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Modern Seating

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
Mw05 "Gold" design armchair, made in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
This limited edition MW05 "Gold" armchair is a handcrafted collector's piece from France. The PMMA walls of the armchair are adorned with gold leaf. A rare and unique piece that appe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating

Materials

Gold Leaf

Decorator Modern Woven Rattan Rope Cord Cube Ottoman Side Table - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Decorator Modern Woven Rattan Rope Cord Cube Ottoman Side Table - a Pair. Item featured is 21st Century Pre-owned. Measurements: 15.5" H x 15.5" W x 15.5" D.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Seating

Materials

Cord, Rope, Wood

Minimalist two seater sofa walnut - fabric upholstered
Located in Lisbon, PT
Inspired by the graceful mechanics of elevators, the LIFT sofa takes both its name and aesthetic cues from this influence. Created by the hands of Julien Renault, this masterpiece pa...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Ash

Minimalist three seater sofa ash - leather upholstered
Located in Lisbon, PT
Inspired by the graceful mechanics of elevators, the LIFT sofa takes both its name and aesthetic cues from this influence. Created by the hands of Julien Renault, this masterpiece pa...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Ash

Minimalist three seater sofa ash - fabric upholstered
Located in Lisbon, PT
Inspired by the graceful mechanics of elevators, the LIFT sofa takes both its name and aesthetic cues from this influence. Created by the hands of Julien Renault, this masterpiece pa...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Ash

Minimalist one seater sofa ash - fabric upholstered
Located in Lisbon, PT
Inspired by the graceful mechanics of elevators, the LIFT sofa takes both its name and aesthetic cues from this influence. Created by the hands of Julien Renault, this masterpiece pa...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Ash

Milling Road Baker Furniture Upholstered Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Milling Road 20th century bench with hardwood frame and upholstered seat and sides. Versatile design style that can easily compliment either home or office environment. Please confir...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Minimalist three seater sofa walnut - leather upholstered
Located in Lisbon, PT
Inspired by the graceful mechanics of elevators, the LIFT sofa takes both its name and aesthetic cues from this influence. Created by the hands of Julien Renault, this masterpiece pa...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Mushroom Ottoman in Cream Boucle
Located in Vallejo, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped stool, upholstered in a white colored curly boucle fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned seat and s...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric

Minimalist one seater sofa walnut - fabric upholstered
Located in Lisbon, PT
Inspired by the graceful mechanics of elevators, the LIFT sofa takes both its name and aesthetic cues from this influence. Created by the hands of Julien Renault, this masterpiece pa...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

A Fiftyish Wingback Chair by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare Vladimir Kagan for American Leather ‘Fiftyish’ wingback chair based on his winged barrel-form designs from the 1950’s with Kagan-Dreyfuss. This perfect balance of midcentury m...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Minimalist three seater sofa oak - leather upholstered
Located in Lisbon, PT
Inspired by the graceful mechanics of elevators, the LIFT sofa takes both its name and aesthetic cues from this influence. Created by the hands of Julien Renault, this masterpiece pa...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Oak

Audoux & Minet Rope Armchair for Vibo Vesoul, France, circa 1940
Located in London, GB
French designers Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet were committed to a design ethos based on accessible materials as a means of serving modern life. In reaction to the Paris Exposition d...
Category

1940s French Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Seagrass, Rope, Bentwood

Stylish Pair of Swedish 1960s Walnut Arm Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
each with padded crest rail above an openwork back over a tight seat with a channeled apron; flanked by upright arm rests
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Walnut

Bar Stool With Armrest, Upholstery, Metal
Located in Maçka-İstanbul, 34
‘The Kanat Bar Stool’ is simple yet elaborate piece that stands out with its elegant stance, fine details and comfort. Powder coated metal frame is elevated with antique plated meta...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Minimalist two seater sofa ash - leather upholstered
Located in Lisbon, PT
Inspired by the graceful mechanics of elevators, the LIFT sofa takes both its name and aesthetic cues from this influence. Created by the hands of Julien Renault, this masterpiece pa...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Ash, Leather

