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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 5
Chubby Chair in Buttermilk 3D Printed Recycled Plastic
Located in London, GB
Dirk van der Kooij first fell in love with low resolution 3D printing as a student, fulfilling his search for honest and functional ornamentation. T...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Viva Gradient Yellow and Blue Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Gradient Yellow and Blue Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also available in different colours. Please contact us. VIVA B...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Viva Green Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Green Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also available in different colours. Please contact us. VIVA BENCH. Designed by C...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Déjà Vu Chair in Wobble Fabric and Black Matte Metal
Located in Milano, IT
Déjà Vu chair is composed of a wooden shell padded with different densities polyurethane foam and finished with an upper layer of acrylic fiber. The seat is available completely cov...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Nico Lounge Chair by DeMuro Das in Solid Walnut
Located in New York, NY
The Nico Lounge Chair combines handsome proportions with timeless materials and an emphasis on comfort. Straight lines are tempered by curved edges and sloping arms, resulting in a t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Déjà Vu Chair in Natté White Fabrics and Black Matte Metal
Located in Milano, IT
Déjà Vu chair is composed of a wooden shell padded with different densities polyurethane foam and finished with an upper layer of acrylic fiber. The seat is available completely cov...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Shaker Counter Stool by AMBROZIA, Walnut, Sandle Vinyl, Light Brown Cowhide
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The Shaker modern Counter stool chair is handmade to order from our unique Ambrozia black textured steel tubing frame and a genuine leather upholstered seat and a beautiful cowhide back. Also available in leather and COM. Inspired by the boarding ladder steps of an old boat. The anti-slip wooden footrest offer a subtitle warm touch to your feet. This contemporary barstool chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Gervasoni Brise 24 Dining Armchair by Federica Biase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The freedom of composing the space around an outdoor table inspires the offer for outdoor seating Brise. The collection of chairs is made of stainless steel tubes with seating and ba...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Shaker Swivel Bar Chair, by Ambrozia, Walnut, Black Metal & Smokey Leather
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The Shaker Swivel Bar Chair is made to order from our unique Ambrozia black textured steel tubing frame. This contemporary / modern swivel bar chair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

De Sede RH-305 Chair in Cafe Upholstery by Robert Haussmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The cantilevered chair is suitable for any living space – also because the seating comfort is overwhelming and appealing in every situation. The current product is a re-edition and h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

White Fertility Chair
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Fertility Chair, initially conceived by Leonardo Floresvillar in 2019 and crafted from galvanized aluminum coated with matte electrostatic paint, is a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Iron

CORDOBA S dining chair with solid wood legs
Located in Frazão, Porto
Elegant and timeless design, the CORDOBA chair is very comfortable and engaging, suitable for contemporary spaces. Cordoba is available to order in fabr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Lacquer, Wood

Viva Checkerboard Red and Pink Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Checkerboard Red and Pink Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also available in different colour...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Upholstery

Viva White Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva White Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also available in different colours. Please contact us. VIVA BENCH. Designed by C...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

BLOC Cube Sky Blue Textured Upholstered Lucite Chair by Caroline Chao
Located in New York, NY
As seen in: Sight Unseen, Interior Design Magazine, Surface Magazine BLOC Cube Chair is part of a five-piece collection of sculptural upholstered and mixed-material furniture. BLOC ...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Acrylic, Foam, Lucite, Wood

Legless Floor Chair Japanese Modern Style Bentwood Chair
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Legless floor chair in the Japanese modern style. In tradition Japanese style, floor chair is set on traditional Tatami Igusa floor along with tabl...
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Hergon Chair
Located in Milan, IT
One of the ideas from which Hergon was brought to life is the intention to maximize the ergonomics offered by the backrest. A dynamic seat, featuring the strong and innovative lines ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Parma Dining Chair in Black Lacquer by Palena Furniture
Located in Istanbul, TR
Parma Dining Chair An elegant modern art deco design brings a timeless silhouette and exudes luxury within the home. Black lacquer frame with elegant polished bronze details and acco...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass, Stainless Steel

