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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Gaulino dining chair by Oscar Tusquets, Spanish contemporary design natural ash
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Gaulino Chair is one of the best designs by Oscar Tusquets and has become an iconic Spanish design. Made exclusively from wood and leather, the name comes from the influences th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Ash
Croissant 572 Beige Lounge Chair by Emilio Nanni
Located in Milan, IT
This sophisticated lounge chair in solid beech invites to take a seat while enjoying the company of a good book. Tinted in cement gray, the ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Beech
Vienna, Chair Contemporary Design in Walnut and Straw, Beige Upholstered Seat
Located in Milan, Lombardy
Vienna is an extraordinarily comfortable and elegant chair designed by Emmanuel Gallina who loves to quote Brancusi when saying that “simplicity is complexity resolved”. Inspired to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Straw, Beech
Set Contemporary Chaise Lounge & Footstool Black Metal Natural Tan Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Chaise longue and footstool black smoke steel and natural tobacco leather, Modern style, Wanderlust collection.
Serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small deta...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass, Steel
Set of 6 Stackable Chairs by Iskos-Berlin for Hay Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of 6 side or dining chairs designed by Iskos-Berlin for Hay furniture.
The chairs are stackable which are perfect for small spaces.
Molded plywood seat and back; tu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Plywood
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
Contemporary Kitchen Counter Bar Stool Black Metal & Natural Tobacco Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Counter stool in black smoke polished steel and Natural Tobacco saddle leather.
The phrases "Less is more" and "God is in the detail" from the German-American architect and industri...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Lever Dining Chair in Natural Oak
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The hardness and symmetry of structure is the main concept of the Lever collection. The chair is composed of wood panels that encompass a soft, oversized cushion pads to create a har...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Oak
Fauteuil végétal Erwan et Ronan Bouroullec, vitra
Located in SAINT-SEVER, FR
Fauteuil végétal Erwan et Ronan Bouroullec édition vitra
Conçue pour une utilisation à l'extérieur, la chaise Vegetal est résistante aux intempéries et empilable pour des raisons pr...
Category
1990s French Modern Chairs
Materials
PVC
Silhouette Dining Chair, Rif & Oak, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Iron Design Award Winner for Furniture Design at the A’Design Award Competition 2023-2024
Silhouette is a surreal reminiscence of a woman’s sensual curves that arise designed in an ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Oak
Kyo Stool Chair
By Emmemobili
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Kyo Stool – Design by Giuliano & Gabriele Cappelletti
The Kyo Stool echoes the signature curved, embracing lines of the Kyo collection. Its distinctive horseshoe-shaped metal base—va...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet
Kartell Madame Chair in New York Print by Philippe Starck and La Double J
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Thanks to its neutral colour palette, this chair makes the ideal furniture piece for inserting in sophisticated residential interiors or the most refined contract projects.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Contemporary Tux Chair in Moon Melton Earth Fire Wool with Walnut Legs
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Tux Chair is our contemporary interpretation of the Classic Chesterfield. The deep buttoning and tailored detailing make this piece a personal favourite. Shown here upholstered in Moon Melton Earth Fire...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Chairs
Materials
Wool, Walnut
Wilson Chair by Eloi Schultz
Located in Geneve, CH
Wilson chair by Eloi Schultz
Materials: Solid European Walnut with Waxed finish
Dimensions: H94 x 60 x 60 cm
Eloi Schultz graduated as an architect at the Ecole Nationale de la Villette...
Category
2010s Belgian Modern Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Patine Chair in Brown Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Patine Chair infuses cool modern metal with the finesse of a past era. With its plush channeled design, the rolls are loved for the comfort and the chic contrast of rich leather ...
