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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
21st Century Babel Travel Chair in Fabric and Metal by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
The iconic piece, part of the “Nomadic Story”, inspired by travels in India and Western Asia, in which the power of symbolic language is expressed through the masterful use of fabrics and of the brand’s quintessential pattern, Paisley. The Babel seat has a shape reminiscent of that of a foldable travel chair...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Pair Classic Contemporary Bar Stool w Backrest Cognac Leather Black Rubber Metal
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary stool belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as t...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Customizable ClassiCon Monte Carlo Sofa by Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
Eileen Gray‘s perhaps most exclusive sofa radiates an allure from which no beholder can escape. The soft curve, the most unusual lines of the backrest make the Monte Carlo an incomp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Fabric
Set of 3 Artisan Counter Bar Stool w Backrest Cognac Leather, Black Rubber Metal
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary stool belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as t...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
21st Century Limbo Armchair in Fabric by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Chic and inviting, the Limbo armchair seduces with its vintage charm, enriched by the upholstery available in different materials in the collection. The armchair has a compact and en...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Foam
Octavia Chair, Green & Multicolor by Laun
Located in Geneve, CH
Octavia chair, green & multicolor by Laun (handmade in Los Angeles)
Dawn Collection
Dimensions: H.79 D.107 W.79 cm
Materials: brushed aluminum or painted fiberglass, polished aluminum feet, indoor/outdoor faabric
Also available: Octavia Chair Silver and Green, custom sizing, and finishes upon request.
Taking inspiration from the vivid symbolism in Octavia Butler...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Customizable Artifort Orange Slice Armchair in Blue by Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
The orange slice armchair by designer Pierre Paulin is one of the most popular design armchairs in the world. The iconic armchair makes every roo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Textile
Cow Horn Mixed Wood Chair, by Knud Færch from Warm Nordic
By Knud Faerch
Located in Viby J, DK
The cow horn chair is an iconic 1960s chair and a sculptural masterpiece for design lovers, created by the internationally renowned Danish furniture designer, Knud Færch. The cow hor...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Slovenian Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
21st Century Levity Armchair in Green Jacquard Fabric by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
A light and refined design for Levity armchairs. Their eclectic style is expressed in retro inspiration combined with contemporary aesthetics. The minimalist structure that gives lif...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Leather Black Alfie Lounge Chair by Melis Tatlicibasi
Located in Geneve, CH
Leather Black Alfie Lounge Chair by Melis Tatlicibasi
Dimensions: W 65 x w 65 x H 85 cm
Materials: Leather.
Also available in upholstery, boucle, velvet or leather, base painted br...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Layer 093 Lounge Chair by Michael Geldmacher
Located in Milan, IT
The natural beauty of ash is preserved in this refined lounge chair designed by Michael Geldmacher. Elegant lines define the chair's structure, fashioned of solid ash tinted in mahog...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Textile, Ash
Swift Easy Chair, Modern Spindle Back Walnut and Rope Woven Lounge Chair
Located in Stevenson, WA
With a high spindle back and handcrafted bridle joinery clearly displayed, the Swift Easy Chair frame is studio favorite. Each Swift is a complex build for a skilled craftsperson: th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Rope, Hardwood
Italian modern chairs Plia by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern chairs Plia by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s
Pair of folding chairs model Plia with square seat and rectangular backrest, in transparent ABS plastic. T...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
21st Century Maclaine Armchair in Print Fabric by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
With a distinctive 1950s style, the exuberant and refined armchair lends a chic and contemporary touch to the living room. Maclaine comes in different finishings; in this case, it is...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Contemporary Bar stool w. Backrest Nuit Noir Metal & Natural Tan Tobacco Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary collection belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned meta...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of 4 Stacking Chairs Made in Sweden by Lammhults Mobel
By Lammhults
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice set of 4 stacking chairs designed and manufactured in Sweden by Lammhults Mobel AB, made in May 2005. The chairs can be used as dining chairs, off...
Category
Early 2000s Swedish Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Customizable Gray Upholstered Lounge Chair with Graphite Frame – Mono Collection
Located in Miami, FL
A bold, sculptural occasional chair with a graphite-finished metal frame and firm charcoal grey upholstery, the Mono chair offers a commanding yet streamlined presence. *Please check...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of 2 Handmade Contemporary Chair Cognac Leather & Black Rubbered Metal
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary armchair belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such a...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of 6 Sunpan Ajani Olive Green and Brass Contemporary Modern Dining Armchairs
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A set of 6 Sunpan "Ajani" dining armchairs. A lovely set of contemporary modern dining chairs. Each of these beautiful armchairs feature a full iron frame with a unique, textured ant...
Category
20th Century Indian Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Sculptural Arm Chair
By American of High Point
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Geometric Bentwood Style Mid-Century Chair custom made by HighPoint Furniture NC. Angular framing constructed from Walnut & upholstered in a STEEL BLUE fabric supported by high quality medium density foam. Est. production from the 1970's High Point Furniture...
