Skip to main content

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.

943
175
72
to
49
666
440
1,190
340
563
1,705
1,190
352
237
176
142
107
106
105
87
77
74
72
48
42
41
40
32
1
174
1,015
5
48
101
2
10
16
14
27
30
17
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
881
822
646
781
643
727
631
766
627
700
627
754
632
600
340
189
169
622
457
418
299
81
218
85
80
41
27
Style: Modern
Black Leather Minimalist Bar Chair
Located in Geneve, CH
Black leather Minimalist bar chair Dimensions: L 37 x W 39 x H 82.5 cm Materials: Leather and steel The collection includes benches, chairs, shelves and mirrors in a wide variet...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Low Black Tembo Stool, Note Design Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Low black tembo stool, note design studio. Dimensions: D 36 x H 46 cm. Materials: Lacquered steel structure, solid wood (beech) and lacquered MDF, natural cork base. Available in ...
Category

2010s French Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Rose Velvet Minimalist Bench
Located in Geneve, CH
Rose velvet Minimalist bench Dimensions: L 110 x W 39 x H 68 cm Materials: Cotton velvet, steel The collection includes benches, chairs, shelves and ...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Forest Velvet Minimalist Bar Chair 82.5
Located in Geneve, CH
Forest velvet Minimalist bar chair 82.5 Dimensions: L 37 x W 39 x H 82.5 CM Materials: Velvet, steel The collection includes benches, chairs, shelves and mirrors in a wide varie...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Black Tembo Stool, Note Design Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Tembo stool, note design studio Measures: Height 19 inches (low stool) or 30.3 inches (high stool) Diameter 14 inches Weight 30.8 lbs (low stool) or 37.5 lbs (high stool) ...
Category

2010s French Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 2 Medium Black Tembo Stool, Note Design Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 medium black tembo stool, note design studio Dimensions: D 36 x H 64 cm Materials: Lacquered steel structure, solid wood (beech) and lacquered MDF, natural cork base. Ava...
Category

2010s French Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 4 Medium Black Tembo Stool, Note Design Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 Medium black tembo stool, note design studio Dimensions: D 36 x H 64 cm Materials: Lacquered steel structure, solid wood (beech) and lacquered MDF, natural cork base. Ava...
Category

2010s French Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Forest Velvet Minimalist Bench
Located in Geneve, CH
Forest velvet Minimalist bench Dimensions: L 110 x W 39 x H 68 CM Materials: Cotton velvet, steel The collection includes benches, chairs, shelves and mirrors in a wide variety...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 2 Low Black Tembo Stool, Note Design Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Low Black Tembo stool, note design studio Dimensions: D 36 x H 46 cm Materials: Lacquered steel structure, solid wood (beech) and lacquered MDF, natural cork base. Availa...
Category

2010s French Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Black Tembo Stool, Note Design Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Tembo stool, note design studio Measures: Height 19 inches (low stool) or 30.3 inches (high stool) Diameter: 14 inches Weight: 30.8 lbs (low stool) or 37.5 lbs (high stool...
Category

2010s French Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Other

Anthracite Velvet and Gold Minimalist Bench
Located in Geneve, CH
Anthracite velvet and gold Minimalist bench Dimensions: L 110 x W 39 x H 68 cm Materials: Cotton velvet, steel The collection includes benches, chairs, shelves and mirrors in a...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Kelly Wearstler Marble Butt Stool, Sunset Pink
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Conceptually playful, the Butt Stool is hand-carved from natural stone and transformed into sculptural furniture reminiscent of human forms. This cheeky des...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Marble

Olive Cielo Stacking Chair by Sebastian Herkner
Located in Geneve, CH
Olive Cielo stacking chair by Sebastian Herkner Materials: PVC strings, powder-coated steel frame. Technique: Made from recycled plastic and we...
Category

2010s German Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Solid Wood Sculptural Accent Side Chair, Bluff Side Chair Left, White Oak
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bluff side chair is an homage to the foothills surrounding Luft Tanaka's hometown of Kasugai, Japan. Poetic and architectural; planar yet curvy, t...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Oak

