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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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5,698
675
170
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3,800
1,908
6,543
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8,518
6,543
1,293
657
366
236
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175
165
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137
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72
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5
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3,657
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2,939
2,993
2,401
1,444
1,366
4,812
2,179
921
681
489
235
180
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136
103
Style: Modern
MEGÈVE Chair in Black by Alexandre Ligios, REP by Tuleste Factory
Located in New York, NY
MEGÈVE Chair by Alexandre Ligios
L 27.5" x H 33" x D 27.5"
Oak and curly wool
On a highly linear oak wood base, the structure comes to life with its curved seat and backrest while...
Category
2010s Moroccan Modern Chairs
Materials
Wool, Oak
NEW YORK Velvet Chair in Green by Alexandre Ligios, REP by Tuleste Factory
Located in New York, NY
NEW YORK Chair by Alexandre Ligios
W 30" x H 28" x D 30"
Wooden structure and velvet fabrics, oak or walnut base.
Geometric shapes and sharp lines. Modern and refined atmosphere.
...
Category
2010s Moroccan Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Oak, Walnut
BOSTON Velvet Chair in Red by Alexandre Ligios, REP by Tuleste Factory
Located in New York, NY
BOSTON Chair by Alexandre Ligios
H 45" x D 30" x L 30"
Wooden structure and velvet fabrics oak or walnut base
An interesting contrast with straight, clean lines, ideal for adding ...
Category
2010s Moroccan Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Oak, Walnut
Cassina LC7 Chair Burgundy
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cassina chair in burgundy.
Leather shows some signs of age, but overall still a very beautiful and functional chair.
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
L'INSOLENTE Velvet Chair in Black by Alexandre Ligios, REP by Tuleste Factory
Located in New York, NY
L'INSOLENTE Chair by Alexandre Ligios
WALNUT AND VELVET
L 20 x W 20 X H 35
The contemporary-designed chair features a solid oak frame, adding warmth and solidity to your space. It...
Category
2010s Moroccan Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
L'INSOLENTE Velvet Chair in Pink by Alexandre Ligios, REP by Tuleste Factory
Located in New York, NY
L'INSOLENTE Chair by Alexandre Ligios
Oak and velvet.
L 20 x W 20 X H 35
The contemporary-designed chair features a solid oak frame, adding warmth and solidity to your space. Its...
Category
2010s Moroccan Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Oak
Apollo Armchair, Club Chair, Chrome Finish Frame and Cream Boucle by Lara Bohinc
By Lara Bohinc
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
The Apollo armchair further evolves the Apollo design family, through the addition of an elegant backrest to the chair, embodying a further contrasting combination of intricate metal...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal, Steel
Set of 6 Robert Mallet-Stevens Model No. 222 Chairs for Pallucco Italia, 1928
Located in Zagreb, HR
Robert Mallet-Stevens (1886–1945) was a French modernist architect and designer. He believed in simple, functional designs which should be capable of mass production, and these princ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
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
Chair by Giuseppe Pagano Pogatschnig, 1938
Located in Berlin, DE
Chair, plywood construction, dark stained, ash veneer
Design / Giuseppe Pagano Pogatschnig 1938
Dimensions / H.84cm W.40cm D.50cm
Manufacturer / Maggioni Italy
Designed for the Bocco...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Ash, Plywood
Tubular Brass Chairs by ChromeCraft- Set of Four
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W22 D21 H33 SW18 SD19 SH17 AH24
Vintage Rolling Chairs by ChromeCraft in overall great condition. Chairs features structurally sound brass frames with light patina, three units are ...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Baleri Italia Juliette Stackable Chair in Black Steel by Hannes Wettstein
Located in Milan, IT
Out of the frenetic turmoil of Wettstein's design activity, one day emerged the idea of a chair; defying all known logic, the structure of the back, curved forwards. With this idea a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Italian modern white Libellula chair by Giovanni Carini for Planula, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern chromed metal and white leather Libellula chair designed by Giovanni Carini and produced by Planula in 1970s.
