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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Heart Photo Frame in Gilded Metal, Medium Model.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Heart photo frame in gilded metal, medium model. Show off your favourite photos in this heart-shaped photo frame. The heart collection is based on the simple yet universal symbol of...
Metal
$750Sale Price|50% Off
Multi-Color Crocodile Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi-color crocodile leather and gold-plated picture frame by Fabio Ltd Height: 10.5 inches / Width: 8.5 inches / Depth: 1 inch Photo size: 5 inches by 7 inches LAST 1 in stock in L...
Gold
$800Sale Price / item|50% Off
Shagreen with Multi-Color Stones Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black shagreen leather with multi-color stone inserts and nickel-plated picture frames by Fabio Ltd Measures: Height 13.5 inches, width 11.5 inches, depth 1 inch Photo size 8 inches ...
Stone, Nickel
$625Sale Price|50% Off
Shagreen Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi-color shagreen leather and nickel-plated photo frame by Fabio Ltd Height: 10.5 inches / Width: 8.5 inches / Depth: 1 inch Photo size: 5 inches by 7 inches LAST 1 in stock in Lo...
Nickel
$625Sale Price|50% Off
Shagreen Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi-color shagreen leather and 24 karat gold-plated photo frame by Fabio Ltd Height: 10.5 inches / Width: 8.5 inches / Depth: 1 inch Photo size: 5 inches by 7 inches LAST 1 in stoc...
Gold
Antique Kerr American Modern Sterling Silver Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver picture frame. Made by William B. Kerr in Newark, ca 1920. Rectangular window in flat surround with acid-etched and stylized leaves at corners and reeded rim. ...
Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Modern Brass and Inlaid Wood Photo Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This mid-century modern photo frame combines the warmth of natural wood with the sophistication of brass detailing. The design features geometric inlays of contrasting wood tones—lig...
Wood
$509 / item
Gilded Metal Photo Frame with Orchid Motif.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Gilded metal photo frame with orchid motif. This decorative photo frame in gilded metal with a floral border of delicate orchids will enhance the beauty of any photo. It can be hung...
Metal
Brown and Black Chevron Striped Horn-Style Photo Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This brown and black chevron striped photo frame exudes warmth and sophistication with its handcrafted, horn-inspired design. The diagonal pattern alternates between glossy brown and...
Acrylic
Medium-Sized Photo Frame with Bird Motif in Silver, Gold and Enamelled Metal.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Medium-sized photo frame with bird motif in silver, gold and enamelled metal. Let your photos take centre stage in this contemporary photo frame featuring a pair of adorable lovebi...
Metal
Italian Glass Picture Frame by Erwin Walter Burger for Fontana Arte, 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Chicago, IL
A sculptural glass picture frame from the 1950s, designed by Erwin Walter Burger for Fontana Arte and sourced in Parma, Italy. Composed of two joined pieces of thick cut glass, the f...
Glass
Pierre Cardin Paris Glass Photo Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Cardin Paris glass photo frame featuring a reflective, beveled design with a modern silver border. The frame has a sophisticated, mirror-like finish that enhances the display ...
Metal
Pop Art Modernist Neon Yellow Lucite Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Italian 1970s Pop Art modernist Lucite picture frame features a thick neon yellow Lucite slab with a transparent Lucite "pouch" to display and protect the photograph. A...
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Gilded Metal Photo Frame with Ginkgo Leaf Motif.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Gilded metal photo frame with ginkgo leaf motif. Show off your favourite photos in style with this elegant photo frame. Made from gold-tone metal featuring butterfly-shaped ginkgo b...
Metal
Vintage Burl Wood & Chrome Double Photo Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage double photo frame featuring a rich burl wood veneer panel accented by a polished chrome border. The frame holds two square images side by side, creating a stylish di...
Metal
Christian Dior Paris Silver Plate Picture Frame Pied de Coq Pattern
Located in Atlanta, GA
This gorgeous Christian Dior Paris silver plate picture frame features a stylized geometric "pied de coq" carved texture pattern around its rectangular photo view. The back and easel...
