The International Style, a modernist movement within architecture and furniture design that was given its name by American architect Philip Johnson and historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock, was born during the 1920s and ’30s. It gained steam initially in Europe and then in the United States as a response to the first World War. Building projects associated with the movement, as well as vintage International Style chairs, tables and other furnishings, are minimal and pared back.
Pioneers of the International Style — architect Walter Gropius and his Bauhaus colleagues Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, De Stijl advocate and Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and visionary designer Le Corbusier — stripped away decorative elements and placed considerable value on functionality and clean lines, integrating the use of industrial materials like steel, concrete and large sheets of glass in their work. Quite aptly, this mode of design and architectural style coincided with an era now known as the Machine Age and became a global symbol of modernism. The primary motive of its practitioners was to address the changing needs of a rapidly industrializing society, especially the demand for office complexes and apartments in large cities, through economical, technologically advanced, yet aesthetically pleasing designs for furniture and buildings.
“Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep,” said Le Corbusier of the philosophy behind his practical modernist architecture.
The International Style’s designers and architects were inspired by the advantages afforded them by the era’s new technology and industrial machinery as well as state-of-the-art materials. Le Corbusier was fond of framing his buildings in steel but reinforced concrete made far more economic sense. He is probably most admired for the iconic private homes and commercial buildings that he designed or codesigned with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, which are spread across the world, from New York City to Paris to Chandigarh, India. Today, Breuer’s Wassily Lounge chair; the elegant LC series created by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand; and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich, are emblems of progressive modernist design and all make prominent use of tubular steel. Vintage originals are the prized cornerstone of collections.
“The International Style is probably the first fundamentally original and widely distributed style since the Gothic,” posited Johnson in the book that accompanied “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition,” an architectural show he cocurated with Hitchcock that featured the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra and others. While the term “International Style” had previously been circulating in Europe, when the show opened at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, it yielded a much broader application of this important style of design.
Find International Style furniture on 1stDibs.
Office Chair, International Style Leather Office Chair
By kontra
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in 19th century. In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria. Today, it is the key element for whom spends long hours in the office. ...
Leather
Office Chair, International Style Leather Office Chair
By kontra
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in 19th century. In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria. Today, it is the key element for whom spends long hours in the office...
Leather
Office Chair, International Style Wooden Office Chair
By kontra
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in 19th century. In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria. Today, it is the key element for whom sp...
Leather, Oak, Walnut
Montblanc 75th Anniversary Fountain Pen – “Passion and Soul Since 75”
Located in Vienna, AT
Montblanc 75th Anniversary Fountain Pen – “Passion and Soul Since 75" with leather case. A very special Montblanc 75th Anniversary fountain pen featuring the commemorative engraving ...
Gold, Gold Plate
Cathedra Seat, sculpted black cast stone stool by Alentes Atelier
By ALENTES
Located in PALEA FOKEA, ATTIKI
A quietly powerful work, the Cathedra Seat reflects ALENTES’ devotion to form, craftsmanship, and the timeless architectural language that informs the studio’s practice. Entirely han...
Cast Stone
Estate Sterling Silver Napkin Rings, mixed set of four
By Gorham
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An assembled set of four vintage wide band Sterling Silver napkin rings, various makers, circa 1920s – 1930s. Wonderful examples: A super heavy ring is engraved with the initials ‘...
Sterling Silver
Salvador Dalí Art Book by Robert Descharnes and Gilles Néret, Taschen Press
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Salvador Dalí 1904-1989 by Robert Descharnes and Gilles Néret With dust cover. Publisher: Taschen; First English-language Edition (November 1, 1998) Language: English Hardcov...
Paper
Square Showtime Ribbon Cocktail Table
Located in Hollywood, FL
Swirling patterns are crafted through the artful inlay of rattan ribbons. The captivating "Ribbon" cocktail tables from Oggetti feature their renowned Showtime material, which exudes...
Rattan, Resin, Coconut
Portuguese Topazio Cazenovia Silverplate Salt Cellar with Spoon
By Topazio
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage four-piece salt cellar from Topazio Cazenovia Abroad, Portugal, circa 1980s. In silver plate with a raised grape leaf motif, the set includes the outer cage, a glass inser...
Silver Plate
Amarcord Credenza by Promemoria, Wooden Modular Cabinet with Bronze handles
By Promemoria
Located in Chicago, IL
A historic design from Promemoria, the Amarcord Credenza was inspired by the 1975 Federico Fellini film of the same name. Designer Romeo Sozzi drafted and created the modular cabine...
