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Modern Decorative Objects

MODERN STYLE

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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.

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Style: Modern
White Lei Lui Armoire in Birdseye Maple
Located in New York, NY
Armoured jewelry armoire in polished white bird’s-eye maple and 24-karat gold hardware. Inside, safe with biometric opening device. Drawers and pull-out trays lined for jewelry. Six ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Simon Large Silver Plated Seven-Branched Candleholder by Borek Sipek for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The seven branches of the candleholder by Borek Sipek design are pushing up with sinuous curves, as if they were shoots of a wild plant. Borek Sipek (1949-2016) studied interior des...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Surrealist Bird & Butterfly Jungle Scene in Illuminated Natural History Diorama
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Flood, 2016, is an illuminated update on the traditional Victorian glass-cased diorama depicting a surreal jungle encounter between an upcycled vintage taxidermied tiny egret and...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Tiffany & Co. Rock Cut Crystal Glass Dresser Box with Lid
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine crystal glass dresser or trinket box. By Tiffany & Co. In the Rock Cut pattern. Comprising box and lid. All sides except the base of the box are covered in numerous angled ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Rock Crystal

Contemporary Handmade Glass Rose Candelabra Flower Pink Leaves Green Romantic
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
A Hand-Blown Glass Candelabra by Simone Crestani, featuring 6 Candle Holders The Rose Candelabra is a breathtaking piece by Simone Crestani, where the artistry of glassblowing trans...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Carmello Cappello, Bronze Sculpture On Pedestal, XXth Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Bronze sculpture, circle and disc on a black lacquered wood base. They can be dismantled The bronze part is signed C Cappello 1978 and is numbered 61/99 Carmello Cappello (1912-1996) is an Italian artist who began by sculpting decorations for Sicilian carts...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique Fountain Pen with Papers & Boxes
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This fountain pen was made by the well known Montblanc factory of Germany in approximately 1990 in their classic modern style. This fountain pen is their 'Meisterstuck' model and has...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold, Stainless Steel

Console w/ Singular Mount Peg Modern Levered Waterfall Floating Blackened Steel
Located in Bronx, NY
CONSOLE NO. 4 J.M. Szymanski d. 2020 A sleek table, bent from a seamless piece of 3/8” thick steel. The table appears to float on a single peg. The table is attached to a wall from...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel, Cut Steel

Echo Hand Built Sculptural Ceramic Vase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
One of a kind, these statement pieces are unique in design and execution. Meticulously hand built in Brooklyn, each slab of clay is cut with precision dried over time to maintain...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware

Mexican Taxco Abstract Modernist .970 Silver Bracelet by Antoñio Pineda
Located in San Diego, CA
Fabulous Mexican Taxco abstract modernist .970 silver bracelet by Antoñio Pineda, circa 1960s. This piece is not only a ready to wear creation but also a dynamic piece of modern scu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Art Glass Vase by Martin Postch
Located in New York, NY
Limited edition art glass vase by Martin Postch. Green glass with applied prunts. Etched signature on the bottom.
Category

2010s German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Crystal Balls Colorful Candleholder, Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
A unique piece Crystal candleholder made in Venice Colorful and bright this candleholder will make your table spark.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Hand Blown Emerald Green Murano Glass Vase with Gold Leaf Infused Dot Design
Located in New York, NY
Richly colored Emerald green Murano glass vase decorated with applied dot design in clear glass with gold leaf inclusions. Italy, 2023 ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Michael Aram Tooled Silver Metal, Enamel Two Part Box With Brass Flower Top
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely small round 2 part box is an early piece of the designs of MIchael Aram's work from the early 90's. It is a tooled design silver metal on the top of the box with a black...
Category

1990s Indian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass, Enamel

Contemporary Africa Trophy Hand Blown Glass Bottles Set Liquor Horns Animal
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
Introducing the Africa Trophy Bottle Set, a stunning collection of hand-blown glass masterpieces by the renowned Simone Crestani. This exquisite set includes one Antelope Bottle, one Buffalo Bottle, and one Oryx Bottle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Lalique Frosted Crystal Swimming Swans Pair with Mirror
Located in Countryside, IL
Lalique Frosted Crystal Swimming Swans Pair with Mirror This crystal set measures: 33 wide x 22.25 deep x 10 high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Cuyo Medium Alpaca Silver & Blue Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beautiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, mostly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library. Our pieces are made by hand. One of...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Stone, Metal

21st Century Karim Rashid Knight Vase Murano Glass Red and Black
Located in Brembate di Sopra (BG), IT
21st century Karim Rashid Knight vase Murano glass various colors. Color stands out in the Knight vase designed by Karim Rashid, displaying its playful un...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Ceramic Vase Vessel 24 Karat Gold Luster Sculpture Spherical Centerpiece, Italy
Located in Recanati, IT
Sculptural vase handmade in Italy and decorated with the luster technique in 24 Kt gold. Dimensions: D 36 cm, H 40 cm. The entire manufacturing process is handmade in Italy. The vase...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

