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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Handmade Brass Tray, Tutti Frutti, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Brass Tray, Tutti Frutti, Viya by Vikram Goyal Tray in brass. Handmade in India. Forget the Maharajas’ necklace; these brass beauties are a cocktail of reinvention. Semi-p...
Brass
Decorative Brass Tray Table, Harihar Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Tray Table, Harihar Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal Tray Table in brass. Handmade in India. Changing ownership over the course of history- from the Marathas to the Sul...
Brass
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Rectangular Large A - Color: Wine
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Modern Silhueta Marble Console Table, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Silhueta Console Table, Modern Collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Silhueta stone console table celebrates the fluid forms and organic elegance of ...
Marble, Brass
21st Century Jane Serving Tray Handmade with Italian Leather
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Simple yet stylish. The rectangular wooden structure with round corners is covered with soft hand-stitched calfskin leather. Available in 4 different sizes, Jane tray has a non-sl...
Leather, Wood
$1,085 / item
Brass Tray Table, Namsai Large, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Tray Table, Namsai Large, Viya by Vikram Goyal Tray table in brass. Handmade in India. A craft that naturally adheres to restraint and rhythm, cane weaving moves with quiet p...
Brass
Boho Chic Rattan Tray With Handles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Boho Chic style rattan tray. Great addition to your tables and bed.
Rattan
Handmade Brass Tray Table, Harihar Bronze Tall, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Brass Tray Table, Harihar Bronze Tall, Viya by Vikram Goyal Tray table in brass. Handmade in India. Changing ownership over the course of history—from the Marathas to the ...
Brass
21st Century Foscari Serving Leather Tray with Brass Handles Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Foscari, here is one of the latest releases of Pinetti trays collection. Available in a choice of chic shades, Foscari trays are a stylish accessory i...
Brass
Handmade Brass Tray Table, Harihar Medium, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Brass Tray Table, Harihar Medium, Viya by Vikram Goyal Tray table in brass. Handmade in India. Changing ownership over the course of history—from the Marathas to the Sulta...
Brass
21st Century Venaria Serving Leather Tray with Brass Handles Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Elegant, timeless and endlessly chic. These are the new Venaria trays by Pinetti, a sophisticated addition to our tabletop collection, even more strong thanks to the aluminium compos...
Aluminum, Brass
French, Vintage, Purple Lucite Tray Table, Circa 1980
Located in Austin, TX
Tray table from France featuring a chrome x-shape base that folds out to support a purple Lucite tray top. The Lucite tray is framed with chrome trim and features a textured pattern ...
Chrome
$1,430 / item
Kartell Rectangular Tray Table by Piero Lissoni
By Piero Lissoni, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is an articulated system of table surfaces for the home or office. The construction concept of the design is based on small tables and shelf systems, with patterns and finishes ...
Plastic
Handmade Brass Tray Table, Harihar Bronze Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Brass Tray Table, Harihar Bronze Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal Tray table in brass. Handmade in India. Changing ownership over the course of history—from the Marathas to the...
Brass
Contemporary Brass Tray Table, Under The Banyan Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Contemporary Brass Tray Table, Under The Banyan Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal Tray Table in brass. Handmade in India. Echoing ancient whispers of worship, each object captures the es...
Brass
$1,596 / item
Trayano, the handmade tray in precious marble 50
By Casa Casati
Located in Milan, MI
The name Trayano is a skilful play on words that evokes the functionality of a tray and the splendor of imperial Rome for a piece of furniture made entirely of precious marble. Tray...
Marble
$902 / item
Kartell Tray Table by Piero Lissoni
By Kartell, Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is an articulated system of table surfaces for the home or office. The construction concept of the design is based on small tables and shelf systems, with patterns and finishes ...
Plastic
Rectangular Leather Tray ASTERIA by Limac Design - 4 (h) cm
By Limac Design
Located in Conegliano, IT
Rectangular leather tray ASTERIA: elegance and versatility A solid structure in technical cellulose finely covered in leather, a stylish Italian product. Strong and yet light, ASTER...
