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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Italian modern black wood and metal chairs with rounded profiles, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black wood and metal chairs with rounded profiles, 1980s Set of six black chairs in metal and wood. The backrest and seat follow rounded lines, the profile of the seat...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Modern Gold and Black Viking Dining Chair in Brass and Natural Fur Cushion
Located in Oporto, PT
Inspiration: The Viking chair was inspired by the Viking era. This piece recreates rustic shapes and textures that bring us back to a remarkable period ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass, Metal

Strelitzia Modern Solid Silver Polished Aluminum and Boucle Luxury Dining Chair
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Silver Strelitzia handcrafted, modern dining chair is designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa. This luxury dining chair ha...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Transitional Wood Dining Chair in Leather or COM/COL from Costantini, Neto
Located in New York, NY
Neto Transitional wood dining chair in leather or COM/COL from Costantini Design Measures 19" W x 23" D x 34' H and an 18" Seat Height as shown. Custom sizing available and also ava...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Hand-Dyed Indigo Canvas and Antique Brass Chair - Extra Wide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek and refined, the Inheritance Chair is a great addition to nearly any space. This particular option features an extra wide seat of 36" for a roomy lounge option. Inspired by a...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

21st Century Modern High Backrest Wooden Rocking Base Arca Made in Italy
Located in Sant'Elena, IT
Coming from Studio Orlandini’s inspiration, Arca defines a new concept of armchairs and chairs for lounges and waiting areas. It is available in 3 declinations, which can be combine...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

The Fold Chair in Dark Wood by CEU Studio, Indoor - Outdoor, Low Seat
Located in New York, NY
Represented by Tuleste Factory The Fold Chair by CEU L 26.5" x W 27.5" x H 25" Lead time 16-20 weeks The item is customizable by size All sales are final.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Orange Rose Caribe Dining Chair by Sebastian Herkner
Located in Geneve, CH
Orange rose caribe dining chair by Sebastian Herkner Materials: Galvanized and powder-coated tubular steel. PVC strings are made from recycled plastic. Technique: Made from recycle...
Category

2010s German Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Honey Cielo Bar Stool by Sebastian Herkner
Located in Geneve, CH
Honey Cielo bar stool by Sebastian Herkner Materials: Galvanized and powder-coated tubular steel. PVC strings are made from recycled plastic. Technique: Ma...
Category

2010s German Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Hand-Carved Massive Oak Outdoor Chair with Rounded Armrests & Oversized Cushion
Located in Cairo, EG
Hand-carved massive oak outdoor armchair with rounded armrests and oversized cushion. Rise to a new level of outdoor chic and comfort. This geometri...
Category

2010s Egyptian Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Konstantin Grcic B Chair Black Leather for Bd Barcelona
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This chair won the ADI-FAD Delta Silver Award in 2011. In its singularity, complex engineering is hidden. The very fact that the seat can be folded up op...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Ghidini 1961 Love Chair Powder Rose in Polished Brass by Nika Zupanc
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Love is all around. Clench yours tight, hold it close, and bestow on it the shiny perch it so wishes it deserved. Love chair for Ghidini 1961 provides a sumptuously soft landing for the love you’ve decided to start domesticating. Seated on a pale soft cushion and subtly yet firmly supported by the airy twists of the brass heart backrest your love has just enough room to stay right where it is. Thus installed it stays beautiful and liberating, and offers you the love-keeper a golden grip on it to bind it, chain it, or lock it up and silently hope it never breaks...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

GRACE Urban dining chair in Textured Boho fabric
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

