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Modern Benches

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Bertu Benches, Suelo Big Modern Sheepskin Fur Bench, Sheepskin with Maple
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Big Fur Suelo® Bench is beautifully constructed from solid maple in Ohio, USA. This silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek, topped with a very thick sheepskin cushion. The Suel...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Sheepskin, Maple

Elegant Velvet Bench with Two Solid Wood Legs
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This stylish and understated bench is a perfect blend of comfort and natural elegance. The generously upholstered seat provides a comfortable and inviting surface, which can be custo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Sculptural Modern Burnished Metal and Fabric Bench by Costantini, Elia
Located in New York, NY
The Elia Bench by Costantini features a burnished metal frame and upholstered seat. Available as shown or in custom sizes and shapes and the fabric or leather of your choice. Additi...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Bertu Benches, Suelo Modern Walnut Bench, Upholstered, Artisan
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Modern Walnut Suelo® Bench is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. This walnut silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek, topped with a comfortable cushion. The S...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Ripple Bench – Pill Shaped Silhouette with Sculptural Carved Wood Base
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Ripple sofa draws from the soft rhythm of water and air, vertical lines echoing ripples, pillars and sculpted silence. Its base anchors the form, while the upholstered seat float...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Art Deco Style Bench Featuring Two-Tone Design In Velvet & Lacquered Wood
Located in NEW YORK, NY
It's an upholstered bench featuring a striking two-tone design. The top cushion is a rich, dark teal velvet, offering a plush and inviting surface. Below the top cushion, the body of...
Category

2010s European Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

71" Outdoor/Indoor Bench Made From A Single Block of Scented Cedar
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Experience the unique aroma of scented cedar with this bench, sculpted from a single piece of wood. Its graceful arched base below the seat magnifies the exquisite wood grains and na...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Cedar

Contemporary Upholstered Bench Offered With Ebony Wood
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This bench is as great to look at as it is to sit on. Always eye pleasing with contrast cording, chocolate brown leather straps and ebony wood finish. As comfortable in a den as it...
Category

2010s European Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Sintra Bench - Walnut
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
"Sintra bench" Designed by Project 213A in 2023 The bench is made by highly skilled craftsmen in Northern Portugal from oak wood. This bench is part of the "Sintra" collection whic...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Contemporary Bench with Solid Wood Base and Upholstered Seat
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This bench elevates any interior with its sculptural presence. Defined by a rounded, oversized silhouette and meticulous stitching, this piece strikes a perfect balance between bold ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

A large architectural bench with a back rest in navy blue boucle .
Located in London, GB
An outstanding bench with a back rest in dark ash wood upholstered in fine navy blue boucle fabric. A limited edition creation for Rkade Studio . Hand made in Italy . Please enquire ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Ash

Vintage Studio Made Forged Iron Artisanal Bench
Located in Roanoke, VA
A unique studio made bench that feels like a piece of art itself. Beautifully crafted with forged iron detail along the top as well as the interesting shaped legs. The bench features...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Trio-Leo Bench, Camel Bouclé & Wood Bench by Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order tri-base & bouclé bench designed by Christian Siriano. Fabric: Camel Bouclé (available in custom fabric) Base: Black Lacquered Maple (available in custom finish) Dim...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Maple

Large Handcrafted Scottish Elm Bench
Located in London, GB
Solid Scottish Elm contemporary refectory bench. Handcrafted with wedged mortice and tenon joints on the legs and wiggly feet. Based on traditional con...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Benches

Materials

Elm

94.5" Vulcano Bench Made From A Single Block of Scented Cedarwood
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Experience the unique aroma of Vulcano scented cedar with this bench, sculpted from a single piece of wood. Its graceful arched base below the seat magnifies the exquisite wood grain...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Cedar

Contemporary Oak Bench – Tillikum Black Long Bench by Autonomous Furniture
Located in Victoria, BC
The Tilikum Black Long Bench by Autonomous Furniture is a striking example of contemporary design and sustainable craftsmanship. Handcrafted in British Columbia, this long bench is m...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut, Fir, Paper, Oak

Contemporary Eto Bench in Grey cotton velvet with walnut legs, scroll arms
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Eto Bench is a new addition to our collection to compliment our elegant Eto range. This piece is idyllic as an end-of-bed bench or hallway statement piece. Simple and beautifully...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Benches

