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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
$2,363 / item
Ghidini 1961 Fan Mirror in Brass by Studio ITO
By Ghidini 1961
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Ghidini 1961 fan mirror in brass by Tomek Rygalik Materials: Brass.
Mirror
Ghidini 1961 Mirror with Birdie in Brass by Elisa Giovanni
By Elisa Giovanni, Ghidini 1961
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Mirror with decor and brass frame. A Classic Renaissance monofora is the form that inspired the two mirrors. The arc is defined by brass profile rounded at the bottom, just like on a...
Brass
Ghidini 1961 Mirror with Little Vase in Brass by Elisa Giovanni
By Ghidini 1961, Elisa Giovanni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Mirror with decor and brass frame. A classic Renaissance monofora is the form that inspired the mirror. The arc is defined by brass profile rounded at the bottom, just like on a wind...
Brass
$2,208 / item
Don't Open Large Mirror by Fabio Bortolani & Mogg
By Mogg, Fabio Bortolani
Located in New York, NY
"Don't Open is a mirror of Fabio Bortolani for Mogg, with the bottom made up of a portion of old larch wood door. Don't Open is a mirror from the wall or countertop. What is the part...
Mirror, Wood
$1,968 / item
Don't Open Mirror by Fabio Bortolani & Mogg
By Mogg, Fabio Bortolani
Located in New York, NY
"Don't open is a mirror of Fabio Bortolani for Mogg, with the bottom made up of a portion of old larch wood door. Don't open is a mirror from the wall or countertop. What is the part...
Mirror, Wood
$1,750
H 19.5 in W 16 in D 1.75 in
French Turn of the Century Hand Carved Tramp Art Folk Mirror with Raised Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French hand carved Tramp Art folk wall mirror from the early 20th century, with raised motifs. We currently have two available, priced and sold $1,750 each. Created in France at th...
Mirror, Wood
Black Forest Carved Swiss Entry Mirror with Climbing Bears
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Large Swiss Black Forest carved entry or hall mirror with climbing bears both sides and pine boughs with pine cones at top and bottom. Carved by Swiss mas...
Other
$1,683Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 1.19 in W 39.38 in D 27.56 in
Ghidini 1961 Portrait Mirror with Birdie in Satin Brass Finish
By Elisa Giovannoni, Ghidini 1961
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mirror with decor, the frame and bird was made entirely in brass and creates a timeless piece in which the rectangular shape is gently curved at the top, while a small stylized bird ...
Brass
$1,620Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 29.93 in Dm 34.26 in
Sunset polished brass mirror designed by Nika Zupanc for Ghidini, 1961
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mirror with casted palm leaves in polished brass, designed by Nika Zupanc for Ghidini, 1961.
Brass
$736Sale Price|50% Off
H 17 in W 23.5 in D 1 in
18th century English Chippendale Mahogany Mirror with Inlay Medallion
Located in Savannah, GA
18th century English fancifully carved Chippendale mahogany mirror featuring fruitwood inlay medallions. Original finish, lovely contrasting wood tones on carved medallions. See meas...
Mirror, Hardwood
$200Sale Price|27% Off
H 13 in W 7 in D 7 in
Mid Century Hollywood Regency Brass Parrot on Perch Sculptural Wall Mirror
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish and whimsy, this sculptural wall mirror will add style and fun to your décor. Ideal for that unique touch of style in those unexpected areas of your home. Bohemian and glamou...
Brass
ClassiCon Cypris Square Mirror in Brass by Nina Mair
By Nina Mair
Located in New York, NY
With the Cypris mirror, Austrian architect Nina Mair designed a mirror that is reminiscent of 1950s elegance with its harmoniously shaped radii and brass as a material – and yet it i...
Glass
ClassiCon Cypris Round Mirror in Brass by Nina Mair
By Nina Mair
Located in New York, NY
The round Cypris mirror with its generous diameter complements the Cypris series, which resulted from a cooperation between ClassiCon and Austrian architect Nina Mair. The depth of t...
Glass
$1,870Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 30.32 in Dm 34.26 in
Sunset Rose Gold Mirror Designed by Nika Zupanc for Ghidini, 1961
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sunset rose gold mirror designed by Nika Zupanc for Ghidini 1961.
Brass
$14,531 / item
H 47.25 in W 31.5 in D 3.75 in
Contemporary 'Undulate' Oval Mirror Silver Crystal and Brass by Ghirò Studio
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
The 'Undulate' wavy mirror is perfect synthesis of timeless style, innovative design and italian craftsmanship excellence. The crystal has been hand-worked and expertly curved by th...
Gold, Brass
Tall Adams Gilt Pier Mirror - Regency Hall Mirrors
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous Adams style gilt pier mirror Nearly six feet tall - 165 CM Intricately carved gilt frame with greek key designs and broken arch pediment Glass is clear and blemish free Offe...
Art Glass, Giltwood
Diminutive 18th Century American Chippendale Mirror
Located in Hudson, NY
A fine diminutive 18th century American Chippendale mirror with cut-out scroll work crests and ears in mahogany retaining original dry surf...
Glass, Mercury Glass, Mirror, Wood
Porada Custom Giove Mirror by Tarcisio Colzani
By Porada Arredi, Tarcisio Colzani
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the stunning Custom Giove Mirror by Porada. This classic piece boasts a sleek and modern design, crafted with high quality materials. The fram...
Glass, Walnut
Psiche Wall Mirror by Maxalto
By Maxalto
Located in Basildon, London
Add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your living space with the Psiche Wall Mirror by Maxalto. Crafted with high quality materials, this mirror boasts a sleek and modern des...
Metal
Porada Custom Giove Mirror by Tarcisio Colzani
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the stunning Custom Giove Mirror by Porada. This classic piece boasts a sleek and modern design, crafted with high quality materials. The fram...
Glass, Walnut
Cattelan Italia Custom Emerald Oval Mirror
By Cattelan Italia, Paolo Cattelan
Located in Basildon, London
Add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home with the Custom Emerald Oval Mirror by Cattelan Italia. This stunning piece features a sleek oval shape and a luxurious emeral...
Metal
Roche Bobois Wabi Sabi Mirror Set
Located in Basildon, London
Introduce a touch of elegance into your home with the Wabi Sabi Mirror Set by Roche Bobois. Crafted with the philosophy of embracing imperfection and ...
Glass
Walnut Hand Mirror by Dean Santner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Studio Craft hand mirror featuring a walnut handle and frame with glass mirror. Dimensions 11.25" width x 5.75" depth x 1.5" height. Condition Exc...
Glass, Mirror, Walnut
Wendell Castle Style Sculpted Hand Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This hand carved hand mirror features a thick sculpted biomorphic white oak handle and frame with an oval shaped piece of inset glass. This playful design would be perfect for a vani...
Glass, Mirror, Oak