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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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
TG-10 Sling Dining Chair in Doral Cream Leather with Blackened Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a TG-10 sling dining chair in Doral cream leather with a blackened frame, produced by Gratz Industries. The chair was designed by Katavolos, Littell and Kelley in 1952 as par...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Double-Curved Painted Bent Wood Cape Side Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Cape chair belongs to the Arctic Line, influenced by Nina’s years living in Norway where she was inspired by organic forms found in the ice and snowscapes. Cape chair takes its name from the double-curved shape of its back. A single front leg is countered by a cape-like back. The prototype was meticulously fabricated by a retired Norwegian oil...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Norwegian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

1960s Pair of Verner Panton Cone Chairs Made in Denmark for Plus-Linje Vitra
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original pair of cone chairs, designed by Verner Panton and produced by Plus-Linje. Whereas the current variations and now produced by Vitra, this early example...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

DS-5020 Cylindrical Leather Tall Side Table by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall side table DS-5020/61 by De Sede. Available in two different heights, this elegant table construction presents itself in a cylindrical shape, encased all-round in high-quality l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather

1985 Torsion Stacking Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti in Red Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Torsion stacking side chair, designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Krueger Intl. The listed price includes one chair, and we have several available for purchase. Their design i...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Gervasoni Brick Side Chair in Azzurro Upholstery with Black Lacquered Base
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Nordic suggestions and industrial touches give life to the Brick 221/223 family of chairs. With a clean, simple structure in natural lacquered solid Canaletto walnut or beech lacquer...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

2000s Bene Dexter Stacking Chair Christian Horner Johannes Scherr Kai Stania 6x
By Kai Stania, Bene
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Dexter stacking chairs, originally designed by Christian Horner, Johannes Scherr, and Kai Stania. These particular examples were produced by Bene in Austria in the 2000s. T...
Category

Early 2000s Austrian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel, Aluminum

1998 Set of Three Mint Green Bla Bla Bla chairs by Marco Maran for Parri Designs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of three Bla Bla Bla chairs, originally designed by Marco Maran in 1998. These particular examples were produced by Parri Designs in Italy C. 1998. The chairs are compr...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

2018 Herman Miller Eames Dark Blue Upholstered DSW Side Chair w/ Dowel Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames DSW Side Chair, initially designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1948. This example was produced by Herman Miller in the USA in 2018, and the listed ...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

2008 Set of Eight Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen PK8 Dining Chairs in Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of eight PK8 Chairs, originally designed by Poul Kjaerholm in 1978. Most of these examples were produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark 2008, and o...
Category

Early 2000s Danish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Contemporary Black Chair, Additive Manufacturing in Biopolymers, Italy
Located in Biassono, IT
SoHo Chair High-tech Manufacturing With A Human Touch The Soho chair symbolically represents all the values of Elli brand. Clean lines, aesthetic refe...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Plastic

2022 Pair of Marcel Wanders for Moooi Nut Dining Chairs in Canvas Natural Oil
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a pair of Nut Dining Chairs made with a natural oiled oak frame and yellow canvas fabric (Canvas 2, 446 by Kvadrat). The chairs were designed by Marcel Wanders and...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Plywood, Wood

TG-10 Sling Dining Chair in Smoke Grey Leather with Blackened Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a TG-10 sling dining chair in black leather with a blackened frame, produced by Gratz Industries. The chair was designed by Katavolos, Littell and Kelley in 1952 as part of t...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

2000s Set of Six Per Hansbaek for Skovby SM51 Danish Cherry Wood Dining Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of six SM51 dining chairs, originally designed by Per Hansbaek. These particular examples were produced by Skovby in Denmark in the 2000s. They are comprised of a cherr...
Category

Early 2000s Danish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather

Turquoise Stretch Chair
Located in Providence, RI
Stretch Chair made to with-stand outdoor elements. Carnevale Studio's most popular collection “Stretch”. This collection brings some of the exuberance of the fashion world into the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

2020 Set of Five Alecia Dining Chairs Interlude Home Solid Wood & White Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of five Alecia dining chairs, originally designed and produced by Interlude Home. These particular examples were produced C. 2020. The chairs are comprised of a solid w...
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

1950s Set of Four Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Side Chairs w/ Legs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Saarinen Executive Chairs, model 72C, originally designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International in 1950. The set was produced in the USA at around the same t...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass, Walnut, Upholstery, Foam

21st Century Babel Chair in Deccan Fabric and Metal by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
The iconic piece, part of the “Nomadic Story”, inspired by travels in India and Western Asia, in which the power of symbolic language is expressed through the masterful use of fabrics and of the brand’s quintessential pattern, Paisley. The Babel seat has a shape reminiscent of that of a foldable travel chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Grey & Pink Stretch Stool
Located in Providence, RI
Carnevale Studio's most popular collection, “Stretch”. Through experiments with a number of different materials I chose latex, bungee and rope for their bright colors and wondrous ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

