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Modern Seating

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Lago Bar Stool with Natural Palm Fiber Back, Mexican Design Counter Height
Located in Mexico City, MX
This classic design has a modern flourish without overshadowing the handcrafted details from the Natural Palm woven back that makes it so unique. The Lago barstool is made of solid H...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Seating

Materials

Natural Fiber, Hardwood

Cowhide Leather Tucroma Armchair by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, New
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Currently, the most coveted dining chairs by interior designers are 'Tucroma' chairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, and we have this incredible Tucroma armchair in beautiful (br...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Seletti "Snakes" Pouf by Toiletpaper
Located in Doral, FL
Pouf by Toiletpaper. - Size: cm 51 × 46, H 42 - Material: Fabrics in polyester, frame in wood with polyurethane padding, metal.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Seating

Materials

Polyester, Wood

Seletti "Lipsticks" Pouf by Toiletpaper
Located in Doral, FL
Pouf by Toiletpaper. - Size: cm 51 × 46, H 42 - Material: Fabrics in polyester, frame in wood with polyurethane padding, metal.          
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Seating

Materials

Polyester, Wood

Seletti "Revolver" Upholstered Occasional Chair by Toiletpaper
Located in Doral, FL
Mix and match the wildest graphics designed by Toiletpaper and get the most iconic dining room of all. - Material: Fabrics in polyester, frame in wood with polyurethane padding an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Seating

Materials

Polyester, Wood

Seletti "Lipsticks" Upholstered Occasional Chair by Toiletpaper
Located in Doral, FL
Mix and match the wildest graphics designed by Toiletpaper and get the most iconic dining room of all. - Material: Fabrics in polyester, frame in wood with polyurethane padding an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Seating

Materials

Polyester, Wood

Seletti "Shit" Pouf by Toiletpaper
Located in Doral, FL
Pouf by Toiletpaper. - Size: cm 51 × 46, H. 42 - Material: Fabrics in polyester, frame in wood with polyurethane padding, metal.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Seating

Materials

Polyester, Wood

Emeco Broom Counter Stool in White by Philippe Starck
Located in Hanover, PA
Philippe Starck and Emeco came together to create a new chair that is reclaimed, repurposed, recyclable – and designed to last. The chair is made from 75% waste polypropylene and 15% reclaimed wood that would normally be swept into the trash, “Imagine”, says Philippe Starck, “a guy who takes a humble broom...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

UNA Leather Upholstered Dining Chair in Black Stained Oak by Estudio Persona
Located in Los Angeles, CA
UNA leather upholstered dining chair in black stained oak. Using these fluid shapes allows greater focus on the details of the wood grain and pristinely stitched leather top. Made of solid oak, stained in black, with a black leather seat and black vegetable leather...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Oak

Customizable Modern Dining Armchair Lago, wood, natural fiber.Upholstery
Located in Mexico City, MX
This classic design has a modern flourish without overshadowing the handcrafted details from the Natural Palm woven back that makes it so unique. The Lago dining chair...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Seating

Materials

Natural Fiber, Hardwood

GUFRAM The End 1516 Stool by TOILETPAPER
By Maurizio Cattelan & Pierpaolo Ferrari, Gufram Furniture, Toiletpaper
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Gufram pulls back from the world of design. It declares it and turns the page – with a tombstone. Since the time has come to call it quits because of the many mudslinger that have al...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Other

Footstool Silver Steel and Black Saddle Leather, Modern Style, Hug Collection
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary footstool and ottoman is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm i...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Seating

Materials

Brass, Steel

Footstool, Black Steel and Vegetable Tobacco Leather, Modern Style, Hug
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary footstool and ottoman is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm i...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Seating

Materials

Brass, Steel

Settee 001
Located in Houston, TX
An elegant and perfectly sized settee. Beautiful as is, or ready for your customization. Pictured here in wool, mineral and medium French finish walnut.
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

1st Gen Dieter Rams RZ620 Sofa for Vitsoe 1962
Located in Aachen, NW
This timeless iconic sofa was made in the early 60s by Vitsoe and designed by Dieter Rams. The sofa comes from the iconic RZ620 series and is a first generation example. The sofa i...
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Contemporary Channeled Fleure Sofa in Teal Blue Velvet with Walnut Legs
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The award winning Fleure Sofa is an eye-catching design which commands an audience. Exuding a contemporary vibe but with traditional style cues, as demonstrated by the exquisite flut...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Italian modern Stackable chairs in gray plastic and black metal, 2000s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Stackable chairs in gray plastic and black metal, 2000s Set of 12 chairs with curved monocoque in gray plastic. The legs are made of black painted metal rod.On the two...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Diamond Ottoman 22" in Chocolate Brown Leather by Moses Nadel
Located in Oyster Bay, NY
Featured with diamond banded detailing, the Diamond Ottoman is inspired by fundamental geometry. These structured and supportive round ball ottomans are designed to function as a tra...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Hudson Ottoman 22"Ø in Silver Grey Tibetan Lamb by Moses Nadel
Located in Oyster Bay, NY
Featured in Tibetan Lamb Shearling, the Hudson Ottoman exudes luxury. These structured and supportive round ball ottomans are designed to function as a traditional leg rest, add a tw...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Wool, Lambskin

