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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Arflex Botolo Chair in Heidi Fabric by Cini Boeri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Botolo Chair is designed by Cini Boeri for Arflex. An innovative upholstered rolling chair with three large tubular legs. Botolo is an ideal place to sit,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian 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

Set of 2 Kartell Louis Ghost Armchairs in Crystal by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comfortable armchair in transparent and colored polycarbonate in the Louis XV style, it is the quintessence of baroque revisited to dazzle, excite and captivate. Louis Ghost is the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Minimal Organic Chair in Solid Wood, Upholstered Seating
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." Introducing the Collana Chairs, Armchairs and ottomans Collection, a testament to the...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Nico Lounge Chair by DeMuro Das in Solid Walnut
Located in New York, NY
The Nico Lounge Chair combines handsome proportions with timeless materials and an emphasis on comfort. Straight lines are tempered by curved edges and sloping arms, resulting in a t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Contemporary Reposer Special Edition armchair in British Wool and Walnut Legs
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Reposer chair has been thoughtfully created with a relatively low, soft back and a generous seat depth encouraging you to repose. Shown here in orange wool with legs in ebonised...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Set of 2 Kartell Masters Chairs in Black by Philippe Starck & Eugeni Quitllet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Masters chair is a powerful tribute to three symbolic chairs, re-read and re-interpreted by the creative genius of Starck. The unmistakable silho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Set of 2 Kartell Victoria Ghost Chairs in Crystal by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is a chair born of Classic lines with a rounded backrest that recalls the shape of antique medallions, whilst the seat is linear and geometric. Victoria ghost...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

1989 Massimo Iosa Ghini Calligaris Chestnut Wood "Robin" Chair Set of 4
Located in Brescia, IT
"Robin" Set of 4 Chairs Massimo Iosa Ghini prod. Calligaris Italy, 1989 Chestnut Wood Curved plywood veneered in chestnut wood Some light defects (shown in the pics) Very Good Condi...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Chestnut

Upholstered Furniture Gropius CS1 Chair Artistry Edition by NOOM
Located in Geneve, CH
Upholstered Furniture Gropius CS1 Chair Artistry Edition by NOOM Dimensions: W 57 x D 57 x H 74 cm Materials: ashwood, plywood, foam, moulded foam, ...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Italy Ghidini 1961 Pair Brass Dining Chairs Contemporary Design
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

Modern Skirted Dining Room Chair with Loose Cushions and Wheels
Located in Greenwich, CT
The chairs shown feature a skirt with neat pleated edges, a low back and loose seat cushion. It is upholstered in a yellow/green textured poly linen. The base sits atop casters. This...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

"Rock Chair" Black, White or Gray Dining Chair by Moroso for Diesel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Rock Chair" is a dining chair, designed by Diesel Creative Team and manufactured by Moroso, featuring a shell in structural polyurethane, feet in beech and glides in nylon. Availabl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Nylon, Beech

Contract Grade Dining Chairs With Curved Organic Silhouette-Set Of 8
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This dining chair is designed with a sloped backrest that provides greater support. The seat is upholstered in high density foam, ensuring a smooth and comfortable dining experience....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Upholstery, Velvet

Lucien Dining Chair, Ivory Bouclé & Wood by Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order wood & bouclé dining chair designed by Christian Siriano. Fabric: Ivory Bouclé (available in custom fabric) Base: Red Oak Wood (available in custom finish) Dimensions...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Morphe Marble Chair by Serafini
Located in London, GB
A Balance Between Weight and Lightness. With its fluid, enveloping silhouette, the Morphe chair seems to defy gravity. The design balances full volumes and light surfaces, creating a...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Marble

"Liba" Rattan Covered Natural Cane Armchair Designed by Borek Sipek for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Liba", designed by Borek Sipek and manufactured by Driade, is a rattan covered natural red and black cane seat and back with solid ebonized wooden front ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Cane, Rattan, Wood

Flexform Ortigia Armchairs in Hand-Woven Black Leather Cord over Solid Walnut
Located in Dallas, TX
Designed as statement pieces, the Ortigia armchairs can play a leading role in settings like the bedroom or easily be matched with your sofa to lend a note of understated elegance to any living space. Sophisticated hand-woven black leather cord...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Arflex Elettra Chair in Vega Fabric with Black Metal Base by B.B.P.R
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A classic of the '50s office, Elettra is the seating you can't do without. Thanks to its timeless style and its elegant proportions, it adapts perfectly to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Set of 8 Exotic Argentine Rosewood Counter Stools from Costantini, Umberto
Located in New York, NY
The Umberto Counter stool is one of Costantini’s best selling original seating designs featuring a modern, low, carved solid wood back with a tight seat.. Available now as shown in w...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