Leather
$1,275 / item
Brass Tray Table, Harihar Tall, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Tray Table, Harihar Tall, Viya by Vikram Goyal Tray table in brass. Handmade in India. Changing ownership over the course of history- from the Marathas to the Sultanates and ...
Brass
Vintage French Tray Table with Lucite Base and Brass Trim, 1980
Located in Austin, TX
Tray table from France featuring a Lucite x-shape base that folds out to support a Lucite tray top. The Lucite tray is framed with brass trim and features a textured pattern througho...
Brass
Varenne Walnut and Leather Contemporary Change Tray by Giordano Viganò
Located in Novedrate, IT
Varenne is a change tray made of solid walnut and leather. It is inspired by the world of horse racing and dedicated to Varenne, a thoroughbred that has become a world famous legend....
Leather, Walnut
Contemporary Brass Tray Table, Under The Banyan Large, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Contemporary Brass Tray Table, Under The Banyan Large, Viya by Vikram Goyal Tray Table in brass. Handmade in India. Echoing ancient whispers of worship, each object captures the es...
Brass
$2,505 / item
Brandino Low Tray Table by Enrico Tonucci
Located in Milan, IT
A chic accessory to add a functional surface in a modern living room, this tray table is crafted of solid walnut treated with oil to give it a protective, glossy finish. The X-style ...
Stainless Steel
Contemporary Brass Tray Table, Under The Banyan Medium, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Contemporary Brass Tray Table, Under The Banyan Medium, Viya by Vikram Goyal Tray Table in brass. Handmade in India. Echoing ancient whispers of worship, each object captures the e...
Brass
Decorative Brass Tray Table, Under The Banyan, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Tray Table, Under The Banyan, Viya by Vikram Goyal Tray table in brass. Handmade in India. Echoing ancient whispers of worship, each object captures the essence of...
Brass
Cast Bronze Rain Drum with Elaborate Detail, Light Finish
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This cast iron bronze drum is inspired by the rain drums of South East Asia, particular those found in Burma, Laos and some of the Eastern Islands of Indonesia. This drum features three engraved handles. There are elaborate engravings on its sides as well as its top side. These engravings feature banded rings, on the top side the banded rings are entered by a star motif. The top of the drum measures 60cm in Diameter. A wonderful versatile piece that is a wonderful sculptural piece, that also functions as a side table. This cast bronze drum also features 2 pairs of frogs on opposing sides, frogs are often symbolised on rain drums as frogs come out of hibernation once the rainy season begins. Given this, these drums are sometimes called frog drums...
Bronze
Brass Tray Table, Under The Banyan, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Tray Table, Under The Banyan, Viya by Vikram Goyal Tray table in brass. Handmade in India. Echoing ancient whispers of worship, each object captures the essence of the Banyan...
Brass
Cosmopolitan Ebony Large Tray Mother of Pearl Inlay by Giordano Viganò
Located in Novedrate, IT
Cosmopolitan is a large rectangular tray. Made of ebony, it is decorated with a mother-of-pearl inlay representing a Japanese ideogram. Its essential and minimalist shape is enriched by a small bone detail hidden under the top and covering the foot that serves as a support. The Cosmopolitan tray is a functional and refined object, a symbol of craftsmanship, quality and meticulous attention to detail. Other than its function, the tray is also a decorative item that can adorn a coffee table. Customize your home with fine accessories to create an intimate place by giving elegance, essentiality and simplicity to every room. A bone label with Giordano Viganò...
Mother-of-Pearl, Ebony
Sushi Kart Trolley Black with red yellow, beige, green shelves, golden details
Located in Milan, Lombardy
A trolley on wheels with turning shelves, a piece of furniture able to distinguish an interior decoration with a strong personality based on elegance and details. Lorenza Bozzoli con...
Paint, Beech
Kanso Cocktail Tray Table in Wood and Steel
By Please Wait to be Seated, Laura Bilde
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kanso is one of the seven pillars of Zen Buddhist wisdom: it views simplicity as the heart of enlightened living, and the grace and beauty that emerges wh...
