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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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: Single Piece
Sling Hanging Swing Chair Genuine Brown Leather 21st Century Modern
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
Stripped away from all excess, this hanging chair has a circular frame with a sheet of natural thick leather hanging loose within it, to create a sleek, sexy, and oh so comfortable e...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Arflex Botolo Chair in Heidi Fabric by Cini Boeri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Botolo Chair is designed by Cini Boeri for Arflex. An innovative upholstered rolling chair with three large tubular legs. Botolo is an ideal place to sit,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Dining Chair Offered in Velvet
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This dining chair redefines the need for curves in an interior. As playful as it is graceful, its superbly detailed segments in the front and reverse provide a plateau where the seat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

INVICTA II dining chair with 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 sophistication to all dining room....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass, Iron, Stainless Steel

Nana Wooden Ashen Dining Chair, No:3, Lagu Selection
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

Black Lacquer Chinese Chippendale Teal Chair by Jonathan Adler
Located in Pasadena, CA
The Jonathan Adler Black Lacquer Faux Bamboo Chippendale Chair embodies a contemporary take on Chinoiserie style. Its classic design, finished in a graphic black gloss lacquer, refle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Faux Bamboo

Chair in Wood and Leather Molteni&C by Tobia Scarpa - Made in Italy - Miss
Located in New York, NY
Miss Chair in Wood and Leather by Afra and Tobia Scarpa. Expert-crafted in Italy exclusively by Molteni&C. Husband and wife powerhouse designers Afra and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Ash

Chair in Black Ashwood and Black Leather Molteni&C by Tobia Scarpa - Miss
Located in New York, NY
Miss Chair in Black Ashwood and Black Leather by Afra and Tobia Scarpa. Expert-crafted in Italy exclusively by Molteni&C. Husband and wife powerhouse desi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Ash, Leather

e15 Customizable ELBE III Bench by Marguerre, Besau and Schöning
By Eva Marguerre, Marcel Besau and Daniel Schöning, e15
Located in New York, NY
Originally conceived for concert hall Elbphilharmonie by Herzog & de Meuron architects, bench ELBE III is focussed on essential forms that allow for classic references. The removable...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Textile

Contemporary Chair in Natural Solid Wood, Upholstered, Natural Wood Back, Arms
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

Minimal Style, Solid Wood Chair, Special Textile Seating, Caning Backboard
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...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Hardwood, Cane

KGBL Mancini Chair
By KGBL
Located in New York, NY
The Mancini Chair has a seat specially constructed to float above the metal base. The semi-attached seat and back cushions afford an extra layer of comfort.
Category

2010s Modern Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Minimalist Organic Chair in Solid Wood, Upholstered 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...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Pair of Thonet Bentwood Cafe Bistro Dining Chairs
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Only 2 available, price is per chair. Bentwood cafe chairs sold in a set of 2. Chairs all match, even in terms of use. They are all very tight and well-constructed, having been made...
Category

1960s Romanian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Beech

Modern Black Green Gray White Orange Pink Red Purple or Blue Rabbit Accent Chair
Located in Origgio (VA), IT
Rabbit is a family of products with a strong media impact, one of Stefano Giovannoni's hat tricks, and immediately became a pop icon, a symbol of love and fertility, which brings goo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Minimal Style, Solid Wood Chair, Leather or Textile Seating, Caning Backboard
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

Leather, Textile, Cane, Hardwood

e15 Calle Wood Bench by Philipp Mainzer
Located in New York, NY
The solid wood bench Calle consists of a contoured seat, two sides flushed with the seat and a support beam underneath. The top surface tapers toward the middle to allow comfortable ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

e15 Mr. Collins Stool by Stefan Diez
Located in New York, NY
With its dynamic form and ergonomic comfort, Mr. Collins is an endearing stool applicable in diverse arrangements for living or working situations. Based on couture construction meth...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Romme Recliner Chair by Ikea, 1990s
Located in Paris, ON
An extremely comfortable seat, perfect for reading or watching a movie. This chair is an iconic vintage Ikea piece and rare.
Category

