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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Established & Sons Extra Large Store Storage Container by Estd Collection
Located in London, GB
The gently obtuse angles to be found on this collection of storage jars are inspired by the forms of space capsules. The unlikely homage to all things space age is continued in a pal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Established & Sons Small Store Storage Container by Estd Collection
Located in London, GB
The gently obtuse angles to be found on this collection of storage jars are inspired by the forms of space capsules. The unlikely homage to all things Space Age is continued in a pal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Established & Sons Large Font Clock by Sebastian Wrong
Located in London, GB
The iconic calendar clock, with its distinctive form and flip mechanism, has an established following in design circles. Sebastian Wrong deliberately increases our attraction to its retro look by introducing an ever-changing display. The font clock...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Established & Sons Medium Font Clock by Sebastian Wrong
Located in London, GB
The iconic calendar clock, with its distinctive form and flip mechanism, has an established following in design circles. Sebastian Wrong deliberately increases our attraction to its retro look by introducing an ever-changing display. The Font Clock...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Venini Clessidre Glass Hourglass in Pink and Gray by Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidre Hourglass, designed by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi, was originally designed in 1957. Available in different colors, the grey / mint green version is a limited edition ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Concrete Barchan Planter by OPIARY (L42", W28", H10")
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opiary is a Brooklyn-based biophilic design and production studio. We integrate nature in each of our designs, incorporating live greenery and organic shapes into bespoke furniture, planters, and sculpture. Through the ethos of biophilia, our work reflects the shifting, yet timeless relationship between humans and nature. This modern, lightweight concrete planter features an organic silhouette and earthy aesthetic that compliments the live plants inside it. The Barchan is handmade in our Brooklyn studio and can be produced in the color or finish of your choice. Opiary planters...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Cement

Hoodoo Stacks, Sculptural Concrete Planters by OPIARY (H28"-52")
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opiary is a Brooklyn-based biophilic design and production studio. We integrate nature in each of our designs, incorporating live greenery and organic shapes into bespoke furniture, planters, and sculpture. Through the ethos of biophilia, our work reflects the shifting, yet timeless relationship between humans and nature. These modern, elongated towers are an organic, elegant, and chic way to introduce nature and sculpture into your space. They are named after the geological term for tall thin rock spires protruding from the bottom of an arid drainage basin or badland. Unlike spires, hoodoos have a variable thickness often described as having a "totem pole-shaped body". Hoodoos are common to the Great Plains...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Cement

Hoodoo Stacks, Sculptural Concrete Planters by OPIARY (H50"-78")
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opiary is a Brooklyn-based biophilic design and production studio. We integrate nature in each of our designs, incorporating live greenery and organic shapes into bespoke furniture, planters, and sculpture. Through the ethos of biophilia, our work reflects the shifting, yet timeless relationship between humans and nature. These modern, elongated towers are an organic, elegant, and chic way to introduce nature and sculpture into your space. They are named after the geological term for tall thin rock spires protruding from the bottom of an arid drainage basin or badland. Unlike spires, hoodoos have a variable thickness often described as having a "totem pole-shaped body". Hoodoos are common to the Great Plains...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Cement

Contemporary Bronze Ashtray, LINES by Reda Amalou, 2015
Located in Paris, FR
The solid bronze ashtray is designed with a patterned removable top. The motif used here, a repetition of lines and voids, has been developed by Reda Amalou and is used in several pieces of the Reda Amalou Collection. The Bronze ashtray is 135 x 135 x 65mm H This design exists also in a tiny incense...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Vase Hands, White and Gold Ceramic, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The “Andy” ceramic collection VG presents a collection of classic sculptures which revisits the techniques of pop art. The original work is taken apart; a few details are then remove...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Rick Owens Swan Neck Cast Bronze Vase
Located in Chicago, IL
The now iconic bronze swan neck vase from the Rick Owens bronze relic collection. This is shown in the black patina. Originally designed in 2012. Each br...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Kafi 1 Cheese Board in Oiled Mahogany, Martin Leugers & Tricia Wright for Wooda
Located in Omro, WI
The Kafi 1 (Icelandic for submerged) hors d'oeuvre board has an elongated proportion that adds a dynamic appearance to any setting large or small. Recessed bowls provide a perfect sh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Mahogany, Hardwood

