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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Customizable Items Only
Minimalist Organic Chair in Solid Wood, camel leather Seating tone
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." Introducing the Collana Chairs, Armchairs and ottomans Collection, a testament to the seamless integration of aest...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Ab Ovo Hanging Pod Chair by William Emmerson
Located in Geneve, CH
Ab Ovo Hanging Pod Chair by William Emmerson Limited Edition Of 3 Pieces. Dimensions: D 99.06 x W 167.64 x H 208.28 cm. SH: 45.72. Materials: Brass and brown leather. Limited editio...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Minimalist Organic Chair in black Solid Wood, cian textiles Seating
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." Introducing the Collana Chairs, Armchairs and ottomans Collection, a testament to the seamless integration of aest...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Minimalist Organic Chair in black Solid Wood, cian textiles Seating
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." Introducing the Collana Chairs, Armchairs and ottomans Collection, a testament to the seamless integration of aest...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Minimalist Organic Chair in natural Solid Wood, black leather Seating tone
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." Introducing the Collana Chairs, Armchairs and ottomans Collection, a testament to the seamless integration of aest...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Minimalist Organic Chair in Solid Wood, camel leather Seating tone
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." Introducing the Collana Chairs, Armchairs and ottomans Collection, a testament to the seamless integration of aest...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Minimalist Organic Chair in black Solid Wood, camel leather Seating tone
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." Introducing the Collana Chairs, Armchairs and ottomans Collection, a testament to the seamless integration of aest...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Minimalist Organic Chair in black Solid Wood, camel leather Seating tone
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." Introducing the Collana Chairs, Armchairs and ottomans Collection, a testament to the seamless integration of aest...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Bride’s Veil Static Chair by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Bride’s Veil Static Chair by Phase Design Dimensions: D 75 x W 83,2 x H 68,6 cm. Materials: Upholstery, steel and smoked brass. Solid steel bar available in a smoked brass, polished...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Minimalist Organic Chair in natural Solid Wood, black leather Seating tone
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." Introducing the Collana Chairs, Armchairs and ottomans Collection, a testament to the seamless integration of aest...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Bride’s Veil Static Chair With High Back by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Bride’s Veil Static Chair With High Back by Phase Design Dimensions: D 85,7 x W 91,4 x H 121,9 cm. Materials: Upholstery, steel and polished chrome. Solid steel bar available in a ...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Bride’s Veil Static Chair by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Bride’s Veil Static Chair by Phase Design Dimensions: D 75 x W 83,2 x H 68,6 cm. Materials: Upholstery and powder-coated steel. Solid steel bar available in a smoked brass, polished...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Copper, Steel

Bride’s Veil Static Chair by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Bride’s Veil Static Chair by Phase Design Dimensions: D 75 x W 83,2 x H 68,6 cm. Materials: Upholstery, steel and burnt copper. Solid steel bar available in a smoked brass, polished...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Copper, Steel

Pouf Pill S by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf Pill S by Houtique Dimensions: H 45 x D 35 cm Materials: Velvet upholstery and 30cm fringes Pill Pouf S Art Deco style pouf with wood structure and velvet fabric. 2 fiber-board...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Minimalist Organic Chair in black Solid Wood, off-white textiles Seating
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." Introducing the Collana Chairs, Armchairs and ottomans Collection, a testament to the seamless integration of aest...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Minimalist Organic Chair in black Solid Wood, black leather Seating
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." Introducing the Collana Chairs, Armchairs and ottomans Collection, a testament to the seamless integration of aest...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Bride’s Veil Static Chair by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Bride’s Veil Static Chair by Phase Design Dimensions: D 75 x W 83,2 x H 68,6 cm. Materials: Upholstery, steel and smoked brass. Solid steel bar available in a smoked brass, polished...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Minimalist Organic Chair in black Solid Wood, black leather Seating
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." Introducing the Collana Chairs, Armchairs and ottomans Collection, a testament to the seamless integration of aest...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Minimalist Organic Chair in black Solid Wood, off-white textiles Seating
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." Introducing the Collana Chairs, Armchairs and ottomans Collection, a testament to the seamless integration of aest...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Tramawood 22 Bench by Humberto da Mata
Located in Geneve, CH
Tramawood 22 bench by Humberto da Mata Dimensions: L 170 x W 45 x H 45 cm Materials: Solid Freijó structure, foam, plywood and w...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Foam, Wood, Plywood