Pair of Modern Italian Leather Lounge Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of modern Italian leather lounge / club chairs by Calia. The chairs have dark walnut stained, solid wood bases. Art Deco style.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

Modern Minho Day Bed, DEDAR Bouclé, Oak, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Minho Day Bed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Minho day bed with a wooden sid...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

1960 Erwine & Estelle Laverne Buttercup Molded Lucite Chair from Invisible Group
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a rare Buttercup chair from The Invisible Group, designed by Erwine and Estelle Laverne from Laverne Originals. The Buttercup chair ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Lucite

Minimalist two seater sofa walnut - leather upholstered
Located in Lisbon, PT
Inspired by the graceful mechanics of elevators, the LIFT sofa takes both its name and aesthetic cues from this influence. Created by the hands of Julien Renault, this masterpiece pa...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Walnut

1977 Eero Saarinen for Knoll International Upholstered Pedestal Tulip Stool 152S
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1977 vintage Eero Saarinen tulip 152 S pedestal stool, produced by Knoll International. This is a gorgeous original example, which came from a Chicago, Illinois ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Fiberglass

Minimalist two seater sofa ash - fabric upholstered
Located in Lisbon, PT
Inspired by the graceful mechanics of elevators, the LIFT sofa takes both its name and aesthetic cues from this influence. Created by the hands of Julien Renault, this masterpiece pa...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Ash

Pair of Modern Leather Accent Chairs
Located in North York, ON
This pair of modern leather accent chairs are perfect for any living space. The chairs feature natural wood oak arms, sleek powdered black...
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Minimalist two seater sofa oak - fabric upholstered
Located in Lisbon, PT
Inspired by the graceful mechanics of elevators, the LIFT sofa takes both its name and aesthetic cues from this influence. Created by the hands of Julien Renault, this masterpiece pa...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Ash

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 Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Caju Lounge Chair, Swivel, Bouclé Faux Fur, 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

Rustic Solid Pine Chairs with Carved Backs, Europe early 20th century
Located in Utrecht, NL
This one-of-a-kind pair stands as evidence to the enduring charm of handcrafted furniture. These chairs tell a story of craftsmanship, history, and the timeless appeal of rustic beau...
Category

Early 20th Century European Modern Seating

Materials

Wood

Salvador Dali, Contemporary, Red Dali Lips Sofa for BD
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Dalilips designed by Salvador Dali for BD design. Two-seat sofa made of polyethylene with rotational moulding process. Color red. Measures: 100 x 170 x 73 H cm. Is the famous sofa in the shape of a mouth which the artist created together with Oscar Tusquets in 1972 for the Mae West room at the Dalí Museum...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Seating

Materials

Plastic

Modern Genuine Leather Butterfly Hanging Swing Chair
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
The timeless Butterfly Chair is a classic that has stood the test of time for over 80 years. Its story is one of transformation, adaptability, and evolution, making it an icon in the...
Category

2010s South African Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Marlen Stool, bar stool, blue, home, contract, fastfood, made in italy.
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 th...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Vintage French School Chairs, Set of Four
Located in High Point, NC
A set of four vintage school chairs with high armrests manufactured in France circa 1950. These authentic metal chairs feature low backrests and ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

Minimalist three seater sofa oak - fabric upholstered
Located in Lisbon, PT
Inspired by the graceful mechanics of elevators, the LIFT sofa takes both its name and aesthetic cues from this influence. Created by the hands of Julien Renault, this masterpiece pa...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Contemporary Wooden Smile Chair by Rejo Studio
Located in Riyadh, SA
Handcrafted by special artisans, This unique piece has a curved seat that stands on four flowery legs And the smiling back with an elegant hat. Dimension. W 46 x D 47 x H 45 cm ...
Category

