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Modern Furniture

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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: 20th Century
Pink Panther Collection Royal Orleans Pottery Pink Panther Mounted Box
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful, Japanese licensed Pink Panther Collection lidded box distributed by Royal Orleans and dated 1981. The ceramic box is of large oval form with a fitted slightly domed cov...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Exceptional Franco Buzzi Attributed Oval Dining Table in Walnut, Italy, 1940s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare oval dining table was produced by a master cabinetmaker in Italy during the 1940s. The design is attributed to Franco Buzzi, with several closely related examples documente...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut

United Artists Vintage Japanese Pink Panther Ceramic Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful Japanese vintage ceramic Pink Panther vase produced under United Artists license and dating from around 1981. The ceramic vase stands raised ...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

United Artists Vintage Roby Mouro Pink Panther Swag Money Box
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful vintage United Artists composite Pink Panther Swag money box signed Roby Mouro and dating from around 1982. The money box is produced under license by the United Artists...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Composition

French Midcentury Modern Maple Armoire
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A large dressing armoire produced by Ameublement N.F. in France in the 1950s to 1960s, attributable by a label found inside the far right door. This sleek midcentury modern cabinet w...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Maple

Butterfly Garden Ice Bucket by Emilia Castillo – Silverplate, Jasper & Turquoise
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This enchanting ice bucket by celebrated Mexican designer Emilia Castillo captures the whimsy of nature with its sculptural butterfly and vine motif. Crafted in silver plate, the pie...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

“Liggend (Reclining)” by Kyle Smith, Bronze Nude with Ponytail, Edition 2 of 9
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
“Liggend (Reclining)” by Kyle Smith, Bronze Nude with Ponytail, Edition 2 of 9, 1999 Signed, Dated, and Numbered Dimensions: 7” W × 3.5” D × 3.5” H Patina: Dark Engraved Verdigris ...
Category

Late 20th Century Dutch Modern Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Modern Murano Artistic Glass Pearly Pink and Brass Sconces
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Each single leaf is handcrafted with high quality Murano blown glass; that's why each leaf is slightly different from the other. Exciting color, pearly pink. They are illuminated by ...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Romeo Rega Style Chrome Brass & Glass Cocktail Table
Located in Houston, TX
Late 20th Century chrome and brass cocktail table in the style of Romeo Rega featuring chrome balusters with brass accents.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

A 1980s Modern Gilt Brass and Lacquer Luxury Box by Gucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
1980s Modern Gilt Brass and Lacquer Small Luxury Box by Gucci A refined piece of Italian luxury, this 1980s small box by Gucci showcases the brand's iconic blend of elegance and bold...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Polished Italian Brass Luggage Cart, The Breakers Hotel, Palm Beach, C. 1980s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Polished Brass Luggage Cart from The Breakers Hotel, Palm Beach, Italian-Made, circa 1980s An iconic example of late 20th-century hospitality design, this polished brass luggage car...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Stunning Modernist Solid / Sterling Silver Pill Box - 1988
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderfully crafted solid silver box, the lid decorated by a large flower surrounded by a series of smaller flowers, pretty as a picture and beautifully hand crafted. The lid fits...
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gae Aulenti Style White Lacquered Pine & Leather Armchair by COR, German 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and visually compelling Mid-Century armchair by COR Sitzkomfort, the German manufacturer celebrated for its innovative design vision. Produced in the 1970s, this piece beautif...
Category

1970s British Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Pine

Jean Lurçat, Balance - Aubusson Tapestry Atelier P. Legourieux - 88x116 -N 1573
Located in Paris, FR
Jean Lurçat, Balance - Aubusson Tapestry Atelier P. Legourieux - 88x116 - No. 1573 Artist: Jean Lurçat Period: 20th century Style: Design 50's and 60's Condition: Perfect condition ...
Category

20th Century French Modern Furniture

Materials

Wool

20th Century Italian sterling silver chessboard with a chess game
Located in VALENZA, IT
Solid sterling silver chessboard with a chess game inspired by the works of sculptor De Chirico. Sodalite top. The chess set features a silver finish for one player, while the other ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Stone, Sterling Silver

