Modern Armchair Down
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Armchairs
Leather, Wood
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Metal
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Metal
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Foam, Rubber, Suede, Down
2010s Italian Armchairs
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Metal
2010s Italian Armchairs
Textile, Wood, Ash, Down
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Chrome
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Textile, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Plywood, Leather, Foam, Rubber, Down
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Teak
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Beech, Down, Plywood, Textile, Polystyrene
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Metal
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Foam
2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Suede, Wood
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Leather, Fabric, Foam, Plywood
Vintage 1960s German Modern Armchairs
Leather, Upholstery, Down
2010s New Zealand Modern Armchairs
Walnut
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Velvet, Beech
2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Suede, Wood
2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Suede, Wood
2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Suede, Wood
2010s Italian Armchairs
Metal, Other
2010s Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Suede, Wood
2010s Italian Armchairs
Metal, Other
2010s American Modern Armchairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Armchairs
Leather, Wood, Down
2010s Italian Armchairs
Metal, Other
Vintage 1970s Danish Brutalist Armchairs
Leather, Wood
2010s Balkan Modern Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood, Ash, Oak, Walnut
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Down
20th Century American Organic Modern Armchairs
Leather, Fabric, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Down
2010s Modern Armchairs
Brass
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Upholstery, Walnut
2010s Modern Armchairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Brass
2010s French Modern Armchairs
Leather, Fabric, Wool
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Textile, Wood
20th Century Armchairs
Beech
2010s German Post-Modern Armchairs
Upholstery, Walnut
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Walnut
2010s Canadian Organic Modern Armchairs
Ash
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Textile
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Armchairs
Textile
2010s Mexican Post-Modern Armchairs
Mahogany, Rattan
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Leather
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Textile, Beech
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Modern Armchair Down For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Modern Armchair Down?
Finding the Right seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
- What is an accent armchair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021An accent armchair is an armchair that has a role to serve beyond its inherent functionality. An accent chair of any kind adds visual interest to your space — your accent armchair might be part of a living room set that matches the sofa or it could contrast with the other seating, perhaps having been added to complement or accent the rest of the room. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary accent armchairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What is a sofa armchair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024A sofa armchair is a type of armchair. Specifically, the term describes an armchair with thick cushions on its backrest and seat and a deep frame that provides plenty of space for the user to settle in and relax. As a result, it offers the comfort typically associated with a sofa in a single-seat design, which is how this type of accent chair gets its name. Find a large selection of armchairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The most comfortable armchair is really a matter of preference. Opt for an armchair that offers firm support. Shop different armchair styles on 1stDibs.com.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023Whether an armchair is an accent chair varies from piece to piece. Any chair with arms is an armchair, while an accent chair is a decorative chair typically used in a seating area. Armchairs include dining chairs with arms as well as accent chairs, and some accent chairs don't have arms at all. Only a decorative seating area chair with arms can be called both an armchair and an accent chair. Shop a large collection of chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a modern home?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A modern home is a style of residential building that was constructed during the modernist design movement of the mid-20th century. Modernist architecture is defined by clean lines, simple rectangular shapes and a lack of ornamentation.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
In art and design, the term contemporary is applied to works by 21st-century artists, while modern refers to works created from the 1880s and through the 1960s.
- What is midcentury modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Organic shapes, clean lines and elegant simplicity describe mid-century modern American furniture well. The style, which emerged primarily in the post-World War II era, is characterized by furniture that was crafted by creators who believed that good design was key to good living.Today, mid-century modern is by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023The difference between an armchair and an accent chair comes down to the specificity of the terms. An accent chair is any decorative chair designed to provide comfortable seating in living rooms and other spaces (armchairs can be accent chairs). An armchair is merely any chair that has armrests. Many different styles of armchairs have been made over the years. Find a wide range of armchairs and accent chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Modern art is characterized by a rejection of realism and narrative and a trend toward abstraction.
- What is modern style furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Modern style furniture has smooth shiny surfaces, straight lines, simple shapes. The general objective is a simple uncluttered look.
- Is a shag rug modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Shag rugs and shag carpeting were very popular in American households in the 1960s and 1970s, but they’ve been around much longer than that. This style of long nap rug can be traced back to Ancient Greece and has also been used for a long time in the Middle East and Central Asia. On 1stDibs, find a collection of shag rugs from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Who is the father of modern art?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Paul Cézanne is often cited as the father of modern art.
- What is Danish modern furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Danish modern furniture is the term for a style of furniture that emerged during the 1930s through the innovation of designers from Denmark. It is a subset of Scandinavian modern furniture, the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life. Some notable Danish modern designers include Hans J. Wegner, Kaare Klint, Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, Arne Vodder and Verner Panton. Shop a range of Danish modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- Did Picasso found modern art?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
No, Picasso was not a founder of modern art, but he is one of its most famous practitioners.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen. - 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple.
Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller.
Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Knoll became a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.
Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs. - Is Eames mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2024Eero Saarinen is considered a modern architect for a number of reasons. An innovative merging of the International Style and the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright can be found in his acclaimed building projects and monuments. He worked with steel and concrete, just as his modernist peers had, and the neo-futuristic forms that characterize his architecture are those commonly associated with modernism.
Through his work as an architect and designer, Saarinen was a prime mover in the introduction of modernism into the American mainstream. Particularly affecting were the organic, curvilinear forms seen in Saarinen’s furniture and his best known structures: the gull-winged TWA Flight Center at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, Dulles International Airport in Virginia and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.
Saarinen had a peerless modernist pedigree. His father, Eliel Saarinen, was an eminent Finnish architect who in 1932 became the first head of the Cranbrook Academy of Art in suburban Detroit. The school became synonymous with progressive design and decorative arts in the United States, and while studying there the younger Saarinen met and befriended several luminaries of mid-century modernism, among them Harry Bertoia and Charles and Ray Eames.
Like all modernist designers of the mid-century era, Saarinen was interested in the new technology and new and venturesome applications for materials that became widely available for the production of domestic goods in the postwar era. Thanks to Florence Knoll, a pioneering designer in her own right, his famous designs for seating and tables, created during the 1940s and 1950s, were manufactured by Knoll, which was a prominent influence in the rise of modern design in the United States.
Find vintage Eero Saarinen furniture for sale on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024The father of modern Indian art is generally thought to be Raja Ravi Varma. Active during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, he was the first Indian artist widely known for producing paintings that depicted Indian subjects using the techniques of the European masters. Some of his most famous works include Bhishma on a Bed of Arrows, Bharat Mata, Jatayu Vadham and Lady in the Moonlight. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Indian art.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
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