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Modern Sofas

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Art Deco Aurora Sofa White Woven Bouclé Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Aurora Sofa, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Europe. An Italian furniture piece and a limited edition of only one unit, this 2-seat sofa comes from Asian craftsmanship wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Leather, Fabric, Velvet

Modern Minho Chaise Lounge, DEDAR Velvet, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Minho Chaise Longue, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Modern Almourol Sofa, Olive Green Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Almourol Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Almourol leather sofa draws inspiration from the distinctive...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Modern Twins Outdoors Sofa, Beige Woven, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Sofa Outdoors, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Bouclé, Leather, Fabric

Modern Barao Lounge Chair, Caramel Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Barão Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Barão leather lounge chair draws inspiration from the meticulous craftsmanship of sh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Three-Seater Sofa by Hessentia Upholstered in Grey Bouclé Fabric
Located in Carate, Brianza (MB)
Gio sofa is the result of a long design process and a synergistic collaboration between the architect Luca Erba and company Cornelio Cappellini. This sofa amazes for its soft and def...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé

Moder Grass Armchair, Light Orange Faux Fur, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Grass Armchair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Grass armchair takes its shape from nature’s own dewdrop on grass, promising a comfortab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Modern Twins Outdoors Sofa, Sunbrella Fabric, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Chaise Longue Outdoors, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Col...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood, Fabric

Suelo Modern Wood Sofa
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Suelo modern wood sofa is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The sofa's silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with com...
Category

2010s North American Modern Sofas

Materials

Hardwood

Modern Twins Outdoors Sofa, DEDAR Libertino Velvet, Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Sofa Outdoors, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Leather, Wood, Fabric

Modern Galapinhos Sofa, Beige Cotton-Linen, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Galapinhos Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Galapinhos modern sofa was designed to add the essence of nature into the interior spac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech, Linen, Cotton, Leather, Walnut, Oak, Bouclé

Osaka Extra Small Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1967, the French designer Pierre Paulin challenged the rationalism that was predominant at the time by envisaging a range of seats with naturally winding lines. Developed for Expo...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Organic Modern Twins Curved Sofa, White Bouclé, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Twins cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood, Bouclé, Fabric

21st Century Le Nuvole Sofà White S. Giobbi for Giovannetti Collezioni
Located in Casalguidi, IT
Seat and backrest with wooden structure in multilayers and stell- Seat and backrest padding in polyurethane foam of different layers covered with tissue and synthetic fiber for bette...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam, Wood

Modern Twins Outdoors Sofa, Sunbrella Fabric, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Sofa Outdoors, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Twins outdoors sofa and day bed share the same genes, ye...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Modern Almourol Sofa, Light Blue Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Almourol Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Almourol leather sofa draws inspiration from the distinctive...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Modern Capelinhos Lounge Chair, Swivel, Leather, Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Capelinhos Swivel Lounge Chair with foot rest, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Capelinhos lea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pixel Light Indoor Sectional Sofa in Extra Upholstery by Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pixel Light, the new seating system design by Sergio Bicego, stems from the desire to expand on the concept of form flexibility to reach a more sophisticated one of fluidity of space...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Pinch Large 3 Seater Sofa Major in Comfort Upholstery with Black Base by Skrivo
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 Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Pinch Sofa in Super Remix 3 Upholstery with Plum 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 Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Modern Beijinho Sofa, Beige Velvet Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Beijinho Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Beijinho leather sofa seamlessly combines the soft texture o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Bouclé, Wood, Leather

Modern Capelinhos Lounge Chair, Swivel, Leather, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Capelinhos Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Capelinhos leather lounge chair stands as a testament to timeless comfor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood, Oak

Roche Bobois Mah Jong sofa Missoni design by Hans Hopfer
Located in OSS, NB
Roche Bobois Mah Jong sofa Missoni design by Hans Hopfer Roche Bobois Mah jong sofa consiting of 8 pieces of whom partially in Missoni fabric designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer. A mo...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Modern Off-White Bouclé Curved Sofa with Rounded Design
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Selling a lovely modern sofa in super desirable bouclé fabric. Used only 2 years in a second home guest house in Palm Springs. The shade is super modern and chic. A firm seat with ro...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

L'INTEMPOREL Sofa in Yellow by Alexandre Ligios, REP by Tuleste Factory
Located in New York, NY
L'INTEMPOREL Sofa by Alexandre Ligios Velvet L 96 x H 39 x D 32 The velvet sofa with fringes exudes an aura of luxury and glamour, seamlessl...
Category

2010s Moroccan Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Vladimir Kagan for Preview 4 piece Sectional Sofa, 1988
Located in Chicago, IL
4 piece curved biomorphic sectional sofa, 1988. Designed byVladimir Kagan for Preview. Original blue/green fabric is in great condition.
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Anfibio Sofa Bed In Cognac Leather By Alessandro Becchi For Giovannetti
Located in Miami, FL
Original Anfibio sofa bed by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Italy, cognac leather upholstery. The sofa can easily be converted into a bed, timeless design.
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Pumpkin 3-seater sofa by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset 2010
Located in Stavenisse, NL
Modernist design by Pierre Paulin, the Pumpkin was designed by Paulin in the 70s to represent an organic interpretation to furniture. In line with many other Paulin designs, its insp...
Category