Dansk Mezza Filigrana Glass Vase
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage blown glass vase in the "Mezza Filigrana" design by Dansk. Beautiful design of orange and blue swirls. Original sticker is still attached.
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Modern Furniture

Materials

Blown Glass

Metaform “M1” Chrome and Glass Coffee Table by Hank Kwint, Netherlands, 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined example of Dutch minimalism, this “M1” coffee table was designed by Hank Kwint and produced by Metaform in the Netherlands during the 1980s. Known for their elegant use of ...
Category

1980s Dutch Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Ikea 'Stämning' Wall Light designed by Cecilia Johansson
By IKEA
Located in Bern, CH
1990's IKEA 'Stämning' wall lamp designed by Cecilia Johansson. Concave frosted glass main body with enameled white metal backing plate. Creates a warm diffused light. Cylindrical ch...
Category

1990s Swedish Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Monumental Fukagawa Blue and White Arita Landscape Vase, Signed, Mid-20th C.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Monumental Fukagawa Blue and White Arita Landscape Vase, Signed, Circa Mid-20th Century, 2 pieces: the vase and the exceptional carved hardwood stand. A striking and masterfully pa...
Category

20th Century Japanese Modern Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Hardwood

Mid Century Modern Art Glass Vase Kosta Boda by Ulrica Hydman-Valliens Open Mind
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic simple and elegant Art Glass Vase Open Minds cat face design for Kosta Boda by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien . This is a medium sized version of the vase, stands at 6.25 inches t...
Category

1990s Swedish Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Murano Glass Fendi Floor Lamp by Giovanni Dalla Fina, 1980s
Located in Villaverla, IT
Exquisite 1980s Fendi Murano Glass Floor Lamp by Giovanni Dalla Fina Illuminate your space with this stunning and rare Murano glass floor lamp, masterfully crafted by renowned art...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

1960 Piero Fornasetti Italian Design Flower Metal Brass Gueridon Side Table
Located in Brescia, IT
Side Table Piero Fornasetti Italy, 1950 lithographic transfer print on lacquered metal Brass Frame Paper label on the bottom Wear consistent with age and use (shown in the pictures)
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Teak Desk by Domino Møbler
Located in Savannah, GA
A Teak Desk by Domino Møbler, 1960s. 53 inches wide by 23 inches deep by 28 ¾ inches tall; knee clearance 25 ½ inches
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Teak

Walter Antonis TE41 Tubular Chrome Coffee Table for ’t Spectrum, 1974
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walter Antonis TE41 Tubular Chrome Coffee Table for ’t Spectrum, 1974 A standout of Dutch postwar design, the TE41 coffee table was created in 1974 by architect and designer Walter ...
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Large American Studio Pottery Iris Motif Vase, Style of Newcomb College, Signed
By Newcomb College Pottery
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large American Studio Pottery Vase with Iris Motif, in the Style of Newcomb College, Signed, Late 20th Century A striking and masterfully crafted American studio pottery vase, boldl...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Pair of Modernist Sterling Candle Holders by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pair of Modernist sterling silver candle holders were realized by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co, circa 1985. They feature circular bodies with curved raised sides and a...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Italian Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, & Moss Agate Table Box, Vermeil Hinge, 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, and Moss Agate Table Box with Vermeil Hinge, Circa 1970s A refined and sculptural Italian table box dating to the 1970s, expertly composed of thr...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, Silver

Peggy Guggenheim Art of This Century Book
By Max Ernst, Peggy Guggenheim, Frederick John Kiesler
Located in New York, NY
Catalog of the seminal avant-garde "Art of This Century" exhibition held at the Peggy Guggenheim Gallery in 1942 and published in an edition of 2500. Edited by Peggy Guggenheim with ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Paper

Brass Tulip Candleholder by Gunnar Ander
Located in San Francisco, CA
Brass double-arm candleholder designed by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall. Each cup is shaped in the form of a tulip, supported by stem-like arms with leaf-like detailing. Designed for...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

