Modern Chairs
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
Period: Late 20th Century
Modernist Organic Vintage Three Foldable Dining Chairs Beech Mesh Chrome, 1970s
Located in Vienna, AT
Modernist organic vintage three vintage chromed metal, beech and
Viennese mesh dining chairs or chairs, 1970s, Italy.
A wonderful set of three (3) dining chairs with a chromed met...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Modern Brown Leather Vintage Dining Chairs Tito Agnoli for Matteo Grassi, 1979
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern set of 8 cognac brown vintage dining chairs or chairs, which were designed by Tito Agnoli for Matteo Grassi 1979, Italy.
A special feature from the model of chair Korium is hi...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Postmodern Metal Vintage Aluminum Patio Chairs Toledo Jorge Pensi Spain 1980s
By Jorge Pensi
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
Eric Schmitt (*1955), Osselet Chairs, 1996
Located in New York, NY
Pair of sculptural " Osselet " side chairs by Eric Schmitt.
Patinated bronze frames and cognac leather seats.
Category
1990s French Modern Chairs
Materials
Bronze
Modern Occasional Wood Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice modern art accent chair.
Solid wood construction with black lacquered seat and backrest.
Original vintage condition with minor wear on close inspection with a nice patina.
No da...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
Vintage Oversized Tub Chairs by Sally Sirkin Lewis for J Robert Scott- a Pair
Located in Roanoke, VA
A pair of oversized lounge chairs by Sally Sirkin Lewis for J. Robert Scott beautifully redone in luxurious moss green velvet. Feeling a little Royere, a little Kagan, and a lot comf...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet
Pair of Armchairs, Italy, 1990s
Located in New York, NY
Inox steel frames featuring wraparound backs upholstered in dark brown leather, the seats and backs upholstered in the original crushed velvet with leaf pattern. These chairs were de...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Italian modern chairs in black wood chromed metal and Vienna straw, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern chairs in black wood chromed metal and Vienna straw, 1970s
Set of six chairs in the Cesca style with seat and back in black painted wood with a glossy finish and Vienn...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Italian modern round chairs by Cesare Maria Casati and Emanuele Ponzio, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern round chairs by Cesare Maria Casati and Emanuele Ponzio, 1970s
Pair of round base chairs. The structure is in transparent plexiglass, the legs and backrest follow the ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Italian modern Brown leather and wood chair by B&B, 1980s
By B&B Italia
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Brown leather and wood chair by B&B, 1980s
Chair with square seat and backrest padded and covered in dark brown leather. The square section structure is made of wood.
...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Set of 4 Vintage Architectural steel wire chairs, Italy
Located in TOLLEBEEK, NL
Spectacular design architectural steel wire chairs produced in the 1990s, Italy.
Condition
Good
Dimensions
height: 98 cm
width: 48 cm
seat height: 46 cm
depth: 55 cm
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Rare Italian design high back chair by Bonaldo from 1980’s
By Bonaldo
Located in TOLLEBEEK, NL
Very rare high back chair produced by Bonaldo in 1980’s. It features light blue coated tubular steel frame with removable fabric cover dressed on the backrest. It also has a removabl...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Mario Botta Set of Six La Tonda Chairs in Black Lacquered Metal by Alias 1980s
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Montecatini Terme, IT
Set of six 614 or La Tonda chairs in black lacquered tubular metal frame with seats in black lacquered perforated sheet metal, designed by Mario Botta and produced by Alias in 1980s....
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal, Sheet Metal
Vintage Barcelona Chair & Footstool by Knoll International, Early 1970s
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Lounge chair and footstool designed by Mies van der Rohe. U.S.A., Knoll International, Early 1970s.
Original super vintage and patinated 'BARCELONA CHAIR' in brown leather. Chrome...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti "Peggy 63970" Lounge Chairs, Italy 1990
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A pair of impressive lounge chairs with a “throne like” appearance, designed by Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti in the 1990’s.
The chairs are made of a wooden frame and new taupe velvet...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
Italian modern beige chairs DSC by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern beige chairs DSC by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s
Set of four chairs mod. DSC padded and covered in beige tending to yellow leather. The seat and backr...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Italian modern chromed metal and black leather curved shape chairs, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern chromed metal and black leather curved shape chairs, 1980s.
Chair with armrests, with chromed steel structure and curved metal back and seat covered in black leather.
...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal, Steel
Italian modern white lacquered curved chairs, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern white lacquered curved chairs, 1970s
Set of six chairs in white lacquered wood. The seat and backrest have curved and rounded lines, which are shaped in the lower par...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
6 chaises de Philippe Starck pour KARTELL
Located in PARIS, FR
La collaboration entre Philippe Starck et Kartell dans les années 1990 a donné naissance à une série de chaises révolutionnaires, notamment celles en polycarbonate rouge et transpare...
