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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Yellow Mohair and Walnut Chair Molteni&C by Herzog & de Meuron Made in Italy
Located in New York, NY
The Porta Volta chair by Herzog & De Meuron is a multi-functional design and a welcome addition to any space. Featured in the main reading room of The Nati...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Mohair, Wood

Contemporary Facet Lounge Chair in Hand Repoussé White Bronze by Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Facet Lounge Chair White Bronze Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. The technique originated around ...
Category

2010s Modern Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Nabuk Gold Arch Bench by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Nabuk Gold Arch Bench by Pietro Franceschini Materials: Nabuk. Dimensions: W 155 x L 33 x 43cm. Manufacturer: Prinzivalli. Available finishes: Steel (black, white, brass finish) Alu...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Other

Modern Genuine Ochre Soft Leather Tan Sling - Swing Chair
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
Stripped away from all excess, this hanging chair has a circular frame with the sheets of soft leather hanging loose within it, to create a sleek, sexy, and oh so comfortable experie...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Hayche, Tornasol Rounded chair, Oak, Green & Pink, Solid Wood, UK, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Tornasol Rounded Chair takes a fresh approach to the solid oak chair, featuring an inviting curved wooden backrest crafted from several flat solid wood components. Each component...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

Hayche Cuerdas Rounded chair, Black, UK, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Cuerdas Rounded Chair offers a fresh take on the classic Windsor chair, seamlessly blending solid oak with the unique element of woven cords. Named "Cuerdas," which translates to...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Cord, Wood, Oak

Finn Juhl Pelican Chair Upholstered in Offwhite Sheepskin
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Pelican chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1940, relaunched in 2001. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. Pelican chair was probably the one furthest ahead of its time. When it was presented at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition in 1940, it stood out with its unusual shape and sturdy legs. The characteristic soft and organic shape is almost like a body holding a body. When you sit down, the chair practically gives you a friendly hug. Like many of Finn Juhl’s later designs, the chair offers several comfortable ways to sit. As a tribute to the Pelican Chair House of Finn Juhl is launching it in natural sheepskin from Gotland. This upholstery gives the chair an individual and unique expression, as the warmth of the sheepskin pleasantly underlines the character of the sculptural chair. The new edition of the Pelican chair will be available from December 1st. Because the supply of sheepskin from Gotland is seasonal, the quantity for sale will be limited. Materials: Gotland Sheepskin...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Sheepskin

Sedia Vienna in metallo e cotone di Rodney Kinsman per Bieffeplast 1980 ca.
Located in MIlano, IT
Sedia o poltroncina modello Vienna con struttura con braccioli dal profilo curvo, in metallo a sezione tonda con finitura in grigio opaco, schienale e seduta imbottiti e rivestiti ne...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Intuitive Archaisme Massive Stool by Cedric Breisacher
Located in Geneve, CH
Intuitive Archaisme Massive Stool by Cedric Breisacher Dimension: D 40 x H 45 cm Materials: Oak. Finish: Natural wax-oiled. Designer-sculptor, Cedric Breisacher has an atypical path...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak

Hayche, Tornasol Rounded chair, Bla, Green & Blue, Solid Wood, UK, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Tornasol Rounded Chair takes a fresh approach to the solid oak chair, featuring an inviting curved wooden backrest crafted from several flat solid wood components. Each component...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

Hayche, WW Chair - Black, solid oak & metal rods, United Kingdom, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Based on a modern Windsor design, the WW Chair, where the first 'W' stands for Windsor and the second for Wire is an iconic piece of furniture. Produced from solid oak with the uniqu...
Category

2010s British Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Hayche Cuerdas Rounded chair, Oak & Black, UK, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Cuerdas Rounded Chair offers a fresh take on the classic Windsor chair, seamlessly blending solid oak with the unique element of woven cords. Named "Cuerdas," which translates to...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Cord, Wood, Oak

Hayche Loom chair, Black, UK, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Loom Chair was inspired by the traditional wooden looms of Oaxaca in Mexico. The frame is made of solid oak and the cord is made of polypropylene. The chairs are sanded and finis...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Cord, Wood, Oak

Hayche, Tornasol chair, Oak, Green & Pink, Solid Wood, UK, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Tornasol Chair captivates with its ingenious use of solid oak and color, creating a dynamic and visually engaging seating experience. The wooden backrest is composed of several f...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

1990s XL Ralph Lauren Henredon Sculptural Curved Wing Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning chairs you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it bei...
Category

1990s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile, Upholstery, Wood

Hayche Loom Rounded chair, Oak & Black, UK, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Loom Rounded Chair was inspired by the traditional wooden looms of Oaxaca in Mexico. The curved frame is made of solid oak and the cord is made of polypropylene. The chairs are s...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Cord, Wood, Oak

