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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 Elettra Armchair in Heidi Fabric with Black Base by B.B.P.R
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A classic of the '50s office, Elettra is the armchair you can't do without. Thanks to its timeless style and its elegant proportions, it adapts perfectly to any environment. The furnishing for office and communal areas, along with houseold furniture, were first created in the fifties, like the Elettra armchair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Contemporary Artisan Counter Bar Stool Navy Blue Leather & Black Rubber 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

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

Sculptural Contemporary Bar Stool Aged Brass 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

Contemporary Table Bar Stool w Backrest Black Smoke Metal & Dark Brown 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

Chair / Table Height Stool w. Backrest Old Silver Steel & Navy Blue 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

Contemporary Handmade Chaise Lounge & Ottoman Aged Brass Metal & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Wanderlust chaise lounge and footstool aged brass steel and black vegetable leather Serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Set of 4 Stacking Chairs Made in Sweden by Lammhults Mobel
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

Radical Postmodern Brown Velvet Armchair Delirio
Located in Almería, ES
The Delirio Armchair is pure, untamed expression. With a form that resists expectation and radiates bold confidence, it’s a piece that invites you to imagine, to play, and to live fu...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Kurvor Counter Stool in Oiled Rift Sawn Red Oak by Samantha Brueggen for Wooda
Located in Omro, WI
Inspired by the contours of the land in the Driftless Region of SW Wisconsin, Kurvor’s draping front edge is the focal point of the design. Bound together by tension and compression,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

21st Century, Modern, Maçka Corner Chair, Stainless Steel Structure & Seating
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

Stainless Steel

Sculptural Kitchen Counter Bar Stool w Backrest Old Silver Metal Cognac Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary counter 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Load Chair by Emilio Nanni
Located in Milan, IT
A timeless design object, the Load chair is inspired by Scandinavian design and brings to life a new idea about the meaning of contemporary.? The chair is made from solid beechwood.?...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 3 Contemporary Counter Bar Stool Old Silver Metal & Dark Brown 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

Pair Contemporary Bar Stool Aged Brass Metal & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary barstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned metal ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Kitchen Counter Bar Stool Backrest Black Smoke Metal & Natural Tobacco Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary counter 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Rock Chair with Yellow Leather Seat by Marc Sadler
By Da A
Located in Milan, IT
A striking showcase of craftsmanship, this chair is distinguished for its unique combination of colors, materials, and ergonomic silhouette. Perfect for both a private studio and com...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Croissant 571 Azure Chair by Emilio Nanni
Located in Milan, IT
As inviting as an embrace, exclusive as an haute-couture, colorful dress. This chair by Emilio Nanni - characterized by the crossing of wooden elements under the seat distinctive of ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile, Beech

Contemporary Custom Lacquer Dining Chair
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Handcrafted dining chair upholstered in misty mauve alpaca velvet, structure in black mate lacquered wood. The rounded backrest and extra wide seat offers an ultimate comfortable din...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Lacquer

Sculptural Kitchen Counter Bar Stool w Backrest Brass Metal & Dark Brown Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary counter 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Sculptural Organic Contemporary Bar Stool Old Silver Metal & Black 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

Organic Contemporary Kitchen Counter Bar Stool Black 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

1980s Postmodern Sculptural Arc Chairs - a Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
These chairs are incredible. Very heavy with a wooden swivel base in excellent condition. Use as is or redo in glue favorite fabric. DIMENSIONS: 32ʺW × 32ʺD × 31ʺH STYLES: Modern...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Pair Contemporary Bar Stool Black Smoke Metal & Natural Tobacco Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary barstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned metal ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 3 Contemporary Bar Stool Aged Brass Metal & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary barstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned metal ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Croissant Chair by Emilio Nanni #1
Located in Milan, IT
A crucial thought. A refined sense of belonging unites the entire Croissant collection, a recurring design, the crosspiece which distinguishes all the seating. From the dining table to lounge areas, from restaurant bars...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair Contemporary Counter Bar Stool Aged Brass Metal & Natural 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

Pair Classic Contemporary Bar Stool Aged Brass Steel & Natural Tobacco Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary barstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned metal ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair Classic Contemporary Bar Stool Silver Aged Metal & Dark Brown Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary barstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned metal ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 3 Contemporary Bar Stool Black Smoke Metal & Natural Tobacco Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary barstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned metal ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

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

Set of 3 Contemporary Kitchen Counter Barstool Black Metal, 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 Adjustable Bar Stool No. 1 by Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
Eileen Gray designed bar stools in several variations. The Bar Stool No. 1 is the simplest and most handsome of them all. It initially found itself, along with the folding mirror Cas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair Kitchen Counter Bar Stool Brass Metal Dark Brown Leather Contemporary Style
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

Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH Bodystuhl Chair in Black with Woven Cane Seat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Thanks to the striking effect of the steam-bent beech, the Bodystuhl chair proposed by Nigel Coates shows a profile showing sinuous shapes characterized by a structure with variable thickness. The large seat and the ergonomic backrest, made in woven cane, recall shapes and materials of Lehnstuhl, already designed by the English designer for Wiener GTV Design...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 3 Contemporary Counter Bar Stool Aged Brass Metal Natural 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

Classic Elegant Contemporary Bar Stool Black Smoke Metal & Dark Brown Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary barstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned metal ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 8 ROWLING chairs, Available Now
Located in Frazão, Porto
Set of 8 ROWLING chairs: STOCK UNITS - Available for immediate delivery Rowling is a chair entirely upholstered in fabric, equipped with an enveloping backrest that in the back has ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Set of 3 Classic Contemporary Counter Bar Stool Aged Brass Metal & Black 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 Kitchen Counter Bar Stool Black Smoke Steel & Navy Blue 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 Kitchen Counter Bar Stool, Black Metal & Dark Brown 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

Vintage Modern Leather and Steel BoConcept Jet Chair
Located in East Freetown, MA
Pair of heavy steel and leather BoConcept arm chairs. Finely detailed with sturdy steel base.
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 2 Kartell Smatrik Outdoor Chair in Black by Tokujin Yoshioka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The constant interplay of design and technological innovation has led to the creation of Smatrik, the latest interpretation of a chair, designed by Tokujin Yoshioka. It has an innova...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

New York Outdoor Sofa in Vip Grey Upholstery with White Legs by Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
New York Sofa outdoor is the result of careful research into materials so as to preserve the uniqueness of the original design. It features a painted tubular metal frame specifically treated for outdoor use. The ergonomic cushion is covered in a quick-drying, non-absorbent technical fabric, and its great performance in the Martindale test guarantees abrasion resistance as well as hygienic breathability. The cushions are filled with quick-draining polyurethane, with a waterproof white cover. New York outdoor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

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

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

Set Contemporary Chaise Lounge & Footstool Old Silver Metal & Navy Blue Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Contemporary chaise lounge & footstool old silver steel and blue saddle leather. Wanderlust Collection Serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Modern Dining Chair ‘Motto’ by WOO – Sculptural Designer Chair with Armrests
Located in Kyiv, UA
Motto Dining Chair with Armrests – Modern Elegance and Personalized Comfort Elevate your space with the Motto Dining Chair with Armrests, a perfect balance of modern elegance and ev...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set Artisan Chaise Lounge & Footstool Aged Brass Steel & Navy Blue Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Contemporary style Wanderlust Coll. Chaise longue aged brass steel and navy blue leather. Serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-t...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Organic Design Contemporary Bar Stool Aged Brass 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

"Lilly" Chair, in Solid Wood and Customized Handwoven
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
Inspired by Lilly Reich, a renowned German interior designer and architect whose work had a significant impact on the history of modern design. Alessandra transforms this reference into an elegant and light wooden chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Velvet, Polyester, Wood, Bouclé

Set of 2 Kartell Venice Chairs in Glossy White by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A tribute to the city of Venice in a chair for both the table and the living room, which combines classic lines with comfort. Venice is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

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

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Low Sass Stool from Souda, Dining Chair, Seating, Shape A
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 'A', which is the stool in the first image. 'B...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Ash, Wood

Customizable ClassiCon Non Conformist Chair by Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
It piques and provokes what one might expect of it, and yet it is inexplicably aesthetic and harmonious - a nonconformist on velvet paws. Eileen Gray commented quite pragmatically on...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Minimalist modern Chair in natural solid wood upholstered textile seating
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Evo Chair collection. Our Evo collection is based in the harmonic fusion between geometrical forms and the modern interpretation of wood archetypes. All elements that compose ...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Hardwood, Textile, Upholstery

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

Bar Stool w. Backrest Old Silver Metal & Natural Tobacco Leather Organic Design
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Hug arm bar stool old silver steel and vegetable tanned natural tobacco saddler leather The hug arm bar stool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Kitchen Counter Bar Stool Backrest Black Smoke Steel Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary counter 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Kitchen Counter Barstool with Backrest Old Silver Metal and Navy Blue Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary counter 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary 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.

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