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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
5
5,698
675
170
to
491
3,799
1,909
6,543
1,279
2,608
8,521
6,543
1,293
657
366
236
195
185
183
176
175
165
146
137
113
104
85
72
1
4
670
5,868
16
176
422
11
15
11
40
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107
171
81
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
5,087
4,582
3,829
4,637
3,757
4,389
3,704
4,532
3,736
4,226
3,657
4,530
2,939
2,993
2,401
1,444
1,366
4,811
2,179
921
681
489
235
180
161
136
103
Style: Modern
The Walky Chair by Design VA . Ebonized Oak & Bronze
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The story of Walky began with the words “Café Bistro,” specifically to the classic image of a charming café on the Champs Elysées in Paris. The aroma of an exquisite coffee accompani...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Chairs
Materials
Bronze
Rare pair of "El Rey" by Mats Theselius, 1999
Located in Stockholm, SE
Brass frame, seat and back in crocodile patterned prime leather. Leatherclothes-wound armrests. Limited edition of 360 chairs produced in 1999. This is chair...
Category
1990s Swedish Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Pair of EGO Meeting chairs in Bright Yellow Leather by Poltrona Frau Italy
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of Bright Yellow Leather EGO Meeting chairs Designed by Paolo Pininfarina for Poltrona Frau. The Ego Meeting armchair is considered one of the bestsellers of the Poltrona Frau c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Miljevina Bench by Nortstudio
Located in Geneve, CH
Miljevina bench by Nortstudio
Dimensions: 40 x 120 x 46 cm
Materials: Mirror polished steel, mirror-look HPL.
Three abandoned buildings with a strong geometrical character were the...
Category
2010s Belgian Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Italian modern folding chair in white leather and black metal, ca. 1980.
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern folding chair in white leather and black metal, ca. 1980.
Folding chair with rectangular seat rounded on the front, with black painted tubular metal frame, with armres...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Bold Dining Chair - Azimut 100
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A testament to a new level of modern design, The Bold Dining Chair seamlessly blends form and function, elevating any dining experience with its refined elegance.
Decades of design ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet
Sedie in legno e metallo tedesche moderne, Egon Eiermann per Wilde + Spieth 1960
Located in MIlano, IT
Set di sei sedie modello SE68, con strutture provviste di quattro zampe in tubolare d'acciaio a sezione sottile, con supporto centrale sul retro, sempre in metallo, a cui è fissato l...
Category
1960s German Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Kartell Spoon Stool in White by Antonio Citterio & Toan Nguyen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An original stool whose shape is as elastic in appearance as it is in function. The innovation of Spoon consists mainly in attaching the seat to a central support with a specially re...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Bold Dining Chair - Azimut 102
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A testament to a new level of modern design, The Bold Dining Chair seamlessly blends form and function, elevating any dining experience with its refined elegance.
Decades of design ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet
alvar aalto stool60 painted red 1930's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This stool 60 was manufactured in the 1930's.
This stool is painted red and white.
There is some peeling and damage in the paint here and there, but it is a ...
Category
1930s Finnish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Birch
Modern De Castro Dining Chairs, Camel Velvet, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
De Castro Chair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
The De Castro dining chair is a tribute to one of the most remarkable Portuguese love stories, cel...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
Set of 2, Nana Wooden Dining Chair with Back Detail, No:2
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Lagu values and cherishes local production, bringing together the artisanal crafts of boutique producers and user-friendly quality designs in the 'Lagu Selection'.
The elegant piece...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Foam, Beech
The Walky Chair by Design VA . Ebonized Oak & Aluminum
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The story of Walky began with the words “Café Bistro,” specifically to the classic image of a charming café on the Champs Elysées in Paris. The aroma of an exquisite coffee accompani...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
The Walky Chair by Design VA . Maple & Walnut
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The story of Walky began with the words “Café Bistro,” specifically to the classic image of a charming café on the Champs Elysées in Paris. The aroma of an exquisite coffee accompani...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Chairs
Materials
Maple, Walnut
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
alvar aalto stool60 natural 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This stool60 was manufactured in the 1950s.
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Birch
Contemporary Felix carver Chair in Yellow Mohair with Solid Walnut Legs
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Felix Fluted Chair is our new take on our Felix Carver Chair, with its stunning fluted back adding a touch of elegance.
