Modern Side 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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Style: Modern
Color: Gray
Emeco Lancaster Chair in Dark Gray Aluminum and Ash by Michael Young
By Emeco, Michael Young
Located in Hanover, PA
Our clients have asked us to utilize wood in our designs for years. Lancaster features a reclaimed, solid ash frame and recycled die-cast aluminum seat and back- an expression of Ind...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Set of 2 Kartell Lizz Mat Chairs in White by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A lightweight chair, with essential, strict lines, in synch with the minimalist and refined style of its designer, Piero Lissoni. Lizz is now also av...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Set Sculptural Modern Chaise Longue, Footstool Old Silver Steel & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary chaise longue and ottoman is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 16 / 12 mm is complemented by the flexibil...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Brass, Steel
Emeco 20-06 Medium Square Café Table with White Laminate Top by Norman Foster
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco’s collaboration with Norman Foster resulted in the “20-06” collection. Foster envisioned a “neutral” table - visually and physically lightweight. ”I appreciate the anonymous ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Hudson Rocking Chair in Brushed Aluminum by Philippe Starck
By Emeco, Philippe Starck
Located in Hanover, PA
The Hudson, designed for the Hudson hotel in NYC, is Emeco and Starck’s first collaboration. Starck described the chair as “washing the details from the N...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 20-06 Small Square Café Table in Brushed Aluminum by Norman Foster
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco’s collaboration with Norman Foster resulted in the “20-06” collection. Foster envisioned a “neutral” table - visually and physically lightweight. ”I appreciate the anonymous ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Hudson Swivel Chair in Polished Aluminium by Philippe Starck
By Emeco, Philippe Starck
Located in Hanover, PA
The Hudson, designed for the Hudson hotel in NYC, is Emeco and Starck’s first collaboration. Starck described the chair as “washing the details from the Navy Chair”. It takes an addi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 20-06 Small Square Bar Table with Gray Laminate Top by Norman Foster
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco’s collaboration with Norman Foster resulted in the “20-06” collection. Foster envisioned a “neutral” table - visually and physically lightweight. ”I appreciate the anonymous ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Kong Chair in Brushed Aluminum by Philippe Starck
By Emeco, Philippe Starck
Located in Hanover, PA
Starck first designed the Kong barstool for the Chinese restaurant Kong in Paris. The one armed stool was intended to make it easy and graceful for the su...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 111 Navy Chair in Charcoal by Coca-Cola
By Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Coca-Cola and Emeco collaborated to solve an environmental problem: Up-cycling consumer waste into a sustainable, timeless, Classic chair. Made of 111 recycled PET bottles, the 111 Navy Chair...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Plastic
Emeco 20-06 Small Round Café Table with Gray Laminate Top by Norman Foster
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco’s collaboration with Norman Foster resulted in the “20-06” collection. Foster envisioned a “neutral” table - visually and physically lightweight. ”I appreciate the anonymous ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 20-06 Large Square Café Table with White Laminate Top by Norman Foster
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco’s collaboration with Norman Foster resulted in the “20-06” collection. Foster envisioned a “neutral” table - visually and physically lightweight. ”I appreciate the anonymous ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 20-06 Large Square Café Table in Brushed Aluminum by Norman Foster
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco’s collaboration with Norman Foster resulted in the “20-06” collection. Foster envisioned a “neutral” table - visually and physically lightweight. ”I appreciate the anonymous ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Hudson Rocking Chair in Polished Aluminum by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
The Hudson, designed for the Hudson hotel in NYC, is Emeco and Starck’s first collaboration. Starck described the chair as “washing the details from the Navy Chair”. It takes an addi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Navy Chair in Polished Aluminum & Cherry by Us Navy
By Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
First built for use on submarines in 1944, the Navy Chair has been in continuous Production ever since. With the famous 77 step Process, our craftsmen take soft, recycled aluminum, h...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Alfi High Back Chair with Black Powder Coated Aluminum Frame by Jasper
By Jasper Morrison, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco and Jasper Morrison together, designed and engineered the Alfi Collection with the conviction that what you don't see is as important as what you do see. Made of reclaimed mate...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Navy Chair in Brushed Aluminum and Walnut by US Navy
By Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
First built for use on submarines in 1944, the Navy Chair has been in continuous Production ever since. With the famous 77 step Process, our craftsmen take soft, recycled aluminum, h...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Kong Barstool in Brushed Aluminum by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Starck first designed the Kong barstool for the Chinese restaurant Kong in Paris. The one armed stool was intended to make it easy and graceful for the su...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Hudson Barstool with Arms in Brushed Aluminum by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
The Hudson, designed for the Hudson hotel in NYC, is Emeco and Starck’s first collaboration. Starck described the chair as “washing the details from the N...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 20-06 Large Square Bar Table in Brushed Aluminum by Norman Foster
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco’s collaboration with Norman Foster resulted in the “20-06” collection. Foster envisioned a “neutral” table - visually and physically lightweight. ”I appreciate the anonymous ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 1 Inch Stacking Chair in Brushed Aluminum and Green by Jasper Morrison
