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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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14,771
39,661
21,212
8,468
3,975
1,590
1,399
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914
876
812
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481
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256
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18,168
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89
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326
10,861
9,704
8,467
5,389
4,964
14,766
5,717
3,944
3,323
3,053
21,212
6,380
9,225
698
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349
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296
Style: Modern
Parisian Style Loose Cushion Sofa
Located in Greenwich, CT
Parisian style sofa with single bench cushion and large side and back cushions, all stuffed with down/feather. Shown in white denim with black lacquer l...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Down, Feathers

Pair of Asian Modern Lounge Chairs Attributed to James Mont
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of lounge chairs for luxury furniture store B. Altman & Co. of New York. Attributed to James Mont, the chairs have Asian inspired carved wood arm rests and are covered in a de...
Category

1950s Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet, Hardwood

Contemporary Lounge Chair in Wood & Leather from Costantini, Belgrano, In Stock
Located in New York, NY
Belgrano Contemporary Lounge Chair in Wood and Leather by Costantini - IN STOCK Measurements are 27” W x 35” D x 36” H x 18” SH The Belgrano Lounge Chair is inspired by mid-20th c...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

2012 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Side Desk Chair Brown Leather 12+ Avail
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk or Side Chair, model EA-108, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. These examples were produced in 2012. The li...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Maralunga Ottoman by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in Austin, TX
Ottoman from Italy uphostered with the original Italian tan leather. This piece was designed as part of the Maralunga line by Vico Magistretti and crafted by Cassina. Originally desi...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Tall Column Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Column Chair brings a striking architectural silhouette to any space. Solid steel rods transition into scrolls at the top of the chair, evoking classic ionic columns. The flared ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

De Sede DS-164 Three-Seat Sofa in Off-White Upholstery by Hugo de Ruiter
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Revolutionary back-push mechanism DS-164 can be transformed from an open sofa into an elegant chaise longue in a single movement, while the backrest can be stylefull rotated infinitely by 360°. The modular seat island, presented in organic curves, impresses with its expressive spatial presence, innovative functionality and playful approach to the classic expectations of a sofa. A furnishing element that individually adapts to every floor plan and every need. An exquisite drink in hand, following the flames of the open fireplace...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Super-plush Oversized Organic Modern Armchair in Kvadrat Zero
Located in Nyack, NY
This chair's deep, ultra-plush cushions invite you to sink in, while the soft, organic curves and gently arched back add an elegant touch to any space. Crafted with the highest quali...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric

Pair of Armchairs by Studio Glustin
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Superb pair of Italian style armchairs by Studio Glustin; base made of brass and upholstered with a bouclette fabric.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Lounge Pivot Chair in Laser-Cut Steel Frame and Leather Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by a boat chair found in an old Belgian warehouse, Klein Agency's pivot chair pays homage to a simple mechanical solution to a problem of finding...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Cut Steel

Minimalist "Lina" armchair with Ottoman, in natural wood and upholstered fabric
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
The use of fine woodwork at the sides and legs of the minimalist armchair adds to its sophistication. Both the wood and upholstery can be customized t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet, Synthetic, Polyester, Oak, Walnut

C. 2009 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Chrome Bar Stools w/ Brown Leather Pads
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a classic Bertoia bar stool, model 428C, designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particular examples date to ca. 2009. The listed price includes one ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Seating

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Minimalist Modern Lounge Chair in Natural Ash
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Designed to have a calming and inviting presence, the Allay chair brings together craft and simplicity to create an honest, comfortable and timeless piece. By engaging in the process...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Wood, Ash

Lois Dining Chair, Shearling & Ratan by Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order ivory shearing seat and ratan back designed by Christian Siriano. Fabric: Ivory Shearling (available in custom fabric) Base: Maple (available in custom finish) Dime...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Oak, Sheepskin

"Pietra" Curved Couch Upholstered in Bouclé Fabric and Leather Arms 2m
Located in Centro, RS
The inspiration for the design features comes from the Italian name Pietra: The translation Stone, an element of organic nature that brings a feeling of biophilia and well-being to t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé

Vintage Brown Leather Chaise Longue
Located in Milan, IT
Showcasing a fluid silhouette crafted of bronzed cylindrical steel, padded in expanded polyurethane, and upholstered in vintage brown leather, this elegant chaise longue makes for th...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Modern Dining Chair in Exotic Wood and Sheepskin from Costantini, Luca Ovino
Located in New York, NY
Luca Ovino Modern Dining Chair in Exotic Wood and Sheepskin from Costantini The Luca Chair’s gently curved, high back exudes elegance and has become one of...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Seating

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Vintage George Smith Kilim Upholstered Three Seat Couch or Sofa Feather Cushions
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original George Smith three seat sofa with the period Kilim upholstery and feather filled cushions A stunning sofa which is one of G...
Category

