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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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
ST25 Glazed Stoneware Stool by Pascale Girardin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
ST25 Stool designed and produced by Canadian artist Pascale Girardin features a partially glazed stoneware body. This Functional and decorative object is served as both a stool and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Stools

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Green Aluminium Stool with Flax Webbing Seat from Anodised Wicker Collection
Located in London, GB
Originally realised for the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield and inspired by Donald Judd and Børge Mogensen, Anodised Wicker marries industrially extruded and anodised aluminium with ha...
Category

2010s British Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Polished 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 delightfully charming soul of Alma Bar Stool...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/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 delightfully charming soul of Alma Bar Stool...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Kitchen Counter Bar Stool w. Backrest Black Smoke Metal & Dark Brown Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary counter stool with backrest is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Kartell Roy Stool in Blue 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

Lavender Aluminium Stool with Flax Webbing Seat from Anodised Wicker Collection
Located in London, GB
Originally realised for the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield and inspired by Donald Judd and Børge Mogensen, Anodised Wicker marries industrially extruded and anodised aluminium with ha...
Category

2010s British Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Green Aluminium Stool with Reel Rush Seating from Anodised Wicker Collection
Located in London, GB
Originally realised for the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield and inspired by Donald Judd and Børge Mogensen, Anodised Wicker marries industrially extruded and anodised aluminium with ha...
Category

2010s British Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Kartell Roy Stool in Petroleum 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

Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Satin Brass/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 delig...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Polished Nickel/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

Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Polished Nickel/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

1 Modern Steelcase Enea Counter Stool by Josep Llusca
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 Modern Enea cafe counter stools by Josep Llusca Simple and elegant counter height stools complement any gathering space. Polished aluminum footrest ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Guillerme et Chambron, Oak Stool, Edition Votre Maison, circa 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Guillerme et Chambron, oak stool, Edition Votre Maison circa 1970.
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Roberts Bar Stool Maple Pink
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Crofton Counter Stool with Black Stained Pinewood Frame by Daniel Schofield
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Crofton counter stool with black stained pinewood frame by Daniel Schofield The CROFTON Stool collection gives an understated nod to elegant Asian design traditions whilst embraci...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Tubby Tube Counter Stool with Black Frame & Black Leather Seat, Faye Toogood
Located in Brooklyn, NY
“Tubby yet elegant” is the way to describe the TUBBY TUBE stool collection of three heights. A unique composition of bulky round tubes with a wooden seat or a chunky soft seat pad – ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Satin Brass/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

Miss Champagne Stool Isabelle Rigal Contemporary Natural Cedar Made in Italy Riv
Located in Cantù, IT
Stool made from a single block of scented cedar that is a representation of a large cork used in champagne bottles.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Alma Bar Stool, Natural Oak/Polished Brass/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

Table Bar Stool w. Backrest Aged Brass Metal & Natural Tan Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary table stool with backrest is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility o...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Kelly Wearstler Monolith Side Table in Russo Red Marble
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Carved out of a block of solid marble, this design can be used as a seat, plinth or an occasional table and is perfect for a shower or a garden. The cylindrical form is a perfect can...
Category

2010s American Modern Stools

Materials

Marble

Kartell Calice Stool in Green by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Calice vase is included in the "Kartell goes Sottsass - A Tribute to Memphis" collection, launched in homage to the movement founded by design guru Ettore...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Stools

Materials

Plastic

Set of 2 Contemporary Cane Back Counter Stool in Ebony
Located in New York, NY
With a hint of retro, the design of this stool is inspired from the 1950s and the modernist movement of that period. W 51cm 20” D 56,5cm 22” H 83cm 32.7” SH 60cm 23.6” Materials:...
Category

2010s European Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Kartell Masters Counter Stool in Gold by Philippe Starck & Eugeni Quitllet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kartell also offers a stool version of the Masters chair, winner of the Good Design Award 2010 and the Red Dot Award 2013, and a worldwide best seller. The legs are lengthened and th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Stools

Materials

Plastic

Contemporary Identity Stool in Deep Rose Coloured 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