2022 Marcel Wanders for Moooi Monster Dining Chair Diamond with Arms
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Monster Dining Arm Chair made with a steel frame and multi-red, diamond quilted fabric. The chair was designed by Marcel Wanders and produced by Moooi in the Ne...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

2012 Poul Kjaerholm PK8 Dining Chairs in Leather and Brushed Aluminum
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are PK8 Dining Chairs, initially designed by Poul Kjaerholm in 1978. These particular examples date to 2012 and were produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark. The listed price inclu...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Minimalist Timeless Armchair in Oak Wood and Natural Leather
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
An armchair named after a charismatic location in Lisbon, situated next to the river. ALCÂNTARA is meant to be relaxing, for one to take a break from the stress of daily life, to rea...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Oak

Minimalist Timeless Armchair in Ash Wood and Black Leather
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
An armchair named after a charismatic location in Lisbon, situated next to the river. ALCÂNTARA is meant to be relaxing, for one to take a break from the stress of daily life, to rea...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Ash

2022 Nika Zupanc for Moooi Golden Chair Harald 3, 182, Golden Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Golden Dining Chair made with a gold tone steel frame and dark greyish blue matt velour fabric (Harald 3, 182 by Kvadrat). The chair was designed by Nika Zupanc ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Folding Glass Chair Made with Italian Glass and Oxidized Steel Treated
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This folding chair is made in Italy from locally sourced and recycled glass and steel. After being repurposed the steel used was treated with superficially with a water-based solutio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Minimalist Timeless Armchair in Ash Wood and Brown Leather
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
An armchair named after a charismatic location in Lisbon, situated next to the river. ALCÂNTARA is meant to be relaxing, for one to take a break from the stress of daily life, to rea...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Ash

2023 Carl Hansen BA001S Preludia Chair in Walnut with Upholstered Leather Seat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a BA001S Preludia Wood Chair made with an oak frame and black leather seat. Designed by Brad Ascalon and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark, the chair dates ...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Minimalist Timeless Armchair in Oak Wood and Brown Leather
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
An armchair named after a charismatic location in Lisbon, situated next to the river. ALCÂNTARA is meant to be relaxing, for one to take a break from the stress of daily life, to rea...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Oak

2022 Nika Zupanc for Moooi Golden Dining Chair in Black Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Golden Dining Chair made with a black steel frame and black leather upholstery. The chair was designed by Nika Zupanc and produced by Moooi in the Netherlands. ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

2005 Set of Four Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Ant 3101 Chairs in Natural Maple
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four “Ant” Chairs, Model 3101, designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen in 1952. These examples hail from 2005, and the listed price includes the set of four a...
Category

Early 2000s European Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

2022 Marcel Wanders for Moooi Nut Dining COM Fabric, Black and Orange
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Nut Dining Chair made with a black oak frame and cognac / orange colored fabric. The chair was designed by Marcel Wanders and produced by Moooi in the Netherlan...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Plywood, Wood

Minimalist Timeless Armchair in Oak Wood and Black Leather
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
An armchair named after a charismatic location in Lisbon, situated next to the river. ALCÂNTARA is meant to be relaxing, for one to take a break from the stress of daily life, to rea...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Oak

2017 Set of 4 Wrapp Dining Side Chairs Marc Krusin Coalesse Multi-Color Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Wrapp dining side stacking chairs. Designed by Marc Krusin for Coalesse, these particular chairs were produced in 2017 within the US. The listed price includes ...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

2022 Marcel Wanders for MOOOI Love Dining Chair in COM Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Love Dining Chair made with black stained legs and light grey fabric. The chair was designed by Marcel Wanders and produced by Moooi in the Netherlands. It date...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

2022 Brad Ascalon for Carl Hansen Preludia Chair Oak Oil BA001S Thor 325 Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a BA001S Preludia Wood Chair made with an oiled oak frame and tan leather seat. Designed by Brad Ascalon and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark, the chair da...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

2019 Dragonfly Dining Chair by District Eight with Black Leather 3x Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Dragonfly Dining Chairs (sold individually), originally designed and produced by District Eight in 2019. These particular examples were produc...
Category

2010s Vietnamese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

2023 Werner Aisslinger for Moroso Wood Bikini Chair Blur Effect White Black Wood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Wood Bikini chair, originally designed by Werner Aisslinger in 2013. This particular example was produced by Moroso in Italy circa 2023. The chair is made up entirely of va...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Side Chairs