21st Century Karim Rashid Large Bowl Murano Glass Various Colors
Located in Brembate di Sopra (BG), IT
Kastle large bowl, Murano glass, by Karim Rashid, 21st century. Karim Rashid has conceived for Purho a mini collection of bowls and vases characte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Venini Idria Large Glass Vase in Red
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Idria glass vase series, designed and manufactured by Venini, features three different shaped vases. Indoor use only. Dimensions: Ø 26, H 36 cm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Venini Monofiore Carnevale Short Glass Vase in Tea
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Monofiore Carnevale glass vase collection, designed and manufactured by Venini, features two different shaped vases. Indoor use only. Dimensions: Ø 13 cm, H 12 cm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Contemporary Ceramic Cartocci Texture White and Gray Tall Vase
Located in Porcia, IT
A testament to superb craftsmanship and creative flair, this elegant tall vase in white is a new take on a Classic decorative object. Meticulously handmade through a long crafting pr...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Venini Ossitocina Happy Pills Vase in White & Yellow by Fabio Novembre
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Happy Pills in ossitocina by Fabio Novembre. Numbered edition handmade-blown glass with the “Incalmo” technique. Color: Multi-color Dime...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Venini Monofiore Apple Green Glass Vase by Laura de Santillana
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Monofiori glass vase in apple green by Laura de Santillana. “Monofiori” blown handmade glass with stoppers in various forms and colors. Item labeled as “05”, as shown in the i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Venini Feniletilamina Happy Pills Vase in Black and Orange by Fabio Novembre
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Happy Pills in feniletilamina by Fabio Novembre. Numbered Edition Handmade blown glass with the “Incalmo” technique. Color: Feniletilamina...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Fin Trivets from Souda, Silver, in Stock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Made using a manufacturing process utilized for railways, medical devices and electronics, the fin trivets bring an industrial touch to your tabletop. Both durable and multi-function...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum, Metal

Fazzoletto Glass Vase in Horizon & Aquamarine by Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with pinched rim in horizon and aquamarine designed by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini in 1948. Perfect for indoor home decor as container, vide-poche or statement...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Gemme Oval Glass Vase in Sapphire by Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with shaped body and neck in sapphire designed in 2017. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or statement piece for any room. Also available in other colors o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Venini Medium Bolle Glass Vase in White and Green by Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase in white and green designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or statement piece for any room...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

New Modern Vase in marble, creator Matteo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Vase in white Michelangelo, red Levanto and black Marquinia Marbles. Size: 27.3 x 38.4 x 7.3 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Pietro, Homage Collection by the Italian designer...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Contemporary Ceramic Tall Vase Cartocci Texture Black
Located in Porcia, IT
Sculptural yet subtle, this elegant tall vase will be a dynamic accent for a modern living or dining room. Reminiscent of a blooming flower, the tall silhouette with flared-out sides...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Ceramic Cartocci Lilac Decorative Bottle Corteccia Texture
Located in Porcia, IT
Displayed alone on a shelf or coffee table, this striking decorative bottle will bring modern flair to any dècor. Handcrafted of paper clay using traditional techniques, this piece d...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Ceramic Ninfea Corteccia Texture White and Gold Tray
Located in Porcia, IT
Inspired by the shape of water lily leaves as they float on the surface of water, this refined tray is handcrafted of white paper clay, a clay-base material enriched with cellulose a...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Ceramic Ninfea Corteccia Texture Beige and White Footed Bowl
Located in Porcia, IT
This versatile vase features a classical, two-tiered silhouette turned on its head: the base is a small, narrow cylinder superimposed by a second, larger cylindrical tier that seemin...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Venini Regina Vase in Gray Glass by Rodolfo Dordoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Regina glass vase in gray by Rodolfo Dordoni. Blown handmade glass vases. Upper part, the crown, is covered by metal leaves. The lower part is gla...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Venini Re Vase in Milk-White Glass by Rodolfo Dordoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Re glass vase in milk-white by Rodolfo Dordoni. Blown handmade glass vases. Upper part, the crown, is covered by metal leaves. The lower part is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Venini Estrogeno Happy Pills Vase in Violet & Stra Yellow by Fabio Novembre
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Happy Pills in estrogeno by Fabio Novembre. Numbered Edition Handmade-blown glass with the “Incalmo” technique. Color: Estrogeno Dimensi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Venini Adrenalina Happy Pills Vase in Red and Green by Fabio Novembre
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Adrenalina happy pills by Fabio Novembre. Numbered Edition Handmade-blown glass with the “Incalmo” technique. Dimensions: Ø 11.5 cm, H 33 cm Year of manufacture: 2012 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Venini Oman Vase in Gray, Red & Aquamarine by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Oman glass vase in Gray/red/aquamarine by Ettore Sottsass. Handblown glass. Numbered edition for year Color: Gray/Red/Aquamarine Dimensions: Ø 33.5 cm, H 40 cm Year of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Venini Small Clessidra Hourglass in Grey & Red
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Clessidre glass vase in Gray/red. Limited edition in 199 art pieces for each color. Color: Gray/Red Technique: Incalmo Dimensions: Ø 13.5 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Fiamma High Blown Glass Candlestick Designed by Aldo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Fiamma is an elegant candle holder in blown glass consisting of two elements: a tapered and slim base on which a cylindrical lampshade lays. Fiamma, designed by Aldo Cibic, is availa...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Small Troncocono Vase in Grey and White by Carlo Moretti
Located in New York, NY
This vase sums up the essential qualities of stability, beauty, color, price and distinction of the Carlo Moretti brand. Vase in Murano crystal, blown by mouth and hand-finished wi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Large Ovale Vase with Red and Black Detail by Carlo Moretti
Located in New York, NY
Ever since the 1970s the Ovale has been one of the Carlo Moretti company’s exclusive and distinctive forms. Functional and elegant, over the years it has been embellished with applic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Watch Box for Nine Watches in Briar with Leather Detail by Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Elm briar and striped mahogany for your collectable watches. Leather handles. Briar box for nine watches.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Wood