Bronze
AZO Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass, Patinated
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Azo comes from the intention of creating a sconce with vertical lighting. Its shape is the result of a longitudinal cut in a cylinder with rounded en...
Brass
STONE VALLEY Contemporary Dining Table Valleyra Patagonia Quartzite - Elliptical
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
The luxury dining table Valleyra, of contemporary design and elliptical shape, reminds us of the mountains of natural stone quarries. In true Patagonia Quartzite, like a giant handc...
Stone, Quartz, Limestone, Travertine, Granite, Marble
Giant Orgo Showtime Cocktail Table
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Showtime veneer is crafted by skillfully intertwining rattan strips and coco twigs in a side-by-side arrangement. This artistic arrangement is then coated with resin, which under...
Rattan, Coconut
$1,120Sale Price / item|25% Off
Arco Lamp, Silver, by Rain, Contemporary Wall Lamp, Stainless Steel
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Arco lamps are made from a prolonged section of circle that stand out by the discontinuity of its shape. The collection consists of lamps that seem to penetrate the surfaces they...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Knoll Barcelona Chairs by Mies Van Der Rohe
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in San Mateo, CA
Pair of Barcelona chairs manufactured by Knoll. These have a polished stainless steel frame with tan or saddle colored leather. These were purchased in the 1970's. The chair frames s...
Stainless Steel
Luxury Handmade Pull Handle, Various Leather Colors Finishes Belt Shape
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Door & drawer pull handle belt shape Artisanal architectural elements that privilege the sense of touch. Made bovine leather from European cattle and sub-products from food industry. Leather pieces vegetable tanned using quebracho and mimosa in a traditional Spanish tannery, chrome free tanning process. Our hides pass by a tumbled process that adds a natural grain to the leather and additional soft touch. All our leather parts are manufactured by handbags and leather goods artisans, so yo will finds that reminds to footwear or fashion rather than homewares. With more detailed eye on small subtleties, as the hand painted edges or hand machine stitched...
Brass
Arco Lamp, Gold, by RAIN, Contemporary Wall Lamp, Stainless Steel
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Arco lamps are made from a prolonged section of circle that stand out by the discontinuity of its shape. The collection consists of lamps that seem to penetrate the surfaces they...
Stainless Steel
Dos Gallos Custom Long Skinny Wood Console Table with Iron Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom console that can be made in Douglas fir, walnut or oak. Built up top to approximately 3 inches thick. Can be made in different sizes, and different finishes. Made in Los Ange...
Iron
Andre Lurcat: Projets Et Réalisations
By André Lurcat
Located in New York, NY
Monograph on the work of Andre Lurcat, important French modernist architect, designer, urban planner, and younger brother of the textile artist Jean. ...
Paper
Very Fine Detailed Figural Peruvian Shipibo Conibo Pottery Effigy Pot or Vase
Located in Red Lion, PA
Very Fine Detailed Figural Peruvian Shipibo-Conibo Pottery Effigy Pot or Vase This beautifully detailed figural pottery effigy pot was crafted by the Shipibo-Conibo people of Peru, ...
Terracotta
Ferrão Wall Lamp, 180cm, by RAIN, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Polished
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Ferrão Lamps are composed of a metalic body with a reduced diameter and sharp tips, referring to the image of a sting. The spike-shaped ends give the pieces tension, but also ser...
Aluminum
$1,733Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lola Open Weave Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Lola chair is a true testament to the beauty of design and comfort. The chair features an open weave of leather that covers a sensually shaped frame, creating a striking and eye-...
Leather
Alta Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Floor Lamp, Solid Ebonized Wood
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Alta is a floor lamp whose upward light creates a diffused illumination that hangs over the piece. The design seeks inspiration in the characteristic monumentality of the Brazilian M...
Wood
$1,487Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lola Wicker Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The new Lola chair is a remarkable testament to the beauty of natural materials and expert craftsmanship. Skilled artisans in the Philippines meticulously weave the chair from wicker...
Wicker
$3,432Sale Price / item|20% Off
Hanako Cocktail Table
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Hanako cocktail table is a breathtaking centerpiece that commands attention in any room. It artfully combines the beauty of dark stained wood with the captivating allure of natur...
Wood
Arco Lamp, Black Edition, by Rain, Contemporary Wall Lamp, Stainless Steel
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Arco lamps are made from a prolonged section of circle that stand out by the discontinuity of its shape. The collection consists of lamps that seem to penetrate the surfaces they...
