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International Style Seating

INTERNATIONAL STYLE

The International Style, a modernist movement within architecture and furniture design that was given its name by American architect Philip Johnson and historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock, was born during the 1920s and ’30s. It gained steam initially in Europe and then in the United States as a response to the first World War. Building projects associated with the movement, as well as vintage International Style chairs, tables and other furnishings, are minimal and pared back. 

Pioneers of the International Style — architect Walter Gropius and his Bauhaus colleagues Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, De Stijl advocate and Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and visionary designer Le Corbusier — stripped away decorative elements and placed considerable value on functionality and clean lines, integrating the use of industrial materials like steel, concrete and large sheets of glass in their work. Quite aptly, this mode of design and architectural style coincided with an era now known as the Machine Age and became a global symbol of modernism. The primary motive of its practitioners was to address the changing needs of a rapidly industrializing society, especially the demand for office complexes and apartments in large cities, through economical, technologically advanced, yet aesthetically pleasing designs for furniture and buildings. 

“Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep,” said Le Corbusier of the philosophy behind his practical modernist architecture

The International Style’s designers and architects were inspired by the advantages afforded them by the era’s new technology and industrial machinery as well as state-of-the-art materials. Le Corbusier was fond of framing his buildings in steel but reinforced concrete made far more economic sense. He is probably most admired for the iconic private homes and commercial buildings that he designed or codesigned with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, which are spread across the world, from New York City to Paris to Chandigarh, India. Today, Breuer’s Wassily Lounge chair; the elegant LC series created by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand; and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich, are emblems of progressive modernist design and all make prominent use of tubular steel. Vintage originals are the prized cornerstone of collections.

“The International Style is probably the first fundamentally original and widely distributed style since the Gothic,” posited Johnson in the book that accompanied “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition,” an architectural show he cocurated with Hitchcock that featured the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra and others. While the term “International Style” had previously been circulating in Europe, when the show opened at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, it yielded a much broader application of this important style of design. 

Find International Style furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: International Style
Modern Italian White Polypropylene Chair from Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
This white Polypropylene chair is stackable and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Designed by Pocci&Dondoli it is easy, plain, actual. Gipsy chair is a passkey for every envi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Wooden Chair from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Daniele Molteni, Alfa is a chair with walnut solid wood frame and a characteristic lapel on the back, a chic detail of timeless elegance. The Bontempi Casa solid wood fra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Cotton, Wood

Modern Italian Completly Upholstered Hide Leather Chair-Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Daniele Molteni, Linda chair is part of a whole family of chairs and stools. This Linda chair, with high back, has a metal frame completely upholstered and covered in Blu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Chair with Wooden Frame and Upholstered Seat, Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Pocci&Dondoli, this chair is part of a family of seats that are rich of fashion and characterised by an elegant design in each detail. The wrinkles of seat and back are s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Cotton, Faux Leather, Wood

Modern Italian Chair in Metal, Wood and Polypropylene from Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Studio E-ggs, Polo chair is characterised by solid and welcoming shapes, fluid lines which recall 50s' design, and it is part of a collection of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian White Polypropylene Chair from Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
This white polypropylene chair is stackable and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Designed by Pocci & Dondoli, aqua is suitable for both inside and outside use, it has an integral...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Other

Modern Italian Chair in Metal, Wood and Polypropylene from Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Studio E-ggs, Polo chair is characterised by solid and welcoming shapes, fluid lines which recall 50s' design, and it is part of a collection of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Chair with Metal Frame and Upholstered Seat, Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Bontempi Casa, Kuga Slim chair represents a modern reinterpretation of a Classic and rigorous seat which, thanks to the comfortable padding, enhances absolute comfort in ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Swivel Upholstered Stool from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Bontempi Casa, Clara stool is a swivel barstool with metal frame, gas lift piston and adjustable height. Combining classical style and modern design, it can be matched wi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal, Other

Modern Italian Eco Leather and Lacquered Metal Chair, Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Bontempi Casa, Nata chair combines comfort and simple lines. Its frame is in Anthracite lacquered metal, which is obtained folding and manufacturing the raw material to a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Swivel Upholstered Stool from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Bontempi Casa, Clara stool is a swivel barstool with lacquered metal frame, gas lift piston and adjustable height. Combining classical style and modern design, it can be ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal, Other

