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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
1970s Design Anfibio Foldable Sofà Bed Pink Coated Fabric Becchi Giovannetti
Located in Casalguidi, IT
The bed-sofa, designed by Alessandro Becchi together with the Giovannetti staff ha recently celebrated its 50 years. Its history is full of important events and participations. A pi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric

2009 Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Management Desk Chair Black Leather 1x Avail
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Management Chairs, Model EA435, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1969. These examples date to 2009. The listed...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

2020 Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Dining Arm Chairs in Ivory Suede
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Platner Arm Chairs, originally designed by Warren Platner in 1962. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in the USA in 2020. The chairs are comprised of ...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Large Ottoman/Coffee Table with Italian Leather & Lacquered Legs & Recessed Tray
Located in Greenwich, CT
White lacquered solid hard maple 12-inch high frame topped with deep soft Italian leather upholstered bumper that is 6.5-inches high by 12- inches deep surrounds a 36” x 36” recessed...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Lacquer, Maple

Ward Bennett Pair of Armchairs by Brickel
Located in Highland, IN
Ward Bennett's highly refined aesthetic combines subtle, graceful shapes and exquisite craftsmanship. The classical proportions of these wood framed armchairs allows them to work in ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Wooden Chair in Tropical Mexican Wood with Beige Handmade Woven Detailing
Located in PARQUE INDUSTRIAL OTHON P BLANCO, Quintana Roo
The chair features a simple and lightweight structure. Its clean lines, with smooth, rounded edges, complement the meticulous handcrafted weaving. Made by a family of artisans from B...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Seating

Materials

Cotton, Hardwood, Walnut

INVICTA Bar Stool with solid wood rear leg
Located in Frazão, Porto
The INVICTA bar stool from CASA MAGNA embodies both elegance and originality. Featuring a unique design with a single solid wood back leg, it exudes ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

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

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé

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

Karl Springer Set of 4 Dining/Game Chairs in Black Lacquer 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 "Regina" game/dining chairs in high gloss black lacquer with seats and backs upholstered in black leather by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These elegantly curving chairs a...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood, Lacquer

Indoor Lulu Easy Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Indoor Lulu Easy armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue Materials: Abaca, Nylon, Steel. Also available in other colors and for o...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Minimalist Organic Chair in black Solid Wood, black leather Seating
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

Modular Outdoor Sofa with Durable Outdoor Leather
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Nomad Modular Sofa - 4 different modules available. The Nomad sofa is more than just a simple piece of outdoor furniture. It is a flexible and adaptable seating solution that can be...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set Of Two Conical Shape Stools Made From a Single Block of Scented Cedar
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Crafted from a single block of cedarwood, this stool features two convenient side slits serving as handles for easy mobility. Its unique design includes a double-sided seat, allowing...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Cedar

Tusk Sling Chair by Möbius Objects
Located in Calgary, CA
Tusk sling dining chair by Möbius Objects - hand-sculpted here in solid Honduran Mahogany. Raked legs offer a unique 'wind-swept' silhouette. The veg-t...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood, Walnut

"Oscar" Minimalist Chair with Arms in Solid, Wood and Natural Leather
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
When she created Oscar chair with wooden arms, Alessandra Delgado was inspired by the master architect Oscar Niemeyer´s work. The Oscar chair i...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Wood, Leather, Canvas, Velvet, Polyester

Custom Made Designer Sofa with A Vintage Touch
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This sofa is a stylish and versatile piece that blends contemporary design with a vintage touch. It features a wooden base and convex edges, providing both comfort and a sleek aesthe...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

Oval Shape Metal Bench Upholstered in Custom Leather Colors
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This is a discreet and elegant bench perfect for contemporary settings. With a fully upholstered seat, it features both delicate single and double-top stitching as a touch of luxury....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Stellar Lounge Chair by Egg Designs
Located in Geneve, CH
Stellar lounge chair by Egg Designs Dimensions: 106 L X 92 D X 80 H Materials: walnut timber, ceramic, fabric upholstery. Founded by South Africans and life partners, Greg and R...
Category

2010s South African Modern Seating

Materials

Ceramic, Upholstery, Walnut

Opera Dining Chair, Black Oak / Cream Leather
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The minimalistic design of the chair brings a sense of sophistication while maintaining comfort. Constructed of black oak frame and upholstered in high quality cream leather. Availab...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Oak

Leather Tucroma Chairs by Guido Faleschini
Located in North Miami, FL
Original vintage pair of chrome framed Tucroma chairs with deep brown soft leather cushions, designed by Guido Faleschini in 1975 for the Pace Collection...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Chrome

