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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
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Style: Modern
Arflex Neptunia Chair Divina Green Fabric and Metal Legs by B.B.P.R.
By Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Neptunia collection, that includes armchair and chair, was designed in the ’50s, as a continuation of the Elettra collection, for giving choice to design offices and public spaces. N...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Modern Mary Dining Chairs, Velvet Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mary Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Mary lea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
Unique Daybed by Collector
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique daybed by Collector
Dimensions: W 190 x D 90 x H 50 cm
Materials: Fabric, Oak Wood
Other materials available.
The Collector brand aims to be par...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Kartell Spoon Adjustable Stool in White by Antonio Citterio & Toan Nguyen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An original stool whose shape is as elastic in appearance as it is in function. The innovation of Spoon consists mainly in attaching the seat to a centr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Charles Ghost Large Stools in Smoke Grey 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
ZOLA Modern Dining Chair – Customizable Contemporary Design
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
Outdoor Leaf and Charcoal Corner Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by weekend visits to the stark desert landscapes found a few hours east of Los Angeles, this collection is composed of steel frames that have been zinc primed and powder coa...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pietro Costantini Focus Dining Chair
Located in Basildon, London
Underneath the captivating charm of the Focus chair lies an impeccable balance of shapes and proportions. This seating solution boasts a rectangular padded backrest and a solid beech...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Set of 2 Kartell One More Counter Stools in Crystal 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 enough - and you need "One more" a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH Magistretti 03 01 Armchair in Lacquered Beech
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed by Vico Magistretti in 2003, the Magistretti 03 01 chair combines the warmth of wood and the timeless elegance of the design language of Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH (GTV) wi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Goatskin and Fabric Regency Lounge Chair in the Manner of Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Spectacular 1980’s Regency lounge chair in the manner of Karl Springer.
Out of an estate design by Steve Chase. In original condition, so it shows minor wear consistent with age.
...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Goatskin, Fabric, Wood
1 Teknion Variable Stacking Chair by by Alessandro Piretti
By Teknion
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 Teknion Variable Stacking Chair by by Alessandro Piretti
Designed by Alessandro Piretti, Variable is ideal for informal spaces where reconfiguration is encouraged, yet durability...
Category
Late 20th Century North American Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Gervasoni Inout 709 Rocking Chair in Berlin 03 Upholstery with Oiled Iroko Frame
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rocking chair in wood, INOUT 709 is characterised by a high backrest with visible slats: it is made of oiled Iroko, particularly durable wood because it is naturally resistant to wat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
Italy Ghidini 1961 Pair Brass Dining Chairs Contemporary Design
By Ghidini 1961
Located in Brescia, IT
The design of this iconic Ghidini 1961 chair was inspired by the Californian coastline.
Blending refined architectural elements with fluid gestures, the chair's form brings surprisin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Kartell Piuma Chair in Sage by Piero Lissoni
By Piero Lissoni, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
2016 saw the completion of the “Piuma” project by Piero Lissoni. The chair is one of the most revolutionary and enterprising products in Kartell’s repertoire of technology and materi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Outdoor Modern Dining Chair in Metal Solid Wood Rope and Textiles
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Fence collection concept
The “Fence” collection concept is inspired by the countryside elements that are part of the daily life, to create this premium outdoor collection the mai...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Re-Trouve Arm chairs and table by Emu
Located in Omaha, NE
Discover the allure of Italian design with the Re-trouvé Collection by Patricia Urquiola. Crafted in Italy with meticulous attention to detail, this collection balances bold color wi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Afternoon Chair, Sculptural, Dining, Occasional, Pink Boucle
By Lara Bohinc
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
Umber Rocker Modern Low Rocking Chair in Walnut with Shearling Sheepskin Throw
By Tréology
Located in Papanui, Christchurch
The Umber Rocker is the Rocking chair version of our iconic umber chair. The Umber Rocker is a comfortable Modern walnut rocking armchair with a crafted arm detail. Designed to sit comfortably in its own space, the Umber Rocker offers a low, laid-back sitting position for relaxed enjoyment. Perfect as a wooden easy chair...
Category
2010s New Zealand Modern Chairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Wood, Walnut
Vintage Military Canvas and Blackened Steel Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek and refined, the Inheritance Chair is a great addition to nearly any space.
