Skip to main content

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.

15
5,673
682
170
to
682
3,780
1,921
6,525
1,296
2,625
8,478
6,525
1,295
655
366
236
189
187
185
177
176
163
149
137
111
100
83
73
1
5
676
5,843
17
175
428
12
14
11
39
71
111
172
81
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
5,060
4,557
3,804
4,612
3,730
4,359
3,676
4,502
3,708
4,198
3,628
4,498
2,941
2,985
2,393
1,435
1,359
4,794
2,184
928
688
489
235
180
161
133
103
Style: Modern
Alchemy Long Bench by Rick Owens
Located in Geneve, CH
Alchemy long bench by Rick Owens Dimensions: L 190 x H 53 x W 50 cm Materials: Bronze, camel skin Rick Owens is a California-born fashion and furniture has developed a unique style ...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Waldo Chair by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Waldo chair by Pietro Franceschini Materials: Mohair velvet Dimensions: W 60 x L 94 x H 57-93cm. Designed during a creative momentum in the relaxed It...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

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

Black Chrome Melting Chair by Philipp Aduatz
Located in Geneve, CH
Black chrome melting chair by Philipp Aduatz, 2011 Edition of 12 + 3 A/P Dimensions: 95 x 93 x 78 cm Materials: Glass fiber reinforced polymer, black chrome 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

Chrome

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

Modern Joseph and Linda Ricchio for Knoll Ricchio Armless Dining Chairs, a Pair
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning pair of authentic and signed Ricchio armless chairs by Knoll Studio. These chairs won a Roscoe design award in 1991 for Linda and Joe Ricchio. They go well in home, dining ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Cherry

Data Stool in Natural Oregon by Atelier Thomas Serruys
Located in Geneve, CH
Data stool in natural Oregon by Atelier Thomas Serruys. Dimensions: H 44 x D 32cm. Materials: A hand turned stool in solid natural Oregon. A hand turned stool in solid natural ...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

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

Hawa Beirut Pink Chair by Richard Yasmine
Located in Geneve, CH
Hawa Beirut pink chair by Richard Yasmine Materials: Structure in powder-coated metal, fabric upholstery Dimensions: H 92 cm x W 46cm x D 47cm HAWA Beirut, a collection of very...
Category

2010s Lebanese Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Kissing Armchair by Lara Bohinc in Bronze Metal and Pink Boucle Fabric
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

Plia chair designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli
Located in Athens, Attiki
Plia chair with smoked brown transparent plexi glass, 1980s. Designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli in 1967. It's an award-winning design classic. With...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Palm Springs Armchair by Anderssen & Voll
Located in Geneve, CH
Palm springs armchair by Anderssen & Voll Materials: Polyurethane foam of different densities, covered with fabric or leather. Base in bronze lacquered metal. Technique: Lacquered ...
Category

2010s French 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 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

Thanatos Chair by Philipp Aduatz
Located in Geneve, CH
Thanatos chair by Philipp Aduatz Unique Dimensions: 51 × 64 × 77 cm Materials: Resin-marble composite, Polished 24 kilograms The Thanatos chair is inspired by morbid forms an...
Category

2010s Austrian Modern Chairs

Materials

Resin

Triangle Chair by Nazara Lazaro
Located in Geneve, CH
Triangle Chair by Nazara Lazaro Dimensions: D 43 x W 60 x H 70 cm Materials: Steel Technique: Powder-Coated. It can be customized and ordered in stainless steel, rust, or powder coated in any RAL color. The Triangle Chair is part of the Steel Collection, a series inspired by Joan Miró’s paintings...
Category

2010s German Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

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

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

20th Century Central European Modern Armchairs, a Pair
Located in High Point, NC
With their clean, graphic form, this pair of vintage armchairs offer an impeccably stylish accent. Made in the 20th century, the design is typical of the unique Central European Mode...
Category

20th Century Czech Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

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

Desk Alchemy Chair by Rick Owens
Located in Geneve, CH
Desk alchemy chair by Rick Owens. 2015 Dimensions: L 50 x W 50 x H 81 cm Materials: Bronze, camel skin Weight: 35 kg Seat Height with the cushion: 53 cm ...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Banculure Bench by BehaghelFoiny Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Banculure bench by BehaghelFoiny design 2020 Materials: Wood, plaster, PVC Dimensions: 125 x 32 x 48 cm.
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

