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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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: Black
T-Chair in Black by Annebet Philps & Mogg
By Mogg, Annebet Philps
Located in New York, NY
"T-Chair is designed by Philips Annebet for Mogg brand, made of solid ash. T-Chair and chair with its back to the original shape inspired T-Shirt, hence the name. T-Chair is a comfor...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Emeco Su Small Stool in Black Aluminum with Cork Seat by Nendo
Located in Hanover, PA
With the invisible values of design, engineering and strength, the Emeco SU Collection follows the Japanese aesthetic of ‘su‘ — meaning plain or unadorned — the idea that simplicity ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Cork
Erik Jørgensen Ej70 Steel and Leather Armchair by J. Foersom & P. Hiort-Lorenzen
Located in Marbella, ES
Black and stainless steel modern sofa designed by architect Johannes Foersom & Hiortz-Lorentzen and made by Danish upholster specialists Erik Jorgensen.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Emeco Su Counter Stool in Black Aluminum w/ Cork Seat by Nendo
Located in Hanover, PA
With the invisible values of design, engineering and strength, the Emeco SU Collection follows the Japanese aesthetic of ‘su‘ — meaning plain or unadorned — the idea that simplicity ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Cork
Baby, Chair with metal leg and wooden boy covered by fabric or leather
By Clan Milano
Located in Barlassina, Monza-Brianza
Simple and comfort chair with a welcoming body with curved arms.
Poplar wood frame. Metallic tubular legs and structure. Non-removable leather or fabric cover. Padded with polyuretha...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Contemporary Flora Chair in Black Leather with White Oak Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The flora is just as comfortable as it looks. Completely wrapped in down and feather from the arms to the cushions and backs -- helps to create the marshmallow look.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
ClassiCon Aërias Chair by Tilla Goldberg
By Tilla Goldberg
Located in New York, NY
Aërias surprises with formal conciseness, lightness and innovative weaving: the familiar pattern of the Vienna wickerwork is reinterpreted with a changed scale and leather as a mater...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
‘Balzaretti’ Chair in Petrolio Silk
Located in San Pietro di Morubio, Verona
The upholstered medallion backrest and voluminous square seat are the truly outstanding elements of this modern chair whose clean and delicate design characterizes the Balzaretti series. Raised on a slender yet sturdy metal frame with an eye-catching purple finish, it features a stunning upholstery in deep teal-blue silk. With its geometric, elegant contours this chair will bring a glamorous touch to any refined interior.
Comprised of a rich color of textile family, the Balzaretti chairs...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Corner Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The inheritance corner chair can be used as a standalone piece, or as part of a modular sectional with other inheritance pieces.
This variation is upholstered in a dark blue smoke leather...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Emeco Su Counter Stool in Black Aluminum with Reclaimed Oak Seat by Nendo
Located in Hanover, PA
With the invisible values of design, engineering and strength, the Emeco SU Collection follows the Japanese aesthetic of ‘su‘ — meaning plain or unadorned — the idea that simplicity ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
Emeco Run 3-Seat Bench in Black Powder-Coat and Walnut by Sam Hecht & Kim Colin
Located in Hanover, PA
Run is a collection of tables, benches and shelves by Sam Hecht and Kim Colin, designers of the simple and no-nonsense. Run effortlessly finds balance in both indoor and outdoor land...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Su Small Stool in Black Aluminum w/ Reclaimed Oak Seat by Nendo
Located in Hanover, PA
With the invisible values of design, engineering and strength, the Emeco SU Collection follows the Japanese aesthetic of ‘su‘ — meaning plain or unadorned — the idea that simplicity ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
Sculptural Contemporary Chaise Lounge Black Smoke Metal & Navy Blue Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary chaise longue is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 16 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the doubl...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass, Steel
Emeco Su Barstool in Black Aluminum with Eco-Concrete Seatby Nendo
Located in Hanover, PA
With the invisible values of design, engineering and strength, the Emeco SU collection follows the Japanese aesthetic of ‘su‘, meaning plain or unadorned, the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Concrete
Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Chair
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 deep blue smoke leather. The f...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Organic Contemporary Kitchen Counter Bar Stool Black Steel & Navy Blue 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
Unique Faux Bois Chair, Artist Made of Hand Worked Iron, One of a Kind
Located in Kansas City, MO
Handmade one of a kind iron high back chair in a faux bois style. Sturdy and comfortable.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Iron
Emeco Su Barstool in Black Aluminum w/ Reclaimed Oak Seat by Nendo
Located in Hanover, PA
With the invisible values of design, engineering and strength, the Emeco SU Collection follows the Japanese aesthetic of ‘su‘ — meaning plain or unadorned — the idea that simplicity ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
Obsidian Black Leather and Blackened Steel Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A part of our new leather collection, this chair has a blackened steel frame finish, black webbing and cognac leather belts and upholstery of soft black vegetable tanned leather.