Since first designing Inheritance Collection, Stephen Kenn has been inspired by the inherent histo...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of "Flight" Sling Stacking Lounge Chairs w/ Ottoman by Brown Jordan, 2011
By Brown Jordan
Located in Deland, FL
Established in 1945 Brown Jordan has designed iconic casual furnishings that defined and transformed an industry. Established by Robert Brown and Hubert Jordan in Pasadena, Californi...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Set of 4 Monolith Ladderback Chairs by Phaedo
Located in Geneve, CH
A set of 4 Monolith ladderback chair by Phaedo
Dimensions: W 18" x D 17" x H 39" inches
Materials: white-washed Oak; Cushion is hand-dyed with Madder root
The Monolith Ladderba...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
Contemporary Bench by Faina
Located in Geneve, CH
Contemporary bench by Faina
Design: Victoriya Yakusha
Material: textile, wood, foam, rubber, sintepon
Dimensions: H 49 x W 124 x L 33 cm
I...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Modern Chairs
Materials
Textile, Foam, Wood
Usa modern Black fabric metal Cockcit chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, 1970s
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in MIlano, IT
Usa modern Black fabric and metal Cockcit chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, 1970s
Pair of iconic and vintage cockcit chairs with round base. The structure is made up of curved nickel-plated metal rods welded to rounded frames and the base. The backrest, armrests and seat follow the shapes of the structure and are padded and covered in black fabric. The rounded seat cushion...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of 6 contemporary "Gaulino" dining chairs by Oscar Tusquets natural ash wood
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Gaulino Chair is one of the best designs by Oscar Tusquets and has become an iconic Spanish design. Made exclusively from wood and leather, the name comes from the influences tha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Ash
Italian modern green plastic Chairs Selene Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern green plastic Chairs Selene by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1960s
Set of eight iconic chairs model Selene in green plastic with square seat. The structure is monoco...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Chaise d'écriture
Located in Paris, FR
Swiss architect and designer Pierre Jeanneret designed this writing chair with a single pallet arm for the Chandigarh administration building project in India. These would have been ...
Category
20th Century Indian Modern Chairs
Materials
Rattan, Teak
21st Century, Modern, Maçka Love Bench, Coated Metal Structure & Upholstery
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Maçka, defined by its juxtaposed simple geometrical forms, is a seating collection consisting of dining & corner chairs, bar stool and love & lounge benches. The designs elegantly re...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rare Pair of Dorothy Schindele Hairpin Leg Chairs, Circa 1949
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of rare 1949, ergonomic, spring back chairs by noted California designer Dorothy Schindele. Fully restored.
Category
20th Century American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
"Laura" Minimalist armchair 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 armchair is the materialization of these thoughts. Laura Armchair is part of a series of furni...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
21st Century, Modern, Maçka Bench, Coated Metal Structure & Upholstery
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Maçka, defined by its juxtaposed simple geometrical forms, is a seating collection consisting of dining & corner chairs, bar stool and love & lounge benches. The designs elegantly re...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Viva Checkerboard Black White Contemporary Sculptural Velvet Bench by Houtique
By Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Checkerboard Black White Contemporary Sculptural Velvet Bench by Houtique
Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm
Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood
Also available in different colo...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
"Oscar" Stool in Solid Wood and Handwoven Upholstery
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
When she created Oscar Stoll, Alessandra Delgado was inspired by the master architect Oscar Niemeyer´s work. The Oscar Stoll is made of solid wood and although very sturdy it is ligh...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Leather, Canvas, Velvet, Polyester
Set of 2 Kartell Generic A Chairs in Black by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Generic is an ambitious project of profoundly ethical connotations, in which contemporary design sets out to fulfil new objectives and creativity is pl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Outdoor Cream and Charcoal Corner Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by weekend visits to the stark desert landscapes found a few hours east of Los Angeles, this collection is composed of steel frames that have been zinc primed and powder coa...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Perspective Dining Chair, Velvet, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Our perception of space is influenced by perspective. The Perspective dining chair is an exercise that gathers both two and three dimensions in one single object.
As if we were looking to its own drawing, the lines of the minimalist dining chair perform an inflection and visually appear as converging in order to give the illusion of depth. An intentional way of having the flat image of the drawing transported to the object and not the other way around.
Entirely handcrafted, the Perspective dining chair gathers the best of Portuguese contemporary design with the ancient techniques applied by InsidherLand team of talented Portuguese artisans.
Product details
Metal: handcrafted structure in stainless steel finished with golden bath...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel, Gold
Set of 2 Kartell Generic C Chairs in Dove Grey by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Generic is an ambitious project of deeply ethical connotations, in which new objectives are defined for contemporary design to fulfil and creativity is seen in the light of a public ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Vintage Set of Four Attributed to Mathieu Matégot Dining Chairs, France, 1950s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Striking set of four vintage dining chairs attributed to Mathieu Matégot in his trademark perforated and lacquered sheet steel. Wonderful lightness to these, masterful use of steel e...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Sculptural Chair by Anacleto Spazzapan In multicolor metal 2000s
Located in Milano, IT
Postmodern chair designed and made by Anacleto Spazzapan by joining metal strips of different sizes enameled in red, electric blue and black. It bears the designer's AS initials and ...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
21st Century, Modern, Maçka Chair, Powder Coated Structure & Upholstery
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Maçka, defined by its juxtaposed simple geometrical forms, is a seating collection consisting of dining & corner chairs, bar stool and love & lounge benches. The designs elegantly re...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Alchemy Stool by Rick Owens
By Rick Owens
Located in Geneve, CH
Alchemy stool by Rick Owens
2013
Dimensions: L 62 x W 50 x H 34 cm
Materials: Bronze
Weight: 10.5 kg
available in Black finish or Nitrate (Dark Br...
