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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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.
Handmade Candle Holder, Alta in Brass with Precious Stone, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Candle Holder, Alta in Brass with Precious Stone, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. In its arresting and powerful...
Brass
Vertigo Tall Candleholder by AIREDELSUR, Handmade Green Onyx & Silver Alpaca
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
A composition of onyx with alpaca metal. Inspired by the pure and essential lines of a structure of solid stones, with a vertigo stability. Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kin...
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Tiffany & Co. Rock Cut Crystal Votive Candle Holder Set of 2
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Tiffany & Co. rock cut crystal votive candle holder. Tiffany & Co.Collection Name: "Rock Cut" (sometimes referred to as Rock Ice Cut) Full lead crystal, typ...
Rock Crystal
$296Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ellipses Handmade Crystal Candle Holder
Located in Glendale, CA
Ellipses is a modern hand-cut crystal candlestick with an exquisite combination of abstract dark gray and clear crystal parts. The black balls around the base make it a stunning and ...
Crystal
$75Sale Price|20% Off
Silver-Plated Modernist Triple Candle Holder 1960s
Located in Debrecen, HU
This modernist triple candle holder was likely produced in the 1960s during the height of Mid-Century Modern design. The piece features a distinctive geometric base with an angular, ...
Silver Plate
Contemporary Modern, Kubbe Large Candleholder, Varnished Silver-Nickel Plated
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Kubbe collection was designed with inspiration from the domes of the courtyards, shops and workshops of the Grand Bazaar, which has been the center of silver-smiting in Istanbul for ...
Brass, Nickel
Contemporary Hand Repoussé Tang Candlestand in Black Copper by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tang candlestand Black copper Hand repoussé Contemporary Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering...
Copper
Tiffany & Co. Clear Crystal Candlesticks, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of crystal candlesticks By Tiffany & Co. (signed at the base) USA, Late 20th Century Each measures: 4.5"W x 4"D x 8"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Crystal
Block & Pearl Sculpted Contemporary White Candlestick Set by Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
UK customers please note: displayed prices do not include VAT. Margit Wittig has used her sculptural skills to create beautifully-crafted, well-proportioned candlesticks, which are compositions of her unique signature pearl-shaped designs. Each candlestick begins as hand-sculpted spheres and cuboids which are used to create moulds in different sizes. These highly original, eye-catching candlesticks come in low and tall sizes depending on the number of blocks. The candlesticks are cast in bio-resin with 30% recycled content and Jesmonite mixed with pigment at the start of the process, to ensure colour consistency. Some of the candlesticks are subtly finished with hand painted gold patina to reflect the shimmer of the candle. Each one is made with a solid brass drip catcher and can be cast in a variety of colors. Working from her studio in London, as well as candlesticks, Margit creates artistic...
Brass
European Contemporary Gold Sculptural Candlesticks by Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
Margit Wittig has used her sculptural skills to create beautifully-crafted, well-proportioned contemporary candlesticks, which are compositions of her unique signature pearl-shaped d...
Brass
$194 / item
Crystal Colorful Candleholder, Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
A unique piece Crystal candleholder made in Venice Colroful and bright this candleholder will make your table spark.
Crystal
$104Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sons of Marble Candle Holder Hurricane, Amber
By Design By Us
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sons of Marble is a series of candleholders made of deep black marble, all with brass detailing. Sons of Marble are made to create a cosy atmosphere and can be mixed in different siz...
Marble, Brass
Contemporary Modern, Kubbe Minimal Candleholders, Silver-Nickel Plated, Set of 2
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Kubbe collection was designed with inspiration from the domes of the courtyards, shops and workshops of the Grand Bazaar, which has been the center of silver-smiting in Istanbul for ...
Brass, Nickel
Patricia Garrett California Art Pottery Botanical Asparagus Candle Stick Holders
Located in Litchfield, CT
Pair Patricia Garrett California Art Pottery asparagus form candle stick holders. Each fashioned from five stalks of hand molded asparagus and naturalistically painted to resemble th...
