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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Ottoman pouf DROVA 4 choose your fabric
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

Foam, Fabric, Plywood

Armchair Mw02 "Cannage", made in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Beaumont-Louestault, FR
Elevating furniture aesthetics to an artistic level." Electrifying design armchair, custom-made in France, a numbered and signed piece, ensuring its traceability and authenticity. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel, Other

Moroso FJORD Small Armchair by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
From a piece of seashell, which has been broken and smoothed by the waves, Patricia Urquiola has designed a collection of seats for both the home and public spaces. As the name sugge...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Vintage Italian Modern Bentwood Stackable Chairs by Calligaris, Set of 4
Located in Doylestown, PA
Set of 4 Italian modern stackable bentwood chairs by Calligaris, Italy. These versatile chairs are comfortable and ergonomic with a clean, m...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Chrome

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

Emeco Hudson Chair by Philippe Starck Hand Polished
Located in New York, NY
The Hudson Chair, designed for the Hudson Hotel in NYC, was Emeco and Philippe Starck’s first collaboration. When it launched in 2000, it was also Emeco's first new design in 50 year...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Design Institute America Deco Revival Bar Stools With Arms, 1980s - Set of Three
Located in Miami, FL
Set of three Art Deco revival modern bar stools with nude leather cushioned seats and back rest with black piping on a tubular steel base. Designed and manufactured by DIA - Design ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Style Modern Plush Leather Armchair Retro Caramel Warm Light Brown
Located in Porto, PT
The Dolce Armchair brings the same modern elegance and plush comfort as the Dolce Sofa. This leather sofa’s rounded, organic shapes create a visually inviting and sophisticated prese...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Faux Leather

Set Of Four Wishbone Chairs Model Ch24 Made In Beech By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of four wishbone chairs, model CH24, designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Son. Made of beech with hand-woven paper yarn seat. Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007) was a...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Seating

Materials

Beech

Modern Flock Lounge Chair by Noom
Located in Paris, FR
The “Flock” furniture collection draws on the idea that home is a place of comfort, sanctuary, and gathering and should be filled with personalized, character-rich, and eye-catching ...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé

Contemporary Tempered Steel - One Curve Stool by Studio Narra
Located in 1204, CH
The narrative was born out of a very simple question: How can one relate to an object in the 21st century when the community has an overabundance of tools to create any abstract shap...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Grasso Armchair by Stephen Burks, Orange for BD
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Stephen Bruks manufactured by BD Barcelona. An iron tubular (25mm) structured armchair. Seat and backrest upholstered in leather. We have the possibility in different colors. The leather upholstery oozes over the bare iron structure to contrast with the most luxurious...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Seating

Materials

Iron

Outdoor Dining Chairs In Natural Solid Teak (Set Of 6)
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Material: Our products use taut, clean, and highly tenacious rope made of 100% polyester. What makes this material special is because the characteristic of polyester that is extr...
Category

2010s Asian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Rope, Teak

Tree Branches Long Bench, Bege Fur and Brass, InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
The Tree Branches long bench is entirely handcrafted in brass with a hammered technique similar to the irregular details of real branches. The top in Mongolian Lamb fur completes th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Velvet Armchair with Quilted Upholstery Back
By Munna Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Designed with a thorough but playful attention to geometry and form, this armchair has a glamorous 60s and 70s sci-fi retro look. Its quilted upholstery...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset Black Leather Togo Sofa and pouf, Set of 2
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Classic French Togo set by Michel Ducaroy for luxury brand Ligne Roset. Originally designed in the 1970s the iconic Togo sofa is now a design classic. Timeless comfort and style make...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Arche Ottoman by DeMuro Das in Antique Bronze
Located in New York, NY
The Arche Ottoman embodies elegance and sophistication in the form of an artfully sculpted metal base and softly rounded silhouette. The base, a graceful arch crafted from solid bron...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Seating

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Christian Liaigre Leather Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A pair of stunning ivory/cream leather slipper chairs raised on exposed espresso wooden legs with detached leather back cushion. The leather is very expensive and luxurious. Zoom on...
Category

2010s French Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

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

Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A pair of large beautiful ivory suede slipper chairs raised on exposed espresso wooden legs with single detached ivory linen back cushion. From luxury manufacturer Holly Hunt. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating

Materials

Suede

George Smith Howard & Son's Contemporary Velvet Signature Scroll Arm Sofa
Located in Countryside, IL
George Smith Howard & Son's Contemporary Large Velvet Signature Scroll Arm Sofa This sofa measures: 85 wide x 39 deep x 34 inches high, with a sea...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Velvet

Minimalist Organic Chair in black Solid Wood, camel leather Seating tone
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." Introducing the Collana Chairs, Armchairs and ottomans Collection, a testament to the seamless integration of aest...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood

Customizable Walnut Finish Dining Chair with Off White Upholstery, Stuzi Design
Located in Miami, FL
The Stuzi dining chair by Sérgio Batista for Uultis embodies a harmonious blend of contemporary design and timeless craftsmanship. Featuring a sleek walnut wood finish, this chair ad...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Hardwood

Tillikum Acrylic & Torched Oak Bench by Autonomous Furniture
Located in Victoria, BC
The elegant Tillikum bench features a rare solid wood top set on clear acrylic frame and legs for an airy, floating effect. The minimalist design by Kir...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Seating

Materials

Acrylic, Oak, Walnut, Ash

Chic 'Méandre' Gilt Bronze Side Chair by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Undulating 'Méandre' gilt bronze finish side chair by Design Frères. Gilt bronze finish over steel frame. Natural linen upholstered cushion with contras...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Vodo bench, in oak and metal, by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Vodo is a line of furniture redefining internal landscapes. Objects made of bent sheets of metal, recalling voids like windows opened towards inhabited spaces, sculptures that become a bench, a bookcase, a bedside table or a consolle. Elementary forms inspired by architectural shapes...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Sheet Metal

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

Flemming Lassen The Tired Man Lounge Chair Sheepskin Moonlight for Audo
Located in New York, NY
Flemming Lassen designed the overstuffed easy chair, The Tired Man, for The Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Competition in 1935. It is characterized by organic, bearlike shapes and t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Seating

Materials

Sheepskin, Oak

Arches II Dining Chair, Walnut & Brass, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
The Arches II dining chair is designed in the likeness of the architectural scale that suggests a crossing through the structures of a utopian c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Oak, Wood, Walnut

Modern Dining Chair Archipen in Baloo Boucle by NOOM
Located in Paris, FR
The concept behind our latest creation, the "Archipen" chair, celebrates movement and dynamism through its distinctive design. With its minimalist aesthetic, characterised by clean l...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wool, Alpaca, Bouclé, Faux Leather, Acrylic, Wood, Ash

Philippe Starck Costes Chair by Driade Italy
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted Costes chair by French designer Philippe Starck with rounded wood back and hole detail to the upper edge for pulling the chair into po...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Red Velvet Armchair Molteni&C by Gio Ponti Design D.151.4, Made in Italy
Located in New York, NY
D.151.4 armchair in wear linen by Gio Ponti - Expert-crafted in Italy by Molteni&C Gio Ponti leaned on nautical inspiration to design this armchair that was destined for use on o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet

Minimal Modern Intrecciato Armchair Cross-Banded Braided Beige Corduroy
Located in Porto, PT
Wrapped in a luxurious light brown corduroy and suede upholstery, this armchair is not just a piece of furniture; it’s a statement of sophisticated relaxation. The light brown cordur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery

Twelve 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 twelve (12) Tucroma armchairs in beau...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Pair of Large Italian Bamboo and Rattan Armchairs
Located in Milano, IT
This stunning pair of vintage Italian bamboo chairs from the 1980s is an authentic work of art in exotic design. Crafted from bamboo and rattan, these chairs captivate with their env...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Cotton, Bamboo, Rattan

Peabody Wicker Chairs, Modern Wicker Chairs, Teak and Thick Weave
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Lawrence Peabody wicker lounge chair for Craft Associates Furniture, 1806P This Lawrence Peabody wicker lounge chair - 1806P fo...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Wicker, Teak

Set of 2 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 the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Lorette Settee, Ivory Bouclé & Natural Wood Settee by Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order bouclé and wood settee designed by Christian Siriano. Fabric: Ivory bouclé (available in custom fabric) Base: Natural Maple (available in custom finish)   Dimensions: ...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Maple, Bouclé

Tom Dixon Black Fan Dining Chair with Leather Seat Pad
Located in Miami, FL
Black stained birch Fan dining chair with a splayed array of machined wood spindles, curved wood back and round base with black leather seat pad. Desi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Lithuanian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Birch, Paint

Contemporary Channeled Fleure Bench in Jade Mohair Velvet with Walnut Legs
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 Seating

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset Togo Red Leather Sectional Sofa Set
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A stunning red leather Togo sectional by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset. It is all tagged properly and in good condition with supple leather and free of rips or tears. There are a fe...
Category

20th Century French Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Retro Roll Arm Sofa with Upholstered Plinth Base in Kvadrat Vanir
Located in Nyack, NY
Our retro take on a roll arm sofa. Cylindrical arms, a deep bench seat, and split back cushions sit atop an ultra-thin deck elevated on cylindrical steel legs to create a sleek, retr...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric

Rare First Series Charles & Ray Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Herman Miller
Located in Milano, IT
Relaxing Chair - Chaise Longue - Sculptural Armchair and Stool - Iconic Armchair by Charles Eames Lounge chair and ottoman with base in aluminum and steel, wooden shells filled wi...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Foam, Plywood

Contemporary Modular System, Black Steel / Water Repellent Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Tailor made sectional sofa offered in a selection of luxurious soft velvets with high resistance to abrasion, stains and is water repellent. Hardwood frame with advanced comfort spri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Modular Sofa by Casa Bella, 1980s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Imagine a sofa that perfectly blends luxury, comfort, and design. This spacious, modular sofa is just that. Manufactured by Casa Bella in the 1980s, and in the style of the De Sede N...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Sparkle Green Pouf with Gold Fringe
Located in Milan, IT
A statement piece in a modern living room, bedroom, or foyer, this pouf's sartorial appeal and shimmering glamour are inspired by the roaring '20s and the Charleston fashion style. T...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Textile

Jenette Chair by Estudio Campana for Edra
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This special chair Jenette, was designed by Fernando and Humberto Campana for Edra. Thanks to its flexible back, this chair molded in polyurethane with metal armor is a link between...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Goddard Bench in Gray Leather with Steel Legs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Smaller than a sofa, but bigger than a bench, the Goddard daybed functions as both when needed. It takes its form from 1950s French Industrial design, maintaining a sense of lightnes...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Sabine Marcelis, Stedelijk Chair, Set of 2, Aluminium, Modernism, 2024
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Stedelijk Chair is the first chair by Dutch designer Sabine Marcelis. Commissioned by the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, renowned for its design collection, it has a strong characte...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

The Balloon Stool Collection - Solid Maple Stools - Small Size
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Balloon Collection is a seating and table design for kids and adults alike. The soft curves of the seat and legs invite easy grabs and playful interaction. These stools are meant as quick seating objects you can keep at your front door to remove your shoes by, or in your children’s room around their favorite play table. The Balloon Stool...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Maple

Rare 'Karate' Swiveling Fiberglass Shell Chair by Michel Cadestin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare 'Karate' swiveling fiberglass shell chair by Michel Cadestin. This iconic chair was designed circa 1970 by Michel Cadestin for French furniture manufacturer Airborne. Referred ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Iron

Deep Green Outdoor-Indoor Handmade Crochet Swing in Acrylic with Teak Seat
By iota
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Iota swings take the user to a wild, natural, fantastic place. These swings work great in living rooms, spacious bedrooms or hotel lobbies and suites. They are an elegant yet bold ch...
Category

2010s Israeli Modern Seating

Materials

Acrylic, Teak

Moroso FJORD Bar stool by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
From a piece of seashell, which has been broken and smoothed by the waves, Patricia Urquiola has designed a collection of seats for both the home and public spaces. As the name sugge...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Pair of Cy Mann Chrome Lounge Chairs in Lime Green, C. 1970
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Modern Pair of Cy Mann Chrome and Bright Green Lounge Chairs, C. 1970. Featuring flat bar Chrome construction, ergonomic slant back design, attached original upholstered tufted Sprin...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Chrome

Modern Coast Modular Sofa, Linen, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Coast Modular Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Coast modular sofa was designed to bring a sense of calm and serenity, inviting you ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Montgomery Solid Wood and Woven Leather Bench by Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Montgomery bench by Crump and Kwash Hand shaped solid wood frame / hand woven vegetable tanned leather seat / hand rubbed oil finish 72” w x 16...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Maple, Oak, Walnut

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

De Sede Ds-600 "Non Stop" Snake Modular Sofa in Full Leather
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
A fabulous De Sede full leather DS 600 "Non Stop" or snake shaped sofa. The DS 600 was designed in 1972 by Ueli Berger, Eleonore Peduzzi Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt for De Sed...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

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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