Gervasoni Brise 23 Dining Chair by Federica Biase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The freedom of composing the space around an outdoor table inspires the offer for outdoor seating Brise. The collection of chairs is made of stainless steel tubes with seating and ba...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Déjà Vu Chair in Textured Fabric and Black Matte Metal
Located in Milano, IT
Déjà Vu chair is composed of a wooden shell padded with different densities polyurethane foam and finished with an upper layer of acrylic fiber. The seat is available completely cov...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Modern Unique High Quality Thick Leather Sling Hanging Swing
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
Stripped away from all excess, this hanging chair has a circular frame with the seat made of leather hanging loose within it, to create a sleek, sexy, and oh so comfortable experienc...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Another White Chair
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Another Chair, initially conceived by Leonardo Floresvillar in 2016 and crafted from galvanized aluminum coated with matte electrostatic paint, is a durable seating item with an indu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Iron

Viva Black Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Black Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also available in different colours. Please contact u...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Viva Pink Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Pink Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also available in different colours. Please contact us....
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Modern Dining Chair in Solid Caribbean Walnut with Hand-Woven Seat, In Stock
Located in PARQUE INDUSTRIAL OTHON P BLANCO, Quintana Roo
Inspired by the works of the master Luis Barragán, the Sáasil Chair is honestly made with fine detailing. The light but solid structure creates a frame fo...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Hardwood, Walnut

Pouf Pill L by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf pill L by Houtique Dimensions: H 45 x 80 x 35 cm Materials: Velvet upholstery and 30cm fringes Pill Pouf L Art-deco style pouf with wood ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Flow 01 Seat by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Flow 01 Seat by Imperfettolab Dimensions: D96 x W60 x H77 cm Materials: Fiberglass. Also available in different dimensions and colors. Please contact us. These creations speak of wo...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Accent Chair
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Accent Chair in Walnut Wood Designed by Project 213A in 2023 as part of the Brand's signature Foot Collection. The "Foot Accent Chair" was showcased for the first time at Alcova du...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Kissing Armchair by Lara Bohinc in Bronze Metal and Cream Boucle Fabric
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
Kissing Armchair features two semi-circle layers; one bearing the cupped seat and a second forming the back-rest. All the lines are covered with soft ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Viva Grana Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Grana Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also available in different colours. Please contact us. VIVA BENCH. Designed by C...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

GRACE Urban dining chair in velvet
Located in Frazão, Porto
The sophisticated character of the GRACE Urban chair is given by the combination of the most distinct raw materials, from wood to the fabric textures and metallic details, taking sha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel, Nickel

Hayche, Otto Chair - Colour Series - CS4, UK, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Otto chair is a playful and sophisticated piece that blends a simple and functional metal frame, with a sculptural and warm plywood backrest and seating area. The metal connector between the armrest and the metal frame adds a clear and distinctive touch. The chair is stackable up to 4 chairs and all the components of the chair are easily detachable, aiding in the process of reparation, renovation and recycling. With an extended Colour Series adding even further to the uniqueness of this chair, the Otto Chair Colour Series has been created by our Founder and Lead Designer Alejandro Villarreal. The Otto Colour Series is available in a selection of six colourways. Material - Powder Coated Steel Base, Oak Veneer on Formed Birch Plywood Finish - Pink RAL 3014 Backrest, Deep red RAL 3005...
Category

2010s British Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Minimalist Modern Dining Chair in Mexican Hardwood
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 soli...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Hardwood, Walnut

Oak Parkdale Counter Stool by Hollis & Morris
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak Parkdale counter stool by Hollis & Morris Dimensions: 16.5" x 18.5" x H 34" Materials: Solid wood. Cold rolled steel. Hard wax oil, Powder-coated metal. Also available in natu...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Flow 03 Seat by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Flow 03 Seat by Imperfettolab Dimensions: D130 x W36 x H70 cm Materials: Fiberglass. Also available in different dimensions and colors. Please contact us. These creations speak of w...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Viva Blue Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Blue Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also available in different colours. Please contact us. VIVA BENCH. Designed by Ca...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Hayche, Otto Chair - Colour Series - CS2, UK, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Otto chair is a playful and sophisticated piece that blends a simple and functional metal frame, with a sculptural and warm plywood backrest and seating area. The metal connector...
Category

2010s British Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Arm Chair Shearling/ COM Modern Contemporary Blackened Steel Waxed
Located in Bronx, NY
CHAIR NO. 2 J.M. Szymanski d. 2023 Did you count sheep as a child to fall asleep? We introduce you to one of these sheep. Hand craved iron is combined with plush shearling to creat...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Iron

