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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Period: Mid-20th Century
Set of Swedish Pine Wood Chairs, 'Uto' by Axel Einar Hjorth, 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
This set of 6 beautiful "Uto" chairs by Swedish mid century designer and architect Axel Einar Hjorth is made of solid pine wood, very smooth surface.
Category
1930s European Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Pine
20th Century Swedish Grace Bare Wood Armchairs
Located in Kramfors, SE
Bare wood pine and birch armchairs from the 1930s, during the Swedish Grace period. The chairs are bare wood and has the typical characteristics of Swedish design from the period. Fe...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Modern Chairs
Materials
Birch, Pine
Orign 00005 Folding Chairs from the 60 Ies
By POLCHA
Located in PARIS, FR
This piece has two readings, folded and unfolded.
During our childhood, these Aldo Jacober folding chairs were part of our everyday life. ...
Category
1960s European Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Beech
Origni 00004 Folding Chairs from the 60 Ies
By POLCHA
Located in PARIS, FR
This piece has two readings, folded and unfolded.
During our childhood, these Aldo Jacober folding chairs were part of our everyday life...
Category
1960s European Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Beech
Iron and Wood Chair by Jean Gillon for Italma
By Jean Gillon
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
We work with artisans who masterfully restore typical pieces from each period of our history, valuing their different preservation techniques. Teamwork has built this pioneering comp...
Category
1960s Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Iron
Pair of Faux Bamboo Hall Rack Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With an interesting design that doubles as a set of hall racks, this pair of chairs features ebonized bands of dark coloring across its frames as well as con...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Curved Back Chair from SS United States
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare curved back occasional chair from the famed ocean liner SS United States. Retaining original patent blue leather, aluminum legs covered in leat...
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Chair 'PK 9' by Poul Kjaerholm, Fritz Hansen, Steel, Leather, 1960
Located in Berlin, DE
This chair is a real Classic midcentury design by Poul Kjaerholm. It's construction is made of spring steel, the seating is covered with burgundy red leather. Labeled Fritz Hansen.
...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Bent Wood Armchair with Hide Seat
Located in Dallas, TX
Bentwood armchair with hide seat.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of Original 1950s Chairs Wooden Structure and Seat Covered in Fabric
Located in Palermo, IT
pair of original 1950s chairs. with wooden structure and seat covered in fabric. total 85 cm, depth 48 cm, width 44 cm, approx. Italian Design probably Anonima Castelli Bologna.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Hardwood
Charlotte Perriand Three-Legged Stool Authentic & Rare Mid-Century Modern
Located in Zürich, CH
Charlotte Perriand counts as one of the masters of French modernist design together with Le Corbusier, Jean Prouvé or Pierre Jeanneret. Her works are highly valued until present time...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Chairs
Materials
Pine
Set of Four Vittorio Nobili Medea Chairs, Fratelli Tagliabue, Italy
Located in London, GB
A perfect representation of the organic modern style, the ‘Medea’ chairs were designed by Vittorio Nobili for Fratelli Tagliabue in 1955. The teak wood seats are supported by black e...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Plywood
1930s Bentwood Armchairs by Jindrich Halabala, a Pair
Located in High Point, NC
Bentwood upholstered lounge chairs by Czech furniture designer J. Halabala, circa 1930. A Mid-Century Modern silhouette is re-upholstered in natural white fabric. The cushioned seat ...
Category
1930s Czech Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Bentwood
Pair of Modern Gondola Style Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With a unique combination of cane backs, leather arms, and dark vinyl seats, this pair of gondola-style chairs offer comfortable seating in. an eye...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Leather, Upholstery, Cane
Vittorio Nobili Armchair
Located in San Francisco, CA
Armchair mod
Seat and armrests in one piece of curved plywood.
Compass signaling Gold 1956.
Prod. Tagliabue 1955
Compass signaling
Measures: 98,5 x 58,5 x 48,5 cm.
Very good ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Plywood
1970s Chromed Steel Light Blue Velvet Chairs, Set of 2
Located in IT
1970s chromed steel light blue velvet chairs, set of 2
Recently reupholstered
Size: W 44 cm, D 45 cm, H 84 cm.
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Ebonized Wood and Chrome DCM Eames Chair
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-Century Modern ebonized wood and chrome chair by DCM Eames. Very nice condition. Dimensions: 21" depth x 19" W x 29.5" H, seat height 17.5".
