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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Original LC4 Lounge Chair by Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand for Cassina
By Pierre Jeanneret, Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original LC4 Lounge Chair by Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand for Cassina. Tubular chrome frame, black base, adjustable reclining positions, and ergonomic form. Stamped with the C...
Chrome, Steel
The virgola chair by Yaacov Kaufman for Arflex
By Yaacov Kaufman, Arflex
Located in Toronto, ON
The ‘virgola’ chair was designed by Yaacov Kaufman for Arflex and made in 1991. This chair is named after its shape ‘virgola’ which translates to ‘comma’. This iconic shape is both b...
Chrome
Salvador Dali Contemporary Portlligat Wood Sculpture Sunbed
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Design by Salvador Dalí, 1903 manufactured by BD Barcelona Solid Iroko wooden structure with polyamide wheels. Optional upholstered cushion with water repellent foam and material ...
Wood
Scandia Nett Swivel Lounge Chair by Fjord Fiesta with Swivel Base
By Fjord Fiesta
Located in Rhinebeck, NY
Scandia Nett Swivel / Easy Chair by Hans Brattrud Swivel chair in laminated lacquered oak or walnut, fully coloured veneer or with light edges. Satin chrome or black swivel base. M...
Metal
Pema Meditation Retreat Armchair by Munna Design Studio, Coral Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This unique piece is more than an armchair. It is a vessel for wellbeing, a temple for meditation and enlightenment. Designed to be used in your place of choice for a retreat, be it ...
Velvet, Wood
Contemporary Pair Of Barrel Armchairs in Eggplant Velvet-Mondo Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A sophisticated pair of lounge chairs blending the sensual curves of modern design with the refined geometry of Art Deco. Each chair is upholstered in plush amethyst velvet, highligh...
Velvet, Wood
Original Pierre Paulin, Reupholstered Mushroom Chair by Artifort
Located in London, GB
A fully reupholstered Pierre Paulin original Mushroom chair model F560 for Artifort, the Netherlands, circa 1960. The chair has its original metal tag label intact. Professionally re...
Steel
Oscar Niemeyer Rosewood 'ON' Lounge Chairs for Hotel SESC Rio de Janeiro, c 1980
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptionally rare and historically important pair of 'ON' lounge chairs designed by Oscar Niemeyer for the Hotel SESC in Rio de Janeiro. This set comprises the pair of sculptural...
Leather, Rosewood
Collectible Style Armchair in Mongolian Faux Fur By Sidani Design
Located in NEW YORK, NY
An explosion of organic, enveloping forms, conceived as both furniture and sculpture. Its silhouette is defined by soft, generous curves and a commanding backrest that cocoons the bo...
Upholstery, Faux Fur, Wood
Bertu Outdoor Chair, Maverick Big Outdoor Lounge Chair, Natural Mahogany
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Big Outdoor Lounge Chair - The Maverick is beautifully constructed in Ohio, USA. This silhouette is modern and chunky with big, comfortable back and seat cushions. The wood fram...
Mahogany
Milo Baughman Luxe Alpaca Chrome Lounge Chair
Located in Houston, TX
1970s Milo Baughman chrome lounge chair newly upholstered in a creamy ecru Pollack Luxe Alpaca.
Chrome
Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman for Vitra, by Charles and Ray Eames, 1956
By Vitra
Located in Astoria, NY
Iconic Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra, 1956 Design This exceptional Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is an authorized re-edition produced by Vitra...
Aluminum
$2,515 / item
Priamo Brown Indoor Swing
Located in Milan, IT
This indoor swing will add a sophisticated and playful accent to a modern loft with its brown leather seat embellished by tone-on-tone stitching. Suspende...
Leather
Pair of Faux Bamboo Chinese Chippendale Lounge Chairs Martha Stewart Bernhardt
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Martha Stewart for Bernhardt faux bamboo Chinese Chippendale lounge chairs, wood frames with fabric cushions. Fabric has some spots, we recommend recovering the cushions. We ...
Fabric, Wood
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Cream Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Miami, FL
One Maggiolina lounge chair with ottoman designed Marco Zanuso in 1947, steel frame, cowhide sling, goose down, cream leather upholstery. Made in Italy by Zanotta We have two sets av...
Steel
Jaime Hayon Contemporary Plywood Upholstery Lounger Armchair for BD
By Jaime Hayon, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Lounger armchair designed by Jaime Hayon. Manufactured by BD Barcelona Design. Armchair structure base in cast aluminium and painted. Seat and backrest are in plywood with exteriors...
Aluminum
Toshiyuki Kita for Cassina 'Dodo' Reclining Lounge Chair in Brown Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Dodo chair was designed by Toshiyuki Kita for Cassina in 2000, and features a perfect combination of Japanese design sensibilities and Italian construct...
