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Modern Side Chairs

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
1990 David Rowland 40/4 Stackable Dining Chairs for GF in Bent Oak 8x Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are '40/4' chairs, originally designed by David Rowland in 1964. This iconic chair has been praised as one of the most ingenious modern designs of the 20th century, and is credited as the first truly stackable chair. The listed price includes one chair, and we have 8 on-hand for individual purchase. The design features a solid steel sled base, and has a steam-bent oak seat and back. These particular examples were manufactured by GF Business Equipment...
Category

1990s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

1998 Set of Three Mint Green Bla Bla Bla chairs by Marco Maran for Parri Designs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of three Bla Bla Bla chairs, originally designed by Marco Maran in 1998. These particular examples were produced by Parri Designs in Italy C. 1998. The chairs are compr...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Luxe Pair of Elegant Scroll Back Chairs Upholstered in Loro Piana Cashmere
Located in New York, NY
These elegant chairs features splayed legs in ebonized walnut. The black features a scroll form design with button back detailing .They has been newly upholstered in a crème Lord Pia...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Walnut

2020 Hay Neu 10 Blue Wool Dining / Side Chairs by Sebastian Wrong
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single Neu 10 swivel chair, designed by Sebastian Wrong and produced by Hay. Multiple chairs are available, though the price listed is for each chair. The chairs have a m...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Baker Furniture Neoclassical Solid Maple Armchair with Silk Upholstery
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous modern neoclassical style armchair By Baker Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Solid maple frames, with original silk upholstery. Measures 23.5" W x 25.25" D x 3...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Silk, Maple

Guillerme et Chambron pair of chairs in oak
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A pair of sectional chairs in oak vy Guillerme et Chambron Edition Votre Maison circa 1960
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Oak

Primitive brutalist pair of chairs in oak
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A decorative pair of high back chair in oak
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Oak

C. 1977 Italian Cantilever Side Chair in Chromed Steel with Caned Seat and Back
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Tubular Chromed-Steel Cantilever Z Chair, designed in the 1970s. This chair dates to ca. 1977 and was produced by Thonet. It has a Vienna Braid caned seat and back, and it ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Dali Chair
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Dali Pouf by Bellavista Bellavista is a luxury furniture collection that blends timeless design with the finest Italian craftsmanship. Each piece is created using high-quality mater...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Textile

Dali Chair
Dali Chair
$5,932 / item
2023 Marcel Breuer for Tecta B40 Dining Chair with Purple Fabric and Black 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 Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

John Widdicomb Brown Leather Dining Chairs, 6
Located in Astoria, NY
Set of Six John Widdicomb Chocolate Brown Leather Covered Dining Chairs, each with riveted trim and "John Widdicomb Co. / Makers of Fine Furniture / Grand Rapids" plaque to underside...
Category

20th Century American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Lucite Acrylic, Brass Detailed and Leather Jetson Glamour Dining Chair
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Jetson dining chair is part of the Tala collection designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa. This Futuristic style dining chair has a ...
Category

2010s South African Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

1950s Pair of Caned Prague Dining Chairs, Model 811, by Josef Frank for Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pair of Caned 811 Dining Chairs, initially designed by Josef Frank for Michael Thonet in 1920. This pair of chairs dates to the 1950s. The chairs have a pressed Vienna Brai...
Category

1950s Polish Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Bentwood, Cane, Braid

SHAKER Side Chair by AMBROZIA, Leather, Black Metal Wood Frame
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The Shaker modern dining chair is handmade to order from our unique Ambrozia black textured steel tubing frame. Available in a large variety of premium vinyls colors or leather in op...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

1950s Pair of Ray Komai Side / Dining Chairs for JG Furniture Co
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a rare and original pair of fully upholstered dining and side chairs, designed by Ray Komai, produced by J.G. Furniture Company. These are highly unusual chairs, in that Koma...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

1954 Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller DCM Chair in Calico Ash
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames DCM Side Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1946. This particular example dates to approximately 1954 and has its foil patent pending sticker int...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Modern Leather Dining Chair in Exotic Wood by Costantini, Bruno, Quick Ship
Located in New York, NY
Bruno Modern dining chair in Exotic Argentine Rosewood and Leather by Costantini Design - Quick Ship Measurements are 21" D x 19" W x 32" H with a 18" Seat...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

1955 Set of Four Herman Miller Eames Fiberglass DSX Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Eames DSX Side Chairs, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in the 1950s. These particular examples were produced by Herman Miller in the USA in 1955. T...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

1950s Side Chair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft in Walnut Plywood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Walnut Bent Plywood Side Chair, designed by Norman Cherner in 1958. This example dates to the 1950s and was produced by Plycraft in the USA. The walnut veneer has developed...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

1960s Set of Eight Dining Chairs in Oak by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen Son
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a fine set of eight CH23 Dining Chairs in oak and paper cord, initially designed by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen in 1950. These particular examples date to the 1960s. The roll...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Oak, Papercord

Rare Set of Five Stainless Steel Chairs by Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare set of five stainless steel (acier inoxydable) chairs by Maison Jansen. Manufactured by Usinox. Original green leather seat and back covers that need to be replaced with C. O. M...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