Category
20th Century American Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Customizable Dining Chair Designed For Exceptional Comfort
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This stylish and versatile piece of furniture is known for its contemporary design and exceptional comfort. Created to blend modern aesthetics with ergonomic functionality, key featu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Modern Dining Chair with Caned Back in Exotic Wood by Costantini, Recoleta
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Recoleta Modern Dining Chair with Caned Back in Exotic Wood and COM/COL by Costantini
The Recoleta Chair is named for one of the oldest and illustrious neighborhoods of Buenos Aires...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Nanna Ditzel Pair of Vintage Trinidad Chairs
Located in Bochum, NRW
A pair of Trinidad Chairs, designed by Nanna Ditzel for Fredericia Furniture, Denmark, in 1993.
Shell-shaped chair, stackable, Seat and back with cutouts, made of bent wood with elon...
Category
Early 2000s Danish Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Contemporary Alae Lounge Chair in Velvet with Decorative Nails and Walnut Legs
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Alae is available as a wing or lounge chair and features sleek sculptural lines. The seat is softened perfectly with a luxurious feather and down wrapped cushion. The Alae lounge...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Chairs
Materials
Wool, Walnut
Arflex Cross High Backrest Armchair in Blue Steelcut Fabric by Marcello Cuneo
By Marcello Cuneo, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The seat was born from a very simple idea: two tubes bent into a “U” shape and connected together by a joint.
Additional information:
Materials: Upholstered seat with Black Metal Frame
Color: Steelcut 2 Col...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Modern Outdoor Dining Chair in Stainless Steel with Elegant Gold Plating
By Myface
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Nodo outdoor Dining chair
The Nodo dining chair is the perfect fusion of style and functionality, elevating any contemporary dining space with it...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH Czech Armchair in Dark Walnut with Plywood Seat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed in 1994, the Hermann Czech chair represents the turning point of modern furniture towards the passion of reminiscence and intimacy: a contemporary design that evokes memorie...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Contemporary Fei Tian Wen Chair in Repoussé Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fei Tian Wen Chair
Antique Copper
Wood Base
Hand Repoussé
Limited Edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decora...
Category
2010s Modern Chairs
Materials
Copper
Trouvailles Furniture Glossy Varnished and Upholstered Accent Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Trouvailles Furniture Co. Glossy Varnished and Upholstered Accent Chair. Measures 18" in width, 23" in depth, 35" in h3ight with a seat height of 18".
Category
20th Century American Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Outdoor Pigalle Easy Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Outdoor pigalle easy armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue.
Materials: Polyethelene, Steel.
Also available in other colors and for indoors. Prices for upholstery and fabric upon request.
...
Category
2010s Philippine Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Blue and Gold Bruda Chair & Bench Set (IN STOCK)
Located in New York, NY
Available for pick up at the NY showroom of Elan Atelier.
Armchair and bench with polished gold bronze frame and marine silk linen upholstery. The frames are cast in bronze using th...
Category
2010s Modern Chairs
Materials
Bronze
Nodi Chair by Officina Ciani & Ciarmoli Queda Studio
Located in Milan, IT
This indoor chair is an exercise in elegant minimalism. It is the result of a collaboration between Officina Ciani and Ciarmoli Queda Studio and will be a unique accent piece in any ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Dining Chair NAI by WOO
Located in Kyiv, UA
NAI Chair – Human-Centered Design for Modern Interiors
The NAI Chair (“NO AI”) is a bold statement piece that celebrates human creativity in an age dominated by artificial intelligen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Kartell Masters Bar Stool in Black 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 the seat is shrunk, but the frame's unmistakable graphic look, created by the weave of the silhouettes of three iconic chairs, remains the same. Masters Stool...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Dining Chair NAI by WOO
Located in Kyiv, UA
NAI Chair – Human-Centered Design for Modern Interiors
The NAI Chair (“NO AI”) is a bold statement piece that celebrates human creativity in an age dominated by artificial intelligen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Dining Chair NAI by WOO
Located in Kyiv, UA
NAI Chair – Human-Centered Design for Modern Interiors
The NAI Chair (“NO AI”) is a bold statement piece that celebrates human creativity in an age dominated by artificial intelligen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Pair of Leather and Wood Chairs Designed by Olivier De Schrijver
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous pair of leather chairs date from the early 1990s. Designed by Olivier De Schrijver, the Belgian contemporary artist, who was born in 1958.
This model is called 'Holl...