Stainless Steel
Ferrão 7/8" Wall Lamp, 130cm, by RAIN, Contemporary Lamp, Brass
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Ferrão 7/8 is an edition made in turned solid brass of the Ferrão line, launched in 2018. The pieces have small differences from the original design, with their reduced thickness and...
Brass
Custom Round Dining/Center Pedestal Table in Walnut Wood by Dos Gallos Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning natural walnut pedestal table. Wood is absolutely gorgeous! Can be made in any size and finish. As shown here in natural walnut. Made in Los Angeles by Dos Gallos Studio CUS...
Walnut
French Limoges Hand Painted Pink Floral Oval Trinket Box
By Limoges
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A hand painted French Limoges trinket or pill box, circa 1970s. An oval shaped box with a pink body and a floral spray in a gold cartouche...
Metal
Handsome vintage killam and leather satchel
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a late 20th century handsome Killam and leather satchel. This handbag is made from a handsome Killam carpet in the tones of burgundy, brown and green. The satchel has dark bu...
Leather, Fabric
$1,546Sale Price / set|20% Off
Giorgio Armani Eyeglass Display Collectors Items
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Collectors items vintage Giorgio Armani advertising / Eyeglass Display. Oversized large eyeglasses and case. The tortoise pairs lenses have slots to d...
Metal
$2,604Sale Price / item|20% Off
Showtime Royal Armchair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Showtime veneer is a combination of rattan strips and coco twigs inlaid side by side, then covered with resin. Repeated sanding and more resin give this material a lustrous Finis...
Rattan, Coconut
Dos Gallos Custom Wood Nightstand with Drawer and Shelf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom side table or nightstand with drawer and shelf. Can be made in any size and finish. As shown in alder with a walnut finish. Made in Los Angeles...
Walnut
Custom Mahogany Wood Round Beehive Pedestal Table by Dos Gallos Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom pedestal table in dark mahogany with beehive base. Measure: Top is 2 1/2" thick. Great dining or centre table. Can be made in any size and...
Mahogany, Oak, Walnut
Angelo Mangiarotti Attributed Travertine Dining Table
Located in Southampton, NJ
Gorgeous and classic round dining, or grand entrance, table in the manner of Angelo Mangiarotti. No Makers Mark. Italian, circa 70s. Conical table base...
Travertine
"V" coffee table - Italy 1980s
Located in Paris, FR
Coffee table/magazine rack in cream lacquered wood and elm burl veneer. Italy, 1980s
Wood, Lacquer
$2,886Sale Price / item|20% Off
Orgo Playa Cocktail Table
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Playa veneer showcases an exquisite blend of rattan strips and coco twigs meticulously arranged in perfect harmony. Enhanced by a seamless resin coating, this exceptional materia...
Rattan, Coconut
$4,224Sale Price / item|20% Off
Nautilus Cocktail Table Wenge
Located in Hollywood, FL
Maurice Barilone's design showcases a high-fashion look with concentric lines of Wenge, elegantly crowned with a round glass top. The meticulous arrangement of concentric lines in We...
Reeded Glass, Wood, Wenge
Office Chair, International Style Wooden Adjustable Office Chair
By kontra
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in 19th century. In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria. Today, it is the key element for whom spends long hours in the office. ...
Leather
Mid-Century Signed Baccarat Crystal Cup
By Baccarat
Located in Roma, IT
Important and rare cup from the world's most prestigious crystal manufacturer: Baccarat. Signed “BACCARAT” in the center. Features one of the most elegant designs from the famous Fre...
Crystal
Halcyon Days English Bilston Enamel Floral Egg Trinket Box
By Halcyon Days
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Halcyon Days, a Bilston enamel trinket box shaped as an egg, Stoke-on-Trent, England, circa 1970-1980s. Established in the 1950s, Halcyon Days Ltd ...
Copper
Marley and Hodgson Steamer Trunks and Suitcase (Ghurka Collection)
By Marley Co.
Located in Soquel, CA
Marley and Hodgson Steamer Trunks and Suitcase (Ghurka Collection) -Steamer Trunk No. 501 (Registered Bag No. GS 36) -32.5"H x 21"W x 10"D -Steamer Trunk No. 502 (Registered...
