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.
Royal Bayreuth Bavarian Porcelain Figural 7 Inch Lobster Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Royal Bayreuth, founded in Bavaria, Germany in 1794, a large water or juice pitcher formed as a bright red lobster, circa 1920s. Made of hand-painted hard paste porcelain, this...
Porcelain
1920s Syracuse China Adam Pattern Match Holder Ash Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Syracuse China Company, a combination match box holder and ash tray, in their Adams pattern, circa 1926-1929. Syracuse China was a historic American manufacturer of fine china ...
Ceramic
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
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
Hunting trophy – Mountain hare 1900 Blackforest
Located in Vienna, AT
Description: Historic hunting trophy depicting a mountain hare (Lepus timidus), mounted in the Black Forest tradition and dated by inscription to 1900. The hare features original gla...
Antler, Wood
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
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
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
Three-Light Meander Flexible Arm Ceiling Mounted Light Fixture
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Ceiling mounted Meander light featuring three flexible metal arms which allow you to adjust and pose the light fixture; shown here with metal arms in standard black finish, and solid brushed brass fittings; 27 inch arms, 6 inch diameter ceiling mount. Overall measurements depend on how it is posed. Custom finishes, leather wrapping and custom configurations are available, please visit us at Avantgarden in Pound Ridge...
Metal, Brass
Cathedra Seat by Workshop Alentes, Black Cast Stone Stool from Greece
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
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
Stainless Steel Double Chain, by Rain, Wall Piece, Stainless Steel, Polished
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Chains series represents a particular look into a rough object, which is often strictly associated to its functional purpose. The piece propose a reflection on mass production...
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
Pair of Knoll Barcelona Chairs by Mies Van Der Rohe
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
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
Pair of Mid Century Modern Bauhaus Wassily Chairs by Gavina - Stendig in Cognac
By Dino Gavina
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant iconic design by Marcel Breur and recreated by Dino Gavina in heavy Cognac Saddle Leather C 1975 Italy. Chairs were in the same family for 2 generations and rarely...
Steel, Chrome
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
Antique early 20th century German pine and steel bascule or platform scale
By Deutsches Reichs Gebrauchs Muster (D.R.G.M.) 1
Located in Casteren, NL
Early 20th century industrial decimal platform scale constructed from solid pine and steel, retaining its original mechanical weighing system and a full set of iron counterweights. T...
Steel
$4,743Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
Architectural Loft Design & Living Books, set of 3
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A group of three architectural design and living books entitled Lofts. Lofts are former commercial spaces that have been converted for residential use and work environments. With th...
Paper
$1,522Sale Price / set|20% Off
Giorgio Armani Vintage Tortoise & Metal Eyeglass Display, 1990s
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
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
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
$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
Dutch Delft Blue Handpainted Vase
By Delft
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Nice handpainted Delft blue pottery vase.
Ceramic
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
Italian 1970's Steel and Brass Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Italian 1970's finely crafted steel and brass picture frame. Folding stand may be used vertically or horizontally. Fine grosgrain fabric lining on reverse side.
Brass
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
$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
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
$4,056Sale Price / item|20% Off
Geometric Cocktail Table in Black
Located in Hollywood, FL
This innovative design, conceived by Vito Selma, showcases a captivating arrangement of geometric shapes crafted with lauan wood. The bold web of interconne...
Slag Glass, Wood
Malle Goyard Shoe trunk early 20th century
By Goyard
Located in Walnut Creek, CA
Malle Goyard shoe trunk, early 20th century, done in the chevron logo canvas and trimmed in leather. This shoe trunk measures 25 1/2" long by 14 1/2" wide by 14 1/2" tall. The trun...
Wood
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
1920s Shenango China Hotel Brazos Match Striker
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Match Striker made by the Shenango China Company, for the Texas Hotel Supply Company in Houston for use in the dining room and lobby of The Brazos Hotel, circa 1920s. The Brazos H...
Ceramic
Pucci Neo Classic Style Sofa From Maison Carlhian
Located in Hamburg, DE
French sofa 1950 from Maison Carlhian, Neo Classic Style, 6 no of Legs in total, new upholstered with loose cushions filled with dawns and feathers, ...
