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Modern Architectural Elements

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Item type: Antique and Vintage
Style: Modern
Unique Decorative Panel, Roger Capron, France 1987
Located in St Ouen, FR
Large decorative panel consists in 20 glazed lava plates fixed on wood and executed on order for an italian collector from the Milano area in 1987 This panel with a lively line and ...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Lava

Carrara Marble Floor with Symmetrical Rhombus Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Carrara marble floor with symmetrical rhombus early 20th century Floor reproduced in white of Carrara and Bardiglio or white of Carrara and black marquina, Copy of the sixteenth-century floor of the Church of s. Giuseppe Di Pietrasanta (Lucca). Thickness 2cm Ancient manufacture of origin: Carrara Material Apuan marbles Measures: Maximum length of the tile 31 cm Maximum width of the tile 17...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Carrara Marble

Bronze Fire Hydrant Wrench by Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast bronze five hole fire hydrant wrench by Jones, USA. This piece can used for its original intention or for decorative purposes. Due to its weight it would be a perfect office pap...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Bronze

FLOOR WITH ASYMMETRIC RHOMBLES OF ARTESIA, COTTO AND CARRARA MARBLE early 20th C
Located in Madrid, ES
FLOOR WITH ASYMMETRIC RHOMBLES OF ARTESIA, COTTO AND CARRARA MARBLE early 20th Century Made with Cicagna slate, ancient Tuscan reclaimed terracotta...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Carrara Marble

Eight NYC, New York Porcelain over Metal Enamel Street Signs
Located in Stamford, CT
Eight NYC, New York porcelain over metal enamel street signs. Double sided. Priced individually.
Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Metal

Floor with Hexagons and Triangles Carrara Marble and Red Terracotta Early 20th C
Located in Madrid, ES
FLoor with Hexagons and Triangles in White Carrara Marble and Red Terracotta early 20th Century Made with white Carrara marble hexagons and terracotta triangles. Copy of the floor of the Basilica of Collemaggio (L'Aquila). THICKNESS 3cm WEIGHT 75 Kg FROM SIDE TO SIDE 25 cm TIP TO TIP 28.7cm MATERIAL White Carrara marble and red terracotta Delivery time: 30/40 days...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Carrara Marble

FLOOR IN POLYCHROME MARBLE WITH LOSANGE IN WHITE CARRARA MARBLE early 20th C
Located in Madrid, ES
FLOOR IN POLYCHROME MARBLE WITH LOSANGE IN WHITE CARRARA MARBLE early 20th Century Floor made with white Carrara marble and various polychrome marbles. The polychrome marbles ava...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Carrara Marble

Royal Yellow Marble Fountain, Two Lions, Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Royal yellow marble fountain - two lions early 20th century Basin with double lion's head in semi-octagonal shape and carved shelf for drainage. HEIGHT 77c...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Marble

Royal Yellow Marble Fountain Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
FOUNTAIN IN ROYAL YELLOW early 20th Century Basin with double semi-octagonal ram's head. Hollowed out shelf for drainage, with volute. HEIGHT 77cm WIDTH 52cm DEPTH 41cm good co...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Marble

Frank Lloyd Wright 1970 Relief in Solid Cast Dark Grey Concrete and Metal Frame
Located in København K, 84
This rich and heavy concrete relief with the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright image witch he used for his famous 1924 Ennis House ( Backdrop the film Blade Runner) in the Los Angeles area w...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Concrete

European Wood + Brass Wall Hat Coat Rack Two Hooks
Located in New York, NY
Wood wall rack with two brass hooks for hats and coats. From Europe. Please note, this item is located in our Scranton, PA location.
Category

20th Century European Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Brass

Plaster Antique Column Stand, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique plaster column stand. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a b...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Plaster

Abstract Leaded Glass Window
Located in Denton, TX
Studio crafted stained glass abstraction. This piece has been custom framed for display.          
Category

20th Century American Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Lead

Abstract Leaded Glass Window
Located in Denton, TX
Studio crafted stained glass abstraction. A combination of wavy clear, smoked and milky glass. This piece has been custom framed for display.  
Category

20th Century American Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Lead

Abstract Leaded Glass Window
Located in Denton, TX
Studio crafted stained glass abstraction. A combination of wavy clear, smoked and milky glass. This piece has been custom framed for display.   
Category