Brass
Minton Porcelain "English Rose" Pattern Part Dinner Service, 20th Century
By Minton
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Minton porcelain 'English Rose' pattern part dinner service 20th century. Comprising nine dinner plates 10¾ in. (27.3 cm.) diameter. Nine 6 1/8 in.(15.5cm.) bread and butter...
Porcelain
Set of Nine Brass Wall Hooks by Herta Baller, Austria, 1960s
By Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A set of nine brass wall hooks designed by Herta Baller in Austria during the 1960s. With their clean, sculptural forms and warm brass finish, they exemplify the understated elegance...
Brass
$250 / set
Galassia Sconce by Visual Comfort
Located in Alhambra, CA
Kinetic sculpture-inspired sconce made by Visual Comfort. Steel frame is made of steel with a burnished brass finish. Milk glass bulbs easily screw into frame. Sold as a set of four....
Steel
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Sterling Silver And Wood English Hinged Small Box Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely small vintage turn of the century sterling silver hinged box has a wood interior with etched design top. There are English hallmarks on the bottom that are clearly visibl...
Sterling Silver
Russian papier mâché box from Tsarina Alexandra, early 1900
Located in Bilzen, BE
A black paper mache box with the portrait of Tsarina Alexandra, wife of Tsar Nicholas II , the last tsar of Russia this box is from the early 1900 10.5 x 6.2 cm, heigth 3 cm
Paper
Office Chair, International Style Leather Office Chair
By kontra
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in 19th century. In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria. Today, it is the key element for whom spends long hours in the office...
Leather
AZO Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass, Patinated
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Azo comes from the intention of creating a sconce with vertical lighting. Its shape is the result of a longitudinal cut in a cylinder with rounded en...
Brass
Silver-Plate Wine & Condiment Bottle Table Coasters, Set of Three
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of three silver-plated bottle holders or coasters, circa 1920-1930. The set is graduated in size for holding either wine or condiment bottles, such as English mustard, steak ...
Silver Plate
Porto Center Table, by RAIN, Contemporary Center Table, Laminated Oakwood
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Porto low tables are composed of a circular top that seems to rest on a sturdy oblong base. Lightness and weight overlap creating a harmonic and unconventional monoblock. The unagreement between the geometry of the elements generates irregular pieces capable of evoking movement, as they elude the gaze, changing according to the viewing angle. The tables give continuity to the Porto collection, whose inspiration comes from the weight and scale...
Wood
Dutch Delft Blue Handpainted Vase
By Delft
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Nice Delft blue pottery vase, handprinted by Gewina Delft.
Ceramic
$5,495 / item
Madras Armchair in Cherry by Laura Gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
The Madras armchair is made with a hand-carved wooden base and hand-painted in a high-gloss, cherry red lacquer. This flagship armchair from our collec...
Wood, Fabric
Office Chair, International Style Wooden Adjustable Office Chair
By kontra
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in 19th century. In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria. Today, it is the key element for whom spends long hours in the office. ...
Leather
$1,440Sale Price|60% Off
Original Olympia Pendant Light by Daniela Puppa for Fontana Arte
Located in Aspen, CO
Original Olympia pendant light created in 1984 by Daniela Puppa for Fontana Arte. The pendant features a large frosted and clear glass disc on top of a conical milk glass piece that ...
Chrome
HIP Hotels, Hardbound Architecture Design Book – 2011
Located in Philadelphia, PA
HIP Hotels, published by ifengspace Culture & Media Co. Ltd. Hong Kong, 2011 HIP stands for Highly Individual Places. This book is a gateway into the wonderful world of exclusive ho...
Paper
Two-Tier Silver Plated Pedestal Table Epergne
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A silver plated two-tiered Epergne, American, circa 1920-1930. An Epergne is an ornamental centerpiece for a dining table or sideboard, typically used for holding fruit or flowers....
Silver Plate
$17,680 / item
DOS GALLOS Custom Walnut Wood Console with Drawers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom walnut console featuring three drawers with applied geometric motif. Turned legs. Very graceful and beautiful. Can be made in custom sizes...
Walnut
Period Meissen Signed Blue Onion Plate
Located in Roma, IT
Period Meissen Signed Blue Onion Plate Wonderful and very elegant square plate made by the Meissen manufactory with "Blue Onion" decoration. Available a pair This refined plate, whi...
Porcelain
Solida Center Table, by Rain, Contemporary Center Table, Solid Garapá Wood
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Sólida series’ main characteristic is the synthetic character of its design contrasted with the use of a natural material. Each piece in the collection is composed of two or thre...
Wood