Category
2010s Asian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
INVICTA Dining Chair in velvet with contrasting piping
Located in Frazão, Porto
The INVICTA chair by Casa Magna is a captivating piece that combines bold design with exceptional craftsmanship. This iconic chair features a striking si...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Lacquer
Modern Margot Dining Chairs, Nubuck Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Margot Chair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
The Margot leather dining chair stands as a contemporary piece that redefines the standards of modern...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Velvet, Bouclé, Fabric
Frenchkiss Low-Backed Wooden-Legged Chair by Stefano Bigi
Located in Milan, IT
This inviting, attractive chair stands out for being elegant and comfortable at the same time. Its base is composed of four wooden legs in natural ash and features a steel shell cove...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Oscar Swivel Armchair
By Guerra Vanni
Located in Milan, IT
With a remarkably contemporary and cosmopolitan flavor, this stylish Oscar collection swivel armchair makes a stunning addition to any decor that s...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Textile
Sculptural Organic Contemporary Bar Stool Black Smoke Metal & Dark Brown Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary barstool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the double 3.5 ...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Vienna Armchair Contemporary Design in Walnut and Straw, Black Upholstered Seat
Located in Milan, Lombardy
Vienna is an extraordinarily comfortable and elegant armchair designed by Emmanuel Gallina who loves to quote Brancusi when saying that “simplicity is complexity resolved”. Inspired ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Straw, Beech
Pasqualina Relax Armchair by Grassi & Bianchi
Located in Milan, IT
The comfortable Relax armchair is covered in silk-gray leather over a tubular steel frame. Other colors and finishings are available, guaranteeing it wi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Secreto Armchair, Black Lacquered Beech Wood, Contemporary Design
By Lorenz+Kaz
Located in Milan, Lombardy
Modern and traditional, at the same time. Important table chair; elegant and informal at once. A compact lounge chair for the living room if neces...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Paint, Beech
Lammhults Corso Chair in Black Leather by Peter Andersen
Located in Basildon, London
This black leather Corso chair by Lammhults, crafted in 2005, combines modern design with luxurious comfort. The sleek metal frame and high-quality leather make it a standout piece. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Customizable Artifort Kalm Armchair with Wooden Base by Patrick Norguet
Located in New York, NY
Kalm is Artifort’s large, new cosy armchair by our French designer Patrick Norguet. It is a sanctuary in its own right, a place to unwind and get comfortable. With Kalm, Patrick Norg...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Textile
Modern Laurence OUTDOORS Chairs, DEDAR Fabric, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Laurence Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Laurence outdoors chair is an artistic tribute to the essence of femininity in contempor...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood, Velvet, Linen, Bouclé, Mohair, Fabric
Customizable Leather ClassiCon Satish Bar Stool by Eckart Muthesius
Located in New York, NY
The palace of Maharajah Shri Yeshwant Rao Holkar Bahadur was located in far-away India, yet it was equipped with the latest in modern finesse from a western lifestyle. This included ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
6 chaises de Philippe Starck pour KARTELL
Located in PARIS, FR
La collaboration entre Philippe Starck et Kartell dans les années 1990 a donné naissance à une série de chaises révolutionnaires, notamment celles en polycarbonate rouge et transpare...
Category
1990s French Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Ekosi Dark Brown Roasted Ash and Leather Floor Chair
By Brett Paulin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The ekosi chair is a perfect example of the power of simplicity. In this design, we've stripped our floor chair down to its core elements in order to create a piece that is both eleg...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Ash
21st Century Inanda Chair in Leather by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
A comfortable chair with an exclusive design, characterized by leather upholstery and special pleating with metal piercings that recalls the bags and accessories of the Maison.
Inan...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Foam
Italian Modern Emanuel Gargano and Anton Cristell for Amura Panis Dining Chair
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The fabulous Panis chair was designed by Emanuel Gargano and Anton Cristell and handcrafted in Italy by Amura.
The swift and essential lines shape the entire Panis chair, creating vi...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Arches II Dining Chair, Fusion & Steel, Insidherland by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
The Arches II dining chair is designed in the likeness of the architectural scale that suggests a crossing through the structures of a utopian city, organized by the principles of symmetry and ideal forms...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel, Metal
Peninsula Lounge Chair, Modern Wood and Leather Sling Chair with Brass Details
Located in Stevenson, WA
Phloem Studio Peninsula chair is a modern contemporary handcrafted leather sling lounge chair. The hand crafted solid white oak frame holds the heavy weight bridle leather sling in p...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Shaker Counter Stool, by AMBROZIA, Sedona Leather, Blackened Steel, Oxidized Oak
By AMBROZIA
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The shaker modern counter stool chair is handmade to order. Featuring our optional Luxurious Blackened steel frame and a Genuine leather seat and back. Also offered in COM or COL. In...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian 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
Early Kaare Klint Red Chairs in Cuban Mahogany, circa 1930s
Located in Oakland, CA
Early model "Red" chairs model 3758 designed by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen c1930s with original Niger leather with brass nails on Cuban Mahogany frames. Very rare design with orig...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Sass Counter Stool from Souda, Dining Chair, Seating, Shape C
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1 Sass stool from Souda. We offer three different shapes (A, B, & C). This listing is for 'C', which is the stool in the first image.
The Sottsass inspired “Sass...