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Four Vintage Danish Fritz Hansen Chairs Model 3107
Located in Toledo, OH
Four Mid-Century Modern chrome and fabric side chairs by Danish designer Fritz Hanson. Some light wear. No pitting in the chrome. Dimensions: 20.48" depth...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Caned and Ebonized Arm Chair Designed by Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A sharp looking ebonized chair with caned side panels designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Walnut
1970s Pop Casalino Chair by Alexander Begge
Located in Wichita, KS
A molded sculptural soft white colored Casalino chair made of automobile strength plastic. A great 1970s design from the POP art period by Alexander Begge and sometimes referred to a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Pagholz Bent Plywood Chair
Located in Oakville, CT
Vintage Rosewood Color Stacking Chair
Overall Dimensions: 18 1/2" x 20 1/2" x 31 1/2" high
Seat Height: 18"
Materials: Bent Plywood & Metal
Category
Mid-20th Century German Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Vittorio Dassi Chairs
Located in Catania, IT
Set of 8 wooden dining chairs with Italian production upholstery from the 1940s attributable to the designer Vittorio Dassi.
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of RIMA Design Armchairs Made in Italy
By Gastone Rinaldi, RIMA
Located in Catania, IT
Pair of eco-leather and iron armchairs, Italian production of the 1960s attributable to the designer Gastone Rinaldi for Rima, the beautiful armchairs are in excellent condition, but...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Iron
Pair of Midcentury Italian Iron Chairs Attributed to Tomaso Bruzzi
By G. None
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a charming pair of circa 1960s Italian painted forged iron and tole arm chairs in a quasi-neoclassical style. The down scrolling arms and modified klismos form echo early 19th century French iron pieces, but then you come to the funky iron rope detailing and tassels. The chairs are attributed to/in the style of Tomaso Bruzzi and would add great interest to any space from period antique to modern...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Iron
CM 196 Side Chair by Pierre Paulin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
All original CM 196 side chair by Pierre Paulin. Measure: Seat height is 18" inches. Very comfortable and sturdy.
Category
1960s Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Wicker Chairs by Viva del Sud for Casa Bique
By Casa Bique
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Italian high backed wicker and wood armchairs date to the early 1980s and they were designed by Viva del Sud for Casa Bique.
The seat cushion is ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Pair of Vintage GF GoodForm Aluminum Task Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of vintage GF GoodForm aluminum task chairs.
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Milo Baughman Dining Chairs for Pacific Iron
Located in San Francisco, CA
A group of six dining chairs by Milo Baughman for Pacific Iron made in 1950. Two arm and four side chairs with black iron frame and restored using...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Iron
Vintage Swedish Woven Club Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Swedish woven club chair, circa 1960.
This piece is a part of Brendan Bass’s one-of-a-kind collection, Le Monde. French for “The World”, the Le ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Modern Chairs
Materials
Bamboo
Set of 12 Red Dining Chairs
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Set of 12 dining chairs with ebonized wood legs and claret red upholstery. Two armchairs and ten side chairs. Originally purchased through Alan Moss Gallery,...
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
Pair of Modern Lucite And Chrome Club Chairs by Pace
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of Lucite and chrome club chairs by Pace. One half inch thick Lucite frame with chrome supports. Removable fabric covered cushions. Very nice condition. Dimensions: 26.5" depth ...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Modern Chairs
Materials
Lucite
SOFO Armchair by Superstudio
By Superstudio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
SOFO Armchair is a seat to place in a row, like a train, or to stack to build solid, colorful mountains. It is simply a block made with an S-shaped cut from a cube of polyurethane, c...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Foam
Steel Frame Chair Model 201 by Gispen in Bicolor Upholstery
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This Classic of Dutch design was designed in 1931 by W.H. Gispen and has ever since a much beloved chair due to its timeless looks and high comfort. It is made of a chrome frame and ...
Category
1930s Dutch Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Satin Nickel Lounge Chairs by Russell Woodard
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous pair of satin nickel lounge chairs, design in the 1960s by Russell Woodard. The chairs have been newly replated and the seats recovered in a gray cowhide.
Dimensions: 26...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Nickel
Armchair with Viennese Can Seat from 1930s
Located in Vienna, Austria
Light weight armchair designed and made in Vienna in the 1930s influenced by Josef Frank.
The frame is constructed of beechwood, the Viennese can seat has bee renewed.
The wood has...
Category
1930s Austrian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Beech
Two Cherry Wood Chairs from 1930s from the Circle of Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, Austria
These two chairs come from a time in Austrian design where craftsmanship and design are combined with the best materials to make beautiful furniture...
Category
1930s Austrian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Cherry
Set of 1960 Chairs
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Iron and formica chairs from the 1960s.
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Iron
Pair of Upholstered Italian Midcentury Armchairs with Walnut Tipped Legs
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of Italian Mid-Century armchairs in emerald green ultra-suede. Blackened steel frame tipped with walnut feet.
