Modern Side Chairs
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
Period: Mid-20th Century
CM 196 Side Chair by Pierre Paulin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
All original CM 196 side chair by Pierre Paulin. Measure: Seat height is 18" inches. Very comfortable and sturdy.
Category
1960s Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pierre Jeanneret Demountable Armchair Model PJ-SI-07-A
Located in New York, NY
One of the earliest and rarest chairs from the Chandigarh project, model PJ-SI-07-A,
This chair is one of the first creations of Pierre Jeanneret when he arrived in Chandigarh. He u...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Teak
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
Vintage Barrel Back Side-Chair w/ Grey Ebonized Frame & Full-Grain Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
Classic Vintage Castered Barrel Back Side-Chair w/ Grey Ebonized Frame Upholstered in Original Full Grain Grey Leather by Howard Lorton Furniture & Design's Hickory Chair
The Hicko...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Pair of Exceptional Mid-Century Italian Chairs in the Style of Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of exceptional mid-century Italian dining chairs in the style of Gio Ponti. Large scale for European chairs.
One pair left from the set of 6 pictured in situ.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Bronze
1958 Set of 4 Herman Miller Eames DKR-2 Wire Bikini Chairs in Yellow Naugahyde
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four DKR-2 wire dining chairs, designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1951. This particular set of four chairs dates to circa 1958. They have steel wir...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Naugahyde
1951 Pair of Herman Miller Eames DAX Rope Edge Armshell Chairs in Greige
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a pair of circa 1951 production Herman Miller Eames DAX arm shell chairs with iconic rope edge. These are gorgeous original ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of Two - Pierre Jeanneret Office Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A breathtaking pair of very early Pierre Jeanneret Office Chairs. With so many Jeanneret chairs on the market why are these exceptional?
First: the thickness of the wood is perfect and in accordance with some of the best examples ever sold. Second: rich, expressive patina on each chair. Third: matching catalog letters. Fourth: double support bars under the chair. Undoubtedly, these are extremely rare examples.
Also it is worth noting that these chairs come from Ahmedabad, a city historically active in India’s textile...
Category
1950s Indian Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Teak
Rare Rose Wood Chair by Schiønning & Elgaard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare rosewood chair by Schiønning & Elgaard. Made by Randers Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Chic and understated.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Fruitwood
1959 Herman Miller Eames DAX Fiberglass Arm Shell Chair with Green Removable Pad
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a circa 1959 production Herman Miller Eames DAX dining / side chair with dark green original naugahyde removable pad and fiberglass shell (with painted back). The ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
1940s Jens Risom For Knoll Associates 666 WSP Dining Chair with Webbing in Maple
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original Jens Risom for Knoll Associates 666 WSP dining chair, circa 1940s. The chair is in gorgeous original condition with some patina and wear shown to the s...
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Maple
Set of Four Ebonized Modenist Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A set of four modernist side chairs in ebonized wood and black metal.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Metal
1954 Herman Miller Eames Wire Shell Chair X Base DKX-1 Redwood Avenue Label
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a super rare and original Eames for Herman Miller 1954 DKX chair with wire top, upholstered pad, and early X base.
This piece can be dated due to the use of this ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Metal
1957 Herman Miller Eames DKX Wire Dining Chair with Full Naugahyde Orange Pad
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single circa 1957 production Eames DKX dining chair with wire upper and fully upholstered pad. The pad is original naugahyde in a red/orange color. The upholster...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
1952 Franco Albini for Knoll No. 48 Desk / Dining Chair w Arms Walnut and Fabric
By Franco Albini, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an exceptionally rare No. 48 desk/dining chair, designed by Franco Albini and produced by Knoll. This was one of Knoll's earliest designs an...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
1969 Verner Panton Cone Chair Green Fabric Made in Denmark for Plus-Linje Vitra
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a vintage Verner Panton Cone Chair in original green upholstery. The cone chair was originally designed for a restaurant in Denmark, though the novelty of the design has made...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Steel
Single Danish Side Chair
Located in New York, NY
A decorative single Danish side chair on wooden base and legs.
Upholstered in boucle fabric.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, 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
1960s Danish Modern Walnut and Canvas Folding Campaign Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a circa 1960s walnut and canvas campaign chair, which is reminiscent of Borge Mogensen and Mogens Koch designs from Denmark. The chair is in gorgeous original cond...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Canvas, Walnut
1947 Pair of George Nakashima for Knoll N19 Straight Chairs in Natural Birch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous pair of early George Nakashima for Knoll N19 birch straight chairs, produced by Knoll Associates. This chair appears to be natural birch. It shows some ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Birch
1950s Pair of Ray Komai Side / Dining Chairs for JG Furniture Co
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a rare and original pair of fully upholstered dining and side chairs, designed by Ray Komai, produced by J.G. Furniture Company. These are highly unusual chairs, in that Koma...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Steel
American Designer, Side Chair, Wood, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood side chair designed and produced in the US, c. 1940s.
15” seat height
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
American Designer, Side Chairs, Wood, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of stained wood side chairs designed and produced in the US, c. 1940s.
16” seat height
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
American Designer, Side Chairs, Wood, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of stained wood side chairs designed and produced in the US, c. 1940s.
16” seat height
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
Leather and Metal Side Chair in the Style of Jacques Adnet, France, c. 1950s
Located in New York City, NY
Leather and Metal Chair in the style of Jacques Adnet, France, c. 1950s.