Pottery
Tiffany & Co. Clear Crystal Candlesticks, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of crystal candlesticks By Tiffany & Co. (signed at the base) Germany, Late 20th Century Measures: 4.25"W x 3.75"D x 9.25"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Crystal
Brass Candle Holder, Tiruppur Medium in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Candle Holder, Tiruppur Medium in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass. Handmade in India. Unfurling ceaselessly, India discovers its eternal muse in the realm...
Brass
Tiffany & Co. Clear Crystal Candlesticks, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of crystal candlesticks By Tiffany & Co. (signed at the base) USA, Late 20th Century Each measures: 4.5"W x 4"D x 8"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Crystal
Brass Candle Holder, Tiruppur Large in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Candle Holder, Tiruppur Large in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass. Handmade in India. Unfurling ceaselessly, India discovers its eternal muse in the realm ...
Brass
Pink Palm Trees Candlesticks Hand Painted Made in Italy Set of 2
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Light up your table with our palm trees candlestick. Size: small 15cm Size: medium 25cm.
Ceramic
Modern 9.5-Inch Bronze Candlestick by Indonesian Artisan
Located in New York, NY
A tall bronze candlestick in forged bronze, black finish. Contemporary. The 9.5-inch diameter top plate is designed to hold large size candles,...
Bronze
Brass Candle Holder, Tiruppur Totem Large in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Candle Holder, Tiruppur Totem Large in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass. Handmade in India. Unfurling ceaselessly, India discovers its eternal muse in the ...
Brass
Loop Series Stream 2 Candle Holder in Borosilicate Glass by Studio-Chacha
Located in Geneve, CH
Loop Series Stream 2 Candle Holder in Borosilicate Glass by Studio-Chacha Dimensions: Ø 10 x H 37 cm. Materials: Borosilicate glass. Cha Shin-sil is a Seoul-based designer and found...
Glass
Tiffany & Co. Clear Crystal Candlesticks With Dragon Motif, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of crystal candlesticks with Chinese dragon motif By Tiffany & Co. (signed at the base) USA, Late 20th Century Each measures: 4.75"W x 4.75"D x 8.25"H. Very good ...
Crystal
$288Sale Price / item|20% Off
Black Friday-all' Eden Handmade Crystal Candle Holder
Located in Glendale, CA
all' Eden is a stunning hand-cut crystal tea light holder that seamlessly blends intricate craftsmanship with architectural innovation. This modern crystal candlestick pushes...
Crystal
$3,840Sale Price / set|20% Off
Thomas Roy Markusen Pair of Large Modernist Candleholders
Located in Miami, FL
Never used, American Modernist pair of handcrafted candleholders in nickeled copper, created by famed metal-smith Thomas Roy Markusen in 1980 in the United States. These unique pair ...
Copper
Contemporary European Block & Pearl Candlestick In Green by Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
Margit Wittig has used her sculptural skills to create beautifully-crafted, well-proportioned candlesticks, which are compositions of her unique signature pearl and block shaped de...
Brass
Contemporary Sculpted Green Block & Pearl Candlestick Set by Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
Margit Wittig has used her sculptural skills to create beautifully-crafted, well-proportioned candlesticks, which are compositions of her unique signature pearl and block shaped designs. Each candlestick begins as hand-sculpted components which are used to create moulds in different sizes. These highly original, eye-catching candlesticks come in different sizes depending on the number of blocks. The candlesticks are cast in bio-resin with 30% recycled components and Jesmonite mixed with pigment at the start of the process, to ensure color consistency. Some of the candlesticks are subtly finished with hand painted gold patina to reflect the shimmer of the candle. Each one is made with a solid brass drip catcher and can be cast in a variety of colors. Working from her studio in London, as well as candlesticks, Margit creates artistic lighting...
Brass
Pair of Modernist Cut Steel Candle Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of Modernist cut steel candle holders, circa 1970s. The Each holder has a triangular pyramid form supported by a tripod base and supprts up to a 3"D candle. Great pati...
Iron
Brass Candle Holder, Harappa Small in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Candle Holder, Harappa Small in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass. Handmade in India. From the heart of the Indus Valley, where civilization mastered form a...
