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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
5
5,690
680
171
to
230
3,802
1,905
6,541
1,283
2,610
8,501
6,541
1,297
650
364
235
193
187
183
176
176
162
148
138
113
102
85
72
1
5
674
5,861
16
177
424
11
14
11
39
69
107
172
81
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to
Width
to
Depth
to
5,081
4,575
3,822
4,630
3,749
4,381
3,696
4,525
3,728
4,218
3,648
4,521
2,937
2,989
2,403
1,441
1,363
4,808
2,179
926
684
489
235
180
160
135
103
Style: Modern
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
1962 Rare Kurt Ostervig Lounge Chair for Henry Rolschau Mobler of Vejen Denmark
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an exceptionally rare lounge chair, designed by architect Kurt Ostervig and produced by Henry Rolschau Mobler in Vejen, Denmark, circa 1962. The chair arrived to o...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Metal
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
Viva Gradient 011 Bench by Houtique
By Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Gradient 011 Bench by Houtique
Dimensions: D100 x W45 x H48 cm
Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood
Also available in different colours. Please contact us.
VIVA BENCH.
Designed ...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Coffee Brutus Dining Chair by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
Coffee Brutus dining chair by 101 Copenhagen.
Designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl.
Dimensions: L 68 / W 50 /H 68 cm.
Seat height: ...
Category
2010s German Modern Chairs
Materials
Concrete
Montis Back me up Nubuck leather by ARIAN BREKVELD in STOCK
By Montis
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 with your every movement. The hig...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Malta Bouclé Dining Chair by Egg Designs
Located in Geneve, CH
Malta Boucle dining chair by Egg Designs
Dimensions: 70 L X 68 D X 70 H
Materials: Walnut Timber, Brass, Grey Bouche Upholstery
Founded by South Afr...
Category
2010s South African Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Post Modern Leather Swivel Chairs Poltrona Frau (2 available)
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
The Post-Modern Ginger chair by Roberto Lazzeroni for Poltrona Frau with featuring saddle brown and sky blue leather hand stitched. A gorgeous Modern look. Seat has ebonized wood swi...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
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
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
Sedie Kazuki in legno laccato rosso di Kazuhide Takahama per Simon Gavina, 1969
Located in MIlano, IT
Set di quattro sedie modello Kazuki con struttura interamente in legno laccato color rosso arancione, dalle linee geometriche, con finitura lucida ed angoli stondati. Provviste dei l...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Chrome & Pink Vinyl Chair by Cal-Style, 1980s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
With its shiny chrome frame and vibrant pink vinyl upholstery, this Cal-Style chair is the epitome of retro chic. Sit back, relax, and let the coolness wash over you as you channel y...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Famed Black Metal Chair
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
The Famed black metal chair brings comfortable seating with luxurious design to your living room...
The FAMED chair, where comfortable sitting is at the f...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
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 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
Metal Tub Chairs by Masterworks
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Seat reupholstered in black Knoll fabric.
Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Six available total.
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
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
Chubby Chair in Buttermilk 3D Printed Recycled Plastic
Located in London, GB
Dirk van der Kooij first fell in love with low resolution 3D printing as a student, fulfilling his search for honest and functional ornamentation. T...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Kissing Armchair by Lara Bohinc in Bronze Metal and Cream Boucle Fabric
By Lara Bohinc
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
Kissing Armchair features two semi-circle layers; one bearing the cupped seat and a second forming the back-rest. All the lines are covered with soft ...
Category
2010s Portuguese 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
GRACE Urban dining chair in velvet
Located in Frazão, Porto
The sophisticated character of the GRACE Urban chair is given by the combination of the most distinct raw materials, from wood to the fabric textures and metallic details, taking sha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel, Nickel
Chubby Chair in Ember 3D Printed recycled plastic
Located in London, GB
Dirk van der Kooij first fell in love with low resolution 3D printing as a student, fulfilling his search for honest and functional ornamentation. T...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Rustic Modernist Armchair, Sweden, 1920s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Early modern armchair from Sweden, approximately dating back to 1920, crafted from stained oak and preserved in its original condition. While the upholstery showcases elements of Exp...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Oak
Fabric Samples for Papillonne Armchair
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
We can send you some fabric and other material options for the furnitures.
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Chairs
Materials
Cotton, Acrylic
Kodak Leather Chair, Jesse Sanderson
Located in Geneve, CH
Kodak leather chair, Jesse Sanderson, WDSTCK Studio
Artist: Jesse Sanderson
Material: Steel frame; Nubuck leather
Dimensions: 87 x 55 x 51 cm (Seat height: 47 cm)
Exploring ant...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
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
Pouf Pill S by Houtique
By Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf pill S by Houtique
Dimensions: H 45 x D 35 cm
Materials: Velvet upholstery and 30cm fringes
Pill Pouf S
Art Deco style pouf with wood structure and velvet fabric.