"Oscar" Minimalist Chair in Solid Wood with Leather or Fabric
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
When she created Oscar chair, Alessandra Delgado was inspired by the master architect Oscar Niemeyer´s work. The Oscar chair is made of solid wood and although very sturdy it is ligh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Wood, Leather, Canvas, Velvet, Polyester

Bespoke Handmade Belgian Linen Sofa
Located in Jesteburg, DE
Introducing the home collection.  An iconic, unobtrusive design. A small selection of timeless Flemish designs made by hand for us in a small third generation workshop in Belgium....
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Seating

Materials

Linen

Contemporary Pair of Italian Armchairs, Wood and White Boucle Fabric
Located in Brussels, BE
Contemporary Pair of Italian Armchairs, Wood and White Boucle Fabric
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

VG NewTrend Swivel Armchair prototype of the model "Calla", Italy 1990s
Located in DÉNIA, ES
VG furniture represents luxury in terms of exclusivity, distinction and high quality. They are the result of a sophisticated and exclusive design with a strong identity and are the r...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Faux Leather

Roly Poly Polyethylene Armchair in Concrete with Cushions by Faye Toogood
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The distinctive, reassuringly chunky lines of Faye Toogood’s Roly-Poly furniture collection become even more inviting in her new collaboration with Driade. The latest line for the It...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Plastic

Soiree Chair with Stitch Detail in Charcoal, Oscar & Gabriele Buratti for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The theme of the classic, soft, fabric-covered, padded chair made of a single material is interpreted here in an exceptionally elegant, accurately finished design. Whether dressed in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Bay Counter Stool, Handmade Modern Rope Woven Seat Counter Stool
Located in Stevenson, WA
The Bay Counter Stool is a solid wood stool with a roomy seat and turned tapered legs. Wood frames available in walnut, white oak, maple, and black. Available with a rope woven seat ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Rope, Hardwood

Harbor Counter Stool, Handmade Modern Rope Seat Counter Stool with Backrest
Located in Stevenson, WA
Phloem Studio Harbor Counter Stool is a modern contemporary solid wood stool handmade custom to order. The Harbor Stool is available in counter or...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Rope, Hardwood

Ghidini 1961 Leporello Junior Stool in Dark Oak and Satin Brass Finish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Leporello Junior (small) stool is an adjustable stool made in brass and solid oak. Measure: Height ranges from 48-54cm.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Aluminum Armchair "Industry Garden Furniture" by Seletti, White
Located in Doral, FL
From its very first year in 1964, Seletti in Cicognara, Mantova, has followed its principle of professionality service and constant research to strive for betterness innovation and o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Aluminum Armchair 'Industry Collection' by Seletti, Sky Blue
Located in Doral, FL
From its very first year in 1964, Seletti in Cicognara, Mantova, has followed its principle of professionality service and constant research to strive for betterness innovation and o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Modern Circular Steel Wheel Hanging Chair
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
The Wheel hanging swing chair is sculptural and dynamic. Its striking circular shape lends itself for use as a functional art piece. The pattern detail is inspired by nature and rem...
Category

2010s South African Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Italian modern Stackable chairs in red plastic and black metal, 2000
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Stackable chairs in red plastic and black metal, 2000 Set of 5 chairs with curved monocoque in red plastic. The legs are made of black painted metal rod. Stackable. 20...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Sling Hanging Swing Chair Genuine Black Leather 21st Century Modern
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
Stripped away from all excess, this hanging chair has a circular frame with the sheets of soft leather hanging loose within it, to create a sleek, sexy, and oh so comfortable experie...
Category

2010s South African Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

YoYo Stool, Hand-Turned, Hardwood Side Table or Seating, Natural
Located in St. Paul, MN
Stacked lamination of ash hardwood with a maple top, turned on a lathe. This pleasing sculptural object can be used as a side table or stool for seating. They look great in this natu...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

"Patrick" Leather & Steel Stool Designed by Claude Bouchard for Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Patrick" is a stool, designed by Claude Bouchard and manufactured by Oscar Maschera, featuring a stainless steel structure totally covered by genuine Italian leather vegetable tanne...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

NIDO Modern Lounge Chair in White Oak & Blush Leather by Estudio Persona
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The NIDO chair was the result of playing with the juxtaposition of shapes. The egg-like shape of the leather upholstered wood seat nesting in the cross shap...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Oak, Leather

"Tokyo-Pop" White or Black Monobloc Low Table or Stool by T. Yoshioka for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Tokyo-Pop" is a white or black anthracite polyethylene monobloc iconic low table or stool, designed by Tokujin Yoshioka and manufactured by Driade. White version only is available i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Plastic