1990s Swedish Modern Chairs

Materials

Polyester

chair#4
Located in Carnota, A Coruña, Galicia
"The peculiar grace of a Shaker chair is due to the fact that it was made by someone who could believe that an angel could come and sit in it." (Thomas M...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Contemporary Chair in Natural Solid Wood, Upholstered Leather, with Arms
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 Italian Alien chair, metal and wood, by Carlo Forcolini for Alias 1980
Located in MIlano, IT
Alien model chair, Italian and modern, made of metal and mdf wood, designed by Carlo Forcolini for Alias in 1980. Alien chair with yellow metal rod frame and MDF seat and back. Produ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Matte Aluminum Outdoor Dining Chair BT
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our alumiunum dining chair has been developed for Chef Lincoln Carson’s all-day restaurant Bon Temps. With good times rolling from morning to the evening, the old industrial building...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Minimal Style, Solid Wood Stool, Textiles or Leather Seatings, Caning Backboard
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...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Cane, Wood, Hardwood, Textile

Blackened White Oak Dining Chair with Leather Seat / Dining Chair GH1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
We’ve been tasked to design an effortless, elegant, honest and most importantly comfortable dining chair for chef Eric Bost, whose restaurant Auburn, we've been designing for the past few years. After a good year...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Emeco 111 Navy Counter Stool in Persimmon by Coca-Cola
Located in Hanover, PA
The 111 Navy Collection is a story of innovation, turning waste plastic into something that lasts. Each stool is made of 150 recycled PET bottles. Like the original 111 Navy chair, t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Emeco Hudson Armchair in Polished Aluminum by Philippe Starck
Located in Hanover, PA
The Hudson, designed for the Hudson hotel in NYC, is Emeco and Starck’s first collaboration. Starck described the chair as “washing the details from the Navy Chair”. It takes an addi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Italian modern rope and gray steel chair Juliette by Massimo Iosa-Ghini, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern rope and gray steel Juliette chair by Massimo Iosa-Ghini, 1990s Juliette mod. chair with curved backrest and seat in rope. The structure is in gray enamelled tubular s...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Festa
Located in 'S-GRAVENHAGE, NL
Festa, a series of honest, understandable and functional furniture made of simple steel components and fixing materials. Through a simple and manageable modular assembly system, anyo...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

"Laura" Minimalist Chair in Painted Steel black with Wooden Arms
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
Alessandra Delgado was once thinking about using steel to create delicate pieces. Laura chair is the materialization of these thoughts. The chair is part of a series of furniture des...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

NORDST AYA Armchair, Full Aniline Leather Solid Steel Frame, Danish Desgin
Located in Rungsted Kyst, DK
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: Elevate your space with the L60xW58xH79cm Chair, a masterpiece in design and functionality. Crafted with precision from full aniline leather and solid ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

NORDST AYA without Arms Chair, Full Aniline Leather Solid Steel, Danish Design
Located in Rungsted Kyst, DK
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: Elevate your space with the L60xW58xH79cm Chair, a masterpiece in design and functionality. Crafted with precision from full aniline leather and solid ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal, Stainless Steel

Roda Teka 171 Indoor/Outdoor Stacking Chair Designed by Gordon Guillaumier
Located in Boston, MA
Roda Teka 171 stacking chair Overview: The Teka collection, signed by Gordon Guillaumier, shows all the ability of Roda to innovate and harmoniously combin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Teak

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

Stilum - Shaped bronze chair
Located in Milano, IT
This artwork is for both internal and external environment. Shaped bronze chair streamlined and refined, inspired to natural elements. The dimensions are approx. The materials are wo...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Bronze

UNA Dining Chair in Black Stained Oak with Leather Back by Estudio Persona
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The UNA chair intersects a round wooden seat and legs with a leather upholstered cylindrical back. Using these fluid shapes allows greater focus on the detai...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Made to Order Barrel Chairs- Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-century custom barrel swivel chairs. Unlike most barrel chairs this set includes wider seating dimensions. Fully functional swivel base and your choice of fabric. Send in your o...
Category

2010s Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Knead Armchair by kar
Located in Geneve, CH
Knead armchair by kar Dimensions: W 75 x D 55 x H 110 cm Materials: FRP Available in black Kar, is the root of Sanskrit Karma, meaning karmic repetition. We seek the cause and effec...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Italian modern folding chair in white leather and black metal, ca. 1980.
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern folding chair in white leather and black metal, ca. 1980. Folding chair with rectangular seat rounded on the front, with black painted tubular metal frame, with armres...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Desk ‘Bird’ Chair by Preben Fabricius for Alfred Kill
Located in Stamford, CT
A Bird chair by Jorgen Kastholm and Preben Fabricius for Alfred Kill. This desk chair model has the rarer Casters. Newly recovered in black Sorensen leather.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Zigzag chair prototype - Netherlands, 1970
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Iconic Zigzag chair prototype Netherlands, 1970 73,5 x 39 x 39,5 cm Iconic chair composed by four wooden planks hinged end to end to form an extremely striking example of an unstabl...
Category