Category
1990s French Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Midcentury Modern Ward Bennett Model 1515 Chair
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this rare, all-original model 1515 armchair by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates. This beautifully constructed chair is of exceptionally high quality and ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Beech, Lacquer
Paire de chaises en métal doré
Located in PARIS, FR
TRAVAIL FRANÇAIS 1970
Paire de chaises en métal doré à patine nuancée à petit dossier évidé légèrement incliné et montants à têtes de chevaux.
Piètement d'angle à quatre jambes te...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Italian modern black metal and leather chairs, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black metal and leather chairs, 1980s
Set of four chairs with black painted metal rod structure and original black leather seat and back.
1980 approx.
Good condition, ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of 6 Robert Mallet-Stevens Model No. 222 Chairs for Pallucco Italia, 1928
Located in Zagreb, HR
Robert Mallet-Stevens (1886–1945) was a French modernist architect and designer. He believed in simple, functional designs which should be capable of mass production, and these princ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Tubular Brass Chairs by ChromeCraft- Set of Four
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W22 D21 H33 SW18 SD19 SH17 AH24
Vintage Rolling Chairs by ChromeCraft in overall great condition. Chairs features structurally sound brass frames with light patina, three units are ...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
1 Teknion Variable Stacking Chair by by Alessandro Piretti
By Teknion
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 Teknion Variable Stacking Chair by by Alessandro Piretti
Designed by Alessandro Piretti, Variable is ideal for informal spaces where reconfiguration is encouraged, yet durability...
Category
Late 20th Century North American Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Italian modern grey metal and solid wood Fly Line Chairs, 1980s
By Fly Line
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern grey metal, brass and solid wood set of four Fly Line Chairs, 1980s.
Fly Line model chairs with dark gray metal structure, as well as the backrest, while the seat is r...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal, Brass
Italian modern white Libellula chair by Giovanni Carini for Planula, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern chromed metal and white leather Libellula chair designed by Giovanni Carini and produced by Planula in 1970s.
Libellula model chair, stackable, with metal rod structur...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Italian modern set of four wooden Milano chairs by Aldo Rossi for Molteni, 1987
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern set of four wooden Milano chairs by Aldo Rossi for Molteni, 1987.
Set of four Milano model chairs, with a light wooden structure with a square shape, with a backrest a...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Fabio Lenci 'Hyaline' Lounge Chair for Stendig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fabio Lenci "Hyaline" lounge chair, Italy, c.1970s. The chair features two thick tempered glass side panels with a strip of suede bolster cushions down the middle serving as a sling ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Sculptural Tall Chairs designedby Krish Ruhs for Cappellini, 1990s
By Cappellini
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Krish Ruhs, an American artist, designed these two chairs for a solo exhibition sponsored by Cappellini and presented at their Carugo showroom in 1990. Craftsmanship, inspiration fro...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Italian modern Green plastic Chairs Gaudi by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1970
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Green plastic Chairs Gaudi by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1970s
Set of 6 iconic and fantastic chairs mod. Gaudi in green plastic monocoque. The backrest and seat ar...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
1990s Cassina “Utrecht” Chairs by Gerrit Rietveld, a Pair
Located in Roanoke, VA
Fantastic pair of modernist lounge chairs, model 637 Utrecht by the designer Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Cassina from the 1990s. Fabric is a cool silvery blue. Check out the incredibl...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet
A Pair of Frank Lloyd Wright Robie Chairs for Cassina Italy 1986
Located in Bjuråker, SE
A pair of 2 Cassina chairs Crafted with precision and attention to detail, these chairs blend exquisite design with supreme comfort, making them a perfect addition to any modern or c...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Set Of 4 Black Leather Chairs by Matteo Grassi
Located in Brussels , BE
Set of 4 very elegant chairs.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Italian modern white plastic 860 Universale Chairs, Joe Colombo, Kartell, 1970s
By Kartell, Joe Colombo
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern white plastic 860 Universale Chairs, Joe Colombo, Kartell, 1970s.
Set consisting of four model 860 chairs, also known as Universale Chair, in cream white ABS plastic. ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Italian modern five metal, beech and white cotton Cesca style chairs, 1970s
By Gavina, Marcel Breuer
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern set of five metal, beech and white cotton Cesca style chairs, 1970s
Set of five Cesca style chairs with tubular steel structure, armrests in solid curved beech and pad...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Modern Red Plastic Vintage Seven Dining Chairs Ron Arad for Kartell 1999 Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern set of 7 red plastic vintage chairs or dining chairs from red plastic and aluminum FPE Fantastic Plastic Elastic by Ron Arad for Kartell Italy 1999.
An amazing set of seven ( ...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Italian modern black leather and tubolar chromed metal chairs by Zanotta, 1970s
By Zanotta
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black leather and tubolar chromed metal chairs by Zanotta, 1970s.