Modern Italian Completly Upholstered Hide Leather Chair-Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Daniele Molteni, Linda chair is part of a whole family of chairs and stools. This Linda chair, with high back, has a metal frame completely upholstered and covered in Whi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

NY Folding Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Takeshi Nii, Japan, c. 1950's
Located in Deland, FL
A permanent part of the collection of MOMA, the ‘NY’ chair is a highly respected example of modern design. First produced in 1958 by Japanese designer Takeshi Nii, the layout of the ...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage International Style Seating

Materials

Chrome

Modern Italian Light Grey Polypropylene Stool from Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
This light grey Polypropylene stool is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Designed by Pocci&Dondoli, Galaxy is aesthetics, strength and functionality.The graphic decoration of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Plastic, Fiberglass

Modern Italian Completely Upholstered Stool from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Daniele Molteni, Linda stool is part of a whole family of chairs and stools. This low Linda stool has a metal frame completely upholstered and covered in Anthracite hide ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal, Other

Modern Italian Completely Upholstered Stool from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Daniele Molteni, Linda stool is part of a whole family of chairs and stools. This low Linda stool has a metal frame completely upholstered and covered in Black hide leath...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal, Other

Modern Italian Swivel Upholstered Stool from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Bontempi Casa, Kuga stool, which can be combined with the chairs of the same collection, is a swivel barstool with chromed metal frame, gas lift piston and adjustable hei...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal, Other

Modern Italian Completly Upholstered Hide Leather Chair-Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Daniele Molteni, Linda chair is part of a whole family of chairs and stools. This Linda chair, with high back, has a metal frame completely upholstered and covered in Ant...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Upholstered Stool from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Bontempi Casa, Kuga stool, which can be combined with the chairs of the same collection, represents a modern reinterpretation of a classic and rigorous seat that ensures ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal, Other

Modern Italian Completely Upholstered Stool from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Daniele Molteni, Linda stool is part of a whole family of chairs and stools. This low Linda stool has a metal frame completely upholstered and covered in Sand hide leathe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal, Other

Modern Italian Chair with Wooden Frame and Upholstered Seat, Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Bontempi Casa, Kuga chair represents a modern reinterpretation of a classic and rigorous seat which, thanks to the comfortable padding, enhances absolute comfort in a per...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Cotton, Faux Leather, Wood

Modern Italian Chair with Wooden Frame and Upholstered Seat, Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Bontempi Casa, Kuga chair represents a modern reinterpretation of a classic and rigorous seat which, thanks to the comfortable padding, enhances absolute comfort in a per...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Cotton, Wood, Faux Leather

Modern Italian Chair with Metal Frame and Upholstered Seat, Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Pocci&Dondoli, the Drop chair has folds on the back making it a masterpiece of tailor-making, it gives you the feel of a hug when you are sittin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Swivel Upholstered Stool from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Bontempi Casa, Clara stool is a swivel barstool with metal frame, gas lift piston and adjustable height. Combining classical style and modern design, it can be matched wi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal, Other

Modern Italian Chair with Wooden Frame and Upholstered Seat, Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Bontempi Casa, Margot chair has a contemporary and precious line, enriched with solid wood legs and eco leather seat and back. Its frame is in Walnut solid wood. Bontempi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Cotton, Faux Leather, Wood

Modern Italian Chair with Wooden Frame and Upholstered Seat, Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Pocci&Dondoli, the Drop chair has folds on the back making it a masterpiece of tailor-making, it gives you the feel of a hug when you are sitti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Cotton, Wood, Synthetic

Modern Italian White Polypropylene Chair from Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
This white polypropylene chair is stackable and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Designed by Pocci&Dondoli, galaxy is aesthetics, strength and functionality. The graphic decorati...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Chair with Wooden Frame and Upholstered Seat, Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Bontempi Casa, this chair has a seat with a soft shape to create a new timeless classic. The shape of the body is artistically designed and recalls a historical memory up...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Cotton, Wood, Faux Leather

