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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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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5,698
681
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541
3,800
1,918
6,548
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2,625
8,499
6,548
1,289
648
361
237
191
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183
175
171
164
147
137
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73
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5
675
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2,996
2,401
1,449
1,370
4,813
2,182
926
687
489
235
180
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135
103
Style: Modern
Italian modern black metal and grey fabric chairs with round seats, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black metal and grey fabric chairs with round seats, 1980s
Set of ten chairs with round seats. The structure is in black painted meta...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
leather and leather chairs from "the new house," 2000s
Located in Felino, IT
Leather and leather chair, made in Italy, 2000s. Metal frame and covered in leather with upholstered leather cushioning. All with Italian quality materials. Brand "The New House" Ita...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Italian modern brown leather chairs with chromed steel structure by D.I.D, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown leather chairs with chromed steel structure by D.I.D., 1970s
Set of four chairs with rectangular base. The seat a...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Vintage Swivel chair by Holly Hunt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W37 D37 H31 SW23 SD24 SH18 AH22
Large vintage swivel chair by Holly Hunt in nubuck leather. Item is structurally sound and swivels well. Aesthet...
Category
1990s Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Italian modern chairs in black metal and rubber, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern chairs in black metal and rubber, 1980s
Set of three chairs with round seats in black rubber. The backrest is composed of a black painted metal structure with a square...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Oscar Modular Sofa, End Module, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
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
Italian chairs manufactured by Fly Line di Carrè in gray metal and black leather 1990s
By Fly Line
Located in MIlano, IT
Set of three stackable chairs with armrests with square seat in black leather. The frame is made of light gray painted iron tending to white, with a rectangular, slightly curved, per...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Accent Chair in oak
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Accent Chair
Designed by Project 213A in 2023
The accent chair has three individually shaped legs and a wide seat.
Hand carved in solid walnut by skilled artisans in Northern Portug...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
Set of Four Charlotte Perriand Dordogne Chairs for Robert Sentou, France c1950
Located in London, GB
Set of six available.
Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999), a key figure of European modernism, famously started her career with a rebuff from Le Corbusier’s studio: “We don’t embroider ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Chairs
Materials
Straw, Pine
Italian modern black chair Terna by Gaspare Cairoli for Seccose, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black chair Terna by Gaspare Cairoli for Seccose, 1980s
Chair mod. Terna with triangular base. The seat is round and is made of black plastic with two semicircular par...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Austrian modern Chairs 414 in black wood purple fabric by Kammerer Thonet, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Set of 3 chairs mod. 414 with square seat and oval backrest, padded and covered in bright purple silk fabric. The structure is entirely made of black lacquered wood, with matt finish...
Category
1990s Austrian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Silk, Wood
Chair Audrey, Dove Colour Fabric, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
VG furniture represent luxury in terms of exclusivity, distinction and high quality. They are the result of sophisticated and exclusive design with a strong identity and are the outc...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Chair New Pansé, Blue Velvet Fabric, Made in Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
They are the harbingers of spring, nature awakens with them and colours emerge. Pansies are the inspiration for the new VG chair, with its slender legs of Canaletto walnut and the en...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Walnut, Plywood
LouLou Lounge Chair by DeMuro Das in Dark Espresso Oak
By DeMuro Das
Located in New York, NY
A contemporary interpretation of a club chair, the LouLou's design marries carefully balanced proportions and artful details. The deep seat deck and thick, curved back create an invi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
Contemporary Velvet Dining Chair Offered With Nails On The Curve & Back
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This Chair is the epitome of serenity inducing design. With an embracing silhouette and luxurious deep seat, its sensuous curves and comfortable back perfectly adapt to the body. The...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Modern Laurence Dining Chair, DEDAR Salmon Wool, 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, Wool
Proportions of Stone Chair II by Lee Sisan
Located in Geneve, CH
Proportions of Stone Chair II by Lee Sisan
Dimensions: W 40 x D 40 x H 80 cm
Materials: Raw iron steel, natural stone.