2010s English Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery

2023 Marcel Breuer for Tecta B40 Dining Chair with Blue Fabric and Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a B40 dining chair, originally designed by Marcel Breuer in 1926. This particular example was produced by Tecta in Germany C. 2023. The chair is comprised of a tubular steel ...
Category

2010s German Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Famed Brass Framed Dining Chair
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
The famed brass chair brings comfortable seating with luxurious design to your living room... It will also be a simple and elegant option for your dining r...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

1990s Arcadia Dining Side Chair by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia in Ivory Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an ‘Arcadia’ armless dining chair, initially designed by Paolo Piva for B & B Italia in 1989. This piece was produced in Italy around the same time. It features a simplis...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel, Chrome

2001 Harry Sectional Sofa by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia and Maxalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Harry two-seater sofa, initially designed by Antonio Citterio for B & B Italia and Maxalto in 1995. This example dates to 2001. The design features upholstery in light grey...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Isidoro Black Swivel Bar Stool by Dom Edizioni
Located in Milan, IT
Comfortable yet elegant, the Isidoro bar stool is a must-have in any modern home. Perfect both in the dining room to sit while enjoying drinks with friends during parties, or at the ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern French Dining Chairs (Set of 2)
Located in Westwood, NJ
In a White Wash Finish, blending timeless French design with modern comfort. The white-washed teak frame exudes a rustic yet refined look, while the rattan back adds natural texture ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Modern Seating

Materials

Rattan, Teak

Elegant Set of 8 High Back Faux Bamboo Dining Chairs in Black Lacquer
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent dining chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative, completely installation ready. Expert custom upholstery service is ...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Pink Velvet Bench, Designed by Marco Zito, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (1.8) Pink Velvet Bench This velvet bench offers a multipur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet

Mw02 design armchair, handmade in France by designer Olivier Santini
Located in Beaumont-Louestault, FR
MW02 Armchair – A Visionary Blend of Transparency and Comfort Designed by Olivier Santini and handcrafted in France, the MW02 armchair redefines contemporary elegance through its ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel, Other

2000s Marcel Wanders for MOOOI Bottoni Three Seat Sofa in Grey Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Bottono Sofa, originally designed by Marcel Wanders for MOOOI in 2004. This particular example was produced in the 2000s. The sofa is comprised of a wooden frame with steel...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Custom Ottomans or Stools
Located in Dallas, TX
We can make as many as you need and upholster in any fabric of your choice. Here are a few examples we upholstered in a Paul Smith stripe and fabric...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery

Mario Marenco for Mobil Girgi Set of Ten 'Sapporo' Dining Chairs, circa 1970
Located in New York, NY
The highly acclaimed and superbly crafted 'Sapporo' dining chairs, designed by Mario Marenco for Mobil Girgi, Italy, circa 1970. These chairs are made from Italian walnut with a stun...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Walnut

De Sede DS-2011 Two-Seat Sofa in Black Upholstery by De Sede Design Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With its fluid, curved shapes, the DS-2011 appears powerful and dynamic where other furniture is already in a sleep mode. The visual lightness and modern, casual elegance underline the timeless look that makes the DS-2011 a sofa that can be and is everything but ordinary. With its exciting appearance, the sofa fills every room and surrounds people with its extraordinary, distinctive appearance. The solid...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Anfibio Foldable Sofa Bed 190 cm Vintage Leather 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

"Pietra" Curved Swivel Armchair Upholstered in Bouclé Fabric with Leather Arms
Located in Centro, RS
Pietra from Italian: Stone The Pietra swivel armchair is designed with pure, organic shape. Covered with a mix of comfortable fabrics: off-white boucle on the front and polyester wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé

"Pietra" Curved Armchair with Leather Arms Upholstered in Bouclé Fabric
Located in Centro, RS
Pietra from Italian: Stone The designer Marta Manente is of Italian descent, her great-grandparents migrated from Italy over 100 years ago and lived in the region of Bento Gonçalves ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé

Customizable Artifort Mushroom Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
The mushroom armchair is one of the world’s most famous designs. Designer Pierre Paulin distinguished himself with this armchair in the original shape, bright colours and revolutiona...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Seating

Materials

Textile

Minimalist Outdoor Lounge Chair in "Moss" Fabric and Polished Stainless Steel
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Embracing the purpose to take a break outside, the outdoor version of the LISBOA lounge chair invites you to just sit and relax under the sun, enjoying the long days and warm summer ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

2 "Anziano" Dining Chairs by John Hutton for Donghia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The model Anziano was designed by John Hutton in 1983. In great vintage condition. Sold separately.
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Birch

