Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is the difference between modern furniture and old furniture?
1 Answer

The difference between modern furniture and old furniture is in the specificity of the term. Generally, pieces considered modern date from between the end of World War II in 1945 and the end of the 1970s. During this period, more furniture makers mass produced pieces, and designers increasingly used new materials, such as plywood and plastic. Old furniture is not a specific term. People frequently use the term old for anything that subjectively appears aged. Explore a large selection of modern furniture on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
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Shop for Modern Furniture on 1stDibs
Getsuen "Lily" Chair by EDRA in Red velvet by Masanori Umeda
By Edra, Masanori Umeda
Located in Rhinebeck, NY
Lily-shaped armchair, delicate in appearance, but concealing a solid hand-shaped steel structure. High technology combined with skilled craftsmanship.
Getsuen “Lily” Chair...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet
Perícia credenza
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
PERICIA CREDENZA, designed in 2025.
Handmade by skilled artisans in solid oak. The credenza has intricate joining details based on traditional Portuguese craftmenship.. 
Bespoke di...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Credenzas
Materials
Oak
$18,783 / item
Contemporary Voluminous 2-seater Sofa with Rounded Contours By Carlos Soriano
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Contemporary minimalist modular 2-seater sofa with rounded contours. The sofa is upholstered in a deep navy blue velvet. It consists of three connected modules, giving it a symmetric...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Casey Lurie Studio Modern "Primo" Shelving System in Walnut & Brass with Cabinet
By Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
“Shelving can be the most mundane thing you own, or it can be the beautiful bones of a room as pleasing to see as anything it displays. Casey Lurie’s Primo system would be the latter...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal, Brass, Stainless Steel
$10,160 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Terzani “Solune” Suspension Lamp Pendant by Jean-François Crochet, Italy, 1990s
Located in Lisse, NL
A refined and atmospheric suspended lamp designed by Jean-François Crochet for Terzani, Florence, Italy. This elegant piece, model Ref. 0F61S, exemplifies Terzani’s mastery in combin...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Iron
Arouca Table Light
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
AROUCA TABLE LIGHT, designed in 2024.
Artisanal table light with a cube ceramic base, made in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. Each piece is unique due to its handmade nature, s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Ceramic, Linen
$1,080 / item