Libellula model chair, stackable, with metal rod structur...
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
Wen Chair by objective OBJECT Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Wen Chair by objective OBJECT Studio
Dimensions: D 45.5 x W 53.5 x H 78.5 cm
Materials: Wood.
objective OBJECT
an embodiment of our architectural ethos.
We represent an unwaverin...
Category
2010s Chinese Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Fen Hua Chair by objective OBJECT Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Fen Hua Chair by objective OBJECT Studio
Dimensions: D 48 x W 56 x H 95 cm
Materials: Limestone, wood.
objective OBJECT
an embodiment of our architectural ethos.
We represent an u...
Category
2010s Chinese Modern Chairs
Materials
Limestone
Molteni&C Barbican Chair by Rodolfo Dordoni
Located in Boston, MA
The design is based on a built-in padded seat, the stiff polyurethane frame of which is upholstered in leather. The Barbican perfect for use in diverse contexts. This is a floor samp...
Category
2010s Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Authentic Early Modernist Chair Robert Mallet Stevens, France, 1930s
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Robert Mallet-Stevens (1886-1945) came from an art-loving family and was one of the most influential French avant-garde architects and designers. He met very early on René Herbst and...
Category
1930s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Modern Classic Dining Chairs with Nail Trim Detailing By Munna Design
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This Chair is the epitome of serenity inducing design. With an embracing silhouette and luxurious deep seat, its sensuous curves and comfortable back perfectly adapt to the body. The...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
H Chair by Estudio Persona
Located in Geneve, CH
H chair by Estudio Persona.
Dimensions: W 46 x D 49 x H 79 cm
Materials: Mohair fabric.
Upholstered dining chair. Shown in mohair fabric.
COM option available.
Customizations availa...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Mohair
Pair of Sculptural Tall Chairs designedby Krish Ruhs for Cappellini, 1990s
By Cappellini
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Krish Ruhs, an American artist, designed these two chairs for a solo exhibition sponsored by Cappellini and presented at their Carugo showroom in 1990. Craftsmanship, inspiration fro...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Lee Broom - Hanging Hoop Chair Black
By Lee Broom
Located in New York, US
Suspended from above, two brass plated steel circular hoops join to create the Hanging Hoop Chair, with a seat and backrest upholstered in Kvadrat wool.
Finishing:
Satin black stee...
Category
2010s British Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Geoprimitive 021 Ceramic Settle with Sheep Wool by Niclas Wolf
By Niclas Wolf
Located in Geneve, CH
Geoprimitive ceramic settle with sheep wool by Niclas Wolf
Unique piece, numbered
Materials: ceramic
Dimensions: Ø55 x H 65 cm
Weight: 49 kg
Certificates are issued for all p...
Category
2010s German Modern Chairs
Materials
Ceramic, Wool
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
Basic Stool by Hot Wire Extensions
Located in Geneve, CH
Basic Stool by Hot Wire Extensions
Dimensions: D 35 x W 34 x H 48 cm
Materials: Waste nylon powder and responsibly sourced sand, copper pipe.
5 kg
Different colors upon request.
A...
Category
2010s British Modern Chairs
Materials
Copper
Italian modern set of four wooden Milano chairs by Aldo Rossi for Molteni, 1987
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern set of four wooden Milano chairs by Aldo Rossi for Molteni, 1987.
Set of four Milano model chairs, with a light wooden structure with a square shape, with a backrest a...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Set of 2 Basic Trestles I by Hot Wire Extensions
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Basic Trestles I by Hot Wire Extensions
Dimensions: D 75 x W 43 x H 72.5 cm
Materials: Waste nylon powder and responsibly sourced sand, copper pipe.
9 kg
Different dimensi...
Category
2010s British Modern Chairs
Materials
Copper
Set of 2 Basic Trestles II by Hot Wire Extensions
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Basic Trestles II by Hot Wire Extensions
Dimensions: D 75 x W 38 x H 72.5 cm
Materials: Waste nylon powder and responsibly sourced sand, copper pipe.
9 kg
Glass top not in...