2019 Marcel Breuer for Knoll Cesca Armless Side Chair in Blue and Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an armless Cesca side chair, model 51C, originally designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928. The listed price includes one 51C chair, and we have seven available for individual purc...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Steel, Chrome

2022 Marcel Wanders for Moooi Nut Lounge Chair in Dark Oak w/ Patterned Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is Nut Lounge Chair made with a wood frame, solid oak legs, and a multicolor woven fabric. The chair was designed by Marcel Wanders and produced by Moooi in the Neth...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Seating

Materials

Upholstery

Ligne Roset Andy Armchair by Pierre Paulin
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Andy Armchair by Ligne Roset, a stunning addition to any modern living space. Crafted with the highest quality materials, this armchair boasts a sleek and contemporar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Walnut Counter Stool with Leather Upholstery in Black or Brown Leather
Located in Ballard, CA
A tailored counter stool inspired by the Bahaus movement of the 1920s. This refined stool has a Minimalist flair, with its refined tapered legs and disti...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Walnut

Ledermann Bar Stool Light by Tom Kelley
Located in Milan, IT
The seat of this bar stool is covered entirely in leather, while its back is composed of a single, leather strap. Its wooden structure features four elongated, tapered wooden legs wi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

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

Contemporary Wood Dining Chair by Costantini, Palermo Hollywood, In Stock
Located in New York, NY
Palermo Hollywood Chair in fabric. Measurements are 19" W x 20" D x 32" H x 19" SH Available as shown for immediate delivery or order in any solid wood or finish. Other mater...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Chair Post Steltman by Alessandro Guerriero for Alchimia Redesign Collection
Located in Milan, Italy
Chair re-designed by Alessandro Guerriero for the Alchimia Redesign Collection. The piece is a tribute to the famous Steltman chair design...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Plexiglass

Set of White Rabbit Chairs & Table, Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2) Set of 1 white rabbit tree dining table, 1 rabbit chair & 1 white baby rabbit chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Plastic

Pompa Pouf by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Pompa pouf by houtique Materials: Wood, Velvet Dimensions: H 45 x D 44 cm Pouf with wood structure and velvet fabric 4 modules connected by wooden sleepers...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Dainty Pouf, by Charlotte Høncke from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
Sophisticated, two-colored pouf with soft shapes and a clean idiom. The Dainty pouf can be used in any room of your home as extra seating or as a leg rest....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Foam

Pair Counter Bar Stool w. Backrest - Tan Leather & Aged Brass Powder Coated
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary stool belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as t...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Seating

Materials

Steel, Brass

2019 Marcel Breuer for Knoll Cesca Bar Stools in Two Tone Fabric 6x Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Cesca Bar Stools, originally designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in 2019. The stools are comp...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Ceramic Side Table Column Stool Caramel Glazed Stoneware
Located in Rubi, Catalunya
Handmade stoneware side table manufactured at the workshop of Apparatu in Barcelona. Different clay bodys are mixed with natural fibers like corn, straw, or heather straw. The pieces...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Seating

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware, Stoneware

Fabiaan Van Severen Set of Two Bar Stools in Patinated Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Fabiaan Van Severen, two bar stools, patinated black leather, tubular steel, lace, Belgium, 1997 Distinct bar stool by Belgium designer Fabiaan Van Sev...
Category

1990s Belgian Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Pair of Customizable Dining Chairs in Black Matte and Grey Fabric – Tress Line
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of Tress dining chairs designed by Sérgio Batista for Uultis with black matte finish and grey fabric. The Tress dining chairs embody elegance, modern sophistication, and excep...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer

Rare Dorothy Schindele Hairpin Leg Chairs, circa 1949
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare 1949, ergonomic, spring back chairs by noted California designer Dorothy Schindele. Fully restored. Currently x14 in stock.
Category

20th Century American Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Osvaldo Borsani Attribution, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Velvet, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of cinnamon red velvet fabric and wood lounge chairs attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, Italy, 1940s. Seat height: 15.25” Reupholstered in brand new high end velvet.
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Wood

e15 Tafel Table Bench by Hans De Pelsmacker
By e15, Hans De Pelsmacker
Located in New York, NY
The table bench tafel draws special interest with its sculptural, functional appeal. Tafel is included in various museum collections. The combination of table and bench creates a uni...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Fried Egg Three Tone Chair, by Hans Olsen from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
A unique asymmetrical lounge chair, designed by the highly acclaimed Danish architect, Hans Olsen in the 1950s. Fried egg is also available in an exclusive anniversary edition with s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Foam

Forest Lounge Chair with Brass Inlay by Marcantonio
Located in Kolkata, IN
Forest lounge chair with brass inlay by Marcantonio, is a luxurious, pop chair, a conversation piece in any space. It is covered in brass "fur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian 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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