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Modern Armchairs

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
2023 Marc Thorpe for Moroso Blur Lounge Arm Chair in Blurring Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Blur lounge arm chair, originally designed by Marc Thorpe. This particular example was produced by Moroso in Italy C. 2023. The arm chair is comprised of a solid wood frame...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood

2022 Nendo for CondeHouse Splinter Dining Arm Chair in Black Oak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Splinter Armchair, originally designed by Nendo in 2013. This particular example was produced by CondeHouse in Japan in 2022. The chair is comprised of a black Japanese oak...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak

De Sede DS-161/01 Armchair in Schiefer Brown Upholstery by De Sede Design Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Its linear outer contour and round inner shape make the DS-161 a fine silhouette of comfort. The forward sloping armrests let the arms rest enthroned, while the backrest embraces the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-5 Armchair in Snow Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Life becomes a lot easier when you take a deep breath and decelerate your everyday life. Who better to translate this into a formal language than a master of her trade? Antonella Sca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-160 Armchair in Craft Brown Upholstery by De Sede Design Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Five individual elements, each measuring 80 x 80 cm, form the basis of the seating landscape: various variations of armchairs with or without armrests as well as intermediate element...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

De Sede DS-291 Swivel Star Base Armchair in Black Leather by De Sede Design Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
It’s like a chameleon: at first hidden and inconspicuous but due to his appearance it is adaptable and inexpressively full of character. We are talking about the dainty fauteuil DS-2...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-48 Armchair in Black Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Available as a sofa, armchair, stool or récamiere, the DS-48 enables the typical De Sede seating experience, characterized by high quality and unique d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-149 Armchair in Select Cigarro
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Because her grandparents were tailors, designer Miriam Amelung knows the characteristics of fabric and leather down to the tiniest de- tails. In her new, elegant armchair DS-149, natural folds, organic ergonomics or the intense feeling of lightness are thus essential components – as is her dedication to the material: when Miriam and Sebastian Amelung created this new de Sede sculpture, they thought about how the natural folds of a hide might look like on a comfortable armchair. The result is an object that is free from orna- mental add-ons or special effects and is simply an armchair whose form, folds, curves and upholstery create a feeling of taking a heavenly rest break on a little cloud...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-414/52 Cantilevered Armchair in Black Leather by De Sede Design Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
When the little brother suddenly grows up DS-414 is a chair that follows the movements of the person seated and provides noticeable support for the sitting posture: sitting has never...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

21st Century "Bella" Sand-Beige Leather and Walnut Wood Rest Chair
Located in Milano, IT
A small elegant armchair characterized by delicate shapes and clean lines. The barrel-shaped frame has wide, embracing arms, and is upholstered with Fine leather in a versatile sand-...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut, Foam, Poplar, Spruce

Lounger Armchair by Jaime Hayon
Located in Geneve, CH
Lounger armchair by Jaime Hayon Dimensions: D 91 x W 76 x H 99 cm Materials: armchair with a cast aluminum base structure and footstool with tubul...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Papillonne Mustard Armchair with Brass Plated Accessory
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
The papillonne mustard armchair complements your style with its flawless form and unmatched comfort, adding a unique character to your space... Mustar...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Natural Bridge Altay Armchair by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural bridge altay armchair by Patricia Urquiola Materials: Structure in natural solid beech varnished or black lacquered. Seat in full-grain black leather Technique: Lacquered a...
Category

2010s French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Beech

Mirage armchair for SWAN Italia, 1967
Located in Vicenza, VI
The Swan Italia company has established itself as one of the benchmarks in the upholstered furniture manufacturing industry. Swan Italia is synonymous with quality upholstery, but it...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fiberglass

Contemporary Pair of Armchairs Mod Ekstrem Designed by Terje Ekstrom
Located in Madrid, ES
Mod Ekstrem armchairs designed by Terje Ekstrom. Structure made of steel covered with woolen knit foam, and upholstered with yellow wool fabric. Ever...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Norwegian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

