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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Iconic Eero Aarnio Giant Ball Chair
Located in New York, NY
he Leather Ball Chair Designed by Eero Aarnio 1963 Designed by Eero Aarnio 1963 Designed by Eero Aarnio 1963 Designed by Eero Aarnio 1963 The Ball Chair was designed in the early 196...
Category

2010s Finnish Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

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

Pair of White Wash Lounge Chairs by Michael Taylor
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980s Pair of “Douglas” Lounge Chairs by Michael Taylor. Constructed of white washed wood and rush with new down filled off white chenille f...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Pine, Rush

Minimalist Modern Chair in Natural Solid Wood
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 the chair are precisely engineered to input full hardwood blocks to a Hybrid 5-Axis CNC milling machine...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

Roly Poly Polyethylene Armchair with Cushions, 1stdibs Gallery Showroom Sample
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The distinctive, reassuringly chunky lines of Faye Toogood’s Roly-Poly furniture collection become even more inviting in her new collaboration with Driade. The latest line for the It...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Plastic

Modern Designer Studio Crafted Rocking Chair Rocker Mid-Century Style
Located in Wayne, NJ
Studio crafted rocking chair rocker. At the front the seat height is 19 1/4". At it's lowest point, towards the back it is 10 1/8". This is ...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Sculptural chairs by Yves Pagart
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Très jolie chaises zoomorphe par Yves Pagart, Nos chaises sont issues d’une édition limitée de 16. Elles sont signées, datées et numérotées. Elles sont e...
Category

1990s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

INVICTA dining chair with one back foot in Solid Wood
Located in Frazão, Porto
The INVICTA dining chair is a unique piece, and the impressive design with just one leg in the back, in solid wood, will make the dining room a so...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Lacquer

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

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Stag Chair by Rick Owens
Located in Geneve, CH
Stag Chair by Rick Owens Signed And Numbered Limited Edition Of 4 Pieces Dimensions: D 69 x W 87 x H 127 cm. SH: 46 cm. Materials: Burnt and panted plywood and moose antler. Rick Ow...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Antler, Plywood

Minimalist Modern Chair in Natural Solid Wood Upholstered Seating with Arms
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

Textile, Upholstery, Hardwood

Teddy Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Teddy chair is our first official seating piece. The upholstered, tubular legs contour up and around the seat cushion, transitioning from leg, to arm, ...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Faux Fur

Teddy Chair
Teddy Chair
$6,800 / item
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

Plia chair designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli
Located in Athens, Attiki
Plia chair with smoked brown transparent plexi glass, 1980s. Designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli in 1967. It's an award-winning design classic. With...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

MARILYN Modern dining chair
Located in Frazão, Porto
The welcoming shape of the revolutionary MARILYN chair was thought to envelop you in a deep sense of comfort. The bold design finds balance in the relax...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Faux Leather, Wood

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: Ba...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Other

Saturn Pouffe Small, Bronze Oxidized Steel Ivory Boucle, by Lara Bohinc in stock
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
The equally singular Saturn pouffe utilizes the same gathered bilboquet seat construction, to create a more simplified but still incredibly distinctive f...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Contemporary Dining Chair in Natural Solid Wood by Ania Wolowska
Located in PARQUE INDUSTRIAL OTHON P BLANCO, Quintana Roo
The Lumi Chair features a firm and minimalist structure. Its seat, slightly elevated above the base, along with its wide and comfortable backrest, offers exceptional comfort. "Lumi,"...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Hardwood, Walnut

Pair of Chrome Sultana stackable chairs by Arrben Itay
Located in Rümmingen, BW
Important Care Information: When purchasing a chair, stool, table, or any other piece of furniture that stands on the floor, please inspect the legs and underside before use. Ensure ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of 2 Kartell Audrey Chair by Piero Lissoni in Sand
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Audrey is a versatile and contemporary chair which because of its simple, clean lines obtained through a special die-casting process is composed of only two parts and made without we...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Portugal Chair No.1
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Portugal Chair No1, designed in 2024 This chair is part of a series with eight different designs with a graphic shaped backrest and structural legs. Hand-carved in solid walnut by s...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Portugal Chair No.1
Portugal Chair No.1
$3,330 / item
White Oak Dining Chair with Leather Seat or Dining Chair GH2
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Reminiscent of an old farmhouse chair, the dining chair GH2 is second in the collection of chairs designed for the restaurant Auburn in Los Angeles. The piece is handcrafted by our team of local craftsmen and upholstered in any of our standard Klein Home...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Kartell Masters Counter 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

Willy Rizzo saddle leather chair cognac Cidue - 1970s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Willy Rizzo saddle leather chair cognac Cidue - 1970/80s Chair - Willy Rizzo - Italian design Measures : 46cmx46cm H:80cm SH:44cm Material : Base material: steel frame covered with l...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Modern Anjos Dining Chairs, Burgundy Leather, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Anjos Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Anjos dining chair captures the essence of the cascading waters of the Anjos waterfall on M...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mohair, Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Wood, Beech, Oak, Walnut

Woven Lounge Chair in Ivory Fabric by La Maison Pierre Frey
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Modernist chair designed by Goncalo Compos for Pierre Frey. The armchair features a suspended backrest with graphic angular lines against a round base. Completely upholstered in Pier...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile, Upholstery, Beech

Tulip 769-S Chair, Eero Saarinen, Knoll, 1955
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Tulip chair mod. 769-S, single piece, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll. Produced in the United States, production period 1955 (original design). Structure made of white lacquered ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Chair in Solid Wood, Upholstered in Leather or Textiles
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Dry chair collection. The Dry chair concept is to work in a mixture of distinct references resulting in a modern classic in a dance between the retro and the modern. A heavy and i...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Laminate, Hardwood

Spade Ashwood Corner Chair by Faye Toogood
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Spade chair is an ode to the rural life in the English countryside in which designer Faye Toogood grew up and had her first encounters with shapes and colors of the natural world. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Frenchkiss Low-Back Counter Stool by Stefano Bigi
Located in Milan, IT
Designed and made in Italy, this counter stool combines a sleek, modern design with natural wooden legs for a style that is both elegant and welcoming. Its thin, spindly legs seem to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

1970s Pop Casalino Chair by Alexander Begge
Located in Wichita, KS
A molded sculptural soft white colored Casalino chair made of automobile strength plastic. A great 1970s design from the POP art period by Alexander Begge and sometimes referred to a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Collector Core Bar Chair in OAK
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
The Core Bar Chair blends architectural rigor with sculptural softness. With its strong, geometric oak frame and gently curved upholstered backrest, it offers both structure and comf...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak

Pair Teknion Belize Lounge Chairs with Tablet
Located in Pasadena, TX
Teknion Belize used mobile chair with left tablet This mobile lounge chair can be used for casual meeting rooms, teaming or reception areas. Feature...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Minimalist Modern Chair in Natural Solid Wood with Arms
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

Postmodern Metal Vintage Aluminum Patio Chairs Toledo Jorge Pensi Spain 1980s
Located in Vienna, AT
Postmodern vintage set of five aluminum stacking dining chairs patio chairs designed by Jorge Pensi, 1986-1988, and produced by Amat-3. Provide with the stamp "Toledo Design Jorge Pe...
Category

1980s Spanish Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Plump Chair in Watermelon Red, Translucent Polyurethane Resin, by Ian Cochran
Located in New York, NY
Plump Chair by Ian Cochran, Represented by Tuleste Factory A continuation of the Plump series of sculptural furniture. The shapes play upon the effect that resin has as light is ref...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Chairs

Materials

Resin

Mario Bellini Cassina Italian 401 Break Leather Armchairs, 1980s Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Mario Bellini Cassina Italian 401 Break Leather Armchairs, 1980s Pair Offered for sale is a pair of iconic chairs designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in the 1980s. The "Break" le...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Saturn Chair, Occasional, Modern, Sculptural, Bronze frame, Furry Pink Fabric
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
The distinctive Saturn chair is a return to the split sphere concepts. The lower semi sphere metal constructions cradle the soft upper spheres of Bohinc’s...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

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

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Linen, Bouclé, Mohair, Leather, Velvet, Wood

De Sede RH-305 Chair in Cafe Upholstery by Robert Haussmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The cantilevered chair is suitable for any living space – also because the seating comfort is overwhelming and appealing in every situation. The current product is a re-edition and h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Rombo Outdoor Green Chair
Located in Milan, IT
This retro, vintage-inspired yet simple and contemporary stainless steel chair will blend well both in a traditional and in a more modern patio. The light green color and the soft, s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Contemporary set of 2 chairs by Studio Tecnico Interna8, Wood Leather
Located in Pordenone, IT
Chair in solid beech wood. Seat with webbing and plywood frame padded with elastic expanded polyurethane. This listing is for 2 chairs.      
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Modern Chocolate Brown Leather Eight Dining Chairs Tito Agnoli , 1979
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern 8 cognac or chocolate brown vintage dining chairs or chairs designed by Tito Agnoli for Matteo Grassi 1979, Italy. A special feature from the model of chair Korium is high-qua...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Figueroa Dining Chair, Veti & Brass, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Located in the sunny California, the charming Figueroa Mountain is a magical landscape that led to the creation of the Figueroa dining chair. Ev...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass, Metal

Contemporary Vegas Sofa upholstered in Mark Alexander Velvet with walnut legs
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Vegas Sofa, features a pronounced high back and sweeping curved arms. This special edition is upholstered in Mark Alexander Empire II velvet, colour Otter, with legs in natural o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Velvet

Italian Modern Matteo Grassi Vintage Grey Leather Solo Chair or Side Chair 1980s
Located in Vienna, AT
A Matteo Grassi vintage grey leather chair or side chair, which was designed and manufactured 1980s in Italy. The stable and comfortable high-end c...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Baloo Boucle Flock Bar Chair CS2 by NOOM
Located in Geneve, CH
Baloo Boucle Flock Bar Chair CS2 by NOOM Dimensions: W 55 x D 63 x H 107 cm Materials: Ashwood, plywood, moulded foam, textile. Weight: 21 kg Also available in other materials and colors. The design bar chair Flock is not just a modern chair; it's a masterpiece that seamlessly blends timeless elegance with comfort and meticulous craftsmanship. This bar height chair...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile, Foam, Ash, Plywood

Modern Genuine Ochre Soft Leather Tan Sling - Swing Chair
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
Stripped away from all excess, this hanging chair has a circular frame with the sheets of soft leather hanging loose within it, to create a sleek, sexy, and oh so comfortable experie...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

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

Chiavari Chair made by Ditta Levaggi Rinaldo, painted in Mat Tomato Red , Italy
Located in Vienna, Austria
A stunning vintage Chiavari chair, model 137 a, from the 1950's, painted in a mat tomato red . The mat red gives new life to a classical form making the chair look very contemporary.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Chair 'FF Swivel' Chrome, Barnum Fabric
Located in Paris, IDF
The 'FF Swivel' chair designed by Ida L. Hildebrand for Friends & Founders Model shown in main picture: - Chrome Frame - Barnum 10 Fabric Upholstery available in a wide range of f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

New York Chair 4 by Marras in Beige Upholstery & Chrome Legs by Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A sophisticated item of furniture for the dining area, the New York chair with or without armrests stands out with its sprightly structure and comfortable upholstery embellished by small tonal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

"Lou Eat" Leather Dining Chair Designed by Philippe Starck for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Lou Eat" is a dining chair, designed by Philippe Starck with Dai Sugasawa and manufactured by Driade, with a compact high density polyurethane structure reinforced by a metal insert. Leather cover. Indoor use only. DIMENSIONS: D. 23.2", W. 22.8", H. 31.8", Seat H. 17.7" Philippe Starck said about "Lou Eat": “Lou Eat is not a chair, it's an animal-like sculpture that could eat you.” "Lou Eat" and "Lou Think", along with "Lou Read...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 8 Dining Chairs by Restoration Hardware
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 8 dining chairs in leather and brass tone frames designed and manufactured by Restoration Hardware. The set consists of 6 side chairs and 2 armchairs, all upholstered in whit...
Category

2010s Vietnamese Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Roly Poly Polyethylene Armchair in Red Brick with Cushions by Faye Toogood
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The distinctive, reassuringly chunky lines of Faye Toogood’s Roly-Poly furniture collection become even more inviting in her new collaboration with Driade. The latest line for the It...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Plastic

Hand-Tailored Designer Dining Chair in Water Repellent Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Sculptural and fashionable, this chair draws inspiration from miniskirts and the style icons of the 1960’s. The fine low backrest and long legs are a tribute to its influences, and a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Sculptural Kitchen Counter Bar Stool w Backrest Brass Metal & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
HUG arm counter stool aged brass steel and vegetable tanned black saddler leather The HUG arm counter stool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

A Set of 3 MODERNIST BAUHAUS Desk CHAIRS by RENE HERBST, France 1930
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional museum set of 3 radical desk chairs, Modernist, Bauhaus, Constructivist, early modern creatins in the purest Bauhaus spirit featuring a "President" chair and 2 "Visito...
Category

1920s French Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Jean Prouvé Pair of "Standard Chairs" / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
Located in Zürich, CH
These items express a specific rawness. There is no need for precise execution or the desire to appear sophisticated. They are simple, self-evident, and direct. They are made out of ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Stag Chair by Rick Owens
Located in Geneve, CH
Stag Chair by Rick Owens Signed And Numbered Limited Edition Of 20 Pieces Dimensions: D 69 x W 87 x H 127 cm. SH: 46 cm. Materials: Burnt and panted plywood and moose antler. Rick O...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Antler, Plywood

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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