...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of Six Brass and Fabric Dining Chairs
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous set of six dining chairs from the 1970s. The chairs have been newly recovered in a beautiful light brown tweed fabric. The brass legs are in original condition, so they s...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Navy Leather and Antique Nickel 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 rich navy leather. The foam seat cushions have been wrapped in ...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Customizable ClassiCon Munich Armchair by Sauerbruch Hutton
Located in New York, NY
Modern art of the 20th and 21st centuries deserves an appropriate setting, with a building and its furniture that is just as modern. Berlin architects Sauerbruch Hutton were thus fac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Dondolo Lounge Chair in Black with Stainless Steel, Recycled Leather & Mahogany
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Considering I come from Torino, the car manufacturing capital, it only made sense that at some point I would extend my work to the automobile industry. I went scavenging through car junk yards and found that the aftermath of that industry produced a wealth of beautiful and extremely well made products which could be re-utilized into making furniture, hence the birth of 'Dondolo'. It's a rocking chair with a foot in the past and one in the future. Still benefitting from the factory-issue moving parts, the original leather Alfa Romeo 166 seat reclines and heats at will, powered by an eco-friendly gel based battery which can be charged with any power outlet. By means of two periscopic arms, it has the added comfort of providing a swinging, retractable work table to rest your laptop, and an efficient dimmable warm-toned LED light, housed in what was a beautiful metal FIAT 500...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Hand-Dyed Indigo Canvas & Tarnished Brass Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek and refined, the Inheritance Chair is a great addition to nearly any space.
Inspired by a worn-in pair of jeans and created alongside the team at Simon Miller, USA, our indig...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Chair
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 soft blue smoke leather by M...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Full Moon Chair in Grey with Black Lacquered Shell 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
Rare Prototype of ClassiCon Munich Chair Brown Leather
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Model Munich chair designed by Sauerbruch Hutton.
Manufactured by ClassiCon.
This object is a rare and unique prototype with a aluminium feet base that ...
Category
Early 2000s German Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Black Canvas and Blackened Steel Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This chair has soft black canvas cushion covers, a blackened steel frame with black cotton webbing and cognac leather belts.
This item is made to order, in Los Angeles.
Please ...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Italian Style Black Lacquer Savonarola Chairs
Located in Toledo, OH
An incredible pair of Savonarola chairs. These unusual chairs feature a black lacquer finish with a pierced steel frame. These unique chairs ...
Category
20th Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Lacquer
Patterned Full Moon Chair with Black Lacquered Shell, Ludovica & Roberto Palomba
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
Black Wool and Antique Brass Corner Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Corner Chair can be used as a standalone piece, or as part of a modular sectional with other Inheritance pieces.
This variation is upholstered in a rich, black wool ...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of Ten Post Modern Hindermann Orta Side, Dining Chairs/Dietiker Switzerland
By Christoph Hindermann
Located in Buffalo, NY
Dietiker chairs.
Orta chair.
The special thing about Orta is the optimally shaped, elastic back with the textile cover. Features royal blue netting, polymide seat, extremely comf...
Category
1990s Swiss Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Hand-Dyed Indigo Canvas and Marbled Rust Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek and refined, the Inheritance Chair is a great addition to nearly any space.
Inspired by a worn-in pair of jeans and created alongside the team at Simon Miller, USA, our indigo cotton canvas is hand dyed using a chemical free process and embraces unique texture and color variations from piece to piece. The traditional foam seat cushions have been wrapped in polyfiber, allowing for a soft and comfortable lounge experience. Sitting atop a marbled rust steel frame, the piece has support belts featuring indigo cotton webbing, cognac leather, and antique brass buckles.
Every Stephen Kenn piece is made to order through our Los Angeles studio. We create these pieces utilizing a number of small businesses and fabricators in the LA area. We welcome inquiries about custom dimensions or custom material combinations to best fit your space and personal aesthetic.
Naturally dyed indigo cushion...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Modern Vanity Lounge Chair made from Fabric Dress, One of a Kind
By Thislexik, Vedat Ulgen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sit pretty in this well dressed and well-tailored chair. We elegantly drape fabric over this piece and harden it in place to emulate the natural folds of skirts and dresses, instill...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Epoxy Resin, Cotton Canvas
Maison Jansen, Set of Six 1970s Chairs in Chrome Metal and Velvet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Maison Jansen, set of six 1970s chairs in chrome metal and velvet.
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Giotto Stoppino, Set of Ten Chrome and Moleskine Chairs, 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Giotto Stoppino, set of ten chrome and moleskine chairs, 1970.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Vintage Gf GoodForm Aluminum Task Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of vintage GF GoodForm aluminum task chairs.
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Rare Set of Four Black Leather and Chrome Chairs by Helmut Lubke & Co
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A rare set of four black leather dining chairs with chrome legs.
Made in Germany, circa 1980s.
Designed by Helmut Lubke & Co.
with a triangle shaped ba...
Category
1980s German Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Set of Eight Anodized Steel & Leather Dining Chairs
By Cain Modern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
American; Set of eight dining chairs in anodized steel and leather seats.
The chairs are made to order by Cain Modern, they are made in solid steel with an anodized finish and leath...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Italian Modern Set of Steel and Leather Chairs like Cantilever S33, Gavina 1970s
By Gavina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern set of eight steel and leather chairs inspired by Cantilever S33 by Mart Stam and attributable to Gavina, 1970s.
Set of eight chairs with tubular steel and black leat...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Modern Bungee Armchair after René Herbst
By René Herbst
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Modern bungee armchair after René Herbst, a nice vintage 1990s version, measures: arm height is 25-inches, seat height is 17-inches.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Naos Black Saddle Leather Dining Chairs Italy Design Set of 6
By Naos
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Unique highback dinings chairs from producer Naos made in Italy.
The frame is made of strong steel and covered with black saddle leather.
Graphical Industrial Design from the /90ti...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Giancarlo Vegni for Fasem 'P90' Leather Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1980s Italian black leather chair designed by Giancarlo Vegni for Fasem. Good condition consistent with age and use.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
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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