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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
1990s Arcadia Dining Side Chair by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia in Ivory Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an ‘Arcadia’ armless dining chair, initially designed by Paolo Piva for B & B Italia in 1989. This piece was produced in Italy around the same time. It features a simplis...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

High-Back Dining Armchair Upholstered in Velvet Custom Wood & Lacquer Finishes
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This dining armchair showcases a sleek, modern aesthetic, featuring a robust oak frame that ensures durability and longevity. The upholstery is both stylish and comfortable, designed...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Upholstery, Foam

TG-10 Sling Dining Chair in Doral Cream with Light Antique Bronze Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of 2 (two) TG-10 sling dining chairs in cream leather with a light antique bronze frame, produced by Gratz Industries. The chairs were designed by Katavolos, Littell a...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Italian chairs by Potocco
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Nice pair of Italian chairs by Potocco. These chairs are made of wood, metal and fabric. The chairs are in nice vintage condition. These will work great around a small table or as ac...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

2023 Marcel Breuer for Tecta B40 Dining Chair with Blue Fabric and Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a B40 dining chair, originally designed by Marcel Breuer in 1926. This particular example was produced by Tecta in Germany C. 2023. The chair is comprised of a tubular steel ...
Category

2010s German Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Custom Made Dining Armchair with Rounded Upholstered Back
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This chic armchair is meticulously designed, featuring a rounded upholstered back with elegant channel-style detailing. The wooden legs, finished in black oak, are complemented by sl...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Instock Bench Modern Handwoven Horsehair Brown Blackened Steel Tassel Fringe
Located in Bronx, NY
HORSE HAIR BENCH NO. 1 - BROWN J.M. Szymanski d. 2019 Contemporary furniture at its finest. Horsehair textile and blackened iron are combined to create an exciting juxtaposition of...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel, Iron, Wrought Iron

2011 Ona Plaza Leather Side Dining Chairs by Jorge Pensi for Kusch+Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Ona Plaza Stacking Side Dining Chair, initially designed by Jorge Pensi for Kusch & Co. in Germany in 1996. These examples date to 2011. The listed price includes one side...
Category

2010s German Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

2022 Marcel Wanders for Moooi Monster Chair w/ Embroidery and Arms 5x Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single Monster Dining Chair (five are available, though they are priced individually), made with a steel frame and embroidered beige fabric. The fabric appears t...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

2021 Pair of Knoll Risom Side Chairs w/ Ebonized Maple Wood Frame, Model 666C-WB
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Risom side chairs, Model 666C-WB, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll in 1943. These examples date to 2021. Their design features an ebonized maple frame, and has blac...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Round Ball Ottoman in Caramel Leather by Moses Nadel
Located in Oyster Bay, NY
Functionality combined with elegance, the Ball Ottoman is a versatile piece of furniture. Sculptural with its round shape and playfully engaging, this leather ottoman is commonly use...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather

Handmade Stainless Steel Sculptural Armchair by Anadora Lupo
Located in Timisoara, RO
Build process Technique: Cast iron, welded stainless steel. 100% hand crafted from zero by the artist. Build process takes between 3-4 weeks; please allow extra time for custom orders (materials and dimensions can be customized upon request). No two pieces will be the same, because each piece is 100% unique. Due to the nature of the material, the coloring may vary slightly from the photos. Dimensions L 110 cm / W 95 cm / H 90 cm Materials Stainless steel, iron. Limited edition “Puffy Chair...
Category

2010s Balkan Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Set of 6 Dining Chairs With Upholstered Seat and Back & Wood Structure
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This Dining Chair showcases a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary design, evident in its balanced form. Crafted with a solid wood structure and a comfortable seat cushio...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Modern Honeycomb Print Arne Jacobsen Series 7 Style Side Chairs - Set of 3
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Contemporary Modern Honeycomb Print Dining Side Chairs in the Arne Jacobsen Series 7 ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Dining Chair Offered in Greige Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Artist handmade dining chair in solid oak lacquered in grey beige. The chair is offered grey beige premium velvet to match the finish of the fra...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Italian Designer, Side Chair, Pine, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine side chair designed and produced in Italy, 1950s. Seat height 17.75”.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Pine

Elm and Art Leather Side Chair with Wood Back, Sweden, c. 1950
Located in New York City, NY
Elm Side Chair with Wood Back, Sweden, c. 1950 Solid Elm side chair with cool detailing at the at the back, and where the back meets the seat. Reminiscent of Swedish midcentury chairs...
Category

20th Century Swedish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Elm

Mid-Century Modern Velvet Dining Chair with Solid Wood Customizable
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Mid-Century Modern dining chair upholstered in velvet. Crafted of solid wood frame stained in variety of colors. Curved back for greater support and comfort to enjoy long dinners. R...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Set of 4 Vintage Knoll Black Handkerchief Chairs by Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in New York, NY
Vintage knoll set of 4 black Handkerchief Chairs designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli. The ergonomic seat made of molded fiberglass resembles a handkerchief in the wind . Very comf...
Category