Each piece is made to order and uses natural stones, so please...
Category
2010s South Korean Modern Chairs
Materials
Stone, Steel
Set of Six Charlotte Perriand Dordogne Chairs for Robert Sentou, France c1950
Located in London, GB
Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999), a key figure of European modernism, famously started her career with a rebuff from Le Corbusier’s studio: “We don’t embroider cushions here.” Not dete...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Chairs
Materials
Pine, Straw
Newcastle Chair by Patricia Bustos de la Torre
Located in Geneve, CH
Newcastle Chair by Patricia Bustos de la Torre
Dimensions: D 47 x W 48 x H 91 cm.
Materials: Wood and plush.
Newcastle Chair is a three-le...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Other
Mond 12 Reading Chair - Modern Design hand-crafted in Germany
Located in Seehausen (Altmark), DE
Newly released design by Rittergut & Runnymede. Currently exhibiting at the Staatsschauspiel Dresden/Saxony (Dresden State Theatre).
With Mond Zwölf Rittergut & Runnymede are present...
Category
2010s German Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Ash
Set Of 2 Newcastle Chairs by Patricia Bustos de la Torre
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Newcastle Chairs by Patricia Bustos de la Torre
Dimensions: D 47 x W 48 x H 91 cm.
Materials: Wood and plush.
Newcastle Chair is a three-legged wooden chair with a rattan s...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Other
Austrian modern Chairs in black wood by Ernst W. Beranek for Thonet, 1990s
By Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian modern Chairs in black wood by Ernst W. Beranek for Thonet, 1990s
Set of three chairs with square seat, padded and covered in black fabr...
Category
1990s Austrian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Silk, Wood
Pair of Ladderback Chairs in the style of Charlotte Perriand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of solid wood and rush seat for these two chairs designed in the style of Charlotte Perriand. In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preservi...
Category
20th Century French Modern Chairs
Materials
Rush, Hardwood
Austrian modern white wood fabric tub chairs Joseph Hoffmann for Thonet, 1970s
By Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian modern white wood fabric tub chairs Joseph Hoffmann for Thonet, 1970s
Set of four tub chairs. The structure is in white painted wood, has a rhomboid decoration on the sides ...
Category
1990s Austrian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Black Emperador Trivoli Stool by Ivan Colominas
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Emperador Trivoli Stool by Ivan Colominas
Dimensions: D 35 x H 42 cm
Materials: Travertino Navona and Black Emperador.
TIVOLI COLLECTION:
TIVOLI, a picturesque city situated o...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Travertine, Marble
Proportions of Stone Chair I by Lee Sisan
Located in Geneve, CH
Proportions of Stone Chair I by Lee Sisan
Dimensions: W 40 x D 40 x H 80 cm
Materials: Raw iron steel, natural stone.
Each piece is made to order and uses natural stones, so please ...
Category
2010s South Korean Modern Chairs
Materials
Stone, Steel
Proportions of Stone Chair III by Lee Sisan
Located in Geneve, CH
Proportions of Stone Chair III by Lee Sisan
Dimensions: W 40 x D 40 x H 80 cm
Materials: Raw iron steel, natural stone.
Each piece is made to order and uses natural stones, so pleas...
Category
2010s South Korean Modern Chairs
Materials
Stone, Steel
A Set Of 4 MODERNIST CUBIST "CRATE" CHAIRS after GERRIT RIETVELD, Holland 1980
Located in PARIS, FR
A suite of 4 "Crate" chairs, Constructivist, Cubist, Modernist, Brutalist, geometric structures in blackened solid wood, based on the model by Gerrit Rietveld, handcrafted, Holland 1...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Chair PerchaValet Design by Juan Azcue, Argentina Valet Seat
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
Chair PerchaValet Design by Juan Azcue, Argentina Valet Seat
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Delano chair in black walnut and chestnut leather
By Loran Bohall
Located in Indianapolis, IN
The Delano chair was made to be a comfortable desk, dining or occasional chair. The solid wooden framework of the chair supports a leather strapped seat and back that is designed to...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Customizable Powdercoated Aluminum Indoor/Outdoor Round Bench by Laun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In the Ribbon outdoor bench, layered aluminum tubes stack together to form a circular semi-solid array, with an empty space in the center that can accommodate an optional plant. The ...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Pebble Chair by Fred Rigby Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Pebble chair by Fred Rigby studio.