Lee Broom - Hanging Hoop Chair Brass
Located in New York, NY
Suspended from above, two brass plated steel circular hoops join to create the Hanging Hoop Chair, with a seat and backrest upholstered in Kvadrat wool. Finishing: Brushed brass pl...
Category

2010s British Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Peacock Easy Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Peacock Easy armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Rattan Also available in other colors. Dimensions: 68.5 cm x 90 cm x H 198 cm Peacock is a modern take on the traditional wick...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Chairs

Materials

Rattan

Mera Chair
Located in London, GB
Inspired by a traditional cane chair design, this chair is a contemporary version of a much loved classic that we have seen in many forms. The spoke-shaved frame is a solid ash, give...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Cane, Rattan, Ash

"Julia" Minimalist Chair in Solid Wood, cane backrest and natural leather seat
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
When she created Julia chair with wooden arms, Alessandra Delgado wanted a piece with delicate features, exploring the curves of the wood with a design inspired by the master designe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Cotton, Wood, Leather

"Julia" Chair with Wooden Arms, cane back and natural leather seat
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
When she created Julia chair with wooden arms, Alessandra Delgado wanted a piece with delicate features, exploring the curves of the wood with a design inspired by the master designe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Cotton, Leather

Set of 6 Modern Chicago Dining Chairs, Oak Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern set of 6 Chicago Dining Chairs, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Wooden chairs in American Oak uph...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak, Cotton

Sedia Tiffany in velluto, gambe laccate e decori in metallo
Located in Bisceglie, IT
Una seduta pranzo dai tratti delicati, e dall elevato standard qualitativo. Rivestita in velluto, ma disponibile anche in tessuto bouclè, viene caratterizzata dal dettaglio in metall...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Korhogo Cloth, Velvet

Le Mautu by Naibu
Located in Geneve, CH
Le Mautu by Naibu Materials: Stainless steel. Dimensions: D 57 x W 40 x H 91 cm. Naibu We are a multidisciplinary studio founded by Mara Calderón de la Barca and Brenda Ochoa, based...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Modern Margot Dining Chairs, Wool Bouclé Velvet, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Margot Chair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Margot bouclé dining chair stands as a contemporary piece that redefines the standards of modern ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak, Leather, Velvet, Bouclé, Fabric

Cult Stool by Panorammma
Located in Geneve, CH
Cult stool by Panorammma Materials: Black lacquer onyx. Dimensions: D 25 x H 45 cm. Also available in Onyx Conglomerate or Onyx Ice. Panorammma is a furniture design atelier based i...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Onyx

White Onyx Sugar Daddy Chair by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
White Onyx Sugar Daddy Chair by Pietro Franceschini Limited Edition Of 8 Pieces. Dimensions: D 59 x W 55 x H 50,5 cm. Materials: White onyx. Pietro Franceschini is an architect and ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Onyx

Aqua Botanica Stool by WL Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Aqua Botanica Stool by WL Ceramics Designer: Edward van Vliet Materials: Porcelain Dimensions: H40 x Ø40 cm At WL CERAMICS we make porcelain with passion. We are a family run compa...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Chairs

Materials

Porcelain

Slomo Chair, Walnut
Located in Monte-Serzedo, 13
The Slomo chair is based on the principles of the idea of chair that is familiar to us, combining different details that revive the memory of shapes from 20th century designs. Design...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Lacquer, Walnut, Oak, Ash, Wood, Faux Leather, Upholstery, Wool

Art Deco Margot Dining Chairs, Faux Fur Velvet, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Margot chair, modern collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Margot fur dining chair stands as a art deco piece that redefines the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Faux Fur, Leather, Velvet, Bouclé, Fabric

4x Shaker Counter Stool AMBROZIA, Sedona Leather, Dull Champagne, Oxidized Maple
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The shaker modern counter stool chair is handmade to order. Featuring our optional Luxurious Dull Champagne metal frame and a Genuine leather seat and back. Also offered in COM or CO...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Claste For the Love of Solitude Small Chair in Glass with Sea Pearl Marble
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A chair that creates separation with transparency, solitude without disconnection. Within the walls of glass, a floating slab of marble adds weight and texture to the delicate nature...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Chairs

Materials

Marble

Claste For the Love of Solitude Large Chair in Glass with Sea Pearl Marble
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A chair that creates separation with transparency, solitude without disconnection. Within the walls of glass, a floating slab of marble adds weight and texture to the delicate nature...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Chairs