2023 Inga Sempe for Ligne Roset Moel Highback Armchair in Harald 3 Mastic Velvet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Moel Armchair with high back made of an ABS frame with a tan cotton Harald 3 Mastic Cotton Velvet fabric. The chair was designed by Inga Sempe and produced by Li...
Category

2010s French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Foam, Fabric

Delano chair in White Oak and Veg Tan Leather
Located in Indianapolis, IN
The Delano chair was made to be a comfortable desk, dining or occasional chair. The solid wooden framework of the chair supports a leather strapped seat and back that is designed to ...
Category

2010s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Modern Alton Armchair in Black Wood and Grey Material
Located in Naperville, IL
The Alton armchair is the definition of Mid-Century Modern furniture. The cylinder backings offer a unique look that isn’t duplicated in the furniture space. The emerald seat coverin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moldovan Modern Armchairs

Materials

Organic Material, Wood

Paari Design Black Leather Armchair
Located in Basildon, London
The Paari Design Black Leather Armchair offers a sleek and minimalistic look, designed for modern interiors. Its angular silhouette is complemented by plush, deep cushioning, providi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Paari Design Black Leather Armchair
Paari Design Black Leather Armchair
$1,026 Sale Price / item
50% Off
Minio Modern Swivel Armchair
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
The Minio sofa, which gives you freedom of movement while sitting with its rotating mechanism, reveals its difference in design with the striking curved form of its armrests... Meas...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Foam, Wood

Gaston Carpanese Home Italia Armchair with Metal Structure
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Armchair characterized by a bronzed metal frame as structure that gives a Modern and Contemporary feeling to the armchair. A soft backrest perfectly shaped enhances the comfort to c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

21st Century Weensquirm Bench by Alex Brokamp and Madsteez
Located in Dubai, AE
Inspired by creepy crawlers, the WEENsquirm Bench is a bold seating element that provides a large wavey upholstered surface. The unconventional seating features organic form with met...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Glass

1960s Set of Four Eero Saarinen for Knoll Tulip Pedestal Arm Chairs, Model 150US
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Saarinen Tulip Pedestal Swivel Armchairs, Model 150A, initially designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1956. These examples date to the 1960s. The listed price ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Labimba Armchair by spHaus
Located in Geneve, CH
Labimba Armchair by spHaus Designed by Dominika Malà Dimensions: D 73.6 x W 75 x H 74 cm. Materials: Wood, polyurethane foam, steel, leather. Available in other fabrics of leather u...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Italian Modern Red Leather Dining Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish set of four leather and metal frame armchairs which would compliment any modern or midcentury setting. Please confirm item location (NY o...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

1970s Set of Four Alvar and Aino Aalto for Artek Model 45 Dining Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Model 45 Dining Chairs, originally designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto in 1947. These particular examples were produced by Artek in Finland and date back to the 19...
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Outdoor Gardenia Armchair by Jaime Hayon
Located in Geneve, CH
Outdoor gardenia armchair by Jaime Hayon Dimensions: D 89 x W 70 x H 100 cm Materials: Structure in aluminum and laminates in extruded aluminum. Powder coating in white (RAL 9001...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Italian modern Chairs in black and gray leather and wood, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Chairs in black and gray leather and wood, 1980s Set of three chairs with square seat with rounded corners in two-tone gray and black leather. The curved backrest in ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Ariadna Bench by Woody Fidler
Located in Geneve, CH
Ariadna bench by Woody Fidler Materials: Olive wood Dimensions: W 150 x D 100 x H 105 cm Woody Fidler feels honored to live in a country where olive growing dates back to 4000 BC...
Category

2010s Greek Modern Armchairs

Materials

Olive

Modern contemporary armchair in red blue yellow black wood by Marc Morro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Butaca 8 is the result of an exercise where flat plywood sheets are bent, under pressure and in a simple way, using different structures as support, achieving instantaneously and wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plywood

