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.
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
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
Large round silver metal vide-poche, Hermès, Paris, 1960.
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Large round silvered metal vide-poche. The handle in the shape of a stylized horse head Marked "Hermès Paris" "made in France" with clover hallmark (maker's mark: Ravinet Denfert ...
Metal
Rare silvered metal double vide-poche, Hermès, Paris, 1960.
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Rare Hermès silvered metal vide-poche. Two round cups linked by a handle in the shape of a horse bit. marked Hermès Paris Clover mark for Ravinet d'Enfert France circa 1960
Metal
Dutch Delft Blue Handpainted Vase
By Delft
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Nice handpainted Delft blue pottery vase.
Ceramic
Montblanc Sterling Silver Money Clip – Elegant Luxury Accessory for Collectors
Located in Vienna, AT
Montblanc money clip crafted from sterling silver, exemplifying the brand’s renowned precision and timeless elegance. This refined accessory combines practicality with luxury, making...
Sterling Silver
Montblanc Gilded Cufflinks, Vintage 1950 – Elegant Mid-Century Collectible
Located in Vienna, AT
Montblanc gilded cufflinks, circa 1950, showcasing the brand’s classic elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. These vintage accessories combine timeless style with refined luxury, ma...
Gold Plate
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
Dutch Delft Blue Handpainted Vase
By Delft
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Nice Delft blue pottery vase, handprinted by Gewina Delft.
Ceramic
20 th Century , Brass massive Table Clock
Located in Vienna, AT
Large Work Stylisch Table Clock made by Jaeger LeCoultre 60s, good condition.
Brass
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
Vintage Limoges France Butterfly Trinket Box Handpainted
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Vintage Limoges France Butterfly Trinket Box Handpainted Type Trinket Box Brand Limoges Material Porcelain Subject Butterfly Finish Painted Color Multicolor Shape Hear Shape Item Len...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
Fitz and Floyd Porcelain Dalmation Trinket Box, Glazed, USA, 1985
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Fitz and Floyd, a charming porcelain Dalmation trinket box, dating to 1985. Two yellow and black spotted dogs sit atop an oval, green glazed lidded box with metal bracing. The...
Porcelain
$1,233Sale Price|40% Off
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
Large Hand-Hammered Copper Pot with Brass Handles, England, Circa 1860
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super-sized, hand-hammered copper pot with brass carrying handles, England, circa 1860. Very heavy, beautifully hand made with a thick rolled rim. Showing hammer marks to the int...
Brass, Copper
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
$1,000Sale 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
Aureliano Toso vase in Murano glass circa 1970.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Wonderful attributed Aureliano Toso vase in Murano glass circa 1970. Perfect conditions.
Murano Glass
Halcyon Days English Bilston Enamel Rabbit Trinket Box
By Halcyon Days
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Halcyon Days, a Bilston enamel trinket box shaped as a rabbit, Stoke-on-Trent, England, circa 1970-1980s. Established in the 1950s, Halcyon Days ...
Copper
Alfredo Barbini Murano glass multicolor circa 1950 vase.
By Barbini
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Alfredo Barbini Murano glass multicolor circa 1950 vase.
Murano Glass
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
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
Large Tina Aufiero for Venini circa 1983 "Alboino" Murano glass green vase
By Tina Aufiero
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and large Tina Aufiero for VENINI circa 1983 "Alboino" green vase. Labeled.
Murano Glass
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
Gucci Gold Metal Letter Opener in Black Leather Case
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Gucci gold cast metal letter opener with signature double G logo at handle. Engraved signature on reverse GUCCI Made In Italy Original black leather case with Gucci stamp on back.
Metal
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
Dino Martens bicolor Murano glass with venturine vase circa 1950
By Dino Martens
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Dino Martens Murano glass bicolor with venturine vase circa 1950
Murano Glass
Long Coconut Palm Leaf Centerpiece in International Style, Indonesia
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Very rare this long coconut palm leaf, from Indonesia, where it is used by the indigenous people as eating vessel. It's a perfect centerpiece on our table...
