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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Minimalist three 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 Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Vintage Baker Furniture Laura Kirar Modern Black Leather 3 Seater Neue Sofa
Located in Dayton, OH
Laura Kirar for Baker Furniture Neue Sofa. Features a black leather frame with swoop arms on an espresso cradle. A three seat design with gray seat cushions and back rests. An elegan...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Suede

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 Sofas

Materials

Leather, Ash

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 Sofas

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Minimalist one 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 Sofas

Materials

Ash, Leather

Minimalist one 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 Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

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 Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

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 Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Ash

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 Sofas

Materials

Fabric, 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 Sofas

Materials

Leather, Ash

Minimalist one 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 Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

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 Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

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 Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Ash

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 Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

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 Sofas

Materials

Leather, Walnut

1960s Nicos Zographos CH28 Ribbon 3-Seat Sofa in Brown Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a notable and very rare Nicos Zographos CH28 ribbon three-seater sofa in brown leather, produced by Nicos Zographos Designs Inc. The custom fabricate and polished ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

Minimalist two 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 Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

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 Sofas

Materials

Ash, Leather

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 Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Ash

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 Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Unusual Sculpted Sculptural Modern Contemporary Hollywood Regency Sofa
Located in Wayne, NJ
Sculpted sculptural modern contemporary sofa.
Category

1990s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Grey Outdoor Weather Resistant Hanging Sofa
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Fable Outdoor Hanging Sofa Designed to be enjoyed in good company, this 21st century contemporary outdoor hanging sofa keeps the beautiful metallic detai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

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 Sofas

Materials

Metal

DOVE 2-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 Sofas

Materials

Metal

2007 Herman Miller Eames Two-Seat Sofa in Brown Leather and Walnut, Model ES108
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Two-Seat Sofa / Settee, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1978. The design is rather special as it is the last piece of furniture produced by the Eames Office, which com...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum

Brown Leather Outdoor Weather Resistant Hanging Sofa
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Fable Outdoor Hanging Sofa Designed to be enjoyed in good company, this 21st century contemporary outdoor hanging sofa keeps the beautiful metallic detai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

White Outdoor Weather Resistant Hanging Sofa with Brown Leather Details
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Fable Outdoor Hanging Sofa Designed to be enjoyed in good company, this 21st century contemporary outdoor hanging sofa keeps the beautiful metallic details and the high-resistance m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

1950s Florence Knoll Associates Three Seat Sofa Redone by East Penn Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original Florence Knoll three-seater sofa, designed by the renowned Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll Associates. This example was produced during the later ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Leather Outdoor Weather Resistant Hanging Sofa
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Fable Outdoor Hanging Sofa Designed to be enjoyed in good company, this 21st century contemporary outdoor hanging sofa keeps the beautiful metallic detai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

Italian modern red sofas Marenco by Mario Marenco for Arflex, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern red sofas Marenco by Mario Marenco for Arflex, 1970s Pair of red sofas mod. Marenco. The rectangular seats of the sofas are made up of...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Carlo Scarpa Cornaro sofa for Gavina, Italy 1970s
Located in London, GB
Carlo Scarpa (1906-1978) was an architect who mastered materials, detail, and light. He is most famous for Castelvecchio Museum in Verona, the Olivetti showroom in Venice and the Brion Tomb in San Vito d’Altivole. The Cornaro sofa embodies the intentions of its designer to combine Japanese minimalism...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Mohair, Wood

Preview Cloud Vladimir Kagan Style Organic Shape Sofa
Located in Toledo, OH
Organic cloud shape sofa circa 1990's by Preview Furniture. Very nice upholstery with small pattern.
Category

20th Century North American Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Augustin Sectional Sofa, Cream, France, 2016.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Augustin Sectional Sofa, Cream, France, 2016. (Left-arm facing sectional sofa) Iconic design from the master of Modern Minimalism Christian Liaigre (1943-2020). Christian Liaigre was born in the Vendée region of France where he grew up on his parent’s farm. Christian’s parents bred horses, a detail that has had a substantial influence in his work which has been described as having “strong equestrian flavor.” As a young man he attended the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studied painting. By the early 60’s he returned to Vendée where he worked on his parent’s farm – perhaps re-opening his eyes to the beauty of country living. In the early 1970’s, Liaigre returned to Paris where he worked as a design director at Nobilis Fontan. Eventually, he left Nobilis, as they wouldn’t allow him to show his own furniture. The joke was on them when he opened his own Parisian design studio in the late 80’s. In 1985, he opened his first store, and he designed the Hôtel Montalembert in 1990. In 1997, he designed The Mercer Hotel in New York City. His clients included Larry Gagosian, Marina Abramović, Bryan Adams...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile

B&B Italia Two Piece "Bend" Sofa by Patricia Urquiola, 2010, off White, Signed
Located in Kansas City, MO
"Bend" sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia, 2010. This example was purchased five years ago. It has has very little use, but does have a few very small spots which you ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

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

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood, Oak, Velvet

1960s Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll International Brown Leather Three Seat Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous Model No. 263 three-seater sofa, designed by Mies Van Der Rohe and produced by Knoll International. These pieces were produced in the late 1960's to ear...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Modern Minho Day Bed, HOLLY HUNT Indigo, 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Vintage George Smith Kilim Upholstered Three Seat Couch or Sofa Feather Cushions
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original George Smith three seat sofa with the period Kilim upholstery and feather filled cushions A stunning sofa which is one of G...
Category

2010s English Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

‘Fantasy Island’ 2-seater sofa by Kurt Bayer, 1980's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
A magnificent "Fantasy Island" 2-seat sofa by Kurt Bayer, Germany 1980's. This sculptural sofa is made of wood, steel and leather, a beautiful combination. ...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Modern Twins Curved Couch, Mint Green Velvet, Handmade in 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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Oak

Minotti “Spencer” Three Seat Sofa by Rodolfo Dordoni
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a "Spencer" three seat sofa, designed by Rodolfo Dordoni and produced by Minotti. The sofa was produced circa 2020 and appears to have only been lightly used. Condition overa...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum

Organic Modern Twins Sofa, DEDAR Beige Mohair, 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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Lacquer, Velvet, Mohair, Leather, Wood, Bouclé, Fabric

Bertu Outdoor Sofa, Outdoor Slatted Sofa, Large Sofa, Suelo
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Outdoor Sofa, Outdoor Slatted Sofa, Large Sofa, Suelo This Large Outdoor Slatted Suelo Sofa is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. ...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

1960's Knut Saeter Rosewood Sofa for Vatne Mobler Norway New Black Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous and authentic Knut Saeter rosewood sofa, produced by Vatne Mobler. This example has just been freshly reupholst...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Faux Leather, Rosewood

21st Century Ease Sofa in Cream Velvet by Etro Home Interiors
By Etro
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
A modern and essential design for the Ease sofa. The presence of large cushions amplifies the feeling of comfort, while the possibility of adding storage elements, trays and small ta...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

2010s Vitra Alcove Love Seat in Fabric by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Vitra Alcove love seats in green and gray fabric, designed by Erwan and Ronan Bouroullec, produced by Vitra. Production of this line sta...
Category

2010s German Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Baika Beige Velvet Three Seater Sofa with Wooden Detail
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Baika 3 seater sofa, elegantly encased in dark chestnut wood, becomes the most understated yet striking piece in your home. This unique sofa captivates attention with its distinctive...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Velvet, Foam

2012 Florence Knoll 3 Seat Leather Sofa w/ Custom Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a classic Three Seat Sofa designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll in 2012. The sofa was custom ordered for the executive suite of a corporate office in New York City...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

2010 Poltrona Frau Kennedee Sofa / Sectional by Jean-Marie Massaud in Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a ‘Kennedee’ sofa, initially designed by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau in 2006. This particular sofa was manufactured in Italy in 2010. The piece features a hand-stitc...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

1964 Eames for Herman Miller 3473 Sofa with Fresh Black Naugahyde Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 3473 sofa, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1964. It is constructed from aluminum, iron, and plywood. It was recently recovered (2021) in b...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum, Iron

Modern Grass Armchair, Terracotta Jacquard, 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

Chenille, Wool, Oak, Faux Fur

Spirit Sofa by John Hutton
Located in San Francisco, CA
A “spirit” sofa by John Hutton for Dohghia. Covered in a deep rust colored velvet with decorative velvet rosettes across the back. Retains Donghia label. ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

2020 Vitra Alcove Seating by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec in Orange Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a custom c-shaped high Alcove sofa, designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, produced by Vitra in Germany. It was acquired directly from Vitra, when...
Category

2010s German Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

2022 Florence Knoll Two Seat Settee / Loveseat Sofa in Green Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a two-seater ‘Florence Knoll’ settee sofa, model 1205S2. The piece was originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1954. This example dates to 2022, and is upholstered in its or...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

2 Contemporary Overstuffed Cotton Upholstered Rolled Arm Lounge Sofa Couch 90"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage pair of two contemporary / modern lounge sofas featuring plush overstuffed rolled arm design with off white cotton fabric, skirted base and lumbar pillows. Attributed to Tay...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Dust Sofa, Small with Beech Brown
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Curve Three-Seater Sofa by Hessentia in Bouclè fabric Mink colour
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

2006 Herman Miller Ray and Charles Eames Sofa Compact Purple Fabric Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original Herman Miller Eames Sofa Compact designed by Ray and Charles Eames. The sofa compact was designed to be as eff...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

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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