The International Style, a modernist movement within architecture and furniture design that was given its name by American architect Philip Johnson and historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock, was born during the 1920s and ’30s. It gained steam initially in Europe and then in the United States as a response to the first World War. Building projects associated with the movement, as well as vintage International Style chairs, tables and other furnishings, are minimal and pared back.
Pioneers of the International Style — architect Walter Gropius and his Bauhaus colleagues Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, De Stijl advocate and Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and visionary designer Le Corbusier — stripped away decorative elements and placed considerable value on functionality and clean lines, integrating the use of industrial materials like steel, concrete and large sheets of glass in their work. Quite aptly, this mode of design and architectural style coincided with an era now known as the Machine Age and became a global symbol of modernism. The primary motive of its practitioners was to address the changing needs of a rapidly industrializing society, especially the demand for office complexes and apartments in large cities, through economical, technologically advanced, yet aesthetically pleasing designs for furniture and buildings.
“Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep,” said Le Corbusier of the philosophy behind his practical modernist architecture.
The International Style’s designers and architects were inspired by the advantages afforded them by the era’s new technology and industrial machinery as well as state-of-the-art materials. Le Corbusier was fond of framing his buildings in steel but reinforced concrete made far more economic sense. He is probably most admired for the iconic private homes and commercial buildings that he designed or codesigned with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, which are spread across the world, from New York City to Paris to Chandigarh, India. Today, Breuer’s Wassily Lounge chair; the elegant LC series created by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand; and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich, are emblems of progressive modernist design and all make prominent use of tubular steel. Vintage originals are the prized cornerstone of collections.
“The International Style is probably the first fundamentally original and widely distributed style since the Gothic,” posited Johnson in the book that accompanied “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition,” an architectural show he cocurated with Hitchcock that featured the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra and others. While the term “International Style” had previously been circulating in Europe, when the show opened at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, it yielded a much broader application of this important style of design.
Find International Style furniture on 1stDibs.
Vintage Cassetti "Lighthouse" pepper shaker, 1950
Located in Vienna, AT
Vintage lighthouse-shaped pepper shaker by Cassetti, Italy, crafted in rich ebony and chrome-plated brass. This exquisite mid-century design, dating from circa 1950–1970, exemplifies...
Brass, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Era Northern Italian Faïence Majolica Fish Service, Set of 7
By Nove, Italy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Barrettoni già Antonibon pottery in Nove, Northern Italy, a Mid-Century Modern Era earthenware fish service consisting of a large serving platter and six individual plates. ...
Earthenware
Antler cutlery set 1960 Blackforest
Located in Vienna, AT
Description: Mid-20th-century cutlery set dating to around 1960, featuring knife blades made of stainless steel with an etched stag motif. The handles are crafted from antler, giving...
Stainless Steel
Spode Fleur de Lys Red & Gold Bone China Fluted Chelsea Coffee Pot
By Spode
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Spode, England, a Fleur De Lys-Red Coffee Pot in the fluted Chelsea shape. The Fleur de Lys pattern was introduced in 1961 and remained active until 1994, now discontinued. A bone china coffee...
Ceramic
Spode Fleur de Lys Red & Gold Bone China Fluted Chelsea Tea Pot
By Spode
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Spode, England, a Fleur De Lys-Red Tea Pot in the fluted Chelsea shape. The Fleur de Lys pattern was introduced in 1961 and remained active until 1994, now discontinued. A bone china tea pot...
Ceramic
Antique Silver Judaica Spice Container with Vermeil Flag
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite silver Judaica spice container, crafted in 19th-century Prague, is a superb representation of artistry and cultural significance. Designe...
Silver
Georg Jansen Butterknife Sterling Silver from 1904
By Georg Jensen
Located in Vienna, AT
A finely crafted sterling silver butter knife designed by Georg Jensen in 1904. Exemplifying Jensen’s early mastery of functional elegance, the piece combines simple, flowing lines w...
Sterling Silver
Hand embroidered linen napkins from the SoShiro Ainu collection
By SoShiro
Located in London, GB
This set of two hand-embroidered linen napkins from SoShiro’s Ainu collection, a collaboration between award-winning artist Toru Kaizawa and Shiro Muchiri, is made with the softest linen and features playful pockets for a creative place setting of cutlery. These highly ornate and decorative napkins enrich any table setting. The Blakiston’s fish owl...
