Boia Armchair by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Boia Armchair by Alva Design Dimensions: W 95 x D 90 x H 78 cm Materials: Solid Wood, Leather Upholstered seat.
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
Alva Design
Bo, Bench by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Bo - Bench by Alva Design Materials: Metalic and wooden structure, leather seat, brass spheres Dimensions: 182 x 40 x 40 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by ...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Benches
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mais, Desk by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mais - Desk by Alva Design Materials: Wood, MDF, Formica, Leather details Dimensions: 190 x 87 x 74 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Basto...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Bo, Stool by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Bo - stool by Alva Design Materials: Metalic and wooden structure, leather seat, brass spheres Dimensions: 60 x 40 x 40 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by b...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal, Brass
Cross Bookcase by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist and designer, and Marcelo Alvarenga, architect.
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Wood
Cerca Screen by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Cerca Screen by Alva Design Dimensions: D 3 x W 290 x H 185 cm.
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Brass
Soapstone Amorfo 01 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Amorfo 01 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 17 x H 25 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist and designer, an...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Vases
Materials
Soapstone
Soapstone Amorfo 05 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Soapstone Amorfo 05 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 35 x H 6 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist and designe...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Vases
Materials
Soapstone
Soapstone Amorfo 03 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Soapstone Amorfo 03 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 30 x H 11 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist and design...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Vases
Materials
Soapstone
Soapstone Amorfo 04 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Soapstone Amorfo 04 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 35 x h 6 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist and des...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Vases
Materials
Soapstone
Soapstone Amorfo 01 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Amorfo 01 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 17 x H 25 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist and designer, and Ma...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Vases
Materials
Soapstone
Soapstone Amorfo 07 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Soapstone Amorfo 07 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 40 x H 7 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist and des...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Vases
Materials
Soapstone
Soapstone Amorfo 08 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Soapstone Amorfo 08 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 20 x H 6 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist and designe...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Vases
Materials
Soapstone
Soapstone Amorfo 06 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Soapstone Amorfo 06 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 30 x H 11 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist and de...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Vases
Materials
Soapstone
Soapstone Amorfo 09 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Soapstone Amorfo 09 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 18 x H 15 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist and de...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Vases
Materials
Soapstone
Soapstone Amorfo 02 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Amorfo 02 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 25 x H 15 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist and designer, an...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Vases
Materials
Soapstone
Soapstone Amorfo 10 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Soapstone Amorfo 10 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 30 x h 25 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist and de...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Vases
Materials
Soapstone
Leva 50 - Table by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Leva 50 - Table by Alva Design Materials: Painted Metal, Stainless Steel Dimensions: 60 x 50 x 32 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos,...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Serving Tables
Materials
Metal, Stainless Steel
Leva 60, Table by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Leva 60 - Table by Alva Design Materials: Painted metal, stainless steel Dimensions: 643 x 60 x 32 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Serving Tables
Materials
Metal, Stainless Steel
Leva 40, Table by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Leva 40 - Table by Alva Design Materials: Painted metal, stainless steel Dimensions: 60 x 40 x 59 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos,...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Serving Tables
Materials
Metal, Stainless Steel
Úmero Coat Rack by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Infinito Soapstone and Brass Sculpture by Alva Design Dimensions: D 13 x W 47 x H 116 cm.
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Coat Racks and Stands
Materials
Soapstone, Brass
Finito Soapstone Sculpture by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Finito Soapstone Sculpture by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone. Dimensions: Ø 18 x H 45 cm.