Category
2010s American Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Ash
"Q-bo - Rockin Chair" by Luis Ricaurte, Edition of 20 Numbered Pieces
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
"Q-bo - Rockin Chair" designed under the geometric concept of a cube, exclusive edition of 20/20 pieces, in the Graphic Research Laboratory (LIG), CDMX. M...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
Customizable Artifort F585 High Chair by Geoffrey D. Harcourt RDI
Located in New York, NY
In 1967, Harcourt designed a series of swivel armchairs with trumpet bases, based on a shellshaped template. The shell is large enough to curl up in and is the paragon of his philosophy that “the chair should focus on the person, and not the other way around.” To begin with, there are different versions of the chair for men...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Textile
Secreto Armchair, Contemporary Design in solid natural beech made in Italy
By Lorenz+Kaz
Located in Milan, Lombardy
Modern and traditional, at the same time. Important table chair; elegant and informal at once. A lounge chair for the living room if necessa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Paint, Beech
Chair Dining Room Armchair Gold Cast Bronze Mirror Polished Collectible Design
Located in Ancona, Marche
"Alpemare" is an exclusive sculptural armchair made of cast bronze, in a very limited series of 12 pieces. Its construction takes place in the same foundry that built the majestic doors of the baptistery in piazza del duomo in Florence. The sinuous shapes interpenetrate as if they were of liquid metal, creating a beautiful fluid and reflective effect.
The Alpemare chair has participated in the most important art and design fairs: The Salon Art...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Bronze
Pair Artisanal Classic Contemporary Chair Navy Blue Leather & Black Rubber 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
Rock Red Lounge Chair with Gray Leather Seat by Marc Sadler
By Da A
Located in Milan, IT
The lounge armchair from the Rock series is a large and welcoming piece of functional decor boasting an ergonomic and bold character. Entirely crafted of red aluminum, the seat is su...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of 4 Contemporary Artisan Bar Stool Cognac Leather & Black Rubbered Metal
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary counter stool belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details s...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Customizable Artifort Kalm Comfort Lounge Chair by Patrick Norguet
Located in New York, NY
Kalm is a large, cosy armchair designed by Patrick Norguet in 2015. To give you a warmer and more domestic feel, Artifort now brings Kalm Comfort. Developed with extra soft padding a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Textile
Sedus Postmodern Armchair Germany 1990s
By Sedus
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 3 Contemporary Kitchen Counter Bar Stool Aged Brass Metal & Navy Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary counter stool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the double...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pasqualina Chair by Grassi&Bianchi
Located in Milan, IT
This armchair's Minimalist look is emphasized by its slate-colored leather covering. The style also features a tubular steel frame and a metal seat pan covered in black technical fab...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of 3 Contemporary Counter Bar Stool Black Metal & Tobacco Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary counter stool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned m...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Contemporary Tux Chair in Mohair Velvet with Walnut or Oak Legs
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Tux Chair is our contemporary interpretation of the Classic Chesterfield. The deep buttoning and tailored detailing make this piece a personal favourite. Shown here upholstered in Fox Linton...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Chairs
Materials
Mohair, Walnut
Set Sculptural Modern Chaise Lounge & Pouf Aged Brass Metal Natural Tan Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary chaise longue and ottoman is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 16 / 12 mm is complemented by the flexibil...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass, Steel
Contemporary Kitchen Counter Barstool Old Silver Steel & Navy Blue Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary counter stool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the double...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Customizable ClassiCon Munich Armchair by Sauerbruch Hutton
Located in New York, NY
Modern art of the 20th and 21st centuries deserves an appropriate setting, with a building and its furniture that is just as modern. Berlin architects Sauerbruch Hutton were thus fac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Layer 093 Gray Lounge Chair by Michael Geldmacher
Located in Milan, IT
This refined lounge chair designed by Michael Geldmacher is the perfect accent piece where to seat while having stimulating conversations. Elegant and harmonious, its structure is fa...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Textile, Ash
Customizable ClassiCon Euvira Rocking Chair by Jader Almeida
Located in New York, NY
The Euvira rocking chair by Jader Almeida is a masterful blend of yesterday and today, lightness and solidity. With its precisely orchestrated flowing li...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
Classic 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
Organic Design Contemporary Bar Stool Old Silver Metal & Natural Tobacco Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary barstool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the double 3.5 ...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Table Height Contemporary Stool w Backrest Black Metal & Natural Tobacco Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary table stool with backrest is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility o...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
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.