20th Century American Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Lead

8 Charlotte Perriand Bath Cabin Units, Les Arcs, Savoy, France, 1975
Located in Paris, FR
Rare 8 complete Prefabricated Bath Units, Les Arcs, Savoy, France, 1975 by Charlotte Perriand. In molded fiberglass shells in red an special and unique pro...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Brass

Large Rose Brass Letterbox by Stowells
Located in London, GB
An oversized large scale rose brass letter flap. With sprung flap. Marked stowells to the reserve. Width of opening: 11 1/4 inches. With fixing bolts.
Category

Early 20th Century English Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Brass

20th Century French White Iron-Mirror Fourfold Door
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
20th century french white painted iron double door with mirrors. The door is formed by 4 elements: 2 x 2 double doors (fourfold). Each set of doors measure 130cm ( 51 in), so double...
Category

20th Century French Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Iron

Continental White Terra Cotta Stove
Located in New York, NY
Continental Swedish-style (19th Century) white glazed terra cotta stove with palm tree design with 2 cupids.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Terracotta

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19th Century French Antique Modern Architectural Elements

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Oak

Antique French Oak Gothic Revival Panel
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Zen Fire Pit by AK47 Design
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Zen Fire Pit by AK47 Design
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H 3.12 in Dm 27.92 in
Early 20th Century Men's Leather Riding Boots with Stretchers
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful pair of men's leather riding boots with stretcher inserts created from maple. Boot is 11.5 x 4 x 18 H. Great for display. Leather is still soft. Soles were well worn.
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Early 1900s American Antique Modern Architectural Elements

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Leather, Maple

Vintage Gucci Metal Marquee Sign from a NYC Building Meat Packing District
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Fabulous original vintage sign from a Gucci store in New York. Letters are 12.5 inches high, custom made from aluminum and mounted on sheet steel.
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Antique Fireplace Mantle in Terracotta Carved with Cherubs, 20th Century Italy
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
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Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

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1930s Corrugated Fire Resistant Clear Chicken Wire Glass
Located in New York, NY
Priced per square foot. Reclaimed from old warehouses and industrial buildings, this corrugated industrial glass was used as exterior awnings or partitions indoors and out. This gl...
Category

1930s American Vintage Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Glass

Ercole Small Fire Pit by AK47 Design
Located in Boston, MA
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2010s Italian Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

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PSL Handle Blackened Bronze Polished by Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
PSL handle blackened bronze polished by Henry Wilson Dimensions: 1.6 x D 1.6 x H 9.3 cm Materials: Bronze, polished, heat treated Also available in XL dimensions 20.5 x 2.6 x 1.6 cm This versatile handle can be used for cabinetry, sliding doors and sash windows...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Bronze

Early 20th Century French Plaster Architectural Column
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dramatic French plaster architectural column.
Category

20th Century French Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Plaster

Large 20th Century hexagonal Spanish Iron Pergola
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
Large 20th century hexagonal Spanish iron pergola with copper cover. Each side measures 210 cm (82.6 in) allowing enough space for table and chairs. It c...
Category

20th Century Spanish Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Copper, Iron

Zero Small Aluminium Fire Pit by AK47 Design
Located in Boston, MA
Zero small aluminium fire pit by AK47 design Zero is a wood-burning outdoor fire pit designed for special outdoor moments. Design and art come together, depicting fire with style...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Bronze Sculpture by Artiss
Located in Geneve, CH
Bronze sculpture by Artiss Dimensions: L 67 x W 30 x H 57 cm Materials: Mlachite, Bronze Artiss is named from artist, whose two -S" stands for natural gem and natural mother shell. ...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Bronze Sculpture by Artiss
Bronze Sculpture by Artiss
H 22.45 in W 11.82 in D 26.38 in
Previously Available Items
Cowhide Standing Screen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Free standing screen, room divider, architectural detail, or privacy screen covered in hair on hide. Four panels.
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20th Century French Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Cowhide

Cowhide Standing Screen
Cowhide Standing Screen
H 59.13 in W 64.38 in D 0.75 in
Vintage Cast Brass Whale Door Knocker
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous cast brass whale door knocker, perfect for your Nantucket, Cape, or Hamptons home! USA, Mid-20th Century Measures: 8.5"W x .5 "D x...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Brass

