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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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
Creator: Knoll
2021 Jens Risom for Knoll Risom Side Dining Chair Ebonized Maple & Black Webbing
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single Risom dining chair in ebonized maple with black cotton webbing designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll. This example was produced in 2021 and came di...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Ash

Set of 6 Tulip Dining Chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, XXth Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 6 Tulip Dining Chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, XXth Century. Set of 6 tulip chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll for dining room in black fibreglass and fabric, cushions reno...
Category

20th Century French Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Fiberglass

Warren Platner for Knoll classic armchair designed 1966
Located in London, GB
Warren Platner studied at Cornell University, graduating in 1941 with a degree in architecture. He went on to work with legendary architects Raymond Loewy, Eero Saarinen, and I. M. P...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of 4 modern black leather Brno chrome tube chairs
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Set of 4 modern black leather Brno chrome tube chairs. Chrome tubular bent frame with soft black leather upholstery. classic modern design by Ludwig ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Chrome

2008 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Side / Dining Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (multiple chairs are available, though the price listed is for each chair) Eero Saarinen for Knoll armless executive chai...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

2021 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Dining Chair Blue Mohair Velvet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single 2021 production Eero Saarinen for Knoll armless executive side / dining chair in what appears to be Knoll Velvet textile ...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

2018 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Chairs in Star Struck Red Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (multiple chairs are available, though the price listed is for each chair) Eero Saarinen for Knoll armless executive chair...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

2021 Jehs+Laub Wire Lounge Chair for Knoll Studio in Dark Marine Blue Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 2021 production Jehs+Laub Wire Lounge Chair designed by Jehs+Laub and produced by Knoll. This is a gorgeous example, which was acquired directly from a Knoll emp...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Modern Joseph and Linda Ricchio for Knoll Ricchio Armless Dining Chairs, a Pair
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning pair of authentic and signed Ricchio armless chairs by Knoll Studio. These chairs won a Roscoe design award in 1991 for Linda and Joe Ricchio. They go well in home, dining ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Cherry

Contemporary Modern Marc Krusin for Knoll Krusin Wood Side Dining Armchair
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The Krusin wood dining or side chair is contemporary and very comfortable. Well-constructed frame and steam bent top rail with light and graceful clean lines that are engaging from ...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Hardwood, Oak

Contemporary Marc Krusin for Knoll Krusin Wood Side Dining Armchair, Set of 6
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The Krusin wood dining or side chair is contemporary and very comfortable. Well-constructed frame and steam bent top rail with light and graceful clean lines that are engaging from every angle. Great for home dining room or guest reception areas and private office. Please note the price listed is for a set of 6 chairs Specifications: Fabric colors: Beige/cappuccino Grey oak, black ceruse hard wood frame and arms, dowel and mortise and tenon constructions Seat: High density polyurethane foam and elastic seat belt...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Hardwood, Oak

Vintage Modern Bulldog Armed Side Chairs by McCoy & Fahnstrom for Knoll Set 12
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Modern discontinued Bulldog Armed Side Chairs by Michael McCoy & Dale Fahnstrom for Knoll with black cantilever bases and blue fabric 12 total. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There are minor scuffs on all frames and arms. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 6/23/2000. NOTE: We are selling these chairs as a set however, if you love them and would like fewer, we may consider entertaining that request. Just let us know. Doughnuts, Roses, Cookies, Eggs, and these Awesome Knoll armchairs… Just a few things that are better by the DOZEN! That’s right! We have TWELVE of these wonderful Bulldog Armed side chairs by Knoll for you!! They were designed in 1990 by award winning designers Michael McCoy & Dale Fahnstrom and discontinued in 2009. These are labeled 6/23/2000. They are comprised of black finished steel cantilever frames with black plastic arm covers, molded plastic scoop-back seats, and they wear a fabulous blue nubby textured fabric. They have an ergonomically thought-out design, ensuring comfort and timeless style sure to withstand the hands of time. They are ready to grace your home or office with their iconic awesome-ness! Of course, they would be perfect surrounding a fabulous conference table at the office, but they would also be wonderful at a dining table in your Modern dining room, at a game table in the family room, or maybe you need extra seating for times you encounter those unexpected guests? Comfort, Style, Versatility, two AWARD WINNING designers, and they’re by Knoll… an exemplary manufacturer. These chairs have everything you’ve been looking for. As a designer, Michael McCoy is best known for his work with furniture manufacturer Knoll International. Along with Dale Fahnstrom, Fahnstrom/McCoy Design Consultants designed the 5-time award-winning Bulldog chair. The Bulldog is Knoll's best-selling office chair to date. Michael McCoy along with his wife Katherine McCoy was the recipient of the Smithsonian’s first Design Minds National Design Award. His designs include the Horizon LED Light for Humanscale with Peter Stathis, the million selling “Bulldog Chair” for Knoll and the Place Airport Seating for Arconas with Curt Fentress. He has received many international design awards for his work for Humanscale, Knoll, Philips, Steelcase and NEC including Germany’s Red Dot Award, the IDSA Gold Award, The Spark Award, London’s FX Award, the ID Magazine Best of Category, the IBD Award and The Interiors Magazine Best Office Design. He was principal in McCoy & McCoy Inc. in Colorado and Fahnstrom/McCoy Design Consultants in Chicago, he was Co-chair of the Design Department at Cranbrook Academy of Art for 23 years. His strategies for interpreting technology and information through design form have been widely published and he lectures internationally on the subject. Dale Fahnstrom graduated with a BFA and MFA in Industrial Design, in 1962 and 1965, from the University of Illinois, Champaign. Early in his career Fahnstrom was product designer for Unimark International. He co-founded the Chicago design firms Source, Inc. and Design Planning Group, and designed products for firms such as Knoll International, Philips Electronics N.V., Steelcase, Brayton International, Vecta Contract...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Six Saarinen Swivel Tulip Design Base for Knoll Leather Seats
Located in Toledo, OH
Six Mid-Century Modern swivel Saarinen tulip design base chairs for Knoll. Black leather removeable seat. Very good condition. Dimensions: 20" depth x 26" W x 32" H. Seat height 19.25".
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Pair of Knoll Copper Plated Skeleton Chairs David Washington Design for Knoll
Located in Toledo, OH
A very nice pair of cast aluminum copper plated skeleton chairs by David Washington for Knoll. Very nice to excellent condition. Dimensions: 21" depth ...
Category

