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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Emeco Alfi Counter Stool in Gray & Ash w/ High Back by 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

Emeco Hudson Barstool w/ Arms in Polished Aluminum by 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 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 20-06 Large Round Café Table with Black 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 character of the 20-06 collection - it meshes seamlessly with our vision for interior space.”-Norman Foster Made of: Recycled Aluminum. Made with: Black Laminate Table...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

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

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 Lancaster Counter Stool in Dark Aluminum and Dark Ash by 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 in Polished Aluminum by 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 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 Alfi Three-Seat Bench in Sand & Dark Ash with Low Back by 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

Emeco Alfi 3-Seat Bench in Gray and Ash with Low Back by 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

Emeco Alfi 3-Seat Bench in Red and Dark Ash with High Back by 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

Emeco Alfi 3-Seat Bench in Red and Ash with Low Back by 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

Emeco Alfi 3-Seat Bench in Gray and Ash with High Back by 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

Emeco Hudson Counter Stool with Arms in Brushed Aluminum by 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 Lancaster Barstool in Dark Gray Aluminum and Ash by 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 Lancaster Barstool in Dark Gray Aluminum and Dark Ash by 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 20-06 Small 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 20-06 Medium Square 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 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 Hudson Counter Stool with Arms in Polished Aluminum by 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 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 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 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 20-06 Small Round Café Table with Black 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 Heritage Rocking Chair in Polished Aluminum by 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 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 Barstool in Polished Aluminum and Ash by 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 Lancaster Barstool in Polished Aluminum and Dark Ash by 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 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 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 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 20-06 Small Round Bar Table with Black 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 character of the 20-06 collection - it meshes seamlessly with our vision for interior space.”-Norman Foster Made of: Recycled aluminum. Made with: Black laminate table...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Emeco 20-06 Small Square Bar Table w/ Black 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 character of the 20-06 collection - it meshes seamlessly with our vision for interior space.”-Norman Foster Made of: Recycled Aluminum. Made with: Black Laminate Table...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Emeco Lancaster Counter Stool in Polished Aluminum and Ash by 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 Lancaster Counter Stool in Polished Aluminum & Dark Ash by 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 20-06 Medium 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 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

Modern Set of Two Vintage Red and Blue Cardboards Chairs, circa 1990
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern pair of stable cardboard chairs in the colors red and blue circa 1990. It is possible to taken apart some parts of the cardboard. Very good vintage condition approx. measures:...
Category

1990s Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Paper

Emeco Navy Chair in Polished Aluminum & Walnut by US Navy
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 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 20-06 Medium 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 20-06 Large Square Bar Table with Black 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 Round Bar Table w/ Black 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 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 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

Unique Faux Bois Chair, Artist Made of Hand Worked Iron, One of a Kind
Located in Kansas City, MO
Handmade one of a kind iron high back chair in a faux bois style. Sturdy and comfortable.
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Iron

Rare Chair from the Cabinet of the Deutscher Bundestag, circa 1949
Located in London, GB
Believed to be one of only three chairs remaining that were designed for the cabinet of Deutscher Bundestag the first democratic Germany, circa 1949. Design elegance and exceptional ...
Category

1940s German Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Emeco 20-06 Small 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 20-06 Medium Round Cafe 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

Set of 4 Modern Style Side Chairs
Located in North York, ON
Visually stunning, this accent chair is constructed with a solid mahogany frame. Upholstered in a tight seat and back, finished with gorgeous chrome feet and a dark mahogany finish.
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

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

Wings of Steel Sculptural Chair, Designed by Laurie Beckerman in 2012
Located in New York, NY
The wings of steel chair is fabricated from laser-cut steel and powder coated in a variety of durable colors for indoor and outdoor use. While the material is strong, the form is...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Established & Sons Glossy Black Corona Pendant Light by Pam West & Matt Edmonds
Located in London, GB
Design behind this beautiful piece is produced by Frank : a creative partnership of Pam West and Matt Edmonds. Cable length: 150 cm. Weight: 16 kg. Lighting: 220/240 V.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Side Chairs

Established & Sons Corona White Matte Pendant Light by Pam West & Matt Edmonds
Located in London, GB
Design behind this beautiful piece is produced by Frank : a creative partnership of Pam West and Matt Edmonds. Cable length: 150 cm. Weight: 16 kg. Lighting: 220/240 V.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Side Chairs

Pair of Slender Side Chairs in the Style of Philippe Starck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of slender side chairs in the style of Philippe Starck.
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 8 French Gilt and Upholstered Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 8 French 1940s side chairs with arched upholstered back & seat on gilt carved crossed plume form legs joined by a stretcher. (att: ROBERT PAVEAU)
Category

Early 20th Century French Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Giltwood

Golden Wings of Steel Chair, Designed by Laurie Beckerman in 2012
Located in New York, NY
The wings of steel chair is fabricated from laser-cut steel and powder coated in a variety of durable colors for outdoor and indoor use. While the material is strong, the form is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

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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