Set of Three Late 20th Century Gunlocke Oak and Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Set of three of Late 20th Century Gunlocke modernist solid Oak and Upholstered Armchairs, guess chairs. Measure 23" in width, 23" in dep...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Heart Chair
Located in Milan, IT
Featuring a stylish design that makes it both aesthetically pleasing and functional, this chair from the Imperfect Love Collection will make a statement in a contemporary and eclecti...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Iron

A. Rudin Contemporary Lounge Chairs, Pair
Located in Countryside, IL
A. Rudin contemporary lounge chairs - pair These chairs measure: 38.5 wide x 49 deep x 36 inches high, with a seat height of 19 and arm hei...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

1964 Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Rosewood and White Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, model 670 and 671, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1956. This set dates to 1964, per its label. The shells ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Coustomizable Dining Armchair In Leather And Rattan Detailing
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Crafted with meticulous attention akin to a bespoke suit, these armchairs are adaptable to any occasion. From their sleek design to the selection of fabrics and legs, each element ca...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Leather, Rattan

Bruno Mathsson "Berlin" Modern Daybed
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic modern daybed from Sweden. This model is the "Berlin" daybed originally designed in the 1930s by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson. Fram...
Category

20th Century Swedish Modern Seating

Materials

Birch

Extra-Wide Dining or Office Chair with Leather Upholstery and Metal Structure
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A dining chair that epitomizes contemporary elegance and superior craftsmanship. Designed to seamlessly blend with modern interiors, this chair features a sleek metal structure that ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Sibau Italian Black High Back Dining Chairs, Set of 6
Located in Countryside, IL
A Sibau Italian black high back dining chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 18.5 wide x 20.5 deep x 38.5 inches high, with a seat heig...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

B&B Italia Metropolitan Armchair by Jeffrey Bernett with Grey Fabric Upholstery
Located in Basildon, London
The B&B Italia Metropolitan Armchair by Jeffrey Bernett is a masterful blend of modern design and supreme comfort. Featuring a sleek, organic form, this armchair is upholstered in a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

1980s Cassina LC2 Three Seat Sofa in Black by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret, Perriand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an LC-2 Three-Seat Sofa, initially designed in 1928 by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand. This example dates to the 1980s and was manufactured in Italy b...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Poltrona Frau Yellow Leather Sofa
Located in Basildon, London
Brighten your living space with the Poltrona Frau Yellow Leather Sofa, a striking statement of modern design and timeless craftsmanship. This three-seater sofa combines clean, elegan...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Portugal Chair No.3
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Portugal Chair No3, designed in 2024 This chair is part of a series with eight different designs with a graphic shaped backrest and structural legs. Hand-carved in solid walnut by s...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Walnut

B&B Italia Maxalto Febo Sofa by Antonio Citterio
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Maxalto Febo Sofa, a stunning piece designed by the renowned Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia. This luxurious sofa exudes elegance and sophistication, making it the pe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric

2010s Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair Leather 6x Avail
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single (multiple chairs are available, though sold individually) Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. Th...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

EVE Pedestal by LK Edition
Located in Geneve, CH
EVE pedestal by LK Edition Dimensions: Diameter 30 x height 46.5 cm Materials: Terracotta and ceramics. Available in different colors and finishes. ...
Category

2010s French Modern Seating

Materials

Ceramic, Terracotta

1990s ES 108 Three Seat Sofa by Ray & Charles Eames for Herman Miller in Walnut
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an ES-108 Three-Seat Walnut Sofa, initially designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1984. This example dates to the 1990s. Its design consists of a solid alumi...
Category

1990s American Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Modern Armchair Cast Bronze Polished Limited Edition StudioJob Handmade
Located in Milan, IT
'Rock' is a creation of Job, used since 2000 and seen as one of his raw sculptural forms. It's hand created facet by facet to evolve into the almost naturally formed structure. Servi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Bronze

Gufram, Bocca Lip-Shaped Sofa, Red, by Studio 65
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bocca, the original 1970 lips-shaped couch is only Gufram’s. More than any other, this object of design represents the perfect abstraction of feminine beauty. It is no coincidence that it was photographed by important photographers such as David La Chapelle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery

Lensvelt MVS S88 Armchair by Maarten van Severen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Lensvelt MVS S88 cognac-colored leather chair was designed by Maarten van Severen. It is a low armchair. Materials: The backrest is made of cognac-colored...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Black and Gold Velvet Kesterport Dining Chair
Located in Basildon, London
The Black and Gold Velvet Kesterport Dining Chair is a striking embodiment of modern elegance. Featuring a luxurious black velvet seat and high backrest, this dining chair is framed ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Pair of Warren Platner style Steel Barrel Back Chairs, C. 1980s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Warren Platner Style Steel Barrel Back Chairs, Circa 1980s—Vintage Modern Seating Ready for Reupholstery A pair of iconic Warren Platner-style steel barrel back chairs, craf...
Category

