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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Pendulum clock, Italy, 1970
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Pendulum clock built in the 1970s. The story of this item is rather peculiar: Some time ago a kind-looking elderly gentleman came into our store and asked if he could look at our mer...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Oversize Handmade Guitar Sculpture
Located in Highland, IN
This remarkable piece is an oversize decorative Les Paul style guitar that stands over six feet tall. It makes us think of Claes Oldenberg's playful sculptures and looks like it coul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Handcrafted Japanese Yakisugi Bowl
Located in London, GB
Fine traditionally hand-crafted and turned Ash Yakisugi platter - bowl. These are handmade to the very best quality in London using traditional techniques. Finished in food safe oil....
Category

2010s English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ash

Organic Modern Ceramic Botryoidal Bubbly Planter in Black by Forma Rosa Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Our Bubbly Collection strengthens the poetic relationship between digital design and hand craft. Through the process of generative design, The form of t...
Category

2010s Peruvian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Armored Jewel Safe Polished Carbon Fiber Front and 3 Watch Winders
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry safe covered in polished carbon front. Drawers in white leather, , inside is lined for jewelry and watches with pull out necklace holder...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Floor Clock Howard Miller Olivewood Case
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-Century Modern olivewood case Howard Miller floor clock. Chrome base. Runs. Chimes need to be adjusted. Very good condition. Dimensions: ...
Category

20th Century North American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

Multi-Functional Cigar Humidor Cabinet, by Massimo de Munari, Handmade in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (1.8) Multi-functional cigar humidor and bar, Handmade in Italy Designed by Massimo de Munari...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ebony

Gary Spradling (1951-2006) Bronze Nude Female Torso Burnished Red Art Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Gary Spradling (1951-2006) Bronze Nude Female Torso Burnished Red Art Sculpture. Item features heavy bronze construction, signed "Gary R. Spradling, 2003 Tallix" to rear, wit...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Italian 1960s Black Train Case in Leather
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1960s train case in leather.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crocodile

Tsuri Raku Pottery Vase - Full Copper Matte - Handmade Ceramic Home Decor Gift
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Tsuri ( ツリー ) ~ (n) tree Our Tsuri vase is based on the classic bottle shape but with a wider mouth at the top. It would definitely look great when put together with other RAAQUU B...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Abstract Marble Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
Solid 'Aurora marble' abstract direct carved sculpture from the estate of a private collector in the Florida Keys. This sensual form is attached to...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Bosphore Wall Sconce in Blue (Small Size) by Laura Gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
Glazed ceramic wall lamp with geometric relief made by the Jean Roger workshop in Paris. Available in green, yellow, blue, pink, brown, and matte white colors and in two sizes. Made...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

fferrone Contemporary Minimal Double Black Steel Flower Sculptural Vase
Located in Chicago, IL
Two vases in one, composed of a series of black minimal hand-painted stainless steel tubes in various dimensions and cut on the bias, the contemporary Bana Double vase can uniquely accommodate a single stem to full flower...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

Red and Gold Lady. Unique piece of art. Handmade and Hand painted. Ceramic 2024
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The red and gold lady is inspired by many cultural reminiscence of Italy. Corals inspired by our mediterranean see, gold elements for luxury art. A gentle r...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Opalino Glass Vase in Tea and Crystal by Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with slim, oval shaped body and funnel shaped neck. Featured in tea and crystal colored glass. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or strong statement piece ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

21st Century Raw Bronze Contemporary Sculpture, 'Emotion' by Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
This raw bronze sculpture has a natural golden brass finish. The female and male Giacometti-influenced portraits are individual objects and can be positione...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Ceramic large Pangolin sculpture, hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This extraordinary Pangolin Sculpture is a rare, one-of-a-kind ceramic piece, masterfully sculpted by Motsaman and intricately hand-painted by Jabu Nene of Love Art Ceramics in South...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

RARE Iittala Alaska Loon Art Glass Bird by Oiva Toikka Finn Fest 2009
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This stunning Alaskan Loon glass collectible bird is a masterpiece created by Iittala of Finland. It belongs to the renowned Birds by Oiva Toikka collection, produced specifically fo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Bauhaus Arts and Crafts Modernist Large Aluminum Box, circa 1920
Located in Atlanta, GA
This remarkable early 20th-century modernist aluminum box is a true testament to masterful craftsmanship and innovative design. The rare piece was crafted in Germany circa 1920. Its...
Category

Early 20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Geometric Pedestal Bowl in Marbled Aqua Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our decorative geometric pedestal bowl is great for holding fruit, plants, decorative objects, faux succulents and specially everyone's attention. You can have it on display on a kit...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

21st Century Glacoja Centerpiece in transparent methacrylate by Analogia Project
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
"Glacoja is a unique centerpiece with a vivid colored heart, sculpted through technology and craftsmanship from a block of plexiglass. Excavated from the heart of a glacier, formed t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic

Tro of Swarovski Porcelain & Jeweld Crystal “Milik” Vases Rare Sold Out Edition
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This is the most chic, modern collection by Swarovski. And very RARE. Designed by Artist Martin Zendron for Swarovski Crystal Co, Austria in 2005, the edition was retired and com...
Category