Materials

Velvet

Montgomery Solid Wood and Woven Leather Bench by Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Montgomery bench by Crump and Kwash Hand shaped solid wood frame / hand woven vegetable tanned leather seat / hand rubbed oil finish 72” w x 16...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Maple, Oak, Walnut

Saint Bench
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Saint Bench in oak, designed in 2024. This bench combines traditional design features with a simplistic appearance. Crafted from solid wood . The cushion is available in customer's ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Saint Bench
Saint Bench
$2,890 / item
“Double Dip” Bench by Chris Howker for B&B Italia, 2004 Sculptural, Discontinued
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A rare and visionary piece of early 21st-century design, the “Double Dip” bench by Chris Howker for B&B Italia was introduced in 2004 as a bold fusion of industrial minimalism and sc...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Inez Upholstered Leather Bench by Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Inez Upholstered Bench by Crump and Kwash Upholstered leather seat top / premium foam cushion / solid wood base with hand rubbed oil finish / solid steel construction with durable ...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Upholstered 55-inch Cherry Wood Bench by Gregory Beson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elemental wood-frame bench with a soft top is shown upholstered in one-of-a-kind vintage linen, but it is available made to order in COM / COL. It can also be custom ordered in ...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Cherry

Art Deco Style Bench Featuring Two-Tone Design In Velvet & Lacquered Wood
Located in NEW YORK, NY
It's an upholstered bench featuring a striking two-tone design. The top cushion is a rich, dark red velvet, offering a plush and inviting surface. Below the top cushion, the body of ...
Category

2010s European Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Sintra Bench with Cushion - Walnut
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
SINTRA BENCH, designed in 2023. This bench combines traditional design features with a simplistic appearance. Crafted by hand from solid walnut wood in Northern Portugal. Bespoke d...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Wavy Bench Carved From A Single Block of Scented Cedar Wood
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The "Mountains" bench by Riva 1920 is a distinctive piece of furniture designed by Hsiao-Ching Wang . This bench is notable for its sculptural form and the ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Cedar

Outdoor/Indoor Bench Made From A Single Block of Scented Cedar
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Contemporary handcrafted cedar bench 100% Italian product. If you'd like to learn more about customization options and available finishes, we encourage you to get in touch with us. P...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Cedar

Contemporary Hand Carved Blackened Steel Bench with Handwoven Horsehair in White
Located in Bronx, NY
HORSE HAIR BENCH NO. 1 JM. Szymanski d. 2019 Contemporary furniture at its finest. Horsehair textile and blackened iron are combined to create an exciting juxtaposition of elements...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Iron, Wrought Iron

Bench/Stool Modern Medieval Handmade Horsehair Iron Tassel Fringe Woven
Located in Bronx, NY
HORSE HAIR BENCH NO. 3 J.M. Szymanski D. 2022 Contemporary furniture at its finest. Horsehair textile and blackened iron are combined to create an exciting juxtaposition of ele...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Iron

Stool/Bench Modern Medieval Handmade Horsehair Iron Woven Textile Fringe Tassel
Located in Bronx, NY
HORSE HAIR BENCH NO. 1 - WHITE J.M. Szymanski d. 2019 Contemporary furniture at its finest. Horsehair textile and blackened iron are combined to create an exciting juxtaposition o...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Iron

Christian Liaigre Leather “Velin” Banquette
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are pleased to present a Christian Liaigre blue/grey leather banquette, purchased from the NYC liaigre showroom around 2012. We also have four Velin dining chairs in matching le...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Benches

Materials

Leather

Sculptural Modern Bench in the Style of Adrian Pearsall, Zebra Fabric
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural bench. Solid Wood legs with black lacquer finish, bench covered in the best zebra fabric money can buy. Made in the USA. One bench ready to ship, more available.
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Bertu Bench, Suelo Modern Wood Bench, Upholstered, Thick Weave
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Bench, Suelo® Modern Wood Bench, Upholstered, Thick Weave This upholstered Suelo® Modern Wood Bench is beautifully constructed from solid wood...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Leo Bench, Ivory Bouclé & Wood Bench by Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order wood & bouclé bench designed by Christian Siriano. Fabric for seat/back cushion: Ivory Bouclé Base: Black lacquered maple.  
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Maple