Category
2010s British Modern Chairs
Materials
Copper
Counter High Stool by Hot Wire Extensions
Located in Geneve, CH
Counter High Stool by Hot Wire Extensions
Dimensions: D 38 x W 39 x H 75 cm
Materials: Waste nylon powder and responsibly sourced sand, copper pipe.
9 kg
Different colors upon requ...
Category
2010s British Modern Chairs
Materials
Copper
Vintage Mid Century Modern Clam Chairs by Seymour Weiner for Kodawood - Set of 4
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Clam Shell Chairs by Seymour James Weiner for Kodawood - Set of 4
Featuring 4 vintage MCM “Clam Shell” armchairs designed by Seymour J. Wiener for Kodawoo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Oscar Modular Sofa, End Module, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Oscar Modular Sofa, End Module, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
Inspired by the poetic curved lines of Oscar Niemeyer’s architecture, Oscar modular sofa middle allures for its sen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Italian modern white plastic 860 Universale Chairs, Joe Colombo, Kartell, 1970s
By Kartell, Joe Colombo
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern white plastic 860 Universale Chairs, Joe Colombo, Kartell, 1970s.
Set consisting of four model 860 chairs, also known as Universale Chair, in cream white ABS plastic. ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Set Of 4 Black Leather Chairs by Matteo Grassi
Located in Brussels , BE
Set of 4 very elegant chairs.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Set of 2 Oak Armchair by Collector
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Oak armchair by Collector
Dimensions: W 75 x D 70 x H 77 cm
Materials: Fabric, oak wood
Other materials available
The Collector brand aims to be part of the daily lif...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Vintage Pencil Reed Barrel Chair
Located in Ross, CA
Vintage pencil reed pod chair in the Crespi style. Comes with a white cushion that could easily be updated.
Can be picked up for free from my Bay ...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Chairs
Materials
Reed
Set of 6 Tulip Dining Chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, XXth Century.
By Knoll
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 6 Tulip Dining Chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, XXth Century.
Set of 6 tulip chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll for dining room in black fibreglass and fabric, cushions reno...
Category
20th Century French Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Fiberglass
Pair of 1980s Lacquered Wood Modular Chairs.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of 1980s Lacquered Wood Modular Chairs.
Pair of 1980s modular chairs in black lacquered wood.
w: 88cm, h: 98cm, d: 50,5cm
Category
20th Century French Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Modern Red Plastic Vintage Seven Dining Chairs Ron Arad for Kartell 1999 Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern set of 7 red plastic vintage chairs or dining chairs from red plastic and aluminum FPE Fantastic Plastic Elastic by Ron Arad for Kartell Italy 1999.
An amazing set of seven ( ...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Fabio Lenci 'Hyaline' Lounge Chair for Stendig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fabio Lenci "Hyaline" lounge chair, Italy, c.1970s. The chair features two thick tempered glass side panels with a strip of suede bolster cushions down the middle serving as a sling ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design
Dimensions: D 60.3 x W 62.2 x H 76.2 cm.
Materials: Powder-coated steel and upholstery.
Solid steel flat bar available in a flat black or white...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Italian modern Boulevard aluminium chairs by Ferdinand A. Porsche for Ycami 1990
Located in MIlano, IT
Set of four Boulevard model chairs with round seat, entirely in aluminium. The seat and backrest have decorative perforations with curved lines and the structure of the armrests and ...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design
Dimensions: D 60.3 x W 62.2 x H 76.2 cm.
Materials: Powder-coated steel and upholstery.
Solid steel flat bar available in a flat black or white...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Primi Personal Chair by Phase Design
Dimensions: D 60.3 x W 62.2 x H 76.2 cm.
Materials: Powder-coated steel and upholstery.