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Ita 1, Soapstone Vase by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ita 1 - Soapstone vase by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone, brass Dimensions: 22 (Ø) x 32 (H) ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Vases
Materials
Soapstone
Mais, Dark Freijo Table, by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mais - Dark Freijo table - by Alva Design Materials: Natural or darkened Freijó + Granite (floral sandblasted green or red) Dimensions: 59 x 59 x 50 cm ALVA is a furniture and objec...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Side Tables
Materials
Granite
Ita 3, Soapstone Vase by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ita 3 - Soapstone vase by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone, solid wood, Dimensions: 24 (Ø) x 32 (H) ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, ...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Vases
Materials
Soapstone
Brota 2, Soapstone Vase by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brota 2 - Soapstone vase by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: 20 (Ø) x 30 (H) ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist and ...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Vases
Materials
Soapstone
Ita 2, Soapstone Vase by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ita 2 - soapstone vase by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone, brass Dimensions: 25 (Ø) x 32 (H) Alva is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Vases
Materials
Soapstone
Brota 3, Soapstone Vase by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brota 3 - Soapstone vase by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: 15 (Ø) x 40 (H) ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist ...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Vases
Materials
Soapstone
Brota 1, Soapstone Vase by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brota 1 - Soapstone vase by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: 28 (Ø) x 19 (H) ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist ...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Vases
Materials
Soapstone
Mais, Light Freijo Table, by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mais - Light Freijo table - by Alva Design Materials: Freijó wood Dimensions: 59 x 59 x 50 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Side Tables
Materials
Wood
Infinito Soapstone and Nickel Sculpture by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Infinito Soapstone and Nickel Sculpture by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone and nickel. Dimensions: Ø 18 x H 45 cm.
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone, Nickel
Infinito Soapstone and Brass Sculpture by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Finito Soapstone Sculpture by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone and nickel. Dimensions: Ø 18 x H 45 cm.
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone, Nickel
Pola Bar by Alva Design, Contemporary Brazilian Design
By Alva Design
Located in New York, NY
Cupboard cabinet and Bar, the "Pola Bar" is made of MDF board with natural wood finish and three colors of lacquer (blue, yellow and woody), glass doors and brass hinges. The two ...
Category
2010s Brazilian Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Wood Butterfly Hangers, Brazilian Contemporary Design, Alva Design
$2,300 / set
H 3.5 in W 2 in D 9.84 in
Wood Butterfly Hangers, Brazilian Contemporary Design, Alva Design
By Alva Design
Located in New York, NY
Landed on the wall like a butterfly, this hanger, besides being a beautiful decoration item, is always ready to hold clothes, bags and other objects from day to day. Models BO1, B...
Category
2010s Brazilian Coat Racks and Stands
Materials
Wood
Amparo Braúna and Bronze Stool by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Amparo Braúna and Bronze Stool by Alva Design Materials: solid wood (Braúna) and cast bronze.
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Stools
Materials
Bronze
Amparo Freijó and Bronze Stool by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Amparo Freijó and Bronze Stool by Alva Design Materials: solid wood (Freijó) and cast bronze.
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Stools
Materials
Bronze
Amparo Jequitibá and Iron Stool by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Amparo Jequitibá and Iron Stool by Alva Design Materials: blackened solid wood (Jequitibá) and iron.
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Stools
Materials
Iron
Mais, Light Freijo Table with Tabs, by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mais - light freijo table with tabs - by Alva Design Materials: Natural or darkened freijó + glass + granite (floral sandblasted green) Dimensions: 83 x 49 x 50 cm Alva is a furnitu...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Side Tables
Materials
Granite
Mais, Dark Freijo Table with Tabs, by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mais - dark Freijo table with tabs - by Alva Design Materials: Natural or darkened Freijó + glass + granite (floral sandblasted green) Dimensions: 83 x 49 x 50 cm Alva is a furnitur...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Side Tables
Materials
Granite
A Set of 3 Leva, Tables by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
A Set of 3 Leva - tables by Alva Design Materials: Painted Metal, Stainless Steel Dimensions: 643 x 60 x 32, 60 x 50 x 32, 60 x 40 x 59 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design off...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Serving Tables
Materials
Metal, Stainless Steel
Glass Shelves "Cross" by Alva Design, Contemporary Brazilian Design
$9,100 / item
H 71.66 in W 55.52 in D 16.23 in
Glass Shelves "Cross" by Alva Design, Contemporary Brazilian Design
By Alva Design
Located in New York, NY
This furniture came from the inversion of an idea, which was to create a shelf that reminds us of a "drusas", typical formations of some mineral crystals in which the contrast betwee...
Category
2010s Brazilian Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Wood
Amparo Jequitibá and Iron Tall Stool by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Amparo Jequitibá and Iron Tall Stool by Alva Design Materials: blackened solid wood (Jequitibá) and iron.
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Stools
Materials
Iron
Amparo Freijó and Bronze Tall Stool by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Amparo Freijó and Bronze Tall Stool by Alva Design Materials: solid wood (Freijó) and cast bronze.