1960s FH4104 Heart Chair by Hans Wegner for Fritz Hansen in Oak w/ Leather Seat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an FH4104 Heart Chair, originally designed by Hans Wegner in 1952. This particular example was produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark in the 1960s. The chair's frame is made of ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Oak, Leather

Modern, Walnut Timber, Solid Brass and Grey Boucle Dining Chair by Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Modern Malta dining room chair designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa works equally well as a lounge or side chair. This Modern style dining room chair...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Brass

1949 George Nakashima for N19 Knoll Straight Chair in Walnut
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an N19 Straight Chair, originally designed by George Nakashima in 1946. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the United States and dates to the year 1949. The cha...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Walnut

1980s Set of Ten Eliel Saarinen Cranbrook Dining Chairs by Charles Phipps Sons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of 10 Lacquered Maple armless dining chairs in the Art Deco style, initially designed by Finnish Architect Eliel Saarinen in 1929 for his home at the Cranbrook Academy ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Lacquer, Paint, Foam, Maple

1998 Knoll Handkerchief Chairs by Massimo Lella Vignelli in Black
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Handkerchief Chair, Model 4901, designed by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Knoll in 1983. The listed price includes one chair, and we have several available for purchase. These examples date to 1998. Their design features a wavy molded seat in black, perched atop a black powder-coated steel sled base. The Vignelli’s were some of the most influential designers of the 20th century, perhaps most famous for their work with the New York City subway maps...
Category

1990s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Declan Barstool
Located in Houston, TX
Our Declan Barstool is the newest piece in our collection. Just like our Declan Side Chair it exudes sophisticated elegance. It is sleek and curvaceous, with the perfectly unexpecte...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Brass

2024 Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Drop Dining Chair in Rustic Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Drop dining chair, originally designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the iconic SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen and reissued by Fritz Hansen. This particular example was produ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Paul and Christine Knoblauch Butterfly Wings "Angel Baby" Sculpture Childs Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Paul and Christine Knoblauch (Rochester, NY) Iron Butterfly Wings "Angel Baby" Artisan Child's Chair. Item features a cow print round upholstered seat, spiral iron legs, steel metal ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Set of 10 Carrocel Custom Verona Dining Chairs
Located in North York, ON
Set of 10 Carrocel Custom Verona Dining Chairs. Featuring sleek curved back leg design composed of oak material. Finished in a satin natural espresso color showcasing the unique knot...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Set of 10 Carrocel Custom Verona Dining Chairs
Set of 10 Carrocel Custom Verona Dining Chairs
$15,600 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of High-Backed Chairs Attributed to Oskar Strnad or Hugo Gorge
Located in Vienna, AT
Beech wood construction high backed, front legs turned and fluted with brass ends, upholstery with spring core. Made in Austria in the 1920s, designed by Oskar Strnad or Hugo Gorge. ...
Category

1920s Austrian Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Beech

Aluminum Table "Industry Garden Furniture" by Seletti, Black
Located in Doral, FL
From its very first year in 1964, Seletti in Cicognara, Mantova, has followed its principle of professionality service and constant research to strive for betterness innovation and o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

DS-5020 Cylindrical Leather Tall Side Table by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall side table DS-5020/61 by De Sede. Available in two different heights, this elegant table construction presents itself in a cylindrical shape, encased all-round in high-quality l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather

Set of 2 Kartell Lizz Mat Chairs in Orange by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A lightweight chair, with essential, strict lines, in synch with the minimalist and refined style of its designer, Piero Lissoni. Lizz is now also available in a matte version with s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Modern Italian Marco Maran for Maxdesign Red Ricciolina Dining Chairs, Set of 8
Located in Secaucus, NJ
This sleek and elegance Ricciolina chairs are stylish and functional. The distinctive curved connection between the seat and backrest gives the chair flexibility and ergonomics. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

C. 1950 Herman Miller Eames Zenith SAX Fiberglass Rope Edge Arm Shell Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Zenith SAX Arm Chair, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1950. This particular example was produced by Herman Miller in the USA C. 1950. The chair is comprised...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Mangled Bench by Michael Gittings
Located in Geneve, CH
Mangled Bench by Michael Gittings One of a Kind Dimensions: D 50 x W 195 x H 65 cm Materials: Stainless steel. Michael Gittings Melbourne based designer Michael Gittings aims to Cha...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

1970s Armless Brno Chair by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll / Brueton / Gratz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Arm less Flat Bar Brno Chair, initially designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1930. This particular example was produced by Treitel Gratz in the USA in the 1970s. It features a...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Olifant Modern Luxury, Handmade Ceramic, Ceruse Oak Black Leather Dining Chair
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Olifant handmade ceramic, luxury dining chair is designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa. The dining chair is available in 2 ...
Category

2010s South African Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Brass

Outdoor Dining Chair in Solid Iroko White Water- Repellent Fabric by CDW - IVAR
Located in Miami, FL
The Ivar Chair by Contemporary Design Works is a refined fusion of elegance, craftsmanship, and ergonomic comfort designed to elevate contemporary outdoor living. Handcrafted in Bodr...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Teak