DS-218 Stool by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-218 stool by De Sede Dimensions: D 38 x W 38 x H 50 cm Materials: steel, leather Prices may change according to the chosen materials and size. Plays a decisive role in mo...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 2 Gold Matrice Chairs by Plumbum
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 gold matrice chairs by Plumbum Dimensions: 25.60" x 25.60" x H 33.47" Materials: Gold powder-coated steel, velvet. Also available in other colors and sizes. Matrice'...
Category

2010s French Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Gold Matrice Chair by Plumbum
Located in Geneve, CH
Gold matrice chair by Plumbum Dimensions: 25.60" x 25.60" x H 33.47" Materials: Gold powder-coated steel, velvet. Also available in other colors and sizes. Matrice's side cha...
Category

2010s French Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of solid wood Bluff Side Chair, White Oak, Sculptural Accent Chair, Seating
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bluff Side Chair is an homage to the foothills surrounding Luft Tanaka's hometown of Kasugai, Japan. Poetic and architectural; planar yet curvy, t...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Oak

DS-218 Stool by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-218 stool by De Sede Dimensions: D 38 x W 38 x H 77 cm Materials: steel, leather Prices may change according to the chosen materials and size. Plays a decisive role in mo...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Karl Springer Pair of "JMF Chairs" in Lacquered Raffia 1993 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
Pair of J.M.F. Chairs in lacquered raffia by Karl Springer, American 1993 (signature on bottom reads "Karl Springer 1993"). These are very elegant and the raffia is quite beautiful. ...
Category

1990s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Raffia, Wood, Lacquer

DS-9090 Beanbag Seating by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-9090 Beanbag Seating by De Sede Dimensions: D 92 x W 110 x H 100 cm Materials: leather Prices may change according to the chosen materials and size. Beanbags have long be...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather

Axel Brüchhauser for Tecta B45 High Back Chairs, 1981
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful high back cantilever chairs B45 by Axel Brüchhauser for Tecta, 1981 in dark brown wickerwork and detachable brown leather seating pads on a ...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Modern Italian Marco Maran for Maxdesign Red Ricciolina Dining Chairs, Set of 8
Located in Secaucus, NJ
This sleek and elegance Ricciolina chairs are stylish and functional. The distinctive curved connection between the seat and backrest gives the chair flexibility and ergonomics. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome, Steel

5 Midcentury American Button Tufted Gray Upholstered Wing Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
5 Contemporary American dining side chairs with wing-style sloped backs, button tufted light gray woven upholstery, gun metal gray nailhead trim, standing on 2 cabriole front legs an...
Category

20th Century American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Fabric, Upholstery

1970s Sculptural Picasso Style Bentwood and Steel Armchairs – a Pair
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a pair of sculptural chairs inspired in the works of Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, circa the 1970s. One of the most influential artists of the Twentieth...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

DS-218 Stool by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-218 stool by De Sede Dimensions: D 38 x W 38 x H 50 cm Materials: steel, leather Prices may change according to the chosen materials and size. Plays a decisive role in mo...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Chaise Lounge Curved Steel & Vegetable-Tanned Cowhide / Dyed Sheepskin Patchwork
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Special edition 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 double 3.5 mm thick leather. When sitting in this furniture you feel an enveloping sensation, like being hugged, since the weight of the body is distributed evenly. Each unit becomes a refuge of visual and ergonomic wellbeing. Our Hug Collection is inspired by the organic lines of a landscape, the curves of nature, and the imaginary silhouette of the wind inspire this collection of organic forms, almost like metallic sculptures. The chaise lounge is an iconic piece of furniture that has evolved throughout the history of interior design. The version at hand is an example of how contemporary design can merge with traditional techniques and sustainable materials to create a unique piece. The CNC bent steel is a durable and resilient material that allows for a wide variety of shapes and designs. Its use in this chaise lounge is particularly fitting as it contributes to an elegant and sophisticated aesthetic that contrasts with the warm and soft vegetable-tanned cowhide leather. The Spanish artisanal tannery responsible for the leather manufacturing has achieved an exceptional result in terms of quality and sustainability. As it is vegetable-tanned, the leather is chromium-free, meaning it does not contain harmful or toxic substances. Moreover, the use of traditional tanning techniques and the employment of leather artisans ensure that each leather piece is unique and has its own character. The metal, on the other hand, has been treated using a manual process of polishing, nickel plating, electroplating, and semi-matte lacquer. These processes, carried out by skilled artisans, give the metal a smooth and pleasant-to-touch finish, which in turn contrasts with the hardness of the steel. Finally, the dyed sheepskin...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Toadstool Collection, Green Puff by Pepe Albargues
Located in Geneve, CH
Toadstool collection, green puff by Pepe Albargues Dimensions and materials: Large puff: 43 x 37 x 37 cm Pin and particles board wooden structure. Fibre coated, polyurethane 3542 seat. Wooden leg with marble base. Toadstool collection, green puff, Masquespacio. This collection of puffs...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

