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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Style: Modern
Period: 20th Century
Modern Vintage Pair of Aluminum Chairs by Jorge Pensi, Spain 1986-1988 for Amat
By Jorge Pensi
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern vintage pair of robust aluminum chairs by Jorge Pensi with the model name Toledo. Also the chairs are stackable. A stamp is visible underneath with Jorge Pensi 1986-1988 for A...
Category
1980s Spanish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Chair 'PK 9' by Poul Kjaerholm, Fritz Hansen, Steel, Leather, 1960
Located in Berlin, DE
This chair is a real Classic midcentury design by Poul Kjaerholm. It's construction is made of spring steel, the seating is covered with burgundy red leather. Labeled Fritz Hansen.
...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
1970s Pop Casalino Chair by Alexander Begge
Located in Wichita, KS
A molded sculptural soft white colored Casalino chair made of automobile strength plastic. A great 1970s design from the POP art period by Alexander Begge and sometimes referred to a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
CM 196 Side Chair by Pierre Paulin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
All original CM 196 side chair by Pierre Paulin. Measure: Seat height is 18" inches. Very comfortable and sturdy.
Category
1960s Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
PK20 Easy Chair by Poul Kjaerholm Produced by E. Kold Christensen
Located in Stamford, CT
A PK20 chair produced by Kold Christensen in Poul Kjaeholms iconic matte chrome finish. Leather is in great shape without staining and remains supple. E. Ko...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Danish Easy Chair, 1930-1940
Located in Kastrup, DK
Danish easy chair, 1930-1940.
Professionally reupholstered in beautiful petroleum blue velvet from Churchill. Legs in dark polished beech wood.
The...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Side or Desk Chair in Holland and Sherry Wool
Located in Chicago, IL
Modern chrome and wool side or desk chair. Recently reupholstered in Holland & Sherry pure wool.
Category
1990s Unknown Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Pair of RIMA Design Armchairs Made in Italy
By Gastone Rinaldi, RIMA
Located in Catania, IT
Pair of eco-leather and iron armchairs, Italian production of the 1960s attributable to the designer Gastone Rinaldi for Rima, the beautiful armchairs are in excellent condition, but...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Iron
Pair of Italian Brass Carved Wooden Leaf Armchairs by Bartolozzi and Maioli
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A pair of spectacular hand carved wooden leaf armchairs design by Bartolozzi and Maioli in the 1970s.
The chairs are sprayed powder brass with o...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Eight Chairs by Pierre Cardin for Maison Jansen, 1970s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Eight chairs by Pierre Cardin for Maison Jansen, 1970s
Metal structure. Original orange velvet.
Vintage condition.
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of 4 Dinning Chairs, 1970's, Thonet Factory
Located in Vienna, Austria
Set of 4 dining chairs made from steamed bentwood, produced in 1970, at the factory Ton in Bystrice pod Hostýnem, Czechoslovakia.
Factory Ton was the original Thonet factory, that i...
Category
1970s Czech Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Pair of Modern Lucite And Chrome Club Chairs by Pace
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of Lucite and chrome club chairs by Pace. One half inch thick Lucite frame with chrome supports. Removable fabric covered cushions. Very nice condition. Dimensions: 26.5" depth ...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Modern Chairs
Materials
Lucite
Prototype Steel Chair by Tom Dixon, 1989
By Tom Dixon
Located in Berlin, DE
Prototype steel chair by Tom Dixon, 1989.
Category
1980s English Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Custom Desk/Vanity Chair in Walnut on Brass Castors, 1990s
Located in New York, NY
Custom design desk/vanity chair in walnut on brass castors upholstered in fabric with geometric motif, American, 1990s. This chair is beautifully made.
Category
1990s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Guillerme et Chambron, Set of Six Oak Chairs, Edition Votre Maison, circa 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Guillerme et Chambron, set of six oak chairs. Edition Votre Maison, circa 1970.
Woolen fabric in good condition (except a stain)
foams to change.
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Chairs
Materials
Wool, Oak
Pagholz Bent Plywood Chair
Located in Oakville, CT
Vintage Rosewood Color Stacking Chair
Overall Dimensions: 18 1/2" x 20 1/2" x 31 1/2" high
Seat Height: 18"
Materials: Bent Plywood & Metal
Category
Mid-20th Century German Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Goatskin and Fabric Regency Lounge Chair in the Manner of Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Spectacular 1980’s Regency lounge chair in the manner of Karl Springer.
Out of an estate design by Steve Chase. In original condition, so it shows minor wear consistent with age.