20th Century American Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Adrian Ottoman Solid Walnut and Cotton Webbing Stool
Located in Miami, FL
Adrian Ottoman designed by Dosbananos and made in Miami. Solid Walnut and Ivory Cotton Webbing. One ready to ship.
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Cotton, Walnut

Barbara Barry for Henredon Lounge Chairs - Pair
Located in Countryside, IL
Barbara Barry for Henredon Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 34 wide x 35 deep x 34 high, with a seat height of 19 and arm height...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Small Ottoman in Raptor Onyx & Pink Mohair
Located in Miami, FL
This collection aptly gets its name from the multi-tiered design of its tables and ottomans. Each piece is constructed of Mohair fabric sourced from the Netherlands, a precisely cut ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Seating

Materials

Marble

Ash Dalya Armchair by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Geneve, CH
Ash Dalya armchair by Patricia Urquiola Materials: Solid ash or solid beech. Technique: Blacked stained ash or coral lacquered beech. Seat and back in polyurethane foam of differen...
Category

2010s French Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Ash, Wood, Foam

Babe Armchair: A Contemporary Mid-Century Icon with Haute Couture Upholstery
By Munna Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This armchair holds the graciousness of modern mid-century design, with irresistible contemporary appeal. The haute couture upholstery and detailed seams, lacquered legs and outline ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Sunz Ultra Modern Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
Geometry intersects with organic artistry for a look that is simultaneously timeless and modern. Clean lines and a linear form are softened by a luxurious boucle fabric, making the s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé

1950s Le Corbusier Jeanneret Perriand LC1 Basculant Lounge Chair Stendig Label
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original 1950s LC1 Basculant Sling Lounge Chair, initially designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand in 1929. This example is marked with a Stendig...
Category

1950s German Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Set of Six Modernist Dining Chairs by Carlo Scarpa for Gavina
Located in New York, NY
A set of six Modernist dining chairs designed by Carlo Scarpa for Gavina. Stained pine wood with ebonized details.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Pine

Luxembourg Outdoor Low Lounge Chairs by Fermob in Poppy Red - A Pair
By Frederic Sofia, Fermob
Located in Stamford, CT
A stroll through Paris will undoubtedly lead you to one of the city's most iconic pieces of furniture, the Luxembourg Chair. Originally designed and m...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Brown Ash Solid Wood Bench, Entryway Wood Bench
Located in Naperville, IL
The Eola bench provides a multi-use bench that can be easily placed in the kitchen, dining room, den, lounge or other space. With a double backing and forward angled legs, this Mid-C...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moldovan Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of Stools Cotton Patterned Velvet Fabric in Pastel Colours Italian design
Located in London, GB
A pair of Italian design stools. Precious high quality . They are very versatile and functional due to their oval shape, easy to use both as stools or side tables on the side or the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Italian Modern red metal ABS Folding Chairs Plia Piretti Anonima Castelli, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Folding chairs mod. Plia in red metal and trasparent abs by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s Set of three folding chairs mod. Plia with squared seat and b...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

360-Degree Swivel Armchair In Velvet Upholstery & Polished Gold Base
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Designed by the renowned Sotiris Lazou Design Studio, this stylish armchair is an exquisite and chic seating option that merges comfort with contemporary style. It showcases a gracef...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

Customizable Artifort Mushroom Junior Armchair by Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
If you’re a design-lover and your son or daughter likes to have their own chair with the “big people” then Artifort’s Junior Collection is for you. Like the junior version of the Mus...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Seating

Materials

Textile

1970s Design Anfibio Sofa Bed Atollo Relax Copper Fabric Becchi Giovannetti
Located in Casalguidi, IT
The bed-sofa, designed by Alessandro Becchi together with the giovannetti staff has recently celebrated its 50 years. Its history is full of important events and participations. A p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-142 Adjustable Chaise Longue in Leather Upholstery by Winfried Totzek
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The lounger is a multifunctional relaxation furniture, where the back and the armrests can be individually and continuously adjusted and brought into different positions. This unusual seating furniture thus becomes a dynamic, relaxation-promoting system for the entire muscula-ture. The extraordinarily versa-tile usability enables complete psycho-physical relaxation; by extending the sitting and lying with legs positioned high to very high, the lounger serves to prevent leg swelling and back pain. The synthesis of elegant form and function is rounded off by the masterful workmanship of high-quality leather just typical of de Sede. The DS-142 thus becomes an ideal and versatile recliner. Who better to design a piece of seating furniture than a doctor like Dr. Winfried Totzek...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss 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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