Venere V26, Woman's Moorish Head, Vase Without Crown, Handmade in Sicily, Size L
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The Collection This collection offers ideas for contemporary décor through sophisticated revelations of art bound to the tradition of ceramics of Caltagirone, objets d’art that co...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

"White" Luxury Vases Set of 5 Pieces, Handmade in Italy, 2021, Hand Painted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The heart collection is the result of the extravagant creativity of two innovative designers, who are inspired especially by the human body. This collection is made by 4 beautiful...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Fornasetti Vase Clown Black/White/Gold
Located in MILANO, IT
Another classic of the Fornasetti catalogue, vases' uncommon shape mixed with the timeless beauty of Lina Cavalieri, Piero Fornasetti’s enduring muse, bri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Bonnie Config 3 Contemporary Linear LED Chandelier, Solid Brass @ 140cm/55"
Located in Torslanda, SE
The Bonnie range is designed around the stylised form of a Saffron flower, known around the world for its valuable beauty, fragrance and essence. Each organic flower-like form is ...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Stunning Battuto Vase by Studio Salvatore Murano Italy
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A remarkable Murano glass vase by Studio Salvatore, Italy, featuring the exquisite battuto technique. This striking piece showcases a rich amber upper section with a delicately carve...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Sommerso

1980s Modern Turquoise and White Murano Glass Round Centerpiece
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A 1980s Turquoise and White Murano Glass Centerpiece designed and manufactured in Italy in the style of Venini. This Round Centerpiece i...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Nomon Oj Wall Clock By Jose Maria Reina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A wall clock tends to resemble its owner. Its design, color and resolution, the style of the one who placed it in that precise place and that's why the frequent alternatives are so varied. When the wall clock you need meets many of the characteristics of your personality as a taste for the minimalist innovative trends and a lot of originality the option is undoubtedly the Nomon OJ Clock. The OJ is a true designer clock...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Polystyrene

Gyrowinder Watch Winder by Döttling
Located in New York, NY
Around the world, Döttling luxury safes find homes among select connoisseurs and enthusiasts of the finest locksmith artisanry. They originate from the Döttling manufactory in Sindel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum, Nickel

Bonsai "Jacaranda tree", Handmade in Italy, Unique piece, Signed by the artist.
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Unique piece sign by the artist. The sculpture was commissioned for the first time by a customer in Sicily, who had a specific request, namely a tree with purple, turquoise and silv...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Marble Bust Representing Hermes, Patinated Marble, Contemporary Work.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Marble bust representing Hermes, patinated marble, contemporary work. Hermes bust in patinated marble and black granite base, reproduction of a 1st-2nd century Roman bust. H: 49.5 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Green Glass Jellyfish
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage art glass jellyfish. Clear with a vibrant green jellyfish in the center. A great sculptural accent with beautiful detailing formed to create the details of the jellyfish.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Solo Lui Black Armoire with 54 Watch Winders
Located in New York, NY
Armored armoire in polished Ebony, brass accessories in Ruthenium. Safe with biometric opening device, drawers and trays lined for watches and jewelry. Available with 54 Swiss made w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ebony

Bronze Stack Trays by Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Bronze Stack Trays by Henry Wilson Dimensions: W 25 x D 5 x H 10 cm Materials: Bronze The stack trays are sold in a set of three that can be used toget...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Modern Minimalist LAAB Shadow Sculpture Raku Ceramic White Black Vase
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Shadow 2 sculpture A work of harmonization of darkness and light, cold and heat: yin e yang. A stunning sculpture with black crakle' and black dots on the brighter side and tiny w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Dora Maar Urn
Located in New York, NY
Porcelain Reverie. Our Dora Maar Urn gives good face from every angle, an unglazed finish highlighting the muse's flawless features in fabulously delicate detail. Inspired by Dora Ma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pila Bowl Red Travertine, Travertine & Emperador by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
To juxtapose marble’s natural veining, the Pila Bowl references the work of modernist architect Paul Rudolph. Reflecting the tension between built and organic forms in contemporary design, this stacked bowl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

R&Y Augousti, Paris Shagreen and Lacquered Jewelry Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
R&Y Augousti, Paris Shagreen, and Lacquered Jewelry Box  Paris, circa 1990s This exquisite R&Y Augousti Shagreen and Lacquered Jewelry Box, made in Paris circa the 1990s, is a stunning example of sophisticated modern design and superb craftsmanship. Standing 12 inches high, 9.75 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, this table box features a luxurious shagreen exterior complemented by a sleek lacquered finish. The twin doors open to reveal a meticulously designed interior with concealed compartments...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Shagreen, Wood, Lacquer

Giant Hippo Sculpture in Orange Lucite
Located in New York, NY
Posh Pachyderm. A mesmerizing must-have for sizzling safari chic, our giant acrylic hippo looks fab anchoring a tablescape or makes a great focal point i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic

Lladró Tiger Mask in Black and Gold by José Luis Santes
Located in New York City, NY
Porcelain piece inspired by traditional African masks with a bold, contemporary and modern design of great decorative power. A collection that brings together three different animals...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Vertigo Short and Tall Black Onyx Stone Candleholders
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Measures: 6.6" x 2.9" x 2.9" 9.4" x 3.5" x 3.5" A composition of onyx with alpaca metal. Inspired by the pure and essential lines of a structure of soli...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Stone, Metal

Italian Murano Art Glass Bowl
Located in New York, NY
This is a substantial and gorgeous Italian Murano iridescent art glass bowl with fluted design, circa mid-20th century, Italy. Art glass hue ...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

"In the Blue" Fluorescent Jellyfish, Murano Glass, Handmade in Italy, 2024
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The jellyfish is the main element of the Mosche Bianche's "Medusa" Collection: fluid, delicate but also dangerous and deadly. It represents the water, the circle of life. The speci...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Nomon Cris Wall Clock By Jose Maria Reina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ø80cm clock composed of a walnut wood hour hand and a fiberglass minute hand on top of a metal ring. Contemporary design and great visual impact. Chromed metal details, white fi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Set/2 Boxes, Aged Silver, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Madagáscar Boxes, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. Madagáscar box set includes two wooden boxes, perfect to be displayed together and e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Vase Vessel Decorative Sculpture White Onyx Marble Hand-carved Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
Luxurious small vase sculpted by hand from a solid block of white onyx. Vase dimensions: D 13, H 22 cm. The polished finishing underlines the transparency of the onyx making this a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx

iconic 1. edition chopard happy diamonds for men
Located in Munich, DE
this design was the biggest success in the history of chopard. designer ronald kurowski was inspired by water droplets sparkling in the sunshine at a waterfall and decided to design ...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

Murano Glass Vase Battuto by Roberto Beltrami
Located in Murano, VE
Elevate your home decor with this gorgeous handmade Murano glass vase. Crafted by skilled artisans, this vase features a contemporary and eclectic design. The intricate etched patte...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest
Located in New York, NY
Lockable jewelry chest with 5 drawers, two pullout / pull-out necklace bars, and lined in ultra-suede. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Lalique signed Centre Piece, France
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end crystal bowl made and signed by Lalique.  This rare Lalique centerpiece adorned with orchids on each end. This oval shaped centerpiece bowl has underst...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Sculpture in the Taste of Antiquity, Black Patina, Black Marble Effect.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture in the Taste of Antiquity, black patina, magnificent patina, black marble effect. Small-scale model of our beautiful sculpture in the Taste of Antiquity. This bust represe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Black Turtle Bookcase, Designed by Marcantonio, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2) In Stock in Los Angeles A multipurpose turtle: its carapace acts as a support for a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Tiffany & Co. Clear Crystal Candlesticks, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of crystal candlesticks By Tiffany & Co., "Louis Comfort Tiffany Collection" (signed to the underside) New York, USA...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Ceramic Multicolor Whale Handmade in Italy, Bespoke! New Creation, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Mosche Bianche is glad to add those wonderful fishes to its collection. The fishes are all handmade and bespoke: choose the colors and shape you like! Our artisans can make also cust...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

21st Century Alessandro Mendini Murano Glass Large Vase Ocean Blue
Located in Brembate di Sopra (BG), IT
21st century Alessandro Mendini, Petalo large vase 3 petals, Murano glass, various colors Petal is a rounded vase that, thanks to some fine metal wires, when blown creates lobed shap...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Hermès, Scissors Equestrian Horse Head in Silver Plate, 1960's-1970's Paris
Located in Lausanne, CH
An elegant pair of scissors designed and retailed by Hermès, manufactured by silversmiths Ravinet d'Enfert, Paris France. The handles are silverplate and the blades are in stainless ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate, Stainless Steel

Christian Dior Paris Chrome Metal Picture Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lovely Christian Dior Paris chromed metal picture photo frame features a plain and minimalist geometric shape with an oval picture view. The back and easel are made of glossy, v...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Japanese Modern LAAB Magma Pen Holder Raku Ceramic Black White Crakle
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Magma pen holder A movement frozen in time like the magma solidifed in obisidian. Result of a sudden break in the heating process followed by a fast cooling down of the piece, thi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

New Modern Bowl in White and Black Marble, Designer Jacopo Simonetti
Located in Milan, IT
Bowl S in White Michelangelo and Black Marquinia marble Available also in the L version, and with a rotating mechanism The hypnotic black and white stripes of the new Nova collecti...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Gucci Italy Black Leather and Crocodile Skin Picture Frame, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Gucci created this luxury leather and brass picture frame. The piece was crafted in Italy circa 1980. The timeless, elegant black calfskin leather is embellished wit...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Venini, RAAQUU, VG-VGnewtrend, and Mosche Bianche. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $15 and tops out at $6,718,000 while the average work can sell for $1,174.

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