Early 2000s Austrian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Gorgeous Vintage Paris Made Cartier Desk Clock * FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
Located in Portlaoise, IE
Charming and finely made vintage desk clock by the iconic Cartier. Made in Paris, France this beautiful example is presented in superb vintage condition and come with the original po...
Category

1990s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Contemporary Italian Murano Glass Decorative Bowl with 24kt Gold, Alberto Donà
Located in Villaverla, IT
Contemporary Italian Murano glass decorative bowl with 24 carat gold, attributed to Alberto Donà, 2000s. The base sustains a central sphere, and the bowl at the top. This artwork is...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

Sculpture of a Black Horse's Head.Medium Size.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture of a black horse's head. Sculpture of a beautiful black horse's head, in resin and metal base, contemporary work. Material: Resin ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Composition, Metal

Casa Bowl
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Casa Bowl in White Designed by Project 213A in 2023 Artisanal large bowl created by skilled artisans in Project 213A's own workshop. Hand-sculpted ceramic with a textured finish in ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Casa Bowl
Casa Bowl
$811 / item
Italian Murano Glass Sculpture Of A Heron
By Luca Bojola
Located in Bradenton, FL
Impressive 20th century Italian Murano Glass Sculpture Of A Heron, attributed to designer Luca Bojola for Lico Zanetti, Florence, Italy. Sculpture features heavy solid glass bird wit...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Salvador Dali, Contemporary, Limited Edition ‘Invisible Personage’ Armchair
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Salvador Dali manufactured in Spain by BD. "Invisible Personage" is extracted from the "Singularities" painting, painted by S...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sheepskin, Upholstery, Lacquer

Hans Merz for Meissen, large porcelain vase with geometric pattern
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans Merz for Meissen. Large porcelain vase in a modern design with a geometric pattern and white glaze. Model number 50231. Approximately from the 1970s. Marked. Third factory quali...
Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Large Vase from China, 21st Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Large Vase from China, 21st Century". Celadon color, modern work, decorative, XXI century.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Other

White Sculpt Art Bubble by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
White Sculpt Art Bubble by 101 Copenhagen Designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Dimensions: L58 / W12,5 / H58 CM Materials: Sustainable Paper...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Paper

Art Deco Engraved Glass Frame
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Art Deco Engraved glass Frame. The frame stands 5" x 6" x 3" deep will hold a 3"x 4" photograph.
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Engraved Glass Frame
Art Deco Engraved Glass Frame
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
E. Gargan and S. Giovannoni Gnam Bread Box for Alessi
Located in Miami, FL
Gnam bread box designed by Elisa Gargan and Stefano Giovannoni for Alessi.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Contemporary Photo Frame in 24kt Gold plated Brass and Handmade Blue Crystal
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
24 kt gold plated brass photo frame. The frame is embellished with entirely handmade blue glass. Each crystal is set into the metal seat individually with extreme care and attention....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold, Brass

Contemporary Burnt and Wazed Oak Large Black Disk Tray by Arno Declercq
Located in Geneve, CH
Disk tray large black by Arno Declercq. Dimensions: D43 x W43 x H9 cm. Meterials: burned and waxed Oak. Signed by Arno Declercq. Arno Declercq Belgia...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak

PICASSO Large Pockets - Silk Beige
Located in Torino, IT
Picasso's hand-stitched pocket emptiers, upholstered in Foglizzo leather, are an example of Italian craftsmanship. Perfect on an entryway console or dresser in the bedroom, they styl...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Hide, Leather

Kioku Small Ceramic Urn, Full Copper Matte, Ceramic Raku Pottery
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Kioku - Remembrance The Kioku urn is a small palm sized urn that is formed with an organic spherical shape. This urn is very suitable for the remains of pets, or for shared remem...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Daum France Pate de Verre and Crystal Bowl Catchall Ashtray, circa 1970
By Daum
Located in Atlanta, GA
Daum France designed this stunning crystal ashtray, catchall, or decorative bowl. The piece was crafted in France circa 1970. The mouth-blown, transparent crystal design features a h...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Set/2 Pots, Ceramic Pots, Green, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Chaucer Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes two waterproof ceramic pots with lid, perfect to be displayed together and enrich your room decor. Each piece has its own elegant silhouette in mint-green glazed ceramic with gloss finish plus hand turned beech wood base and lid lacquered in bronze gold-powder. Set of 2 Ceramic Pots Chaucer...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Telephone Exchange PBX from the 50s/60s
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Telephone exchange, PBX from the 50s/60s. Manual telephone system used to interconnect several lines in a company or organisation. With a wooden ca...
Category

Mid-20th Century Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Set of 2 Osaka Bowls Big by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 osaka bowls big by 101 Copenhagen Designed by Nicolaj Nøddesbo & Tommy Hyldahl Dimensions: L 25 / W 25 / H 22 cm Materials: Fiber Concrete Osaka is inspired by ceramic...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete

Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Clear Special L Vase Resin Fuchsia Pink Lilac
Located in barasso, IT
Clear special extra color vase - Clear pink, clear fuchsia, clear lilac, matt pink. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Venini Opalino Large Apple Green Milk White Inside Glass Vase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Satin glass vase, designed and manufactured by Venini, features the same shape of the iconic opalino vase with a frosted finish. Indoor use only. Dimensions: Ø 20 cm, H 42 cm.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Kosta Boda Ann Walff Art Glass Sculpture, Clear with Blue
Located in Toledo, OH
This art glass sculpture was made by Ann Wolff(1937-) for Kosta Boda Studios. Ann Wolff is a German art glass sculptor who is considered one of the founders of the international Stud...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Tall Studio Pottery Ceramic Glazed Vase Warren Mackinzie
Located in Atlanta, GA
A tall cylinder shape stoneware vase by American studio potter Warren MacKenzie (1924-2018). The vase displays a slightly ambiguous shape between circle and sqaure and it features tw...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Dobermann Dog Ceramic centerpiece with little bird Handmade in Italy New 2025
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This small family-run contemporary artisan workshop is housed in a historic 19th century building, formerly the site of an old bread oven, renovated at the beginning of the twentieth...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Lilly Contemporary Sculptural LED Chandelier, Solid Brass and crystal. Large
Located in Torslanda, SE
Lilly is a contemporary chandelier that challenges the differentiation of room and object. Formed from solid brass milled petals, each LED light source contains a single crystal hemisphere, absorbing and reflecting its environment to make it a part of the piece. Our large sized chandelier...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Black Minimalist Watering Can
Located in Geneve, CH
Black minimalist watering can Dimensions: D 55.3 x W 26 x H 34.1 cm Materials: Steel. Also available in gold. The opening of the GLOBE watering can is elegantly off-centered,...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Jerry Meatyard Bronze Sculpture "Hydra"
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual bronze sculpture by noted Tampa FL sculptor Jerry Meatyard, made in 1978 and titles "Hydra". Mounts on the wall and measures approximate 13.5" H, 7" W, 4" D. Very heavy wi...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Ribera Handmade Round White Ceramic Vase - Stoneware
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Beautiful round white ceramic vase crafted from stoneware clay. Inspired by the vibrant marine life of the reef and the soft motion of ocean waves, this white matte vase showcases a ...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware

"Totem" sculpture by Jacques Darbaud
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
"Totem" sculpture in ceramic signed by the artist J. Darbaud. France, 2023
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Rosenthal Crystal Paper Bag Glass Vase
Located in North Miami, FL
This textural lead crystal glass vintage vase is Rosenthal from the Studio Line Germany. It is the paper bag form in crystal. The play of light from the surface forms are beautiful. ...
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Saman Candle Holder by Chandler McLellan
Located in Geneve, CH
Saman Candle Holder by Chandler McLellan Dimensions: D 19.05 x W 21.6 x H 45.1 cm. Materials: Metal. A sculptural candle holder. Inspired by grounded whimsey and the hug of a rain tree...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Particle Table Lamp by on.entropy, in Seamless White Marble and Bronze
Located in Athens, GR
In Particle table lamp, on.entropy mines the modern design potential of this classical material, by transforming the austerity of raw marble into a warm and...
Category

2010s Greek Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Vintage Inuit 'Two Faced' Stone Carving, Signed, Canada, Mid-20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage Inuit 'two faced' stone carving - fine Modernist carving with spare decoration - signed PAUL (in Roman) on the base - Canada - mid 20th century. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

A set of 4 gold fish handmade in Italy, Ceramic. Choose those or change colors!
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Questi artisti toscani riescono con la loro bravura a prendere ispirazione dalle meravigliose colline toscane ma anche dal prezioso mar Tirreno. Un buon bicchiere di vino e il gioco ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Brass Almendres Candle Holder by Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass Almendres Candle Holder by Henry Wilson Dimensions: D 11 x H 3 cm Materials: Brass Almendres candleholder is a solid, hand poured brass form with an almond shaped profile. Almendres candleholder is manufactured in small batches, slight variations will occur from piece to piece. Production marks may...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Philippe Berry, "Sans Les Mains"
Located in New York, NY
Philippe Berry (French, 1956-2019), number 2 of an edition of eight, entitled: ''Sans les Mains'' (Without Hands), 1996, cast aluminum, initialed ''P.B.'', d...
Category

1990s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum, Cut Steel

Brass Taper Pen Stand by Stem Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass Taper Pen Stand by Stem Design Dimensions: D 8 x W 10 x H 11 cm. Materials: Brass. Finish: Tumbled and burnished. Weight: 1,4 kg. Finished and assembled by hand in India. Also available in aluminum. Please contact us. An ellipse rising from a wide base, the Taper pen stand reveals its character through a simple and honest form. The surface reflects light beautifully and results in a subtle sheen, giving it the ability to add richness to any table setting and the objects it holds. The solid form available in aluminum and brass is imagined on a work desk, a night-stand, the shelves in the corridor, or a bar counter. The objects layers on as a metaphor and showcases the beauty of being who you are. It strips off all the layers of ornamentation and artificial finishes to build an immediate and intuitive connection with the product that lasts a lifetime. Stem is a contemporary Indian product...
Category

2010s Indian 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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