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.
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
Mancioli Raymor Florenz Ceramic Majolika Bagni Bugi Baggi
Located in Vienna, AT
Extremely large cat handpainted flower-decoration Stands 18“ tall
Ceramic
Large Stone Bust Of An African Chief Shona From Verdit Tendayi Tandi
Located in Hannover, DE
This beautiful stone sculpture is a true masterpiece of African art from the beautiful country of Zimbabwe. This bust is lovingly hand-carved from stone that is said to have healing ...
Stone
Primitive pantera onca brazilian stool in noble wood circa 1900
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible primitive brazilian stool in noble wood representing 'Panther'circa 1900
Wood
$300Sale Price|20% Off
Signed and Numbered Original Bronze Mouse Sculpture by Artist Siggy Puchta
By Siggy Puchta
Located in San Diego, CA
Petite solid bronze original sculpture by listed artist Siggy Puchta, sitting on a travertine Base.
Travertine, Bronze
Cenedese Murano glass set of pears with bubbles circa 1950
By Cenedese
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible set Cenedese Murano glass pears multicolor circa 1950
Murano Glass
Fulvio Bianconi by Venini cook in Murano glasscirca 1953
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
perfect Fulvio Bianconi by Venini cook in Murano glass circa 1953.
Murano Glass
Archimede Seguso "sfumato oro" sculpture in Murano glass circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible sculpture in Murano glass by Archimede Seguso "sfumato oro" circa 1950 in perfect condition.
Murano Glass
$2,640 / set
Barovier&Toso circa 1948 "zebrato" couple
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible couple of cats in Murano glass by Barovier&Toso 1948 "zebreto oro" circa 1948
Murano Glass
Maghault Fils france Art Deco bronze "Don Quixote" circa 1930.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible bronze signed MAGHAULT FILs circa 1930 Art Deco "Don Quixote"with two marbles base.
Bronze
Biscuit two men fighting with knives
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
incredible couple of two men fighting with knives in white biscuit.
Porcelain
Franz Weissmann Brazilian Abstract Sculpture steel !979
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible abstract sculpture in steel by Franz Weissmann 1979
Steel
French Cast Iron Figural Flatback Rust Patina Garden Panel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A cast iron flatback panel originally from a balcony rail in France. Dating to the mid-late 19th century, these decorative objects were used as building or garden elements. Heavy, weighing about 25 pounds, and aged with a beautiful patina, the panel shows a robed figure within an ornate scrolled frame. Imagine it as a piece of outdoor sculpture, used as a fireback, turned into a table base, or framed in a garden gate. Measures: 26.5 inches H x 15.5 inches W x 1.25 inches deep. In very good antique condition with the desired rusted patina.
Iron
Steel Sculpture by Nicolas Vlavianos, 1970
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Steel sculpture signed and dated Vlavianos in perfect conditions.
Steel
Remo Bernucci 1970 set of 9 totens in plaster and wood polychrome sculpture.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible RENO BERNUCCI group of sculptures in plaster, wood polychrome with 9 pieces.
Plaster, Wood
Swimming Pool Table, Large, by RAIN, Contemporary Table, Metal and Painted Glass
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The contemporary swimming pool table. The inspiration for this collection comes from dreamlike images of leisure and good times that swimming pools...
Metal
$592Sale Price|20% Off
URSS Ceramic Sculpture of a Seal from the 1940s
Located in Milano, MI
Russian USSR ceramic seal figurine, made in the 1940s Ø 14 cm Ø 13 cm h 13 cm
Porcelain
Black Chain, by Rain, Wall Piece, Stainless Steel, Black
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
Stainless Steel 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
Contemporary Swimming Pool Table by RAIN, Small Side Table
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The contemporary swimming pool table which also functions as a small contemporary styled side table. The inspiration for this collection comes fro...
Metal
20th Century, Art deco
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of Art Deco Bookends in the form of 2 Sitting Elephans, solid bronze,Vienna 1920, good condition
Bronze
Napoleone Martinuzzi Murano glass circa 1930
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Napoleone Martinuzzi Murano glass scultura circa 1930
Murano Glass
Roberto Moriconi 1974 steel and wood base.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Wonderful sculpture in steel and wood by ROBERTO MORICONI 1974. Futuristic.
Steel
$2,487
Large Ammonite Fossil
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
- Large fossil stone shell - Ammonites were predatory Prehistorie cephalopod mollusks which existed between 400 and 66 million years ago before dying out during the exinction event w...
Stone
Old italian bronze by Bacus supported for Ninfa and Faun circa 1885.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Old italian bronze representing scenes of Bacus supported for Ninfa and Faun circa 1885.
Marble, Bronze
TYRA LUNGREN duck in Murano glass acid stamped VENINI circa 1955.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Wonderful Tyra Lundgren duck in black Murano glass acid stamped Venini circa 1950.
Murano Glass
Barovier&Toso sculpture in Murano glass circa 1950.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Wonderful Barovier&Toso sculpture in Murano glass in perfect conditions circa 1950.
Murano Glass
Fulvio Bianconi massive block of Murano glass circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Sculpture abstract form in Murano glass attributed by FULVIO BIANCONI circa 1950
Murano Glass
Pablo Picasso ceramic plate signed and numbered edition 114/200
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible plate hand painted and engraved signed and numbered.
Ceramic
$1,066 / set
Amber Flowers
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Dominican amber flowers : to be mounted as You wish: as an object or as a jewel. ref. G/281 (light) : cm. 4 x 4 x 0,5. ref. G/283 (dark): cm. 5 x 5 x 1 cm.
Other
Auguste Rodin french museu reproduction in plaster and wood signed "Le Penseur"
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible museu reproduction in plaster and wood by Auguste Rodin sculpture "Le Penseur" circa 1950 signed in the piece.