20th Century American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 10 Custom Navy Velvet Modern Dining Chairs
Located in North York, ON
Set of 10 custom Navy velvet modern dining chairs. Featuring modern contoured curved backs with sculpted legs in an ebonized finish. Set in...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

2010s Set of Six Mario Bellini for Heller Dining Chairs in White
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of six Bellini Chairs, originally designed by Mario Bellini in 1998. These particular examples were produced by Heller in Italy in the 2010s. They are comprised entirel...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Queen Heart Stool by Royal Stranger
Located in Geneve, CH
Queen heart side table by Royal Stranger Dimensions: 46 x 49 x 43 cm Different upholstery colors and finishes are available. Brass, copper or stainless steel in polished or brushed finish. Materials: velvet heart shape upholstery on the top of a stainless steel coated in brass plated foot. The Queen heart stool...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Gold Leaf

C. 1956 Pair of Herman Miller Eames DKR Wire Dining Chairs with Eiffel Bases
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of DKR Wire Dining Chairs, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1951. These particular examples were produced by Herman Miller circa 1956. The pair features...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Dining Chairs Set of 6, Deep Red Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Fully upholstered dining chairs in deep red velvet. Stainless steel caps in polished chrome. 100% European handmade product. Available in COM and other velvet and metal finishes. Con...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pair of Lacquered Goatskin Wrapped "Onasis" Chairs by Karl Springer
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of lacquered goatskin wrapped "Onasis" chairs by Karl Springer, circa 1980"s. The chairs are in good vintage condition with original upholstery and measure 24"W x 22"D x 30"H wi...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Upholstery

Set of 4 Light Pink Queen Heart Stools by Royal Stranger
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 light pink queen heart stools by Royal Stranger Dimensions: 46 x 49 x 43 cm Different upholstery colors and finishes are available. Brass, copper or stainless steel in pol...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Gold Leaf

Cherry Wood Library Armchairs in the Style of Frank Lloyd Wright - A Pair
Located in New York, NY
A handsome pair of vintage library chairs by Heritage-Henredon, made in the mid-20th Century. They consist of solid cherry wood frames and leatherette upholstery in a brick-red hue. ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Cherry

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

Set of 2 Mint Green Queen Heart Stools by Royal Stranger
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 mint green queen heart stools by Royal Stranger Dimensions: 46 x 49 x 43 cm Different upholstery colors and finishes are available. Brass, copper or stainless steel in pol...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Gold Leaf

Olivier De Schrijver Pair of Oak and Leather Chairs, Signed & Numbered
Located in New York, NY
A striking and sleek pair of lounge chairs designed by Olivier De Schrijver, the Belgian contemporary artist, who was born in 1958. Newly re-finished and re-upholstered in a butter c...
Category

1990s Belgian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Set of 4 Taupe Leather Chairs with Bronze Cantilever Frame
Located in Chicago, IL
The Magnum cantilever chair is a design classic that you would stand up for – if it weren’t so comfortable. Because despite its delicate and slim appearance, it offers the comfort of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather

Contemporary Dining Chairs Upholstered in Green Velvet, Set of 8
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Eden green velvet with a very comfy and silky touch. Solid wood legs stained in dark wenge finish. Polished stainless steel caps are optional at no additional charge. The velvet is stain resistant and water repellent. Available in other wood finishes and lacquers. COM available upon request. This product is fully made in the European Union...
Category

2010s European Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Contemporary Dining Chair in Deep Red Velvet, Stainless Steel, Spain
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Fully upholstered dining chair in deep red velvet. Stainless steel caps in polished chrome. 100% European handmade product. Available in COM and other velvet ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set of 6 Dining Chairs by Ambella Home
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite Set of 6 Dining Chairs by Ambella Home, USA 21st Century, a perfect addition to elevate the elegance and style of your dining ar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Textile, Wood

Jade Formless Fiberglass Chair by kar
Located in Geneve, CH
Jade Formless Fiberglass Chair by kar Unique Piece Dimensions: W 64 x D 54 x H 68 cm. Materials: Fiberglass. Available in Moss Brown or Jade colors. Please contact us. As each item...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass

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

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, Oak, Hardwood

Surrealistic Modern Gold and Red Pair of Chairs
Located in Brescia, IT
Rare pair of chairs. Gild wood frame and red silk upholstery. Very good condiction.
Category

1990s European Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Silk, Wood

Set of 12 Bernhardt Orbit Dining Chairs by Russ Lovegrove
Located in Pasadena, TX
Set of 12 Bernhardt orbit side chairs by Russ Lovegrove Building upon classic designs by Charles Eames, Arne Jacobsen and Norman Cherner, Ross Loveg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Contemporary Wenge Wood Dining Chair with Upholstered Back, Customizable
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Timeless design in combination with handmade couture techniques. The dining chair features curved wooden upholstered back for greater support. Offered in wengè finsihed frame and wov...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