Simple yet sophisticated design consists of a clean tubular metal frame, leather seat, and hand-tied leathe...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Metal
Mid century, modern printed cowhide folding safari chair
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid century printed cowhide folding safari chair. This wrought iron chair base forms a frame for his fitted printed cowhide. This long hair cowhide has been printed in a ze...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Cowhide
Vintage French School Chairs, Set of Four
Located in High Point, NC
A set of four vintage school chairs with high armrests manufactured in France circa 1950. These authentic metal chairs feature low backrests and ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Steel
Vintage OBO Side Chair, Made in Holland, 1960s-1970s, by Obo Eromes
Located in Hudson, NY
Wood and Metal OBO Stacking Chair, Holland, 1960s-1970s, by Obo Eromes. This slender rounded model is unusual and beautiful. Despite its delicate form the chair is very strong and co...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
"Leggera" Chairs by Gio Ponti for Cassina
By Gio Ponti
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of dining chairs by Gio Ponti in ash with rush seats woven in a basket weave pattern, all retaining their original label.
Priced for the pair.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Rush, Ash
Pair of Grosfeld House Beige Faux Leather Club Chairs
Located in Stamford, CT
This is a pair of stunning Grosfeld House club chairs in the original beige-camel colored faux leather, nail head studded upholstery. They are roomy...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Wood
1960s Ficks Reed Side Chairs with New Sunbrella Cushions, a Pair
By Ficks Reed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fabulous pair of Ficks Reed boho chic rattan side chairs with new Sunbrella cushions freshly lacquered in white. Great addition to your boho chic in...
Category
1960s Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Rattan, Reed, Lacquer
1960s Ficks Reed Curved Back Side Chairs with New Sunberella Upholstery, a Pair
By Ficks Reed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fabulous pair of Ficks Reed boho chic rattan side chairs with curved backs, new Sunbrella cushions, freshly lacquered in white. Great addition ...
Category
1960s Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Textile, Wood
Past Forges Future Chair/ Functional Art by Markus Friedrich Staab 2022
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Sculpural design chair. Traditional bavarian kitchen chair contemporized, additional sculpural leg added, re-shaped, painted and multi-lacquered by Markus Friedrich Staab.
You can u...
Category
1950s German Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Coating, Acrylic, Oak
Past forges Future Chair2/ Functional Art by Markus Friedrich Staab 2022
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Sculpural design chair. Traditional bavarian kitchen chair contemporized, additional sculpural leg added, re-shaped, painted and multi-lacquered by Markus Friedrich Staab.
You can us...
Category
1950s German Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Acrylic, Oak, Coating
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Art Deco Cloud Tables Attributed to Gilbert Rohde
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Mid-Century Modern sculptural "Cloud" form tables in the style of Gilbert Rohde. Tapered and reeded legs in a dark stained walnut with an organic cloud form glass to...
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Brass
Florence Knoll for Knoll Parallel Bar Side Chair
Located in New York, NY
Florence Knoll for Knoll modern side chair with button tufted details, raised on metal legs.
Dealer: S138XX
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Metal
Bentwood Chair, Side Chair by Torck
Located in Antwerp, BE
Bentwood armchair by Torck Belgium.
Torck is known as manufacturer of toys and furniture.
It's a beautiful shaped chair with bentwood armrests.
Stamped - signed at the back by ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
Curved Back Chair from SS United States
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare curved back occasional chair from the famed ocean liner SS United States. Retaining original patent blue leather, aluminum legs covered in leat...
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Pagholz Bent Plywood Chair
Located in Oakville, CT
Vintage Rosewood Color Stacking Chair
Overall Dimensions: 18 1/2" x 20 1/2" x 31 1/2" high
Seat Height: 18"
Materials: Bent Plywood & Metal
Category
Mid-20th Century German Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Pair Mid-Century Modern Chrome & Fabric Side Chairs Style of Milo Baughman
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair Mid-Century Modern chrome and fabric side chairs in the style of Milo Baughman. Very nice condition. Cream with light brown tweed. Fabric and chrome in very good to excellent co...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Chrome
CM 196 Side Chair by Pierre Paulin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
All original CM 196 side chair by Pierre Paulin. Measure: Seat height is 18" inches. Very comfortable and sturdy.
Category
1960s Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of 8 Sculptural Italian Dining Chairs Attributed to Malatesta & Mason
Located in Stamford, CT
A set of eight ebonized dining chairs attributed to Malatesta & Mason. Italian circa 1950's
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Beech
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
Pair of Italian Blond Mahogany Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian 1940 blond mahogany side chairs with muslin upholstered seat and back (design F. LIETTI)
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Mahogany, Muslin
Set of 6 Italian Muslin Ebonized Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 Italian 1940s ebonized side chairs with brass trim sabot on feet and muslin upholstered seat and back. (design att: VITTORIO DASSI)
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Muslin, Wood
George Koch & Sons Iron Scroll Side Chair
Located in Denton, TX
George Koch & Sons Iron Scroll Side Chair. This chair has a bit of a gothic style to it but also a modern flair.
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Iron
Swaged Leg Chair in Gray and White by Georg Nelson & Associates, 1954
Located in New York, NY
Swaged leg chair, model MAF, in fiberglass, enameled steel, rubber, enameled aluminum, and plastic. Designed by George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller, USA, 1954.
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass
S-Chair No. 275 in Red by Verner Panton, 1956
Located in New York, NY
Verner Panton. S-chair, model 275. Designed 1956, this example manufactured ca. 1965. Manufactured by A. Sommer, Germany. Retailed by Thonet, Frankenberg, Germany. Aniline-dyed beech...
Category
1960s German Vintage Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Plywood
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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