4x Shaker Counter Stool Chair by Ambrozia, Walnut, Vinyl & Cowhide
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The shaker modern counter stool chair is handmade to order from our unique Ambrozia black textured steel tubing frame and a premium vinyl upholst...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Soiree Chair with Stitch Detail in Red by Oscar and 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

21st Century, Modern, Maçka Chair, Powder Coated Structure & Upholstery
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

Minimal Style, Solid Wood Chair, Textile Seating, Solid Backboard, with Arms
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The Wing chair solid wood collection, flexibility, modern aesthetics, comfort and softness are the keywords for this collection. The concept is inspired...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood, Cane

Contemporary Sense Lounge Chair, Accent Chair, Sapele Wood, Leather, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Sense Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Sense leather lounge chair embodies the essence of slow living, designed to encourag...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Yv, Unique Chair in Cold Casted Bronze and Fiberglass by Lucas Tyra Morten
Located in Geneve, CH
Yv, Unique Chair in Cold Casted Bronze and Fiberglass by Lucas Tyra Morten Edition: Limited Edition of 3 Dimensions: W 170 x D 65 x H 85 cm Material: Cold casted bronze and fiberglas...
Category

2010s Swedish Modern Chairs

Materials

Bronze

"Ed Archer" Leather and Polished Aluminum Chair by Philippe Starck for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Ed Archer" is an iconic chair with tubular steel shell with spring units and polished casting aluminum rear leg. Fixed leather cover in two different versio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Aluminum

UNA Counter Stool in Black Stained Ash and Upholstered Back by Estudio Persona
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The UNA counterstool combines a curved wooden seat and legs with a leather-upholstered cylindrical back, creating a balance between comfort and simple geometry. Its design highlights...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Ash

Set of Six Italian Arper Modern Leather Chrome Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Chic set of six Italian post modern leather and chrome dining chairs made by Arper. Crafted in the style and manner of Italian designers Giancarlo Vegni and Gianfranco Gualtierotti...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Modern Laurence Dining Chairs, Leather, Velvet Jacquard, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Laurence Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Laurence leather dining chair is an artistic tribute to the essence of femininity in con...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Velvet, Wood, Mohair, Bouclé, Jacquard, Linen

Rêverie x Judge Dogbed in Fabric Upholstery by Alexandre Ligios, Organic Seat
Located in New York, NY
Rêverie x Judge by Alexandre Ligios Plush Seat, Casamance Fabric Medium: 35.4" W x 27.6" D x 23.6" H = $2,950 Small: 27" W x 21" D x 18" H = $1,000 Inspired by clouds and the ico...
Category

2010s Moroccan Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Sedus Postmodern Chair 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 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

Arflex Botolo High Back Armchair in Natural Fur & Black Metal Legs by Cini Boeri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An innovative upholstered rolling chair with three large tubular legs. Botolo is an ideal place to sit, relax and be creative.Cini Boeri designed Botolo in 1973, giving life to a new design style, where you could choose the height of the legs to have a dining chair in the high version or a style, at that time modern, "the living at a low level", a way of living...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fur

Contemporary Occasional Chair Upholstered Seat, Walnut & Bronze Detail COM
Located in Tucson, AZ
COM OR COL ONLY The meticulously handcrafted Dudley dining or occasional chair, with its woven bronze back detail and plush seat cushion will provide for hours of dinner conversati...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Contemporary English Rolled Arm Club Chair
Located in Greenwich, CT
Contemporary take on English Roll Arm-style chair with a tight back and loose seat cushion. The chair also features spool turned legs at the front and...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Osprey Lounge Chair with Maple Frame and Leather Upholstery
Located in Stevenson, WA
The Osprey Lounge Chair has an exposed hardwood frame that cradles an upholstered shell, with leather upholstery. The unique frame takes inspiratio...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Sling Hanging Swing Chair Genuine Brown Leather 21st Century Modern
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
Stripped away from all excess, this hanging chair has a circular frame with a sheet of natural thick leather hanging loose within it, to create a sleek, sexy, and oh so comfortable e...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Minimal Style, Solid Wood Chair, Leather or Textile Seating, Caning Backboard
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The wing chair solid wood collection, flexibility, modern aesthetics, comfort and softness are the keywords for this collection. The concept is inspired by the B-52 plane design, thi...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Cane, Hardwood

Moooi Smoke Dining Chair in Abbracci, Black Upholstery with Burnt Wood Frame
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Don't burn the diner — burn the dining chair! The beauty and character of burned wood is now captured in a long lasting material, creating the strange sensation of sitting on burnt furniture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Modern Thick Leather Sling Hanging Chair
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
Stripped away from all excess, this hanging chair has a circular frame with the seat made of leather hanging loose within it, to create a sleek, sexy, and oh so comfortable experienc...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Rêverie x Judge Dogbed in Green, Fabric Upholstery by Alexandre Ligios
Located in New York, NY
Rêverie x Judge by Alexandre Ligios Plush Seat, Casamance Fabric Medium: 35.4" W x 27.6" D x 23.6" H = $2,950 Small: 27" W x 21" D x 18" H = $1,000 Inspired by clouds and the ico...
Category