Solid steel flat bar available in a flat black or white...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Italian modern Boulevard aluminium chairs by Ferdinand A. Porsche for Ycami 1990
Located in MIlano, IT
Set of eight Boulevard model chairs with round seat, entirely in aluminium. The seat and backrest have decorative perforations with curved lines and the structure of the armrests and...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Robert Van Horn Lucite Ribbon Chair & Ottoman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Chair & Ottoman Are In Overall Good Condition
There Are Minor Scratches On The Lucite Consistent With Age
Newly Upholstered Cushion & Ottoman
Chair Is Hand Signed With Patent ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Lucite
A Pair of Frank Lloyd Wright Robie Chairs for Cassina Italy 1986
Located in Bjuråker, SE
A pair of 2 Cassina chairs Crafted with precision and attention to detail, these chairs blend exquisite design with supreme comfort, making them a perfect addition to any modern or c...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Italian modern five metal, beech and white cotton Cesca style chairs, 1970s
By Gavina, Marcel Breuer
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern set of five metal, beech and white cotton Cesca style chairs, 1970s
Set of five Cesca style chairs with tubular steel structure, armrests in solid curved beech and pad...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Italian modern black leather and tubolar chromed metal chairs by Zanotta, 1970s
By Zanotta
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black leather and tubolar chromed metal chairs by Zanotta, 1970s.
Set composed of six chairs with chromed metal tubular structure and black leather seat and back. Unde...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal, Steel
"OTI" armchair by Niels Gammelgaard for Ikea, circa 1980
Located in LYON, FR
Very pretty tubular steel armchair created by the Danish designer Niels Gammelgaard on behalf of the publisher IKEA. An iconic piece in very good condition and with a lovely patina.
...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Stag T by Rick Owens
By Rick Owens
Located in Geneve, CH
Stag T by Rick Owens
Dimensions: L 55 x W 30 x H 44 cm
Materials: Plywood (natural), antler moose
Weight: 7.3 kg
Each piece is unique and may differ as the ...
Category
2010s French Modern Chairs
Materials
Antler, Plywood
Camber Chair, Paul Coenen
By Paul Coenen
Located in Geneve, CH
Camber Chair, Paul Coenen
Dimensions: L 40.5 x W 42.0 x H 84.5 cm
Materials: Stainless Steel
Custom materials, sizes and finishes possible on request. Please contact us.
The Camber ...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
White Stool by Karstudio
Located in Geneve, CH
White stool by Karstudio.
Materials: FRP.
Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 45 cm.
It shapes in a curl-up position, casual meanwhile restrained. The side designed as a cross-section of the furn...
Category
2010s Chinese Modern Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass
Italian modern Green plastic Chairs Gaudi by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1970
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Green plastic Chairs Gaudi by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1970s
Set of 6 iconic and fantastic chairs mod. Gaudi in green plastic monocoque. The backrest and seat ar...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Lula Chair, Ivory Bouclé & Black Lacquer by Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order bouclé and wood chair designed by Christian Siriano.
Base: Black Lacquer
Fabric: Ivory Bouclé
Measures: Overall depth: 28”
Overall height: 40”
Seat depth: 21”
Seat ...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, Maple
Paire de chaises vintage
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-RIVIÈRE, FR
Paire de chaises en bois en état moyen. Le bois est vermoulé. Le tissu est déchiré à certains endroits et le métal est rouillé.
Category
1990s European Modern Chairs
Materials
Softwood
NEW DESIGN Armchair Coconut finish, Leather Upholstery COLLECTION 2024
Located in Madrid, ES
NEW DESIGN Armchair Coconut finish, leather upholstery.
Dimensions
73 x 94 x 103 cm
28.7 x 37 x 40.6 in
Weight
22 kg / 48.5 lbs
Embrace the comfort of the supple leather cushion as ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Resin
Paire de chaiss en plastique vintage
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-RIVIÈRE, FR
Paire de chaise en plastique et pieds métal en état moyen. Le plastique est taché et décoloré. Le métal est rouillé.
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
PVC
New Design "Ball" Chair Leather Upholstery
Located in Madrid, ES
High gloss black lacquering, leather upholstery, stainless steel base.
Dimensions
92 x 90 x 85 cm
36.2 x 35.4 x 33.5 in
Weight
37 kg
81.6 lbs.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
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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