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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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.
Brass Vanity Tray, Saffron Ecru, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Vanity Tray, Saffron Ecru, Viya by Vikram Goyal Lacquered wood vanity tray with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker's such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, s...
Brass
Decorative Sagittarius Trinket Tray in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Sagittarius with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe ...
Brass
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Scorpio with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Scorpio with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home...
Brass
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Taurus with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Taurus with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home,...
Brass
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Gemini with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Gemini with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home,...
Brass
Lacquered Towel Tray with Brass, Saffron Dark Blue, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Lacquered Towel Tray with Brass, Saffron Dark Blue, Viya by Vikram Goyal Lacquered towel tray with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or go...
Brass
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Capricorn with Semi Precious Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Capricorn with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe ho...
Brass
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Aquarius with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Aquarius with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe hom...
Brass
Libra Trinket Tray in Brass with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Libra Trinket Tray in Brass with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal Bring the universe home, and see what’s written in the stars. These renderings of enamel and brass depict the in...
Brass
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Cancer with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Cancer with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home,...
Brass
20th Century Pig Wood & Metal Cutting Board Plate Tray Plater Vintage German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A striking and sculptural serving piece, this pig-shaped cutting board seamlessly blends utility with functional design. Made from oak wood and accented with cast aluminum detailing,...
Aluminum
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Virgo with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Virgo with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home, ...
Brass
$449 / item
Set of Wooden Decorative Boards
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Designed by Project 213A in 2022 Set of 4 hand-carved Wooden Boards The family of boards are hand-carved from walnut and oak. The boards will become a key item in every kitchen...
Oak, Walnut
Bubble Bowl in Clear and Marbled Aqua Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our Bubble Bowl is handmade in clear resin with aqua marbled texture. Its modern, fun and unique design makes it a statement piece and can be used as decor or as a fruit platter. De...
Resin
Large Gien Rambouillet Wild Boar Hand-Painted Ceramic Serving Platter
By Gien
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A striking large hand-painted ceramic serving platter from Faïencerie de Gien, France, featuring the iconic Rambouillet hunting series. This impressive piece showcases a beautifully ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Charger Plates Platters Serveware Set of 6 in Green Marble Collectible Handmade
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
Set of 6 hand carved charger plates from Green Ming marble. Multiple use as charger plates, plates platters and placers. Dimensions: D 33 x H 1.9 cm. Available in different marbles...
Marble
Bubble Bowl in Light Pink Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our Bubble Bowl is handmade in marbled light pink resin. Its modern, fun and unique design makes it a statement piece and can be used as decor or as a fruit platter. Designed by Pao...
Resin
Centerpiece Serveware Platters White Marble Blue Azul Macaubas Handmade Italy
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
Centerpiece / serving plate in white Carrara marble with inlay in semi-precious quartzite Azul Macaubas. Dimensions: L 45, W 12, H 1.5 cm 100% Hand...
Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass
Medium Bowl in Green Marbled Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our colorful bowl is handmade in traslucid white resin with marbled texture int three shades of green. Its fun and colorful design makes it a statement piece and can be used as decor...
Resin
Frieling Double-Walled Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker Sunshine Yellow
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Frieling double-walled stainless steel French press coffee maker in the "Sunshine Yellow" color way. Features a robust 18/10 stainless steel construction th...
Stainless Steel
Plate Platter Tableware Pink Assisi Stone Collectible Design Italy Hand-carved
By Pieruga Marble, Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Ancona, Marche
Hand carved presentation plate from pink Assisi stone. Multiple use as plates, platters and placers. Dimensions: Medium - L 30 W 28 H 1.8 cm, also available: Small - L 24 W 20 H 1....
Marble
20th Century Turkey Wood & Metal Cutting Board Plate Tray Plater Vintage German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A striking and sculptural serving piece, this turkey-shaped cutting board seamlessly blends utility with functional design. Made from oak wood and accented with cast aluminum detaili...
Aluminum
Lacquered Towel Tray with Brass, Saffron Black, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Lacquered Towel Tray with Brass, Saffron Black, Viya by Vikram Goyal Lacquered towel tray with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden...
Brass
Bubble Bowl in Marbled Navy Blue Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our Bubble Bowl is handmade in navy blue & white marbled resin. Its modern, fun and unique design makes it a statement piece and can be used as decor or as a fruit platter. Designed...