Shown here upholstered in Alt...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Chairs
Materials
Walnut, Mohair
Italian modern Rectangular chair with black fabric and yellow metal, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Rectangular chair with black fabric and yellow metal, 1980s
Chair with rectangular seat and backrest, padded and covered in bla...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Arper Catifa 53 Chairs - Tan Leather with Steel Base and Arms - 10 Available
By Arper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
10 Available (Sold individually). Retail $1,971 plus tax each. Buy now with no lead time.
Top of the line custom made Catina 53 chairs made by Arper in Italy.
They have steel ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Bold Dining Chair - Azimut 104
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A testament to a new level of modern design, The Bold Dining Chair seamlessly blends form and function, elevating any dining experience with its refined elegance.
Decades of design ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet
Upholstered Walnut Corktown Stool Counter by Hollis & Morris
Located in Geneve, CH
Upholstered walnut cork town stool by Hollis & Morris
Dimensions:
Seat diameter 13"
Base 12.5" x 14.5" x height 25.5"
Materials: Solid wood. Cold rolled steel. Fabric.
Also available...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Bold Armchair - Azimut 101
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A testament to a new level of modern design, The Bold Dining Chair seamlessly blends form and function, elevating any dining experience with its refined elegance.
Decades of design ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet
Pair of Philippe Starck Miss Dorn chairs
Located in Washington, DC
Pair of Miss Dorn chairs by Philippe Starck for Disform 1982. Black metal frame and round cushioned seating.
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
21st Century Kivu Chair in Leather by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
A slim and essential design for the Kivu chair. The thin metal armrest that rotates around the structure is characterized by a particular bush-hammered finish that lends a rough and ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Leather
alvar aalto stool60 natural 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This stool60 was manufactured in the 1950s.
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Birch
Bold Dining Chair - Karakorum 003
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A testament to a new level of modern design, The Bold Dining Chair seamlessly blends form and function, elevating any dining experience with its refined elegance.
Decades of design ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Bouclé
alvar aalto stool60 natural 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This stool60 was manufactured in the 1950s.
There is some damage to the seat.
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Birch
alvar aalto chair69 natural 1930's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This chair 69 was manufactured in the 1930s.
It has a structure that seems to be an early product that is not found in current products.
The paint film from ...
Category
1930s Finnish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Birch
alvar aalto stool60 natural hedemora 1940's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This stool60 was manufactured in the 1940s.
It is from the era when it was manufactured in Hedemora, Sweden.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Birch
alvar aalto chair69 Painted Deep blue 1930's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This is chair 69 .
Deep blue paint is applied all over.
This chair was manufactured in the 1930s.
Category
1930s Finnish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Birch
Modern Timeless Chairs, Cotton-Wool Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Greenapple Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Timeless bouclé office chair was designed and craft...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass
alvar aalto chair69 natural hedemora 1940's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This chair 69 was manufactured in the 1940s.
It is from the era when it was manufactured in Hedemora, Sweden.
It has a structure manufactured with hedemora f...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Birch
Cream Boucle', Bronzed Steel, Brass & Feather Trim, Ostrich Fluff Lounge Chair
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
This lounge chair is part of the Ostrich Fluff collection designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa.
The lounge chair is constructed in two section, these are connecte...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Brass, Steel
alvar aalto chair69 natural hedemora 1940's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This chair 69 was manufactured in the 1940s.
It is from the era when it was manufactured in Hedemora, Sweden.
It has a structure manufactured with hedemora f...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Birch
alvar aalto stool60 vinyl leather black 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This stool 60 was manufactured in the 1950's.
The seat is covered with vinyl leather.
The condition of the vinyl leather is not torn, but there are some stai...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Birch
alvar aalto chair65 black linoleum top
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This is chair 65 black linoleum top.
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Birch
alvar aalto stool60 vinyl leather red 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This stool 60 was manufactured in the 1950's.
The seat is covered with vinyl leather.
The condition of the vinyl leather is not torn, but there are some stai...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Birch
Progetti Tecno Modern Pair of Italian Chairs, 1980s
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Modern pair chairs series 148_S designed by Progetti Tecno, inspired by the S142 by Eugenio Gerli. Made of solid wood, reupholstered in bouclé
Centro Progetti Tecno
In 1970, Industr...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Bouclé
alvar aalto chair69 natural hedemora 1940's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This chair 69 was manufactured in the 1940s.