Dimensions: L 39.5 x W 41.2 x H 91 cm.
Materials: solid oak, dedar boucle weave wool.
Fred Rigby studio is a Londo...
Category
2010s French Modern Chairs
Materials
Wool, Oak
Mond 12 Reading Chair - Modern Design hand-crafted in Germany
Located in Seehausen (Altmark), DE
Newly released design by Rittergut & Runnymede. Currently exhibiting at the Staatsschauspiel Dresden/Saxony (Dresden State Theatre).
With Mond Zwölf Rittergut & Runnymede are present...
Category
2010s German Modern Chairs
Materials
Suede, Ash
Vincent Sheppard Jack
By Lloyd Loom
Located in Belfort, FR
Vincent Sheppard Jack Chair
Jack is truly a cutting edge design. Its contemporary shape, combined with Lloyd Loom's interesting weave, creates a slee...
Category
2010s Belgian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Austrian modern black wooden chairs by Ernst W. Beranek for Thonet, 1990s
By Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian modern black wooden chairs by Ernst W. Beranek for Thonet, 1990s
Set of five chairs with armrests in black lacquered wood with a matt finish. The seat is padded and covered ...
Category
1990s Austrian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Contemporary Fabric Bisou Armchair
By DOOQ
Located in Geneve, CH
Contemporary Bisou armchair
Dimensions: D 70 x W 65 x H 74 cm
Seat height 44 cm
Materials: Fabric, solid wood
Also available leather.
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair Late 20th Century Modern Drexel Heritage Swivel Barrel Chairs Orig Fabric
By Drexel
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage modern Drexel Heritage swivel barrel chairs with original contemporary style mauve, green & beige bird fabric, a pair. Beautiful conditio...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of Six Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chairs for XO, France, 1985
Located in London, GB
Sold individually upon request.
Shiro Kuramata (1931-1991) created a fluid exchange between Japanese design philosophy and methodology and European postmodern design. Kuramata’s tr...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Bling Bling Chair by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Bling bling chair by Pietro Franceschini
Sold exclusively by Galerie Philia
Manufacturer: Stefano Minotti
Dimensions: W 79 ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, Ash
Aluminum Chair by Mylene Niedzialkowski
Located in Geneve, CH
Aluminum Chair by Mylene Niedzialkowski
Dimensions: D 43 x H 83. SH 41 cm.
Materials: Aluminum and wood.
Basic shapes associated with masculi...
Category
2010s French Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Modern Laurence Dining Chairs, DEDAR Red Wool, 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
Wool, Bouclé, Wood
JOLIE DINING CHAIR - Modern Sculpted Design in Creme Boucle
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
The Jolie Dining Chair is a stylish and comfortable piece of furniture designed with a modern aesthetic. It features sweeping lines that add a sense of elegance and sophistication to...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
CURVE DINING CHAIR - Modern Sculpted High Back Design in COM
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
The Curve Dining Chair is a stylish and comfortable piece of furniture designed with a modern aesthetic. It features sweeping lines that add a sense of e...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
1 of 2 Deposit for Tamara Meadow Interiors
Located in Bronx, NY
ONE OF TWO DEPOSIT FOR Tamara Meadow Interiors
HORSECHAIR NO. 2
J.M. Szymanski
d. 2021
Contemporary furniture at its finest. Horsehair textile and blackened iron are combined
to cr...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel, Iron
Moroso Side Chair by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Pasadena, CA
These chairswere fabricated in Italy by the recognized Moroso factory to the designs of the recognized Spanish designer, Patricia Urquiola. These particular examples are of the top l...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Super Jardim, Green Armchair by Cultivado Em Casa
Located in Geneve, CH
Super Jardim - Green armchair by Cultivado Em Casa
Dimensions: 105 x 80 x 73 cm
Materials: Stainless steel, PVC hose, nozzle and faucet
Also available: blue, red, black, yellow
...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
CURVE DINING CHAIR - Modern Sculpted Low Back Design in COM
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
The Curve Dining Chair is a stylish and comfortable piece of furniture designed with a modern aesthetic. It features sweeping lines that add a sense of e...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
PILLAR CHAIR - Modern Chair in Soft White Boucle
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
The Pillar Chair is a stunning piece of furniture with a unique and captivating design. It is characterized by layered, asymmetrical design elements that create a sense of sophistication and simplicity. The deliberate imbalance in these design elements comes together harmoniously to make a minimal yet elegant design statement.
