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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Number in Set: Set of 12 or more
Oscar Small Dining Chair, in Special Bouclé Fabric, Handcrafted by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Oscar Small Dining Chair, in Special Bouclé Fabric, Handcrafted by Duistt Inspired by the poetic curved lines of Oscar Niemeyer’s architecture, Oscar armchair allures for its sensua...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Fen Hua Chair by objective OBJECT Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Fen Hua Chair by objective OBJECT Studio Dimensions: D 48 x W 56 x H 95 cm Materials: Limestone, wood. objective OBJECT an embodiment of our architectural ethos. We represent an u...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Chairs

Materials

Limestone

Basic Stool by Hot Wire Extensions
Located in Geneve, CH
Basic Stool by Hot Wire Extensions Dimensions: D 35 x W 34 x H 48 cm Materials: Waste nylon powder and responsibly sourced sand, copper pipe. 5 kg Different colors upon request. A...
Category

2010s British Modern Chairs

Materials

Copper

Set of 2 Basic Trestles I by Hot Wire Extensions
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Basic Trestles I by Hot Wire Extensions Dimensions: D 75 x W 43 x H 72.5 cm Materials: Waste nylon powder and responsibly sourced sand, copper pipe. 9 kg Different dimensi...
Category

2010s British Modern Chairs

Materials

Copper

Set of 2 Basic Trestles II by Hot Wire Extensions
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Basic Trestles II by Hot Wire Extensions Dimensions: D 75 x W 38 x H 72.5 cm Materials: Waste nylon powder and responsibly sourced sand, copper pipe. 9 kg Glass top not in...
Category

2010s British Modern Chairs

Materials

Copper

Counter High Stool by Hot Wire Extensions
Located in Geneve, CH
Counter High Stool by Hot Wire Extensions Dimensions: D 38 x W 39 x H 75 cm Materials: Waste nylon powder and responsibly sourced sand, copper pipe. 9 kg Different colors upon requ...
Category

2010s British Modern Chairs

Materials

Copper

Oscar Modular Sofa, End Module, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Oscar Modular Sofa, End Module, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt Inspired by the poetic curved lines of Oscar Niemeyer’s architecture, Oscar modular sofa middle allures for its sen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design Dimensions: D 60.3 x W 62.2 x H 76.2 cm. Materials: Powder-coated steel and upholstery. Solid steel flat bar available in a flat black or white...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design Dimensions: D 60.3 x W 62.2 x H 76.2 cm. Materials: Powder-coated steel and upholstery. Solid steel flat bar available in a flat black or white...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design Dimensions: D 60.3 x W 62.2 x H 76.2 cm. Materials: Powder-coated steel and upholstery. Solid steel flat bar available in a flat black or white...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Lula Chair, Ivory Bouclé & Black Lacquer by Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order bouclé and wood chair designed by Christian Siriano. Base: Black Lacquer Fabric: Ivory Bouclé Measures: Overall depth: 28” Overall height: 40” Seat depth: 21” Seat ...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Maple

Modern Laurence Dining Chairs, Off-White Bouclé, Handmade Portugal 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

Petite Wood Float Chair, Walnut Wood and Acrylic Chair
Located in Houston, TX
The Petite Wood Float Chair blurs the lines between art and furniture and encourages an internal dialogue with the viewer. Is this art or can I sit in it? Both. Handcrafted from soli...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Chairs

Materials

Acrylic, Walnut, Wood

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 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 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

Column Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Column Chair brings a striking architectural silhouette to any space. Solid steel rods transition into scrolls at the top of the chair, evoking classic ionic columns. The flared ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

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

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

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

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 burnt copper. Solid steel bar available in a smoked brass, polished...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Copper, Steel

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 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

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, 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

Finn Juhl 45 Chair, Wood and Fabric
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1945, relaunched in 2003. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. In the Autumn of 1945, Finn Juhl presented the 45 Chair at the annual Cabi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

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

INVICTA II dining chair in white boucle and brass rear leg
Located in Frazão, Porto
The INVICTA II dining chair has an exclusive and impressive design, with just one leg in the back, it brings shophistication to your decoration...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel, Nickel

Contemporary Vertere Stool in Oiled Walnut with White Leather Seat Pad
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
Turned from solid timber, the Vertere projects an exaggerated sculptural silhouette fully accentuating the stunning beauty of walnut. Our recommendation is an oiled finish to bring o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Contemporary Chair in Solid Wood, Upholstered in Leather or Textiles
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Dry chair collection. The Dry chair concept is to work in a mixture of distinct references resulting in a modern classic in a dance between the retro and the modern. A heavy and i...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Laminate, Hardwood

Modern Skirt Upholstered Accent Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Dressed in a softly textured chenille performance fabric with a silver metallic ground, this elegant tall back chair works beautifully in home office spaces, or bedrooms and dressing...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH Wiener Stuhl Chair in Curry Yellow & Fabric Seating
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A simplified design to create an elegant, comfortable, popular item”. The structure has an all-embracing simplicity, and is formed from just a few elements in steam bent solid beech....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Iconic Eero Aarnio Black Leather Swivel Ball Lounge Chair
Located in New York, NY
The ball chair was designed in 1963 and debuted at the Cologne Furniture Fair in 1966. The chair is one of the most famous and beloved classics of Finni...
Category

2010s Finnish Modern Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass, Leather

Bondi Stackable Dining Chair in Ashwood
By Fräg Woodall, Please Wait to be Seated
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Please Wait to be Seated Bondi chair is inspired by designer Frag Woodall's earliest memories of watching artisans at work, fascinated by the way they joined and fitted timber. The s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Dining Chair in Caribbean Walnut, in Stock
Located in PARQUE INDUSTRIAL OTHON P BLANCO, Quintana Roo
The Tamay Chair brings together personality and subtlety, based on simple lines and harmonious proportions, which underscore the natural beauty of the solid tropical wood native to s...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Hardwood, Walnut

e15 Karnak Chair with European Oak Base by Ferdinand Kramer
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1925, the elegant and archetypal chair Karnak features Ferdinand Kramer's masterful grip on simplicity. Available in waxed solid European o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

White Oak Dining Chair with Leather Seat or Dining Chair GH2
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Reminiscent of an old farmhouse chair, the dining chair GH2 is second in the collection of chairs designed for the restaurant Auburn in Los Angeles. The piece is handcrafted by our t...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Minimal Style, Bar Stool in Solid wood, Textiles or Leather Seat, Black finish
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The Wing chair solid wood collection, flexibility, modern aesthetics, comfort and softness are the keywords for this collection. The concept is inspired by the B-52 plane design, thi...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile, Cane, Wood, Hardwood

Minimal Style, Bar Stool in Solid Wood, Textiles or Leather Seatings
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The Wing chair solid wood collection, flexibility, modern aesthetics, comfort and softness are the keywords for this collection. The concept is inspired by the B-52 plane design, thi...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile, Cane, Wood, Hardwood

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

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

Herman Miller Molded Fiberglass Shell Chair - Set of 12
Located in west palm beach, FL
An incredible set of 12 vintage MCM swivel chairs. Made by the iconic Herman Miller and tagged on the bottom. The coveted Aluminum swivel chai...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

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 - 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 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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