2010s Saudi Arabian Modern Seating

Materials

Bentwood

Polished Steel and Bentwood Chair, circa 1940
Located in New York City, NY
Polished Steel and Bentwood Chair, France, c. 1940 Rustic, beautifully patinated chair with tubular steel and bent wood. Additional Information: Materials: Steel, Bent Wood Origin:...
Category

20th Century French Modern Seating

Materials

Bentwood

"Ceppo" Wooden Stool With Carved Slatted Friezes Details
Located in Centro, RS
The "Ceppo" wooden stool with carved slatted/ribbed details is carefully produced in every detail of the design. It has 4 versions: 1- Seat and base all made from natural Lyptus wood...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Seating

Materials

Hardwood

Pair of Modern Cerused Oak Faux Bamboo Bouclé Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic pair of armchairs or lounge chairs featuring large oak frames with a whimsical, modern faux bamboo motif. The arms and legs are square with a chic, cerused finish. The gener...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Seating

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Av. México Armchair, Powder-Coated Metal and Fabric, Contemporary Mexican Design
Located in Mexico City, MX
The Avenida Mexico colorful sofa is a light, metal dark blue-structured sofa ideal for COVERED outdoors spaces. Its metal structure is powder-coated whi...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Set of four Italian chairs in steel and pink fabric, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Chairs with chrome-plated steel frame, seat and back upholstered in pink fabric with studs on the back. 1970 ca. Very good condition. Measurements in cm 54x47x72h Set of four chromed...
Category

1970s European Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Steel

2020 Charles Pollock for Knoll Sling Arm Chair in Brown Leather and Chrome # 657
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Charles Pollock for Knoll 657 Sling Arm Chair featuring a brown leather sling support and removable brown leather pad. This item was sou...
Category

2010s American Modern Seating

Materials

Chrome

Floor Model Sale - Aril Side Chair by DeMuro Das
Located in New York, NY
SAMPLE SALE PIECE FROM DEMURO DAS NYC SHOWROOM Finishes are as shown in the photographs IN STOCK: x 1 Holland & Sherry - Brunswick Sky, Solid Satin Bronze Leg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Seating

Materials

Bronze

Noble Chair in Teak Oak with Upholstery, by Arne Hovmand-Olsen from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
An elegant and ?noble? designer chair created in the 1950s by the acclaimed furniture designer, Arne Hovmand-Olsen. The Noble dining chair is a Classic beauty that transports the cra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Seating

Materials

Foam

DUMAS Bar Stool with brass rest feet
Located in Frazão, Porto
The DUMAS bar stool is a must for any living room.‎ Characterized by an elegant quilting, while the legs are lacquered and enriched with brass rest feet.‎ Dumas is available in fabri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

2008 Eames Herman Miller Aluminum Group Executive Desk Chair Black Sets Avail
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (multiple chair or sets are available) Eames Aluminum Group Executive high back desk chair. These examples were produced in 2008 (a few in 2009) and are upholstered in gorgeous black leather. The desk chairs are in excellent condition, showing only some light wear from use. The aluminum frame gleams. These chairs are guaranteed as authentic Herman Miller examples. They will have either the Eames office tag or the Herman Miller Eames anniversary...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Arcus Walnut Stool by Tim Vranken
Located in Geneve, CH
Arcus walnut stool by Tim Vranken Materials: American Walnut Dimensions: 30.5 x H 45 cm Tim Vranken is a Belgian furniture designer who focuses on solid, handmade furniture. Throu...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Seating

Materials

Walnut

Paolo Castelli Coral White 3-Seater Sofa by Hubert de Malherbe
Located in Boston, MA
Generous and abundant shapes for a series of upholstered furniture items with a design that brings cloud-like softness to mind. The monolithic structure is far from heavy on the eye,...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Textile, Ash

sedie in cuoio e pelle, anni 2000
By La Nuova Casa (Who's Perfect)
Located in Felino, IT
sedie in cuoio e pelle, anni 2000sedia in cuoio e pelle, made in Italy, anni 2000. struttura in metallo , rivestito in cuoio, + cuscinatura in pelle imbottita. il tutto con materiali...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Leather

