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Modern Building and Garden 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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Style: Modern
Set of 2 Brass PSL Handles by Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Brass PSL Handles by Henry Wilson Dimensions: W 2 x D 3 x H 9 cm Materials: Brass. Also available in XL dimensions 20.5 x 2.6 x 1.6 cm Sibling to the ADT Handle and Brut...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Set of Iron and Brass Fire Tools
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary set of iron fire tools comprised of a shovel, poker, log tongs, and a brush with molded brass handles with ball finials in a matching iron stand.
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Custom Modernist Four-Piece Fire Tool Set in Polished Brass
Located in New York, NY
This refined and elegant Modernist four piece fire tool set was custom realized by artisans in New York State, exclusively for us. It features a shovel, brush, log holder and poker s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Vintage Iron Black Garden Celestial Astronomical Armillary Sundial
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning contemporary black iron garden armillary sundial. This is an astronomical instrument, and each ring represents the various positions of the celestial bodies. USA, Late 20...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Rene Broissand, Heron Sculpture, Stainless Steel, Design, Modernism, Bird, 1970
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Artist : René Broissand Title : Heron Date : circa 1970 Size: 28.7 in (h) x 88.6 in (l) x 49.2 in (w) / 150 cm (h) x 100 cm (long) x 70 cm (larg) Materials and Techniques: Stainless Steel Additional Details: Stainless steel with a shiny patina, worked with a blowtorch. René Broissand, the Artist: René Broissand (1928-2019) was a French artist and decorator known for his innovative use of metal, particularly stainless steel. Key points about him: Background: Born in Tunisia to French parents, he learned welding upon arriving in France. This skillset heavily influenced his artistic direction. Material of Choice: Stainless steel became his preferred material due to its malleability and resistance, allowing him to explore various artistic possibilities. Artistic Exploration: He participated in his first exhibitions in Paris as soon as 1963 with metal artists such as César, Hiquily, Guzman, Albert Féraud and Giacometti. This marked the beginning of a successful career with exhibitions held from Basel to New York and around the World during which he constantly pushed the boundaries of his chosen material. Career Highlights: His work found recognition among prominent figures and institutions, including being supported and acquired by the French National Assembly, the French Ministry of Culture, and the town of Annecy. He received commissions from personalities in the world of TV, cinema, and politics. His Heron dining room table can be seen in "Peur sur la ville" (released internationally as "Fear Over the City") with Jean-Paul Belmondo. His polished bronze lighting fixtures...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stainless Steel

Italian Modernist Console Plant Stand or Etagere Shelves of Walnut
Located in Austin, TX
A fine Italian console plant stand or étagère featuring handsome veneers of walnut, from the Mid-Century Modern era, with three shelves arrayed in a Modernist design with Art Deco st...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Rope Design Square Aluminum Patio Dining Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rope design aluminum square patio table. The rope design pattern is on all parts of this table. Very unique. The rope pattern gives fantastic texture. The glass top allows you to see...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Orange Glazed Ceramic Garden Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Orange glazed ceramic garden seat with a link pattern. The raised pattern is beautifully laid out on the side of garden seat and is 3 dimensional. A nice conversation piece for any r...
Category

1990s American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Outdoor Cedar Wood Designer Bench Carved From A Single Block of Scented Cedar
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Riva 1920 Ugo Bench is a product of the renowned Italian furniture company Riva 1920, which is known for its dedication to craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovative design. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cedar

Set Of 2 Outdoor Barstools Carved From a Single Block Of Scented Cedar Wood
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Crafted from a single block of fragrant cedar wood, this stool boasts an all-natural construction. Perfectly suited for bar counters or reception areas, its ergonomic seat and footre...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cedar

Set of 2 Outdoor Armchairs Carved From Single Aromatic Cedar Wood Block
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Forma table by Carlo Colombo for Riva 1920 is a striking piece that exemplifies contemporary design and expert craftsmanship. Key features: Design and Designer: The Forma table...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cedar