PVC, Plaster, Wood

Modern Armchair with Caned Back in Ebonized Wood by Costantini, Recoleta
Located in New York, NY
Recoleta Modern armchair with caned back in ebonized wood by Costantini Measurements are 20" W x 21" D x 32" H x 18" SH COM is 1 yard / COL is 17 square feet The Recoleta armchair is named for one of the oldest and illustrious neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, it features a light, angular frame with a caning detail on the back, and can also be made as a bench or booth. Shown in an Ebonized finish but available in any finish and your choice of fabric or leather. About Costantini Design Costantini is a furniture design and manufacturing company founded in 2002 by artist and designer William C Stuart. The name Costantini comes from his maternal grandfather, a first generation Italian-American. Born in New York City and raised upstate, William majored...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Richmond Contemporary Barstool in Wood and Fabric
Located in London, GB
Richmond Barstool is an extension of the Richmond family in a literal sense. The Richmond Barstool takes the language of the Richmond dining chair...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pinio Bar Chair by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Pinio bar chair by Madheke Dimensions: D 55.3 x W 54 x H 104 cm. Materials: Leather, wood, metal. Classic leather upholstery detailed with bronzed brass. Reflecting the fines...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Oak Armchair by Krzywda
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak armchair by Krzywda Dimensions: 93W x 63D x 77H cm Materials: Stainless steel, oak, shearling seat. Available in other materials. Each marble base is hand-shaped and will v...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Assemblage Lounge Chair by Todd Bracher
Located in Geneve, CH
Assemblage lounge chair by Todd Bracher Materials: Black chrome, shell plywood and leather Dimensions: D 80.4 x W 68.1 x H 118.3 Todd Bracher is a designer and strategist, known...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Chrome

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

Alchemy Bar Stool by Rick Owens
Located in Geneve, CH
Alchemy bar stool by Rick Owens 2013 Dimensions: L 62 x W 50 x H 76 cm Materials : Bronze, Leather Weight : 24 kg Available in Black finish or Nitrate (Dark Brown) finish. ...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Frame Side Chair by Jialun Xiong
Located in Geneve, CH
Frame side chair by Jialun Xiong Dimensions: 23”W x 21”D x 29”H inch Materials: Metal, Suede. COM/COL and custom size option available “ I have an aptitude for exploring the...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Karl Springer Attributed JMF Chair Lacquered Burlwood Patchwork
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic Jean Michel Frank JMF chair attributed to Karl Springer featuring an ebonized wood frame covered with a rich burl patchwork. The burl veneer is show...
Category

20th Century American Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Burl

Indoor Manolo Easy Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Indoor manolo easy Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue Materials: Rattan, nylon, steel. Also available in other colors and for outdoors. Dimensions: ...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Bar Stool in Sculpted Solid Caribbean Walnut
Located in PARQUE INDUSTRIAL OTHON P BLANCO, Quintana Roo
The design of the Muna Stool is based on smooth lines and rounded edges, with a solid yet light construction which brings out the joints in the wood using the techniques of tradition...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Black Kaleidoscope Side Lounge Chair by Jialun Xiong
Located in Geneve, CH
Black kaleidoscope side lounge chair by Jialun Xiong. Dimensions: 35”W x 30”D x 30” H inch. Materials: Metal, ash wood, sued. COM/COL option available. “ I have an aptitude ...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Chic 'Méandre' Side Chairs by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of chic undulating dark bronze 'Méandre' side chairs by Design Frères. These Méandre™ chairs from our exclusive Design Frères® line are handmade in our Los Angeles atelier by o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Sculptural Concrete Chairs and Table, 1960s, Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible outdoor table and chairs set consisting of four chairs with a matching table, all made of solid concrete in Switzerland, circa ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Concrete

Elegant Modern Upholstered Dining Chair with Com Skirt, Luca from Costantini
Located in New York, NY
The luca chair’s gently curved, high back exudes elegance and has become one of Costantini's most specified pieces. Usually available for quick-ship in the upholstery material of your choice. Measurements are 19" W x 23" D x 37" H x 18" SH. About Costantini Design Costantini is a furniture design and manufacturing company founded in 2002 by artist and designer William C Stuart. The name Costantini comes from his maternal grandfather, a first generation Italian-American. Born in New York City and raised upstate, William majored...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

‘Balzaretti’ XL Contemporary Upholstered Dining Chair in Mocha Velvet
Located in Concordia Sagittaria, Veneto
Timeless charm and simple elegance set this chair apart. Entirely upholstered, this design is a perfect balance of modern materials and Classic shapes, featuring slender legs, rounde...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet

Hand Stitched Leather Marla Armchair by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Hand stitched leather marla armchair by Madheke Dimensions: W 60.8 x D 68 x H 80 cm. Materials: Leather, Fabric, Wood, Metal. The MARLA sets i...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Urania Chair by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Urania chair by Pietro Franceschini Sold exclusively by Galerie Philia Limited edition of 8, signed and numbered Dimensions: H 80 x W 36 x D 36 cm Sea...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

