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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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

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 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

21st Century Copacabana Bench, Black Limed Oak by Duistt, by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Copacabana Bench, Black Limed Oak by Duistt, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt The Copacabana bench is one of the pieces from the Copacabana collection that was influenced by the si...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Oak

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

“Double Dip” Bench by Chris Howker for B&B Italia, 2004 Sculptural, Discontinued
Located in Bagnolo Mella, 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

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

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

Soft Bench 72" by Gregory Beson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The soft bench fits seamlessly into any home. Place it at the foot of the bed, in an entryway, at the kitchen table or in an open living room. The generous cushion provides a support...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Cherry, Oak, Walnut

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 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

Palizzata Briccola Wood Bench Featuring a Zig-Zag Backrest
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Palizzata designed by Michele De Lucchi for Riva 1920 is a bench entirely made of solid Briccola wood. It is distinguished by the ziz-zag shape of the backrest which defines the seat...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

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

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

2010s Argentine Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Bronze

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
$2,867 / item
Pierre Jeanneret Slatted Teak Bench
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Wonderful example of the desirable slatted bench by Pierre Jeanneret. This is a quality piece for a serious collector. Stenciled letters indicate this was Public Bench #36 from the...
Category

20th Century Indian Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Libellula Eco Pink Pastel Velvet Bench
Located in Milan, IT
Libellula Ottoman Bench is inspired by the classical piano seat, its clear lines and luxurious finishes add a sophisticated touch to any home. This is a ver...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Velvet

Side Table / Bench Organic Modern Contemporary Blackened Steel and Walnut
Located in Bronx, NY
TABLE NO. 19 - BENCH OR SIDE TABLE J.M. Szymanski d. 2023 With the combined power of our steel smith and the modern machine, this table is hydrology bent from 3/8” thick solid steel...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Iron

Contemporary Eto Bench in Coral cotton velvet with upholstered 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

Melides Chair/Bench combination
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Melides Bench, designed in 2024 This bench is a combination of four individual chairs, each formed from 8 slotted elements from which 7 form a curved seat. The bench offers a big v...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

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

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

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

Bench Geometrical Blackened Steel Modern Contemporary
Located in Bronx, NY
BENCH NO. 3 J.M. Szymanski d. 2024 Hand upholstered in your fabric of choice and combined with craved iron details. Available in COM. Custom sizes available. Made in the Bronx, New...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Iron

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

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

Pair of solid wood Bluff Side Chair, White Oak, Sculptural Accent Chair, Seating
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bluff Side Chair is an homage to the foothills surrounding Luft Tanaka's hometown of Kasugai, Japan. Poetic and architectural; planar yet curvy, t...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Oak

Hand Tailored Fringes Bench Offered in Velvet
By Munna Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The handmade bench draws on the signature fashion theme, ruffling the scene and inviting guests with its fun and flirtatious feel. Featuring three layers of fringes that run along th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Silk, Velvet, Wood, Trimming

Black Wooden Contemporary "Tomb" Bench in Plywood & Horn by Rick Owens, 2007
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare contemporary wooden black stained "Tomb" bench in plywood and horn by Rick Owens produced in his studio in Paris, France 2007. In good original condition. Signed and number...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Benches

Materials

Horn, 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

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

Customizable Upholstered Wave Bench in Corduroy by Objects for Objects
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural yet comfortable, the Wave Bench by Los Angeles–based design studio Objects for Objects is a fun piece for the end of the bed, or in any ...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

Lego Bench with a Storage Slot, Burgundy
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 store your magazines and ...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

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

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

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

Bench Sculpture Abstract Mirror Steel Cones Interior Exterior Collectible Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
Bench 'Get Lost!' is made of mirror polished stainless steel. The bench has a monolithic shape but inside it is hollow, the whole structure is manually welded and mirror polished. An...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

'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

Modern Upholstered Sofa 'Gropius CS1' by NOOM, Wool, Calico 29
By NOOM
Located in Paris, IDF
Modern sofa Gropius CS1 by NOOM Fully Upholstered Dimensions: Height: 71 cm Width: 150 cm Depth: 70 cm Seat height: 44 cm Model shown in picture : - Fabric : Wool - Co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Foam, Wood, Plywood

Dom Hans van der Laan Oak High Back Bench
Located in Ghent, BE
Unique High-Back Oak Bench by Dom Hans van der Laan Commissioned for the Willibrordkerk (St. Willibrord’s Church), Almelo The Netherlands, c. 1960s This exceptional high-back bench,...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Two Bossche School benches or stools by architect Fons Vermeulen, 1960s
Located in EVERDINGEN, NL
This set of benches came from the home of Fons Vermeulen (1913-2013), a Bossche School architect. Perhaps the most daring architect within the Bossche School. Vermeulen often did thi...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Bubble Bench
Located in Milan, IT
Merging midcentury austerity with Hollywood glamour, the upholstered gray leather seat of this elongated bench (in the picture fabric nabouk leather in tortora 215 color) is balanced...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Bubble Bench
Bubble Bench
$7,314 / item
Bertu Bench, Rockefeller Modern Black Bench, Oak
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Bench, Rockefeller Modern Black Bench, Oak This Modern Black Bench - The Rockefeller is made in the heart of Ohio with locally sourced wood. ...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Oak

New Park or Garden Bench in Iron Structure with Wood Slabs, Indoor and Outdoor
Located in Miami, FL
New park or garden bench in iron structure with wood slabs. Indoor and outdoor.    
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

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

Pair of Willy Guhl Curved Concrete Benches, 1960s, Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A gorgeous pair of mid-century concrete seat/ benches by Eternit, circa 1960s. Perfect minimal concave design with convex sides that bow out gently. The bench is made of fiber cement which has allowed them to develop an incredible patina. Factory drilled drainage holes in the seat. Beautiful and impactful. Very sturdy and able to hold 1-2 adults. These can also be placed together in a variety of arrangements to make different designs and seating arrangements. Natural wear and staining from years left outside as shown. Priced as a set of 2 benches...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Benches

Materials

Concrete

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

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

Customizable Upholstered Wave Bench in Lavender Velour by Objects for Objects
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural yet comfortable, the Wave Bench by Los Angeles–based design studio Objects for Objects is a fun piece for the end of the bed, or in any ...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Tree Branches Long Bench, Bege Fur and Brass, InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
The Tree Branches long bench is entirely handcrafted in brass with a hammered technique similar to the irregular details of real branches. The top in Mongolian Lamb fur completes th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Zebra Ottoman, Made in USA, Zebra Hides from South Africa, Wood Legs, Nail Heads
Located in New York, NY
Decorative zebra ottoman. We also custom make other sizes and shapes. Production time 12 weeks. Factory is located in NJ. Zebra hides are from South Africa. This ottoman is sold. W...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Benches

Materials

Zebra Hide

Willy Guhl Concrete Bench, 1960s, Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Substantial mid-century concrete seat/ bench by Eternit, circa 1960s. Perfect minimal concave design with convex sides that bow out gently. The bench is made of fiber cement which al...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Benches

Materials

Concrete

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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