BERNHARDT Opus XIX Tufted Dining Side Chair - Pair C
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of Contemporary style dining side chairs by Bernhardt Furniture, from their Opus XIX Collection. Solid wood frame with a walnut finish and fabric upholstered. Features a high ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Skeleton Side Chair by Jialun Xiong
Located in Geneve, CH
Skeleton side chair by Jialun Xiong Dimensions: 21”W x 19.5”D x 31”H inch Materials: Brush stainless and leather COM/COL and custom size option available “ I have an aptitud...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal, Stainless Steel

Pair of Vintage Plywood Oak Low Easy Chairs Italy 1990
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Introducing the exquisite pair of oak finered plywood low easy chairs, a perfect blend of style, comfort, and craftsmanship. These chairs are well-craft...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Oak, Plywood

Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia Canasta Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The stylish pair of high back Canasta outdoor/indoor lounge chairs designed by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia are packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughou...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Unique Olive Wood Chair by Behaghelfoiny
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique olive wood chair by BehaghelFoiny Unique From the series "Design Brut Philia & Kids" Materials: Olive Wood Dimensions: W 45 x D 40 x H 110...
Category

2010s French Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Kartell Lou Lou Children's Ghost Chair in Pink by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The miniature version of one of the most famous design chairs joins the Kartell Kids line in several new versions. Philippe Starck's Lou Lou Ghost gets ne...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Prélèvement Chair by AuchKatzStudio
Located in Geneve, CH
Prélèvement chair by AuchKatzStudio Unique piece Materials: Jesmonite, styrofoam, fiber, pigments, varnish Dimensions: 75 x 45 x 50 cm AuchKatzStudio (AKS) is a duo of Elsa Be...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Natural Fiber, Foam

Albert Bench by Auch Katz Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Albert bench by Auch Katz Studio Unique piece Materials: Jesmonite, fiber, pigments, varnish, 3D print PLA Dimensions: 210 x 50 x 48 cm AuchKatzStudio (AKS) is a duo of Elsa B...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Natural Fiber, Foam

56 Petacas, Chair by Cultivado Em Casa
Located in Geneve, CH
56 Petacas - Chair by Cultivado Em Casa Dimensions: 50 x 75 x 83 cm Materials: Carbon steel, plywood and shuttlecock. The history of shuttlecock is genuinely Brazilian. Name giv...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Kartell Lou Lou Children's Ghost Chair in Crystal by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The miniature version of one of the most famous design chairs joins the Kartell Kids line in several new versions. Philippe Starck's Lou Lou Ghost gets ne...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Plastic

"Frida Kahlo" Dining Chair by Ashley Longshore x Ken Fulk, 2021
Located in San Francisco, CA
"Frida Kahlo", VIII, one of a series of 12 unique dining or side chairs created by a collaboration of Ashley Longshore and Ken Fulk, combines Ashley's portraits of iconic women in history with Ken's eye for design. Vintage Louis dining or side chair with Ashley's portrait of Frida Kahlo printed...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Linen, Upholstery, Velvet

Custom Cane Dining Chair, Black/Natural
Located in New York, NY
The chair is made of steam-bent wood and upholstered in Italian black leather. The manufacturing of the item requires a manual installation of the cane that needs artisanal craft and...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Set of 10 Custom Modern Dining Chairs in Beige and White
Located in North York, ON
Set of 10 custom Westmore modern dining chairs in beige and white. Carrocel custom designed tub dining chair. Finished in a Chantilly Lace lacquer and...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Bluff Side Chair Right, Wood Sculptural Accent Side Chair, American White Oak
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bluff side chair is an homage to the foothills surrounding Luft Tanaka's hometown of Kasugai, Japan. Poetic and architectural; planar yet curvy, t...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Oak

