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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
1 Module Pierre Chair by Plumbum
Located in Geneve, CH
1 Module Pierre chair by Plumbum Dimensions: 36" x 43" x H 29" Materials: Upholstered with holland and sherry wool. Also available without fabric, in different sizes, ottoman, a...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Wool, Foam, Wood

Minimalist Outdoor Lounge Chair in "Char" Fabric and Brushed 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

Set of 4, Feuille Chairs by Eloi Schultz
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4, Feuille chairs by Eloi Schultz Materials: Solid Chesnut, Oiled finish Dimensions: 95 x 62 x 68 cm Eloi Schultz graduated as an architect at the Ecole Nationale de la Villette...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Chairs

Materials

Chestnut

Three Leather Dining or Office Chairs by Poltrona Frau in Oxblood Red Leather
Located in New York, NY
Three fabulous dining or office chairs by iconic Italian chair maker Poltrona Frau. Characterized by the quality of leather, craftsmanship, and op...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Sculptural Kissing Sofa by Lara Bohinc in Bronze Metal and Black Boucle
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
Kissing sofa and Kissing armchair feature two semi-circle layers; one bearing the cupped seat and a second forming the back-rest. All the lines are covered w...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Building Blocks Lounge Chair by Jialun Xiong
Located in Geneve, CH
Building blocks lounge chair by Jialun Xiong Dimensions: 28”W x 25”D x 25”H inch Materials: Metal and off-white leather COM/COL Option Available. “ I have an aptitude for exp...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Fasem Vintage Cognac Vegetal Leather Chair P40 by Vegni & Gualtierotti
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Vintage armchair roundchair by Gianfranco Gualtierotti Giancarlo Vegni for Fasem Modell P40 This roundchair is an Italian classic. The seat and backrest are lightly padded and covered with full-grain vegetal leather. The backrest, which extends seamlessly into the armrests, both in the frame and in the upholstery, accentuates the sinuosity and elegance. This Roundchair have a perfect shape.It is nearly inspired by Hans Wegners Round Chair / Kennedy Chair...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Peacock Iron Patio Chairs
Located in Denton, TX
Peacock Patio chairs in the style of Salterini with satin black powder coating.
Category

20th Century Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal, Iron

Red Cana Stool by Pauline Deltour
Located in Geneve, CH
Red Cana stool by Pauline Deltour by Cristina Celestino. Materials: galvanized and powder-coated tubular steel. Caña Flecha. Technique: hand-woven with natural fibers in Colombia. ...
Category

2010s German Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Daisy Chair by Mary-Lynn & Carlo
Located in Geneve, CH
Pair of daisy chair by Mary-Lynn & Carlo The elephant project Dimensions: H 60 x W 69 x D 81 cm Materials: Concrete colored, foam polystyrene F...
Category

2010s Lebanese Modern Chairs

Materials

Concrete

Contemporary Marc Krusin for Knoll Krusin Wood Side Dining Armchair, Set of 6
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The Krusin wood dining or side chair is contemporary and very comfortable. Well-constructed frame and steam bent top rail with light and graceful clean lines that are engaging from every angle. Great for home dining room or guest reception areas and private office. Please note the price listed is for a set of 6 chairs Specifications: Fabric colors: Beige/cappuccino Grey oak, black ceruse hard wood frame and arms, dowel and mortise and tenon constructions Seat: High density polyurethane foam and elastic seat belt...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Hardwood, Oak

Langskip and Leidangskip Chair made from Birch Multiplex Boards
Located in Prague 3, Vinohrady
The dining room collection is inspired by the construction of Viking boats and influenced by my internship at The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. My aim was to design furniture wi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Birch

DS-278 Chair by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-278 chair by De Sede Design: Christian Werner Dimensions: D 51 x W 69 x H 76 cm Materials: steel, leather Prices may change according to the chosen materials and size. A...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Outdoor Lolah Easy Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Outdoor lolah easy armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: polyethelene. aluminum. Also available in other colors and for indoors. Dimensions: ...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Big Girl Chair by Lara Bohinc, Cream Wool, Organic Sculptural Shape, 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, Bouclé

Unique Olive Wood Chair by Behaghelfoiny
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique olive wood chair by BehaghelFoiny Unique From the series "Design Brut Philia & Kids" Materials: Olive Wood Dimensions: W 45 x D 40 x H 110...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Black Kaleidoscope Dining Chair by Jialun Xiong
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Kaleidoscope dining chair by Jialun Xiong Dimensions: 20”W x 20”D x 26”H inch Materials: Metal, ash wood, suede and leather COM/COL Option Available. “ I have an aptitu...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Minimalist Outdoor Lounge Chair in "Moss" Fabric and Brushed 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

Yellow Cana Stool by Pauline Deltour
Located in Geneve, CH
Yellow Cana stool by Pauline Deltour by Cristina Celestino Materials: Galvanized and powder-coated tubular steel. Caña Flecha. Technique: Hand-woven with natural fibers in Colombia...
Category

2010s German Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Jorgen Hovelskov Harp Chair, Denmark 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural Jorgen Hovelskov designed harp chair. Solid oak and rope.   
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Rope, Oak