Nickel, Stainless Steel, Brass

Tobo Armchair by Collector
Located in Geneve, CH
Tobo armchair by Collector Dimensions: W 70 x D 76 x H 71 cm Materials: Fabric, oak wood Other materials available The Collector brand aims to be ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Segmented Orange Velvet Large Sofa with Ball Backrests by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Collo daybed by Pietro Franceschini. Materials: Mohair velvet Dimensions: W 120 x L 94 x H 57-90cm. Designed during a creative momentum in the relaxed Italian Riviera Ligure, ou...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Bridge Bench C.R.&S. Riva1920 Contemporary Natural Cedar Wood Made in Italy
Located in Cantù, IT
Bench made from a single block of scented cedar that features an original and geometric design.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Contemporary Unique Natural Beige Fiberglass Curl Up Lounge Chair by kar
Located in Geneve, CH
White curl up lounge chair by kar Materials: FRP. Dimensions: 63 x 84 x 66 cm. *This piece is suitable for outdoor use. It shapes in a curl-up position, casual meanwhile restrained...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Big Girl Chair, Blue Velvet, Modern Organic Sculptural Armchair
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
Part of the Peaches collection, the Big Girl armchair is the largest piece in this new body of works. Reminiscent of a curvaceous female body, the pieces are composed of a wooden str...
Category

2010s English Modern Chairs

Materials

Wool

Lucite and Chrome Sling Chair by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Iconic lucite sling chair from the 1970’s by Charles Hollis Jones. Constructed of chrome plated steel and clear acrylic. In beautiful vintage condition. Measurements: 24.75” Wid...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Chrome

"Laura" Minimalist chair in painted steel with wooden armrests
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
Alessandra Delgado was once thinking about using steel to create delicate pieces. Laura chair is the materialization of these thoughts. The chair is part of a series of furniture des...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Figueroa Dining Chair, Velvet & Brass, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Located in the sunny California, the charming Figueroa Mountain is a magical landscape that led to the creation of the Figueroa dining chair. Evo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Unique Painted Handmade Sculpture Chair Dilmos Edizioni Colorful Geometric
Located in Milan, IT
Unique painted prototype of a wooden chair, entirely handmade by the author. The abstract and futuristic shape reminds of a utopian architecture, eternal in its uniqueness. Unique p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Acrylic, Hardwood, Paint

Modern Exotic Wood and Wrapped Leather Dining Chair from Costantini, Giovanni
Located in New York, NY
Giovanni Solid Argentine Rosewood and Leather Dining Chair from Costantini Measurements are 19" W x 21" D x 32" H x 19" SH COM/COL: 2 Yds / 34 Sq Ft The Giovanni Chair is a de...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Modern De Castro Dining Chairs, Velvet, Beech, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
De Castro Chair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The De Castro dining chair is a tribute to one of the most remarkab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Set of 2 Kartell One More Please Square Bar Stools in Green by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
If you want to sip a drink at the bar in peace and quiet, you need a comfortable tall stool with a back to lean against. Sometimes one drink is not ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Crystal

Little Miss Daybed by Egg Designs
Located in Geneve, CH
Little miss daybed by Egg Designs. Dimensions: 200 L X 90 D X 58.5 H cm. Materials: walnut timber, brass, bronzed steel, leather & velvet upholstery Founded by South Africans an...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pouf Pill L Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf Pill L Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique Dimensions: H 45 x 80 x 35 cm Materials: Velvet upholstery and 30cm fringes Pill Pouf L Art-deco style p...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH Postsparkasse Chair in Black Lacquered Wood
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Extreme shape synthesis. Minimalism, exclusivity and an eye for detail. The “Postsparkasse” series was designed in 1906 by Otto Wagner for the headquarters of the Post Office Savings...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Modern Laurence Dining Chairs Set/6, Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set of 6 Laurence Chairs, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Laurence dining chair is an artistic tribute to the essence of femininity in c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood, Leather, Mohair, Linen, Velvet

Customizable Artifort Orange Slice Armchair F437 by Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
The orange slice armchair by designer Pierre Paulin is one of the most popular design armchairs in the world. The iconic armchair makes every roo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile

"Revoar" Hanging Swing Chair in Natural Leather Handmade Light Pink Color
Located in Centro, RS
The project starts from leather threads, valuing the manual work of various craft techniques, such as braids, cords, chains and fringes. The chains were represented in three-dimensio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Wooden Bar Stool Made in Caribbean Walnut with Handwoven Seat
Located in PARQUE INDUSTRIAL OTHON P BLANCO, Quintana Roo
Inspired by the work of Luis Barragán, the Sáasil Stool features an honest construction with precise details. It is a comfortable chair, with a lightweight yet sturdy structure that ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Pouf Pill S Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf Pill S Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique Dimensions: H 45 x D 35 cm Materials: Velvet upholstery and 30cm fringes Pill P...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Italian modern black plastic chairs Modus SM 203 by Borsani for Tecno, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black plastic chairs Modus SM 203 by Borsani for Tecno, 1980s Set of eight chairs mod. Modus SM 203 with seat and backrest composed...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 2 Jacob Armchair by Collector
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Jacob armchair by Collector Materials: Fabric. Dimensions: W 110 x D 90 x H 75 cm x SH 42 cm This fun and sophisticated armc...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Baloo Boucle Gropius Counter Chair CS2 by NOOM
Located in Geneve, CH
Baloo Boucle Gropius Counter Chair CS2 by NOOM Dimensions: W 57 x D 57 x H 88 cm Materials: Ashwood, plywood, foam, moulded foam, textile. Weight: 12.2 kg Also available in other m...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Meridiana Chair in Transparent by Christophe Pillet for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Meridiana table stems from the ultimate globetrotter chair, revised this year with solid wooden legs. An archetype of the coffee shop or domestic table, it displays a precious balance between the round, wood particleboard top and the solid wood frame and legs. A mass-colored clay mixture is smoothed over the top by hand with a scraper. The table’s aesthetic is distinguished by the shaded, handmade finish of its top. Available in the following colors: Volcano red, Lava black and Champagne. Born in 1959, he graduated from the Academy of Decorative Arts in Nice in 1985 and a year later took a post-graduate course at the Domus Academy in Milan. From 1986 to 1988 he worked with Martine Bedin in Milan, and from 1988 to 1993 with Philippe Starck in Paris. His first items of furniture, issued by XO, date from 1991. Since May 1993 he has been working as an independent designer. His work ranges from furniture to product design, from interior design to architecture and exhibit design. He works, among others, with Artelano, Cappellini, Ceccotti, JC Decaux, Driade, Mazzega, Moroso, Trussardi, Daum, Moët e Chandon, Ecart International, Lacoste Lancome, l’Oreal, Shiseido, Whirlpool. Nominated Creator of the Year in 1995, he has exhibited his works at the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Lucerne and at many other prestige venues. Among his most recent works or works in progress...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

off White Leather and Chrome Lounge Chair by Jay Spectre
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s off white leather, chrome and whitewash oak ‘eclipse’ lounge chair by Jay Spectre. In original condition shows minor wear consistent with age. The leather has been professio...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Brass and Leather Swivel Chairs by J. Robert Scott
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Beautiful pair of patchwork leather chairs with a brushed brass base designed by Sally Sirkin Lewis for J. Robert Scott in the 1980’s. Original...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Bench by FAINA
Located in Geneve, CH
Contemporary bench by FAINA Design: Victoriya Yakusha Material: Textiles, foamrubber, sintepon, wood, plywood Dimensions: D 62 x W 180 x H ...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile, Wood, Plywood

Pair of B&B Italia Maxalto Imprimatur Antonio Citterio Armchairs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of high back B&B Italia hand made in Italy Maxalto Imprimatur armchairs designed by Antonio Citterio RRP £6000. The chairs ar...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Chrome, Nickel