Materials

Marble

H Chair by Estudio Persona
Located in Geneve, CH
H chair by Estudio Persona. Dimensions: W 46 x D 49 x H 79 cm Materials: Mohair fabric. Upholstered dining chair. Shown in mohair fabric. COM option available. Customizations availa...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Mohair

Bold Dining Chair - Anouk 105
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A testament to a new level of modern design, The Bold Dining Chair seamlessly blends form and function, elevating any dining experience with its refined elegance. Decades of design ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé

Bold Dining Chair - Anouk 100
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A testament to a new level of modern design, The Bold Dining Chair seamlessly blends form and function, elevating any dining experience with its refined elegance. Decades of design ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé

Bold Dining Chair
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A testament to a new level of modern design, The Bold Dining Chair seamlessly blends form and function, elevating any dining experience with its refined elegance. Decades of design ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé

Bold Dining Chair - Anouk 304
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A testament to a new level of modern design, The Bold Dining Chair seamlessly blends form and function, elevating any dining experience with its refined elegance. Decades of design ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé

Claste and Here I Sit Hall Chair Limited Edition
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An unexpected shift in appearance is the central idea behind the design of this chair. It switches from precariously balanced to solid and permanent through the clever use of a trian...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Chairs

Materials

Marble, Brass, Steel

Modern Mary Dining Chairs, Beige Velvet Leather, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mary Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Mary lea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Bold Dining Chair - Azimut 100
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A testament to a new level of modern design, The Bold Dining Chair seamlessly blends form and function, elevating any dining experience with its refined elegance. Decades of design ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Kartell Spoon Stool in White by Antonio Citterio & Toan Nguyen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An original stool whose shape is as elastic in appearance as it is in function. The innovation of Spoon consists mainly in attaching the seat to a central support with a specially re...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Bold Dining Chair - Azimut 102
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A testament to a new level of modern design, The Bold Dining Chair seamlessly blends form and function, elevating any dining experience with its refined elegance. Decades of design ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Modern De Castro Dining Chairs, Camel Velvet, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
De Castro Chair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The De Castro dining chair is a tribute to one of the most remarkable Portuguese love stories, cel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Chic 'Méandre' Bronze Chairs by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Méandre™ dark bronze side chairs by DESIGN FRÈRES®. Chic and understated.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Arches Dining Chair, Brass & COM, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Best Chair Design at the International Design & Architecture Awards 2021 Honorable Mention at the European Product Design Awards 2021 The Arches dining chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Set of 2, Nana Wooden Dining Chair with Back Detail, No:2
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Lagu values and cherishes local production, bringing together the artisanal crafts of boutique producers and user-friendly quality designs in the 'Lagu Selection'. The elegant piece...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Foam, Beech

Contemporary Felix carver Chair in Yellow Mohair with Solid Walnut Legs
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Felix Fluted Chair is our new take on our Felix Carver Chair, with its stunning fluted back adding a touch of elegance. Shown here upholstered in Alt...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Mohair

Steel Gold Arch Bench by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Steel gold arch bench by Pietro Franceschini. Sold exclusively by Galerie Philia. Materials: Steel. Finishes available:...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Ciottolo 04 by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Ciottolo 04 by Imperfettolab 1999 Dimensions: W 110 x D 91 x H 54 cm Materials: Fiberglass Avalaible in black, white / gold, chrome Imperfetto lab Who we are ? We are a famil...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Bold Dining Chair - Azimut 104
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A testament to a new level of modern design, The Bold Dining Chair seamlessly blends form and function, elevating any dining experience with its refined elegance. Decades of design ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Upholstered Walnut Corktown Stool Counter by Hollis & Morris
Located in Geneve, CH
Upholstered walnut cork town stool by Hollis & Morris Dimensions: Seat diameter 13" Base 12.5" x 14.5" x height 25.5" Materials: Solid wood. Cold rolled steel. Fabric. Also available...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Circular Lounge Chair by kar
Located in Geneve, CH
Circular lounge chair by kar Dimensions: W 105 x D 93 x H 80 cm Materials: Fabric, MDF frame Kar, is the root of Sanskrit Karma, meaning karmic...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Bold Dining Chair - Karakorum 003
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A testament to a new level of modern design, The Bold Dining Chair seamlessly blends form and function, elevating any dining experience with its refined elegance. Decades of design ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé

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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