It is from the era when it was manufactured in Hedemora, Sweden.
It has a structure manufactured with hedemora f...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Birch
Contemporary Vegas Sofa upholstered in Mark Alexander Velvet with walnut legs
By Stuart Scott
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
Artifort Black Mushroom Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin in STOCK
Located in New York, NY
Mushroom medium F 560
The Mushroom armchair is one of the world’s most famous designs. Designer Pierre Paulin distinguished himself with this armchair in the original shape, bright colours and revolutionary manufacturing technique for the time.
The idea for the Mushroom came to Pierre Paulin while he was watching women...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Set of 8 Dining Chair Available in COM
Located in New York, NY
This minimalist dining chair exemplifies modern sophistication and comfort. It features a fully upholstered design, providing a seamless, elegant look that harmoniously blends with c...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
Modern Italian Alien chair, metal and wood, by Carlo Forcolini for Alias 1980
By Carlo Forcolini, Alias
Located in MIlano, IT
Alien model chair, Italian and modern, made of metal and mdf wood, designed by Carlo Forcolini for Alias in 1980.
Alien chair with yellow metal rod frame and MDF seat and back.
Produ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
chair art. Ines in green leather for living room or restaurant, confortable
By EP Studio
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
The chair Ines is the excellent italian manufactures.
The frame in solid wood is curved by hand and work with skill.
Painted color walnut or oak.
The padding is soft ,comfortable and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
21st Century Iranja Armchair in Jacquard by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Iranja is a small armchair with compact proportions and a captivating geometric design. The cushion covered in animalier fabric makes the seat comfortable while enriching the decorat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Foam, Fabric, Wood
21st Century Key West Chair in Silk Satin by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Appealing design and vintage lines for the Key West chair. Featuring sinuous and rounded shapes, it boasts an enveloping back with gold finishing and a comfortable seat upholstered w...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Stilum - Shaped bronze chair
Located in Milano, IT
This artwork is for both internal and external environment. Shaped bronze chair streamlined and refined, inspired to natural elements. The dimensions are approx. The materials are wo...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Bronze
alvar aalto chair68 Painted White 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This is chair 68 .
White paint is applied all over.
This chair was manufactured in the 1950s.
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Birch
Modern Margot Dining Chairs, Black Leather Grey, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By GF Modern, 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
Beech, Leather, Velvet, Bouclé, Fabric
Modern Margot Dining Chair, Brown Leather Camel, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple, GF Modern
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, Beech, Velvet, Bouclé, Fabric
Festa
Located in 'S-GRAVENHAGE, NL
Festa, a series of honest, understandable and functional furniture made of simple steel components and fixing materials. Through a simple and manageable modular assembly system, anyo...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Hayche Dulwich with Armrest - Blue, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Elevating the classic Dulwich design with the addition of armrests, this Dulwich chair with armrests offers enhanced comfort and support without compromising its timeless appeal. The...
Category
2010s European Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Hayche Dulwich with Armrest - Black, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Elevating the classic Dulwich design with the addition of armrests, this Dulwich chair with armrests offers enhanced comfort and support without compromising its timeless appeal. The...
Category
2010s European Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Hayche Dulwich with Armrest - Red, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Elevating the classic Dulwich design with the addition of armrests, this Dulwich chair with armrests offers enhanced comfort and support without compromising its timeless appeal. The...
Category
2010s European Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Hayche Dulwich with Armrest - Green, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Elevating the classic Dulwich design with the addition of armrests, this Dulwich chair with armrests offers enhanced comfort and support without compromising its timeless appeal. The...
Category
2010s European Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Hayche Dulwich with Armrest - Brown, UK, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
Elevating the classic Dulwich design with the addition of armrests, this Dulwich chair with armrests offers enhanced comfort and support without compromising its timeless appeal. The...
Category
2010s European Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Maarten Baas Where there is smoke chair, dutch design
By Maarten Baas
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Since graduating from Design Academy Eindhoven with his “Smoke” series, Maarten Baas has pushed the boundaries of art, design and aesthetics. “Smoke” is an investigation into beauty ...
Category
Early 2000s Dutch Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Modern chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern chairs for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original chairs, popular names associated with this style include Finn Juhl, Jover + Valls, Emeco, and Kartell. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $25 and tops out at $103,950 while the average work can sell for $2,723.
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