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Stools
Materials
Bronze
Amparo Braúna and Bronze Tall Stool by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Amparo Braúna and Bronze Tall Stool by Alva Design Materials: solid wood (Braúna) and cast bronze.
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Stools
Materials
Bronze
“Embracing Nudes” Sculpture by Peggy Mach for Alva Museum Reproductions (AMR)
$1,200
H 13 in W 4 in D 3.5 in
“Embracing Nudes” Sculpture by Peggy Mach for Alva Museum Reproductions (AMR)
By Alva Museum Replicas, Inc., Peggy Mach
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking modernist sculpture titled "Embracing Nudes", designed by Peggy Mach and produced by Alva Museum Reproductions (AMR) in 1971.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Mehraban Alva, Faro Kilim
Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
Rug Number 28028 Size 9' 2" x 12' 5" Design Reference Alva Collection flat weaves Material cotton Texture flat weave Origin India Age type new.
Category
2010s Indian Indian Rugs
Materials
Cotton
Recent Sales
Brutalist Minimal Dining Chair Black Wengue Wood, White Velvet Seat
Unavailable
H 31.5 in W 15.75 in D 17.72 in
Brutalist Minimal Dining Chair Black Wengue Wood, White Velvet Seat
By Hommes Studio
Located in Porto, PT
Combining comfort and design, the Alva Chair is an ideal seating option that balances sophistication and functionality, effortlessly enhancing any modern dining space.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Minimalist Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Wenge
Alvar Aalto Nesting Tables Model 90C & 90D, Artek, Late 20th Century
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Nesting tables model 90C & 90D, designed by Alva Aalto, manufactured by Artek, Late 20th Century.
Category
Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Nesting Tables and Stackin...
Materials
Birch
Bo, Bench by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Bo - Bench by Alva Design Materials: Metalic and wooden structure, leather seat, brass spheres Dimensions: 182 x 40 x 40 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by ...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Benches
Materials
Metal, Brass
Bo, Stool by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Bo - stool by Alva Design Materials: Metalic and wooden structure, leather seat, brass spheres Dimensions: 60 x 40 x 40 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed ...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal, Brass
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Clairtone Project G2 Series T11 Console Stereo System & Garrard Turntable
$30,000
H 24.25 in W 78.5 in D 9.25 in
Clairtone Project G2 Series T11 Console Stereo System & Garrard Turntable
By Clairtone
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
On offer is a rare completely original Clairtone G2 Series Home Stereo System from 1966 featuring two distinct exotic wooden boxes one that houses the tuner and the turntable both pr...
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Geometric Mid Century Open Bookcase
Located in Westwood, NJ
Finished in Batavia Black with a Sandbar finish interior, this bookcase showcases rhythmic, crescent-shaped oval cut-outs that form an architectural silhouette—an homage to the sculp...
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21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
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Custom Made Oak and Velvet Bench by Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Bench designed by Danish master Kai Kristiansen in the 1950s and now produced under license by Dagmar. Hand-made to order, this upholstered bench has a fumed and oiled oak frame. Th...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Tables
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Eight Mid Century Modern Bumerang Chairs, Brown Beige Velvet, Poland, 1960s
$7,552 / set
H 31.5 in W 18.9 in D 16.54 in
Eight Mid Century Modern Bumerang Chairs, Brown Beige Velvet, Poland, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The “Bumerang Chair” is a characteristic piece of furniture from the Polish People’s Republic (PRL) era. Its name comes from the distinctive shape of the backrest, resembling a boome...
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Materials
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Frosted Murano Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Frosted Murano glass wall sconces with brass hardware holding four sources of light.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
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Flush Mount Brass and Glass Chandelier 8 Arms, Stilnovo Style, Low Ceiling Best
$3,304 / item
H 12.6 in W 28.35 in D 36.23 in
Flush Mount Brass and Glass Chandelier 8 Arms, Stilnovo Style, Low Ceiling Best
By Silvio Piattelli, Stilnovo
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This chandelier is specifically designed for low ceilings, with a height of only 13 inches (32 cm). The arms and shade holders are made of brass, while the central part is made of me...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Materials
Metal, Brass
Sasco Semi-Flush Mount Brass Light Fixture, Custom Finishes
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
The Sasco is a versatile custom-made solid brass and glass globe light fixture, which can be mounted on the ceiling or wall. Shown here in our factory brass, an uneven unfinished br...
