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Modern Office Chairs and Desk 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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Set of 2 Kartell Audrey Chair by Piero Lissoni in Black & White
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 Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Italian modern salmon pink leather swivel office chair by Eames for ICF, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern salmon pink leather swivel office chair by Eames for ICF, 1970s Swivel office chair or armchair with wheels. The seat and back are covered in warm salmon pink leather ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Side or Desk Chair in Holland and Sherry Wool
Located in Chicago, IL
Modern chrome and wool side or desk chair. Recently reupholstered in Holland & Sherry pure wool.
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

American Yellow Shell Chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
American modern Yellow Shell Chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1970s Pair of chairs belonging to the Shell Chairs series with curv...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Modern Spheric Ottoman 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 concise...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Textile

Set of 2 Kartell Lizz Matt Black Chair by Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A light, essential and rigorous chair. Its square line is designed by Piero Lissoni, with a wide seat and a wide, low backrest. Created for use around tables, it was born in a range ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Plastic

RH-305 Bauhaus Dining Tufted Armchair Leather, Stainless Steel Legs by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Chair with armrests RH-305/01 by De Sede. A chair that has lost none of its elegance and style since it was created in the 1950s, an icon. The re-edition remains a Classic, but has b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

KT-221 Bauhaus Occasional Chair in Tufted Natural Leather and Metal by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Lounge chair KT221/01 by De Sede. Relaunch and update of the design created in 1956. Objectively functional design of an iconographic, architectural construction through the transfer...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Papillonne Black Swivel Wheeled Office Chair in Faux Leather
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Standing out in every field with its eye-catching modern design approach and material variety, the Papillonne series brings a brand new face to spaces with its minimal appearance. Wh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Steelcase i2i Swivel Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Steelcase i2i Swivel Lounge chair. Featuring a plastic shell and a upholstered swivel seat and back. The four prong polished metal base is very attract...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

2010s Herman Miller Eames Executive Soft Pad Desk Chair in Grey Vinyl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Executive Desk Chair, Model EA437, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1969. This example dates to the 2010s. Th...
Category

2010s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

DS-1051 Office Chair by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-1051 office chair by De Sede Dimensions: D 62 x W 82 x H 121 cm Materials: chrome-plated, leather Prices may change according to the chosen materials and size. An all-rou...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Modern Spheric Ottoman in Barnum Boucle White Fabric 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 concise...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Textile, Bouclé

Pair of Vintage Gf GoodForm Aluminum Task Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of vintage GF GoodForm aluminum task chairs.
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

2010s Herman Miller Eames Executive Soft Pad Desk Chair in Blue Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Executive Desk Chair, Model EA437, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1969. This example dates to the 2010s. Th...
Category

2010s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Matteo Grassi MG15 Office Swivel Saddle Leather Chair Armchair 1/2
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This swivel office chair Model MG15 was manufactured by Matteo Grassi. It is adjustable in height and also with a flexible tilt angle. A rare Matteograssi Model The saddle leather is...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Italy Ghidini 1961 Pair Burnished Brass Armchairs Contemporary Design
Located in Brescia, IT
This three-legged armchair with a very comfortable backrest, is an invitation to relax, to enjoy the minutes slowly. Fully hand made in Italy. Variations are available in the brass f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Vintage GF GoodForm Aluminum Task Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of vintage GF GoodForm aluminum task chairs.
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

2003 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chairs in Blue Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Eames Aluminum Group Management Chairs, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. These particular examples were produced in 2003. Their desig...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

1970s Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk / Side Chair in Purple Hopsack
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk / Side Chair, model EA-108, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. This particular example was produced in the 1...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

2023 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Executive Desk Chair in Gray Bristol Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Executive high back desk chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames and produced by Herman Miller. This model was originally designed in 1958, and this ...
Category

2010s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Original CM197 Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original CM197 armchair by Pierre Paulin. Designed for Thonet, France in 1958. Green vinyl upholstery in excellent original condition. Can be reupholstered easi...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