Canvas
$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
$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
$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
Anchor Hocking Green Uranium Glass Large 2 Liter Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Anchor Hocking, a green Uranium Glass pitcher from the Circle Line, circa 1930-1934. A large and heavy piece holding 80 fluid ounces, or a bit over t...
Glass
R. Wallace & Sons Crystal & Sterling Silver Sugar Shaker
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Sterling Silver and cut Crystal Sugar Shaker, by R. Wallace & Sons of Wallingford, Connecticut, circa 1902. Wallace & Sons began sterling production in 1871. The crystal body is ...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Modern Era Northern Italian Faïence Majolica Fish Service, Set of 7
By Nove, Italy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Barrettoni già Antonibon pottery in Nove, Northern Italy, a Mid-Century Modern Era earthenware fish service consisting of a large serving platter and six individual plates. ...
Earthenware
$7,501 / 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
Pelikan “Souverän” Fountain Pen unused, 1975, with Original Box
Located in Vienna, AT
A classic Pelikan Souverän fountain pen from 1982, preserved in excellent condition and complete with its original packaging. A sought-after mid-20th-century Pelikan model, appreciat...
Alabaster, Metal, Gold, Gold Plate
$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
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
1950's Italian Gold Embossed Leather Book Jewelry Box with Velvet Lining
Located in New York, NY
1950's Italian finely detailed. leather book form jewellery box with gilt embossed Fleur de Lis design at corners of front and back sides. The gilt brass wide band central clasp sect...
Leather, Velvet
Tangka Painting of Manifestations of Padmasambhava Tibet, 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A TANGKA PAINTING OF MANIFESTATIONS OF PADMASAMBHAVA TIBET, 20TH CENTURY He appears as the Dorje Drolo. He rides a fierce tigress, and brandishes a vajra in his right hand and a ritual dagger...
Cotton
$1,487Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lola Wicker Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The 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, wh...
Wicker
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
Mario Lopez Torres Monkey Floor Lamp
Located in Hastings, GB
A quite exceptional floor lamp by the highly acclaimed Mexican artist and sculptor Mario Lopez Torres, the enormous metal frame and chuspata woven design stands at over 1.8 Metres ta...
Metal
Bordallo Pinheiro Green Grape Vine & Basket Weave Green Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage Bordallo Pinheiro Vine and Basket Weave plate, Portugal, circa early 1980s. The Portuguese Bordallo Pinheiro ceramic factory was founded...
Earthenware
Indian Jaipur Wool 8x10 Camel, Ivory & Light Green Handmade Area Rug
Located in Houston, TX
Condition: New Origin: India Design: Jaipur Actual size: 8.2x10.0 Thickness: 1/8" - 1/4" Colors: Camel, Light Green, Ivory, Orange, Blue Content: Wool
Wool
Adagio lamp - Copper Bright - Scuptural ceramic handcrafted lamp
By Archibalda
Located in PARIS, FR
The captivating curves of the Adagio lamp reflect the vibrations of a singer's voice, creating a visual symphony that transports you into an emotional whirlwind. The Adagio lamp is ...
Brass
$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
Modernist Leather and Steel Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen c 1960's
By Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
Chic and sophisticated Modernist School table lamp by Walter Von Nessen, made by Nessen Studios. The cylindrical body is wrapped in black leather, the base is chrome and the top is ...
Steel, Chrome
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
$4,936Sale Price|20% Off
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
Walnut Veneered Nightstands cabinet with drawer by Baker Furniture, 1950s
Located in Zevenaar, NL
A pair of walnut veneered cabinets with a drawer, featuring ship's hardware, the top with a cut glass protective plate, made by Baker Furniture, usa Beautiful as a nightstand set or ...
Copper
Handcrafted Copper Dinner Table - ELIPSIS
Located in Austin, TX
A tour de force of material mastery and sculptural restraint, this extraordinary dining table by AmorettiLAB fuses Italian design sensibility with exceptional Mexican craftsmanship. ...
Copper
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