Steel
CraftAssociates Lounge Chairs, Vadar Modern Leather Lounge Chair, Wingback
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Lounge Chairs, Vadar Modern Leather Lounge Chair, Wingback These wing chairs are expertly crafted and upholstered. This wing chair represents the largest lounge chai...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Scandinavian Ekornes Stressless Recliner White Lounge Chair + Ottoman
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration Scandinavian modern Ekornes Stressless lounge chair white + ottoman. White leather in wood base. Dimensions: Chair 39.5" H x 31.5" W x 26" D. Seat arm 21.5" ...
Leather, Wood
Handcrafted Armchair with Architectural Silhouette and High Resistance Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This armchair is a time capsule of style. Taking cues from the most fashionable styles of scarves in history, it’s subtle and layered composition create a dynamic and effortlessly st...
Velvet, Wood
Contemporary Sense Accent Chair, Sapele Wood, Bouclé, Brass, Handmade Greenapple
By Rute Martins, Greenapple, Dedar
Located in Lisboa, PT
Contemporary Sense Accent Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Sense accent chair embodies the essence of slow living, designed to enc...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Contemporary Sense Lounge Chair, Oak Wood, Bouclé, Brass, Handmade by Greenapple
By Rute Martins, Dedar, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Contemporary Sense Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Sense lounge chair embodies the essence of slow living, designed to enc...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Ligne Roset Fireside “Neo” Lounge Rocking Chair and Footrest
By Ligne Roset
Located in Miami, FL
Ligne Roset “Neo” fireside rocking chair and footrest with original canary yellow fabric by Alban-Sebastian Giles . Use with existing fabric or have r...
Fabric, Foam
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino
By Gio Ponti
Located in San Francisco, CA
This pair of expertly restored small-scale armchairs by Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino features tapered oak legs and rich Sandra Jordan Prima Alpaca Suri Zibelinado upholstery in Aube...
Fabric, Oak
Collectible Style Armchair in Mongolian Faux Fur By Sidani Design
Located in NEW YORK, NY
An explosion of organic, enveloping forms, conceived as both furniture and sculpture. Its silhouette is defined by soft, generous curves and a commanding backrest that cocoons the bo...
Upholstery, Wood, Faux Fur
Contemporary Leather Armchair with High Back & Swivel Base
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This timeless armchair coordinates perfectly its materials in a one-of-a-kind piece, especially when presented in a cross-stitched seam. ?A powerful and embracing structure where a h...
Metal
Sculptural Designer Accent Lounge Chair Upholstered in Élitis Jacquard Velvet
Located in Miami, FL
A bold designer accent chair reimagined with Casa de Barcelona’s signature touch, upholstered in Élitis’ Se Lève le Rideau velvet from the Brera collection. This fabric features an u...
Jacquard, Velvet, Wood
Modern Low Chair Gropius CS1 Fluffy in Premium Azur Sand Faux Fur by NOOM
Located in Paris, FR
New NOOM furniture collection is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bauhaus School in Germany. Ideas of functionalism and conciseness, the combination of Craft...
Acrylic, Linen, Cotton, Fur, Faux Fur, Velvet, Bouclé, Wool, Fabric, She...
$8,385 / item
+ 13 moreGhidini 1961 Katana Lounge Chair in Leather and Burnished Brass, Paolo Rizzatto
By Ghidini 1961, Paolo Rizzatto
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
In the Katana sofa, Paolo Rizzatto, being the refined and expert designer he is, puts great care in the proportions of the structural elements of the produ...
Leather
Craft Associates Modern Lounge Chair, 2002, the Parallax
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Laura Trenchard Manufacturer: Craft Associates Modern Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, Mohair Yardage: 6 yards, 5.5 meters condition Craft Associates Modern lounge chair - 2002 - The Parallax...
Mohair, Walnut
$1,280Sale Price / set|53% Off
Pair of Vintage Refurbished Kaare Klint Safari Chairs from the 1960s
Located in Søborg, DK
A vintage pair of refurbished Kaare Klint safari chairs from the 1960s by Rud Rasmussen furniture markers in Copenhagen. KK47000 was designed in 1933 as a modern collapsible chair...
Leather
Customizable ClassiCon Bonaparte Lounge Chair by Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
Bonaparte is one of the seldom cases in which the luxurious comfort of an upholstered chair has been successfully united with a tubular steel construction. The result communicates bo...