De Sede DS-2100/156 Chair in Green Upholstery by De Sede Design Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The slats on DS-2100 in finest leather adapt to individual body contours and provide – with its embracing feeling – the highest level of comfort. Available as a low-backed, visitor swivel chair, a high-backed executive chair, with headrest, tilt mechanism, height adjustment and casters, and as a visitor chair with a four-star base. Be it in James Bond films or in “Men in Black...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Hayche Cuerdas chair, Black, UK, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Cuerdas Chair artfully reinterprets the classic Windsor chair, incorporating the warmth of solid oak with the distinctive touch of woven cords. In this innovative design, the woo...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Cord, Wood, Oak

Hayche Cuerdas chair, Oak & Black, UK, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Cuerdas Chair artfully reinterprets the classic Windsor chair, incorporating the warmth of solid oak with the distinctive touch of woven cords. In this innovative design, the woo...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Cord, Wood, Oak

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

Hayche, Loom chair, Oak & Black, UK, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Loom Chair was inspired by the traditional wooden looms of Oaxaca in Mexico. The frame is made of solid oak and the cord is made of polypropylene. The chairs are sanded and finis...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Cord, Wood, Oak

Pia Chair
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Slipcover Chair. Our Pia Chair is ideal as a Dining Chair but also great as a Side Chair in your favorite room. Bespoke configurations availa...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

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

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Hayche, Tornasol chair, Black, Green & Blue, Solid Wood, UK, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Tornasol Chair captivates with its ingenious use of solid oak and color, creating a dynamic and visually engaging seating experience. The wooden backrest is composed of several f...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

Hayche Loom Rounded chair, Black, UK, Made To Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The Loom Rounded Chair was inspired by the traditional wooden looms of Oaxaca in Mexico. The curved frame is made of solid oak and the cord is made of polypropylene. The chairs are s...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Cord, Wood, Oak

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

Roly Poly Armchair in Concrete without cushion by Faye Toogood for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The distinctive, reassuringly chunky lines of Faye Toogood’s Roly-Poly furniture collection become even more inviting in her new collaboration with Driade. The latest line for the It...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Modern Hanging Bubble Chair
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
The Bubble hanging chair swing seat's round shape creates a cozy feel. The modern patterns are striking in its visual appeal. The chair has been designed to be very comfortable and ...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Modernist Armchair in Woven Outdoor Fabric by Pierre Frey
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Contemporary armchair designed by Goncalo Compos for Pierre Frey. The modernist chair features a suspended backrest with graphic angular lines against a round base. Completely uphols...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile, Upholstery, Beech

Pair Contemporary Kitchen Counter Bar Stool , Old Silver Metal & Tobacco Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary counter stool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned m...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Arches II Dining Chair, Walnut & Brass, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
The Arches II dining chair is designed in the likeness of the architectural scale that suggests a crossing through the structures of a utopian c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak, Wood, Walnut

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

Set of 2 Oak Armchair by Collector
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Oak armchair by Collector Dimensions: W 75 x D 70 x H 77 cm Materials: Fabric, oak wood Other materials available The Collector brand aims to be part of the daily lif...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Pontina Blue Nature
Located in Aiurzio, IT
Exquisite craftsmanship and a stunning contemporary design are the hallmarks of this sleek, modern chair that will look visually stunning on a modern dining table. Its iron structure...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Paul London
Located in Aiurzio, IT
Exquisite craftsmanship and a stunning contemporary design are the hallmarks of this sleek, modern chair that will look visually stunning on a modern dining table. Its iron structure...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pontina E'Cru
Located in Aiurzio, IT
Exquisite craftsmanship and superb contemporary design are the hallmarks of this sleek, modern chair that will be visually stunning from a modern dining table. Its iron frame is made...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Giancarlo Piretti, a Set of Four Chairs, Plia, Anonima Castelli, 1970s
Located in Paris, FR
Giancarlo Piretti Plia A set of four aluminum folding chairs each with a caned seat and back. Produced by Anonima Castelli, Italy. With a Castelli label. circa 1970. Lite...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 2 Green / Brass Cactus Chair by Marcantonio, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 500 other unique products. In stock in Los Angeles This set includes 2 x Cactus chairs. This cactus chair is suitable f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Luigina Gold Violets
Located in Aiurzio, IT
This striking chair has an iron structure covered with a 24-karat gold flash plating, and elegant galvanized brass feet. The back cushions (which move to achieve the perfect orientat...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Paul Male
Located in Aiurzio, IT
Exquisite craftsmanship and a stunning contemporary design are the hallmarks of this sleek, modern chair that will look visually stunning from a modern dining table or in your office...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Paul Gold Bar Green velvet
Located in Aiurzio, IT
This unique chair has an iron structure covered with a 24-karat gold flash plating, and elegant galvanized brass feet. The seats are covered in stain-resistant PL velvet. and decora...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pontina Blue Studio
Located in Aiurzio, IT
Exquisite craftsmanship and a stunning contemporary design are the hallmarks of this sleek, modern chair that will look visually stunning on a modern dining table. Its iron structure...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pontina Brussels
Located in Aiurzio, IT
This timeless chair has an iron structure covered with black mat, and elegant galvanized brass feet. The seats are covered in cotton stain resistant Or linen, and decorated with a re...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pontina Rome
Located in Aiurzio, IT
Exquisite craftsmanship and a stunning contemporary design are the hallmarks of this sleek, modern chair that will look visually stunning on a modern dining table. Its iron structure...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Saturn Pouffe Large, Brass Frame and Cream Boucle by Lara Bohinc In Stock
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
The equally singular Saturn pouffe utilises the same gathered bilboquet seat construction, to create a more simplified but still incredibly distinctive form. The sumptuously undulati...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Unique Modern Curved HardWood Sculpture Chair Handmade Dilmos Kata Matoga
Located in Milan, IT
Sculptural chair made of hard wood; it is hand-made by the designer thanks to the steam bending technique. The name M10 is inspired by the technical term...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