Palmwood
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
TINA AUFIERO vase by VENINI in Murano glass "Alboino" circa 1983
By Tina Aufiero
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Wonderful TINA AUFIERO "Alboino" vase by VENINI circa 1983.
Murano Glass
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
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
Alessandro Mandruzzato Murano glass red and yellow circa 1950 vase
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible large Alessandro Mandruzzato Murano glass red and yellow circa 1950 vase.
Murano Glass
Picture Frame Silver Sterling Enameled on guilloche Red and Green Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Large rectangular photo frame in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent enamels fired on guilloche in two colors, in a modern contemporary style. External cm. 18 x 22,...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Dino Martens Aureliano Toso pigmentati iridium tall vase circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible tall and rare Aureliano Toso iridium pigmentati vase 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
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
Salimbeni Purse Cigarette Case Two-Color Enamel Stripes Blue and White
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Purse cigarette case, oval section in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with two-color enameled stripes. Early 20th century English style. Measures 9 x 4.3 x 2.6 cm. Weight 96 g. ...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
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
Barovier&Toso Murano glass rubi circa 1950 vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Barovier&Toso Murano glass rubi iridescent circa 1950 vase.
Murano Glass
Seguso Vetri dArte Murano glass vase circa 1950.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Seguso Vetri dArte vase in Murano glass circa 1950.
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
Vintage Spanish Red Morocco Tooled Leather Correspondence Box
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
VINTAGE SPANISH RED MOROCCO TOOLED LEATHER CORRESPONDENCE BOX First half of the 20th Century. Of rectangular form with fitted interior H. 2 1/4" in. (5.7 cm.) L. 8 1/8" in. ( 20.7 c...
Leather
Magnificent Buddha Head Sculpture – Intricate Ornamental Headdress & Aged Golden
Located in Pasadena, TX
A captivating Buddha head sculpture featuring an exceptionally detailed ornamental headdress, beautifully sculpted facial features, elongated earlobes, and a peaceful, meditative exp...
Bronze
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
Archimede Seguso Murano glass bicolor with applications and gold 1950 vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Archimede Seguso Murano glass bicolor with applications circa 1950 vase.
Murano Glass
AVeM Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950 "Bizantino"
By Arte Vetraria Muranese (AVEM)
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible AVeM Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950 "Bizantino"
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
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
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
Seguso Vetri dArte Murano glass green circa 1950 "corroso" vase.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Seguso Vetri dArte Murano glass circa 1950 "corroso"green vase.
Murano Glass
Tyra Lungren Murano glass black iridized vase circa 1960
By Venini
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Venini&C by Tyra Lungren Murano glass iridized black vase with two necks circa 1960
Murano Glass
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
AVeM Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950
By Arte Vetraria Muranese (AVEM)
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible AVEM Murano glass multicolor vase circa 1950 "Bizantino".
Murano Glass
Franz Weissmann Brazilian Abstract Sculpture steel !979
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible abstract sculpture in steel by Franz Weissmann 1979
Steel
Steel Sculpture by Nicolas Vlavianos, 1970
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Steel sculpture signed and dated Vlavianos in perfect conditions.
Steel
Napoleone Martinuzzi Murano glass circa 1930
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Napoleone Martinuzzi Murano glass scultura circa 1930
Murano Glass
Aureliano Toso vase in Murano glass emerald circa 1950.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Wonderful vase in Murano glass emerald attributed to Aureliano Toso circa 1950.
Murano Glass
Montblanc Chrome Cufflinks with Glass Insets – Elegant Vintage Luxury Accessory
Located in Vienna, AT
Montblanc chrome-plated cufflinks with glass insets, exemplifying the brand’s signature blend of precision, elegance, and innovative design. These vintage accessories are a refined s...
Chrome
Jay Strongwater Ornate Jeweled and Enameled Metal Scroll Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Jay Strongwater ornate enamelled brass scroll picture frame set with glass gemstones. Beautiful on both sides, the brass back has a botanical cutout pattern, and ornate floral design...
Brass, Enamel