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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Meditation Chairs by CEU Studio, Represented by Tuleste Factory
Located in New York, NY
Meditation Chairs by CEU L 23.5" x W 23.5" x H 22" Custom cushion covers available upon request. All sales are final.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese 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

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

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

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

Modern Bar Stool with Handwoven Seat in Natural Caribbean Walnut
Located in PARQUE INDUSTRIAL OTHON P BLANCO, Quintana Roo
A stool to complement the Sáasil family. Just like the Sáasil Chair, its light but solid structure creates a frame for the handwoven cotton or nylon threa...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Walnut

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

Orbit Chair, Outdoor , Red Powder-Coated Steel and Stripe Fabric, in stock
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
The Orbit Chair is now available with outdoor specifics and can be left outside all year round, even in winter. The frame is made from powder coated stainless steel to protect it fro...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

2008 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Side / Dining Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (multiple chairs are available, though the price listed is for each chair) Eero Saarinen for Knoll armless executive chai...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

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

Minimal style, solid wood chair, 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

Leather, Textile, Hardwood

Outdoor Leaf and Charcoal Corner Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by weekend visits to the stark desert landscapes found a few hours east of Los Angeles, this collection is composed of steel frames that have been zinc primed and powder coa...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Four Legs Stool Naturel by Arno Declercq
Located in Geneve, CH
Four legs stool naturel by Arno Declercq Dimensions: W 32 x D 32 x H 50 cm Materials: African walnut Arno Declercq Belgian designer and art dealer who makes bespoke objects wi...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Austrian modern black wooden chairs by Ernst W. Beranek for Thonet, 1990s
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

Guhl Chair by Willy Guhl '1. Edition, Special Sealed, Safe Surface'
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

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

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

Derrière Chair, by Lara Bohinc, Pink Bouclé, Armchair in Stock
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
Part of the Peaches collection, the Derriere armchair conveys aspects of the female figure. The pieces are composed of a wood structure made up of 6 symmetrical pieces with the addit...
Category

2010s English Modern Chairs

Materials

Wool, Bouclé

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

sedia in cuoio , anni 2000
Located in Felino, IT
sedia di fabbricazione Italiana, in cuoio bianco ottico. struttura in metallo rivestita in cuoio di qualita'. cuciture a vista modello simile alla sedia Lara di cattelan. anni 90/200...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Animal Skin

Italian modern black Spaghetti chairs by Giandomenico Belotti for Alias, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black Spaghetti chairs by Giandomenico Belotti for Alias, 1980s Pair of chairs mod. Spaghetti in metal rod with elastic seat and back made from black scooby threads. C...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Customizable Modern Dining Chair with Cubed Seat Design
Located in Greenwich, CT
Our tailored home exclusive "Branford" dining chair on casters is shown in our own ecru linen fabric. This chair is perfect for the dining table or as an accent chair in any living space. It features a simple and modern cubed seat...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Linen

La Colima Chair by Maria Beckmann, Represented by Tuleste Factory
Located in New York, NY
Silla Colima by Maria Beckmann Lounge Chair 2017 26 2/5 × 26 2/5 x 24 2/5 in 67 × 67 x 72 cm La Colima Chair combines a soft leather with a rigid wood structure. Pictured: Silla C...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chair for XO, France 1985, six available
Located in London, GB
Six available in total. Shiro Kuramata (1931-1991) created a fluid exchange between Japanese design philosophy and methodology and European postmodern design. Kuramata’s training was initially centred around traditional woodworking however, when he enrolled at the Kuwasawa Design School was taught by Isamu Kenmochi, who helped him reimagine ancient Japanese traditions using modern materials. The philosophy Kuramata. His designs are made from materials that have reflective, transparent, translucent, opaque and tactile qualities to them, each form a response each material. The sing sing sing chair...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

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

Shaker Modern Chair by Ambrozia, Walnut, Dark Brown Leather, White Cowhide
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The shaker chair is handcrafted to order from our unique Ambrozia black textured steel tubing frame with a genuine leather seat and Cowhide back. Featuring subtile solid wood inserti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