C. 2004 Frank Gehry for Emeco Superlight Chairs in Brushed Aluminum 3x Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 'Superlight' Recycled Aluminum Chair, designed by Frank Gehry for Emeco in 2004. These examples date to around the same time. The listed price includes one chair, and we ha...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Contemporary Dining Set of 8 Chairs Crafted from American Oak
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Fully upholstered dining chairs designed with a comfortable amount of cushioning on both the seat and backrest to meet all your comfort needs. Fabric structure: Bric Velvet. Structur...
Category

2010s European Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Oak

Black Modern Vintage Side Chair Tokyo by Rodney Kinsman 1985 Metal Faux Leather
Located in Vienna, AT
Black modern vintage side chair or chair model Tokyo designed by Rodney Kinsman 1985 for OMK Design. Also the materials are chromed tube steel and the covering from the seat and the ...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

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, Oak, Hardwood

Modern Lucite Chair Rainbow Graduated Back Slats Attr Shlomi Haziza for H Studio
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful modern Lucite chair attributed to Shlomi Haziza for H. Studio with graduating back slats in colors of transparent lavender, teal, pink, ...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Lucite

Contemporary Elegant Dining Chairs Crafted in Italy
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Featuring navy blue velvet upholstery, wooden legs lacquered in black and a curved silhouette worth sinking into, a timeless elegant design crafted to blend easily with any décor sty...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Velvet

1970s Cosco of Columbus Indiana White Vinyl and Chrome Dining Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Cosco Dining Chair that was produced in Columbus, Indiana and dates back to the 1970s. This particular piece came from Cornell University's School of Architecture. The chai...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Wrought Iron Side Chairs, 4
Located in Astoria, NY
Assembled Set of Four Wrought Iron Side Chairs, two with heart form backs, each with wooden seat. Taller: 35" H x 16" W x 17" D; seat: 18.25" H. Provenance: From the Collection of La...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Modern Suelo Side Chair, Turned Leg
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This modern Suelo® side chair, turned leg is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The sofa's Silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with comfortable reversible back...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Maple

Whimsical Aluminum Chair With Full Bodied Horses
Located in Norwood, NJ
Highly unusual artist signed sculptural chair,. by Ray Lewis. More art than chair. Modern with an Art Deco influence. Sculptural cast aluminum horse chair by...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Brown Leather Club Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of "Abby" mid-century design club chairs with a wood frame and square legs upholstered in brown leather with a seat cushion and a flared design to the back.
Category

20th Century American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Contemporary Dining Chair, Black Oak / Brick Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Fully upholstered dining chair designed with a comfortable amount of cushioning on both the seat and backrest to meet all your comfort needs. Fabric structure: Bric Velvet. Structure...
Category

2010s European Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Oak

Set of 8 French Gilt and Upholstered Side Chairs
Located in Queens, 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

Vintage Modern White Molded Plastic Chairs Style of Kartell 4850 by Castiglioni
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage pair of modern white molded plastic chairs in the style of Kartell’s 4850 chair designed by Giorgina Castiglioni, Geiorgio Gaviraghi, and...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Set of 4 Cortona Chairs by Joe Ricchio for HBF
By HBF, Joe Ricchio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Joe Ricchio creates the Cortona Series as a complement to his highly-successful Cortona guest chair for HBF. Expressing the force and beauty of simplicity, this light-scaled group...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

1960s Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen JH505 Cow Horn Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a JH505 Cow Horn Chair, originally designed by Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen in 1952. This particular example was produced in Denmark in the 1960s. The chair features a sol...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

1980s Pair of Don Petitt for Knoll 1105 Bentwood Armchair in Oak with Tan Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a pair of iconic No. 1105 chairs, designed by Don Petitt for Knoll. This is a notable pair that came from the home of a Knoll employee, who worked at the company f...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak, Bentwood

McGuire Rattan and Bamboo Cafe Side Chairs with Palm Tree Print Seats, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant set of four (4) wicker McGuire cafe chairs (signed) that can be used indoor or out. Fabricated from woven wicker that has been finished in a black color with palm tree dec...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wicker, Rattan, Bamboo

Dining Chair 1940's style with Concave Tufted Back and Tapered alder Legs
Located in Ballard, CA
The upholstered 1940's style chair with a concave tufted back and tapered legs is hand-crafted, frame in alder wood. Custom sizes and finishes available.
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Ebony

Mid-Century Modern bouclé bronzed brass Niemeyer dining chair by InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
The Niemeyer dining chair is named after the Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer whose Architecture was spread like sculptural poetry in the History of humankind. The rounded lines of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Brass, 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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