...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Goatskin, Fabric
Suite of 10 Carolean Dining Chairs with Crocodile Alligator Patina Leather Ten
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite suite of handmade in Italy Carolean dining chairs with walnut frames and crocodile patina brown leather upholstery
A truly import...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Six Vintage Fritz Hansen Vico Magistretti Duo Bentwood Stacking Armchairs 6 4 2
By Fritz Hansen
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely set of six vintage Fritz Hansen Vico Magistretti Due bentwood stacking armchairs
An iconic set of high designer stacking armchairs by the absolute creative genius’s at Fritz Hansen. Each chair is label stamped to the base
Condition wise they bentwood has wear and patina marks on some chairs, others are perfect, we have cleaned waxed and polished them from top to bottom
Dimensions:
Height 74cm, seat height 45.5cm
Width 56.5cm
Depth 53cm
Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point.
The Vico Duo...
Category
20th Century Danish Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Grand Louvre Side Chair by Jean-Michel Wilmotte for Tecno, Set of 8
Located in Brescia, IT
Wood with chrome-plated brass and black leather. Great architectural form with interesting details.
This prototype chair is part of a commission created as public seating...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Chrome Ming Style Horseshoe Back Armchair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This stylish and chic modern take on a Classic Chinese "Horseshoe Back" armchair will make a definite statement with is clean lines, finish and cowhide upholstery.
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Peter Shire Wexler Lounge Chair
By Peter Shire
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Peter Shire Wexler lounge chair upholstered in yellow velvet.
Peter Shire:
Peter Shire is an LA-based artist whose work eludes all attempts at categorization. He has created cera...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Chairs Set Six Teak Metal Upholstered White
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
- Unusual set of chairs combining teak and metalwork upholstered in white striped textile
just purchased more information to follow and on requ...
Category
1980s British Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of 4 Italian Steel Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four Italian modern steel chairs with removable cushions.
All items available to view at our DTLA Arts District Warehouse:
Motley LA
1909 E 7th ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Italian Style Sherrill Furniture Carved Armchair with Tapestry Upholstery
Located in Toledo, OH
Italian style carved side chair by Sherrill Furniture Company. Chippendale legs with ball and claw feet. Tapestry fabric in black and green with anima...
Category
20th Century North American Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Vintage Swedish Woven Club Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Swedish woven club chair, circa 1960.
This piece is a part of Brendan Bass’s one-of-a-kind collection, Le Monde. French for “The World”, the Le ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Modern Chairs
Materials
Bamboo
Black Modern Vintage Side Chair Tokyo by Rodney Kinsman 1985 Metal Faux Leather
Located in Vienna, AT
Black modern vintage side chair or chair model Tokyo designed by Rodney Kinsman 1985 for OMK Design.
Also the materials are chromed tube steel and the covering from the seat and the ...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Sculptural Tiv People's Low Chaise
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderfully sculptural low chaise from the Tiv people of Nigeria, carved of two pieces of wood with the seat being one piece and the Y-shaped back and leg being another. Excellent ...
Category
20th Century Nigerian Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Pop Art Pink Vintage Side Chair/Chair Miss Global Phillipe Starck 1980s Kartell
Located in Vienna, AT
Pop Art pink and silver vintage side chair/chair was designed by Phillipe Starck 1980s and produced by Kartell Milano Italy.
The chair shows grey lacquered curved tube steel feet and...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Carved Armchairs by Arpex
Located in New York, NY
Pair of carved armchairs by Arpex.
Carved wood details.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Set of Six Stainless Steel and Green Fabric Dining Chairs by Jay Spectre
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A spectacular set of six ‘Eclipse’ dining chairs designed by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture in the 1980s. The set consists of two armchairs and four armless chairs. The chairs are...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Dining Chairs Vintage Multi-color Beech Pop Art Set of Six, circa 1980
Located in Vienna, AT
Pop Art style modern multicolored set of six vintage dining chairs from solid beechwood, 1980s.
A stunning, splashy set six ( 6 ) stackable dining chairs from solid beech and plywoo...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Beech, Plywood, Plastic
Studio Oak and Stainless Steel Rocking Chair by Leon Mayer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
An amazing 1980s studio rocking chair by Leon Mayer. The chair is hand signed by Leon Mayer dated 1980 and numbered 169. The rocking chair is constructed of...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Set of 12 Modern Metal Chairs
Located in Charleston, SC
Great set of 12 modern metal chairs. Stripped and polished.
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Walter Knoll Black Leather Armchairs, Line Jason, Austria, 1997
By Walter Knoll
Located in Paris, FR
Four Walter Knoll armchairs line Jason (1997) design by the Austrian studio EOOS, in black grained leather with anodized aluminum structure.
The armchairs are in like new- condition...