Jacques Adnet chairs
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant set of four Jacques Adnet chairs covered with leather hand stitched piqué-sellier.
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Papillonne Blue Kenzo Swivel Black Office Chair
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Standing out in every field with its eye-catching modern design approach and material variety, the Papillonne series brings a brand new face to spaces with its minimal appearance. Wh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Smania Italian Modern Prototype Brass and Azur Blue Living Room Armchair
Located in New York, NY
This chair is an Italian one of a kind prototype, never put in production, signed by the company Smania with a great embracing line. The design of the gently curved open back gives attitude to this piece and an aerodynamic outline, that makes it very comfortable. The brass tubular legs give a very elegant support with front and back legs folded part way up to cleverly double their profile and enhance this rare organic design. The chic fabric is a very interesting embossed Wedgwood powder...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Vintage GF GoodForm Aluminum Task Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of vintage GF GoodForm aluminum task chairs.
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Original CM197 Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Thonet France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original CM197 armchair by Pierre Paulin. Designed for Thonet, France in 1958. Green vinyl upholstery in excellent original condition. Can be reupholstered easi...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

2010s Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Executive Desk Chair in Caramel Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Executive Desk Chair, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. This particular example dates to the 2010s. The design fe...
Category

2010s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

1980s Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Bronze & Fabric Bucket Desk Chairs 2x
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single sculptural barrel-back desk chair, retaining its original blue fabric upholstered seat, and resting on a bronze 5-point base with Shepherd Profile casters. This chai...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric

2004 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Side / Desk Chairs with Antler Bases
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Eames Aluminum Group armless desk or side chairs, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1958. These particular examples were produced by Herman Miller in the USA ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

RH-305 Bauhaus Dining Tufted Chair Leather and Stainless Steel Legs by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Chair RH-305/01 by De Sede. A chair that has lost none of its elegance and style since it was created in the 1950s, an icon. The re-edition remains a Classic, but has been adapted sl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Papillonne Blue and Beige Swivel Office Chair with Black Wheel
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Standing out in every field with its eye-catching modern design approach and material variety, the Papillonne series brings a brand new face to spaces with its minimal appearance. Wh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

2008 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Management Desk Chair in Cream Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chairs, Model EA335, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. These examples date to 2008. Their design i...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

De Sede International Steel Tube Armchair by Hans Eichenberger
Located in Brooklyn, NY
HE-113/01 armchair by De Sede. Technical details: Upholstery: SEDEX upholstery with wadding cushion. Strap cover in core leather black. Frame: Chrome-plated steel tube frame. Bl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Post Modern Gray Faux Leather Parson’s Style Armed Accent Chair on Casters
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous modern gray faux leather modified Parson’s style armed accent chair on casters. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vin...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather

De Sede DS-279 Office Chair with Castors in Perla Upholstery by Christian Werner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A relaxing miracle for all desires. Low- or high-backed chairs with a slender star base, as dining chairs or lounge chairs, for uplifting seating comfort with the highest esthetic st...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Original Pre-Production Prototype Wire Desk Chair by Niall O'Flynn
Located in New York, NY
Original pre-production prototype of a wire mesh metal desk chair by Niall O'Flynn shown at the New York Furniture Fair in 1994 and later produced by t' Spectrum. Composed of an E...
Category

Late 20th Century Irish Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

1980s Pearson Executive Desk Chair by Max Pearson for Knoll 3x Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pearson Executive Chair, originally designed by Max Pearson in 1966. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in the USA in the 1980s. The chair's design features a...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

Vintage Dark Grey Plastic Rolling Desk Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Strive
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage Dark Grey Plastic Rolling Desk Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Strive. These plastic chairs are easy to move around with the wheels on the bottom and can serve as desk chairs...
Category

1990s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Plastic

De Sede Customizable Leather Rocking Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-900/01 customizable rocking chair by De Sede. Technical details: Standard configuration: lastic runners / Piping tone on tone. For further versions, please inquire. If not spe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

1990 Mario Bellini for Vitra Figura Executive Desk Chairs in Black Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Figura Desk Office Chair, originally designed by Mario Bellini for Vitra in 1979. These examples date to the year 1990. The chairs feature an aluminum base with a seat that...
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Modern Leather Quilted Desk Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Leather Quilted desk chair with a swivel seat, an arched upholstered back, and tight seat, with padded arms, the outside back in a diamond quilted pattern and raised on an adj...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Danish Oak & Blue Fabric Chair by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This modernist office chair was designed by Hans J. Wegner for the Danish manufacturer GETAMA Gedsted during the 1960s. The raw, geometric frame...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Italian modern Adjustable office chair Modus by Osvaldo Borsano for Tecno, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Adjustable office chair Modus by Osvaldo Borsano for Tecno, 1980s Office or desk chair mod. Modus with seat and backrest in ivory-white plastic monocoque. On the seat ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