Category
1990s Belgian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Rombo Outdoor Green Chair with Armrests
Located in Milan, IT
With its soft and sinuous lines, this stainless steel chair, zinc-plated and powder coated in light green, will make the perfect addition to your patio table. Its retro, vintage-insp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Gesture Two-Tone Fully Upholstered Chair in Black, by Hans Olsen for Warm Nordic
By Hans Olsen
Located in Viby J, DK
This beautiful, moulded Gesture chair, designed in the 1950s, was the work of the acclaimed Danish architect, Hans Olsen. With its welcoming design, the Gesture chair creates a warm ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Warm Nordic Gesture Monochrome Fully Upholstered Lounge Chair in Teak Oak
By Hans Olsen
Located in Viby J, DK
Now the distinctive 1950s gesture design is also available as a sculptural lounge chair. The popular moulded design was the brainchild of the renowned Danish architect Hans Olsen, wh...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Capotavola Solid Wood Chair, Walnut in Natural Grey Finish, Contemporary
By Dale Italia
Located in Cadeglioppi de Oppeano, VR
The Capotavola solid wood chair embodies the refined elegance of Italian design. Made in Italy by hand, it features solid canaletto walnut structure with acrylic finish and lining in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Walnut
21st Century Tahiti Armchair in Print Fabric by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
An unmistakable luxury-glam charm for the Tahiti armchair featuring thin, glossy gold finished legs. Available in the new jacquard fabrics with lynx pattern or Charlize print with pa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of 3 Counter Height Stool w. Backrest Black Leather & Black Rubber Metal
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary stool belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as t...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
An Authentic EARLY MODERNIST Chair by ROBERT MALLET-STEVENS, TUBOR, France 1925
Located in PARIS, FR
We are presenting 2 rare pieces on sale one by one on 1stDibs :
the earliest and rarely seen version of the iconic Tubor chair created by French Architect Robert Mallet-Stevens, cert...
Category
1920s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Phloem Studio Zoe Chair, Modern Maple Dining Chair with Leather Upholstery
Located in Stevenson, WA
Phloem Studio Zoe chair is a modern contemporary solid wood armchair handmade custom to order.
Zoe is a highly crafted, highly comfortable lightweight armcha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Hardwood
Set of 6 Counter Stool with Backrest Dark Brown Leather & Black Rubbered Metal
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary armchair belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such a...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Bruda Armchair in Polished Gold Bronze with Marine Silk by Elan Atelier IN STOCK
By Elan Atelier
Located in New York, NY
Available now and ready to ship!
Polished gold bronze bruda armchair with marine silk by Elan Atelier
Handmade using the lost wax cast method, ...
Category
2010s Unknown Modern Chairs
Materials
Bronze
ISU Highback Handcrafted Textured Metal Chair by Soraya Osorio
Located in Vero Beach, FL
ISU Highback chair has a handcrafted satin grazed textured metal finish that sheens when exposed to light. The 1.50" high seat cushion is a lustrous black hair on hide. COM accepted...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Wooden Chair by Alessandro Guerriero for Alchimia Re-design Collection
Located in Milan, Italy
Chair re-designed by Alessandro Guerriero for the Alchimia Redesign Collection. The piece is hand-painted with a decoration by Alessandro Guerriero. ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Set of 4 Lolita Dining Chair with Arms by Porada, 21st Century
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Italy,
- made of fabric and wood,
- shows signs of use,
- seat height 48 cm,
- original condition, suitable for changing fabric.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Katy Dining Chair
Located in Westport, CT
Dining chair with dark Wenge stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back.
Priced with fabric as shown in primary photo.
This chair can be customized in any way including C...
Category
2010s European Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
1970s Nicos Zographos Bucket Swivel Armchair in White Leather Polished Stainless
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (four chairs are available, though the price listed is for each chair) bucket chair designed by Nicos Zographos and produced by Zographos Designs circa mi...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Cedar Wood Dining Chair with Faux Leather Upholstery
Located in Cairo, EG
Cedar Wood Dining Chair with Faux Leather Upholstery.
It’s Simply Modern! Relax in an elegant chair with a curved silhouette for a cozy experience. It is made of Cedar wood and cushi...
Category
2010s Egyptian Modern Chairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Cedar
Modern Laurence Dining Chairs, Nubuck Leather, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
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
Velvet, Linen, Bouclé, Mohair, Leather, Wood
21st Century Wynwood Chair in Leather by Gianfranco Ferré Home
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
A minimalist aesthetic and a comfortable seat are emphasized by the sensual nubuck upholstery for the Wynwood chair. Height, size and design are studied to complement refined but sob...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Foam, Wood
Contemporary Dining Chair with Curved Wooden Arms
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Structure and frame
Seat, legs and arms in solid wood. These are assembled on a steel chassis that shapes the backrest. Solid wood plank seat with high-density rubber surface ensure...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Customizable ClassiCon Euvira Lounge Chair by Jader Almeida
Located in New York, NY
With the Euvira lounge chair, Jader Almeida continues the tradition of the great Brazilian design masters of the 1960s and 1970s with superior ease; at t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of Contemporary Easy Chairs, Wood and Fabric, Italy
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of contemporary easy chairs, wood and fabric, Italy.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, 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.