Modern Italian Yellow Mustard Polypropylene Chair from Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
This yellow Mustard Polypropylene chair is Stackable and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Designed by Pocci&Dondoli, Galaxy is aesthetics, stre...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Completly Upholstered Eco Leather Chair-Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Bontempi Casa, this chair is characterised by a Classic style blended with a modern design resulting in an exceptional mix, giving life to a chair with a sophisticated ch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Polypropylene Stool from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Design by Pocci&Dondoli. A polypropylene shell characterised by soft and enveloping lines resting on a solid metal structure give life to Eva, a stool ready to furnish any space. The...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Swivel Polypropylene Stool from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Yoshino Toshiyuki, Shark is a swivel barstool with chrome metal frame, gas lift piston and adjustable height. The oval opening gives to Shark stool personality and determ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Completly Upholstered Eco Leather Chair-Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Bontempi Casa, this chair is characterised by a Classic style blended with a modern design resulting in an exceptional mix, giving life to a chair with a sophisticated ch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Swivel Polypropylene Stool from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
"Designed by Yoshino Toshiyuki, Shark is a swivel barstool with chromed metal frame, gas lift piston and adjustable height. The oval opening gives to Shark stool personality and dete...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Swivel Upholstered Stool from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Bontempi Casa, Chantal stool is a swivel barstool with lacquered metal frame, gas lift piston and adjustable height. The proportion of shapes of this barstool delights yo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal, Other

Modern Italian Light Grey Polypropylene Chair from Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
This light grey Polypropylene chair is Stackable and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Designed by Pocci&Dondoli, Galaxy is aesthetics, strength...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Completly Upholstered Eco Leather Chair-Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Bontempi Casa, the Nata flex chair boasts great ergonomics and comfort, and improves the time spent sitting thanks to the delicate flexible movement of the back. This cha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Upholstered Chair from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Bontempi Casa, this chair has a seat with a soft shape to create a new timeless classic. The shape of the body is artistically designed and recalls a historical memory up...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal, Other

Pr. Cube Form Club Chairs by Charles Pfister for Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of leather club chairs designed by Charles Pfister for Knoll. Executed in grayish blue leather, close to a slate blue in tone. Chairs are matching in color, they appear different in the pictures as a result of uneven lighting. The chairs are in very good, original condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age. Priced and offered as a pair, please view the matching loveseat we have listed separately at Barbarella Home...
Category

Late 20th Century American International Style Seating

Materials

Leather

Modern Italian Chair in Lacquered Metal and Polypropylene, Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Pocci&Dondoli, this is a stackable chair composed of a polypropylene shell with soft and enveloping lines resting on a solid aluminum lacquered metal frame, this finish i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Solida Stool, by Rain, Contemporary Stool, Solid Garapá Wood
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Sólida series’ main characteristic is the synthetic character of its design contrasted with the use of a natural material. Each piece in the collection is composed of two or thre...
Category

2010s Brazilian International Style Seating

Materials

Wood

Modern Italian Chair in Lacquered Metal and Polypropylene, Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Pocci&Dondoli, this is a stackable chair composed of a polypropylene shell with soft and enveloping lines resting on a solid Natural Silver lacquered metal frame, which i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Italian Modern Sling Sofa with Iron Frame and Original Red Upholstery, c. 1970s
Located in Deland, FL
Attention designers! An Italian sling sofa in original red velvet upholstery set on an architectural tubular metal bases. The lines are exceptional. Every angle is a good angle. Superb as-is, this sofa is also a great candidate for re-upholstery in a fabric of your choice. Perfect in a studio, home or office setting this captivating minimal sofa...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage International Style Seating