Blue Fingerprint Stool by Victor Hahner
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue Fingerprint Stool by Victor Hahner Each piece is unique, handmade by the designer and signed Dimensions: W39,5x D27 x H 49 cm Materials: Stained White ash Also Available: ...
Category

2010s German Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Ash

Black Fingerprint Stool by Victor Hahner
Located in Geneve, CH
Black fingerprint stool by Victor Hahner Each piece is unique, handmade by the designer and signed Dimensions: W 39,5 x D 27 x H 49 cm Materials: burned / waxed white ash Also ...
Category

2010s German Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Ash

Set of 2 Blue Fingerprint Stools by Victor Hahner
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 blue fingerprint stools by Victor Hahner Each piece is unique, handmade by the designer and signed Dimensions: W 39,5x D 27 x H 49 cm Materials: Stained white ash Also...
Category

2010s German Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Ash

Glass Block and Steel Balls Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This compact steel chair is a nod to glass block architecture and playful geometry. Four welded iron balls create an illusion of balance along the solid glass block wall that acts as...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Toadstool Collection Blue Puff by Pepe Albargues
Located in Geneve, CH
Toadstool Collection blue puff by Pepe Albargues Dimensions Large puff: 43 x 37 x 37 cm Materials: Pin and particles board wooden structure. Fiber coated, polyurethane 3542 seat...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 2 Black Fingerprint Stools by Victor Hahner
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 black Fingerprint stools by Victor Hahner Each piece is unique, handmade by the designer and signed Dimensions: W 39,5 x D 27 x H 49 cm Materials: burned / waxed white as...
Category

2010s German Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Ash

White Fingerprint Stool by Victor Hahner
Located in Geneve, CH
White fingerprint stool by Victor Hahner Each piece is unique, handmade by the designer and signed Dimensions: W39,5x D27 x H 49 cm Materials: White ash Also Available: Blue an...
Category

2010s German Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Ash

Set of 2 White Fingerprint Stools by Victor Hahner
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 White Fingerprint stools by Victor Hahner Each piece is unique, handmade by the designer and signed Dimensions: W39,5x D27 x H 49 cm Materials: White ash Also Availabl...
Category

2010s German Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Ash

Arman "Cello" Chair, circa 1990, France
Located in Girona, Spain
Arman "Cello" Chair, circa 1990, France. Arman "Cello" chair editions Hugues Chevalier n°9/50. Signed and numbered under the seat on a brass plate. Made with ebonized beech. Circ...
Category

1990s French Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Beech

Lloyd Vanity and Desk Low Back Arm Chair by Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Lloyd Accent chair by Crump and Kwash Solid wood frame / hand rubbed oil finish / brushed brass or bronze rungs / leather wrapped back support / ...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Steel

"Florence Nightingale" Dining Chair by Ashley Longshore x Ken Fulk, 2021
Located in San Francisco, CA
"Florence Nightingale", IX, one of a series of 12 unique dining or side chairs created by a collaboration of Ashley Longshore and Ken Fulk, combines Ashley's ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Linen, Upholstery, Velvet

Chair Bone II, Hand Sculpted, Signed Loic Bard
Located in Geneve, CH
Chair Bone II Hand sculpted. Signed Loic Bard Dimensions: 61 x 38 x 38 cm. Bleached maple with oil finish. Available finishes: Blackened, bleached or natural maple. Loïc Bard...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Maple

Pair of Chic 'Méandre' Bronze Chairs by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Méandre™ dark bronze side chairs by DESIGN FRÈRES®. Chic and understated.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

EGO Chair Lisette Rützou
Located in Geneve, CH
EGO chair Lisette Rützou Price for a basic version for this product. Dimensions: W 60 x H 74.5 cm Materials: Materials: Marble / steel Colors: chrome & stripe marble black / Whit...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Marble

Set of 4 Kartell Lou Children's Ghost Chair in Glossy Black by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Following the runaway success of Louis Ghost, we’ve created a “baby” version of the famous Starck chair. Lou Lou Ghost inherits its “paternal” Classic line...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Lou Lou Children's Ghost Chair in Crystal Dinosaurs by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The miniature version of one of the most famous design chairs joins the Kartell Kids line in several new versions. Philippe Starck's Lou Lou Ghost gets ne...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Plastic

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 All