2 fiber-board...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet
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
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
An Authentic EARLY MODERNIST Chair by ROBERT MALLET-STEVENS, TUBOR, France 1925
Located in PARIS, FR
We are presenting 2 rare pieces on sale one by one on 1stDibs :
the earliest and rarely seen version of the iconic Tubor chair created by French Architect Robert Mallet-Stevens, cert...
Category
1920s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Contemporary Leather Blop Armchair
By DOOQ
Located in Geneve, CH
Contemporary Leather Blop Armchair
Dimensions: D 78 x W 80 x H 75 cm
Seat height : 44 cm
Materials : top: fabric or leather
feet: lacquer metal - choos...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Minimalist Outdoor Lounge Chair in "Moss" Fabric and Polished Stainless Steel
Located in Lisbon, PT
Embracing the purpose to take a break outside, the outdoor version of the LISBOA lounge chair invites you to just sit and relax under the sun, enjoying the long days and warm summer ...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
ZOLA Dining Chair
Located in Frazão, Porto
Originally inspired by our unique Invicta chair, ZOLA conspires to create an undeniable atmosphere of modernity and elegance in any interior.
Fully cover...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Faux Leather
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
Pouf Pill S by Houtique
By Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf pill S by Houtique
Dimensions: H 45 x D 35 cm
Materials: Velvet upholstery and 30cm fringes
Pill Pouf S
Art Deco style pouf with wood structure and velvet fabric.
2 fiber-board...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet
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
Charlotte Perriand High Berger Stool Authentic & Rare Mid-Century Modern
Located in Zürich, CH
Charlotte Perriand counts as one of the masters of French modernist design together with Le Corbusier, Jean Prouvé or Pierre Jeanneret. Her works are highly valued until the present ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Chairs
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chic 'Méandre' Bronze Side Chairs by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Méandre™ dark bronze side chairs by DESIGN FRÈRES®
Chic and understated.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Oddysey Light Grey Large Headrest Armchair by Eugeni Quitllet
Located in Geneve, CH
Oddysey Light Grey Large Headrest Armchair by Eugeni Quitllet
Dimensions: D 75 x W 81 x H 111 cm.
Materials: Polyurethane foam, steel, felt, leather and fabric.
Other materials av...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Paul London
By Sotow
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 Blue Studio
By Sotow
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 Gold Bar Green velvet
By Sotow
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 Nature
By Sotow
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
AUREA Dining Chair in Beige Velvet and Brass tips
Located in Frazão, Porto
Sophisticated design, very comfortable and well balanced piece. The AUREA dining chair’s back is highlighted by a delicated quilting in diamond’s s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Luigina Sky Bordeaux
By Sotow
Located in Aiurzio, IT
This striking chair is made of iron with brass feet. The iron is powder-coated and oven-baked finished in Ral color, while the backrest can rotate on its own frame to achieve the per...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pontina E'Cru
By Sotow
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
Wicker Swing Chair by Egg Designs
Located in Geneve, CH
Leather Swing Chair by Egg Designs
Dimensions: 100 L X 80 D X 110 H cm
Materials: Polished Stainless Steel, Synthetic Wicker
Founded by South...
Category
2010s South African Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pontina Rome
By Sotow
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
By Sotow
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
Luigina Gold Violets
By Sotow
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
Viva Checkerboard 024 Bench by Houtique
By Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Checkerboard 024 Bench by Houtique
Dimensions: D100 x W45 x H48 cm
Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood
Also available in different colours. Please contact us.
VIVA BENCH.
Desig...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Milani, Transparent Green Polycarbonate Dining Chair
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2)
Milani, Transparent Bottle Green Polycarbonate dining chair...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Ribbon Chair, Pink by Laun
Located in Geneve, CH
Ribbon chair, pink by Laun ( Handmade in Los Angeles )
Ribbon Collection
Dimensions: H.89 D.65 W.42 cm
Materials: Powdercoated aluminum
Also Available: Ribbon Stool, Ribbon lou...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Italian modern black and blue chair Sofia by Carlo Bartoli for Bonaldi, 1980s
By Bonaldo, Carlo Bartoli
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black and blue chair Sofia by Carlo Bartoli for Bonaldi, 1980s
Folding chair mod. Sofia with structure in black painted metal rod. ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Finn Juhl Reading Chair Veneer Seat Wood
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1953, relaunched in 2015.
Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark.
The Reading chair is one of Finn Juhl's more simple, yet elegant, pieces. ...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Curzio Landscape
By Sotow
Located in Aiurzio, IT
This elegant and contemporary armchair has an iron structure covered in a dust paint and oven-finished, to make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The black mate iron struc...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Thonet Softec Stacking Chairs by David Rowland
Located in Tucson, AZ
Chairs feature David Rowland's patented "Soflex" seat and back in original school bus color vinyl plastisol on tubular chrome frame. - Soflex is a material invented by Rowland in 197...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel, Wire
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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