Contemporary Stool in Burnet Walnut, Senufo Tabouret by Arno Declercq
Located in Warsaw, PL
Contemporary Stool In Burnet Walnut - Senufo Tabouret by Arno Declercq Material: Burned and waxed African walnut and Oak Dimensions: 34 cm W x 34 cm D x 45 cm H 13” W x 13” ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Dune Bar Stool Red, 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

Pair of Low Stools by Arthur Cunningham New Hampshire Craftsman
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of unusual three legged stools by Arthur Cunningham, Manchester, New Hampshire. Vintage circa 1960s with great patina and character.
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Stools

Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Polished Nickel/Papaye
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

Materiality Vol. 1: Side Table & Stool by Eduard Locota. Acrylic Glass & Bronze
Located in Timisoara, RO
MATERIALITY series represents the thinnest line between sculpture and design. TECHNICAL DATA: Each piece is entirely made by hand by Eduard Locota himself, from acrylic glass & cold cast bronze. Each artwork is accompanied with a certificate of authenticity signed and dated by the artist. Made to order; build process takes 4-6 weeks; please allow extra time for custom orders (colors can be customized upon request). Every object has his own persona and is entirely made by hand using similar techniques used in metal casting. We have literally endless color combinations, and each color accentuates the different personalities of the objects. Dimensions: l 47 cm / w 46 cm / h 42cm Ultra limited edition of 12 + 4 ap. * shipping worldwide: all our artworks are insured and packed in a custom-made wooden box. * dimensions may vary 1 – 2 cm. FEW WORDS FROM THE ARTIST: “I left on the surface of the object the imprints of my own fingers, of my hands, as well as the strikes and marks left by the actual tools used to shape the work. Later on, i took molds of my hands, fingers and of the tools that were actually used in the making of this unique piece, and duplicated them in cold cast bronze to complete the artistic statement.” For this set of works, the synthetic materials were chosen rationally in order to explain both the physical and conceptual materiality of the theme. Though, exactly the opposite for our case, the common perception of any synthetic material is usually disposable, mass-produces and low-grad. This gives birth to a discussion about the ethical value of synthetic materials and man’s ability to perceive it culturally. The story of the transformation of matter into an object, about the transformation of the object into a good, about the monetization of the good. PLASTIC CONCEPT: From the oldest of times, our species has experienced a strong symbiosis with matter. Humans have learned to model matter, turned it into tools, and then used it to create objects. The man of the 21st century has shaped the Anthropocene era to his liking; and plasticized it to his own mirror. The project called materiality, is centered around the last geological era, popularly known as the plastic age...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balkan Modern Stools

Materials

Bronze

Kartell Calice Stool in Red by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Calice vase is included in the "Kartell goes Sottsass - A Tribute to Memphis" collection, launched in homage to the movement founded by design guru Ettore...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Stools

Materials

Plastic

Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Satin Nickel/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

Curved Back Barstools-Ash Rose Velvet & Brass Detailing, Set of 2
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary elegant barstool upholstered in water repellent velvet. Constructed with lacquered wood frame and brass detailing on the arms and l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Stools

Materials

Brass, Iron

Kartell A.I. Counter Stool in White by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kartell continues its ongoing commitment to sustainability with eco-friendly products which are part of the broader project expressed by the industrial manifesto Kartell loves the pl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Stools

Materials

Plastic

Clarkester Bar Stool Walnut Black
Located in Cincinnati, US
A perfect mix of Scandinavian inspiration and industrial flare that cohesively come together to make a statement piece which embodies simplicity, functionality and elegance. The ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Alma Bar Stool, Natural Oak/Satin Brass/Papaye
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

Two-By Series Stool in Burnt Wood
Located in London, GB
Standardized, but not standardized. exists a frame, but creating a new frame from there. called the same, built can be different. Two-By Series is works made by stacking layers of structural wood called two-by SPUSE. Just like stone masonry, standardized two-by woods repeats stacking. Through the repetitive process, it is reminiscent of the work technique of abstract painting that returns to the basics of the structure (dot-line-surface) and approaches the pure sculpture of the material. They are reinterpreted in the natural pure form of the material across the function. The purpose of use is no longer important. The way to utilize them found in the construction site is to minimize the demand for function and to realize the beauty of free form. Dimension: 26 cm x 26 cm x 42.5 cm H. Additional info: The wooden box is included in the price. Two-By Series is made by stacking layers of structural wood called spuse. They use wood that has been dried for more than three months to minimize distortion. The Nak-Song finishing process refers to the repeated process of burning and brushing their surfaces with the finishing of traditional Korean wood...
Category