Unique Armchair in Burnt Iroko Wood with Rectangular Beam Frame by Arno Declercq
Located in Geneve, CH
Zoumey armchair in Iroko wood by Arno Declercq Dimensions: W 82 x D 86 x H 73 cm Materials: burned and waxed Iroko wood, linen Natural walnut with other colors of linen is poss...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Gandia Blasco Textile Club Armchair in Steel by Ana Llobet
Located in New York, NY
"Joining the pieces that make up the collection is made possible through a system that simulates the seams of garments. This way a highly flexible piece is achieved that adapts to ev...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

"Bendita" Outdoor Armchair in Aluminum and Naval Rope Handmade
Located in Centro, RS
The Bendita armchair could be used indoors and outdoors. Its curvilinear features in aluminum materialize the soul of the project in every minute detail of the handmade naval rope b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Aluminum

Calice Armchair by Patrick Norguet
Located in Geneve, CH
Calice armchair four-star base by Patrick Norguet. Materials: Upholstery: Fabric also avaible in leather Structure: Black powder-coated metal or Mat...
Category

2010s French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

1994s Ancella Armchair Project by M. Lovi for Giovannetti Collezioni
Located in Casalguidi, IT
A unique bedroom armachair - elegant, comfortable and functional at the same time. Ancella is suitable for the bedroom and dressing-room. Beechwood frame. Shape-retaining polyuretha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

21st Century WEENball Chair by Alex Brokamp and Madsteez
Located in Dubai, AE
The WEENball chair is a playful functional conversation piece for the home. The chair is inspired by uncommon upholstery techniques paired with a delicate childlike sophistication. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Glass

Stacking Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Stacking armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue Materials: Polyethylene, steel, stainless steel. Dimensions: 60cm x 60cm x 76cm The signature dents in t...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Set of DS-343 Armchair and Stool by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of DS-343 armchair and stool by De Sede Dimensions: Armchair: W 70 x D 77 x H 120 cm Stool: W 54 x D 44 x H 41 cm Materials: Steel, Leather Prices may change according to...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

DS-343 Armchair by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-343 armchair by De Sede Dimensions: D 46 x W 70 x H 120 cm, with extension W 100 Materials: steel, leather Prices may change according to the chosen materials and size. R...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

21st Century Oceano Armchair by Rob Pennino and Joe Fentress
Located in Dubai, AE
Behspoke presents the limited Oceano armchair collection. Behspoke partnered with the canada-based contemporary artist Rob Pennino and Joe Fentress Stud...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

C. 1953 Herman Miller Eames Fiberglass Arm Shell MAX Chair with Black X Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an early 1950s (circa 1953) Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller fiberglass MAX arm chair. The piece does not retain its label, but we can accurately date the chair to bet...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Pinch Armchair in Super Remix 3 Upholstery with Ivory Base by Skrivo Design
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pinch selection stems from reflection on materials and the construction techniques in contemporary padded seating. The structures of Pinch sofas and arm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Swale High Armchair in Mélange Upholstery with Plum Base by Gordon Guillaumier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Thanks to an abundant and generous structure, the Swale armchair evokes relaxed conversation scenarios for residential and contract environments. The comfort of the seating is given ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Modern Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra Ice Blue Softshell Chairs, a Pair
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The fabulous cozy softshell chair will surprise you with its exceptional comfort. Constructed of flexible ribs concealed in the backrest shell and ada...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Fiberglass, Foam

Grace Armchair by Royal Stranger
Located in Geneve, CH
Grace armchair by Royal Stranger Dimensions: W 70 x D 70 x H 96 cm Materials: Bouclé effect, polished brass Color: Grey. A round and soft shaped sofa with an elegant touch of g...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

