison Stool in Ash and Fabric or Leather for
Located in New York, NY
Available in three different heights, the Morrison stool by Jasper Morrison has a slightly concave seat that is a harmonious contrast to the straight, well-defined lines of the base:...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Set of 4 Italian Steel Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four Italian modern steel chairs with removable cushions.
All items available to view at our DTLA Arts District Warehouse:
Motley LA
1909 E 7th ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH Hot Chair in Beech
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Chromed steel structure and shell in beech plywood with or without solid wood arms. Wood or upholstered seat for chairs or armchairs. The upholstered cover is available only in the front part of the seat and back with the exposed wood edge. They can be equipped with a coupling system that allows for alignment.
Additional Info:
Materials: Beech wood, chromed steel
Dimensions: H 31.9 x W 20.7 x D 20.8 inch
Seat height: 17.7 inch
WIENER GTV DESIGN is a trademark which distinguishes the historical and contemporary collection of Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Oscar Upholstered Chair
By Guerra Vanni
Located in Milan, IT
A sophisticated addition to any decor with a contemporary and elegant flavor, this stylish Oscar Collection Chair combines tradition and modernity with a splendid design featuring de...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Textile
Ludovica+Roberto Palomba Driade "Sissi" Chair in Glass Fiber, 2017
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The new chair designed by Ludovica+Roberto Palomba and manufactured by Driade – Sissi - is a sculptural, very versatile, self-centred and contemporary piece. Sissi is made in polypro...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass
Liz Tall Beige Chair by Giannella Ventura
By Meroni 1984
Located in Milan, IT
Clean and elegant lines define this splendid design by Giannella Ventura, a timeless chair with a tall backrest, ideally used at the head of the table in a refined dining room arrang...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Textile
Cream Nubuck Leather and Antique Brass Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek and refined, the Inheritance Chair is a great addition to nearly any space.
This variation is upholstered in a warm cream nubuck leather with a soft suede like touch. The foam seat cushions have been wrapped in down, allowing for a soft and comfortable lounge experience. Sitting atop an antique brass plated steel frame, the piece has support belts featuring natural cotton webbing, natural veg tan leather, and antique brass buckles...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Jasper Morrison Small Morrison Stool in Ash and Fabric or Leather for Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
Available in three different heights, the Morrison stool by Jasper Morrison has a slightly concave seat that is a harmonious contrast to the straight, well-defined lines of the base:...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
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.
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