Materials

Fabric

Modern Italian Completly Upholstered Chair from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Strong character and linearity of the forms for a refined and elegant style. The Malik chair, with the possibility of quilted back, is completly upholstered in light grey eco leather...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Completly Upholstered Chair from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Classic style and modern design blend together in an exceptional mix, giving life to a chair with a sophisticated character that awakens a pleasant nostalgia for the past. The quilte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Swivel Armchair in Statuario Rock Fabric, Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Harmony, discretion, softness, hospitality. There are endless references to describe this armchair designed by a line that follows itself gently, without ever stopping. A stressless ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Swivel Armchair in Herring Gourmet Fabric, Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Harmony, discretion, softness, hospitality. There are endless references to describe this armchair designed by a line that follows itself gently, without ever stopping. A stressless ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Modern Italian Upholstered Chair from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Kuga represents a modern reinterpretation of a classic and rigorous seat which, thanks to the comfortable padding, enhances absolute comfort in a perfect stylistic balance. This Chai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Loveseat in Solid Fruitwood & Leather by Angel Pazmino, Ecuador, c. 1960's
Located in Deland, FL
As rare as it is aesthetically captivating this stunningly unique mid century modern two-seater sofa by Ecuador’s Angel Pazmino is the epitome of functional art. Crafted by artisans from tropical hardwoods with hand-tooled leather slings this exquisite sofa is sure to steal the show in any space it inhabits. Ideal for both studio and home settings this truly extraordinary sofa is perfect for a myriad of design aesthetics from Spanish Hacienda...
Category

1960s Ecuadorean Vintage International Style Seating

Materials

Fruitwood

Rare Yugoslavian Windsor Tall Spindle Back Armchair in Beech, Slovenia 1950s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a Yugoslavian Windsor Armchair in Beech, manufactured in Yugoslavia in 1950s. It features tall spindle back, making it one of the rarest models in the l...
Category

1950s Slovenian Vintage International Style Seating

Materials

Beech

Porto Bench, by RAIN, Contemporary Bench, Laminated Oak Wood
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Porto low tables are composed of a circular top that seems to rest on a sturdy oblong base. Lightness and weight overlap creating a harmonic and unconventional monoblock. The unagreement between the geometry of the elements generates irregular pieces capable of evoking movement, as they elude the gaze, changing according to the viewing angle. The tables give continuity to the Porto collection, whose inspiration comes from the weight and scale...
Category

2010s Brazilian International Style Seating

Materials

Wood

Office Chair, International Style Wooden Adjustable Office Chair
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in the 19th century. In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria. Today, it is the key element for those who spend long hours in the office. Office chair consists of a solid walnut/oak/plywood body, leather/cashmere upholstery, and metal base with a glossy finish. Adjustable office chair...
Category

Early 2000s Turkish International Style Seating

Materials

Leather, Oak, Walnut

Classic International Style Navy Mohair Armless Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A well made and impeccably Custom Upholstered Sofa in the International Style. With a contrasting Black Lacquer Frame and Antique Style tapering bulbous carved legs. The Navy Mohair...
Category

20th Century International Style Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of Rattan Chaise Lounge Chairs Tito Agnoli for Pierantonio Bonacina, c 1963
Located in Deland, FL
Constructed from bamboo and rattan and consistent with the line, shape and period materials of Italian designer, Tito Agnoli, for Pierantonio Bonacina, Circa 1963. ---Dimensions--- ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage International Style Seating

Materials

Bamboo

Set of Four '4' Italian Dining Chairs Attributed to Otto Gerdau, Italy, c. 1970s
Located in Deland, FL
Attention designers! This ultra-stylish set of stacking accent chairs is the epitome of functional art featuring newly reupholstered hair on hide seats and seatbacks. With fabulous, ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage International Style Seating

Materials

Chrome

Contemporary Italian Purple Setee Sofa After Guglielmo Ulrich with Oak Frame
Located in Deland, FL
This fabulous loveseat is the perfect amalgamation of Italian styling fused with Scandinavian Minimalism. Though sleek and petite, this extraor...
Category

1990s Unknown International Style Seating

Materials

Oak

Chaise en Tube Métallique
Located in PARIS, FR
Chaise en tube métallique cintré et chromé formant les accoudoirs et traversant l'assise en métal à maille carrée reposant sur quatre pieds laqués. Deux pieds carrés noirs à l'arri...
Category

Mid-20th Century International Style Seating

Materials

Metal

Custom Bench Upholstered with a Vintage Peruvian Rug
Located in Oakville, ON
This bench/ottomant has been custom made, using solid wood base, the legs have been ebonized. it has been upholstered with a colorful hand crafted vintage rug from Peru.
Category

Mid-20th Century Peruvian International Style Seating

Materials

Wool

International Style seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique International Style 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, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used International Style seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Bontempi Casa, Knoll, kontra, and Alexander Diaz Andersson. 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 $209 and tops out at $60,000 while the average work can sell for $2,167.

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