1990 Giulio Lazzotti Mageia Italian Design Black Marble Bird Sculpture
By Mageia Pietrasanta, Giulio Lazzotti
Located in Brescia, IT
Black Marble Bird Giulio Lazzotti Mageia Pietrasanta Italy, 1990 Stunning bird of minimalist design High quality of Manufacture Perfect condiction ...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Marble

Italian Murano Art Glass Fruit Bookends
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial pair of Italian Murano pear and peach fruit bookends or decorative object sculptures, circa mid to late-20th century, Italy. These beautiful Murano art gl...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

1970s Bell System by Western Electric Barbie Pink Desk Rotary Telephone USA
Located in Miami, FL
Western Electric had been producing telephones for the American Telephone and Telegraph Co. (ATT) and the Bell System since 1927. During the 50's, new line of type 500 sets were int...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Oak Desk with blue Glass Top, Italy, Mid-20th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Mid-century style desk featuring an elegant blue glass top and an oak body. A central drawer with a round wooden knob offers storage space. The splayed, tapered legs and the scallope...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass, Oak

Circa 1960 Jean Lurçat Rooster And Sun French Aubusson Tapestry 20th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Artist: Jean Lurçat Period: 20th century Style: 50's and 60's design Condition: Perfect condition - Hand woven Material: Wool Width: 365cm Height: 185cm In keeping with tradition, t...
Category

20th Century French Modern Furniture

Materials

Wool

Georgia O'Keeffe 'Art and Letters' Book
Located in Bradenton, FL
Georgia O'Keeffe: Art and Letters by Jack Cowart and Juan Hamilton. Published by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1989. Softcover. 1st edition. Published in conjunction with ...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Paper

Cassina - Vico Magistretti Maralunga 2 Seater Leather Sofa
Located in Bern, CH
Vico Magistretti Maralunga two seater leather sofa, produced by Cassina. Dark brown leather. With two adjustable backrests for variable sitt...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather

Chess, Hommage à Marcel Duchamp by Brigitte Kowanz, signed and marked
Located in Vienna, AT
Execution Brigitte Kowanz (chessmen) and Woka Lamps VIENNA (car and board) Chessmen made from kaiser rolls, carved and covered with acrylic, car from bicycle-wheels, iron frame, etch...
Category

Late 20th Century Austrian Modern Furniture

Materials

Iron

Odd Knutsen Luna Chair
Located in London, GB
Luna chair designed by Odd Knutsen, Norway. A tremendously comfortable leather Nordic lounge chair in lovely condition. Dismantled for easier and safer shipping. Straightforward ass...
Category

Late 20th Century European Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Beech

Beautiful Two Tiers Murano Glass Petals Chandelier, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning hand blown Italian four light Murano glass chandelier with brass frame. Clear and white glass petals elements. Hand blown at the Murano island in Italy. The Chain with can...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Hedwig Bollhagen Ceramic Vase with Tiger Motif, Signed and Dated 1939
Located in Kastrup, DK
Hedwig Bollhagen (1907–2001) Unique ceramic vase by renowned German ceramicist Hedwig Bollhagen, created in 1929. The piece is signed with her monogram “HB” and dated 6 October 1939....
Category

Mid-20th Century German Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Gerrit Thomas Rietveld Zig Zag Chair By Cassina c.1983
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Instantly iconic, the Zig-Zag chair (1934) by Dutch designer Gerrit Thomas Rietveld is one of the earliest examples of a cantilevered solid wood chair. Its four wood boards are...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

Set of Oak Wood Floor Lamps by Esben Klint for Le Klint, 1970s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Classic Le Klint Oak Wood Floor Lamps designed by Esben Klint for Le Klint in 1957. A rare set for an exquisite home. * Set (2) of oak wood floor lamps with white hand-pleate...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Plastic, Oak

1 of the 5 Blue Lila Ceramic Lamps, Rosettes by Jeanine Keizer, 1990
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
Unique hand-cast ceramic “rosettes” from Jeanine Keizer’s 1990s Lichtpuntje installation are reborn as sculptural pendant lamps. Each set groups five to seven pieces in harmonising c...
Category