Steel
Brass, Copper and Iron Folding Galleried Tray Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Copper and iron folding tray table with brass gallery Measures 20"D x 27"H and 32H when folded. Good vintage condition. W6052622.
Copper, Iron
$695 / item
Fornasetti Tray Holder for a Tray Black Wood
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
Fornasetti trays become elegant coffee tables by adding this black wood base. Is suits a 60 cm diameter metal round tray. The second image shows the tray on its holder (the tray ...
Wood
Folding Tray Table by Svend Aage-Williamson, Danish Teak, c. 1960s
Located in San Francisco, CA
Fritz Hansen tray table designed by Svend Aage-Williamson & H. Engholm with removable teak tray on tapered teak folding legs. Made in Denmark. Signed.
Teak
Cast Bronze Rain Drum with Elaborate Detail Patina Finish
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This cast iron bronze drum is inspired by the rain drums of South East Asia, particular those found in Burma, Laos and some of the Eastern Islands of Indonesia. This drum features th...
Bronze
Round Leather Tray by Limac Design, Diameter 35 cm, Modern Italian Style
By Limac Design
Located in Conegliano, IT
Round leather tray ISOS: elegance and versatility A solid structure in technical cellulose finely covered in leather, a stylish Italian product. Strong and yet light, ISOS is perfec...
Leather
Fornasetti Tray Holder Tray Black Wood
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
Fornasetti trays become elegant coffee tables by adding this black wood base. Is suits a 40 cm diameter metal round tray.
Wood
Contemporary Boton Two Side Table Conacaste Wood with Black Stain by Labrica
Located in Oakland Park, FL
Inspired by old brass buttons and cufflinks, this series includes three different table tops each with a distinct base. The series continues to grow and each piece can be modified to...
Wood
Contemporary Boton Three Side Table in Conacaste Solid Wood by Labrica
Located in Oakland Park, FL
Inspired by old brass buttons and cuff links, this series includes three different table tops each with a distinct base. The series continues to grow and each piece can be modified t...
Wood
$3,062Sale Price / item|20% Off
Le Tray/Walnut, Oakwood Tray
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Le tray" tray is at the origin of our Heritage collection. Crafted by hand, it is directly inspired from our Caribbean ancestors. Thought and built for a perfect adaptation to y...
Brass, Bronze, Nickel
Italian modern brass and ceramic dining table with engraved design, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian post modern small round white, gold and light blue dining table in ceramic with engraved design and brass, probably 1980s period. Round-shaped dining table, with ceramic top ...
Brass
Knotted Double Leather Tray Set Large Home Accessories By André Fu Living
By André Fu
Located in Admiralty, HK
Knotted double leather serving tray set. Hand stitched calf leather. Also, available in a smaller size tray set of two, size 36.2 x 24.7 x 5.8 H cm. Larger quantities available u...
Leather
$1,265 / item
Kartell Square Tray Table by Piero Lissoni
By Piero Lissoni, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is an articulated system of table surfaces for the home or office. The construction concept of the design is based on small tables and shelf systems, with patterns and finishes ...
Plastic
$3,062Sale Price / item|20% Off
Le Tray, Walnut/ Oiled Bronze
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Le tray" tray is at the origin of our Heritage collection. Crafted by hand, it is directly inspired from our Caribbean ancestors. Thought and built for a perfect adaptation to y...
Brass, Bronze, Nickel
$836 / item
Fornasetti Tray Holder Black
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
Fornasetti trays become elegant coffee tables by adding this black wood base. Is suits a 25 x 60 cm wood tray. The image shows the tray on its holder (the tray is not included in ...
Metal
$883 / item
Romeo Marble Tray Matteo Cibic
By Matteo Cibic
Located in Geneve, CH
Carlo small plate by Matteo Cibic Dimensions: 40 x 29 x 4 cm Materials: Nero Marquinia, Bianco Michelangelo, Rosso Levanto Please note that the Cibic pieces with “ears” or tray ...
Marble
Modern Black C Table in Oak
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Modern black C table in oak. Custom hand crafted in Toronto Canada using oak woods and reinforced with metal. Beautiful textured oak wood grain with a sa...
