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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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

Brass Gold Arch Bench by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass gold arch bench by Pietro Franceschini Sold exclusively by Galerie Philia Materials: Brass Finishes available: Natural, satin, polished, aged Dimensions: W 155 x L 31.5 x 43cm ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Set of 10 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

Pouf Pill S Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf Pill S Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique Dimensions: H 45 x D 35 cm Materials: Velvet upholstery and 30cm fringes Pill Pouf S Art Deco style pouf...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet

Customizable cushion Iconic Eero Aarnio Blue Swivel Ball Lounge Chair
Located in New York, NY
The Ball chair was designed in 1963 and debuted at the Cologne Furniture Fair in 1966. The chair is one of the most famous and beloved classics of Finni...
Category

2010s Finnish Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Fiberglass

Glam Sofa Tribeca Collection by Marco and Giulio Mantellassi
Located in Milan, IT
The Glam sofa represents the quintessence of the modern modular sofa, creating a warm feel in the living room with its deep red fabric upholstery. Pairing a ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Established & Sons Cape Sofa in Magenta by Konstantin Grcic
Located in London, GB
Cosy in winter, light and comfortable in summer, interchangeable covers make this sofa as fashionable and flexible as your wardrobe. Whether smart or casual, customize the Cape with bespoke fabric and a range of over one hundred tape and trim colors. The ergonomics and bold symmetry that make this sofa so usable are clothed in loose folds of soft fabric. Unique in its character the Cape sofa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Vladimir Kagan Baroness Throne Chair One of a Kind High Back Wing Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Exceptional and one of a kind dramatic winged back chair designed by Vladimir Kagan for Baroness Lambert. Shortly before Kagan's death, the Baroness had asked for the two chairs to b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Muslin, Wood

Sedia Bianca Armchair with Mosaic Seat by Yukiko Nagai
Located in Milan, IT
Sedia Bianca has an antique frame and a seat made with unique mosaic technique. The Designer’s concept consists in the interpretation of various materials using exclusively marble an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of André Sornay Armchairs in Sapele Mahogany and Bouclé, France, 1950s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of armchairs was designed by André Sornay and produced by his workshop in Lyon in the early 1950s. High, angled backrest in sapele mahogany with upholstered cushions. ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Chenille, Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany

Fritz Hansen Swan Chair in Sheepskin
Located in New York, NY
Limited edition shearling (sheepskin) Swan chair. Authentic Fritz Hansen. This item is no longer in production. Multiple chairs available in very good condition. Swivels, but doe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Polish Modern Seating

Materials

Sheepskin

Day Bed by Roche Bobois
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the ultimate in luxury and versatility - the Day Bed by Roche Bobois. This stunning piece is the perfect addition to any living space, offering both comfort and style. Cr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric

Modern by Giuseppe Carpanelli Club Sofa
Located in Desio, IT
Three seats sofa with wooden structure covered with a layer of polyurethane. The maximum comfort of the seat is determined by an intertwining of elastic straps. Wooden feet in dark S...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric

Pair Kwok Hoï Chan Boxer chairs Steiner - France, 1970s
Located in London, GB
A pair of Boxer chairs by Kwok Hoï Chan, manufactured by Steiner in the 1970s. Chan emigrated to the UK and later to France, but never lost sight of his he...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Chrome

High Brown Milk Stools
Located in Geneve, CH
Brown milk stools by Bicci de' Medici Studio Dimensions: Diameter 30cm x height 40cm Materials: Natural wood. Pigment. Technique: Carved wood. Handmade. Oiled. Stained Designer...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

SWERVE SOFA - Modern Sofa in Black Faux Lambskin
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
SWERVE SOFA - Modern Sofa in Black Faux Lambskin The Swerve Sofa with black faux lambskin upholstery and modern ruched design is a stylish and comfortable piece of furniture that wi...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery

Contemporary Dining Chair Offered in Brick Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Timeless design in combination with handmade couture techniques. The dining chair features curved wooden upholstered back for greater comfort. Offered...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

2006 Cassina Le Corbusier Jeanneret Perriand LC3 Club Lounge Chairs in Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are LC3 Fauteuil Grand Confort, Grand Modele Lounge Chairs, initially designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand in 1928. These examples date to 2006 an...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