Minimalist one seater sofa oak - fabric upholstered
Located in Lisbon, PT
Inspired by the graceful mechanics of elevators, the LIFT sofa takes both its name and aesthetic cues from this influence. Created by the hands of Julien Renault, this masterpiece pa...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Four Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chairs for XO, France 1985
Located in London, GB
Set of six available. Shiro Kuramata (1931-1991) created a fluid exchange between Japanese design philosophy and methodology and European postmodern design. Kuramata’s training was initially centred around traditional woodworking however, when he enrolled at the Kuwasawa Design School was taught by Isamu Kenmochi, who helped him reimagine ancient Japanese traditions using modern materials. The philosophy Kuramata. His designs are made from materials that have reflective, transparent, translucent, opaque and tactile qualities to them, each form a response each material. The sing sing sing chair...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Italian modern round Chairs in black wood and metal rod, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern round Chairs in black wood and metal rod, 1980s Pair of chairs with round perforated seat in black painted wood. Curved backrest in ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Sculptural Manhattan Cube Side Table, Verdigris/Bronze Patina, by Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
The Manhattan cube is a deceptively simple side table, created by artist-designer Margit Wittig that can double up as a sculptural seat. It replicates ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Seating

Materials

Epoxy Resin

BOEMIA Swivel Armchair with Antique Brass colored base
Located in Frazão, Porto
BOEMIA, a swivel fabric armchair with armrest, is the balance between the elegance and the comfort.‎ With an embrassing back structure, is settled on a refined swivel base in antique...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

Mw02 "Plume" design armchair, handmade in France by designer Olivier Santini
Located in Notre Dame d'Oé, FR
This MW02 "Plume" armchair, in a special limited edition, is a handmade collector's piece from France. The sides of the armchair are embedded with white feathers, making it a rare an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Seating

Materials

Other

INVICTA Bar Stool with solid wood rear leg
Located in Frazão, Porto
With a unique design, the INVICTA bar stool completely captures the attention.‎ Upholstered in fabric, this stool is made even more special by the be...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Brass

INVICTA dining chair with contrast piping
Located in Frazão, Porto
The INVICTA dining chair is a unique piece, and the impressive design with just one leg in the back, in solid wood, will make the dining room a so...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Seating

Materials

Fabric, Lacquer

1954 Herman Miller Eames LCM Walnut Lounge Chair with Metal Legs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a circa 1954 production Herman Miller LCM (Lounge Chair with Metal Legs), designed by Ray and Charles Eames. This was one of the earliest designs by the Eames,' af...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

DOVE 3-seater genuine leather sofa with metal base. By Legame Italia
Located in Pistoia, IT
Designed by Brazilian designer Ricardo Antonio, a student of Oscar Niemeyer, the DOVE sofa is distinguished by its clean, linear forms in a perfect blend of aesthetics and comfort. T...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

Italian Modern Purple Velvet Sofa Bed Anfibio by Becchi for Giovannetti, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Purple velvet sofa bed mod. Anfibio by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti, 1970s Sofa bed mod. Anfibio in aubergine purple velvet. The...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Velvet

Pair of Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chairs for XO, France 1985
Located in London, GB
Set of four or six available. Shiro Kuramata (1931-1991) created a fluid exchange between Japanese design philosophy and methodology and European postmodern design. Kuramata’s training was initially centred around traditional woodworking however, when he enrolled at the Kuwasawa Design School was taught by Isamu Kenmochi, who helped him reimagine ancient Japanese traditions using modern materials. The philosophy Kuramata. His designs are made from materials that have reflective, transparent, translucent, opaque and tactile qualities to them, each form a response each material. The sing sing sing...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Seating

Materials

Metal

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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