New Modern Vase in red and white Marble, creator Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
small vase in red Levanto and white Michelangelo Marble. Size: 16.3 x 4 x 10.6 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Arturo, Homage collection by the Italian Designer Matteo Cibic. Made in Italy, hand finished. This is not a vase but a card holder. Or perhaps a pen holder. Or maybe it is a vase, but with a mouth and ears. The important thing is understanding that one can be mistaken but still smile; like Cibic’s creations, which never renounce anthropomorphism and good cheer...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Venini 'Where Are My Glasses?' Glass Vase in Green & Crystal by Ron Arad
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with round body and glass glasses sculpture. Featured in red colored glass. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or strong statement piece for any room. Di...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Coppetta Carnevale Glass Bowl in Green by Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass bowl in green with geometric textured surface. Perfect for indoor home decor as container, vide-poche or statement piece for any room. Also available in other colors on ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Fazzoletto Glass Vase in Red by Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with pinched rim in red designed by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini in 1948. Perfect for indoor home decor as container, vide-poche or statement piece for any room...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Venini Yemen Geometric Glass Vase in Multi-Color by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with geometric, circular shaped body and triangular neck and base. Designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1994. Featured in coral red, milk-white, black and light green col...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Venini Veronese Glass Vase in Apple Green and Crystal by Vittorio Zecchin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with cylindrical body and crystal decorative base. Featured in apple green colored class with crystal designed in 1921. Perfect for indoor home decor as container o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Venini 'Where Are My Glasses?' Single Lens Glass Vase in Green by Ron Arad
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with slim shaped neck and black glass glasses sculpture. Featured in grass green colored glass. Perfect for indoor home decor as ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Opalino Glass Vase in Horizon Milk White inside by Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with slim, oval shaped body and funnel shaped neck. Featured in aquamarine colored glass. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or strong statement piece for a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Fazzoletto Glass Vase in Apple Green by Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with pinched rim in apple green designed by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini in 1948. Perfect for indoor home decor as container, vide-poche or statement piece for ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Venini Murana Face Glass Vase in Straw by Fabio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with oval body and neck and engraved facial expression designed by Fabio in 2016. Featured in straw colored glass. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or str...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Clessidra Glass Hourglass in Grey and Red by Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass hourglass in grey and red. Perfect for indoor home decor or as a statement piece for any room. Limited edition of 199 pieces. Also availab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Venini Bolle Tall Glass Vase in Grey and Blue-Green by Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase in grey and blue-green designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1966. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or statement piece for any room. Dimensions: 10 cm diameter...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Murano Glass Centerpiece Organic Shape
Located in Murano, VE
Discover Oculus, a mesmerizing blown glass plate boasting an organic, casual shape. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each piece is a testament to the artistry of glassmak...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Alexandria Oval Silver-Plated Bowl by Jaime Hayon
Located in Milan, IT
Alexandria is an oval silver-plated bowl with copper stand. This product is part of the collection New Roman, by Jaime Hayon: inspired by the vessels of the Roman Empire, this colle...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

fferrone Contemporary Modern Mirror Polished Stainless Steel Candle Wall Scone
Located in Chicago, IL
Strikingly simple and minimal, the contemporary, modern, asymmetrical candle wall sconce, made from mirror polish stainless steel, reflects the light doubling it’s effect which perfe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stainless Steel

Riflessi Transparent Blown Glass Vase by Böijte–Bottari
Located in Milan, IT
Riflessi is a project by Böjte-Bottari for Paola C. presented in 2017. This vase is designed to accommodate all types of flowers, and it is made in blown borosilicate glass. The col...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Tealight Holder Monkos in Brass with Black or White Outside by Jaime Hayon
Located in Milan, IT
Monkos is a tealight holder designed by Jaime Hayon, a tableware piece made to be remembered. The details show the sophisticated crafting technique of metal, feature that makes Monko...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Rick Owens Cast Bronze Evase Vase Black Patina
Located in Chicago, IL
The iconic bronze Evase vase from the Rick Owens bronze relic collection. This is shown in the black patina. Each bronze is hand crafted in France and is signed. Can be used as vas...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Ghidini 1961 "There" Push Pin White Candle
Located in Brooklyn, NY
There (push pin) spare candle.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Aurora Pink Portal Glass Bookends, ANDREW HUGHES
Located in New York, NY
The Portal design is a simple exercise in optics and color. The Aurora color and reflective light are diffused by a surface etching on the top third of the interior of each bookend. ...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

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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