Upholstery
Butaque Lounge Chair Made of Solid Wood Inspired in Clara Porset Design
By Clara Porset
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Butaque lounge chair made of solid wood inspired in Clara Porset Design The Butaque lounge chair is an exquisite creation by NONO that draws inspiration from the celebrated design...
Hardwood
$2,000 / item
Chile Modern Side Chair
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Chile 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 seat cushions. This is the perfect chair for any space, indoor or outdoor. This specific wood species is for indoor only; please contact for outdoor options. Price includes thick weave fabric (multiple colors available) and finish of your choice. Shown here in leather for additional cost. This chair is for indoor use! Please contact us or find our other Suelo® listings for the outdoor version. Designer Inspiration: "I am inspired by my love for travel. So many places that inspire me have very minimal furniture, often built-in sofas with big comfy cushions, hammocks, raw natural wood, etc. The feel is low-key, simple, and comfortable. The wood isn't refined, it just IS. I envision this furniture used for indoor/outdoor spaces or any room that needs some comfort or relief. The Chile chair...
Hardwood
Contemporary Lounge Chair 'Puffy' by HEM, White Steel, Eggshell Bouclé
By Faye Toogood, HEM
Located in Paris, IDF
PUFFY, Lounge Chair Design: Faye Toogood Editor: HEM Model shown on main image: Steel frame: Cream, Matte (RAL 9001) Upholstery: Storr, Eggshell (97% Pure New Wool, 3% Nylon) The detachable upholstery of the Puffy Lounge Chair is fat and plump, its generous shape spills freely over the sides of a tubular steel frame which, in stark contrast, is hard-lined and strong. The two key elements of this seating design by Faye Toogood are in purposeful and playful juxtaposition. The elementary frame is inspired by the rational structure of classic modernist design, whilst the extravagant quilt-like upholstery warmly embraces and envelopes, is comforting and reassuring. The Puffy Chair...
Steel
Mid-Century Style Emerald Green Velvet Dining Chair In Honey Oak Finish
By Yonoh Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
An exercise in sculptural restraint, this armchair features a solid wood frame with softly contoured edges and a curved backrest that cradles the sitter. The architectural silhouette...
Upholstery, Wood
Modern Low Chair Gropius CS1 with Spheric Ottoman Pouf in Kvadrat Wool by NOOM
Located in Paris, FR
New NOOM furniture collection is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bauhaus School in Germany. Ideas of functionalism and conciseness, the combination of Craft...
Fabric, Wool, Cotton, Linen, Faux Fur, Acrylic, Wood, Ash, Velvet
$9,586 / item
Jaime Hayon, Contemporary, Lounger Armchair for BD
By Jaime Hayon, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair structure base in cast aluminium. Seat, backrest are in plywood with exteriors in walnut nature effect NG EN2 Upholstered in Aged camel V18 Various fabrics and leathe...
Aluminum
CraftAssociates Lounge Chairs, Nantucket Modern Lounge Chair, White Oak Shearlin
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Experience the unparalleled elegance of Craft Associates Nantucket Lounge Chair in Shearling, masterfully stitched by hand in the heart of Ohio. Each chair is padded to perfection, f...
Sheepskin, Oak
$5,621 / item
Contemporary Armchair Offered in Velvet & Metal Base
Located in NEW YORK, NY
this armchair is an elevated homage to the golden age of gentleman drivers. The piece’s flawless structure is deceivingly simple, yet undeniably striking. The detailed upholstery and...
Brass
Crooked Asymmetrical Lounge Chair in Massive Oak with Oil Wax Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The absence of 90° angles and symmetries – this is the concept of The Crooked collection. Handmade in Berlin, Germany, each piece is unique and different to the rest. The massive oak...
Oak
Gucci Monumental 1970s Club Chairs in New Black Cowhides and Chocolate Shearling
By Gucci
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Inspired by the black and tan interiors of chic and fast Italian and German sports cars our shop clad these monumental sized Gucci lounge chairs in soft and cascading long haired bla...
Cowhide, Hide, Upholstery
$6,560Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Mies van der Rohe for Knoll MR 30/5 Lounge Chairs
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare pair of Mies van Der Rohe for Knoll MR 30/5 lounge chairs constructed from tubular chromed steel frames and with their original brown saddle lea...
Steel
Margot Mini Lounge Chair, by ATRA
By Alexander Andersson Diaz, ATRA
Located in New York, NY
The Mini Margot Lounge Chair By ATRA, Alexander Andersson Diaz Customizable in the following finishes; UPHOLSTERY [ ] Velvet [ ] Boucle [ ] Mohair [ ] Alpaca [ ] Woven [ ] Teddy M...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$3,650 / item
Lloyd Round Back Lounge Chair by Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Lloyd Lounge Chair by Crump and Kwash Solid maple frame / hand rubbed oil finish / solid brass rungs / shearling wrapped back support / shearling seat top / premium foam cushion ...