Carimate Bench by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in London, GB
A rare Carimate bench designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. Originally created for the Carimate Golf Club in Lombardy, Italy. The bench features a white-painted frame paired with...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Benches

Materials

Rush, Pine, Paint

Kai Solid Fir Wood and Black Steel Hallway Bench by Autonomous Furniture
Located in Victoria, BC
Modern industrial. The Kai Hallway bench is all about proportions, balancing the width of the steel legs and the thickness of the bench seat. It provides...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Steel

Contemporary Upholstered Bench, Blush Velvet/ Bronze Base
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Contemporary bench is a statement design piece. The design is inspired by the pieces clear horizontal lines and stability that the stripes and open structure provides. This bench is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Benches

Materials

Bronze

Edward Roffman for B. Altman & Co. Champagne Velour Upholstered Walnut Bench
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Edward Axel Roffman for B. Altman & Company cushioned Walnut Bench. Featuring a clean, balanced, braced and sturdy Parsons style rectangular form in solid Walnut, with professionally...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mobili Sintetici bench, in veneered plywood, by Cara\Davide for Medulum
Located in Meolo, Venezia
The basics of carpentry involve the mechanical and manual processing of wood, commonly in board-format where the most simple and fundamental processes are straight and inclined s...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Plywood

Volpi bench in natural wood and fabric seat
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
The simple yet striking and delicate geometry of the Volpi Bench was inspired by the little flags eternalized by the work of master painter Alfredo Volpi. Made from mdf with natural ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Custom Lime Green Lucite Bench by Amparo Calderon Tapia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Fluorescent Green & Clear Lucite Bench by Amparo Calderon Tapia, a stunning addition to any contemporary living space. Crafted from high-quality Lucite material, this...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Benches

Materials

Lucite

Vodo bench, in oak and metal, by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Vodo is a line of furniture redefining internal landscapes. Objects made of bent sheets of metal, recalling voids like windows opened towards inhabited spaces, sculptures that become a bench, a bookcase, a bedside table or a consolle. Elementary forms inspired by architectural shapes...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Sheet Metal

Large Double 'X' Upholstered Bench Frame, In the Style of Billy Baldwin
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Double 'X' Upholstered Bench Frame, In the Style of Billy Baldwin  USA, circa 1970s, Ready for Reupholstery in COM.  This Double 'X' Upholstered Bench Frame is unique—a possib...
Category

20th Century American Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

V Brass Bench by Soraya Osorio
Located in Vero Beach, FL
V brass bench with black hair on hide cushion and finished in a linear aged brass, transforms the everyday bench into a luxurious objet d'art. Customization available. Please inquire for additional information. Featured in Elle Decor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Bench with Solid Wooden Structure & Leather Seat
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This Bench is a study in refined simplicity, where a solid wooden frame meets a supple leather seat, offering both comfort and a touch of mid-century elegance. Its timeless design im...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Couture Yellow Bench by Lorenza Bozzoli Design
Located in Milan, IT
This stunning bench is a superb accent in a modern or eclectic interior, where it will be a precious addition to a bedroom, entryway, or living room bringing a pop of sophisticated c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Stool/Bench Modern Medieval Handmade Horsehair Iron Woven Textile Fringe Tassel
Located in Bronx, NY
HORSE HAIR BENCH NO. 2 J.M. Szymanski d. 2018 Contemporary furniture at its finest. Horsehair textile and blackened iron are combined to create an exciting juxtaposition of elemen...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Iron, Wrought Iron

Contemporary Bench with Solid Wooden Structure with velvet Seat
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This bench expresses harmony through its special details. Featuring a small cushion that can be adjusted or even removed, this seating design has the right balance between the rigoro...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Spina T1.1 Side Table in Lac - Bordeaux - Edited by Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Spina is a collection of tables, seating and consoles characterized by a dense skeletal base that supports a smaller horizontal plane along its axis. The thicknesses and proportions...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Lacquer

Upholstered 72-inch Cherry Wood Bench by Gregory Beson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elemental wood-frame bench with a notably soft cushion is shown upholstered in one-of-a-kind vintage linen, but it is available made to order in COM / COL. It can also be custom...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Cherry

