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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Bertu Benches, Suelo Modern Bench, Lumbar Pillows, Upholstered, White, Black
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Benches, Suelo Modern Bench, Lumbar Pillows, Upholstered, White, Black This Suelo Modern Daybed is beautifully constructed from solid wood i...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Hardwood

Hand Tailored Fringes 2-Seat Sofa in Antique Pink Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The handmade sofa draws on the signature Franjas fashion theme, ruffling the scene and inviting guests with its fun and flirtatious feel. Featuring three layers of fringes that run a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Silk, Trimming

Veuve Cliquot Pink Loveseat by Karim Rashid
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Fiberglass loveseat designed by renowned designer Karim Rashid to commemorate Veuve Cliquot’s 250th anniversary.
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Green and Pink Geometric Couture Deco Pouf
Located in Milan, IT
Perfectly paired pink and green are a delightful palette for the Art Deco-inspired fringe on this pouf from the Geometric Couture Collection. Made in Italy, the pouf is crafted on a ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Textile

Lisette Chaise, Ivory Bouclé & Maple Chaise by Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order ivory bouclé chaise designed by Christian Siriano. Fabric: Ivory Bouclé (available in custom fabric) Base: Natural Maple (available in cu...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé, Maple

Isotta Leather Bar Stool
Located in Milan, IT
A fresh and stylish design of minimalist inspiration, this gorgeous bar stool boasts clean and essential lines highlighted with a total-white look. Boasting a sleek structure defined...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

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

Set of 8 Dining Chairs by Restoration Hardware
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 8 dining chairs in leather and brass tone frames designed and manufactured by Restoration Hardware. The set consists of 6 side chairs and 2 armchairs, all upholstered in whit...
Category

2010s Vietnamese Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Pair of Exceptional Mid-Century Italian Chairs in the Style of 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 Seating

Materials

Bronze

Silhouette Bar Stool, Mix & Brass, Insidherland by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Silhouette is a surreal reminiscence of a woman’s sensual curves that arise designed in an eye catching bar stool. The joint dimension of people and objects strongly influenced th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Set of Ten Christian Liaigre Cane Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A rare and handsome set of ten cane back and ebonized oak dining chairs by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt. This set of ten dining chairs has 20 year-old maroon patterned fabric....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating

Materials

Cane

Silhouette Dining Chair, Translucent Brown, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Iron Design Award Winner for Furniture Design at the A’Design Award Competition 2023-2024 Silhouette is a surreal reminiscence of a woman’s sensual curves that arise designed in an ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Arches Dining Chair, Twist & Brass, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Best Chair Design at the International Design & Architecture Awards 2021 Honorable Mention at the European Product Design Awards 2021 The Arches dining chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Ralph Lauren Henredon Nailhead Camel Tan Ultra Suede Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
This fabulous pair of Ralph Lauren arm chairs features a durable camel microsuede upholstery, creating a timeless classic look. The ultra rare c...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Arches Dining Chair, Velvet & Brass, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Best Chair Design at the International Design & Architecture Awards 2021 Honorable Mention at the European Product Design Awards 2021 The Arches dining chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Chic 'Méandre' Bronze Side Chair by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Méandre'™ dark bronze side chair by Design Frères®. Chic and understated.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Curved Sofa Made To Measure In Custom Jacquard Fabric Colors
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Inspired by the dunes and warm colors of the African deserts, this sofa was created from curves full of elegance, capable of embracing our body and creating a unique feeling of comfo...
Category

2010s European Modern Seating

Materials

Wood, Jacquard

Modern Dining Chair Gropius CS1 in Barnum White Boucle Fabric by NOOM
Located in Paris, FR
Noom furniture collection is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bauhaus School in Germany. Ideas of functionalism and conciseness...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Bouclé

Donghia "Versailles" Blonde Wood Bench/ Ottoman by John Hutton
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Donghia "Versailles" Blonde wood bench/ ottoman by John Hutton Italy 1990s A signature Donghia design, upholstered in a sheik quilted green abstract cotton blend fabric, raised o...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Stool/Bench Modern Medieval Handmade Horsehair Iron Woven Textile Fringe Tassel
Located in Bronx, NY
HORSE HAIR BENCH NO. 2 J.M. Szymanski d. 2018 Contemporary furniture at its finest. Horsehair textile and blackened iron are combined to create an exciting juxtaposition of elemen...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Steel

Contemporary Zong Drumstool in Cream Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Zong Drumstool Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Metal Base Limited Edition Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, circa 1600-1100 B.C. These pieces are made w...
Category