Vintage Cast Brass Whale Door Knocker
Vintage Cast Brass Whale Door Knocker
H 5.5 in W 8.5 in D 0.5 in
Set of Push-Pull Door Handles, Second Half 20th Century, European
Located in London, GB
A set of two large back-to-back brass or bronze pull door handles, second half 20th century, found in Germany. Lots of interesting patina and signs of wear in line with age and us...
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Late 20th Century European Modern Architectural Elements

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Bronze

Pair of Travertine Marble Pedestal Tables, 1980's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice architectural forms Multi functional Display sculptures, a vase, the low one can be used as a side table for cocktails et cetra Measures: Low one is 14.5" H x 14" x 14" No ...
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Late 20th Century Italian Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Set of Four American Modernist Cast Brass Cabinet Pulls
Located in Chicago, IL
A chic set of four matching mid-20th century American modernist cast brass cabinet pulls of amorphic shape, fantastic patina, and rosette backplate...
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Mid-20th Century American Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Brass

Waterworks Regulator Gooseneck Brass Kitchen Faucet, Spray, Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Waterworks regulator gooseneck brass single spout kitchen faucet, spray, black handle. Waterworks iconic “Regulator” collection is a play on industrial ...
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Late 20th Century American Modern Architectural Elements

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Brass

Salvaged Architectural Element
Located in Los Angeles, CA
When I come across pieces like this I always find myself imagining where it originated, what its initial purpose was. Here, see crude cutting marks are visible, indicating it was fre...
Category

Mid-17th Century Unknown Antique Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Iron

Salvaged Architectural Element
Salvaged Architectural Element
H 4.75 in W 4.5 in D 4.25 in
Abstract Leaded Glass Window
Located in Denton, TX
Studio crafted stained glass abstraction. This piece has been custom framed for display.        
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20th Century American Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Lead

Abstract Leaded Glass Window
Abstract Leaded Glass Window
H 41 in W 30 in D 3.5 in
Waterstone Handmade Antique Brass Modern Hunley Kitchen & Prep Swivel Faucet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Waterstone handmade antique brass modern Hunley Kitchen & Prep swivel faucet. Articulated spout has 18” reach and can swivel 360 degrees. Equipped with spray diverter and 1/4” NPT pipe fitting connection for optional side spray (not included) 1.75 gpm maximum flow rate with aerated tip. Ergonomic single lever handle. Adjustable tension ring helps handle feel and prevents sag. Single handle can mount in front, right or left hand positions. When mounted on side, handle can adjust 22.5 degrees for backsplash clearance. Hot/cold ceramic disk valve cartridge. Made from solid brass Made in the USA. New in box. MSRP of about 1800 USD. Images 5 & 6 are included to show scale. This listing is for the antique brass faucet.  
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Brass

Vintage Lucite and Brass Chain Panel
Located in Houston, TX
A set of three vintage Lucite and brass chain hanging panels. Each panel is 24" wide and 10' tall. It is compromised of alternating 2.25" diameter Lucite balls, 3" diameter x 4" tall...
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20th Century Modern Architectural Elements

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Brass

Polished Chrome Door Knocker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Polished chrome door knocker, a wonderful never used chrome piece, polished and ready to install, the knocker has small piece to hit, comes with adequa...
Category

20th Century Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Chrome

Polished Chrome Door Knocker
Polished Chrome Door Knocker
H 5 in W 4.5 in D 1.25 in
Very Rare Hand Painted Sign on Tin for Mexican Convenience Store from the 1950s
Located in Mexico, DF
A beautiful hand painted large sign for a convenience store in downtown Mexico City from the 1950s. The name of the store "La Reina" (The Queen) offered "Abarrotes" (milk, eggs, flour and all the basic food products) and "Miscelanea" (Miscellaneous, like batteries, canned food...
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1950s Mexican Vintage Modern Architectural Elements

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Paint

Modern architectural elements for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern architectural elements 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 architectural elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, wall decorations, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern architectural elements made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original architectural elements, popular names associated with this style include sicis, Theia Tiles, Henry Wilson, and Gabriel Scott. 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 architectural elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $90 and tops out at $207,485 while the average work can sell for $2,698.

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