Metal, Silver Plate
Tommaso Barbi Black Lucite and Gilt Brass Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning modernist picture frame was designed by renowned Italian designer Tommaso Barbi. The piece was meticulously crafted in Italy circa 1970. The rare photo frame boasts an ...
Metal, Brass
Modernist Spice Brown Calf Leather Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This luxury modernist leather picture frame was expertly crafted in England, circa 1970. The piece features fine-grain calf leather in a warm, spice-brown color. The easel and back a...
Leather
Christian Dior Home Silver Plate Picture Frame with Engraved Dior Logo, 1990s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite Christian Dior Paris silver plate picture frame was manufactured for the Dior Interior Collection. The piece boasts a geometric plain shape with the "Dior" logo engrav...
Metal, Silver Plate
1980s Modern Sterling Silver and Ebonized Wood Picture Frame by Silvan
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Sleek 1980s Modern Sterling Silver and Ebonized Wood Picture Frame by Silvan, Italy This exquisite picture frame is a testament to sophisticated Italian craftsmanship by the esteemed...
Sterling Silver
Green and Red Enamel Square Photo Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This square green and red enamel photo frame offers a bold and modern aesthetic with a refined luxury touch. The frame features a deep glossy green enamel face bordered by a contrast...
Acrylic
Morpho Blue Butterfly Frame in White Oak and Brass by Cam Crockford
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Morpho blue butterfly frame in white oak and brass by Cam Crockford Additional Information: Materials: White oak - brass - linen - blue morpho butterfly...
Brass
Umberto Mascagni Chrome and Straw Marquetry Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Umberto Mascagni, Italy, designed and crafted this stunning picture frame circa 1970. The rare piece boasts chromed metal and straw marquetry combinations. The metal easel at the bac...
Metal, Chrome
Elegant Vintage Stainless Steel & Mirror Picture Frames, Italy, 1970s
Located in Catania, IT
Two Elegant picture frames in Stainless Steel and mirror in original vintage condition. They can be placed either horizontally or vertically The mirrors are a bit foxy, please see...
Stainless Steel
Longchamp Paris Black Stitched Leather Picture Frame, circa 1980
By Maison Longchamp, Longchamp
Located in Atlanta, GA
Longchamp, Paris, designed this exquisite modern leather picture frame. The piece was expertly crafted in France circa 1980. The black calfskin leather has a distinctive pattern and ...
Metal, Brass
Modernist Plexiglass Lucite and Chrome Picture Frame, Italy circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning modernist Plexiglass Lucite picture frame was meticulously crafted in Italy in the 1970s. The rare photo frame features a substantial, transparent Space Age cube base a...
Metal, Chrome
Modernist Red Lucite Picture Frame, Italy circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This beautiful Pop Art modernist Lucite picture frame features a thick neon red Lucite slab with a transparent Lucite "pouch" to display and protect the photograph. The piece was cra...
Lucite
Edouard Rambaud Paris Ornate Gilt Metal Picture Frame, circa 1990
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning gilt metal picture frame, designed by French designer Edouard Rambaud, is the perfect accessory to showcase your treasured memories. This sophisticated photo frame, cre...
Metal
20th Century Photo Frame in Patinated and Gilded Metal, Butterfly Design.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
20th century photo frame in patinated and gilded metal, butterfly design. 20th century photo frame in patinated and gilded metal, decorated with butterflies, contemporary work. Con...
Metal
Medium-Sized Savannah Animal Photo Frame with Light Blue Border
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Savannah animal photo frame with light blue border, silver metal and enamel, medium size model. Share adventurous moments with friends and family with ...
Metal
Elephant Photo Frame in Silver Metal and Enamel, Small Size Model.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Elephant photo frame with white border, in silver metal and enamel, small size model. Cherish happy times spent with your little ones in this adorable family photo frame in the shap...