French Kiss High-Back Trestle-Based Chair by Stefano Bigi
Located in Milan, IT
Part of Stefano Bigi's French kiss collection, this swivel chair is attractive, sophisticated and extremely comfortable. Its steel structure sits atop a chromed trestle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Modern "Normative-Chair" in Limited Burgundy Edition
Located in Florence, IT
This Modern chair is made of high quality painted wood, metal chrome frame and Raf Simons upholstery. The "Normative-chair" was created as a par...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Bold Sofa Curved Open arms Anouk 100 - S
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

Mario Bellini "Forma" Cantilever Armchair for Vitra, Italy 1990s
Located in Budapest, HU
The now historic story goes: “About 20 years ago Rolf Fehlbaum, the Chairman of Vitra, called me up and said: The things we’re making are too boring. We want to change that, and you...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Umpire Bench
Located in Miami, FL
The graphic layering of exotic burled and cathedral grained woods frame the luxe upholstery comprised of a satin twill, mohair and wool boucle.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Seating

Materials

Birdseye Maple

C. 2022 Grazia & Co Diiva Swivel Counter Stool in Orange 2x Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Upholstered Diiva Swivel Counter Stool, designed by Grazia Materia for Grazia & Co. in Australia in 2014. These examples were produced ca. 2022. The listed price includes ...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Seating

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pierre Jeanneret Set of 8 Office Cane Chairs Ca. 1955-1960 from Chandigarh
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
A beautiful set of 8 Pierre Jeanneret floating back office chairs in solid teak. All chairs are in good vintage condition. The braided canework has been replaced. These iconic piec...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Teak, Cane

Customizable Curved Banquette / Booth Seating in COM/COL by Costantini, Neto
Located in New York, NY
The Neto Booth features the back leg of the eponymous chair repeated along the shape and size of the template or dimensions you provide. Shown here with a t...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Italian modern leather armchairs Hyaline by Fabio Lenci for Comfort Line, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern leather armchairs Hyaline by Fabio Lenci for Comfort Line, 1970s Pair of armchairs mod. Hyaline with rectangular base. The seat and backrest are composed of various cy...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Forsyth x Old Hickory Butte Bench with Custom California Sheepskin Cushion
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Forsyth X Old Hickory butte bench with custom California sheepskin cushion and Loro Piana buffalo leather When the Old Hickory Furniture Company a...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Sheepskin, Hickory, Leather

Minotti "Dubuffet" Sectional Sofa with Three Sections
Located in Dallas, TX
Experience unparalleled luxury with the Minotti "Dubuffet" Sectional, an exceptional sofa designed by Rodolfo Dordoni. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this three-section...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Baleri Italia Caprichair Armchair in Leather by Hannes Wettstein
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Caprichair is a precise idea: function perfectly expressed. A playful, almost anthropomorphic form, a serendipitous example of details and small finishing touches. Its formal and con...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Unique Modern Piece of Werner Schmidt, 1990 "Faltsessel" Beechwood Folding Chair
Located in Vienna, AT
This unique piece is a prototype, that never went in production. Material used is beechwood. Technical data Width 57 cm (22.44 inch) Height 83 cm (32.68 inch) Depth 47 cm (18.5 inch...
Category

Late 20th Century Austrian Modern Seating

Materials

Beech

Low Brown Milk Stools
Located in Geneve, CH
Brown milk stools by Bicci de' Medici Studio Dimensions: diameter 30cm x height 30cm Materials: Natural wood. Pigment. Technique: Carved wood. Handmade. Oiled. varnished. Desi...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Bold Love Bed - Anouk 304
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Bold Love Bed is an extraordinary expression of luxury and comfort, transcending conventional notions of relaxation. Excellence, stemming from decades of design expertise, is sho...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé

Modern Sofa Cast Bronze Polished Limited Edition StudioJob Handmade
Located in Milan, IT
The sofa shape is based on a design by Job's late friend designer Jan des Bouvrie's ‘Qube Sofa’ in 1969, yet now portrayed in its least presentable but most loved shape. The drapery and folds are reminiscent of a 17th century Baroque sculpture but the expression here is of a worn couch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Bronze

Kartell Uncle Jack Sofa by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kartell presents Uncle Jack, the revolutionary single mould transparent polycarbonate sofa signed by Philippe Starck. It is 190 cm long in a single block we...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Plastic

Roly Poly Polyethylene Sofa in Ochre 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