Category
2010s American Flush Mount
Materials
Brass
Inez Modern Barstool or Counter Stool with Swivel
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Located in Baltimore City, MD
Inez Stool by Crump and Kwash Carved solid wood seat and base / hand rubbed zero VOC oil finish / solid steel construction / 360 degree rotating seat top. Offered in barstool (30...
Category
2010s American Modern Stools
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Mexican Modern Coffee Table
Located in Houston, TX
Mexican Modern Coffee Table. This stunning Mexican mid century modern cocktail table, coffee table or low table has a boomerang shaped top with tapered legs and a beautifully decorat...
Category
Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Shagreen, Walnut
Contemporary Mexican Design Handcrafted Wood Cabinet Carmen, Mirror
$12,200 / item
H 43.31 in W 17.72 in D 35.44 in
Contemporary Mexican Design Handcrafted Wood Cabinet Carmen, Mirror
By Comité de Proyectos
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Carmen is a bartender, a storage cabinet with a functional design. Inside, it has a pair of drawers for storing objects, space for bottles, compartments for glasses and a cup holder...
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2010s Mexican Modern Cabinets
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Steel
ShiLU Sconce
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Part of Lumfardo Luminaries contemporary collection, the ShiLU Sconce is a fully Directional reading sconce crafted from patinated brass and steel hardware and fabric shade. Classic ...
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The 'Matisse' Etagere
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Organic Modern Table Lamp Sculptural Parota Wood Base
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Located in San Antonio, TX
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Contemporary Brutalist Style Bench in Solid Oak and Wool Bouclé, Italy
$3,423
H 19.69 in W 63 in D 18.51 in
Contemporary Brutalist Style Bench in Solid Oak and Wool Bouclé, Italy
Located in Ibiza, Spain
This contemporary bench embodies the raw elegance of Brutalist-inspired design. Handcrafted in Italy from solid oak, its sculptural presence is defined by bold, cylindrical legs and ...
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Brutalist Benches
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Rúna White Oiled Solid Oak Desk by Warm Nordic
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Large Raul Reyes 'Rey 26' Perforated Patinated Brass Dome Chandelier
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Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Alva Design", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
Alva Design For Sale on 1stDibs
Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the alva design you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of soapstone, stone and glass, every alva design was constructed with great care. There are 2 variations of the antique or vintage alva design you’re looking for, while we also have 11 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a alva design — find older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A alva design is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Modern and Mid-Century Modern styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one alva design that is appealing in its simplicity, but Alva Design, Design M and Ingo Maurer produced versions that are worth a look.
How Much is a Alva Design?
The average selling price for a alva design at 1stDibs is $1,200, while they’re typically $173 on the low end and $9,500 for the highest priced.
A Close Look at Modern Furniture
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 chair — crafted 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.
On the Origins of Brazil
More often than not, vintage mid-century Brazilian furniture designs, with their gleaming wood, soft leathers and inviting shapes, share a sensuous, unique quality that distinguishes them from the more rectilinear output of American and Scandinavian makers of the same era.
Commencing in the 1940s and '50s, a group of architects and designers transformed the local cultural landscape in Brazil, merging the modernist vernacular popular in Europe and the United States with the South American country's traditional techniques and indigenous materials.
Key mid-century influencers on Brazilian furniture design include natives Oscar Niemeyer, Sergio Rodrigues and José Zanine Caldas as well as such European immigrants as Joaquim Tenreiro, Jean Gillon and Jorge Zalszupin. These creators frequently collaborated; for instance, Niemeyer, an internationally acclaimed architect, commissioned many of them to furnish his residential and institutional buildings.
The popularity of Brazilian modern furniture has made household names of these designers and other greats. Their particular brand of modernism is characterized by an émigré point of view (some were Lithuanian, German, Polish, Ukrainian, Portuguese, and Italian), a preference for highly figured indigenous Brazilian woods, a reverence for nature as an inspiration and an atelier or small-production mentality.
Hallmarks of Brazilian mid-century design include smooth, sculptural forms and the use of native woods like rosewood, jacaranda and pequi. The work of designers today exhibits many of the same qualities, though with a marked interest in exploring new materials (witness the Campana Brothers' stuffed-animal chairs) and an emphasis on looking inward rather than to other countries for inspiration.
Find a collection of vintage Brazilian furniture on 1stDibs that includes chairs, sofas, tables and more.
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After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.
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