Senufo Stool Xl, Arno Declercq
Located in Geneve, CH
Senufo stool XL, Arno Declercq Dimension: D39 x W39 x H53 cm Materials: burned and waxed Iroko wood and burned steel. Arno Declercq Belgian designer and art dealer who makes b...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Daisy Chair by Mary-Lynn & Carlo
Located in Geneve, CH
Daisy chair by Mary-Lynn & Carlo, 2021 The Elephant Project Dimensions: H 60 x W 69 x D 81 cm Materials: concrete colored, foam polystyrene Fin...
Category

2010s Lebanese Modern Chairs

Materials

Concrete

Set of 4 Yellow Cana Stool by Pauline Deltour
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 Yellow Cana stool by Pauline Deltour by Cristina Celestino Materials: Galvanized and powder-coated tubular steel. Caña Flecha. Technique: Hand-woven with natural fibers in...
Category

2010s German Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Building Blocks Stool by Jialun Xiong
Located in Geneve, CH
Building Blocks lounge chair by Jialun Xiong Dimensions: 19”W x 17”D x 19”H inch Materials: Metal and off-white leather COM/COL Option Available. “ I have an aptitude for exp...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 2 Black Cana Stool by Pauline Deltour
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Black cana stool by Pauline Deltour by Cristina Celestino. Materials: Galvanized and powder-coated tubular steel. Caña Flecha. Technique: Hand-woven with natural fibers in...
Category

2010s German Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Building Blocks Lounge Chair by Jialun Xiong
Located in Geneve, CH
Building blocks lounge chair by Jialun Xiong Dimensions: 28”W x 25”D x 25”H inch Materials: Metal and leather COM/COL Option Available. “ I have an aptitude for exploring the...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Afternoon Sculptural Chair with Large Back by Lara Bohinc Pink Boucle Fabric
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
Afternoon chair has the majesty of a throne, with the huge circular backrest that reaches out and upwards, its legs curve to join the seat at angles. The chair is completely upholste...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé

Trevor Chair Bronze Colour Frame in Cream Boucle by Lara Bohinc in Stock
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
Trevor dining chair makes a perfect accompaniment for the tea room, its round spheres forming backrest and armrests, floating on thin metal rods, just like bonbons speared on cocktai...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Prélèvement Chair by AuchKatzStudio
Located in Geneve, CH
Prélèvement chair by AuchKatzStudio Unique piece Materials: Jesmonite, styrofoam, fiber, pigments, varnish Dimensions: 75 x 45 x 50 cm AuchKatzStudio (AKS) is a duo of Elsa Be...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Chairs

Materials

Natural Fiber, Foam

Building Blocks Bench by Jialun Xiong
Located in Geneve, CH
Building blocks bench by Jialun Xiong. Dimensions: W 144.78 x D 43.18 x H 48.26 cm Materials: Metal and Leather. COM/COL option availabl...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Sass Counter Stool from Souda, Dining Chair, Seating, Shape A & B
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 2 Sass Stool from Souda. We offer three different shapes (A, B, & C). This listing is for 'A' and 'B', which are shown in the first image. The Sottsass inspir...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Ash

Building Blocks Bench by Jialun Xiong
Located in Geneve, CH
Building blocks bench by Jialun Xiong Dimensions: W 144.78 x D 43.18 x H 48.26 cm Materials: Metal and wood COM/COL option available. ...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Crooked Dining Chair by Nazara Lazaro
Located in Geneve, CH
Crooked dining chair by Nazara Lazaro Dimensions: H 86 cm x W 53 cm x D 58 cm Materials: Massive oak with oil wax surface Also available in n...
Category

2010s German Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak

LouLou Chair by Shin Azumi
Located in Geneve, CH
LouLou chair by Shin Azumi Materials: Base in black or white or chromed lacquered metal, seat and back in natural oak veneer or black or white stained. Technique: Lacquered metal...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Super Jardim, Black Armchair by Cultivado Em Casa
Located in Geneve, CH
Super Jardim - black armchair by Cultivado Em Casa. Dimensions: 105 x 80 x 73 cm. Materials: Stainless steel, PVC hose, nozzle and faucet. Also available: Green, red, blue, yell...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set of 2 Loulou Chairs by Shin Azumi
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 LouLou chairs by Shin Azumi Materials: base in black or white or chromed lacquered metal, seat and back in natural oak veneer or black or white stained. Technique: Lacque...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Black Steel Curved Bench by Kristina Dam Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Black steel curved bench by Kristina Dam Studio. Materials: black powder-coated steel Dimensions: D 40 x W 110 x H 42 cm 35 kg Dimension...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Crooked Lounge Chair by Nazara Lazaro
Located in Geneve, CH
Crooked lounge chair by Nazara Lazaro. Dimensions: H 79 cm x W 51 cm x D 89 cm Materials: Massive oak with oil wax surface Also available in natural massive oak, walnut, and whi...
Category

2010s German Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak

GTV Thonet Postsparkasse Chair in Black and Aluminium by Otto Wagner
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