1991 Ward Bennett Executive Desk Chair for Brickel Associates 12x Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Executive Bumper Swivel Desk Chairs, initially designed by Ward Bennett in 1969. These were produced by Brickel Associates in 1991 and are all original. The listed price in...
Category

1990s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel, Bronze

Karl Springer Rare "Regency Armchair" in Stainless Steel and Brass 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Rare and beautifully made "Regency Armchair" in polished stainless steel and brass backrest with upholstered seat by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The quality and materials used in...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair of Conceptual Steel Side or Desk Chairs Attributed to Robert Wilson
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of Conceptual Side Chairs influenced by deconstructivism and punk. The pieces are in perforated steel, have strong sculptural lines and explore ideas about the Modern, the Pos...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Sheet Metal, Steel

1999 Richard Sapper for Knoll Executive Desk Chair in Leather 12x Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Sapper Executive Desk chair, initially designed by Richard Sapper for Knoll in 1979. This is one of Sapper's most iconic works, along with t...
Category

1990s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 2 Kartell Lizz Matt White Chair by Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A light, essential and rigorous chair. Its square line is designed by Piero Lissoni, with a wide seat and a wide, low backrest. Created for use around tables, it was born in a range ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Original CM197 Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Thonet France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original CM197 armchair by Pierre Paulin. Designed for Thonet, France in 1958. Green vinyl upholstery in excellent original condition. Can be reupholstered easi...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Frank Mariani Leather Desk Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Frank Mariani Leather Desk Chair, pillowed seat and back and arms covered with Black Leather, tubular steel chrome plated. Tilt swivel with 5 star base...
Category

1990s North American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Frank Mariani Leather Desk Chair
Frank Mariani Leather Desk Chair
$1,936 Sale Price
56% Off
Set of 4 Sand Remix Lassen Chairs by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 sand remix Lassen chairs by Lassen. Dimensions: W 58 x D 60 x H 88 cm. Materials: Textile. The Lassen chair by Flemming Lassen, Magnus Sangild and Marianne Viktor was l...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Textile

Steelcase Amia Executive Ergonomic Office Chair Fully Adjustable in Gray Fabric
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Amia is a versatile ergonomic office chair designed to handle long hours of sitting. Features adjustable LiveLumbar technology inside its backrest that responds to the movement of yo...
Category

2010s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

2012 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in MCL Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair, Model EA335, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. This example was produced in 2012. The des...
Category

2010s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

1986 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Executive Office Chair in Red Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Executive Office Chairs, designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates in ca. 1970. The chairs are framed in Cherry-stained Oak, having coordinating wood trim on their fi...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 2 Kartell Lizz Matt Gray Chair by Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A light, essential and rigorous chair. Its square line is designed by Piero Lissoni, with a wide seat and a wide, low backrest. Created for use around tables, it was born in a range ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Italian modern green velvet office chairS by Moscatelli for Formanova, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern green velvet office chairs by Giulio Moscatelli for Formanova, 1970s Pair of armchairs or office chairs with rounded seat and backrest, padded and covered in green cor...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Dietiker Felber C14 Sled Dining Chair, Modular Design, Set of 4
Located in Stein am Rhein, CH
The Felber C14 is a reedition of a 1940s Classic Dietiker chair. The chair which was at first developed as a simple wooden chair in the early 40s, has been ...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

De Sede DS-257/01 Executive Armchair in Black Upholstery by De Sede Design Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sitting comfortably is the name of the game here! Designed as a Classic executive chair, the DS-257 is the perfect choice for concentrated and at the same time comfortable work, made...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Custom Desk/Vanity Chair in Walnut on Brass Castors, 1990s
Located in New York, NY
Custom design desk/vanity chair in walnut on brass castors upholstered in fabric with geometric motif, American, 1990s. This chair is beautifully made.
Category

1990s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Brass

Modern office chairs and desk chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern office chairs and desk 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 office chairs and desk chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with animal skin, leather and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern office chairs and desk chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original office chairs and desk chairs, popular names associated with this style include Herman Miller, Kartell, Charles and Ray Eames, and De Sede. 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 office chairs and desk chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $156 and tops out at $49,000 while the average work can sell for $2,000.

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