Category
1960s European Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Arturo Pani Prototype Steel and Lucite Chairs
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of four Prototype steel and acrylic chairs by Arturo Pani.
Arturo Pani was one of the most significant figures working in design during the Mexican Miracle (1940-1970), a period of economic expansion marked by class tensions. While Mario, his architect brother, reconfigured Mexico City through the creation of vast social housing tracts and university projects, Arturo, son of the Ambassador to France, worked as decorator to Mexico’s most powerful classes and created the ‘Acapulco Style’ during that city’s golden age of Hollywood...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Angular GF GoodForm Aluminum and Vinyl Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of angular GF GoodForm Aluminum and vinyl armchairs. Very sturdy.
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Prototype Rocking Chair by Arturo Pani
By Arturo Pani
Located in Chicago, IL
Prototype hand-forged, steel rocker designed by Arturo Pani and executed by Telleres Chacon, Mexico City. The piece has been reupholstered in hand-stitched, Edelman leather with custom piping. This piece was acquired from Telleres Chacon upon the retirement of Manuel Chacon, master metalsmith in the 1980s. This design is based on a Maison Jansen rocker...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of Four 1960s Chairs in Mahogany and Velvet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of four 1960s chairs in mahogany and velvet.
Very good condition.
Category
1960s European Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
Giuseppe Scapinelli. Mid-Century Modern Set of Eight Blue Chairs
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Set of eight Giuseppe Scapinelli blue chairs made of golden caviuna wood. This chairs were designed and produced in a very small quantity in the mid-1950s by the Italian born Brazili...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Scandinavian Set of Chairs
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Chairs in teak and faux leather.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Teak
Guillerme et Chambron, Set of Six Oak Chairs, Edition Votre Maison, 1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Guillerme et Chambron, set of six oak chairs. Edition Votre Maison, 1960.
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
Set of Four 1960s Chairs in Beech and Velvet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of four 1960s chairs in beech and velvet.
Very good condition.
Category
1960s European Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Beech
Hans Wegner Model CH22 Shell Back Paddle Armchair
Located in Stamford, CT
Oak armchair with wide paddle form arms and sculpted and inlaid back. Also having a Danish paper cord seat. The chair was designed by Hans J. Wegner and manufactured by Carl Hansen &...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Papercord, Oak
Pair of Vintage Gf GoodForm Aluminum Task Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of vintage GF GoodForm aluminum task chairs.
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of Midcentury Leather Chairs, Designer Sedus
Located in Asheville, NC
1960s style side office chairs with tubular chrome legs, molded plastic shell with sectioned and boxed attached leather upholstery. Recently shipped from the South of England.
Category
1960s German Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Paul McCobb (American, 1917-1969) for Winchendon, Spindle Back Planner Group Cha
By Paul McCobb
Located in Hudson, NY
Paul McCobb (American, 1917-1969) for Winchendon, Spindle Back Planner Group Chair, designed 1950s or later.
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
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
Wire Cone Chair by Verner Panton
Located in New York, NY
Verner Panton. Wire cone chair, model K2. Designed 1959. An early example manufactured by Plus-linje, Denmark. Galvanized and chrome-plated steel. Cush...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Rare Pair of Low Lounge Chairs by Carl-Johan Boman
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rare pair of easy chairs with beautiful curved backs on tapered wooden feet. Very nice vintage condition.
Category
1940s Finnish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Elm
Grete Jalk Molded Plywood GJ Chair
By Grete Jalk
Located in San Francisco, CA
A molded teak plywood "GJ' or bow chair by Grete Jalk. Originally designed in 1963 for P. Jeppesen, only 300 chairs were produced and few remain in existence...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Six Saarinen Swivel Tulip Design Base for Knoll Leather Seats
By Knoll
Located in Toledo, OH
Six Mid-Century Modern swivel Saarinen tulip design base chairs for Knoll. Black leather removeable seat. Very good condition. Dimensions: 20" depth x 26" W x 32" H. Seat height 19.25".
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Guillerme et Chambron Set of Six Dining Chairs
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Guillerme et Chambron set of six oak and straw dining chairs circa 1960.
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
Josef Hoffmann for Stendig Bentwood Cane Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of six cane dining chairs by Josef Frank and Josef Hoffmann for Stendig. Two with arms, four without. They feature minimal bentwood sturdy fra...
Category
1960s European Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Cane, Bentwood
Swaged Leg Chair in Gray and White by Georg Nelson & Associates, 1954
Located in New York, NY
Swaged leg chair, model MAF, in fiberglass, enameled steel, rubber, enameled aluminum, and plastic. Designed by George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller, USA, 1954.
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass
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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