Metal
Federico Simone for Artek Modernist Pine Picture Frame, circa 1970
By Artek
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning pine wood photo frame, designed by renowned Italian designer Federico Simone for Artek, captures the essence of Mid-Century Modern craftsmanship. The rare piece was cra...
Pine
Namsai Photo Frame Large in Cane with Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Namsai Photo Frame Large in Cane with Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal A craft that naturally adheres to restraint and rhythm, cane weaving moves with quiet precision. Rooted in Northeas...
Brass
1990s Modern Black Lacquered Wood Italian Square Picture Frame by Bussolari
By Bussolari
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Vintage 1990s Bussolari Italian Square Picture Frame This is a beautiful and authentic vintage picture frame from the 1990s, designed and crafted by the Italian brand Bussolari. Made...
Wood, Lacquer
French Silver Mirrored Glass Picture Frame, circa 1940
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning French mirrored picture frame features silver mirror-beveled edges with a deep geometric design. You can arrange the photo frame in either a portrait or a landscape ori...
Glass, Mirror
5 x 5 inch Sterling Silver Picture Frame in the Style of Ralph Lauren
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful sterling silver picture frame in the style of Ralph Lauren. The hammered surface is accented by subtle detailing at the center of each side, adding depth and visual inter...
Sterling Silver
Montagnani Modernist Wood and Metal Picture Frame, Italy 1970
By Montagnani
Located in Atlanta, GA
Montagnani Firenze, Italy, crafted this stunning picture frame in the 1970s. Its Mid-Century modernist design features a rectangular shape, with light burl walnut wood geometric vene...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Michel Dumas for Roche Bobois Chrome and Lucite Picture Frame, 1960s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Michel Dumas for Roche Bobois designed this stunning Machine Age metal and Lucite picture frame. The rare photo frame was expertly crafted in France, circa 1960. The modernist design...
Metal, Chrome
Montagnani Italy Modernist Wood and Brass Picture Frame, circa 1970
By Montagnani
Located in Atlanta, GA
Montagnani Firenze designed this stunning picture frame. The rare piece was crafted in Italy circa 1970. The photo frame features a Mid-Century modernist form, with a rectangular sha...
Metal
Maitland Smith Tessellated Marble, Travertine and Stone Picture Frame circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
Maitland-Smith designed this stunning marquetry picture frame. The piece was expertly crafted circa 1980 and rendered in tessellated marble, stone, and travertine. The piece boasts l...
Stone, Travertine, Marble
An High Quality 1990s Modern Wood Italian Picture Frame by Borbonese
Located in Aci Castello, IT
High Quality 1990s Modern Wood Italian Picture Frame by Borbonese This exquisite 1990s modern picture frame by the renowned Italian luxury brand, Borbonese has been crafted with an u...
Wood
American Print of St. Michael's Church Meeting St. Charleston, SC Verner C 1930
Located in Charleston, SC
American print of St. Michael's church on Meeting Street, Charleston, SC. matted under glass in gilt frame. Elizabeth O'Neil Verner, early 20th century.
Glass, Giltwood, Paper
Italian Modern Picture with Geometric Decoration Prints, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Picture with geometric decoration prints, 1980s Set of four triangular-shaped picture with prints depicting colored circles and geometric figures. The frames are original and made to...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Modernist Maroon Leather Picture Frame, France circa 1950
Located in Atlanta, GA
Stunning Modernist Leather Picture Frame, France, circa 1950 This exquisite modernist picture frame exemplifies mid-century French craftsmanship, dating circa 1950. Wrapped in fine-g...
Leather
Murano Art Glass Picture Frame with Multicolor Murrine
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Murano art glass picture frame was hand-crafted in Italy in the 1990s. Murano mosaic, colorful Murrine plaques adorn the picture frame's view, which features an L-shape...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Chrome and Gunmetal Picture Frame with Kinetic Design, circa 1970
By Noel BC
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning picture frame features a silver and gunmetal-chromed metal geometric design with a kinetic effect. The photo frame design is reminiscent of the Italian designer Noel BC...