Esperanza Outdoor Lounge Chair in Blue and White Stripe
Located in Hudson, NY
Our Esperanza outdoor lounge chairs are made for style, comfort and durability. Inspired by the classic Willy Guhl Loop chair, the Esper...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Esperanza Outdoor Lounge Chair in White
Located in Hudson, NY
Our Esperanza outdoor lounge chairs are made for style, comfort and durability. Inspired by the classic Willy Guhl Loop chair, the Esper...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Esperanza Outdoor Lounge Chair in Natural
Located in Hudson, NY
Our Esperanza outdoor lounge chairs are made for style, comfort and durability. Inspired by the classic Willy Guhl Loop chair, the Esper...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Four Panel Folding Fireplace Screen Spark Gard
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional quality folding fire place screen, having four panels, two with handles, and blackened metal screens. This example is very well crafted with top quality workmanship and m...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Steel

Tulum Outdoor Woven Dining Chair WHITE
Located in Hudson, NY
Custom woven dining chair inspired by the classic Miller Fong Chair and updated for outdoor comfort. Available in black, natural and white polyprop...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Outdoor Pillow with Beige Dedar Milano Fabric Pattern
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Pillow Big I Modern outdoor pillow made with Dedar Milano fabrics. The pillow's customizable design allows you to choose from a range of premium fabrics and colors to create the pe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Fabric

Vintage Custom French Mini Subway Tiles, Cerafrance Normandie, Biscuit
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage custom French mini subway tiles, Cerafrance Normandie, 32 x 100 biscuit. Custom made for a project that never came to fruition. Rare mini subway tiles by Cerafrance Ceramiques, Normandy, which was founded in 1804 and responsible, for the iconic tile work throughout the Paris metro system. I believe these are the 1.25 x 4 field tile...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Outdoor Bench Crafted From Solid Block of Scented Cedar Wood
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This bench embodies simplicity with its essential and geometric lines, featuring a substantial beam as its seat. The focal point is the material itself: a single block of solid cedar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cedar

Black and White Weatherproof Hanging Sofa with Black Frame
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Fable Outdoor Hanging Sofa Designed to be enjoyed in good company, this 21st century contemporary outdoor hanging sofa keeps the beautiful metal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stainless Steel

Outdoor Pillow with Blue Pattern and Weather Resistance
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Pillow Big I Modern outdoor pillow made with Dedar Milano fabrics. The pillow's customizable design allows you to choose from a range of premium fabrics and colors to create the pe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Fabric

John Caldwell for Brown Jordan Patio Sofa
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Luxurious wrought aluminum patio and garden sofa designed by John Caldwell for Brown Jordan known as the Parkway cushion sofa with a sleek profile and stylish bronzed finish. Topped ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Orange Outdoor Cushion with Design
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Pillow Big I Modern outdoor pillow made with Designers Guild fabrics. The pillow's customizable design allows you to choose from a range of pr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Fabric

Contemporary Glass Firescreen with Bronze Feet
Located in Chicago, IL
Contemporary glass firescreen with bronze feet. Sleek, minimalist look.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Contemporary Black Metal Mesh Firescreen
Located in Chicago, IL
Contemporary black metal mesh firescreen, 21st Century. Minimalist black metal frame and two vent/cutouts near the feet give it interest and shape.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Black Stainless Steel Armchair with White Fabric
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Trace Outdoor Dining Armchair The Trace Dining Chair is the epitome of functional yet enjoyable dining. With its perfect combination of comfort and practicality, this chair is desi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stainless Steel

Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze Patio Ottoman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A bronze ottoman by Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan. The ottoman has simple construction in tubular bronze with a patinated finish, with rounded squares serving as runners on each side....
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Asian Solid Rosewood Ming Plant Stand, Display Pedestal or Candle Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
Asian Solid Rosewood Ming low height Plant Stand, Display Pedestal or Candle Stand in great vintage condition. Measures 9.5" in width, 9.5" in depth and 21.25" in height.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Fruitwood

Bronze Door Stop with Dolphin Serpents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Bronze door stop with Dolphin Serpents and a center leaf. The design is a compliment to any space and very functional. Heavy enough to hold a d...
Category