Resin
Centerpiece Serveware Platters Blue Azul Macaubas Marble Inlay Steel Shark Italy
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important centerpiece / serving plate in semi-precious quartzite Azul Macaubas with stainless steel or white Carrara marble inlay. Dimensions: Big - L 50 W 21.5 H 1.5 cm Also availa...
Marble, Stainless Steel
Vintage Serving Tray in Lucite Tortoise and Brass, Italy
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Italian oval vintage serving tray in Lucite with tortoise pattern and brass handles. Very good condition with minor scratches.
Brass
Plates Platters Serveware Set Solid Pink White Onyx Marble Hand-carved Italy
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
Hand carved presentation plates in white and pink onyx. Multiple use as plates, platters and placers. Dimensions: Small – L 24, W 20, H 1.8 cm, medium – L 30, W 28, H 1.8 cm, big ...
Onyx
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Aries with Semi Precious , Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Aries with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home, ...
Brass
Large Vintage Silver-Plated Oval Serving Tray with Ornate Handles by Christofle
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant oversized oval serving tray crafted in silver plate by Christofle, featuring refined neoclassical styling with beautifully detailed dual handles and engraved decorative borde...
Silver
Charger Plates Platters Serveware White Statuary Marble Handmade Italy
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
Hand carved charger plate from Statuary marble 'Altissimo'. Multiple use as charger plates, plates, platters and placers. The precious white statuary marble has always been the one p...
Marble
"Rettangolare" Leather Tray Designed by Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Rettangolare" is a leather tray, designed and manufactured by Oscar Maschera. Genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned. This tray has two different colors: one for the inside and th...
Leather
Italian Gilded Tray with Mirror and Twisted Rope Frame, 1970
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Rectangular gilded tray with a mirrored base and a frame imitating a twisted rope.
Metal
Brass Trinket Tray with Semi Precious, Evil Eye Large, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Trinket Tray with Semi Precious Inserts, Evil Eye Large, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket bowl in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. The collection reimagines a...
Brass
Brass Vanity Tray, Saffron Black, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Vanity Tray, Saffron Black, Viya by Vikram Goyal Lacquered wood vanity tray with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker's such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, ...
Brass
Brass Trinket Tray with Semi Precious, Evil Eye Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Trinket Tray with Semi Precious Inserts, Evil Eye Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket bowl in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. The collection reimagines a...
Brass
$33,585 / item
No. 3 Leather Plate by WÈI CRAFT
Located in Geneve, CH
No. 3 Leather Plate by WÈI CRAFT Dimensions: Ø 44.3 x H 5.4 cm Exterior Materials: Full-Grain Vachetta Vegetable-Tanned Leather, Tuscany, Italy Interior Materials: Vegetable-Tanned V...
Leather, Cotton
Handcrafted Turned 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...
Ash
Vintage Peltro Footed Oval Bowl–Hammered Pewter Dish..., Early 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Charming vintage oval pewter bowl raised on four decorative feet, featuring a hand-hammered finish and twisted rope-style rim. The underside is stamped “PELTRO 95% A,” indicating hig...
Silver
Les Ottomans "The Peacock Design" Round Iron Tray by Matthew Williamson
By Les Ottomans, Matthew Williamson
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Renowned British designer Matthew Williamson, known for his bold use of colour and nature-inspired motifs, has created a tabletop and textile collection with Les Ottomans. This colla...
Iron
Centerpiece Platters Tableware White Carrara Marble Green Ming Collectible Italy
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
Centerpiece / Serving plate in white Carrara marble with green Ming marble inlay. Dimensions: Big L 45, W 20.5, H 1.5 cm Also available: Medium L 45, W 12, H 1.5 cm 100% Hand made ...
Marble
Silver-Plated Rectangular Tray, Modern Design, Italy, 1950s Vintage
Located in Roma, IT
A restrained and functional silver-plated rectangular tray distinguished by its clean geometric form and understated modern elegance. The tray features a shallow recessed center fram...
Silver
Centerpiece Platters Servewa Blue Azul Macaubas Marble Steel Inlay Italy Design
By Pieruga Marble, Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important centerpiece/serving plate in semi-precious quartzite Azul Macaubas with stainless steel/marble inlay. Material: Semi-precious quartzite Azul Macaubas, stainless steel or wh...
Marble, Stainless Steel
Plates Platters Serveware Set Green Ming Marble Collectible Hand-carved Italy
By Pieruga Marble, Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Ancona, Marche
Hand carved presentation plates in Green Ming marble. Multiple use as plates, platters and placers. Dimensions: Small L 24, W 20, H 1.8 cm, medium L 30, ...