2010s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Plastic, Foam

Rolf Benz Vintage Modular Brown Sectional Sofa 1970
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Modular sectional sofa was designed by Rolf Benz and manufactured in Germany. It is a pure 70ties design with timeless modern shape. The fabric is Velou...
Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Down, Upholstery, Plastic, Wood

Pair of B&B Sofas Newly Upholstered Acid Green and Green Iridescent Velvet 1970
Located in Florence, IT
Pair of B&B Sofas Newly Upholstered in Iridescent Acid Green and Green Velvet, mirrored checkerboard effect. Can be sold individually.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

3-Piece Italian Modular Sofa in Zebra Print Upholstery, circa 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
3-Piece Italian Modular Sofa in Zebra Print Upholstery, circa 1970. Pieces look great pushed together as a sofa but also can stand alone as chairs. The book-matched channel tufting g...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Hickory Chair Curtis Sofa in J Robert Scott Ivory Fabric
Located in Countryside, IL
Hickory Chair Curtis Sofa in J. Robert Scott Ivory Fabric This sofa measures: 78 wide x 34 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 20 and arm height of 22 inches About Photos:...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Hickory Chair Curtis Sofa in J. Robert Scott Ivory Fabric - Pair
Located in Countryside, IL
Hickory Chair Curtis Sofa in J. Robert Scott Ivory Fabric - Pair Each sofa measures: 78 wide x 34 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 20 and arm height of 22 inches About ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Vao Sofa 380 by Paolo Castelli
Located in Boston, MA
Three-seat sofa with a sinuous shape and ample dimensions, supported by a structure with legs made of discarded eco-friendly solid ash with an acetic finish, whose imperfections give...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool

Cini Boeri, Bengodi, Velvet Sofa, Arflex, 1974
Located in Paris, FR
Cini Boeri (1924-2020) Bengodi A rectangular three-seater sofa covered with velvet upholstery, the seat and back each with two cushions on six feet. Original edition by Arflex. Ita...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Joe D'Urso Island Sofa for Donghia Knoll Plaidtastic Fabric tete-a-tete chaise
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A long tete a tete sofa / chaise designed by Joe D’Urso for Donghia. A slightly tapered form with an open back for passing through. Meant to float in a room hence the name “island” b...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Rosewood and Suede MP-091 Sofa by Percival Lafer for Lafer MP
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Brazilian modernist Percival Lafer, this bold sofa, model MP-091, is deeply inviting. The comfortable tufted cushion sits on sturdy straps, attac...
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Suede, Rosewood

Baleri Italia Bill Sofa in Black Leather and Fabric by Hannes Wettstein
Located in Milan, IT
Setting off into a challenging territory, between elegance and practicality. Wettstein manages to avoid taking radical hazards and creates a sofa, understated and sober in its look, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Entea, Sofa/Daybed by Benedikt Fahlbush for CMX
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
An outstanding cozy sofa/daybed specially designed to provide maximum versatility and comfort to the ritual of relaxation, thanks to its wide dimensions and its mobile cushions it ca...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Textile, Upholstery, Synthetic, Cherry, Oak, Walnut

Vladimir Kagan for American Leather Curved 'Zoe' Sofa
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Embrace the epitome of iconic design with this stunning vintage Mid Century "Zoe" Sofa, an homage to the legendary Vladimir Kagan's signature aesthetics. Designed by Kagan for Americ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Suede

'Camaleonda' in Original Leather by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1976, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
If you are someone who seeks the absolute best of the best - this is for you. This is an all original modular Camaleonda sectional by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia made within the fir...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Erasmo leather sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Erasmo leather sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1960s Erasmo sofa in a very rare buffalo leather version, produced in the 1960s. Good condition, s...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Sayulita Modular Sofa - Made to Order
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W121 D40 H22 SH14 SD27 W61 H22 D13 Ottoman W26 H14 Handcrafted in house, The Sayulita Modular features interchangeable rectangular pieces that can be set up in various configurati...
Category

2010s Modern Sofas

Materials

Chenille

Frau Italian leather sofa by Tito Agnoli, Poppy model
Located in Milano, IT
Imagine entering a living room adorned with the epitome of sophistication and style. At the center of this refined environment is the exclusive Poppy seating set, a masterpiece designed by Tito Agnoli and made by Poltrona Frau. With its classic design and vintage charm, the Poppy sofa...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Delta Sofa - Modern Tangerine Orange Upholstered Two Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Sofa - Modern Lime Green Upholstered Three Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Sofa - Modern Turquoise Upholstered Three Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Sofa - Modern Purple Upholstered Three Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Sofa - Modern Tangerine Orange Upholstered Three Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Sofa - Modern Sky Blue Upholstered Two Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Sofa - Modern Purple Upholstered Two Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Sofa - Modern Raspberry Red Upholstered Two Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Sofa - Modern Lemon Yellow Upholstered Two Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Sofa - Modern Sky Blue Upholstered Three Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Sofa - Modern Raspberry Red Upholstered Three Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Sofa - Modern Violet Upholstered Three Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Sofa - Modern Ultra Violet Upholstered Three Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Delta Sofa - Modern Classic Blue Upholstered Three Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Modern sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern sofas 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 sofas created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern sofas made in a specific country, there are Europe, Portugal, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sofas, popular names associated with this style include De Sede, Finn Juhl, Stephen Kenn, 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 sofas differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $72 and tops out at $497,965 while the average work can sell for $9,554.

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