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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Period: Mid-20th Century
Cosanti Bronze Bells Paolo Soleri
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice set of bronze bells with a wonderful verdigris patina. No two are exactly alike. Made at the Arcosanti bronze factory in Arizona. They have a nice musical sound. One is missing ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

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

Verdigris Bronze Wind Chime
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice wind bell with a wonderful verdigris patina. Great musical sound. Fine original vintage condition. Great for any environment and collections...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Cosanti Studio Pottery Bell Paolo Soleri
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice ceramic wind bell. No two are exactly alike. Made at the Arcosanti studios in Arizona. Normal wear and patina. No chips, cracks or repairs. Great for any environment and collect...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel

Marble Pedestal circa 1950
Located in Culver City, CA
Marble Pedestal France circa 1950 solid marble construction, with cylindrical base. Made from two different species. 16.25”L x 11.25”d x 13.25”h
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

Set of 6 Concrete Mushrooms, 1950s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French concrete garden mushrooms, circa 1950s. Great for use as a unique garden feature. Age has given these unique items a gorgeous patina. Substantial and well made, these decorati...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete, Iron

Willy Guhl Concrete and Steel Floating Bench, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Remarkable mid-century floating concrete bench by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl. Circa 1960s. Sturdy and substantial. Holds the weight of 3 adults easily. Perfect minimal design as is c...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete, Steel

1940s Modernist Jacques Adnet Style Wrought Iron and Brass Andirons - a Pair
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a pair of Modernist andirons, circa the 1940s. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these andirons seamlessly merge wrought iron and brass eleme...
Category

1940s French Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Monumental Architectural Pottery Marilyn Kay Austin Pot
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A satin black monumental Marilyn Kay Austin wide mouth high fired clay designer pot / planter. These pots came in a wide range of related shapes and sizes often used by designers, la...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Pottery

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

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

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

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

Set of 7 Concrete Garden Mushrooms, 1950s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French concrete garden mushrooms, circa 1970s. Great for use outside. Age has given these unique items a light patina. Substantial and well ma...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Beautifully weathered pair of 'Elephant Ears' planters by Willy Guhl
Located in Portlaoise, IE
Often referred to as the “elephant ears” or “handkerchief ” model this charming pair of vintage Willy Guhl planters have some really amazing...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cement

Vintage Modern Wrought Iron Distress Painted 26" Round Garden Patio Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Modern Wrought Iron Black and Green Distress Painted 26" Round Garden Patio Small Coffee Table. Circa Mid to Late 20th Century. Measurements: 17" H x 26" Diameter.
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Set of 4 Sculptural Concrete Chairs and Table, 1960s Belgium
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning outdoor set consisting of four chairs with a matching table, all made of solid concrete. Round saucer seat with angular legs. Incredible modern design with very fantastic pa...
Category

1960s Belgian Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cement

Anthropomorphic Faux Bois Concrete Table and 4 Chairs, 1950s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Substantial faux-bois concrete table and stools from France, made in the 1950s. 4 chairs and one table included in this set. Anthropomorphic style to arms of chair. Legs and table ba...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Faux Bois Concrete Table and Two Stools, 1960s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning faux bois concrete table and matching stools from France, made in the 1960s. 2 tripod stools and one tripod table included in this se...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl Concrete and Steel Floating Bench, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Remarkable mid-century floating concrete bench by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl. Circa 1960s. Sturdy and substantial. Holds the weight of 3 adults easily. Perfect minimal design as is c...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete, Steel

Industrial Modern Wrought Iron Metal Mesh Spring Cantilever Garden Patio Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Industrial Modern Green Wrought Iron Metal Mesh Cantilever Garden Patio Chair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 35.5" H x 20.75" W x 30" D x 17.5" Seat height x 25.75" A...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Modern Cerused Oak, Bronze, Mirrored & Copper Lined Jardiniere Planter
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is easily one of the most incredible jardinieres I have come across, between its impressive size, weight and appearance there is nothing like it! A cerused oak serpentine shape...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze, Copper

Chinese Dragon Ceramic Glazed Pedestal Table
Located in Van Nuys, CA
The Chinese dragon solid ceramic glazed table is a stunning piece of artistry and functionality. Crafted with exquisite detail, this table features a vibrant glazed finish adorned wi...
Category

1930s Chinese Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Pottery

Bronze Antique French Planter
Located in Pasadena, CA
Wall hanging French bronze planter. This planter is solid and has good weight. Easy to hang and make into a wall planter. May be used indoor or out...
Category