20th Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Set of Eight Brown Jordan Wicker Havana Garden Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare set of eight large patio and garden dining armchairs from the Havana Collection by Brown Jordan. The set features sturdy aluminum frames wrapped with woven resin wicker in styli...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Teak Rolling Dry Bar With Granite Board, Glass/Bottle Storage and Removable Tray
Located in Morristown, NJ
A modern teak rolling dry bar/bar cart on four wheels. This bar table is both stylish and highly functional and would work well in a sunroom, pool house or outdoor deck. The upper ti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Granite, Metal

Modernist Art Glass and Brass Andirons with Log Holder circa 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Modernist brass fireplace andirons with egg-shaped art glass sculptures, circa 1970. Includes optional iron log holder.
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Brown Jordan Woven Wicker Havana Garden Sofa
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare Brown Jordan patio and garden sofa from the Havana collection by Brown Jordan. The sofa features an aluminum frame wrapped with woven resin wicker in stylish earth toned shades....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Danny Alessandro Fireplace Tool Set in Lucite and Chrome 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Fireplace tool set in chrome with upright post in Lucite by Danny Alessandro LTD, American 1980's. A very elegant design. Danny Alessandro, Ltd. was sold through Holly Hunt in the 19...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Chrome

Outdoor Sofa featuring Leather and Acrylic Fabric, Resistant to Elements
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
The Flow series was designed to complement any space. With a minimal design, it's guaranteed to bring a high level of comfort and usability to different areas like patios, gardens, p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Leather, Fabric

12 Seater Outdoor Dining Table Lacquered In Matte Beige
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Introducing our 12-seater outdoor dining table crafted from fiber-reinforced resin, providing unparalleled durability and longevity. Available in a sleek lacquered matte beige finish...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass, Lacquer

Danny Alessandro Fireplace Tool Set In Brazilian Rosewood and Chrome 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Fireplace tool set in chrome with upright post and handles in figured Brazilian rosewood by Danny Alessandro LTD, American 1980's. A very elegant design. Danny Alessandro, Ltd. was ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Chrome

Round Outdoor Table, Hand-Carved Sandstone Round Outdoor Table by S. Odegard
Located in New York, NY
This round outdoor table is designed by Paul Mathieu for Stephanie Odegard. This is a hand-carved, hand-crafted round outdoor table. When the renowned designer Paul Mathieu first saw the extraordinary swirling colours and patterning of the modern Indian sandstone “Rainbow Teakwood” he realized that he had discovered the perfect material for round outdoor tables that would combine the look of both stone and wood. The table tops are cut to display the unique patterning characteristic of the stone, which resembles the appearance of wood cut across the grain. The massive yet deceptively elegant curved bases are each carved from a solid block of stone. Due to the size of these blocks, they must be quarried with the grain in the stone, not across the grain as the tabletops. The bases therefore have a similar appearance, but do not display the swirling grain as much, which would be distracting. Both tops and bases come sealed from the quarry. The different graining patterns show the sealer slightly differently, the bases looking “more dry” than the top. No two tables will be alike. Categories: round outdoor table, round pedestal dining table, round patio table, patio dining tables, outdoor dining set, patio dining sets, garden dining set, dining furniture outdoor...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Sandstone

Tessellated White Marble Pedestals With Lighted Surfaces, a Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful pair of tessellated white marble pedestals with lighted surfaces. The detail work of the marble inlay is incredible. The detail at the base with the slightly flared surface...
Category

1990s American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

Glazed Porcelain Planter by Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare burgundy purple glazed porcelain planter by renowned designer Karl Springer. In beautiful vintage condition, with minor wear consistent with age( see detail photos). Measureme...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Porcelain

Pace Collection Pedestal
Located in Denton, TX
Pace Collection Pedestal / Plant Stand. Modern Glass Architectural Column that can be used for sculptures or plants.
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Chrome

Ryan & Smith Portavo Breccia Viola Marble Fireplace
Located in Tyrone, Northern Ireland
A Breccia Viola marble fireplace of stylish architectural design. The aperture surrounded by a wide frame stepped moulding. The plain and squat ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Northern Irish Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Breccia Marble

Flecto Fireplace Andirons by Muhly Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by a love for wood-burning fires and the timeless experience of tending to them and gathering fireside, the Austin-based Muhly designed a series of objects to bring artful d...
Category