La Redonda Minimalistic Chair in Metal
Located in London, GB
La Redonda is a chair that flirts with a pure two-dimensional geometrical figure, the circle. This perfect shape is molded after being cut over a steel plat...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH Stocksessel Folding Chair in Walnut
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A historical re-edition with all the charm of past times. A walking stick or folding stool made from bent beech wood with a woven cane seat connecting the three curved legs. The swan’s neck handle also provides a comfortable backrest. Legend has it that the empress Elizabeth...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Undulating Méandre Chairs by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 'Méandre' dark bronze chairs by Design Frères. Chic and understated.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

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

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Upholstery, Wood

Montis Back me up Nubuck leather by ARIAN BREKVELD in STOCK
Located in New York, NY
Nubuck leather The Back Me Up chair supports you in your day-to-day life. The chair's organic back gives you a warm welcome and gently springs along w...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Original lounge chair, Barrel chair, round back chair, bold, modern, walnut wood
Located in Greenwood Village, CO
Experience the Timeless Elegance of Erete: A Modern, Bold, Barrel Back Chair with an Original Design Indulge in the captivating allure of Erete, a bold and exquisitely crafted barre...
Category

2010s Pakistani Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Modern Eleanor Dining Chairs, Jacquard Velvet, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Eleanor Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Eleanor dining chair, named after Queen Eleanor of Avis, embodies all the virtues of its ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Beech, Leather, Bouclé, Oak

Marlen Chair, pink, indoor, chair, made in italy, home, contract
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Comfort, an ergonomic shape and a hardy structure are the characteristics of the Marlen design, the new Trabà chair designed by EP Studio. Hints of a 1950s vibe can be glimpsed in t...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Vintage Chairs in Walnut and Beech, 1970s, Set of 5
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Vintage Chairs in Walnut and Beech, 1970s, Set of 5
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Beech

Alchemy Chair by Rick Owens
Located in Geneve, CH
Alchemy chair by Rick Owens. 2012 Dimensions: L 62 x W 50 x H 71 cm Materials: Bronze, leather Weight: 20 kg Rick Owens is a California-born fashion and furniture has developed a un...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Kago Wooden Dining Chair, Lagu Selection in Stock
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 Kago Chair, n...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Chairs

Materials

Horn, Upholstery, Foam

Minimal Style, Solid Wood Stool, Bar or Counter Hight, Caning and Leather
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, this inspiration gave us the freedom to create a collection where the design appropriate subtle elements, harmonic transitions and thin but resistant wood thicknesses, that gave life to a unique and contemporary collection. Our studio objective was to abstract most of the figurative elements and arrive in the very sweet spot in this design, the “cream”, driving the details in a three dimensional way. All our objects are drawn using the Da Vinci's "golden section", and the wing collection is not an exception, this assures pleasing proportions and contrast between each design part that composes the object in a deep study in the thicknesses and the relationship between each component sizing. The Wing chairs and stools are crafted with passion using premium materials and the latest technologies in furniture manufacturing, with a very precise quality control, on its beauty there is the subtle variations between the wood veins in a real living item without ethnic appeal yet been warm resulting in well-rounded comfortable pieces, delicate in design and sturdy in construction. All this qualities converge in and merge in a collection made to participate in the life of our clients as a breeze, comfortably, pleasant, harmonic and positive. We offer a caning back solution and a solid back option, stools and chairs versions. There are three solid wood tonalities as standard and a solid Ebonized black, we also offer wood harmonisation if needed, so we work the tonality to approximate a particular target. All woods and materials are certified and responsibly sourced and manufactured. Listing features the natural solid wood finish, with natural distress leather 20363 and natural caning back. The seating hight is customisable and produced to match your needs, up to 29.13 inches or bellow as a counter or bar seat...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile, Cane, Wood, Hardwood

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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