The displayed fabric for the Pillar Chair is a warm and inviting soft white boucle, but the beauty of this piece lies in its versatility. It can be tailored to your preferences by selecting any fabric from the manufacturer's collection or utilizing a fabric of your choice (COM, or Customer's Own Material). This customization option allows you to match the bed perfectly to your existing decor or personal style.
It's important to note that all Shine by S.H.O designs are meticulously bench-made in California, a testament to the brand's commitment to quality craftsmanship and locally sourced manufacturing. This aspect not only ensures the bed's durability but also supports local artisans.
In summary, the Pillar Chair is a visually captivating and unique piece of furniture with layered asymmetrical design elements. Its minimal and elegant design statement is made all the more special by its customization options, including fabric choice. Crafted in California, this bed is a testament to quality and can be customized to your exact specifications, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a unique and personalized addition to their bedroom.
The Pillar Bed...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Modern Toro Dining Chair made with wood and textile, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
The Toro chair is a finely crafted piece of furniture with solid wood construction. Its elegant design is inspired by modern aesthetics, presenting smooth c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Textile, Oak
Minimalist Modern Chair in Ash Wood Fabric Upholstery
Located in Lisbon, PT
The conceptural idea around the cast chair was to come up with a simple chair that could fit any nice table, desk and place. And so it was.
The cast chair is a sturdy piece whose st...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Contemporary Dining Chair w/ Seaming Details
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
Drawing from the impossibly elegant waistlines of the pin ups, this dining chair is a sensuous piece that offers a generous seat. The seaming details are e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Leather
Silhouette Dining Chair, Wood & COM, Insidherland by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Silhouette is a surreal reminiscence of a woman’s sensual curves that arise designed in an eye-catching dining chair.
The joint dimension of people and objects represented by severa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Italian Spaghetti chair in white metal and gray leather G. Belotti Alias 1979
Located in MIlano, IT
Spaghetti model chair in a rare version with white metal rod frame and light gray leatherette seat and back. Curved handle at the back and iron springs at the back of the backrest an...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Late 19th Century Pair of Circular Throne Chairs by Carlo Bugatti, Vellum
Located in Shrewsbury, GB
Many of Carlo Bugatti's superior pieces were commissioned by a number of the Royal Houses of Europe, many of the Great Estates of America and some of the most successful families fro...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Modern Chairs
Materials
Copper, Pewter
Guhl Chair by Willy Guhl '1. Edition, Special Sealed, Safe Surface'
By Willy Guhl
Located in Zürich, CH
Willy Guhl was a Swiss furniture designer and became one of the most important representatives of the 20th century Swiss neofunctionalism. Between 1941 and 1980 Guhl taught at the Sc...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Chairs
Materials
Concrete
Set of Four Italian Midcentury Cerused Oak Chairs with Rushed Seats
Located in New York, NY
Set of four Italian midcentury Cerused oak chairs with rushed seats.
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
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
Armchair by Yngve Ekström, 1960
By Ingve Eastrum
Located in Milano, Lombardia
very pretty and elegant Nordic chair with a retro flavor and very colorful. Perfect for warming up the rooms in your home if you want to indulge in a vintage touch. The chair is in e...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Textile, Wood
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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