By Jasper Morrison, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
For the 1 Inch Collection, Jasper Morrison tapped into Emeco’s heritage in hand crafting recycled aluminum, and leveraged its signature strength, light weight, and sustainability. Em...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Trolley Side Chair
By Phase Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Trolley family from Phase Design addresses most seating needs in a simple yet sophisticated manner, helping create a polished and purposeful environment. The side chair is availa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Steel
Emeco Heritage Chair in Polished Aluminum by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Heritage is a stacking chair designed by Philippe Starck, inspired by the original 1006 Navy.The rocking version was designed for the world famous Bon restaurant in Paris. Intended a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Kong Counter Stool in Brushed Aluminum by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Starck first designed the Kong barstool for the Chinese restaurant Kong in Paris. The one armed stool was intended to make it easy and graceful for the su...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 20-06 Large Round Cafe Table with White Laminate Top by Norman Foster
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco’s collaboration with Norman Foster resulted in the “20-06” collection. Foster envisioned a “neutral” table - visually and physically lightweight. ”I appreciate the anonymous ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Kong Chair in Polished Aluminium by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Starck first designed the Kong barstool for the Chinese restaurant Kong in Paris. The one armed stool was intended to make it easy and graceful for the su...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Highly Unusual Artist Signed Sculptural Chair
Located in Norwood, NJ
More art than chair. Art Modern or Postmodern with an Art Deco influence. Sculptural cast aluminum horse chair by Ray Lewis. Designer cast aluminum and leath...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Kong Barstool w/ Arms in Polished Aluminum by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Starck first designed the Kong barstool for the Chinese restaurant Kong in Paris. The one armed stool was intended to make it easy and graceful for the super model clientele to slith...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 20-06 Small Square Café Table with White Laminate Top by Norman Foster
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco’s collaboration with Norman Foster resulted in the “20-06” collection. Foster envisioned a “neutral” table - visually and physically lightweight. ”I appreciate the anonymous ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 20-06 Small Round Bar Table with Gray Laminate Top by Norman Foster
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco’s collaboration with Norman Foster resulted in the “20-06” collection. Foster envisioned a “neutral” table - visually and physically lightweight. ”I appreciate the anonymous ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 20-06 Small Round Bar Table with White Laminate Top by Norman Foster
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco’s collaboration with Norman Foster resulted in the “20-06” collection. Foster envisioned a “neutral” table - visually and physically lightweight. ”I appreciate the anonymous ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 1 Inch Stacking Chair in Brushed Aluminum and Brown by Jasper Morrison
By Emeco, Jasper Morrison
Located in Hanover, PA
For the 1 Inch collection, Jasper Morrison tapped into Emeco’s heritage in hand crafting recycled aluminum, and leveraged its signature strength, light weight, and sustainability. Em...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Heritage Rocking Chair in Polished Aluminum by Philippe Starck
By Emeco, Philippe Starck
Located in Hanover, PA
Heritage is a stacking chair designed by Philippe Starck, inspired by the original 1006 Navy.The rocking version was designed for the world famous Bon restaurant in Paris. Intended a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Alfi 3-Seat Bench in Gray and Ash with High Back by Jasper Morrison
By Emeco, Jasper Morrison
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco and Morrison together, designed and engineered The Alfi Collection with the conviction that what you don't see is as important as what you do see. Alfi reflects Emeco and Morri...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
Set of 12 Modern Metal Chairs
Located in Charleston, SC
Great set of 12 modern metal chairs. Stripped and polished.
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Metal
Emeco Lancaster Chair in Dark Gray Aluminum & Dark Ash by Michael Young
By Michael Young, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Our clients have asked us to utilize wood in our designs for years. Lancaster features a reclaimed, solid ash frame and recycled die-cast aluminum seat and back- an expression of ind...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 20-06 Small Square Bar Table with White Laminate Top by Norman Foster
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco’s collaboration with Norman Foster resulted in the “20-06” collection. Foster envisioned a “neutral” table - visually and physically lightweight. ”I appreciate the anonymous ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 20-06 Large Square Bar Table w/ White Laminate Top by Norman Foster
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco’s collaboration with Norman Foster resulted in the “20-06” collection. Foster envisioned a “neutral” table - visually and physically lightweight. ”I appreciate the anonymous ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Lancaster Chair in Light Gray Aluminium and Dark Ash by Michael Young
By Michael Young, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Our clients have asked us to utilize wood in our designs for years. Lancaster features a reclaimed, solid ash frame and recycled die-cast aluminium seat and back- an expression of In...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 20-06 Large Round Bar Table in Brushed Aluminum by Norman Foster
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco’s collaboration with Norman Foster resulted in the “20-06” collection. Foster envisioned a “neutral” table - visually and physically lightweight. ”I appreciate the anonymous ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Kong Barstool in Polished Aluminum by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Starck first designed the Kong barstool for the Chinese restaurant Kong in Paris. The one armed stool was intended to make it easy and graceful for the super model clientele to slith...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 20-06 Large Round Café Table in Brushed Aluminum by Norman Foster