2010s Korean Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Alma Bar Stool, Natural Oak/Satin Nickel/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/Satin Nickel/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/Satin Nickel/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 delightfully charming soul of Alma Bar Stool...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/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

Alma Bar Stool, Natural Oak/Satin Nickel/Papaye
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

Manhattan Cube Side Table/ Stool, Yellow, 21st Century by Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
The Manhattan cube is a deceptively simple side table, created by artist-designer Margit Wittig that can double up as a sculptural seat. It replicates a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Stools

Materials

Epoxy Resin

Circular Bar Stool in Bronze and Leather Designed by Craig Bassam
Located in Ridgefield, CT
The elegance and simplicity of the Circular Table collection extends to a casual seat. A sturdy but agile floating presence is created by the stool’s base, made from circular sect...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Satin Nickel/Papaye
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 Oak/Polished Brass/Papaye
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

Table Bar Stool w. Backrest Old Silver Metal & Cognac Leather Organic Design
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary table stool with backrest is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility o...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Two-By Series Chair in Burnt Wood
Located in London, GB
Standardized, but not standardized. exists a frame, but creating a new frame from there. called the same, built can be different. TWO-BY SERIES is works made by stacking layers of structural wood called two-by SPUSE. Just like stone masonry, standardized two-by woods repeats stacking. Through the repetitive process, it is reminiscent of the work technique of abstract painting that returns to the basics of the structure (dot-line-surface) and approaches the pure sculpture of the material. They are reinterpreted in the natural pure form of the material across the function. The purpose of use is no longer important. The way to utilize them found in the construction site is to minimize the demand for function and to realize the beauty of free form. Dimension: 39 cm x 28 cm x 147 cm H. Additional info: The wooden box is included in the price. TWO-BY SERIES is made by stacking layers of structural wood called SPUSE. They use wood that has been dried for more than three months to minimize distortion. The Nak-Song finishing process refers to the repeated process of burning and brushing their surfaces with the finishing of traditional Korean wood...
Category

2010s Korean Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Alma Bar Stool, Natural Walnut/Satin Brass/Papaye
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

Circular Bar Stool in Satin Brass and Leather Designed by Craig Bassam
Located in Ridgefield, CT
The elegance and simplicity of the Circular Table collection extends to a casual seat. A sturdy but agile floating presence is created by the stool’s base, made from circular sect...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Circular Counter Stool in Satin Nickel and Leather Designed by Craig Bassam
Located in Ridgefield, CT
The elegance and simplicity of the Circular Table collection extends to a casual seat. A sturdy but agile floating presence is created by the stool’s base, made from circular sect...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Chair Table Stool w Backrest Black Smoke Steel & Dark Brown Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary table stool with backrest is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility o...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Macaron Stool Designed by Daniel Basso and Estudio Florida. Argentina, 2022
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
"Macaron" stool designed by Daniel Basso and Estudio Florida. Argentina, 2022. Currently there are two available of the same color. Exhibited in "BOMBONERA" a collective design exhi...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Alma Bar Stool, Natural Oak/Satin 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

Moooi Container Stool in Light Grey by Marcel Wanders Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Configure, combine, repeat. Compliment your Container Table with the Container stool and add a little excitement to lunchtimes or other extraordinary g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Stools

Materials

Plastic

Cook One Stool Patrizia Bozuffi Contemporary Natural Cedar Made in Italy Riva192
Located in Cantù, IT
Stool made from single blocks of scented cedar, reproduction of oversized cook’s caps.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Pebble Bar Stool, by Welling / Ludvik from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
Light stools and bar stools with organically shaped seats made of solid wood and with a strong attention to detail. With its well-conceived shape and wonderful finish, Pebble’s seat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Polish Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

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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