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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Italian Modern Style Black Dining/Side chairs, 3
Located in Astoria, NY
Italian Modern style black dining or side chairs, the three with rectangular back and conjoined seat in leather on tapering columnar legs. In very good vintage condition. Dealer: S...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Modern design Shiro Kuramata chairs
Located in Oosterbeek, NL
Rare Shiro Kuramata design chairs model R401 Produced by Pastoe 1986 Black metal square frame with mesh seating. Rubber details on the armrest There are 6 chairs available. The pri...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Bold Sofa Curved - L
Located in Milano, Lombardia
With its contemporary design, this version of the Bold Sofa Curved introduces new dimensions of comfort, offering expanded space for ultimate relaxati...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé, Fabric, Upholstery

Plush Velvet Primal Statement Lounge Chair, Solid Cast Brass Legs by Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
Behold the Primal lounge chair—an embodiment of Egg's design legacy and a true icon in the realm of furniture craftsmanship. Versatile and striking, it effortlessly enhances Minimal,...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Pair Saddle Brown Leather Lounge Chairs by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Saddle Brown Leather Lounge Chairs by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, Italy, 1970s This beautiful pair of saddle brown leather lounge chairs, designed by Giovanni Offredi for...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Chrome

Modern by Giuseppe Carpanelli Sirio Sofa
Located in Desio, IT
3 seater sofa with 2 structural cushions and base covered in leather. The maximum comfort of the seat is determined by an intertwining of elastic straps. Metal feet in bronzed finish...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric

2023 Sacha Lakic for Roche Bobois Bubble Lounge Arm Chair in Blue Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Bubble Arm Chair, originally designed by Sacha Lakic in 2014. This particular example was produced by Roche Bobois in Italy in 2023. This piece is comprised of a wooden fra...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Wood, Fabric, Foam

Pompidou Modular Four-Piece Sectional in Oatmeal Bouclé
Located in New York, NY
Pipe Up. Introducing our new modular seating system. Extra deep, sublimely squishy and guaranteed to solve all of your problems. Get what you need, from a single seat to a sprawling ...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé

Timeless Classic Contemporary Chaise Lounge Aged Brass Steel Dark Brown Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary chaise lounge belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned m...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Seating

Materials

Brass, Steel

Contemporary Chair in Natural Solid Wood, Upholstered, Natural Wood Back, Arms
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Dry chair collection. The dry chair concept is to work in a mixture of distinct references resulting in a modern classic in a dance between the retro and the modern. A heavy and i...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Laminate, Hardwood

Contemporary Channeled Fleure 3 seater Sofa in Denim Blue Velvet and Brass Legs.
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Fleure Signature Edition is our latest revival of the award winning Fleure 3 Seater Sofa, reimagined in this premium cotton velvet upholstery. This signature piece oozes luxury,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Italian Modern Lievore Altherr Molina for Arper Catifa 46 Dining Chairs - a Pair
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Fabulous pair of Catifa 46 dining chairs designed by Lievore Altherr Molina for the Italian manufacturer Arper. The classic minimalist look of the Catifa chair is very sleek with a c...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Armchair PLAY Best of year 2022 winner by Interior Design Magazine
Located in Kyiv, UA
“PLAY” armchair has an unusual shape that was assembled from several geometric elements. The bagel-shaped detail serves the back of the chair. Handcrafted in Ukraine, this armchair embodies the perfect blend of comfort and style. Its sleek design and attention to detail make it a true statement piece for any space. With its ergonomic features, it offers superior comfort, allowing you to relax and unwind in style. Armchair PLAY...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Plywood

Modern Baby Spheric Ottoman Fluffy Edition in Faux Sheepskin by NOOM
Located in Paris, FR
Baby Gropius chair collection 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...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Textile, Bouclé, Sheepskin, Wool, Velvet, Faux Fur

Mid-Century Modern Style Sage Green Velvet Sofa Cactus Shape w/ Swivel Gold Base
Located in Porto, PT
Ajui Sofa is a modern rounded sofa that combines an artsy interpretation of a cactus shape with the comfort expected from a luxury sofa. It is uphols...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

White Hide and Patinated Brass 'Tambour' Ottoman by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White hide and patinated brass 'Tambour' ottoman by Design Frères. The last picture is of a different version of the ottoman in the same size. Perfect as a coffee table, with t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Steel, Brass

Hand Made Sunlight Yellow Velvet Woven Bench 47" Length by Knots Studio
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Born of appreciation for elegance, the woven bench is a handmade piece that brings a sculptural, playful air to any entryway or living space. Each bench is crafted with care using a ...
Category

2010s Israeli Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet, Foam, Polyester, Beech

The Berg Chair by William Emmerson
Located in Geneve, CH
The Berg Chair by William Emmerson Limited Edition Of 2 Pieces. Dimensions: D 36,5 x W 66,5 x H 39 cm. Materials: Naxos marble. A shape. A floating mass...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Marble