Marble
Handcrafted Ash Yakisugi Platter
Located in London, GB
Fine traditionally hand-crafted and turned Ash platter finished with Japanese scorched yakisugi technique and natural rim. These are handmade to the...
Ash
Potato Ceramic Tray, by George Sowden from Memphis Milano
By George Sowden, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Potato Ceramic tray with metal handles, was originally designed in 1985 by George Sowden for Memphis Milano. Red and white porcelain for a roun...
Ceramic
Italian Folk Pottery Bird Plate (Central or Southern Italy), Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
A charming hand-painted rustic earthenware wall plate decorated with a stylized blue songbird standing amid green foliage. The design is rendered in a traditional folk-art manner, wi...
Ceramic
TRAVE – Minimalist Tray in Solid Walnut Wood by Rui Alves
By Rui Alves
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Designed by Rui Alves, this tray showcases a simple rectangular shape featuring a useful rim on the edges - a plane surface and two elements that support and elevate it. The simplici...
Wood, Oak
Bordallo Pinheiro Green Leaf Platters, Set of Three
Located in Bradenton, FL
Set of Three Vintage Large Bordallo Pinheiro Green Leaf Platters. These 13" diameter platters feature richly veined leaves rendered in vibrant ...
Ceramic
Bubble Bowl in Marbled Smoke and Black Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our Bubble Bowl is handmade in smoke & black marbled resin. Its modern, fun and unique design makes it a statement piece and can be used as decor or as a fruit platter. Designed by ...
Resin
Brass Trinket Tray, Mumbai My Love, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Trinket Tray, Mumbai My Love, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass. Handmade in India. Mumbai Meri Jaan. A love song in brass for a city always in motion. This memento ...
Brass
Vintage Arthur Court Grape Motif Serving Tray, Silver Aluminum, 1995
By Arthur Court
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A striking vintage Arthur Court serving tray from 1995, crafted in silver-toned cast aluminum with the designer’s signature grapevine motif. This rectangular platter features an intr...
Aluminum
Plates Platters Serveware Set of 3 White Statuary Marble Collectible Design
By Pieruga Marble, Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Ancona, Marche
Hand carved presentation plates in Statuary marble. Multiple use as plates, platters and placers. The precious white Statuary marble has always been the one preferred by sculptors a...
Marble
Set of 6 Gien Rambouillet Hand-Painted Hunting Scene Ceramic Dinner Plates
By Gien
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This elegant set of six hand-painted ceramic dinner plates was produced by Gien as part of the celebrated Rambouillet hunting theme series. Each plate is individually decorated with ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Decorative Brass Tray, Saffron White Large, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Tray, Saffron White Large, Viya by Vikram Goyal Tray in lacquer with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker's such as red gold, exquisite thread, or golden light, ...
Brass
Plate Platter Serveware Solid Imperial Grey Marble Hand-carved Collectible Italy
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
Hand carved presentation plate from imperial grey marble. Multiple use as plates, platters and placers. Dimensions: Small L 24, W 20, H 1.8 cm, also available: medium L 30, W 28, ...
Marble
Signed Guy Degrenne Tray Burled Wood, Gilt, Stainless Steel Barware French 90's
Located in North Miami, FL
This most unusual square tray, barware or serving piece is signed Guy Degrenne Made in France with some numbers. The combination materials consist of stai...
Brass, Chrome
Centerpiece Platters Serverware White Carrara Marble Green Ming Brass Inlay
By Pieruga Marble, Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Ancona, Marche
Centerpiece / Serving plate in white Carrara marble with inlay in brushed brass and green Ming marble. Dimensions: L 45, W 20.5, H 1.5 cm 100% Hand...
Marble, Brass
Plate Platter Serveware Blue Azul Macaubas Marble Hand-carved Collectible Italy
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
Hand carved circular presentation plate from semi-precious quartzite Azul Macaubas. Multiple use as plates, platters and placers. Dimensions: D 22, H 1.2 cm. Available in different...
Quartz
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Leo with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Leo with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home, an...
Brass
Vintage Dansk Designs Large Ceramic Serving Platter, Blue & Brown Stripes
By Dansk
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large ceramic serving platter by Dansk. Features a blue and brown striped design. Nice large size for a variety of dishes. Made in Japan, manufacturer mark on the bottom. Measures ...
Ceramic