Melting Chair by Philipp Aduatz
Located in Geneve, CH
Melting chair by Philipp Aduatz 2011 Edition of 12 + 3 A/P Dimensions: 95 x 93 x 78 cm Materials: Glass fibre reinforced polymer with a special silver coating New since 2012: special black chrome edition of 12 + 3 A/P Philipp Aduatz´ intention in the design of the Melting Chair is to capture a transient transformation within a sculptural object. The Melting Chair, which is suitable for use, is carefully crafted to appear to the viewer either as a solid chair melting away or as a solidification of a liquid melt. Usually, materials can be observed in certain aggregate phases: they can be solid, fluid or gaseous, but not at the same time. Only during phase transitions the borders between these phases become blurred. This moment of change seems utterly fragile and filled with fascinating possibilities at the same time. Aduatz main goal in the design of the Melting Chair was to hold on to this fleeting moment and phrase his fascination for it into a usable object. To create a realistic illusion, Aduatz studied the solidification of fluids as well as the melting of solids with modern 3D animation software. With this background, he designed the surface of the object down to the smallest detail - like an architect plans...
Category

2010s Austrian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Marlen Chair, Red, 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

Set of 2 Red Cana Stool by Pauline Deltour
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Red Cana stool by Pauline Deltour by Cristina Celestino Materials: Galvanized and powder-coated tubular steel. Caña Flecha. Technique: Hand-woven with natural fibers in Co...
Category

2010s German Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 4 Black Cana Stool by Pauline Deltour
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 black cana stool by Pauline Deltour by Cristina Celestino. Materials: Galvanized and powder-coated tubular steel. Caña Flecha. Technique: Hand-woven with natural fibers in...
Category

2010s German Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 2 Yellow Cana Stool by Pauline Deltour
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Yellow Cana stool by Pauline Deltour by Cristina Celestino Materials: Galvanized and powder-coated tubular steel. Caña Flecha. Technique: Hand-woven with natural fibers in...
Category

2010s German Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Minimalist Outdoor Lounge Chair in "Char" 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

Black Kaleidoscope Dining Stool by Jialun Xiong
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Kaleidoscope dining stool by Jialun Xiong Dimensions: 20”W x 20”D x 18”H inch Materials:Metal, ash wood and leather COM/COL Option Available. “ I have an aptitude for e...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

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

Black Kaleidoscope Sofa by Jialun Xiong
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Kaleidoscope sofa by Jialun Xiong Dimensions: 77” W x 34” D x 30” H Materials: Metal, ash wood, linen, wool, leather and calf hide. COM/COL and custom size option availabl...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 3 Curva Stool by Cultivado Em Casa
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 curva stool by Cultivado Em Casa Dimensions: 43 x 43 x 62 cm Materials: Steel A common item in steel houses, the 180º curve is the starting point fo...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Super Jardim, Blue Armchair by Cultivado Em Casa
Located in Geneve, CH
Super Jardim - Blue armchair by Cultivado Em Casa Dimensions: 105 x 80 x 73 cm Materials: Stainless steel, PVC hose, nozzle and faucet Also available: green, red, black, yellow,...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Super Jardim, Red Armchair by Cultivado Em Casa
Located in Geneve, CH
Super Jardim - red armchair by Cultivado Em Casa. Dimensions: 105 x 80 x 73 cm. Materials: Stainless steel, PVC hose, nozzle and faucet Also Available: Green, blue, black, yello...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set of 4 Red Cana Stool by Pauline Deltour
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 Red Cana stool by Pauline Deltour by Cristina Celestino Materials: Galvanized and powder-coated tubular steel. Caña Flecha. Technique: hand-woven with natural fibers in Co...
Category

2010s German Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Dining Chair with Seaming Details on the Back
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
The front of this dining chair is composed as a verse, with a smooth seat, backrest and legs. The scene is set for the explosion of the chorus, bursting from its quilted back, infuse...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Portuguese ROOTS Chair Straw by AROUNDtheTREE
Located in Agualva-Cacém, PT
The Portuguese roots chair designed by Alexandre Caldas, is a reinterpretation of a great icon of the emblematic outdoor chair in Portugal from the late 50...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Wicker

56 Petacas, Chair by Cultivado Em Casa
Located in Geneve, CH
56 Petacas - Chair by Cultivado Em Casa Dimensions: 50 x 75 x 83 cm Materials: Carbon steel, plywood and shuttlecock. The history of shuttlecock is genuinely Brazilian. Name giv...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Coral Pink Resin Rick Chair by French Designer Joris Poggioli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The coral-pink cast-resin Rick chair, by Paris-based interior and furniture designer Joris Poggioli, first appeared back in 2020 as part of Eden Paradis...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Resin

Sw Fluffy Chair by Soft-Geometry
Located in Geneve, CH
SW Fluffy chair by Soft-geometry Materials: Handwoven yarn, stainless steel Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 30” H Chair dressed in a handwoven fluffy yarn seat...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Building Blocks Stool by Jialun Xiong
Located in Geneve, CH
Pair of building blocks stool by Jialun Xiong Dimensions: 19” W x 17” D x 19” H inch Materials: metal and leather COM/COL option available. “ I have an aptitude for explorin...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

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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