'Méandre' Bench by Design Frères in Mohair Velvet or COM
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Méandre™ bench by DESIGN FRÈRES in mohair velvet or COM. Upholstered firm in mohair velvet (specify color) or provide COM (1 yard). Mohair velvet is extremely durable and resist...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Suelo Modern Bench
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Suelo® Modern bench is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. This silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek, topped with a comfortable cushion. This is the perfect...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood

Suelo Modern Bench
Suelo Modern Bench
$2,100 / item
Spina Table in Lac Wood Bordeaux 5 Edit by Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Spina is a collection of tables, seating and consoles characterized by a dense skeletal base that supports a smaller horizontal plane along its axis. The thicknesses and proportio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Lacquer

Collectible Mollettina Cedar Bench by Baldessari & Baldessari for Riva1920
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Mollettina Bench is designed by Baldessari e Baldessari, a design studio known for its innovative and playful approach. The bench is inspired by the simple form of a clothes peg (or "molletta" in Italian), transformed into a large-scale piece of functional art. The bench takes the familiar shape of a clothes peg and reinterprets it in a bold and humorous way. The Molletta Bench...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Massimo losa Ghini Plana Bench, in 1930's Pendleton Glacier Park Blanket
By Massimo Iosa Ghini, Pendleton Blanket Company
Located in Culver City, CA
What do you get when you combine iconic Italian design with nearly a century of American textile history? This Plana bench right here. We ship internationally! Check out our shippin...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Lego Bench with a Storage Slot, Black
Located in Istanbul, 34
The Lego Bench looks exactly like its name, with several blocky feet that give it an anthropomorphic feel. It’s not only sculptural but practical as you can...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Wooden bench by G. NICOLET for Galerie Glustin
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Elegant bench in sculpted wood and gilt spheres with gold leaf. Seating cushion upholstered with fabric by Nobilis. Création signed by the artist G. NICOLET for the Galerie Glustin. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Benches

Materials

Gold Leaf

Oval Shape Metal Bench Upholstered in Custom Leather Colors
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This is a discreet and elegant bench perfect for contemporary settings. With a fully upholstered seat, it features both delicate single and double-top stitching as a touch of luxury....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Tillikum Black Oak Bench by Autonomous Furniture
Located in Victoria, BC
The Tillikum bench in Blackened Oak is set on matte black frame and legs for a dramatic statement. The minimalist design by Kirk Van Ludwig combines these elements to create a modern entrance bench. A tailored bench for contemporary design-driven people who like to make a statement. A welcome addition to any room, use this modern wood and acrylic bench as an entryway bench, under a window, pulled up to a table, or as a hallway bench. Handcrafted bench with sustainable materials - matte black frame and legs using solid surface material made of 65% recycled paper and a non-petroleum resin, FSC certified, with a torched and fumed solid oak top. Designed by Kirk Van Ludwig, eight-time Designer of the Year finalist for Western Living magazine. Autonomous Furniture...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut, Paper, Oak

Handcrafted Large Sawtooth Oak Bench
Located in London, GB
Large Sawtooth Bench in European oak. Handcrafted in solid English oak this bench has an elegant, imposing and robust design. The solid seat has a very bold sawtooth relief cut into it, and features precisely hand cut, wedged mortise and tenon joints. Finished in Danish oil for a durable protection. It has a shelf beneath that can be used as extra storage space, ideal for books or shoes. Also available in white oak and to custom dimensions. Please contact us for any further information and international shipping. James designs and makes furniture to be fun to live with, while being sensitive to the demands of natural timber. He takes design inspiration from a wide range of sources, from English pub furniture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Asa Pingree Upholstered Lapwing Bench in Ebonized Oak
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Lapwing bench is versatile and elegant. It has found its place in museums, offices and homes. Custom sizing is available. COM Welcome. Any customization is subject to price var...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Benches

Materials

Canvas, Oak

Modern benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern benches 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 benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern benches made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original benches, popular names associated with this style include Marie Burgos Design, Emeco, Jasper Morrison, and Stephen Kenn. 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $350 and tops out at $96,000 while the average work can sell for $4,139.

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