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco’s collaboration with Norman Foster resulted in the “20-06” collection. Foster envisioned a “neutral” table - visually and physically lightweight. ”I appreciate the anonymous ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 20-06 Large Round Bar Table w/ White Laminate Top by Norman Foster
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco’s collaboration with Norman Foster resulted in the “20-06” collection. Foster envisioned a “neutral” table - visually and physically lightweight. ”I appreciate the anonymous ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Kong Counter Stool with Arms in Polished Aluminum by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Starck first designed the Kong barstool for the Chinese restaurant Kong in Paris. The one armed stool was intended to make it easy and graceful for the su...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Lancaster Barstool in Dark Gray Aluminum and Dark Ash by Michael Young
By Emeco, Michael Young
Located in Hanover, PA
Our clients have asked us to utilize wood in our designs for years. Lancaster features a reclaimed, solid ash frame and recycled die-cast aluminum seat and back- an expression of Ind...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Kong Counter Stool with Arms in Brushed Aluminum by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Starck first designed the Kong barstool for the Chinese restaurant Kong in Paris. The one armed stool was intended to make it easy and graceful for the su...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Lancaster Barstool in Light Gray Aluminum and Dark Ash by Michael Young
By Emeco, Michael Young
Located in Hanover, PA
Our clients have asked us to utilize wood in our designs for years. Lancaster features a re-claimed, solid ash frame and recycled die-cast aluminum seat and back- an expression of in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Hudson Barstool w/ Arms in Polished Aluminum by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
The Hudson, designed for the Hudson hotel in NYC, is Emeco and Starck’s first collaboration. Starck described the chair as “washing the details from the Navy Chair”. It takes an addi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco 20-06 Large Round Bar Table with Gray Laminate Top by Norman Foster
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco’s collaboration with Norman Foster resulted in the “20-06” collection. Foster envisioned a “neutral” table - visually and physically lightweight. ”I appreciate the anonymous ch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Modernist Rectilinear Ebonized Walnut and Textural Gray Woven Fabric Side Chair
Located in New York, NY
This refined modernist side chair offers a graphic open form geometric ebonized walnut frame in ebonized walnut. The ebonized sides of the chair appear as open squares, while the fra...
Category
20th Century American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Emeco Hudson Counter Stool with Arms in Brushed Aluminum by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
The Hudson, designed for the Hudson hotel in NYC, is Emeco and Starck’s first collaboration. Starck described the chair as “washing the details from the N...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Hudson Swivel Armchair in Polished Aluminum by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
The Hudson, designed for the Hudson hotel in NYC, is Emeco and Starck’s first collaboration. Starck described the chair as “washing the details from the Navy Chair”. It takes an addi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Emeco Kong Counter Stool in Polished Aluminum by Philippe Starck
By Philippe Starck, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Starck first designed the Kong barstool for the Chinese restaurant Kong in Paris. The one armed stool was intended to make it easy and graceful for the su...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Sculptural Contemporary Artisan Chaise Lounge Old Silver Metal & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary chaise longue is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 16 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the doubl...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Brass, Steel
Set of Four Contemporary Shells Inc. Upholstered Dining Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of four dining armchairs by Contemporary Shells Inc., Hempstead NY featuring chrome frames with a deep grey wool felt upholstery. Very...
Category
20th Century American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Emeco 1951 Stacking Chair in Brushed Aluminium and Gray by Adrian Van Hooydonk
Located in Hanover, PA
In 2003, Gregg’s colleague, Harvey Goldson, bought an old Emeco chair on ebay, and left it in Gregg’s office without explanation. Gregg contacted Adrian van Hooydonk at BMW Designwor...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Phase Design, "Kickstand Side Chair", (Armless)
By Phase Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Important to note that this listing is for the Kickstand Side Chair (Armless) in a Flat White Powder Coat Finish. Pricing is COM and this listing does not include the price of fabric...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Brass, Steel
Emeco Alfi Barstool in Gray and Ash with High Back by Jasper Morrison
By Jasper Morrison, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco and Morrison together, designed and engineered The Alfi Collection with the conviction that what you don't see is as important as what you do see. Alfi reflects Emeco and Morri...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
Modern side chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern side 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 side chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern side 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 side chairs, popular names associated with this style include Emeco, Jasper Morrison, Philippe Starck, and Sir Norman Foster. 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 side chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $65 and tops out at $90,000 while the average work can sell for $2,120.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Wood Armless Office Chairs
Herman Miller Dss
Cabinet Maker Work Bench
Victorian Eastlake Chair
Wiggly Side Chair
Wiggle Side Chair
Vintage Chairs With Needlepoint Seats
Eames Fiberglass Early Side Chairs
Antique Gustavian Side Chair
Victorian Style Accent Chairs
Black Papier Mache Chairs
Chinese Chippendale Bedroom Set
Chinese Chippendale Bedroom Sets
Mies Van Der Rohe Mr Side Chair
Antique Victorian Eastlake Chairs
3 Leg Arts Crafts Chair
Ant Office Chair
Jean Royere Side Chair