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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Gervasoni Gray 24 Chair in White Oak & Berlin Upholstery Cushion by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gray 24 is a wooden dining armchair with an enveloping low backrest in the shape of a semicircle made with slats. The solid wood legs intersect,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak

Red Velvet Rabbit Chair, by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The idea of the rabbit, a gentle, lovable and shy animal, comes from the association of its silhouette with that of a seat, where the rabbit's ears become the backrest of the chair. It is conceived for children's fun: the rabbit chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Modern Outdoor Swing Chai with Black Upholstery Brown Leather Straps and Chrome
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Fable, outdoor hanging armchair. "nspired by the simplicity of childhood swings, it is the perfect place to relax and relive cherished memories. Craf...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Limited Edition Zoumey Armchair in Solid Walnut by Arno Declercq
Located in Geneve, CH
Limited edition Zoumey armchair in solid walnut by Arno Declercq Dimensions: W 82 x D 86 x H 73 cm Materials: American walnut, natural wool Limited edition of 12, signed and numb...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Soiree Chair with Stitch Detail in Black by Oscar & Gabriele Buratti for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The theme of the classic, soft, fabric-covered, padded chair made of a single material is interpreted here in an exceptionally elegant, accurately finished design. Whether dressed in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Sling Rose Grey Black Hand Stitched Genuine Leather
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
Stripped away from all excess, this hanging chair has a circular frame with the sheets of leather or fabric hanging loose within it, to create a sleek, sexy, and oh so comfortable ex...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Gubi Beetle Pink Velvet Lounge Chair by GamFratsei
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Gubi Beetle Pink Velvet Lounge Chair, a luxurious addition to any living space. Crafted with a sleek and modern design, this lounge chair features a soft pink velvet ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Dark Grey Soft Pill Armchair by spHaus
Located in Geneve, CH
Dark Grey Soft Pill Armchair by spHaus Designed by Filippo Dell'Orto Dimensions: D 100 x W 120 x H 50 cm. Materials: Moulded hard polyurethane. Soft Pill is a lounge chair but is co...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Other

21st Century Dahlia Armchair in Brown Jacquard Fabric by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Fabric and colour. The two founding themes of the fashion Maison are among the main peculiarities of the Dahlia armchair, a piece of furniture with contemporary lines that takes insp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

French Mid-Century Red Leather and Steel Chair by Jean Prouvé for Tecta, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
French mid-century red leather and steel chair by Jean Prouvé for Tecta, 1980s Chair with steel structure and resealable seat. The seat is made up of a padded cushion covered in red ...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of Three Lacquered and Emerald Green Mohair Barstools by Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Set of three 1980’s off white lacquered ‘Onassis Barstools’ by Karl Springer for Steve Chase. Out of a Steve Chase Design Estate in Rancho Mirage CA. ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Baloo Boucle Counter Chair Flock CS2 by NOOM
Located in Geneve, CH
Baloo Boucle Counter Chair Flock CS2 by NOOM Dimensions: W 55 x D 63 x H 97 cm Materials: Ashwood, plywood, moulded foam, textile. Weight: 20 kg Also available in other materials and colors. The design bar chair Flock is not just a modern chair; it's a masterpiece that seamlessly blends timeless elegance with comfort and meticulous craftsmanship. This bar height chair...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile, Plywood, Ash, Foam

Contemporary Block Form Medium Green Velvet Chair by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Licitra chair by Pietro Franceschini Dimensions: W 62 x D 71 x H 95 cm Materials: Velvet (by Métaphores). Somebody once said ...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Pair of Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen Cane Back Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Thygesen and Sorensen side chairs with teak frame and cane seat and back. Wonderful curvature to lower back for lumbar support. Original distressed leather seats.
Category