2010s Moroccan Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Cambre Lounge Chair in Ebonized Ash with Grey Upholstered Cushion by Wooda
Located in Omro, WI
For this Wooda original design, we were looking for a supremely comfortable lounge chair. This contemporary take is loosely based on a 1920s vintage design. Cambre invites you to get comfortable. The deep seat and cantilevered angle offers the ultimate design for long-term sitting, reading, movie watching...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood, Ash

Minimal Style, Solid Wood Chair, Leather or Textile Seating, Caning Backboard
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The wing chair solid wood collection, flexibility, modern aesthetics, comfort and softness are the keywords for this collection. The concept is inspired...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Cane, Hardwood

Set of 2 Kartell One More Please 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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Pair of Decca Home Bolier Domicile Solid Walnut Encased Contemporary Cube Chairs
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A pair of Decca Home Bolier Domicile cube chairs. This stunning set of contemporary cube chairs feature a chic modern design with a solid walnut wood construction. These chairs are e...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Walnut

Outdoor Lounge Chair Made from Teak
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom lounge chair made from teak, suitable for outdoor use. Because these chairs are custom made in our own Los Angeles workshop, all aspects of design can...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Teak

Black and White Slipper Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage ebonized slipper chair newly upholstered in a graphic black, white and gray playful geometric velvet.
Category

20th Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Maxalto Amoenus Soft Chairs by Antonio Citterio, Set of Two
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Maxalto Amoenus Soft Chairs, a set of two luxurious pieces that will elevate any living space. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, these chairs feature a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Mirage Sofa in Vanilla Fabric Upholstery by Alexandre Ligios, Organic Couch
Located in New York, NY
Mirage Sofa by Alexandre Ligios Aliénor fabric base, vanilla cushion upholstery. 118" W x 43.3" D x 36" H (Seat Height: 15.7") The Mirage sofa captivates with its enveloping lines...
Category

2010s Moroccan Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Minimalist Organic Chair in Solid Wood, Upholstered Seating
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." Introducing the Collana Chairs, Armchairs and ottomans Collection, a testament to the...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Minimalist Organic Chair in Solid Wood, camel leather Seating tone
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." Introducing the Collana Chairs, Armchairs and ottomans Collection, a testament to the seamless integration of aest...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Kartell Masters Counter Stool in Chrome by Philippe Starck & Eugeni Quitllet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kartell also offers a stool version of the Masters chair, winner of the Good Design Award 2010 and the Red Dot Award 2013, and a worldwide best seller. The legs are lengthened and th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Pair Late 20th Century Modern Drexel Heritage Swivel Barrel Chairs Orig Fabric
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage modern Drexel Heritage swivel barrel chairs with original contemporary style mauve, green & beige bird fabric, a pair. Beautiful conditio...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Corolla 270 White Armchair by Cristina Celestino
Located in Milan, IT
Exuding a sophisticated and delicate flair, this armchair is exquisitely fashioned of refined materials. A unique design by Cristina Celestino, it features a structure in white-lacqu...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile, Beech

Pair of Toad Leather Patchwork Armchairs
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous 1980’s pair of toad leather patchwork arm chairs. Constructed of wood covered with toad leather and lacquered, the seat is off white leather. ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Vintage Military Canvas and Marbled Rust Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Created in 2011, this is the original version of the Inheritance chair. Inspired by the inherent history seen in vintage US Army materials paired with ...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Kissing Armchair, Modern, Sculptural, Rounded, Bronze Metal, Cream 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

Warren Platner for Knoll classic armchair designed 1966
Located in London, GB
Warren Platner studied at Cornell University, graduating in 1941 with a degree in architecture. He went on to work with legendary architects Raymond Loewy, Eero Saarinen, and I. M. P...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Tomb Stag Chair by Rick Owens
Located in Geneve, CH
Tomb Stag Chair by Rick Owens Signed And Numbered Limited Edition Of 8 Pieces Dimensions: D 50 x W 90 x H 80 cm. SH: 46 cm. Materials: Wh...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Antler, Elm

Contemporary Wood Dining Chair by Costantini, Palermo Hollywood, In Stock
Located in New York, NY
Palermo Hollywood Chair in fabric. Measurements are 19" W x 20" D x 32" H x 19" SH Available as shown for immediate delivery or order in any solid wood or finish. Other mater...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

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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