2008 Eames Herman Miller Aluminum Group Executive Desk Chair Black Sets Avail
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (multiple chair or sets are available) Eames Aluminum Group Executive high back desk chair. These examples were produced in 2008 (a few in 2009) and are upholstered in gorgeous black leather. The desk chairs are in excellent condition, showing only some light wear from use. The aluminum frame gleams. These chairs are guaranteed as authentic Herman Miller examples. They will have either the Eames office tag or the Herman Miller Eames anniversary...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

"Minivarius" chair tubular steel painted in anodic black by Oscar Tusquets Spain
Located in Barcelona, ES
In 2008 Oscar Tusquets reviewed his famous Various chair design, and came up with this smaller and updated version presented in a painted Anodic Black. The seat is available in a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

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

Set of four René Herbst Sandows chairs Herbst studio, France, 1927
Located in London, GB
René Herbst (1891-1982) was a French designer who studied in London, Frankfurt and Russia. He founded Établissements René Herbst in Paris and exhibited at the seminal “Exposition Int...
Category

1920s French Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Giancarlo Piretti Plia Lucite & Chrome Folding Chair for Anonima Castelli, 1970s
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing the truly iconic "Plia" folding chair. Originally designed in 1967 by Giancarlo Piretti for the venerated Anonima Castelli Company the Plia chair is still in production t...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Chrome

PALECEK Faux Bamboo Bar Height Barstools - Pair A
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of bar height barstools in a Contemporary style by Palecek. Faux bamboo, woven rattan backs & wrapping, blue corduroy fabric upholstered seats and tubular copper footrest. Mad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Chairs

Materials

Copper

Contemporary Wooden Smile Chair by Rejo Studio
Located in Riyadh, SA
Handcrafted by special artisans, This unique piece has a curved seat that stands on four flowery legs And the smiling back with an elegant hat. Dimension. W 46 x D 47 x H 45 cm ...
Category

2010s Saudi Arabian Modern Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

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

Chic 'Méandre' Bronze Side Chair by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Méandre'™ dark bronze side chair by Design Frères®. Chic and understated.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Italian modern black Chair Spaghetti by Giandomenico Belotti for Alias, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black Chair Spaghetti by Giandomenico Belotti for Alias, 1980s Chair mod. Spaghetti with rectangular and elastic seat and back made from black scooby threads. The str...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chairs for XO, France 1985
Located in London, GB
Set of four or six available. Shiro Kuramata (1931-1991) created a fluid exchange between Japanese design philosophy and methodology and European postmodern design. Kuramata’s training was initially centred around traditional woodworking however, when he enrolled at the Kuwasawa Design School was taught by Isamu Kenmochi, who helped him reimagine ancient Japanese traditions using modern materials. The philosophy Kuramata. His designs are made from materials that have reflective, transparent, translucent, opaque and tactile qualities to them, each form a response each material. The sing sing sing...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

sedie in cuoio e pelle, anni 2000
By La Nuova Casa (Who's Perfect)
Located in Felino, IT
sedie in cuoio e pelle, anni 2000sedia in cuoio e pelle, made in Italy, anni 2000. struttura in metallo , rivestito in cuoio, + cuscinatura in pelle imbottita. il tutto con materiali...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Zero V2 Chair by Edizione Limitata
Located in Geneve, CH
Zero V2 Chair by Edizione Limitata Limited edition of 15+3 AP pieces. Signed and numbered. Dimensions: D 73 x W 43 x H 130 cm. Materials: Veneered wood and velvet. Edizione Limitata...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Velvet

Viva Purple Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Purple 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

Modern Maia Dining Chair, Beige Italian Leather, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Maia Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Maia leather dining chair takes it...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass, Stainless Steel