1980s Danish Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Cane

Contemporary Dining Chair Made in Italy for Custom Finish
Located in Oakville, ON
Contemporary design wooden dining chair made in Italy of beech wood. We offer custom finish of the wood, painted or wood stain and upholste...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Dragnet Swing Chair Outdoor by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Dragnet swing chair outdoor by Kenneth Cobonpue Materials: Acrylic fabric, steel, stainless steel. Dimensions: 86cm x 110cm x H 119cm Get cau...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Cognac and Black Memento Chair, Jesse Sanderson
Located in Geneve, CH
Cognac 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 Frame...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Marino Modular Bench with LeftLow Panel in Kvadrat Maharam Merit Fabric by E-GGS
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Marino is a system of modular benches with which to freely arrange your space. The organically-shaped seating and backs combine and transform, enhanced by a complete range of accesso...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Unique Rive Bench by Draga & Aurel
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique rive bench by Draga & Aurel Dimensions: W 210 D 40 H 45 Materials: Concrete Concrete, textured, solid, and rough. In contrast with the transpare...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Concrete

Sedus Postmodern Armchair Germany 1990s
Located in Debrecen, HU
Allow me to present this high-quality Sedus conference chair, a perfect choice for office meeting rooms, conference halls, or a home study. This armchair model combines functionality and style to provide comfortable and professional seating. Features: Manufacturer: Sedus – synonymous with German precision and quality Color: Deep, elegant dark blue fabric harmonizing beautifully with the aluminum gray metal frame Materials: Durable, comfortable padded seat and backrest, sturdy aluminum frame Dimensions: Seat height approx. 45 cm, width 53 cm, total height 86 cm Condition: Excellent, well-maintained used condition Special Features: Armrests for added comfort during longer seating periods Usage: Ideal for modern offices, meeting rooms, or home workspaces Remarkably, the protective film is still present in some areas, indicating minimal use and excellent condition. This Sedus chair...
Category

1990s Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Set of 5 Cobra Chairs in steel and black leather by Giotto Stoppino, 1970s
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Chair set made in the 1970s by Giotto Stoppino (Milan, 1926). Single chrome-plated tubular steel frame and black faux leather, made in Italy. In perfect condition chrome plating, se...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Blue Velvet Dining Chair with Black Legs
Located in Porto, PT
Scille Dining Chair is a luxury armchair that features an asymmetric seat composed of curvilinear panels that intersect each other. An original and comfortable dining chair, upholste...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Moooi The Golden Chair in Black Steel Frame with Harald 3, 182 Blue Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Under a mysterious magic spell, a retro-looking school chair is dipped in enchanted golden nectar, which washes away its austerity and crows it with a shiny aureole. Isn't this a typ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Mattiwatta Lounge Chair by Egg Designs
Located in Geneve, CH
Mattiwatta Lounge Chair by Egg Designs Dimensions: 950 L X 77.5 D X 80 H Materials: Solid Cast Polished Brass, Brass, Fabric Upholstery Founded by South Africans and life partne...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of RIMA Design Armchairs Made in Italy
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

