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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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.
30
19,107
3,030
1,163
to
939
10,797
10,307
23,300
5,969
9,248
41,005
23,300
8,906
4,120
1,566
1,417
1,208
1,088
952
920
795
735
692
646
508
473
365
231
2
17
3,011
20,270
58
765
1,896
1
3
28
52
83
169
306
626
546
353
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
19,683
17,088
15,035
16,312
14,753
15,819
14,592
15,896
14,622
15,369
14,281
15,660
11,813
10,177
9,548
5,173
4,797
16,359
6,246
4,358
3,879
3,509
715
434
365
325
323
Style: Modern
Modern Leather Sleeper Sectional Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Dark Green and Saddle Leather Upholstered Sleeper Sofa, with three back and three seat cushions above a conforming plinth. 32" H x 92" L x 32" D; seat: 20" H.
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Seating
Materials
Leather
MARLON dining chair
Located in Frazão, Porto
The impressive design of the MARLON chair was thought to accommodate and comfort you, thanks to its enveloping shape. The bold design finds balance in the relaxing, immersive seating...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Faux Leather, Wood
Italian modern Stackable chairs in red plastic and black metal, 2000
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Stackable chairs in red plastic and black metal, 2000
Set of 5 chairs with curved monocoque in red plastic. The legs are made of black painted metal rod. Stackable.
20...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Contemporary Repoussé Lotus Drumstool in Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lotus drumstool
Dark antique copper
Hand repoussé
Limited edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique.
Repoussé is the traditio...
Category
2010s Modern Seating
Materials
Copper
Settee 001
Located in Houston, TX
An elegant and perfectly sized settee. Beautiful as is, or ready for your customization.
Pictured here in wool, mineral and medium French finish walnut.
Category
2010s American Modern Seating
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
VG NewTrend Swivel Armchair prototype of the model "Calla", Italy 1990s
By VG New Trend
Located in DÉNIA, ES
VG furniture represents luxury in terms of exclusivity, distinction and high quality. They are the result of a sophisticated and exclusive design with a strong identity and are the r...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Leather, Faux Leather
Kartell Cara Outdoor Chair by Philippe Starck with Sergio Schito in Black Beige
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In cara armchair, classically rigorous lines surround a comfortable seat. The perfect combination of formalism and technological innovation, for an original product with an industria...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Fabric, Plastic
Mappa Burl Bench
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A Uniqe bench in Mappa Burl. Handmade by Swedish Master Cabinet Maker Axel Wannberg.
Mappa Burl is a beautiful wood with unique character. This bench is made from solid Mappa Bur...
Category
2010s Swedish Modern Seating
Materials
Burl
1st Gen Dieter Rams RZ620 Sofa for Vitsoe 1962
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in Aachen, NW
This timeless iconic sofa was made in the early 60s by Vitsoe and designed by Dieter Rams.
The sofa comes from the iconic RZ620 series and is a first generation example.
The sofa i...
Category
1960s German Vintage Modern Seating
Materials
Leather
Modern Tufted Leather Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern tufted leather bench with a metal frame. The top leather upholstered cushion features button tufting and sits on a sleek open metal base ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Kartell Stone Stool in Yellow by Marcel Wanders
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stone is a stool with a simple shape but with a very precious appearance. Made with an essential symmetrical linear shape which is reminiscent of an hourglass, its surface is simply ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Plastic
Jeremiah Adjustable Leather Chaise Lounge from Koinor, Germany
By Koinor
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
The Jeremiah lounger by Koinor is covered with cream-colored genuine leather and stands on a silver metal frame. They are characterized by the minimalist design and the practical adj...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Seating
Materials
Leather
Set of 2 Kartell Masters Chairs in White by Philippe Starck & Eugeni Quitllet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The masters chair is a powerful tribute to three symbolic chairs, re-read and re-interpreted by the creative genius of Starck. The unmistakable silhouett...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Pilastro Stool in Black by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pilastro stool is part of the Kartell goes Sottsass, a tribute to Memphis collection, launched in 2015 in homage to design guru Ettore Sottsass....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Plastic
Italian modern Stackable chairs in blue plastic and black metal, 2000s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Stackable chairs in blue plastic and black metal, 2000s
Set of 20 chairs with curved monocoque in blue plastic. The legs are made of black painted metal rod. Stackable...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Italian modern Stackable chairs in orange plastic and black metal, 2001
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Stackable chairs in orange plastic and black metal, 2001
Set of 3 chairs with curved monocoque in orange plastic. The legs are made of black painted metal rod. On the ...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Declan Side Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Our declan side chair exudes sophisticated elegance. It is sleek and curvaceous, with the perfectly unexpected walnut and brass back detailing.
Shown here in wool - mineral, black o...