Brass
Handmade Candle Holder, Himalaya Small in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Candle Holder, Himalaya Small in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass. Handmade in India. Perhaps no greater ascent - physically or spiritually - is imagine...
Brass
$288Sale Price / item|20% Off
all' Eden Handmade Crystal Candlestick
By Art Decor
Located in Glendale, CA
all' Eden is a stunning hand-cut crystal tea light holder that seamlessly blends intricate craftsmanship with architectural innovation. This modern crystal candlestick pushes...
Crystal
Handmade Brass Candle Holder, Mohenjo Daro Candle Holder, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Candle Holder, Mohenjo Daro Candle Holder Small in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass. Handmade in India. Echoes of brass rise from the Indus Valley. Insp...
Brass
Pair of Beautiful Baccarat Clear Crystal Candle holders, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
This pair of candle holder crystallize the extraordinary know-how of the Baccarat craftsmen. The different cuts in the crystal produce a magic visual effect. Baccarat is a French lu...
Crystal
Ivar Ålenius Björk Brass Candlestick for Ystad-Metall, Sweden, 1950s
By Ystad-Metall
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage organic metal candlestick, candleholder, designed by Ivar Åhlenius Björk for Ystad Metall. Designed in 1939 for the Scandinavian Pavilion of the 1939 New York World Fair. The...
Brass
Pair of 24kt Gold Double Branch Candlesticks with Rock Crystals, Claude Boeltz
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pair of Mid-Century Modern candlesticks were realized in France by the esteemed artisan Claude Victor Boeltz. They offer an exploded form sculpted, by hand, and cast in...
Rock Crystal, Gold Plate, Bronze
Tiffany & Co. Clear Crystal Candlesticks, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of crystal candlesticks By Tiffany & Co. (signed at the base) Germany, Late 20th Century Each measures: 4"W x 3.5"D x 9.25"H. Good original vintage condition.
Crystal
$4,613 / item
Marri Book Holder in Silver-Plated Brass by Marau
Located in Geneve, CH
Marri Book Holder in Silver-Plated Brass by Marau Dimensions: D 22,5 x W 48 x H 16 cm. Materials: Silver-plated brass. HITTITE COLLECTION We aimed to design each product inspired by...
Silver Plate, Brass
Set of 2 Large Jasmine Scented Ceramic Candles by Hatsu
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Large Jasmine Scented Ceramic Candles by Hatsu Dimensions: W 16.5 x D 16.5 x H 6.4 cm Materials: Ceramic, Scented wax. The Hatsu Ceramic Candle series is a dialogue between...
Ceramic
Brass Candle Holder, Harappa Medium in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Candle Holder, Harappa Medium in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass. Handmade in India. From the heart of the Indus Valley, where civilization mastered form ...
Brass
Love Art Ceramic Bushbaby Candlesticks Hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
The ceramic Bushbaby candlestick by Love Art Ceramic, hand-sculpted by Sfiso Mvelase and painted by Sabelo Nene, is a vibrant celebration of South African flora and fauna. The piece ...
Ceramic
Original Waterford Cut Crystal Ball Candle Holder
Located in Germantown, MD
An Original, discontinued Waterford Cut Crystal Ball Candle Holder in excellent condition. Measures 4" in diamter and stands 3.5" tall. This item...
Crystal
Handmade Candle Holder, Spin Candle Holder Small in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Candle Holder, Spin Candle Holder Small in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass. Handmade in India. Spin, spin, spin – the lattu or the spinning toy, a cher...
Brass
Handmade Candle Holder, Himalaya Short in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Candle Holder, Himalaya Short in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass. Handmade in India. Perhaps no greater ascent - physically or spiritually - is imagine...
Brass
Handmade Candle Holder, Alta in Brass with Precious Stone, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Candle Holder, Alta in Brass with Precious Stone, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. In its arresting and powerful...
Brass
Handmade Candle Holder, Forged Small in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Candle Holder, Forged Small in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass. Handmade in India. From grit and flame, raw metal is reborn, each piece shaped by the a...