Radiant Bollard Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This compact steel chair is a nod to glass block architecture and playful geometry. Four welded iron balls create an illusion of balance along the solid glass block wall that acts as...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Ghidini 1961 Love Chair Ninfea in Polished Brass by Nika Zupanc
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Love is all around. Clench yours tight, hold it close, and bestow on it the shiny perch it so wishes it deserved. Love chair for Ghidini 1961 provides a sumptuously soft landing for ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Shaker Sofa by Egg Designs
Located in Geneve, CH
Shaker sofa by Egg Designs Dimensions: 110 L X 240 D X 92.3 H cm Materials: walnut timbe, nylon rope, leather upholstry Founded by South Africans and...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Nylon, Walnut

Leather Lounge Chair 'Lou Read' by Philippe Starck for Driade
Located in Hellouw, NL
Leather lounge chair 'Lou Read' for Driade. This iconic armchair is designed by Philippe Starck and Eugenio Quitllet. This model is designed for the Monceau H...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

LE VOYAGEUR Contemporary Chair in Walnut and Curly Wool by Alexandre Ligios
Located in New York, NY
LE VOYAGEUR Chair by Alexandre Ligios, Represented By Tuleste Factory Walnut and Curly Wool 39.4" Dia (excluding spikes) x 29.5" H Seat height: 15.75" A jewel within your interio...
Category

2010s Moroccan Modern Chairs

Materials

Wool, Walnut

Institution Chair by Panorammma
Located in Geneve, CH
Institution chair by Panorammma Materials: steel, nickel, white leather. Dimensions: 90 x 49.5 x 49.5 cm Panorammma is a furniture design atelier based in Mexico City that seeks...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Nickel

Ghidini 1961 Love Chair Malachite in Polished Brass by Nika Zupanc
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Love is all around. Clench yours tight, hold it close, and bestow on it the shiny perch it so wishes it deserved. Love chair for Ghidini 1961 provides a sumptuously soft landing for ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Chocolate and Black Memento Chair, Jesse Sanderson
Located in Geneve, CH
Chocolate and black Memento chair, Jesse Sanderson Original signed chair by Jesse Sanderson Materials: leather, steel Dimensions: W 43 x D 50 x H 80 cm Seating height: 47 cm. ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

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

Contemporary Black Lacquer Fish Seat w/ Copper Eye by Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fish Seat w/ Copper Eye Black Lacquer Antique Copper Limited Edition Hand Repousse Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal....
Category

2010s Modern Chairs

Materials

Copper

Modern Laurence OUTDOORS Chairs, DEDAR Fabric, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Laurence Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Laurence outdoors chair is an artistic tribute to the essence of femininity in contempor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood, Fabric, Leather, Mohair, Linen, Velvet

Saturn Pouffe Small, Ottoman, Oxidised Brass, Cream Boucle, Modern, Sculptural
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
The Saturn pouffe utilizes gathered bilboquet seat construction, to create a more simplified but still incredibly distinctive form. The sumptuously undul...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Oak Parkdale Counter Stool by Hollis & Morris
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak Parkdale counter stool by Hollis & Morris Dimensions: 16.5" x 18.5" x H 34" Materials: Solid wood. Cold rolled steel. Hard wax oil, Powder-coated metal. Also available in natu...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Belladonna Chair
Located in Munich, Bavaria
BELLADONNA Design by Adele Martelli for Emmemobili Belladonna is an object of intrigue—captivating in its presence, compelling in its form. Its soft, sinuous lines intertwine in a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Set of 2 Kartell Charles Ghost Medium Stools in Powder Blue by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The shape conjures up stools of the 1800s and the line of the legs is rounded and slightly upturned, an icon of the classic high stool. Charles Ghost is constructed from a single blo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Crystal

Vanity Seat in Grey Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vanity seat. Grey lacquer. Handmade. Wood base. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made with at least 60 coats of org...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Chairs

Materials

Lacquer

Indoor Balou Easy Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Balou easy armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Abacca, rattan, nylon. Steel. Dimensions: 98.5 x 101.5 x H 75cm Named after the bear from The Jungle Book, Balou exudes comfo...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

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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