1970s Set of 12 Jack Lenor Larsen Furniture Dining Arm Chairs in Maple
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of twelve Dining Chairs with Arms, designed and produced by Jack Lenor Larsen in the 1970s. The chairs have solid maple frames, and they feature upholstered seats and b...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Maple, Fabric, Foam, Plywood

2014 Bindu Dining / Guest Chairs by Brian Kane for Coalesse in Grey Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Bindu Conference Guest Chairs, designed by Brian Kane for Coalesse Furniture in 2014. The listed price includes one armchair, and we have several chairs available for purch...
Category

2010s North American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Livingston Armchair in Extra White Upholstery Chrome Legs by Giuseppe Viganò
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Livingstone tub chair is the perfect companion to the Livingstone sofa. With its balanced proportions, it is one of those objects whose beauty never fades. Its steel frame perfec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

No Logo Light Armchair Vip White Upholstery Nickel Frame by Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
No Logo Light exhibits a double soul, both masculine and feminine, to fit into the coziest family homes and into the most rigorous of public spaces. Its most striking features are th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

No Logo Light Armchair Lusso White Upholstery Nickel Frame by Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
No Logo Light exhibits a double soul, both masculine and feminine, to fit into the coziest family homes and into the most rigorous of public spaces. Its most striking features are th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Livingston Armchair in Special Beige Upholstery Chrome Legs by Giuseppe Viganò
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Livingstone tub chair is the perfect companion to the Livingstone sofa. With its balanced proportions, it is one of those objects whose beauty never fades. Its steel frame perfec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Essentiel Creta Grey Upholstery Large Armchair with Pink Cushion, Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Essentiel armchair was born with a clear mission: uncluttered, soft and welcoming, in design terms it magnificently fuses clean Scandinavian lines with traditional Italian flair....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Ola Armchair in Vip Blue Upholstery Black Nickel Legs by Saba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ola originates from a simple idea but at the same time represents a complex concept – a welcoming arm chair created utilising four individual curved sheets. Each sheet converges towa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Gervasoni Jeko 05 Armchair in Capri 06 Upholstery and ECOTeak by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Armchairs in colonial style of exotic inspiration, Jeko 01/05 have a structure made of ECOTeak, a material coming from the reuse of recovered beams and teak elements that have been r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Gervasoni Sweet 27 Armchair in Black Lacquered Metal Woven PVC by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Weaving and sinuous shapes characterise the Sweet 27 armchair. The structure in matt black electrostatic painted metal tube is woven with matt black PVC. It is also available in the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Gervasoni Inout Armchair in Lisboa 07 Upholstery Washed Teak Frame with Woven
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The refined Nordic minimalism defines the Inout 861 armchair, characterised by a wide seat. It has a structure in Washed Teak, one of the finest trop...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Gervasoni Inout Armchair in Aspen 02 Upholstery with Grey Aluminium Frame
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Inout 851 armchair develops around a light structure in white, grey or sage painted tubular aluminium, an ecological material, unique for its technical qualities. To this is adde...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Gervasoni Brick Armchair in Pavone Upholstery with Black Lacquered Oak
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Armchair with solid wood structure in natural Canaletto walnut, bleached oak or oak lacquered in white, grey, black, ocean or dove-grey, Brick 305 has the seat and backrest softened ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Gervasoni Sweet 27 Armchair in White Lacquered Metal Woven PVC by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Weaving and sinuous shapes characterise the Sweet 27 armchair. The structure in matt black electrostatic painted metal tube is woven with matt black PVC. It is also available in the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Philippe Starck Black Chair Armchair Driade Aleph Model Pratfall
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Armchair model Pratfall by Philippe Starck for Italian manufacture Driade Aleph. Black leather and black lacquered plywood shell on black steel tube. Th...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Modern armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern armchairs 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 armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern armchairs 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 armchairs, popular names associated with this style include Finn Juhl, De Sede, Jaime Hayon, and Philippe Starck. 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 armchairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $139 and tops out at $497,965 while the average work can sell for $4,833.