Metal, Chrome
Lancel Paris Chrome and Brass Geometric Kinetic Picture Frame, circa 1970
By Lancel Paris
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning modernist picture frame was designed by the renowned French luxury company Lancel Paris. The piece was expertly crafted in France circa 1970. The gilded brass and chrom...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
An High Quality 1990s Modern Wood Italian Picture Frame by Borbonese
Located in Aci Castello, IT
High Quality 1990s Modern Wood Italian Picture Frame by Borbonese Elevate your cherished memories with this exquisite 1990s modern picture frame by the renowned Italian luxury brand,...
Silver Plate
1990s Modern Black Lacquered Wood Italian Picture Frame by Bussolari
By Bussolari
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Vintage 1990s Bussolari Italian Picture Frame This is a beautiful and authentic vintage picture frame from the 1990s, designed and crafted by the Italian brand Bussolari. Made in Ita...
Lacquer, Fruitwood
Navy Blue Shagreen Photo Frame
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your treasured memories with this Navy Blue Shagreen Photo Frame, a sophisticated accent that merges timeless elegance with modern texture. The frame is wrapped in a rich sha...
Shagreen
Christian Dior Home Silver Plate Engraved Logo Picture Frame in Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning silver plate picture photo frame made by Christian Dior Home Collection Paris. The geometric shape has a "Dior" logo engraved on the bottom area. The back and easel are in...
Metal, Silver Plate
Gucci Beige Ebony GG Supreme Leather, Canvas Monogram Bi-Fold Picture Frame
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gucci GG Supreme beige canvas and black leather bi-fold picture frame. Late 20th century Beige Ebony GG Supreme canvas Black leather ...
Leather, Canvas
Vintage Tortoiseshell Lucite Photo Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant Italian photo frame crafted in richly mottled tortoiseshell Lucite, dating to the 1970s. The frame features a bold, slightly flared sil...
Lucite
Tommaso Barbi White Ceramic and Gilded Brass Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Tommaso Barbi Sculptural Ceramic and Gilt Brass Picture Frame, Italy, circa 1970 — Signed Masterpiece of Italian Mid-Century Design An extraordinary and rare artifact of Italian mid-...
Metal, Brass
Lauren Ralph Lauren Silver Plated Normandy Modern 3.5x5 Photo Picture Frame (B)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Lauren, Ralph Lauren Silver Plated "Normandy" Modern 5x7 Photo Picture Frame with RL Hallmark and Glass Front (B), (Discontinued, New old sto...
Silver Plate
A 1980s Elegant Italian Picture Frame in the style of Gucci Home
A rectangular picture frame designed and manufactured in Italy in the Eighties by MB Italy, the silver plated and gilde metal remembers The style of Gucci home of the period. It's in...
Silver Plate
Modernist Black Lucite Picture Frame, Italy circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning modernist acrylic Lucite picture frame was meticulously crafted in Italy, circa 1980. The rare photo frame features a substantial, deep black Lucite base with beveling,...
Lucite, Acrylic, Plexiglass
French Hollywood Regency Mirror Picture Frame, circa 1940
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning French mirrored picture frame features silver mirror-beveled edges with a deep geometric design. The piece was meticulously crafted...
Glass, Mirror
Milo Baughman Modernist Burl Wood and Metal Picture Frame, circa 1960
Located in Atlanta, GA
Boost your private interior with this exceptional modernist picture frame, a true testament to refined design reminiscent of Milo Baughman's visionary style. The piece was crafted in...
Chrome
Animalier Zebra Pattern Frame hand painted Salimbeni
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular photo frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fired enamel, hand-painted with spotted zebra fur type in a modern contemporary style. External measurements cm. ...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel