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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Vintage 1993 Frank Gehry for Knoll Dark Green Hat Trick Maple Bentwood Armchair
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Frank Gehry for Knoll "Hat Trick" armchair. This stunning artful furniture designed by Frank Gehry and produced by Knoll features a bentwood construction with a ribbon-like design....
Category

1990s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Maple

Finn Juhl Pelican Chair Upholstered in Wood and Fabric
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Pelican chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1940. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. Pelican chair was probably the one furthest ahead of its time. When it was presented at t...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Barbara Barry for Henredon Lounge Chairs - Pair
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Barbara Barry for Henredon Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 34 wide x 35 deep x 34 high, with a seat height of 19 and arm height...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Outdoor Leaf and Charcoal Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by weekend visits to the stark desert landscapes found a few hours east of Los Angeles, this collection is composed of steel frames that have been zinc primed and powder coa...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

1990s XL Ralph Lauren Henredon Sculptural Curved Wing Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning chairs you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it bei...
Category

1990s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile, Upholstery, Wood

e15 Backenzahn Stool by Philipp Mainzer
Located in New York, NY
The original Backenzahn designed in 1996 by e15 founder and architect Philipp Mainzer is a modern design classic as well as an identifiable icon for e15. Crafted in Germany, the stoo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

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

Italian Modern Orange Fabric Chairs Mod, Breeze by Bartoli for Segis, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern orange fabric Chairs mod. Breeze by Carlo Bartoli for Segis, 1980s Pair of chairs mod. Breeze with matt aluminum tubular structure. The seat and backrest are padded a...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

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

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Daina-up Chair with Full Back by Fratelli Boffi
Located in Milan, IT
A stunning series of curves distinguish the elegant and playful design of this chair. Either displayed with multiples around a dining table or behind a Classic desk, this will be a t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile, Wood

20th Century Grassi Red Leather Chairs Set of 4
Located in IT
Set of four vintage chairs by Matteo Grassi, dark red leather. From Italy form 1990s period. Shows light scratches and wear from previous use but remains in fair condition. No stru...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Black / Brass Cactus Chair by Marcantonio, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This cactus chair is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Designed by Marcantonio, it recreates the Mediterranean magic in your everyday spaces by evoking unforgettable holiday scene...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

70's Feel Modern Boucle, Brass & Carved Walnut Oromo Lounge Chair by Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
This bespoke, luxurious, lounge chair is part of the Oromo collection designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa. The Oromo collection is inspired by 70's surface design, the backrest of this chair has a tactile, sculpted surface that is meticulously, mechanically carved, the entire process taking over 50 hours. This nod to 70's furniture and surface design fused with sensual curves and a minimal aesthetic results in a highly individual unique lounge chair design. The Oromo lounge chair is upholstered in a cream boucle, this upholstery together with the carved walnut timber backrest gives the chair a distinct mid century modern vibe which will complement most interior design styles...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Customizable ClassiCon Bar Stool No. 2 by Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
Eileen gray created not only classical seats such as sofas or chairs, but also a series of unconventional bar stools. Version no. 2, originally designed for the house E 1027, also fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Medium Jamaica Stool by Pepe Cortes
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Jamaica stool by Pepe Cortes Dimensions: Diameter 47 x Height 70 cm Materials: A steel chromed five-legged stool. Swivel seat i...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Silver, Steel

GRACE VINTAGE dining chair with Natural Cane
Located in Frazão, Porto
The GRACE Vintage dining chair marries the modern design with natural materials. The solid wood structure is completed by the cane, in natural or painted finish. The seat and the backrest can be upholstered in a wide range of fabrics. Shown upholstered with Comfort 01 (Cat. A fabric), with Oak structure and natural cane.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Faux Leather, Wood, Cane, Rattan

Netherlands modern Orange lacquered wooden chairs by Moooi, 2000s
Located in MIlano, IT
Netherlands modern Orange lacquered wooden chairs by Moooi, 2000s Pair of chairs in bright orange lacquered wood. The backrest is rectangular and slightly curved, while the seat is s...
Category

Early 2000s Dutch Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Modern Woven Dining Chair in Solid Wood by Costantini, Bruno Intreccio, In Stock
Located in New York, NY
Bruno Intreccio Modern Woven Dining Chair in Solid Wood by Costantini, in Stock The Bruno Intreccio balances a modern frame against a natural hand-woven seat and back. The ergonom...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Chairs

Materials

Rush, Wood

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

Bold Apollo Chair - Bold Apollo Chair - Fabric Pierre Frey Le Chant Des Dunes
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Apollo Dining Chair draws inspiration from the dynamic energy of the Greek god, embodying strength and elegance in its bold, sculptural form. Its distinctive rounded design adds ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood

Minimal style, solid wood chair, textiles or leather seatings, caning backboard
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Flexibility, modern aesthetics, comfort, and softness define the essence of the Wing Collection. Inspired by the design of the B-52 aircraft, this concept gave us the freedom to crea...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile, Cane, Wood, Hardwood, Leather, Faux Leather

Copper Baby Rabbit Chair with Metallic Finish, Designed by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2) The idea of the rabbit, a gentle, lovable and shy animal, comes from the association o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Limited Edition Entourage, Chair by Supaform
Located in Florence, IT
This chair is from the "Hidden Entourage" collection by Supaform, which was showcased in Rome at the and of 2021. This wooden sculptural chair is a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Nutwood

Dining chair Balance by WOO for Elegant Contemporary Interiors
Located in Kyiv, UA
Dining chair Balance invites you to experience the balance that we all seek in life. This designer chair draws inspiration from the art of rock balancing, where natural stones are ca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Alchemy Bench by Rick Owens
Located in Geneve, CH
Alchemy bench by Rick Owens 2015 Dimensions: L 100 x W 74 x H 75 cm Materials: Bronze, camel skin Weight: 55 kg Rick Owens is a California-born fa...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Contemporary Steel Gold Arch Low Bench by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Steel gold arch bench by Pietro Franceschini. Sold exclusively by Galerie Philia. Materials: Steel. Finishes available: Br...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Bise chair by Dorothee Delaye
By Dorothée Delaye
Located in Paddington, NSW
Dorothée Delaye is a French interior architect and designer known for her elegant, contemporary, and timeless style. Based between Paris and the South of France, she blends refined m...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Lacquer

Set of Six Bronzed Steel Sled Style Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome set of six dining chairs consisting of two armchairs measuring 22.5 inches wide and four side chairs. Attributed to Calvin Klein home the se...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Customizable ClassiCon Banu Stool by Eckart Muthesius
Located in New York, NY
Banu is yet another gem from the Jewel Garden, which was the name of the Maharajah‘s palace of Indore for which Eckart Muthesius designed this stool. Through the use of polished stai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Tomb Chair by Rick Owens
Located in Geneve, CH
Tomb chair by Rick Owens Limited Edition of 8 Dimensions: L 90 x W 60 x H 75.5 cm Materials: White marble, Moose antler. Rick Owens is a California-born fashion and furniture h...
Category

2010s French Modern Chairs

Materials

Marble

Calvet Armchair, Antonio Gaudí
Located in Geneve, CH
Calvet armchair, Antonio Gaudí 1902 Dimensions: 65 x 52 x 95 cm Materials: Dark varnished oak Solid dark varnished oak Antoni Gaudí (1852/1926...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak

Green River Project Chair GRP LLC Peruvian Walnut Chair 2020
Located in Vancouver, BC
Rare opportunity to own 1 of 1 signed Green River Project LLC Chair. This chair was made while Green River Project was in British Columbia, it wa...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Occasional Armchair Upholstered in Light Gray with Black Oak Finish, Laguna Line
Located in Miami, FL
A Laguna occasional chair designed by Aciole Félix for Uultis, with black wood finish, black and gold cane and light gray fabric. The Laguna oc...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

La Luna Easy Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
La Luna easy armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue Materials: Rattan, polyurethane foam, maple. Also available in other colors. Dimensions: 75 cm x 77 cm x H 72 cm La Luna’s quiet sop...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Foam, Maple

Hala Wood Chair
Located in Mexico City, MX
The Nalie wood chair with rope was originally created for an Italian cuisine restaurant.The use of twisted paper cord weave adds warmth and the traditional fabrics a contemporary rea...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Wood, Oak

Hala Wood Chair
Hala Wood Chair
$1,750 / item
Baby Gropius Chair Sculptural Bauhaus-inspired in Faux Sheepskin by NOOM
Located in Paris, FR
The latest addition to NOOM's iconic furniture collection is the Gropius Fluffy Edition. This stunning chair combines timeless aesthetics with ultimate comfort, perfect for interior ...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Fur, Faux Fur, Sheepskin, Linen, Velvet, Wood, Ash

Ab Ovo Hanging Pod Chair by William Emmerson
Located in Geneve, CH
Ab Ovo Hanging Pod Chair by William Emmerson Limited Edition Of 3 Pieces. Dimensions: D 99.06 x W 167.64 x H 208.28 cm. SH: 45.72. Materials: Brass and black leather. Limited editio...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Viva Stripe Black and White Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Stripe Black and White Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also available in different ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

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

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Mohair, Bouclé, Linen, Velvet

Prototype Steel Chair by Tom Dixon, 1989
Located in Berlin, DE
Prototype steel chair by Tom Dixon, 1989.
Category

1980s English Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Sungodess Daybed by Egg Designs
Located in Geneve, CH
Sungodess Daybed by Egg Designs Dimensions: 198 L X 69 D X 45 H cm Materials: Wire Mesh, African Mahogany, Linen & Leather Upholstery Founded by South Africans and life partners...
Category

2010s South African Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Linen

Pouf Pill S Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf Pill S Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique Dimensions: H 45 x D 35 cm Materials: Velvet upholstery and 30cm fringes Pill Pouf S Art Deco style pouf...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Limited Edition Zoumey Armchair in Solid Walnut by Arno Declercq
Located in Geneve, CH
Limited edition Zoumey armchair in solid walnut by Arno Declercq Dimensions: W 82 x D 86 x H 73 cm Materials: American walnut, natural wool Limited edition of 12, signed and numb...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Barrel Chair from the B. Harley Bradley House by Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in San Francisco, CA
Barrel Chair from the B. Harley Bradley House by Frank Lloyd Wright Quarter-sawn oak barrel-form chair designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for the B. Harley Bradley House in Kankakee, Il...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Sabine Marcelis, Stedelijk Chair, Aluminium, Modernist, 2024
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Stedelijk Chair is the first chair by Dutch designer Sabine Marcelis. Commissioned by the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, renowned for its design collection, it has a strong characte...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

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

Vitra Soft Pad EA208 Chair by Charles & Ray Eames
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the iconic Soft Pad EA208 Chair by renowned designers Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra. This luxurious chair features a sleek and sophisticated design, with a polished met...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 6 Pink Ribbon Chairs, Designed by Nika Zupanc
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Set includes: - 6 x pink ribbon chairs The ribbon chair is the object that expresses the female language of Nika Zupanc with a strong and essent...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Modern Grand Dining Chairs, Swivel, DEDAR Jacquard Velvet, Oak, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Chair Grand, Swivel, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Grand chair is a versatile piece with it's swivel base, that combines elegance with functi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Nora Bordeaux Armchair, Designed by Michael Schmidt, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (1.8) The Nora is characterized by welcoming lines ensuring a high level of comfort. Distinguished by the special inclination of the rear legs and the harmonious and proportionate shell of the chair, enhanced with seams to delineate the different parts - seat, back, armrests. Designed by Michael Schmidt...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Pair of Italian Wrought Iron Garden Chairs, Mid-20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Delicate white-painted chairs with scrollwork backs and aged patina. Classic Italian garden design that evokes romantic charm and authenticity.
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Modern Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage 1970s chair model "Jano" design K. Takahama for Simon Gavina
Located in None, IT
Chair with chrome metal frame and blue velvet upholstery, model "Jano" design Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear given b...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Nelligan Chair
Located in Mexico City, MX
The Nelligan chair emerges as an unfinished structure, rooted within the internal confines of the solidity of a cube. This latter, envisioned as the epitome of stability, stands in s...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak

A. Rudin Contemporary Lounge Chairs, Pair
Located in Franklin Park, IL
A. Rudin contemporary lounge chairs - pair These chairs measure: 38.5 wide x 49 deep x 36 inches high, with a seat height of 19 and arm hei...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Original Massimo Iosa Ghini 1987 Italian Design Chair "Velox", 20th Century
Located in Vienna, AT
Very rare furniture-sculpture, Design: Massimo Iosa Ghini, Moroso, Milano, 1987. Literature: N. Bellati, Neues italienisches design, 1990. Material used is leather in silver, wooden ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Customizable Artifort Moulin Chair by Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
A good, old-fashioned chair designed by the late Pierre Paulin. Previously in the collection of Thonet France, it now completes the Artifort collection. The design of the Moulin date...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Chairs

Materials

Textile

Pouf Pill S Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf Pill S Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique Dimensions: H 45 x D 35 cm Materials: Velvet upholstery and 30cm fringes Pill Pouf S Art Deco style pouf...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Mimbre Chair
Located in Mérida, MX
Piece and materials inspired by a childhood surrounded by ''wicker furniture'' , which also goes by the names "rattan" and "wicker," at our grandparents' house, the woven wicker adds...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Chairs

Materials

Cane, Wood, Cedar

Mimbre Chair
Mimbre Chair
$3,500 / set
Vancouver Modern Side Chair
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Craft Associates modern side chair is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The lounge chair's silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with comfortable back and ...
Category

2010s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Walnut

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

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

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

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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