Silver Baby Rabbit Chair with Metallic Finish, Designed by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2) The idea of the rabbit, a gentle, lovable and shy animal, comes from the association o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Papillonne Black Metal Chair (Set of 2) & Swivel Chair
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
This set concerns 2 Papillonne black metal chairs and 1 Papillonne Swivel Wheeled Chair. Papillonne black metal chair comes to your living room with...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pepe Chair in Black Leather by Raffaella Mangiarotti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pepe is boundless expanses and infinite horizons. Pepe is the a scent carried by the wind, is the smell of the earth. Pepe is a chair whose design is inspired by the riding saddle. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Sunset Bergère Chair in Avant Après Grey with Aluminum Feet by Nicola Pavan
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The new Sunset bergère is made up of two distinct parts: the shell and the headrest for a specific reason: lighten the silhouette of the product by creating a visually harmonious line. The outdoor stretched and rigorous surface contrasts with an internal padded coat that is much softer, creating an original graphic design. The comfort of the seating area is accentuated by the reclining mechanism, available only in the variation with the headrest, whereas the base is equipped with a rotation mechanism both for the armchair and the bèrgere version. Sunset combines in an ideal way sophisticated design, maximum comfort and high-quality materials and techniques. Available with various upholstery on the aluminum star base. Completely removable covers. Structure: Shell and headrest are in plywood with variable-density polyurethane foam (40IP e 30IM) covered with velfodera coupled with resin 100gr/sqm. Feet: In polished or painted aluminum. The base is equipped with rotation mechanism both for the "armchair" version and for the "bergère" version. Only for the latter, it’s possible to add the tilt mechanism. Padding: The seat cushion is in variable-density polyurethane foam (50IP e 35IMM) covered with velfodera coupled with resin 150gr/sqm. Arms and lumbar cushions are polyurethane foam core 35IMM covered with velfodera coupled with resin 150gr/sqm. Additional information: Material: Polyurethane foam, upholstery, aluminum Upholstery: Cat. VIP, Avant Après...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Modern, Walnut Timber, Solid Brass and Boucle' Malta Barstool
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Modern Malta barstool designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa. This Modern style dining room chair has a solid ...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Unique Oak Sofa by Collector
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Oak Sofa by Collector Dimensions: W 140 x D 81 x H 70 cm Materials: Fabric, Walnut Wood Other materials available. Please contact us. The Collector brand aims to be part of ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Pair of Lacquered and Leather Asia Style Barstools by Marge Carson
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous pair of faux granite lacquered Asian Style barstools design by Marge Carson in the 1980s. The stools are constructed of wood that’s painted in black and gray faux granite...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Lounger White Armchair by Jaime Hayon
Located in Geneve, CH
Lounger white armchair by Jaime Hayon Dimensions: D 91 x W 76 x H 99 cm Materials: armchair with a cast aluminum base structure and footstool with tubular steel legs and painted....
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

"The spanish chair" armchair from oregon pine handcrafted by Frank Buschmann
Located in Carnota, A Coruña, Galicia
The Spanish Chair is a handcrafted piece made from Oregon pine using traditional tools, techniques, and joinery. Finished with natural oil, it highlights the simplicity and durabilit...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

Modern Style Gaia Chair from Tiago Curioni
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
In honor of the 100 years of Bauhaus, the Gaia chair reflects the purity and strength of the well-known school. The piece, of pure lines and in primary c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Modern Mary Dining Chair, Black Italian Leather, Handmade Portugal 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

Baloo Boucle Flock Ottoman by NOOM
Located in Geneve, CH
Baloo Boucle Flock Ottoman by NOOM Dimensions: D 70 x H 41 cm Materials: Wood, plywood, metal, moulded foam, textile.. Weight: 15 kg Also available in other materials and colors. ...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Vico Magistretti, Carimate, Six Chairs, Cassina, 1960s
Located in Paris, FR
Vico Magistretti (1920-2006) Carimate A set of six red lacquered beech wood and straw chairs, each with four cylindrical feet and conforming back, with a square seat covered with s...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Beech

Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH N.14 Chair in Black with Plywood Seat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The great classic. The item that is absolutely the most famous and most sold in the history of furniture. Designed by Michael Thonet in 1860, the No. 14 chair immediately became know...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Keith Haring (after), 'Hurrah' High-Back Chair
Located in NYC, NY
'Hurrah' high-back chair in the style of Keith Haring. C 1998. H. 145 x 70 x 90 cm. Made by Bretz, Gensingen. Cast aluminium, textile cover, red, green and black. Marked: Manufa...
Category