Category
2010s American Modern Seating
Materials
Brass
Chelsea Checkerboard Round Ottoman
Located in Houston, TX
The Chelsea Checkerboard Round Ottoman is a delightful fusion of classic elegance and contemporary flair. Its round shape and plush cushioning provide both comfort and versatility, m...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Mono Contemporary Side Table in Wood
Located in London, GB
Mono is an object between a stool and a sidetable. It´s monolith- like, static appearance makes it a stand-alone piece but also works great in company. The object provides the functi...
Category
2010s German Modern Seating
Materials
Wood
Spina Table in Lac Wood Bordeaux 1 Edit by Portego
By Cara e Davide, Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Spina is a collection of tables, seating and consoles characterized by a dense skeletal base that supports a smaller horizontal plane along its axis.
The thicknesses and proportio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Italian modern Adjustable office chair Modus by Osvaldo Borsano for Tecno, 1980s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Adjustable office chair Modus by Osvaldo Borsano for Tecno, 1980s
Office or desk chair mod. Modus with seat and backrest in ivory-white plastic monocoque. On the seat ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Pair Contemporary Counter Bar Stool Black Metal & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Counter stool in black smoke polished steel and black saddle leather.
The phrases "Less is more" and "God is in the detail" from the German-American architect and industrial designe...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Seating
Materials
Steel
Italian modern Stackable chairs in gray plastic and black metal, 2000s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Stackable chairs in gray plastic and black metal, 2000s
Set of 12 chairs with curved monocoque in gray plastic. The legs are made of black painted metal rod.On the two...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Set of 4 Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Black Cushioned Dining Armchairs
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A set of 4 Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin armchairs. A wonderful set of whimsically patterned armchairs. These chairs are finished with a playful pattern with a black/grey/purple/bl...
Category
20th Century American Modern Seating
Materials
Polyester, Wood
Holly Hunt Christian Liaigre Orange Barbuda Lounge Chair
By HOLLY HUNT
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare chair you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The chair is statement piece and packed with ...
Category
1990s American Modern Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
'Wall Street Big' by Guido Faleschini for Mariani Leather Executive Desk Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible executives chair is named 'Big', designed by Guido Faleschini by i4 Mariani originally designed in the 1970s, this example newly produced in a gorgeous burgundy leath...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Chrome
Sparkle Bean Green Ottoman with Gold and Green Fringe
Located in Milan, IT
An original piece of functional decor with a glamorous appeal, this ottoman by designer Lorenza Bozzoli audaciously blends glamorous 1920s sartorial details with modern geometrical s...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Textile
Sparkle Pink Pouf with Copper Fringe
Located in Milan, IT
As suggested by its name, this pouf from the Sparkle Collection will infuse glamour into a modern living room, bedroom, or private study. Inspired by the fashion of the Roaring '20s,...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Textile
Sparkle Light Blue Pouf with Light Blue and Silver Fringe
Located in Milan, IT
This elegant pouf showcases a cascading fringe of light blue and silver lurex threads enclosing the beechwood frame topped with a shimmering light blue velvet padded seat. Designed b...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Textile
Six Black Leather Tucroma Chairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, Brand New
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The most coveted dining chairs by interior designers are 'Tucroma' chairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, and we have this incredible set of six (6) Tucroma armchairs in beautifu...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Steel
Orange Leather Tucroma Chairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, Signed, New
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Currently, the most coveted dining chairs by interior designers are 'Tucroma' chairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, and we have this brand new pair in beautiful orange leather w...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Chrome
Modern Laurence Dining Chairs, Yellow Velvet, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Laurence Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Laurence dining chair was crea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Gold Finish Special Edition 'Tucroma' Chair by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, New
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Currently, the most coveted dining chairs by interior designers are 'Tucroma' chairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, and we have this incredible special edition Tucroma armchair ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Steel
Antropología Bech
Located in Ciudad de México, MX
Antropología is a minimal furniture collection created by Mexico City-based designer Raul de la Cerda for BREUER. BREUER is the leading company in design and manufacturing of custom ...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Seating
Materials
Marble
Emerald Green 'Big' by Guido Faleschini for Mariani Leather Executive Desk Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible executives chair is named 'Big', designed by Guido Faleschini by i4 Mariani originally designed in the 1970s, this example newly produced in a gorgeous emerald green ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Cowhide Leather Tucroma Armchairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, New
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Currently, the most coveted dining chairs by interior designers are 'Tucroma' chairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, and we have this incredible pair (2) of Tucroma armchairs in ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Steel
Arflex Marenco Sofa in Fabric Heidi and Candy by Mario Marenco
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Marenco Sofa is designed by Mario Marenco for Arflex. This sofa features the system with making the armrest and seat as the base portion. There is a metal...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Cut Velvet Floor Pouf and Ottoman
Located in Greenwich, CT
Our small pouf can be used as a seat or an ottoman. Shown in Zinc Grimaldi Moonbeam. Made in our studio in Norwalk, CT.