2010s American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel

Pair Modern 10 in. Nickel Plated Recessed Door Pulls Qty Available
Located in New York, NY
Enhance your doors with this pair of Modern recessed door pulls. The durable and sleek design adds a touch of retro charm and easy functionality. T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Nickel

White Glazed Ceramic Garden Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Architectural White Glazed Ceramic Garden Seat in a circular form with simple details. Add some architectural shapes to your home or garden , use this garden seat as a cockta...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Signed Stainless Steel Fireplace Set by Jean-Paul Créations, France 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
This unique, modern stainless steel fireplace set includes a pair of flame-shaped signed andirons and a signed log rack. Very good vintage condition. This set will ship from France a...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stainless Steel, Iron

Modernist Enameled Steel Architectural Sculpture "Senalizar" Patrick O'Brien
By O'Brien Metal Inc.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist Enameled Steel Architectural Sculpture titled "Senalizar" hand crafted by Patrick O'Brien , self taught painter / sculpture Texas / Indiana c.1965 .Amazing Sculpture ... ...
Category

2010s American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel

James de Wulf Concrete Mini Round Side Table, Available Now
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The item available is offered is 16" Dia x 16" H, in Natural Tone. If we were to give this little table a persona, it would be our little pup. Always extending a happy welcome home ...
Category

2010s American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Stunning & Rare John Hutton for Donghia 'Block Island' Sofa of Wicker & Mahogany
Located in Hudson, NY
A very rare example from the limited production Block Island collection designed by John Hutton (1947-2006) for Donghia. The chocolate colored version is very rare- only a few were p...
Category

20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wicker, Cane, Mahogany

Willy Guhl for Eternit, Loop Chair
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Armchair "Loop Chair" in cement made by Swiss designer Willy Guhl at the end of the 1950's. In Brazil, these chairs were made by "Eternit". Nowadays they are cultuated worldwide beca...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cement

Concrete Mushroom Stools, 1950s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning French concrete mushroom stools from the 1950s. All hand made and hand painted featuring small decorative mushrooms along the base. ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Danny Alessandro Pair of Andirons in Polished Steel and Brass 1984
Located in New York, NY
"S Andirons" in polished steel and brass with wrought-iron posts by Danny Alessandro and sold through Holly Hunt, American 1984. These are meticulously crafted and very luxurious. D...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Steel, Wrought Iron

Steel Fire Pit Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace by Koby Knoll Click
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Not your normal chiminea or fireplace. This high design, raw steel sculptural piece will make a statement in any outdoor space. Functionally, it is perfect on that cold evening, but ...
Category

2010s American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel

French Modernist Firedogs or Andirons, 20th Century
Located in Soest, NL
20th century English andirons made of wrought iron. The style is Modernist. The condition is good.  
Category

20th Century British Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

2000s Modern Zen Birdhouse Wood Bird Feeder
Located in Chula Vista, CA
2000s Modern Zen Birdhouse Wood Bird Feeder Signed and dated. 7 tall x 11.5 x 11.5 Preowned original vintage. Refer to images.
Category

Early 2000s Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Modern Set 3 Iron Garden Sculptures a Bird a Butterfly and a Snail
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular set of 3 garden sculptures in Iron by Artist Ernest Shaw. A bird a snail and a butterfly make up the trio. Tallest is 57 inches high x 16 x 4. Spikes are mostly straight...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

3 Mid Century Modern Architectural Abstract Stained Glass Paneled Doors C1965
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Extremely Rare set of 10 steel doors with individual and different stained glass panels, which are 23.5 x 72. Door size is 30.5 x 84 x 2. Panels can be removed. So beautiful the colo...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel, Lead, Aluminum

Outdoor Lounge Chair in Open Wicker Weave
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This chair is modern weaving personified. The combined use of two different colors and the open weave technique creates the unique design of this collection. Thanks to its round desi...
Category

2010s Asian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Modern building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern building and garden 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 building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, seating, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern building and garden 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 building and garden elements, popular names associated with this style include Myface, Aimee Wilder, sicis, and Bari Ziperstein. 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 building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $10 and tops out at $375,000 while the average work can sell for $2,919.

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