1988 Ron Arad Crust Lounge Chair Sawaya & Moroni Rome
Located in Chula Vista, CA
London based Israeli designer Ron Arad Crust Lounge Armchair  Ron Arad Associates architecture and design practice opened in London in 1989 known for experimentation with materials, ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Faux Leather, Rubber, Plywood, Ash

Chubby Chair in Eraser 3D Printed Recycled Plastic
Located in London, GB
Dirk van der Kooij first fell in love with low resolution 3D printing as a student, fulfilling his search for honest and functional ornamentation. The chubby chair...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Seating

Materials

Plastic

Contemporary Velvet Loveseat Offered in Button & Capitonnée Tufting
By Munna Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This loveseat is a refreshing take on the Chesterfield style. Designed to be part of a love story, the piece makes use of the style’s iconic diamond button tufting and generous stuff...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Customizable Powdercoated Aluminum Indoor/Outdoor Curved Sofa by Laun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In the Ribbon outdoor bench, layered aluminum tubes stack together to form an accordian-like surface that's solid on the straighter ends and semi-solid in the curved middle. The benc...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Set of 12 Arches Dining Chairs, Velvet, 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 is designed in the like...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Armilla Armchairs and Ottoman for Arflex
Located in Denton, TX
Pair of swivel chairs and ottoman in textured black Italian leather. The ottoman dimensions: 20 L x 18.5 D x 16 H.
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Bielecky Brothers, Modern, Large Three Seater Sofa, Rattan, Bamboo, USA, 21st C.
Located in Manhasset, NY
Bielecky Brother, Modern, Large Three Seater Sofa, Rattan, Bamboo, USA, 21st C. Large three seater bamboo and cane wrapped sofa handmade by Bielecky Brothers having removable seat a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Bamboo, Cane

Black Chiquita Stool by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Chiquita black stool by Kenneth Cobonpue Materials: Rattan, Polyurethane foam, steel. Dimensions: Diameter 45 cm x height 46cm Chiquita is a bundle of charms with its clever design and functionality. The Chiquita stool...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Steel Gold Arch Bench by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Steel gold arch bench by Pietro Franceschini. Sold exclusively by Galerie Philia. Materials: Steel. Finishes available: Br...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Organic Modern Hand Carved Woven Wood w/Stainless Steel Base Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand crafted carved wood low profile bench with solid steel base. Modern/contemporary style. One large log carved with a unique weave pattern.
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of 8 Contemporary Dining Chairs Upholstered in Brick Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Timeless design in combination with handmade couture techniques. The dining chairs features curved wooden upholstered back for greater comfort. Offere...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Outdoor Teak Daybed In Rustic Grey Washed Finish
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Structure: Teak wood – Aluminum: Antioxy, heavy load, anti-scratch easy clean. Weaving Round 18mm. Fixed Upholstery 100% Polyester. High Tenacity, Low shrinkage filament yarn mad...
Category

2010s Asian Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

LouLou Lounge Chair by DeMuro Das in Dark Espresso Oak
Located in New York, NY
A contemporary interpretation of a club chair, the LouLou's design marries carefully balanced proportions and artful details. The deep seat deck and thick, curved back create an invi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Seating

Materials

Oak

Palace Wood Chair, by George Sowden for Memphis Milano Collection
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Palace chair in colored lacquered wood, designed in 1983, by George Sowden. George Sowden was born in Leeds, UK in 1942. He studied architecture at Glou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Italian modern Wood folding chair Morettina by Ettore Moretti for Zanotta, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Wood folding chair Morettina by Ettore Moretti for Zanotta, 1970s Folding chair mod. Morettina in black painted wood. The backrest and seat is made up of a series of s...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Yellow Paper Pulp Sculptural #21.1c Tubes Chair by Zaven
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Tubes series was initiated during lockdown in the spring of 2020, when the Italian studio Zaven's married co-founders were stuck at home. "We decided to build a new piece of furn...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Paper

Green New York Velvet Loveseat Sofa, Designed by Sergio Bicego, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2) The new New York collection designs by Sergio Bicego still retains a contemporary soul a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet

alvar aalto chair611 50's natural
Located in Tomi, Nagano
designed by alvar aalto . Manufactured in the 1950s. Paint is in original condition. The paint film is thin.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Birch

Verellen Slip-covered Black Linen Sofa
Located in Nashville, TN
Verellen sofa with black linen slip cover. Used extremely minimally for a design project. Two minor imperfections on front of slipcover with one minor spot that can be removed, shown...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Linen

Pair of Early 21th Century Upholstered and Tufted Slipper Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Early 21th Century Upholstered and Tufted Slipper Chairs. Measures 22" in width, 27" in depth and 32.5" in height. Seat height 17
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Seating

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli Cognac Leather Modular 'Sistema 61' Sofa
Located in Almelo, NL
Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli Cognac Leather modular 'Sistema 61' sofa, Italy 1970s Unique cognac leather modular 'Sistema 61' sofa by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, Ita...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Modern Dining Chair Hello in Pink Wool fabric by Noom
Located in Paris, FR
HELLO chair, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, boasts a visually striking and emotionally appealing design. Its round organic shapes exude playfulness yet sophistication, ...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Seating

Materials

Acrylic, Faux Fur, Velvet, Fabric, Bouclé, Wool

An Authentic EARLY MODERNIST Chair by ROBERT MALLET-STEVENS, TUBOR, France 1925
Located in PARIS, FR
We are presenting 2 rare pieces on sale one by one on 1stDibs : the earliest and rarely seen version of the iconic Tubor chair created by French Architect Robert Mallet-Stevens, cert...
Category

1920s French Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Italian grey metal and black leather chairs by Fly Line by Carrè, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian grey metal and black leather chairs by Fly Line by Carrè, 1990s. Set of three stackable chairs with armrests with square seat in black leather. The structure is in light gray...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Raku Wooden and Upholstered Dining Chair
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
The elegant piece of the Lagu Selection collection, the Raku Chair, stands out with its comfortable usage, offering ease of transportation with its two different sizes and lightweigh...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Vintage Military Canvas and Blackened Steel Two-Seat Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance two-seat sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholst...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Metal, Steel

Mid-Century Modern White Velvet Armchair Cactus Shape with Gold Swivel Base
Located in Porto, PT
Ajui Armchair II is a conceptual piece. It’s an accent chair that combines an artsy interpretation of a cactus with the comfort expected from a luxury armchair. This modern armchair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Lawrence Peabody Modern Coffee Table for Craft Associates Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Lawrence Peabody modern coffee table for Craft Associates Furniture This Lawrence Peabody modern coffee table for Craft Associates Furniture is expertly crafted. The coffee table ...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Walnut

Contemporary Dining Chair Deep Red Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Fully upholstered dining chair in deep red velvet. Stainless steel caps in polished chrome. 100% European handmade product. Available in COM and other velvet ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pure, 74 Inches Cedar Bench, Designed by Matteo Thun, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 500 other unique products. (1.8) Bench made from a single block of aromatic cedar. Distinguished by its Minimalist and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Cedar

De Sede DS-1025/09 Terrazza Sofa in Perla Upholstery by Ubald Klug
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Two ingeniously designed sofa elements are the great basis for one’s own and personal interpretation of interior design and furnishing concept. The individual element is reminiscent ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Murena Light Dining Chair Lazzarini & Pickering, Marta Sala, Polished Stainless
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This new “Light” version of Murena chair offers a piece less massive, with just a suggestion of arm, to keep the comfort in a lighter visual impact. The form of the Murena chair cha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

Umberto Asnago Highback Chair for Giorgetti-Progetti Italy, 1980s
Located in Almelo, NL
Umberto Asnago wingback chair for Giorgetti-Progetti, Italy, 1980s This is a beautiful wingback chair designed by Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti-Progetti in the 1980s. It has been up...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Adele, brass wheel armchair in velvet, Dainelli Studio for Somaschini, Italy
Located in Cabiate, IT
A small armchair, with a deliberately outsized and conspicuous wheel. Adele is soft, round, elegant yet ironic. Brass and bright colors, curves and tightly stretched fabrics, it coul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Cobra Dining Chair, Set of 6
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Cobra chair features extraordinary design with curved back legs that form part of the armrests and back support in a continuous silhouette. Handcrafted of solid oak in ebony finish and bronzed metal. Upholstered seat and backrest in genuine black leather. The Cobra dining...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Wooden Bar Stool Made in Caribbean Walnut with Handwoven Seat
Located in PARQUE INDUSTRIAL OTHON P BLANCO, Quintana Roo
Inspired by the work of Luis Barragán, the Sáasil Stool features an honest construction with precise details. It is a comfortable chair, with a lightweight yet sturdy structure that ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Seating

Materials

Walnut

Suelo Modern Outdoor Sofa
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Suelo modern outdoor sofa is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. This sofa's silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek w...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Vladamir Kagan "Dune" Chaise/ Daybed by Barlow Tyrie
Located in Highland, IN
Kagan's design for Barlow Tyrie is a perfect example of his design aesthetic. The undulating, organic form that references a nautilus envelopes the sitter and provides a small table surface. The nesting ottoman...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wicker

Modern T50 Lounge Chair, Dedar Wool Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
T50 Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the T50 lounge chair pays homage...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé, Wood, Oak, Wool

Stainless Steel Outdoor Hanging Sofa with Water-Repellent Leather
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Fable Hanging Outdoor Sofa 3 Seater Hold by premium outdoor leather straps and with the addition of one seat, this inviting hanging sofa will allow quality outdoor moments without any concerns. The whole design of this contemporary outdoor hanging sofa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

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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