21st Century Babel Chair in Bukhara Fabric and Metal by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
The iconic piece, part of the “Nomadic Story”, inspired by travels in India and Western Asia, in which the power of symbolic language is expressed through the masterful use of fabrics and of the brand’s quintessential pattern, Paisley. The Babel seat has a shape reminiscent of that of a foldable travel chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Puik Newly Upholstery in a Boucle Dost Wood Base Accent Side Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Dost wood base accent chair by Puik newly upholstery in a high end boucle. Named for the native word meaning ‘friendship’, the Dost side chair was inspired by one of our most basic human needs: comfort. This inviting, cozy chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Contemporary David Mocarski for Gunlocke Tia Side Guest Chairs Brand New, a Pair
Located in Secaucus, NJ
A fabulous pair of Tia side guest chairs feature a simple and refined design. Tia is driven by profile, silhouette, and proportion. Its wooden frame embraces and cradles the continuous seat. Pitch and tapered legs bring a subtle elegance. Gunlocke's innovative wood carving technology shapes the beautifully sculpted solid wood frame, which is elegantly upholstered. A versatile addition to your home or office, will add subtle drama and sensuality to any modern, minimal, or mid-century modern setting, can be used as a dining, guest, or side chair. Please note the price listed is for a pair (two chairs) Specifications: Single upholstery seat and back with violet and purple color fabric. The frame is maple hardwood with a natural oak finish. Hardwood frame joined by mortise and tenon, and corner blocks. Style: Contemporary Modern Designer: David Mocarski...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood, Maple, Oak, Plywood

Handmade Stainless Steel Chair by Anadora Lupo
Located in Timisoara, RO
Build process Technique: welded stainless steel, wrought iron. 100% hand crafted from zero by the artist. Build process takes between 3-4 weeks; please allow extra time for custom o...
Category

2010s Balkan Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

21st Century Bare Chair in Fabric col. Bean by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Comfortable as an armchair, Bare chair stands out for its retro lines and enveloping backrest, upholstered with Etro Home Interiors iconic fabrics. The ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

1975 Pair of Bodil Kjaer Teak & Leather Slat Seat Chairs by CI Designs of Boston
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a pair of very rare Bodil Kjaer for CI Designs teak slat-seat chairs with loose leather seat and back cushions. This pair was acquired by...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

1975 Bodil Kjaer for CI Designs Rare Teak Slat Seat Arm Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a very rare Bodil Kjaer for CI Designs teak slat-seat chair. There are a few notable details to mention. First off, vintage Bodil Kjaer f...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Teak

Phase Design, "Kickstand Side Chair", (With Arms)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Important to note that this listing is for the Kickstand Side Chair (With Arms) in a Flat White Powder Coat Finish. Pricing is COM and this listing does not include the price of fabr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

2019 Vitra Softshell Side Chair w Dark Brown Leather by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is Softshell Side Chair designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec and produced by Vitra. This chair was constructed with a chocolate colored (very dark) plastic base and...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Plastic

2019 Jasper Morrison for Vitra HAL Grey Side Chair With Wood Legs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a HAL side chair, designed by Jasper Morrison in 2010. This clean contemporary chain features a molded plastic seat, and has legs made from wood. This particular example is d...
Category

2010s German Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

1975 Warren Platner for CI Designs Oak and Brown Leather Dining Arm Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a circa 1975 production oak and leather armchair designed by renowned architect and furniture designer Warren Platner. This piece was part of a series that Platner...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Trolley Side Chair
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

Trolley Side Chair With Arms by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Trolley Side Chair With Arms by Phase Design Dimensions: D 59.7 x W 55.2 x H 81.3 cm. Materials: Upholstery and powder-coated metal. Fabric price...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Trolley Armless Side Chair by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Trolley Armless Side Chair by Phase Design Dimensions: D 59.7 x W 55.2 x H 81.3 cm. Materials: Leather and polished chrome. Fabric price not includ...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Trolley Side Chair With Arms by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Trolley Side Chair With Arms by Phase Design Dimensions: D 59.7 x W 55.2 x H 81.3 cm. Materials: Upholstery and powder-coated metal. Fabric price...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Trolley Side Chair With Arms by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Trolley Side Chair With Arms by Phase Design Dimensions: D 59.7 x W 55.2 x H 81.3 cm. Materials: Leather and polished chrome. Fabric price not in...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Kickstand Armless Side Chair by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Kickstand Armless Side Chair by Phase Design Dimensions: D 63.5 x W 55.9 x H 79.4 cm. Materials: Leather, powder-coated metal and brushed brass. Fa...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Kickstand Side Chair With Arms by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Kickstand Side Chair With Arms by Phase Design Dimensions: D 63.5 x W 59.1 x H 79.4 cm. Materials: Upholstery, powder-coated metal and brushed br...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Morgan Bench in Cast Bronze from Elan Atelier
Located in New York, NY
Morgan Bench in Cast Bronze from Elan Atelier The Morgan bench is cast using the lost wax method in solid bronze with the Chinese Cloud pattern. The exterior finish is antique bronz...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Pink Stretch Stool
Located in Providence, RI
Carnevale Studio's most popular collection, “Stretch”. Through experiments with a number of different materials I chose latex, bungee and rope for their bright colors and wondrous ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

21st Century Frida Chair with Arms in Fabric by Etro Home Interiors
By Etro
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
The rich Deosai cashmere of the seat, enhanced by the burgundy velvet piping that also features the back, meets the suggestions of the Asian nature, evoked by the bronzed finish legs...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

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.

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