Orbit Garden Chair, Outdoor , Pink Steel and Stripe Fabric, in stock
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
The Orbit Chair is now available with outdoor specifics and can be left outside all year round, even in winter. The frame is made from powder coated stainless steel to protect it fro...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Glossy stacking chair by Gerd Lange for Drabert, 1980s
Located in Athens, Attiki
Black glossy stacking chair SM400 by Gerd Lange for West German manufacturer Drabert, 1980s. Gerd Lange's chairs have been extremely successful.He had a decisive influence on the des...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Glazy Counter Stool by Royal Stranger
Located in Geneve, CH
Glazy counter stool by Royal Stranger Dimensions: width 55cm, height 90cm, depth 60cm, seat height 84cm Materials: Solid wood frame, foam, upholstery, stainless steel. Color: Lago...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pink Mohair Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Design Institute of America
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful 1980’s pink soft mohair lounge chair and ottoman by Design Institute of America. The chair rocks, newly recovered. Retains DIA label. Measurements: chair- 36” hig...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Mohair

Four Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chairs for XO, France 1985
Located in London, GB
Set of six available. Shiro Kuramata (1931-1991) created a fluid exchange between Japanese design philosophy and methodology and European postmodern design. Kuramata’s training was initially centred around traditional woodworking however, when he enrolled at the Kuwasawa Design School was taught by Isamu Kenmochi, who helped him reimagine ancient Japanese traditions using modern materials. The philosophy Kuramata. His designs are made from materials that have reflective, transparent, translucent, opaque and tactile qualities to them, each form a response each material. The sing sing sing chair...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Sculpted Bronze Sun Face Chair
Located in Savannah, GA
A sculpted bronze sun face chair, mid 20th century. Unknown maker. 23 inches wide by 21 ½ inches deep by 37 inches tall; seat height 19 ½ inches Weighing 100 lbs.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Chairs

Materials

Bronze

New 4 Gray Velvet Upholstered Chairs with Floral Back
Located in Madrid, ES
New 4 gray velvet upholstered chairs with floral back Data sheet: -Design chair, multipurpose. -Metal frame finished in black epoxy paint -Seat and back upholstered in gray velve...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Modern Mary Swivel Bar Stools, Leather Brass, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mary Swivel Bar Stool, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Mary bar stool transcen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

PALECEK Faux Bamboo Bar Height Barstools - Pair C
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of bar height barstools in a Contemporary style by Palecek. Faux bamboo, woven rattan backs & wrapping, blue corduroy fabric upholstered seats and tubular copper footrest. Mad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Chairs

Materials

Copper

1970s Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Bronze and Mohair Bucket Desk Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1970s production bucket desk / office chair, designed by Ward Bennett and produced by Brickel Associates. The chair was acquired from an estate in Philadelphia a...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Bronze

21st Century Type Armchair in Blue Jacquard Fabric by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
With its wide armrests and soft lines that convey a feeling of reassuring welcome, the Type armchair is the emblem of comfort and relax. An armchair with a timeless style and eclecti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Modernist Armchair by Dom Hans van der Laan, Netherlands, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Dutch modernist chair, Dom Hans Van Der Laan, Jan De Jong, 1961, Bossche School One of 12 ever made, from the boards room of the townhall of Budel, 1961, The Netherlands. It was com...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Copper

1970s Set of Six Mart Stam MG5 Leather Dining Chairs by Matteo Grassi of Italy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a set of six MG5 Visitor dining chairs designed by Mart Stam and produced by Matteo Grassi in Italy. This is a gorgeous original set with thick belting leather uph...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pierre Jeanneret ‘Library’ chair, model no. PJ-SI-51-A, France/India, 1956
Located in London, GB
Pierre Jeanneret (1896-1967) is recognised as a pivotal figure in modernism. His collaborations with his cousin Le Corbusier are especially significant, particularly their codificati...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

2018 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Chairs in Star Struck Red Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (multiple chairs are available, though the price listed is for each chair) Eero Saarinen for Knoll armless executive chair...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Arcus Walnut Stool by Tim Vranken
Located in Geneve, CH
Arcus walnut stool by Tim Vranken Materials: American Walnut Dimensions: 30.5 x H 45 cm Tim Vranken is a Belgian furniture designer who focuses on solid, handmade furniture. Throu...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Polished Steel and Bentwood Chair, circa 1940
Located in New York City, NY
Polished Steel and Bentwood Chair, France, c. 1940 Rustic, beautifully patinated chair with tubular steel and bent wood.
Category

20th Century French Modern Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

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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