Bloom Easy Chair Designed by Gerard Piergiorgio Cazzaniga for Living Divani
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Lounge chair Bloom was designed in 2000 by Gerard Piergiorgio Cazzaniga for Living Divani. Tasteful simplicity can be found in the clear lines in combination with the refined materi...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Ara Yellow Armchair by Pepe Albargues
Located in Geneve, CH
Ara yellow armchair by Pepe Albargues Dimensions: 125 x 74 x 74 cm Materials: Iron backrest structure and pinewood seat structure. Seat stuffed with polyurethane 3542 covered with ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Customizable Modern Dining Chair with Cubed Seat Design
Located in Greenwich, CT
Our tailored home exclusive "Branford" dining chair on casters is shown in our own ecru linen fabric. This chair is perfect for the dining table or as an accent chair in any living space. It features a simple and modern cubed seat...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Linen

Modern Upholstered, Cocooning, Olifant Lounge Chair, with Brass Details
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The modern and cocooning olifant lounge chair designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa. This lounge chair was named after it's inspiration the elephant. The backrest...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Cane Chair by Rodrigo Lobato Yáñes
Located in Geneve, CH
Cane chair by Rodrigo Lobato Yáñes Series: Yo Jaguar Dimensions: H 27.4” x W 28.5” x D 33.8" Materials: Steel round tube, steel elbow pipe, electrostatic paint, brass sheet Platalea studio was born out of a passion for both art and design. We love how both are so intrinsically intertwined in ways that are often too subtle to surmise in our everyday routines. Our goal is to provide a voice for those who are often marginalized or hidden in the shadows. We do this by representing our ideologies through our designs, the materials we pick and the people we choose to build them. At Platalea, we have composed and exhibited varied collections that range from unique exhibition pieces to dinnerware, rugs...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Capsule Lounge Chair by Owl
Located in Geneve, CH
Capsule lounge chair by Owl Dimensions: H 90 x W 52 x D 60 cm Seat H: 40 cm Materials: Solid wood The design of this series is open to being produced in various materials. As ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Yellow Collo Daybed by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Yellow 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, our new Urania collection brings playfulness and longing for those innocent days of our childhood. The soft lines and upholstered curves continue our research on Neotenic Design...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

EGO Chair Lisette Rützou
Located in Geneve, CH
EGO chair Lisette Rützou Price for a basic version for this product. Dimensions: W 60 x H 74.5 cm Materials: Materials: Marble / steel Colors: chrome & stripe marble black / Whit...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Chairs

Materials

Marble

Glazy Counter Stool by Royal Stranger
Located in Geneve, CH
Glazy counter stool by Royal Stranger Dimensions: width 55cm, height 90cm, depth 60cm, seat height 84cm Materials: Solid wood frame, foam, upholstery, stainless steel. Color: Lago...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Handstitched Mira Pouf by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Handstitched Mira Pouf by Madheke. Dimensions: W 53 x D 53 x H 31.5 cm. Materials: Leather, metal. Finished in a deep bronzed olive tone the MIRA’s earthy palette will adapt to ...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Papillonne Black Metal Chair "Set of 6"
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Papillonne black metal chair comes to your living room with its details, combining comfort with elegance. Measures: Length: 23.6'' / depth: 19.6'' / height: 29.5'' / seat height: ...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Waldo W1 Sofa by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Waldo W1 sofa by Pietro Franceschini Materials: Mohair Velvet Dimensions: W 210 x L 94 x H 57-93cm Designed during a creative momentum in the relaxed Italian Riviera Ligure, our...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Contemporary Wooden Smile Chair by Rejo Studio
Located in Riyadh, SA
Handcrafted by special artisans, This unique piece has a curved seat that stands on four flowery legs And the smiling back with an elegant hat. Dimension. W 46 x D 47 x H 45 cm ...
Category

2010s Saudi Arabian Modern Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Bob Dubois Philippe Starck Chair Postmodern Style Wood
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Bob Dubois designed by Philippe Starck for Driade. This chair is a rare work made of wood and paper cord in Strack chairs. Collectable piece of 1980s Starck...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Wood

Philippe Starck Costes Chair by Driade Italy
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted Costes chair by French designer Philippe Starck with rounded wood back and hole detail to the upper edge for pulling the chair into po...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Stick Sculpted Chair, Signed by Michael Gittings
Located in Geneve, CH
Michael Gittings Studio. Stick Chair Blackened Electroformed Copper Dimensions: 45 cm 80 cm 45 cm Michael Gittings Melbourne based designer Michael Gittings aims to challenge...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Chairs

Materials

Copper

Afternoon Chair with Large Back by Lara Bohinc Grey Bouclé 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

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.

Recently Viewed

View All