2010s Modern Seating

Materials

Lacquer

Moroso ANTIBODI Multicolor Armchair by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A new shape for a non-padded chair, three-dimensional geometry derived from the cellular genesis of sewn petals using the layout of a graphic structure with a triangular base. The re...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Moroso PEBBLE RUBBLE by Front Design
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Imagine we find ourselves upon a massive, mysterious slab of stone. As if, in a time long before our own, someone gifted with superhuman strength lifted and positioned it, creating a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Modern Chair Gropius CS1 in Velvet Fabric by Noom
Located in Paris, FR
New Noom furniture collection is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bauhaus School in Germany. Ideas of functionalism and conciseness, the combination of craft...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Velvet

Modern Upholstered Sofa 'Gropius CS1' by NOOM, Wool, Calico 29
By NOOM
Located in Paris, IDF
Modern sofa Gropius CS1 by NOOM Fully Upholstered Dimensions: Height: 71 cm Width: 150 cm Depth: 70 cm Seat height: 44 cm Model shown in picture : - Fabric : Wool - Co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Foam, Wood, Plywood

Laurameroni "BD 21" Modern Minimalist Armchair in leather and wood
Located in Monza, IT
Armchair with wooden structure in wood painted wenge, back and seat cushions covered in Cat. B Montana leather. FINISH: Cat. B Montana leather and woo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

Todd Merrill Custom Sectional Sofa with Schumacher Snow Leopard
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Monumental bespoke 9 piece modular sectional sofa having a double-tufted back designed by Todd Merrill for a Samantha Todhunter design installation. Dramatic scale and presence inspired by the iconic designs of Harvey Probber. The one-off grand custom sofa features a stunning Schumacher safari epingle snow leopard fabric. The frames are mounted to brass finished bases with a floating design. The set consists of five large modular sofa pieces and four large square matching ottomans measuring 36 inches. The sectional sofa measures over 15 feet wide and 15 feet deep in total. Sturdy and strong with excellent joinery and craftsmanship. The sofa is in very good, well-preserved condition. Custom climbing leopard rug...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Side Table / Bench Organic Modern Contemporary Blackened Steel and Walnut
Located in Bronx, NY
TABLE NO. 19 - BENCH OR SIDE TABLE J.M. Szymanski d. 2023 With the combined power of our steel smith and the modern machine, this table is hydrology bent from 3/8” thick solid steel...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Steel, Iron

Architectural 21st century concrete low stool by LESUSAGERS handmade unique
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
LESUSAGERS 21st century brutalist architectural concrete low stool Handmade piece Indoor or outdoor low concrete stool New and made to order Original perfect condition height...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating

Materials

Concrete

Le Corbusier Chaise produced by Wohnbedarf
Located in New York, NY
Rare "B306" chaise lounge also known as the LC4. This example shows original black leather and fabric. It was produced by Wohnbedarf in Zurich during the 1950s. This is an exceptio...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Abbracci Gray Armchair by Lorenza Bozzoli
Located in Milan, IT
A stylish addition to a modern study or living room, this armchair stands out for its signature embracing backrest that reveals the inspiration coming from hugs ("abbracci" in Italia...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Customizable Artifort Moulin Chair with Armrests by Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
A good, old-fashioned chair designed by the late Pierre Paulin. Previously in the collection of Thonet France, it now completes the Artifort collection. The design of the Moulin date...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Seating

Materials

Textile

"Ginger" by Roberto Lazzeroni for Poltrona Frau in Leather W/Swivel Base
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chair offered here is "Ginger" designed by Roberto Lazzeroni for Poltrona Frau, in Italy. Outside shell is covered in 5mm dark brown saddle leather, inside is covered in soft leathe...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Ash

Midcentury Modern Ward Bennett Model 1515 Chair
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this rare, all-original model 1515 armchair by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates. This beautifully constructed chair is of exceptionally high quality and ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Beech, Lacquer

Ottoman ouf DROVA 4 in White color by WOO
Located in Kyiv, UA
Ottoman Pouf Drova 4 – A Stylish and Functional Accent for Modern Interiors The Ottoman Pouf Drova 4 is a versatile and stylish addition to any living sp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Plywood, Foam

Ligne Roset Fireside “Neo” Lounge Rocking Chair and Footrest
Located in Miami, FL
Ligne Roset “Neo” fireside rocking chair and footrest with original canary yellow fabric by Alban-Sebastian Giles . Use with existing fabric or have r...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Foam

Hand-Tailored Curved Sectional Sofa in Mustard Yellow Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Mid-Century Modern inspired sectional sofa featuring curved design with luxurious mustard yellow velvet fabric. Supported by walnut base. Standard dimensions: 293 cm x 157 cm x 84 cm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Emeco Hudson Chair in Polished Aluminum by Philippe Starck
Located in Hanover, PA
The Hudson, designed for the Hudson hotel in NYC, is Emeco and Starck’s first collaboration. Starck described the chair as “washing the details from the N...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Customizable Artifort Tulip Midi Armchair with Cross Base by Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
The Tulip Midi was the missing member of the Tulip family for a long time. The armchair was designed by Pierre Paulin in 1960 and now completes the Tulip se...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Seating