Category
1990s Austrian Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Set of Six Modern Italian Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of six modern chairs, Italy, 1970s
Aluminum frame with amber finish.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
"Free Swinger" Armchair in Leather by Poul Kjaerholm, circa 1974
Located in New York, NY
Rare PK 13 "Free Swinger" cantilevered armchair with chrome-plated spring steel frame, black leather cushion and armrest. Designed by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark,...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Alberto Orlandi, "Pompeii" Armchair, Italy, circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Polished steel and leather modernist armchair by Italian designer Alberto Orlandi, 1980s.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
SOFO MODULAR ARMCHAIR by Superstudio
By Superstudio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
SOFO Armchair is a seat to place in a row, like a train, or to stack to build solid, colorful mountains. It is simply a block made with an S-shaped cut from a cube of polyurethane, c...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Foam
Modernist Rectilinear Ebonized Walnut and Textural Gray Woven Fabric Side Chair
Located in New York, NY
This refined modernist side chair offers a graphic open form geometric ebonized walnut frame in ebonized walnut. The ebonized sides of the chair appear as open squares, while the fra...
Category
20th Century American Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Niall O`Flynn for Spectrum Model Rascal Chair, 1997
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This chair was designed by architect and designer Niall O'Flynn for Dutch manufacturer spectrum in the year 1997.
It was produced for a short period of 4 years.
The chair is rare a...
Category
1990s Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
18 Venetian Folding-Patio-Garden Chairs in Steel, Brass and Red Fabric, 1980s
Located in Almelo, NL
Set from 18 Venetian folding-patio-garden chairs designed and produced in Italy during the 1980s. The chairs are made from red strong fabric for the seat and backrest. The frame is m...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Vintage Swedish Woven Club Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Swedish woven club chair.
circa 1960.
This piece is a part of Brendan Bass’s one-of-a-kind collection, Le Monde. French for “The World”, the L...
Category
20th Century Swedish Modern Chairs
Materials
Bamboo
Set of Six Brass High Back Dining Chairs by DIA
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous set of six polish brass high back dining chairs designed by Design Institute of America. Newly recovered in a beautiful nubby ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Multicolored Vintage Armchairs by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, circa 1989
Located in Vienna, AT
This pair of red, blue and yellow colored armchairs, which are also stackable, named Dark Horse, was designed by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen circa 1989 and executed by Botium, D...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Italian Black Enameled Wood and Leather Chairs, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian black enameled wood and leather chairs, 1980s
Chairs with structure in black enamelled wood, seat and curved backrest in leather
Very...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Sculptural Chair Welded Metal with Blue Leather by Italiananacleto Spazzapan
Located in London, GB
1990s unique sculptural chair Italian design by Anacleto Spazzapan.
This beautiful chair is made of shades of blue and grey leather upholstery ...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Pair of Wicker Chairs by Viva del Sud for Casa Bique
By Casa Bique
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Italian high backed wicker and wood armchairs date to the early 1980s and they were designed by Viva del Sud for Casa Bique.
The seat cushion is ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Checkered Contemporary Modern Club Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish contemporary modern club chair features chrome trim, black and white checkered upholstery, and uniquely shaped seat back. Very comfortable, Italian made tub chair with v...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of Century Furniture Parson Side Chairs Nail Head Trim
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of Century Furniture Parson side chairs. Tweed upholstery in shades of cream , charcoal and tan. Decorative nailhead border. Legs and stretcher...
Category
20th Century North American Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric
1990s Sculptural Armchair light wood and leather by Italian Anacleto Spazzapan
Located in London, GB
A 1990s very sculptural armchair Italian design by Anacleto Spazzapan light wood frame with loose leather threads in mustard, tobacco, dark gray colors.
Greatly executed with clever...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Pair of Lacquered and Leather Asia Style Barstools by Marge Carson
By Marge Carson
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous pair of faux granite lacquered Asian Style barstools design by Marge Carson in the 1980s. The stools are constructed of wood that’s painted in black and gray faux granite...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
“Cobra” sculptural green lacquered chair, by Alasdair Cooke
Located in New York, NY
A unique Art Deco inspired chair by the renowned artist Alasdair Cooke, it features the artist's exceptional and quite elaborate art of lacquer...
Category
1990s French Modern Chairs
Materials
Lacquer
Set of Five Rondel Design Cast Aluminum Peanut Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare set of five cast aluminum peanut chairs designed by Stephane Rondel (French). Rondel is a Parisian designer who now resides in New Zealand. These cha...
Category
20th Century New Zealand Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of Vintage Wood-Slat Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Interesting and unusual pair of wooden slat chairs. Quirky yet sturdy design. Great addition to any modern interior. Please confirm item location wi...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of Satin Nickel Lounge Chairs by Russell Woodard
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous pair of satin nickel lounge chairs, design in the 1960s by Russell Woodard. The chairs have been newly replated and the seats recovered in a gray cowhide.
Dimensions: 26...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Nickel
Pair of Angular GF GoodForm Aluminum and Vinyl Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of angular GF GoodForm Aluminum and vinyl armchairs. Very sturdy.
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Set of Six Modern Chrome Dining Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This set of six upholstered dining chairs features stylish heavy chrome frames with light yellow fabric. Quality contemporary modern dining chairs add Mid-Century Modern style to hom...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
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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