Brass
Modern Low Chair Gropius CS1 in Fire Retardant Cobalt Blue Wool by NOOM
Located in Paris, FR
New NOOM furniture collection is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bauhaus School in Germany. Ideas of functionalism and conciseness, the combination of Craft...
Fabric, Wool
$10,103 / item
Customizable Artifort Ribbon Chair by Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
A completely upholstered design by Pierre Paulin from 1966 and a professional, innovative vision on the well-known ribbon form. Metal frame with horizontal springs, covered with foam...
Textile
Modern T50 Outdoors Lounge Chair, Dedar Jacquard, Walnut, Handmade by Greenapple
By Rute Martins, Greenapple, Dedar
Located in Lisboa, PT
T50 Outdoors Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The T50 outdoors lounge chair pays homage to the retro aesthetics of 1950s design...
Brass
Contemporary Lounge Chair 'Puffy' by HEM, Stainless Steel, Blue Leather
By Faye Toogood, HEM
Located in Paris, IDF
PUFFY, Lounge Chair Design: Faye Toogood Editor: HEM Model shown on main image: Steel frame: Stainless Steel (silver), Matte Upholstery: Soft Leather, Light Blue, Elmo The detachable upholstery of the Puffy Lounge Chair is fat and plump, its generous shape spills freely over the sides of a tubular steel frame which, in stark contrast, is hard-lined and strong. The two key elements of this seating design by Faye Toogood are in purposeful and playful juxtaposition. The elementary frame is inspired by the rational structure of classic modernist design, whilst the extravagant quilt-like upholstery warmly embraces and envelopes, is comforting and reassuring. The Puffy Chair...
Steel
Zanotta Maggiolina Lounge Chair in Gray Leather & Steel Frame by Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Miami, FL
One Maggiolina lounge chair with ottoman designed Marco Zanuso in 1947, black steel frame, cowhide sling, goose down, gray leather upholstery. Made in Italy by Zanotta ottoman: 25.6"...
Steel
Mirror polished Aluminium Armchair with Lapping Cane Seating
By Tino Seubert
Located in London, GB
Armchair made from mirror polished aluminium extrusions and woven cane seating. Originally realised for the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield and inspired by Donald Judd and Børge Mogen...
Aluminum
Stone Age-Inspired Lounge Chair by Albino Miranda, Hand-Crafted Resin
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Description: Sofa crafted of fiber reinforced resin in natural aged finish. The armchair is characterized by its organic shape and incomparable durability. Designed to withstand ext...
Resin
In Stock Tabei lounge chair by Crump and Kwash in Blue Corduroy
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Tabei Lounge Chair by Crump and Kwash This piece is in stock and ready to ship. Temporal Blue Corduroy upholstery / plywood construction / premium cushioning / down envelope 37...
Upholstery
Ron Arad “Size Ten” Sculptural Lounge Chairs for Moroso, Italy, 1990s
Contemporary Sense Accent Chair, Sapele Wood Dedar Linen, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Contemporary Sense Accent Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Sense accent chair embodies the essence of slow living, designed to enc...
Brass, Stainless Steel
1980s Wicker Works Barrel Lounge Chair with Original Upholstery, USA
By Wicker Works
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A charming and highly collectible vintage barrel lounge chair designed and manufactured in the United States in the 1980s by Wicker Works. This sculptural chair exemplifies the relax...
Fabric, Wicker
Ghidini 1961 Katana Lounge Chair in Fabric and Satin Brass by Paolo Rizzatto
By Paolo Rizzatto, Ghidini 1961
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
In the Katana sofa, Paolo Rizzatto, being the refined and expert designer he is, puts great care in the proportions of the structural elements of the produ...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern organic round oak handmade Niemeyer armchair by InsidherLand
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Golden Winner at the Muse Design Awards Competition 2022 The Niemeyer armchair is named after the Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer whose Architecture w...
Fabric, Oak, Wood
Piero Lissoni per Kartell Poltrona Letto "Trix, Italia 2000s
By Piero Lissoni, Kartell
Located in Naples, IT
Divano letto Trix bianco di Piero Lissoni per Kartell composto da tre diversi elementi collegati da un elegante sistema di elastici in grado di trasformarsi e adattarsi a diversi u...
Fabric, Plastic
Low rocking Chair Japanese Modern Style Bentwood Chair
By Studio Jig
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Bentwood rocking chair in the Japanese modern style. Made of Yoshino cedar which is a famous wood grown in the Yoshino district in Japan. It has characte...
Wood