Plaster
Natural size pair of african sculptures in noble wood representing giraffes
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and huge sculptures representing a couple of giraffes polychromed. Fantastic.
Wood
$225Sale Price|43% Off
Sonja Blomdahl Nordstrom Christmas Ornament Art Glass Blown Orb Sphere Spiral
Located in Hyattsville, MD
1996 Limited edition, hand blown, Christmas ornament, by renowned glass artist, Sonja Blomdahl exclusively for Nordstrom. The ornament is signed by the artist, Sonja 96' It is in ros...
Art Glass
Antonio Canova italian brown bronze circa 1850 "Gladiator"
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and big italian brown bronze after Antonio Canova circa 1850 representing "Gladiator"
Bronze
Le Faguays bronze Art Deco "Pierrot e Columbine" signed
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Art Deco bronze signed Le Faguays from 1930 original representing "Pierrot and Columbina"
Bronze
Clown in Murano glass attributed to Seguso Vetri dArte circa 1950.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible sculpture in Murano glass attributed to Seguso Vetri dArte circa 1950
Murano Glass
Livio Seguso sculpture in Murano glass circa 1970
By Livio Seguso
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Wonderful sculpture in Murano glass stamped LIVIO SEGUSO circa 1970.
Murano Glass
Berois sculpture in noble wood representing a Bull circa 1960.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Fantastic sculpture in noble wood by BEROIS circa 1960.
Wood
Archimede Seguso bottle in Murano glass to Luxardo circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
incredible Archimede Seguso Murano glass bottle for Luxardo in two colors circa 1950.
Murano Glass
Sculpture in Murano glass with gold representing a fish circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible sculpture in Murano glass with gold representing a fish circa 1950.
Murano Glass
Bronze Sculpture Alto by Perrin & Perrin France
Located in Paris, FR
Bronze sculpture by Perrin & Perrin, French glass artists represented by Galerie Negropontes. Measures: H 21 x L 18 x P 7 cm / H 8.3 x W 7.1 x D 2.7 inch Martine and Jacki Perrin scu...
Bronze
ZANETTI fish Murano with applied parts "piece unique"
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Murano glass by ZANETTI "piece unique" with applied parts sculpture.
Murano Glass
Archimede Seguso pair of sculptures in Murano glass red fishes 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible pair of fishes in red Murano glass by Archimede Seguso with air bubbles circa 1950.
Murano Glass
LENCI porcelain hand painted representing a surreal bird circa 1950
By Lenci
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
incredible surreal bird signed LENCI hand painted circa 1950. Fantastic.
Porcelain
Art Deco bronze woman naked signed B Forslund circa 1930
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
incredible bronze Art Deco signed B Forslund representing woman naked.
Bronze
Archimede Seguso sculpture in Murano opalino glass circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible sculpture by Archimede Seguso circa 1950 in opalino Murano glass in big size and perfect conditions, To collectors.
Murano Glass
Venini Murano glass incolor hourglass circa 1950
By Venini
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
incredible Venini Murano glass incolor hourglass circa 1950.
Murano Glass
Narciso italian pompeian bronze circa 1900.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible old bronze reproduction by Narciso found in Pompei 1862.
Bronze
Archimede Seguso sculpture in Murano glass 'Sfumato oro' circa 1950.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Archimede Seguso Murano glass sculpture in "sfumato oro" bird circa 1950.
Murano Glass
Italian 19th Fauno in bronze circa 1850.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible FAUNO in bronze made in Italy circa 1850 playing flutes.
Bronze
Archimede Seguso sculpture in Murano glass "sfumatto oro" circa 1950 Museo
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Archimede Seguso "sfumatto oro"sculpture in Murano glass circa 1950. Museo.
Murano Glass
Nicolas Vlavianos steel 1974 sculpture with wood base signed
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible NICOLAS VLAVIANOS brazilian steel 1970 abstract sculpture with wood base.
Steel
E. Aurelio italian Art Deco brown bronze male circa 1930
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible sculpture in italian bronze signed E. Aurelio Art deco circa 1930 depicting naked boy sitting on edge of cliff.
Bronze
Terracota polychromed bust of woman with flowers signed
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and big bust of woman with multicolor flowers in terracota signed A.TALLARI 1992
Terracotta
Guido Cacciapuoti italian porcelain "Putan" circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Guido Cacciapuoti porcelain representing "Putan" circa 1950 signed and sealed.
Porcelain
Seguso Vetri dArte Murano glass abstract sculpture circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Seguso Vetri dArte abstract sculpture in Murano glass circa 1950
Murano Glass
Nicolas Vlavianos Greek steel 1974 sculpture with wood base signed
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible steel sculpture with wood base signed VL 74 to Nicolas Vlavianos 1974
Steel
Bronze Sculpture Bolero by Perrin & Perrin France
Located in Paris, FR
Bronze sculpture by Perrin & Perrin, Galerie Negropontes, 2021 Measures: H 22.5 x L 19 x P 7 cm / H 8.7 x W 7.5 x D 2.7 inch Martine and Jacki Perrin sculpt together as one, forming ...
Bronze
Bronze Sculpture Nocturnal by Perrin & Perrin France
Located in Paris, FR
Bronze sculpture by Perrin & Perrin, French glass artists represented by Galerie Negropontes, 2021 Measures: H 23 x L 19.5 x P 8 cm / H 9 x W 7.5 x D 3.14 inch Martine and Jacki Perr...
Bronze
Emanoel Araujo brazilian sculpture in fiberglass and wood polychrome circa 1980
By Emanoel Araújo 1
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible EMANOEL ARAUJO abstract sculpture in fiberglass and wood signed and polychrome circa 1980.
Fiberglass, Wood