Plastic

Contemporary Sofa Upholstered in Bouclé Fabric
Located in NEW YORK, NY
With its curved lines and unique shapes, this sofa shows a classic and timeless design that makes it ideal as an imposing complement to the decor of your living room. Dimensions: W ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Italian modern black Chair Spaghetti by Giandomenico Belotti for Alias, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black Chair Spaghetti by Giandomenico Belotti for Alias, 1980s Chair mod. Spaghetti with rectangular and elastic seat and back made from black scooby threads. The str...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Italian modern Vienna straw, wood and steel tub chair, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Tub armchair, modern Italian, in Vienna straw wood and steel, cm. 1970. Tub armchair, with seat and backrest in Vienna straw and curved wood to form the seat structure, finished with...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Alivar Barcelona Chair and Footstool by Mies van der Rohe
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the iconic Barcelona chair and footstool by Alivar, a timeless set of luxury furniture that exudes sophistication and elegance. Crafted with the highest quality materials...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Architectural Series lounge chair in leather by Harvey Probber in STOCK
Located in New York, NY
Measures: 30 x 30 x 30, SH 16” Leather
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Oak

Chair D Leather
Located in Mérida, MX
The Chair D is a handcrafted wooden piece that embodies a perfect balance between tradition and contemporary design. Its solid wood structure, meticulously crafted by skilled artisan...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Faux Leather, Wood

Foz Armchair, Bouclé & Brass, Insidherland by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Foz is an armchair with the same design as the grand sofa that gathers surprising details of a beach located in Porto, in the north of Portugal. Designed in layers, the contour of t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Roly Poly Polyethylene Armchair with Cushions, 1stdibs Gallery Showroom Sample
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

Modern Dining Chair Hello in 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

Fabric, Wool, Bouclé

Plia chair designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli
Located in Athens, Attiki
Plia chair with smoked brown transparent plexi glass, 1980s. Designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli in 1967. It's an award-winning design classic. With...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

Outdoor Matilda Easy Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Outdoor matilda easy armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Polyethelene. Aluminum. Also available in other colors and for indoors. Dimensions: 100cm x 110cm x H 63cm. The sa...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

MDF Italia Flow 4-Legged Swivel Armchair by Jean Marie Massaud
Located in Boston, MA
Designed by Jean Marie Massaud, the Flow 4-Legged Swivel Armchair by MDF Italia combines comfort with upswept and memorable style elements. Its 360-degree swivel feature keeps things...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Contemporary Inlay Stool in Vegan Leather and Steel
Located in London, GB
Inlay is a technique that inserts various unique materials into the concave surface of the original object. Using inlay technique, Sipyeong Lee made up of leather and iron plates, wh...
Category

2010s Korean Modern Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

2010s Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Management Desk Chair in Cognac Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Management Chair, Model EA335, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. These particular examples were produced in the ...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

A 21stC Three Seat Cream "Togo" Sofa By Michel Ducaroy For Ligne Roset, France
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
The iconic "Togo" sofa, originally designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973, has become a design mid-century design classic. It is an extremely versatile modular sofa that ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Suede

Modern Dining Room Chairs in Solid Wood and Brown Material
Located in Naperville, IL
Looking to fit your Ellis table with the perfect chair? The Ellis Chair provides ultra comfort and exceptional modernality to any space. With multipl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moldovan Modern Seating

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Pair of Hans J. Wegner "Buck Chair" JH-517 Teak & Brown Leather Lounge Chairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
Hans J. Wegner, 1914-2007 Pair of Hans J. Wegner JH-517 'Buck Chairs', designed in 1951. Also known as the "Buck chair" Crafted by Johannes Hansen in the 1950s, stamped. Made of so...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Teak

Acrylic, Brass, Bronze Steel and White Mongolian Sheepskin Jetson Dining Chair
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
This futuristic dining chair features a clear Lucite acrylic shell structure in two sections. These sections are connected by a bronzed steel b...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass, Steel

Modern Blue Velvet Armchair Cactus Shape with Gold Swivel Base Polished Brass
Located in Porto, PT
Modern blue velvet armchair cactus shape with gold swivel base polished brass Ajui Armchair is a luxury armchair that features an artsy interpretation ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Set of 8 Kreuzschwinger Armcharis by Till Behrens
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Introducing the stunning Kreuzschwinger armchairs by acclaimed designer Till Behrens! These exquisite chairs are the perfect combination of form and function, providing both comfort ...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Seating

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Tiger Velvet Primal Statement Lounge Chair, Solid Cast Brass Legs by Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
Enter the realm of timeless sophistication with the Primal lounge chair, a pinnacle of Egg's design ethos and a beacon of style in any Minimalist, Modern, or Mid-century modern inter...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

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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