Set composed of six chairs with chromed metal tubular structure and black leather seat and back. Unde...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal, Steel
Italian modern Boulevard aluminium chairs by Ferdinand A. Porsche for Ycami 1990
Located in MIlano, IT
Set of four Boulevard model chairs with round seat, entirely in aluminium. The seat and backrest have decorative perforations with curved lines and the structure of the armrests and ...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Italian modern Boulevard aluminium chairs by Ferdinand A. Porsche for Ycami 1990
Located in MIlano, IT
Set of eight Boulevard model chairs with round seat, entirely in aluminium. The seat and backrest have decorative perforations with curved lines and the structure of the armrests and...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Robert Van Horn Lucite Ribbon Chair & Ottoman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Chair & Ottoman Are In Overall Good Condition
There Are Minor Scratches On The Lucite Consistent With Age
Newly Upholstered Cushion & Ottoman
Chair Is Hand Signed With Patent ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Lucite
Italian modern chromed steel Sabrina chair by Gastone Rinaldi for Rima, 1970s
By Gastone Rinaldi, RIMA
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern chromed steel Sabrina chair by Gastone Rinaldi for Rima, 1970s.
Sabrina model chair, with seat and backrest made entirely of fine chromed steel tubing, which follows t...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Warren Platner for Knoll classic armchair designed 1966
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in London, GB
Warren Platner studied at Cornell University, graduating in 1941 with a degree in architecture. He went on to work with legendary architects Raymond Loewy, Eero Saarinen, and I. M. P...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Paire de chaises vintage
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-RIVIÈRE, FR
Paire de chaises en bois en état moyen. Le bois est vermoulé. Le tissu est déchiré à certains endroits et le métal est rouillé.
Category
1990s European Modern Chairs
Materials
Softwood
Paire de chaiss en plastique vintage
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-RIVIÈRE, FR
Paire de chaise en plastique et pieds métal en état moyen. Le plastique est taché et décoloré. Le métal est rouillé.
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
PVC
"OTI" armchair by Niels Gammelgaard for Ikea, circa 1980
Located in LYON, FR
Very pretty tubular steel armchair created by the Danish designer Niels Gammelgaard on behalf of the publisher IKEA. An iconic piece in very good condition and with a lovely patina.
...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Vintage Pencil Reed Barrel Chair
Located in Ross, CA
Vintage pencil reed pod chair in the Crespi style. Comes with a white cushion that could easily be updated.
Can be picked up for free from my Bay ...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Chairs
Materials
Reed
Italian modern red leather chairs Ed Archer by Philippe Starck for Driade, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern red leather chairs Ed Archer by Philippe Starck for Driade, 1980s
Pair of chairs mod. Ed Archer in red leather. The main structure is shaped to form the backrest, seat...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Pink Mohair Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Design Institute of America
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful 1980’s pink soft mohair lounge chair and ottoman by Design Institute of America.
The chair rocks, newly recovered.
Retains DIA label.
Measurements:
chair- 36” hig...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Mohair
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
Duo of Fast Forest chairs
Located in LYON, FR
We have had these aluminum chairs that we love professionally powder-coated in a current color that will fit perfectly into your garden or terrace. Indeed, initially intended for out...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
LaPalma Vintage Cognac Vegetal Leather Chair
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Great dining chair in vegetal natural saddle cognac leather. Manufactured in Italy by Lapalma.
The leather is in vegetal natural leather which is now cognac.
Beautiful backrest.
The ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
6 Original Thonet 209 Dining chairs with rare blue upholstery
By Thonet
Located in Rümmingen, BW
The Thonet 209 is a timeless classic. The brother Thonet designed this elegant Chair design already in 1900. This chair has a simple and minimal aesthetic which almost gives the chai...
Category
1990s German Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of Leather Side Chairs by B&T Salotti, Italy, circa 1970
Located in New York, NY
A chic pair of walnut side chairs by B&T Gruppo Industriale Salotti. The wide chocolate brown leather seats and backs with crisp white leather piping are supported on angular and stu...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Italian modern set of four solid wood chairs, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern set of four solid wood chairs, 1980s
Set of four chairs with structure entirely in solid wood.
1980 approx.
Good conditions
Measurements in 43x46x76h cm and seat 42h c...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Italian modern wooden chairs with brown leather seating, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern wooden chairs with brown leather seating, 1970s
Set of three chairs with square seat. The seat is in brown leather, it is fixed to the backrest via two metal strips th...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Pair Spaghetti Chair by Giandomenico Belotti for Alias, 1980s
Located in Den Haag, NL
These beautiful Spaghetti chairs were designed by Giandomenico Belotti for Alias in Italy in the 1980s. It has chrome-plated steel frames and light beige straps. All PVC tapes are...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Chairs
Materials
PVC
Cockpit chair, modern Italian, made of vienna straw wood and steel, ca 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Cockpit chair, modern Italian, made of vienna straw wood and steel, ca. 1970.
Cockpit chair, with Vienna straw seat and back and curved wood to form the seat frame, finished with a r...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage 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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