Gold Finish Special Edition 'Tucroma' Chair by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, New
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Currently, the most coveted dining chairs by interior designers are 'Tucroma' chairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, and we have this incredible special edition Tucroma armchair ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Italian modern Stackable chairs in orange plastic and black metal, 2001
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Stackable chairs in orange plastic and black metal, 2001 Set of 3 chairs with curved monocoque in orange plastic. The legs are made of black painted metal rod. On the ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Declan Side Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Our declan side chair exudes sophisticated elegance. It is sleek and curvaceous, with the perfectly unexpected walnut and brass back detailing. Shown here in wool - mineral, black o...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Italian modern Adjustable office chair Modus by Osvaldo Borsano for Tecno, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Adjustable office chair Modus by Osvaldo Borsano for Tecno, 1980s Office or desk chair mod. Modus with seat and backrest in ivory-white plastic monocoque. On the seat ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Muller Van Severen, Outdoor Lounge Chair Model "Wire S #5", Belgium, 2017
Located in Barcelona, ES
Muller Van Severen Outdoor lounge chair model “Wire S #5” Manufactured by Muller Van Severen Produced for Side Gallery Powder coated stainless steel in deep red Measurements...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

Hendrick Dining Chair, Customizable
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The sleek and modern Hendrick dining chair features clean lines and a luxurious leather upholstered seat and back, adding comfort and sophistication to any room. An oxidized ambrosia...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Lily Stool, Charcoal Bouclé Stool by Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order bouclé stool designed by Christian Siriano. Also available in: Ivory bouclé, taupe bouclé, light gray bouclé, dark gray bouclé, char...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé

Black Leather and Antique Brass Dining Chair with Blackened Steel Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A steel and leather chair with a comfortable seat, easily stackable to save space when needed. This version has a blackened steel frame, a brass backrest, and a black leather upholst...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Angelo Modular Modern Customizable Sectional Sofa
Located in Studio City, CA
Sleek and low and sexy this five-piece modern modular sectional. Various configurations. Multiple fabrics and colors to choose from. Measures...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Italian modern Stackable chairs in blue plastic and black metal, 2000s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Stackable chairs in blue plastic and black metal, 2000s Set of 20 chairs with curved monocoque in blue plastic. The legs are made of black painted metal rod. Stackable...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Orange Leather Tucroma Chairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, Signed, New
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Currently, the most coveted dining chairs by interior designers are 'Tucroma' chairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, and we have this brand new pair in beautiful orange leather w...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Chrome

Contemporary Denim Stool, Made from Hardened 'Worn' Blue Jeans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The worn stool is the staple piece of our 'Worn' collection. The stool "wears" (no pun intended) the urban character and grit of Brooklyn, the city where we thrift the very jeans ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Cotton, Epoxy Resin

Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Deep Grey Tufted 3pc Sectional Sofa with Chaise
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Milo Baughman 3 piece sectional sofa for Thayer Coggin. An absolutely stunning sofa featuring a 3 piece sectional design with a left side chais...
Category

20th Century American Modern Seating

Materials

Cotton

Six Black Leather Tucroma Chairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, Brand New
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The most coveted dining chairs by interior designers are 'Tucroma' chairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, and we have this incredible set of six (6) Tucroma armchairs in beautifu...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Chelsea Checkerboard Round Ottoman
Located in Houston, TX
The Chelsea Checkerboard Round Ottoman is a delightful fusion of classic elegance and contemporary flair. Its round shape and plush cushioning provide both comfort and versatility, m...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Antropología Bech
Located in Ciudad de México, MX
Antropología is a minimal furniture collection created by Mexico City-based designer Raul de la Cerda for BREUER. BREUER is the leading company in design and manufacturing of custom ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Seating

Materials

Marble

Emerald Green 'Big' by Guido Faleschini for Mariani Leather Executive Desk Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible executives chair is named 'Big', designed by Guido Faleschini by i4 Mariani originally designed in the 1970s, this example newly produced in a gorgeous emerald green ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Chrome

Charlotte Perriand Berger Stool
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful example of Charlotte Perriand's Berger stool--her famous modernist interpretation of the classic tripod wood milking stool. This particular stool shows considerable wea...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Hardwood

Set of 4 Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Black Cushioned Dining Armchairs
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A set of 4 Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin armchairs. A wonderful set of whimsically patterned armchairs. These chairs are finished with a playful pattern with a black/grey/purple/bl...
Category

20th Century American Modern Seating

Materials

Polyester, Wood

Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti "Peggy 63970" Lounge Chairs, Italy 1990
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A pair of impressive lounge chairs with a “throne like” appearance, designed by Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti in the 1990’s. The chairs are made of a wooden frame and new taupe velvet...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Wood

'Wall Street Big' by Guido Faleschini for Mariani Leather Executive Desk Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible executives chair is named 'Big', designed by Guido Faleschini by i4 Mariani originally designed in the 1970s, this example newly produced in a gorgeous burgundy leath...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Chrome

Modern seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Portugal pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include De Sede, Finn Juhl, Emeco, and Moooi. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $25 and tops out at $497,965 while the average work can sell for $3,803.

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