Modern Stools
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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
1
3,726
234
102
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355
1,838
1,793
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605
1,562
4,062
3,127
802
370
340
145
110
99
71
67
62
61
56
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50
37
28
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231
3,828
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59
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2,103
1,747
1,380
737
692
2,721
946
824
747
719
248
216
118
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113
Style: Modern
Modern Ebony Black Velvet Bar Stool with Oak Base
By Lunchstudio
Located in Mexico, MX
Helsinki collection. Helsinki bar stool: simple, elegant, comfortable. Available in oak and walnut base or in custom materials, may be upholstered with variety of fabrics and colors....
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Stools
Materials
Velvet, Oak
De Sede DS-218/05 Stool in Black Upholstery by Paolo Piva
By Paolo Piva, De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Plays a decisive role in moulding the character of a room. A focus on clear-cut structures, cubist forms, straight lines and a Minimalist selection of materials. A unique combination...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Stools
Materials
Leather
Italian Modern Metal and Plastic High Stool, Giandomenico Belotti for Alias 1979
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern set of six black metal and black plastic high stool by Giandomenico Belotti for Alias, 1979.
Set of six high stools from the Spaghetti series, with structure in black...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Satin Brass/Mediterranee
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Contemporary Raw Fiberglass Stool, Roly-Poly Stool by Faye Toogood
By Faye Toogood
Located in Warsaw, PL
Contemporary raw fiberglass stool - Roly-Poly stool by Faye Toogood.
This is shown in the raw fiberglass finish.
Design: Faye Toogood
Material: fibergl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Stools
Materials
Fiberglass
Modern Polished Chrome Gray Channel Leather Upholstered Bar Stool Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Modern Polished chrome gray Channel leather upholstered bar stool chair. Item features a polished chrome cantilever frame, gray leather" ...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Stools
Materials
Chrome
Design Classic LC8 Stools by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina, 2000s
Located in Renens, CH
Even though this stool is part of the “LC” collection in production by Cassina, the actual design of this piece was designed by Charlotte Perriand, together with the matching chair (...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
Chrome X Base Stool by Swaim Originals
By Swaim, John Mascheroni
Located in San Mateo, CA
Ottoman or stool made by Swaim Originals of High Point, N.C. This was likely designed by John Mascheroni. This has a chrome plated X base. The construct...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Stools
Materials
Chrome
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Satin Brass/Dune
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Polished Brass/Fire
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Oak/Polished Brass/Powder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Military Canvas & Blackened Steel Barstool
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Barstool by Stephen Kenn is comfortable, stackable, and extensively customizable. It has been designed to withstand the rigors of a bar or restaurant environment, while still elegant enough to fit well in a residential home.
Every Stephen Kenn piece is made to order through our Los Angeles studio in partnership with a number of small businesses and fabricators in the LA area. The design is highly customizable, so you can select from a range of metal finishes and upholstery materials that will complement your space and durability needs - please message us to see our Customization Guide with all available options.
Since the development of the Inheritance Collection, Stephen Kenn has been inspired by the history inherent in vintage military-issue materials. This version of our Inheritance Barstool is upholstered with salvaged vintage military canvas...
Category
2010s North American Modern Stools
Materials
Metal, Brass
Contemporary Step Stool "Steps" in White Oak by Casey Lurie USA
By Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
Given their usefulness, it is surprising that the common step stool is such an overlooked piece of furniture. Steps is a simple rethinking of this established type and is proportione...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Oak, Walnut, Cherry, Ash
Kelly Wearstler Carved Wood Echo Stool
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Featuring arched forms carved from a single monolithic mass of wood, the Echo Stool blurs the lines between modern art and functional décor. This sculptural stool or table is created...
Category
2010s American Modern Stools
Materials
Fir
Modern Tufted Upholstered Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern tufted upholstered bench. This bench is covered in luxurious beige linen with a tufted design on its tops and sides. It sits on oak legs in a natural finish and has two silv...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric
Kelly Wearstler Signature Foot Stool with Natural Shearling and Cast Brass Feet
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The foot stool is handmade from a seat of luxurious shearling mounted atop solid brass cast feet. Unexpected and eye-catching, it is perfect as an ottoman or petite seating at a vani...
Category
2010s American Modern Stools
Materials
Brass
Yaki Contemporary Stool in Charred Oak
Located in London, GB
The stool YAKI is made of burned oak with clean and natural modern shapes, which reminds the simplicity of forms from the mid-century. The light reflected by the black texture adds another layer of depth to the overall shape of the bench.
Yakisugi is an ancient Japanese exterior siding technique that preserves wood...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood, Oak
Boucle Upholstered Set of 3 Counter or Bar Stools
Located in New York, NY
This contemporary stool is a timeless and understated luxury piece. Constructed with lacquered iron frame and off-white boucle fabric. The brushed brass detailing makes this stool a ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Stools
Materials
Brass, Iron
Outdoor Stool 0:1 - Counter Height
By STUDIO:RAH
Located in San Pedro, CA
The 0:1 outdoor collection by Studio:Rah, is a culmination of durable materials and refined connections between wood, metal, and upholstery. Each piece of the collection is made with...
Category
2010s American Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
Polish Aluminum and Leather Swivel Barstool by Design For Leisure
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s polish aluminum and off white leather swivel barstool by Design fo Leisure.
In beautiful original condition, with minor wear consistent with age.
The frame is all polish al...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Stools
Materials
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Kartell Eur Stool in Earth Red by Fabio Novembre
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The EUR stool by Fabio Novembre is a cube printed with shapes and geometries inspired, to scale, by Italian rationalist architecture of the 1930s and 1940s. The stool can be multi-pu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Stools
Materials
Plastic
Set of Three Lacquered and Emerald Green Mohair Barstools by Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Set of three 1980’s off white lacquered ‘Onassis Barstools’ by Karl Springer for Steve Chase.
Out of a Steve Chase Design Estate in Rancho Mirage CA.
...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Contemporary Identity Stool in Cerulean Blue Lacquer
Located in London, GB
Identity Stool joins the series of Jimena Montemayor's unique design works, as an individual version of her 'Identity Bench', debuted this year at Salon Cosa's 3rd Edition in Mexico City Art...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Stools
Materials
Wood
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Satin Nickel/Nuage
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Satin Brass/Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Polished Nickel/Kiwi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Oak / Polished Nickel / Nuage
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Oak/Polished Brass/Dune
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Oak/Polished Brass/Fire
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Established & Sons Butt Stool by Estd Collection
Located in London, GB
Versatile, comfortable and economical, this stackable plastic stool is a hard-working piece of furniture. The Butt stool’s ergonomic top borrows its form fr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Stools
Materials
Plastic
Olive Velvet Modern Bhutan Bar Stool
Located in New York, NY
The Bhutan collection I was inspired to create this collection after traveling to the Himalayas to the kingdoms of Bhutan, with sophisticated lines this collections it’s inspired by ...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Stools
Materials
Velvet
Park Place Counter Stool by Yabu Pushelberg in Soft Touch Black COM/L
Located in Toronto, ON
The Park Place Counter Stool by Yabu Pushelberg is a strong statement that reflect the confidence and architecture of New York. Available in P...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Polished Brass/Nuage
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Nara Contemporary Stool in Fabric and Wood
Located in London, GB
The Nara stool is a minimal one-seater stool with references to ancient Japanese architecture and forms. Nara is the perfect piece to sit in the corner of a...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Stools
Materials
Walnut, Fabric, Oak
Modern Moroccan Style Retro Pouf Set Upholstered in Brown & Beige Leather
Located in Porto, PT
Modern Moroccan style retro pouf set upholstered in brown & beige leather
Morocco Pouf Retro Set is a modern take on the traditional Moroccan poufs. The Mo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Faux Leather, Fabric
e15 Other Stool by Stefan Diez
By Stefan Diez, e15
Located in New York, NY
As part of the innovative seating series by Stefan Diez, the stool other takes up the dynamic design language of this that other seating series to offer distinct comfort and quality....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Kartell Roy Stool in Powder by Alessandro Mendini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A Chinese-style stool featuring a pattern in homage to Roy Lichtenstein with the dots from his paintings.
Available in white, black, powder, blue & petroleum.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Stools
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Roy Stool in Black by Alessandro Mendini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A Chinese-style stool featuring a pattern in homage to Roy Lichtenstein with the dots from his paintings.
Available in White, Black, Powder, Blue & Petroleum.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Stools
Materials
Plastic
Contemporary Niu Drumstool in Mila Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Niu drumstool
Mila lacquer
Hand repoussé
Limited edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief ...
Category
2010s Modern Stools
Materials
Lacquer
Stool Attributed to Nanda Vigo
By Nanda Vigo
Located in Munich, DE
Brass and fake fur stool.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Stools
Materials
Faux Fur
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Satin Nickel/Duck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delightfully charming soul of Alma Bar Stool...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Satin Brass/Powder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Dune Bar Stool, Powder Coated Steel Frame
Located in Liverpool, GB
The design of the Dune bar stool is based on the repeated shape of the arch, architectural and mathematical. This bar stool has an elegant and light aes...
Category
2010s British Modern Stools
Materials
Metal, Steel
WW Bar Stool CS4, Stained Oak & Powder Coated Metal Rods
Located in Liverpool, GB
Based on a modern Windsor design, the WW bar stool, where the first 'W' stands for Windsor and the second for Wire is an iconic piece of furniture. Produced f...
Category
2010s British Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Oak/Polished Nickel/Peach
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Khwarizmi Counter Height Walnut and Upholstered Leather Stool
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Indulge in the luxurious comfort of the Khwarizmi Stool. Handcrafted using walnut wood, this stool is a unique statement piece that will take center stage in any living space. The It...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Stools
Materials
Brass
Moooi Container New Antiques High Bar Stool in Black by Marcel Wanders Studio
By Moooi, MARCEL WANDERS
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Nice view up there? Complement your Container Table with the Container Bar Stool and add a little excitement to lunchtimes. The Container Bar Stool is light weight and available in s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Stools
Materials
Plastic
Spindle Bar Stool in Solid White Ash and Steel Designed by Craig Bassam
Located in Ridgefield, CT
Since its release, the Spindle chair’s distinctive Silhouette has appeared in a vast array of celebrated commercial and residential interiors. The phenomenally successful piece was inspired by a visit to Louis Kahn’s Exeter Library. Designer Craig Bassam’s imagination was ignited when he noticed the traditional utilitarian chair juxtaposed against the powerful geometry of Kahn’s building. Seduced by its elemental simplicity, Bassam realized an updated spindle back chair would fit perfectly within the BassamFellows ‘Craftsman Modern’ aesthetic.
The BassamFellows Spindle chair offers a new take on the classic piece, a descendent of the Classic English Windsor chair. One first notices its weightless quality, which Bassam achieved by using metal for the chair’s legs and spindles, giving the illusion of two floating surfaces. This contemporary reboot makes the spindles less prominent, evoking a less rustic, 21st century setting for the chair.
A counterpoint to the metal spindles is the chair’s timber elements, including an ultra-comfortable ergonomic seat carved from solid wood. Given its updated minimal silhouette, ultra-light materiality and concern for comfort, it’s the kind of chair you can envision in many contexts.
The Spindle collection includes counter and barstool...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Satin Nickel/Dijon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Polished Brass/Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Kartell Stone Stool in Amber by Marcel Wanders
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stone is a stool with a simple shape but with a very precious appearance. Made with an essential symmetrical linear shape which is reminiscent of an hourglass, its surface is simply ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Stools
Materials
Plastic
Spindle Counter Chair in Solid Walnut and Steel Designed by Craig Bassam
Located in Ridgefield, CT
Since its release, the Spindle Chair’s distinctive silhouette has appeared in a vast array of celebrated commercial and residential interiors. The phenomenally successful piece was inspired by a visit to Louis Kahn’s Exeter Library. Designer Craig Bassam’s imagination was ignited when he noticed the traditional utilitarian chair juxtaposed against the powerful geometry of Kahn’s building. Seduced by its elemental simplicity, Bassam realized an updated spindle back chair would fit perfectly within the BassamFellows ‘Craftsman Modern’ aesthetic.
The BassamFellows Spindle Chair offers a new take on the classic piece, a descendent of the classic English Windsor Chair. One first notices its weightless quality, which Bassam achieved by using metal for the chair’s legs and spindles, giving the illusion of two floating surfaces. This contemporary reboot makes the spindles less prominent, evoking a less rustic, 21st century setting for the chair.
A counterpoint to the metal spindles is the chair’s timber elements, including an ultra-comfortable ergonomic seat carved from solid wood. Given its updated minimal silhouette, ultra-light materiality and concern for comfort, it’s the kind of chair you can envision in many contexts.
The Spindle Collection includes counter and barstool...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Wood Frame Counter Stool in Walnut and Leather Designed by Craig Bassam
Located in Ridgefield, CT
The BassamFellows Wood Frame collection has become one of the brand’s classic signatures.
Adding to the collection are upholstered dining chairs and upholstered stools.
The Woo...
Category
2010s American Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Wood
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Satin Brass/Fog
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Polished Nickel/Nuage
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Alma counter & bar stool. As any admirer would experience gazing at its muse, it is impossible not to feel enchanted and almost hypnotized by the refined, sensual lines and the delig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Lucite Scroll Ming Vanity Bench Stool Newly Upholstered
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Amazing lucite vanity stool bench with castors. Beautiful ming scroll rare design. Polished and newly upholstered. Dimensions: 17 H x 22.25 W x 13.7...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Stools
Materials
Lucite
Contemporary Channeled Fleure Bench in Mohair Velvet with Walnut Legs
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Fleure Bench, with its impeccable fluted detailing compliments one of our signature pieces, the Fleure Sofa. Shown here upholstered in Mohair Velvet. The feet are shown in natura...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Stools
Materials
Walnut, Mohair
Laurameroni "Margaret" Modern Velvet Bar High Stool by Cesare Arosio
Located in Monza, IT
Padded bar stool with structure in wood painted walnut Canaletto. Seat and back in polyurethane foam padding covered in shiny "Roxana" velvet.
FINIS...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Stools
Materials
Velvet
Modern stools for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern stools for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original stools, popular names associated with this style include Jover + Valls, Emeco, Jasper Morrison, and Kartell. 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.
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