Brass
Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Mid-Century Modernist Flower Blossom Candlesticks
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of Mid-Century two-light table candleabra or candle holders. In sterling silver. Retailed by Cartier. Likely designed and manufactured by Abbiati Gioacchino fu Carlo f...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Pair of Modernist Sterling Candle Holders by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
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...
Sterling Silver
Handmade Brass Candle Holder, Kikar Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Brass Candle Holder, Kikar Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal Candle holder in brass. Handmade in India. Draped is fluidity cast in bronze, a metamorphosis from textile to object...
Brass
Tiffany & Co. Clear Crystal Tall Candlesticks, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of tall crystal candlesticks By Tiffany & Co. (signed at the base) USA, Late 20th Century Each measures: 5.25"W x 4.75"D x 11"H. Very good original vintage condit...
Crystal
Handmade Candle Holder, Forged Large in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Candle Holder, Forged Large in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass. Handmade in India. From grit and flame, raw metal is reborn, each piece shaped by the a...
Brass
Handmade Candle Holder, Himalaya Mini in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Candle Holder, Himalaya Mini in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass. Handmade in India. Perhaps no greater ascent - physically or spiritually - is imagined...
Brass
Spring in Kashmir Tea Light Holder Large in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Spring in Kashmir Tea Light Holder Large in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal Springtime is a special season of rebirth, and no less in the pristine valley of Kashmir where verdant, lush ...
Brass
Handmade Candle Holder, Mohenjo Daro Large in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Candle Holder, Mohenjo Daro Large in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass. Handmade in India. Echoes of brass rise from the Indus Valley. Inspired by the ra...
Brass
Spring in Kashmir Tea Light Holder Small in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Spring in Kashmir Tea Light Holder Small in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal Springtime is a special season of rebirth, and no less in the pristine valley of Kashmir where verdant, lush ...
Brass
Set of Contemporary Turquoise European Sculptural Candlesticks by Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
Margit Wittig has used her sculptural skills to create beautifully-crafted, well-proportioned candlesticks, which are compositions of her unique signature pearl-shaped designs. Each candlestick begins as hand-sculpted spheres which are used to create moulds in three sizes. Margit refers to these finished spheres as pearls. These highly original, eye-catching candlesticks come in three different sizes depending on the number of pearls: three, five and seven. The candlesticks are cast in resin and Jesmonite mixed with pigment at the start of the process, to ensure colour consistency. Some of the candlesticks are subtly finished with hand painted gold patina to reflect the shimmer of the candle. Each one is made with a solid brass drip catcher and can be cast in a variety of colors. Working from her studio in London, as well as candlesticks, Margit creates artistic lighting...
Brass
Handmade Candle Holder, Forged Medium in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Candle Holder, Forged Medium in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass. Handmade in India. From grit and flame, raw metal is reborn, each piece shaped by the ...
Brass
Pair of Silver-Plated Candle Holders by Emilia Castillo, Mexican Modernism
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Striking pair of Emilia Castillo Taxco candle holders, an exceptional example of Mexican Modern design and Taxco silverwork, showcasing the signature organic aesthetic that defines ...
Silver, Silver Plate, Brass
Brass Candle Holder, Hundred Petal Rose Bronze in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Candle Holder, Hundred Petal Rose Bronze in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal. Candle holder in brass. Handmade in India. Cascading, like the lithe petals of the hundred-leaf rose,...
Brass
Hand-Crafted Vertigo Short Bordeaux Onyx Candleholder by AIREDELSUR
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
A composition of onyx with alpaca metal. Inspired by the pure and essential lines of a structure of solid stones, with a vertigo stability. Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kin...
Onyx, Stone, Metal
Vertigo Trio of Candlesticks, Cream Onyx Stone & Silver Alpaca
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Measures: 6,7 x 2.7" 9.4 x 2.7" 11 x 2.7" A composition of onyx with alpaca metal. Inspired by the pure and essential lines of a structure of solid stones, with a vertigo stabilit...
Stone, Onyx, Metal