1930s French Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Gainey California Pottery Oversized Glazed Ceramic Tire Planter Bowl
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid-Century Modern large round tire planter bowl by Gainey. circa 1960s. Measure: 25". Gainey Ceramics has been in the business of manufacturing the finest quality handcrafted containers for more than forty years, spanning 3 generations. Founded in 1948 by James Gainey in La Verne on on a four ACRE facility, Gainey processed over 300,000 pounds of clay per week, producing more than 10,000 superior quality planters weekly. Their ceramic planters are specifically designed to accommodate a wide variety of grower containers. Gainey Ceramics for nearly fifty years has been innovating force in the manufacturing of high end ceramic planters. Starting as a small job shop in Inglewood California just down the street from Los Angeles International Airport, the company began as a producer of crockery and pet feeders. By the late 50s Gainey began adding to its crockery production with ceramic planters sold to the retail garden nurseries...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Pottery

Graceful Bronze Spire Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Lovely pair of early 20th century bronze andirons having spired ball finials over balustrade stems and standing on arched feet with scrolled decoration.
Category

1930s American Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Patrick Reyntiens 'B.1925' Modern Leaded Glass Panel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A small modern stained glass panel from the studio of Patrick Reyntiens (1925-2021). Attributed to the artist, this stained glass window de...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Glass, Stained Glass

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Willy Guhl Concrete Curved Bench, 1960s, Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Substantial midcentury concrete seat/ bench by Eternit, circa 1960s. Perfect minimal concave design with convex sides that bow out gently. The bench is made of solid fiber cement which allows it to develop an incredible patina. Factory drilled drainage holes in the seat. A beautiful piece with a strong presence. Very sturdy and able to hold 1-2 adults. These can also be placed together in a variety of arrangements to make a different designs and seating arrangements. These seats are also perfectly compatible with our Willy Guhl Concrete Benches...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

10 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

Sculptural Concrete Chairs and Table, 1960s, Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible outdoor table and chairs set consisting of four chairs with a matching table, all made of solid concrete in Switzerland, circa ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Samuel Marx Andirons
Located in Chicago, IL
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Monumental 38" Willy Guhl for Eternit 'Diablo' Concrete Spindle Planter, c 1968
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredibly gorgeous 38" tall 'Diablo' concrete spindel planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968, Switzerland. This sculptural hourglass shaped concrete planter has a white exterior finish. We have a large collection of Willy Guhl for Eternit pots, planters, garden objects, jardinières, and patio furniture. We always have inventory in Diablo's, Tilted and Cone Planters, box and rectangular Guhl...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Galvanized Steel Manelco Bench, Cannes, France 1958
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Substantial and very heavy galvanized steel "Manelco" bench, from Cannes, France in 1958. Only produced for two years. Beautiful modern design with a large circular back rest and fra...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel

Willy Guhl Concrete Pedestal Planter, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete pedestal planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Made in the 1960s in Switzerland. Factory drilled drainage holes in each planter. Different ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Set of 3 Sculptural Triangular Planters by Willy Guhl, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 3 sculptural standing triangular concrete planters by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl. Can be placed upside down or right side. up. Each planter has a solid base to balance the wei...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl for Eternit 'Diablo' Concrete Hourglass Planters, c 1968
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredibly gorgeous 31" tall and 18" diameter 'Diablo' concrete spindel planters by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968, Switzerland. These sculptural hourglass shaped concrete planters have a grey exterior finish, one darker grey and the other two are light grey. Three available, priced individually. If you are purchasing less than all three, please message us with which one(s) you wish us to ship. We have a large collection of Willy Guhl for Eternit pots, planters, garden objects, jardinières, and patio furniture. We always have inventory in Diablo's, Tilted and Cone Planters, box and rectangular Guhl...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Large 'Handkerchief' Concrete Planters by Willy Guhl for Eternit, c. 1968
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful pair of large sized (35" diameter) 'Handkerchief' concrete planters by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968 Switzerland has beautiful patina including fi...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Large 37" Willy Guhl for Eternit 'Diablo' Concrete Hourglass Planters, c 1968
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful and extra large 37" tall and 21" diameter 'Diablo' concrete spindel planters by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968, Switzerland. These sculptural hourglass shaped concrete planters have an off-white exterior finish with natural age and patina throughout. Two available, priced individually. If you are purchasing a single, please message us with which one you wish us to ship. We have a large collection of Willy Guhl for Eternit pots, planters, garden objects, jardinières, and patio furniture. We always have inventory in Diablo's, Tilted and Cone Planters, box and rectangular...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Wicker Bamboo Tissue Box Cover Holder
Located in New York, NY
A wicker bamboo tissue box cover, circa 1970s. Box is all bamboo with a beautiful marque opening on top. Dimensions: 5.5" D x 10.25" W x 3.13" Height.
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker

Monumental 38" Willy Guhl for Eternit 'Diablo' Concrete Spindle Planter, c 1968
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredibly gorgeous 38" tall 'Diablo' concrete spindel planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968, Switzerland. This sculptural hourglass shaped concrete planter has a white exterior finish. We have a large collection of Willy Guhl for Eternit pots, planters, garden objects, jardinières, and patio furniture. We always have inventory in Diablo's, Tilted and Cone Planters, box and rectangular Guhl...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl Planters
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Willy Guhl "Diablo" shaped concrete pots. Multiple sizes and quantities of each available. This listing is for 31.5" H x 17.75.
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl for Eternit Cone Concrete Planter in Burgundy, circa 1968, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An incredible designer on-trend architectural concrete cone planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968 Switzerland. This cone shaped concrete planter has a patinated burgundy red exterior finish. Consider using this as a bird-feeder or bird-bath, a sculptural art piece or a pot for succulents, weeping grass or plants. Signed on the inside near edge. We have a large collection of Willy Guhl for Eternit pots, planters, garden objects, jardinières, and patio furniture. We always have inventory in Diablo's, Tilted and Cone Planters, box and rectangular Guhl...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

1960s Willy Guhl Concrete Pedestal Cone Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Substantial concrete cone planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Thick cement pedestal base for stability. Heavy and substantial. Unusual shape. Made in t...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Triangular Footed Planters by Willy Guhl, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural triangular concrete planters by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl. Each planter has a concrete leg at each corner of the planter which allows the planter to float a couple of inc...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Donjo Acrylic Lucite Dolphin Statue Sculpture 394/750 Modern Figure
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Donjo Acrylic Lucite dolphin 22" statue sculpture 394/750 Modern Figure. Item signed to base "Donjo 394/750". solid acrylic sculpture, acrylic ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Acrylic

Pair of Sculptural Concrete Club Chairs, 1940s Belgium
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning and extremely rare pair of sculptural outdoor chairs made of concrete. Hand made in the 1940s in Belgium. Club chair design with a ho...
Category

1940s Belgian Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Pair Of Bright Sunshine Yellow Wall Sconces
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Set of two painted iron wall lights in a bright sunshine yellow powder-coating. Wall lights can be electrified upon request at an additional cost
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Modern Marble & Chrome Fireplace Tools
Located in Denton, TX
Vintage modern marble & chrome fireplace tools.
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble, Chrome

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Plaster

Contemporary Wrought Iron and Glass Coffee Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
The contemporary Maison Jansen inspired wrought iron steel coffee table has a glass top inset in a frame. The two gracefully curved legs, embellished by pairs of brass knobs, are sec...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Rectangular Planter with Handles, circa 1968
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredibly gorgeous, this is a rare large rectangular planter with metal handles by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968, Switz...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Modernist Mirrored Pedestal
Located in Denton, TX
Modernist mirrored pedestal / plant stand.
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Mirror

Seashell and Lucite Acrylic Soap Dish
Located in New York, NY
A great vintage acrylic and seashell soap dish, circa late-20th century, 1970s; fits a standard size bar of soap. Real natural seashells encased in acrylic...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Acrylic, Shell, Lucite

Mid-Century Modern Three Piece Lucite & Chrome Fireplace Set Tools
Located in Toledo, OH
Three piece Mid-Century Modern Lucite fireplace set. Shovel, broom and poker sit atop a chrome frame. Very nice condition. Dimensions: 10" diameter at base x 31" H.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Lucite

LaGardo Tackett Planter and Stand, Architectural Pottery Model S-04, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lagardo Tackett for Architectural Pottery white cone planter, Model S-04 for Architectural Pottery, 1960s.
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Art Deco Firewood Bucket in Hammered Brass, Attributed to Gio Ponti
Located in Milan, IT
Italian Art Deco firewood bucket in hammered brass, attributed to Gio Ponti.
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

1930s Architectural Salvage Distressed Wood Columns Set of Four
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1930s Vintage Architectural Modern Wood Columns set of 4 Distressed condition includes original paint and patina. Tall: 88.5 H x 7.5 diameter, Base 18 diameter, Short: 53 x 5.75 dia...
Category

1930s American Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

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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