1990s German Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Arflex Algon Low Back Armchair in Pink Boucle Fabric by Luca Nichetto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Algon lounge Chair was developed together with the Algon Chair, melding Scandinavian simplicity with a patterned quilted upholstery. Contrary to the Algon Chair, that has a strict formality, the Algon lounge chair has high sides, that allow for a sense of privacy, perfect for hushed late-night conversations or a solitary moment...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Task Chair – Modern Bent Aluminum Industrial Side Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A simple aluminum chair is made from three brake-formed aluminum components.
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Gervasoni Straw Armchair in Light Grey Aluminium Frame with Woven Resin Fiber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Simple and refined, the Straw 23/24 chair family, with and without armrests, is characterised by the structure in tubular aluminium painted light grey. A slender and light product co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Resin

Lara Bohinc, Orbit Chair, Brushed Brass and Blue Wool Fabric
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
This is the first time that Bohinc explores a design favourite; the chair. In the collection, Lara Bohinc develops her stellar themes, finding inspiration in planetary and lunar orbits, whose gravitationally curved trajectories drive the lines and shapes of the chairs. Constructed from thin square rod, the chairs are elegant, minimal and delicate. They are finished in galvanised steel and wool fabrics by Kvadrat. The orbit chair...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Tol Accent Chair in Black Oak
Located in San Pedro Garza García, N.L.
The Tol easy chair, designed by Unicuo for the Masa Collection, is inspired by the Mên-an-Tol, an ancient stone monument known for its circular opening. Referencing its symbolic form...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Saturn Chair, Red Coated Steel Frame and Red Wool by Lara Bohinc
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
The distinctive Saturn chair is a return to the split sphere concepts Bohinc originally created for her jewellery collections such as Sun and Moon (2007) ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Aluminum Chair by Mylene Niedzialkowski
Located in Geneve, CH
Aluminum Chair by Mylene Niedzialkowski Dimensions: D 43 x H 83. SH 41 cm. Materials: Aluminum and wood. Basic shapes associated with masculi...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Modern Bungee Armchair after René Herbst
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Modern bungee armchair after René Herbst, a nice vintage 1990s version, measures: arm height is 25-inches, seat height is 17-inches.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Midcentury Modern Style Barstool With Cane Backrest & Brass Detailing
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The barstool brings the timeless elegance of the 50's to a new contemporary design level. This barstool maintains the classic design elements while offering the elevated seating need...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Miniforms Brulla Chair in Solid Wooden by Skrivo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by 20th-century Austrian chairs, Brulla is a stackable wooden seat. Its defining aesthetic is given by the juxtaposition of curves and straight lines, creating a strong sens...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Violet / Purple Rabbit Chair, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 500 other unique products. (2.2) The idea of the rabbit, a gentle, lovable and shy animal, comes from the association o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Set of 4 Pink Ribbon Chairs, Designed by Nika Zupanc
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 500 other unique products. (2.2) Set includes: - 4 x Pink Ribbon Chairs The Ribbon c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Gervasoni Jeko 05 Armchair in Capri 06 Upholstery and ECOTeak by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Armchairs in colonial style of exotic inspiration, Jeko 01/05 have a structure made of ECOTeak, a material coming from the reuse of recovered beams and teak elements that have been r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Duo of Fast Forest chairs
Located in LYON, FR
We have had these aluminum chairs that we love professionally powder-coated in a current color that will fit perfectly into your garden or terrace. Indeed, initially intended for out...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Set of 2 Unique Cube Armchairs Signed by Gigi Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 unique cube armchairs signed by Gigi Design Dimensions: 70 x 70 x 70 cm Materials: Iroko, fabric Outdoor armchair in Iroko. Iroko is a wood suitable for exteriors. The ...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of 6 dining chairs At Cost Price
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Set of 6 chromed chairs, seat and back covered with foal skin "zebra"
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Forma Side Chair Indoor by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Forma side chair indoor by Kenneth Cobonpue Materials: Rattan. Dimensions: 58.5 cm x 66cm x height 78.5cm. A contemporary collection perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces, ...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Chairs

Materials

Rattan

Guillerme et Chambron chairs Merignies
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
an elegant chair modele Merignies by Guillerme et Chambron edition Votre Maison
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak

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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