Category
2010s French Modern Chairs
Materials
Bronze
MARILYN Modern dining chair with solid wood legs
Located in Frazão, Porto
The welcoming shape of the revolutionary MARILYN chair was thought to envelop you in a deep sense of comfort. The bold design finds balance in the relax...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Faux Leather, Wood
Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH Wiener Stuhl Chair in White with Wooven Cane Seat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"A simplified design to create an elegant, comfortable, popular item”. The structure has an all-embracing simplicity, and is formed from just a few elements in steam bent solid beech...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Shaker Modern Dining Chair by AMBROZIA, Black Leather, Walnut & Black Steel
By AMBROZIA
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The Shaker modern dining chair is handmade to order from our unique Ambrozia black textured steel tubing frame. Available in a large variety of premium vinyls colors or leather in op...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Palermo Dining Chair in Argentine Rosewood Leather from Costantini
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
The Palermo Chair, named after one of the most vibrant neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, is shown here in espresso finish and leather upholstery. The angula...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Leather
Arches II Dining Chair, Bouclé & Oak, 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 city, organized by the principles of sy...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass, Metal
Black Canvas and Blackened Steel Chair
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This chair has soft black canvas cushion covers, a blackened steel frame with black cotton webbing and cognac leather belts.
This item is made to order, in Los Angeles.
Please ...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Lunatro Chair, Wood, Metalwork, Blue Velvet, Marble Detail, Studio Mohs
By Zeynep Saz
Located in Istanbul , Istanbul
This striking chair is a perfect blend of contemporary design and artistic craftsmanship. Featuring a bold geometric structure, it combines sleek black metal with black wood, creatin...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Chairs
Materials
Marble, Metal
Italian modern round chairs by Cesare Maria Casati and Emanuele Ponzio, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern round chairs by Cesare Maria Casati and Emanuele Ponzio, 1970s
Pair of round base chairs. The structure is in transparent plexiglass, t...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Oscar Small Dining Chair, in Special Bouclé Fabric, Handcrafted by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Oscar Small Dining Chair, in Special Bouclé Fabric, Handcrafted by Duistt
Inspired by the poetic curved lines of Oscar Niemeyer’s architecture, Oscar armchair allures for its sensua...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Established & Sons Mauro Chair by Mauro Pasquinelli
Located in London, GB
An exemplar of great 20th century Italian design made possible by 21st century manufacturing techniques, the Mauro chair is a hardworking, irrepressibly stylish, stackable, timber chair...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Gervasoni Inout Armchair in Luce Upholstery with Oiled Iroko by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Enveloping and comfortable armchair, Inout 701 has a slatted structure: it is made of oiled Iroko, particularly durable wood because it is naturally resistant to water and moisture. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
AHM Rattan Stackable Dining Chair in Ashwood
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The eponymous AHM chair combines the sleek lines of early 1950s Danish design with a contemporary angle. Each natural ashwood piece is a subtle mix of straight and curved, and a versatile addition to home, office or public space. Light, elegant, tactile, stackable, practical. Natural ash, black, navy blue, ash grey or Indian red, with a seat of Classic rattan...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs
Materials
Rattan
Saturn Pouffe Small, Brushed Brass Frame and Petrol Blue Wool by Lara Bohinc
By Lara Bohinc
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
The equally singular Saturn pouffe utilizes 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, Steel
Dumbo Beige Upholstered Chair by Zaven
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dumbo is the universal padded chair, generous yet lightweight. Its backrest appears to have two ears extending from it, making it even bigger and cosier.
Founded in 2006 by Enric...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH Sugiloo Chair with Armrest & Upholsterd Seat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The rigorous style of Michael Anastassiades defines the new SUGILOO bent wood chair with wood or upholstered seat, proposed with and without wooden backrest. A strongly contemporary ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Chairs
Materials
Beech
Soft Leather Sling Hanging 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
Pair of Slender Side Chairs in the Style of Philippe Starck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of slender side chairs in the style of Philippe Starck.
Category
1980s French Vintage 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.