1970s Belgian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Italian modern yellow fabric and wooden chair by Bros/s, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern yellow fabric and wooden chair by Bros/s, 1980s Chair with yellow painted wooden structure. The padded backrest covered in worked yellow fabric is cylindrical in shape...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Rudolph M. Schindler, Rare Dining Chair
Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA
Discover a rare and exquisite piece of design history with this Rudolph M. Schindler dining chair, attributed to the iconic Howenstein House in South Pasadena. Crafted by the visiona...
Category

1940s Austrian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Plywood

Obscure Objects Chunk Chair
By Obscure Objects, Luisa Pöpsel
Located in Toronto, CA
By Obscure Objects Designed by Luisa Pröspel The chunk chair combines soft, round and slightly oversized shapes with hard, resistant stainless steel. The homogenous hand brushed su...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

21 Century Black Gaulinetta Chair With Open Pore Lacquered Ash in Black Finish
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
21 Century Black Gaulinetta chair with open pore Lacquered ash in black Finish Materials: Ash, hide Dimensions: D 52 cm x W 42 cm x H 83 cm. (SH 48 cm) This permits us t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Hide, Ash

Sedie italiane moderne, in pelle bianca, Adalberto dal Lago per Misura Emme 1980
Located in MIlano, IT
Sedie italiane moderne, in pelle bianca e metallo nero lucido, progettate da Adalberto dal Lago per Misura Emme nel 1980. Set di sedie con struttura in tondino di metallo smaltato co...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

CraftAssociates Chair, Peabody Oak Occasional Chair, Upholstered
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Chair, Peabody Oak Occasional Chair, Upholstered This Lawrence Peabody occasional chair is expertly handcrafted and upholstered. These Peabody chairs are licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates®. The chair is shown here in solid oak, but each is hand built and made to order so wood species and fabric can be customized. Craft Associates® has a full fabric program available. Craft Associates Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. We strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. We use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. The price reflects a COM price (client's own material). If you provide the fabric, there is no additional charge for upholstery designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates® Furniture Period/Model: Mid Century Modern Indoor/Outdoor...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Oak

CraftAssociates Chair, Peabody Walnut Occasional Chair, Leather
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Chair, Peabody Walnut Occasional Chair, Leather This Lawrence Peabody walnut occasional chair is expertly handcrafted and upholstered with leather. These Peabody cha...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Walnut

Modern Italian chair, steel and black leather, Alessandro Mendini for Zabro 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Modern Italian chair, steel and black leather, Alessandro Mendini for Zabro 1980s Chair with chrome-plated metal rod frame, black leather upholstery and on the seat with black leathe...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Modern Dining Chair with Caned Back in Exotic Wood by Costantini, Recoleta
Located in New York, NY
Recoleta Modern Dining Chair with Caned Back in Exotic Wood and COM/COL by Costantini The Recoleta Chair is named for one of the oldest and illustrious neighborhoods of Buenos Aires...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Modern Italian chair, steel and black leather, Alessandro Mendini for Zabro 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Modern Italian chair, steel and black leather, Alessandro Mendini for Zabro 1980s Chair with chrome-plated metal rod frame, black leather upholstery and elegant front tips and simple...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Nana Wooden Dining Chair with Back Detail, No:2, Lagu Selection
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

Revers Chair by Andrea Branzi for Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1993. Designed by Andrea Branzi for Cassina. Sculptural Bentwood on metal frame.
Category

1990s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Moro Armchair by Sebastian Herkner
Located in Geneve, CH
Moro Armchair by Sebastian Herkner Dimensions: D 80 x W 79.7 x H 78.5 cm Materials: Sheepskin Available in different fabrics. ‘Mor...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin

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 an...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Leather Altay Armchair by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Geneve, CH
Leather altay armchair by Patricia Urquiola Materials: Black lacquered solid beech structure. Seat covered in full-grain black leather. Technique: Lacquered and stained wood. Uphol...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Beech

Outdoor Dining Chair with Waterproof Black Fabric and Gold-Plated Stainless Stee
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Nodo Outdoor Dining Armchair The most luxurious and sophisticated outdoor furniture piece that will assure elegance and a comfortable space to enjoy the company of your favorite peo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Undulating Méandre Chair by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Undulating dark bronze 'Méandre' chair by Design Frères. Chic and understated.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French 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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