Materials

Textile

Pair of Verner Panton Style Leather Sling Lounge Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing minimalist design leather sling lounge chairs made in the mid-century Danish modern style and manner of Verner Panton (Danish Designer 1926-1998). Verner's chair design was t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Armchair 'Femme Deep' with White Linen by Friends&Founders
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary and minimalist armchair named 'FEMME' signed by Danish design studio Friends&Founders Model shown on main image: - width: 85 cm - depth: 85 cm - fabric: Axel by Astrid...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Seating

Materials

Wool, Linen, Foam, Wood

Chesterfield Green Leather Armchair
Located in Milan, IT
The Chesterfield armchair, from Tribeca Collection, is an icon of the world of the leather lounge, a timeless classic in the world of upholstery, an item that enriches any home and m...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Lego Bench with a Storage Slot, Blue
Located in Istanbul, 34
The Lego Bench looks exactly like its name, with several blocky feet that give it an anthropomorphic feel. It’s not only sculptural but practical as you can...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Seating

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Contemporary Dining Chair with Upholstered Seat & Back
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Contemporary and sophisticated line of dining armchair, lounge chair and dining bench. The design is structured around the legs, which support ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Hand-Tailored Retro Style Sofa in Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Contemporary retro style sofa offered in off-white velvet and walnut base. All hardwood frame with interlocking construction. Advanced comfort sprin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet, Foam, Hardwood

Leo Bench, Camel Mohair & Wood Bench by Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order mohair and maple bench designed by Christian Siriano. Fabric: Camel Mohair (available in custom fabric) Base: Natural Maple (available in custom finish) Dimensions:...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé, Maple

Jaime Hayon Contemporary Plywood Upholstery Lounger Armchair for BD
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Lounger armchair designed by Jaime Hayon. Manufactured by BD Barcelona Design. Armchair structure base in cast aluminium and painted. Seat and backrest are in plywood with exteriors...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Modern Baby Gropius Chair CS1 for Kids by Noom
Located in Paris, FR
Baby Gropius chair is designed in the same spirit as the collection's flagman Gropius chair, which makes the brand signature. We noted that kids love minimalist design and are always happy to interact with our chairs, and this fact encouraged us to create a miniature version of the Gropius chair. A distinctive silhouette that is sculptural yet comfortable, a wide range of colorful upholstery...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Bouclé

Modern Counter Chair Gropius CS1/65 Fully Upholstered in Wool Fabric by Noom
Located in Paris, FR
New Noom furniture collection is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bauhaus School in Germany. Ideas of functionalism and conciseness, the combination of Craft...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Velvet

Curvy Pair of Caned Upholstered & Leather Club Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Chic pair of club chairs having a stylish combination of caned bodies, upholstered seats and leather wrapped tops to the backs. Seat: 16.5” H x 21” D Arm 27” H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Cane

Mid-Century Modern Style Dining Chairs In Custom Velvet & Lacquer Finishes
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A refined expression of minimal architectural elegance, this chair features a sleek three-leg structure with subtle metal accents. Its sculptural form balances simplicity and sophist...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood

Moroso BOUQUET Armchair in Sand Finish by Tokujin Yoshioka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
From a slim chrome metal stem blooms a bouquet of petals, formed from squares of fabric which are hand folded and sewn one by one by skilled hands and infinite patience. A tribute to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

RUY Sofa in White fabric Right Side
Located in Miami, FL
Introducing the RUY Sofa by Uultis, an exquisite piece of Brazilian furniture design that embodies both luxury and sustainability. This striking sofa, upholstered in premium white fa...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery

Moroso REDONDO Two seats Sofa by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A collection with a distinctive two–part shape, the padded shell embraces the huge seat cushions. Its curves are shown off by the total absence of sharp corners and the softness of t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Niemeyer II Armchair, Bouclé and Oak, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Gold Design Award Winner for Furniture Design Category at the A’Design Award Competition 2021-2022 The Niemeyer II armchair is named after the Br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Manhattan Cube Side Table/ Stool, Turquoise, 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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Seating

Materials

Epoxy Resin

Customizable Fringes Loveseat By Munna In Mustard Cotton Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The handmade sofa draws on the signature Franjas fashion theme, ruffling the scene and inviting guests with its fun and flirtatious feel. Featuring three layers of fringes that run a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Silk, Trimming, Wood, Velvet

Handcrafted Sofa with Architectural Silhouette and High Resistance Velvet
By Munna Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This sofa is a time capsule of style. Taking cues from the most fashionable scarves in history, it’s subtle and layered composition create a dynamic and effortlessly stylish presence...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood

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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