20th Century North American Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Modern Joseph and Linda Ricchio for Knoll Studio Ricchio Dining Chairs, a Pair
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic and signed pair of Ricchio armchairs by Knoll studio. These chairs won a Roscoe design award in 1991 for Linda and Joe Ricchio. They go well in home, dining roo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Cherry

Empire Chair in Molded Plywood by Robert Venturi & Denise Scott, 1984
Located in New York, NY
Empire chair in molded plywood with laminated finish in the "Grandmother" pattern. Designed by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown for Knoll, USA, 1984.
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Plywood

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Set of Three Jens Risom for Knoll Webbed Wood Side Chairs
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Previously Available Items
Bastiano Lounge Chair by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll International
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather lounge chair by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll International, c.1970s, USA. The plush lounge chair features black leather upholstered cushions encased in an angular wood frame. Dime...
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1970s American Vintage Modern Chairs

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Leather, Wood

Chrome Frame With Beige Cowhide Back + Seat Dining Chair, KNOLL
Located in Tulsa, OK
Spoleto Chair By Knoll Ufficio Tecnico, Knoll International's in-house team of engineers and designers, introduced the award-winning Spoleto chair in ...
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2010s Italian Modern Chairs

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Chrome

Pair of Knoll Studio Ricchio Beech Armchairs by Joseph and Linda Ricchio, 1990's
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
A pair of authentic and signed Ricchio arm chairs by Knoll Studio, These chairs won a Roscoe design award in 1991 for Linda and Joe Ricchio, With an effortless aesthetic and traditio...
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Late 20th Century American Modern Chairs

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Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Vintage Black & White Wire Barstools by Harry Bertoia for Knoll Inc, Set of 6
Located in Eindhoven, Noord Brabant
This set of 6 vintage wired mesh barstools are designed in 1966 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll Inc. Manufactured in the United States. These barstools ...
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1960s American Vintage Modern Chairs

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Metallic Thread

Sheraton Chair in Plywood with Laminated Finish by Robert Venturi, 1984
Located in New York, NY
Sheraton chair in molded plywood with laminated finish and pre-production cushion. Designed by Robert Venturi for Knoll, USA, 1984.   
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1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs

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Plywood

Armchair Womb Chair by designer Eero Saarinen
Located in Madrid, ES
Armchair Womb chair Created in 1948 by designer Eero Saarinen for Knoll. Seat and back in burgundy tones. Knoll marked stainless steel base. Dim.: 92 x 79 x 104 cm. Eero Saarinen b. Finland 1910-1961 Born to world famous parents, architect and Cranbrook Academy of Art director Eliel Saarinen and textile artist Loja Saarinen...
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20th Century European Modern Chairs

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Armchair Womb Chair by designer Eero Saarinen
Armchair Womb Chair by designer Eero Saarinen
H 40.95 in W 36.23 in L 40.95 in
Frank Gehry Cross Check Chair for Knoll, Signed, Immaculate Condition
Located in Kansas City, MO
Cross check chair designed by Frank Gehry for Knoll, 1992. Stamped with the KnollStudio logo, Frank Gehry's signature. Condition is virtually like n...
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1990s American Modern Chairs

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Burgundy Velvet Brno Armchair with Chrome Frame, Knoll
Located in Tulsa, OK
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1930s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

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Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Brno Chair for Knoll International, USA, 1980
Located in London, GB
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is perhaps the most important name in the history of architecture. Working with his father, a stonemason, he gained experience of the tactile and intimate re...
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Hat Trick Chair by Frank Gehry for Knoll, circa 2003
Located in San Francisco, CA
About Inspired by the apple crates he had played on as a child, Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry created the ribbon-like design of the Hat Trick chair...
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21st Century and Contemporary Modern Chairs

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Set of Ten 10 Modern Knoll Chrome Brno Chairs Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Houston, TX
Set of ten 10 modern Knoll chrome Brno chairs Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Needs new upholstery. COM available. 1-2 weeks turn around.
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1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs

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Authentic Cross Check Chair by Frank Gehry for Knoll, Bent Wood with Arms
Located in Kansas City, MO
Frank Gehry cross check chair with arms manufactured by Knoll. A stunning piece of functional art made of interwoven maple strips. Signed...
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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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