Viva Yellow Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Yellow Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also available in different colours. Please contact us. VIVA BENCH. Designed by ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Hayche, W Tube Chair - Oak & Black, United Kingdom, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The W-Tube Chair reimagines the classic Windsor chair, melding the warmth of solid oak with the contemporary appeal of robust powder-coated metal tube. This inspired design sees the ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Hayche, Otto Chair - Colour Series - CS6, UK, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Otto chair is a playful and sophisticated piece that blends a simple and functional metal frame, with a sculptural and warm plywood backrest and seating area. The metal connector...
Category

2010s British Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Shaker Bar Stool by AMBROZIA, Walnut, Greige Leather, Grey Brindle Cowhide
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The Shaker modern bar stool chair is handmade to order from our unique Ambrozia black textured steel tubing frame and a genuine leather upholstered seat and a beautiful cowhide back. Also available in leather and COM. Inspired by the boarding ladder steps of an old boat. The anti-slip wooden footrest offer a subtitle warm touch to your feet. This contemporary barstool chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Gervasoni Kasane 19 Pouf by Nendo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Literally “overlapping”, Kasane is the latest collection designed by the Japanese studio, Nendo. Thanks to a play on the weaving and overlapping of different elements, each product becomes a sculpture. Inspired by the way in which the cups, stacked one on top of the other, become gradually taller, the collection of poufs and tables...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Foam

Foot Chair
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Foot Accent Chair in Walnut Wood Designed by Project 213A in 2023 as part of the Brand's signature Foot Collection. The "Foot Accent Chair" was showcased for the first time at Alco...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Hayche Otto Chair CS1, UK, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Otto chair is a playful and sophisticated piece that blends a simple and functional metal frame, with a sculptural and warm plywood backrest and seating area. The metal connector...
Category

2010s British Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

BLOC Cube White Snow Upholstered Lucite Chair by Caroline Chao
Located in New York, NY
As seen in: Sight Unseen, Interior Design Magazine, Surface Magazine BLOC Cube Chair is part of a five-piece collection of sculptural upholstered and mixed-material furniture. BLOC ...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Lucite, Wood, Acrylic

Modern English Dining Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern English dining chair, with graceful lines and a full curved back to accentuate comfort, a linen cover speaks to soft tactile luxury. From a board...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood

Fuga Stool by Katryna Sadauskaite
Located in Geneve, CH
Fuga Stool by Katryna Sadauskaite Dimensions: W 30 x L 44 x H 45 cm Materials: Oak Wood, Stainless steel, Wooden parts have hard wax oil finish. A designer from Lithuania, searching...
Category

2010s Lithuanian Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Viva Checkerboard Beige and White Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Checkerboard Beige and White Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also available in different colours. Please contact us. VI...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Viva Red Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Red Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also available in different colours. Please contact us. VI...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Hayche, Otto Chair - Colour Series - CS3, UK, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Otto chair is a playful and sophisticated piece that blends a simple and functional metal frame, with a sculptural and warm plywood backrest and seating area. The metal connector...
Category

2010s Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Memento Chair, Jesse Sanderson
Located in Geneve, CH
Memento barstool, Jesse Sanderson, WDSTCK Studio Original signed chair by Jesse Sanderson Dimensions: 80 x 40 x 45 cm Seat height 47 cm With a sturdy oak school chair...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Fertility Chair
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Fertility Chair, initially conceived by Leonardo Floresvillar in 2019 and crafted from galvanized aluminum coated with matte electrostatic paint, is a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Iron

Pouf Pill L by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf pill L by Houtique Dimensions: H 45 x 80 x 35 cm Materials: Velvet upholstery and 30cm fringes Pill Pouf L Art-deco style pouf with wood ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Pouf Pill L by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf Pill L by Houtique Dimensions: H 45 x 80 x 35 cm Materials: Velvet upholstery and 30cm fringes Pill Pouf L Art-deco style pouf with wood ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Another Chair
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Another Chair, initially conceived by Leonardo Floresvillar in 2016 and crafted from galvanized aluminum coated with matte electrostatic paint, is a durable seating item with an indu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Iron

Milani, Transparent Green Polycarbonate Dining Chair
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2) Milani, Transparent Bottle Green Polycarbonate dining chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Shaker Counter Stool, by Ambrozia, Cinnamon Leather, Blackened Steel & Walnut
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The shaker modern counter stool chair is handmade to order. Featuring our optional Luxurious Blackened steel frame and a Genuine leather seat and back. Also offered in COM or COL. In...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Chairs

Materials

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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