2006 Herman MillerEames Armless Aluminum Group Side / Desk Chair In Red Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group armless desk or side chair, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1958. These particular examples were produced by Herman Miller in the USA ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Mid Century Walnut Dining Chair with leather upholstery in Black orbrown Leather
Located in Ballard, CA
A tailored side chair inspired by the Bauhaus movement of the 1920s. This elegant chair has a futuristic Minimalist flair. It features refined tapered legs with detailed upholstery. ...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut, Leather

Modern, Walnut Timber, Solid Brass and Boucle Malta Dining and Lounge Chair
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Modern Malta dining room chair designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa works equally well as a lounge or side chair. This Modern style dining room chair...
Category

2010s South African Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Brass

2010s Herman Miller Eames DSR Dining Chairs in Yellow Plastic with Eiffel Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Eames DSR Chairs, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in the 1950s. These particular examples were produced by Herman Miller in the USA in the 2010s. These chairs ...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

2022 Herman Miller Eames DAW Dining Chair with Yellow Fabric Seat Eiffel Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames DAW Chair, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1950. These particular examples were produced by Herman Miller in the USA in 2022...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

1951 Pair of Herman Miller Eames DAX Rope Edge Armshell Chairs in Greige
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a pair of circa 1951 production Herman Miller Eames DAX arm shell chairs with iconic rope edge. These are gorgeous original ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Sculptural Dining Chairs in Olive Velvet By Mondo Design Studio-Set of 8
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Timeless design in combination with handmade couture techniques. The dining chairs features curved wooden upholstered back for greater comfort. Offered in fumed Oak frame and brick v...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pierre Jeanneret Demountable Armchair Model PJ-SI-07-A
Located in Philadelphia, PA
One of the earliest and rarest chairs from the Chandigarh project, model PJ-SI-07-A, This is a genuine museum quality example. It has been meticulously preserved by the most experie...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Teak

Maple and Ebonized Mahogany Perico Dining Chair with Danish Chord
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An instant Classic design by Taidgh O'Neill, the Perico dining chair is constructed from solid hardwood and features a flawless Danish chord seat. Refined...
Category

2010s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Oak, Mahogany, Maple

Kartell Masters Counter Stool in Grey by Philippe Starck Eugeni Quitllet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kartell also offers a stool version of the Masters chair, winner of the Good Design Award 2010 and the Red Dot Award 2013, and a worldwide best seller. The legs are lengthened and the seat is shrunk, but the frame's unmistakable graphic look, created by the weave of the silhouettes of three iconic chairs, remains the same. Masters Stool...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Plastic

2000s Set of Five Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining / Side Chairs w/ Blue Cushions
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of five Bertoia Side Chairs, Model 420C, originally designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particular examples were produced in the 2000s. The...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Sculptural chair in black and white, one of a kind, hand crafted
Located in London, GB
'Prima' chair is a one of a kind sculptural design, meticulously hand crafted in the lengthy, laborious process of stucco scagliola. The making of the chair resembles to sculp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Opinion Ciatti Mammamia Leather Non Stackable Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mammamia leather is the leather-coated version of Mammamia, the chair designed by Marcello Ziliani, whose myriad of versions never cease to astonish. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

2 Pairs of French 1950s Lounge Chairs by Roset
Located in Long Island City, NY
Roset (name of the company before it was renamed "Ligne Roset") editor - Collection du Crous de L’Academie de Versailles. Model 346 Two pairs of fine French Mid-Century lounge chair...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Modern Black Vintage Metal Faux Leather Tokyo Chair by Rodney Kinsman, 1985, UK
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern vintage chair was designed by Rodney Kinsman 1985 United Kingdom and made of black lacquered tube steel and a covered seat features black ...
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Equilibria Chair by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Equilibria chair by Imperfettolab Dimensions: 45 x 53 x H 76 cm Materials: Fibreglass Imperfetto Lab Who we are ? We are a family. Verter Turroni, Emanuela Ravelli and our chi...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Fiberglass

70 s feel modern Boucle, Brass Carved Walnut Oromo Upholstered Dining Chair
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
This bespoke, luxurious, upholstered dining chair is part of the Oromo collection designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa. The Oromo collection is inspired by 70's surface design...
Category

2010s South African Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Brass

1962 Set of Four Herman Miller Eames DSR Fiberglass Dining Side Shell Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Eames DSR Chairs, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1951 for Herman Miller. These particular examples date to 1962. These chairs feature molded fiberglass she...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Gervasoni Ghost 23 Side Chair in White Linen Upholstery by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Chairs with and without armrests, have a minimal structure, with clean and defined geometric shapes. The Ghost chair family has a wooden structure that is combined with polyurethane ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

2003 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Side Chair in Yellow Fabric, Model 72C
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Saarinen Executive Side Chair, model 72C, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1950. This particular example dates to 2003. The chair features its original marigold yello...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Modern side chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern side chairs 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 side chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern side chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original side chairs, popular names associated with this style include Emeco, Jasper Morrison, Philippe Starck, and Sir Norman Foster. 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 side chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $65 and tops out at $90,000 while the average work can sell for $2,120.

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