Measurements:
Overall: 21”Dia. x 15”H
Price As Shown: $1,20...
Category
2010s American Modern Seating
Materials
Velvet
Leather Stool with Brass Capped Feet by Jacques Adnet, France, c. 1940
Located in New York City, NY
Gorgeous leather stool with stitched leather legs and patinated brass capped feet. This is a great example of Adnet's work; a real collector's item.
Category
1940s French Vintage Modern Seating
Materials
Brass
Modern Caju Lounge Chair, Swivel, Jacquard Velvet, Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Caju lounge chair stands as a trendy furniture piece that personifies the orga...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating
Materials
Brass
Cat Cave, Bordeaux House for Cats, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2)
In Stock in Los Angeles
Cat Cave is project by Stefano Giovann...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Plastic
Eight Black Leather Tucroma Chairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, Brand New
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The most coveted dining chairs by interior designers are 'Tucroma' chairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, and we have this incredible set of eight (8) Tucroma armchairs in beauti...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Steel
Iconic Eero Aarnio Small Black Mushroom Stool
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
He mushroom is one of Eero’s oldest designs and in its fibreglass form is part of the same design family that includes the ball chair, Pastil and Tomato. It can be used as a stool or...
Category
2010s Finnish Modern Seating
Materials
Fiberglass
Iconic Eero Aarnio Natural Leather Bubble Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
The bubble chair was designed by Eero Aarnio in 1968. According to Eero’s notes, the bubble hangs from the ceiling because ‘there is no nice way to make a clear pedestal.’ It shares ...
Category
2010s Finnish Modern Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Iconic Eero Aarnio Black Leather Swivel Ball Lounge Chair
By Eero Aarnio
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
Fiberglass, Leather
Loggia Small Side Table or Black Terrazzo Marble by Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Loggia is a side table made in marble or resin terrazzo.
Designed by Matteo Leorato
A material, traditionally used in the Renaissance for the paving of the noble palaces, here is r...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Terrazzo
Chair Art, 0023-CU Julie Beechwood Painted and Thick-Leather Different Colors
By EMILIO NANNI
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Julie Collection expands to include a new model featuring a backrest and seat with a interwoven thick leather. The frame in beechwood will be painted or ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Beech
‘Pilotis’ Ottoman in Cognac Edelman Leather by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage ‘Pilotis’ ottoman designed by French interior and furniture designer Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt in 1995. This piece features a sleek square black metal base with tubu...
Category
1990s American Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Special Edition 'Tucroma' Armchair by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, Signed, New
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Currently, the most coveted dining chairs by interior designers are 'Tucroma' chairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, and we have this incredible special edition Tucroma armchair ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Steel
Bench with Antique Rug Upholstery
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This bench, in the style of Stephen's Kenn Inheritance Collection, has been upholstered with an antique rug from the collection of King Kennedy rugs. The textile has been lovingly re...
Category
2010s American Modern Seating
Materials
Steel
La Prima Minimalistic Chair in Metal and Fabric
Located in London, GB
La Prima is an object that is meant to sit at the table.
La Prima, designed by Bodegon Cabinet, follows the lead of La Redonda, changing its scale and adj...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Repose Bar Stool w. Backrest, Tan Leather & Aged Brass Powdered Coating Frame
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
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Deep Grey Tufted 3pc Sectional Sofa with Chaise
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Milo Baughman 3 piece sectional sofa for Thayer Coggin. An absolutely stunning sofa featuring a 3 piece sectional design with a left side chaise, a corner, and a straight sofa with...
Category
20th Century American Modern Seating
Materials
Cotton
Marlen Chair, pink, indoor, chair, made in italy, home, contract
By EP Studio
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Comfort, an ergonomic shape and a hardy structure are the characteristics of the Marlen design, the new Trabà chair designed by EP Studio.
Hints of a 1950s vibe can be glimpsed in t...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Seating
Materials
Metal
Pierre Jeanneret Demountable Armchair Model PJ-SI-07-A
Located in New York, NY
One of the earliest and rarest chairs from the Chandigarh project, model PJ-SI-07-A,
This chair is one of the first creations of Pierre Jeanneret when he arrived in Chandigarh. He u...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Modern Seating
Materials
Teak
Minimal Style, Solid Wood Stool, Bar or Counter Hight, Caning and Leather
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The Wing chair solid wood collection, flexibility, modern aesthetics, comfort and softness are the keywords for this collection. The concept is inspired...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Seating
Materials
Textile, Cane, Wood, Hardwood
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
Seletti Pink "Lipsticks" Upholstered Occasional Chair by Toiletpaper
By Toiletpaper, Seletti
Located in Doral, FL
Mix and match the wildest graphics designed by Toiletpaper and get the most iconic dining room of all. Also available in blue.
- Material: Fabrics in polyester, frame in wood with...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Seating
Materials
Polyester, Wood
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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