1990s Dutch Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Cartier Sterling Silver Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, French handmade sterling silver rectangular picture frame from luxury Maison, Cartier, in the Modern design style, circa mid-20th century, France. Frame can sit horizont...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pink and Gold Infused Ribbed Murano Glass Sommerso Bud Vase
Located in East Quogue, NY
Stunning pink Murano ribbed gold-specked glass Sommerso bud vase. 24K gold leaf is infused into cristallo glass under high temperatures inside special glass-making furnaces, result...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass

Lalique signed Centre Piece, France
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end crystal bowl made and signed by Lalique.  This rare Lalique centerpiece adorned with orchids on each end. This oval shaped centerpiece bowl has underst...
Category

20th Century French Modern Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Modernist Tubular Steel Armchairs, Can Be Covered In Fabric Or Leather, ca. 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist tubular steel armchairs with an elegant, sinuous shape. The upholstery can be covered with fabric or leather. The armchairs were designed and manufactured by Gottwald, Cz...
Category

1930s Czech Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Pair of Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. 'Bone' Ceramic Candlestick Holders
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of fine signed candle holders. In black glazed pottery. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. From the 'Bone' series. Measuring 9 3/8" with felt pads to the base of each. Mar...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Stoneware Vase by Bode Willumsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Stoneware vase by Danish artist Bode Willumsen, made circa 1940s to 1950s. Features a rounded body, short flared neck, and a textured glaze in muted greenish-beige with blue and brow...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

1980s Venini Chrome Chandelier With 91 Clear Triedri Murano Crystals Italy
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Murano Venini chandelier featuring 91 clear Murano Triedri glass prisms arranged in cascading tiers. The elegant, geometric design showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of Murano g...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Black Leather Sofa by COR, Germany
By COR
Located in Miami, FL
Black Leather Sofa by COR, made in Germany. Great quality.
Category

1990s German Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

French Modernist Rectangular Low or Coffee Table of Brass
Located in Austin, TX
A fine French Modern rectangular low or coffee or cocktail table, featuring a two-tiered patinated brass frame with an elegant Modernist form accented with an elegant faux bamboo des...
Category

20th Century French Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Italian Murano Candy Sculptures
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of nine (9) Italian Murano candy sculptures, in a rainbow of colors, in the Modern style, circa mid to late-20th century, Italy. Each beautiful candy is hand-crafted....
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

Vintage Sofa by Roche Bobois
Located in Austin, TX
Sofa from mid-century France by renowned furniture brand Roche Bobois. This piece is made of camel colored leather with saddle stitching and a very comfortable cushion seat. Brass em...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather

Felix Agostini Modernist Gilt Bronze Candelabra, Candle-holder Candlestick
Located in Atlanta, GA
Boost your interior with the bold sophistication of this exceptional modern bronze candlestick, a striking tribute to the sculptural elegance reminiscent of Felix Agostini's work. Cr...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Rich Green Murano Glass Chandelier, circa 1980s
Located in Villaverla, IT
This captivating Murano glass chandelier, a testament to exquisite Italian craftsmanship, features a vibrant emerald green hue that commands attention. Its elegant design, characteri...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Vintage 1960s E.O Brody Co Emerald Green Pressed Glass Candy / Compote Dish
Located in East Quogue, NY
Rich emerald green mid-century modern E. O. Brody Co. pressed Glass Candy / Compote Dish with thick Dutch Floral tulip and leaf pattern and ruffle rim. Made in Cleveland, Ohio, Model...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass

India Modern Area Rugs - Wool and Silk Brown Ivory Taupe - 94259
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover a new dimension of artistic expression and refined subtlety in this captivating contemporary rug, where innovative design meets luxurious comfort. Measuring a versatile 6 fe...
Category

20th Century Indian Modern Furniture

Materials

Wool, Silk

Steven Correia Amber Art Glass Table Lamp
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage Steven Correia art glass table lamp features an elegant, unusual shape and a striking deep amber glass base and shade. The design shows a strong influence of Streamline Moder...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Set of Six Barbara Barry Baker Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic set of six mahogany framed dining chairs designed by Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture. The chairs feature a whimsical cut velvet upholstery with a festive jewel toned ruby...
Category

20th Century American Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, lighting, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Rug & Kilim, Schumacher, Vistosi, and Kartell. 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.

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