Oak
$6,500 / item
Arcade Round Trolley Large by Gio Bagnara
Located in New York, NY
GIOBAGNARA Renowned for its elegant creations that convey luxury without ostentation, GIOBAGNARA adheres to the highest standards of craftsmanship. By pursuing a philosophy that inco...
Metal
$1,166 / item
Black Contemporary Tray Table
Located in Geneve, CH
Black contemporary tray table Dimensions: D 52.5 x W 52.5 x H 38 cm Materials: Iron with Powder Coating or Iron with Brass Plating. Available i...
Iron
$1,085 / item
Brass Tray Table, Namsai Tall, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Tray Table, Namsai Tall, Viya by Vikram Goyal Tray table in brass. Handmade in India. A craft that naturally adheres to restraint and rhythm, cane weaving moves with quiet pr...
Brass
Vintage Octagonal Tortoiseshell-Style Serving Tray with Brass-Tone Rim
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage octagonal serving tray featuring a rich amber-brown tortoiseshell-style finish and brass-tone metal edging. Its deep sides and geometric shape make it ideal for servi...
Lucite
$1,166 / item
Walnut and Black Contemporary Tray Table
Located in Geneve, CH
Walnut and black contemporary tray table Dimensions: D 52.5 x W 52.5 x H 38 cm Materials: Natural walnut, iron with powder coating, or iron with ...
Iron
$3,880Sale Price|31% Off
Schonbuch Grace Salon Edition with Marble Top by Sebastian Herkner in STOCK
Located in New York, NY
Limited edition of 100 pieces 1 of 100 Serving trolley powder-coated, fine structure .268 mahogany red, top shelf in marble Rosso Lepanto, lower shelf and wheels in lacquered MDF .34...
Marble, Metal
Modern Silhueta Travertine Console Table, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Silhueta Console Table, Modern Collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Silhueta stone console table celebrates the fluid forms and organic elegance of ...
Marble, Stone, Onyx, Limestone, Travertine, Granite, Brass
Isokon Tray, Venesta 1930s, attr. to Bauhaus designer team incl Gropius & Breuer
By Marcel Breuer, Walter Gropius, Isokon
Located in London, GB
Isokon Furniture Company (design team, UK) Isokon Tray Designed c. 1933, produced by Luterma in Tallinn (Reval) Estonia, for Venesta, UK. Retailed by Isokon. Stained birch plywood. Very good original unrestored condition. This tray is the oval version. The more common round version was designed to fit snugly on the Isokon stool...
Plywood
$565 / item
Hakou D Tray by Mason Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Hakou D tray by Mason Edition Dimensions: 60 × 26 × 9 cm Materials: glass and iron Colours: transparent, fume or light pink glass + black metal base All the poetry, delicacy an...
Iron
Modern Solid Cast Brass, Hand Chiseled Timber Dawa Bar Tray
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
This modern bar tray is part of the Egg Designs Dawa luxury bar collection and is a great addition to any home cocktail bar. The tray has a solid ti...
Brass
$541 / item
Hakou B Tray by Mason Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Grey Hakou B tray by Mason Editions. Dimensions: 36 × 30 × 11 cm Materials: Glass and iron Colours: transparent, fume or light pink glass + black metal...
Iron
Touché Bois Black Ash Wood Small Handle by Mason Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Touché Bois Canaletto small handle by Mason Editions Dimensions: 36 × H 4.4 cm Materials: walnut Canaletto wood A light metal rod that rests on the surface and then lifts up,...
Iron
$435 / item
Cotto Touché D Tray by Mason Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Cotto Touché D tray by Mason Editions Dimensions: 36 × 48 × 6.4 cm Materials: Iron and MDF Colors: taupe, cotto, burgundy, sage green, petrol green A light metal rod that rests...
Iron
$427 / item
Touché Bois Canaletto by Mason Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Touché Bois Canaletto by Mason Editions. Dimensions: D 36 cm Materials: Walnut Canaletto wood. A light metal rod that rests on the surface and then lifts up, almost touching t...
Iron