Linen, Natural Fiber
Sheffield English Stag Antler Handled, Sterling Silver Capped Table Servers, S/3
By Sheffield
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A three piece serving set with Stag Antler handles and Sterling Silver ferrules and end caps, Sheffield, England, circa mid 20th Century. Impressively sized, the set consists of a scalloped bowl spoon, and a spoon and fork of a similar pattern, perfect for salads. A beautifully made set, heavy and substantial. The naturally shed antler handles are securely attached to the Stainless Steel spoons and fork with ornate Sterling ferrules and end caps. The end caps are 1.5 in. in Diameter – Stamped 925 for Sterling Silver Scalloped spoon...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Sheffield English Stag Antler Handled, Sterling Silver Capped Pasta Servers, S/2
By Sheffield
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A two piece pasta serving set with Stag Antler handles and Sterling Silver ferrules and end caps, Sheffield, England, circa mid 20th Century. Impressively sized, the set consists ...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Large Antique Copper Mixing Bowl By Elkington & Co Circa 1920
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A LARGE ANTIQUE COPPER MIXING BOWL BY ELKINGTON & CO Circa 1920 Extra large and heavy professional mixing bowl with triangular loop handle...
Copper
Salt mill and pepper grinder set in walnut wood from the SoShiro Pok collection
Wooden Salt mill in beech wood from the SoShiro Pok collection
Circular place mat C066 cast Brass (gold colour) and Aluminium ( silver colour)
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Place Mat was created by David Marshall , the item is made in Sand Cast solid brass and aluminium . Handmade mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain ...
Aluminum, Brass
Wooden pepper grinder in walnut wood from the SoShiro Pok collection
By SoShiro
Located in London, GB
The SoShiro Pok collection pepper grinder is crafted from walnut wood, embedded with glass pearl beads, and fitted with all-ceramic, non-oxidizing or corroding grinding mechanisms of...
Ceramic, Hardwood, Walnut, Beads
$240Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 3.94 in Dm 1.97 in
Salt, Pepper and Sugar Shaker Set by Johnny Mattsson, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Salt, pepper and sugar Shaker set in solid teak designed by Johnny Mattsson for Upsala Slöjd in the 1950s. Scandinavian modern classic in excellent condit...
Teak
Ausrian Flatware, Cutlery Set by Berndorf
By Berndorfer Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Vienna, AT
Austrian high-quality flatware silver plated by Berndorf, former Krupp company from the 1960s. The cutlery has a handle with a very interesting geometric decor. Used but in excellent...
Silver, Steel
$602 / item
H 1.19 in Dm 4.93 in
Modern Individual Butter Dish in Polished Stainless Steel Gold-Awarded Design
By João Faria, EMOTIONAL OBJECTS
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
IRIS is a piece that presents butter in a surprising and sophisticated way because it takes the form of a flower. Made with great precision in stainless steel 316, this piece is laser-cut and laser-welded using the latest technologies but assembled and polished manually to perfection by experienced hands. In April 2015, this butter dish won the “Golden A’ Design Award” in the “Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design” category. In July 2014, it earned its first prize in the “Decoration Objects” category in POPs sponsored by the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. Labour of love from Portugal. Designer/Author - João Faria...
Stainless Steel
Large and Very Rare Silver-Inlaid Antique Judaica Tray
Located in London, GB
A large and very rare silver-inlaid antique Judaica tray Jerusalem, c.1900 Height 2.5cm, diameter 62cm This large and remarkable work is a copper and silver-inlaid antique Jewish tray, featuring meticulous and exceptional metalwork, and was made in Jerusalem around the turn of the twentieth century. It features a twelve-fold repeating pictorial decoration, which is set between two circles, that of the central ring in which a large menorah...
Silver, Brass, Copper
Spode Blue Italian 81 Piece Dinner Set
By Spode
Located in Montreal, Quebec
81 pieces crafted using fine earthenware porcelain make up this classic collection by Spode. The Blue Italian design depicts a scene in the Italian countryside with natural elements ...
Earthenware, Porcelain
Royal Holland Pewter Tea Pot
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Royal Holland Pewter Tea Pot
Pewter
Sterling Silver Spice Box Besamim Articulated Fish Judaica
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Judaica Sterling Silver Spice Box Besamim Articulated Fish Hallmarked 800 purity silver Length: 24 cm (9.45 inches) Weight: 201 grams In great condition
Sterling Silver
Vintage Cutlery Set, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage cutlery set was realized in the mid-20th century. This silver plate vintage set is made up of 61 cutleries (forks, knifes, spoons) reali...
Silver Plate
$1,090 / set
H 0.6 in Dm 9.85 in
Majolica Potter Plate Set Handmade Mid-Century Modern Green Yellow Blue Face
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This majolica pottery plate collection was designed by Mexican sculptor, painter and ceramist Lorenzo Lorenzzo — made in his studio, in the colo...
Ceramic, Clay
Vintage Silver Plate Snail Salt Dish Spice Dish with Glass Inlay
Located in Miami, FL
A vintage salt or spice dish designed as a snail with a glass tray inside. Label silver plated on the bottom. Makes the perfect timeless gift! A-816-335
Silver Plate
$1,400 / set
H 1 in W 9.25 in D 6.5 in
Regency Period Spode Neo-classical Greek Pattern Blue Dessert Dishes- a Pair
By Spode
Located in Downingtown, PA
Regency Spode neo-Classical Greek pattern blue rectangular dessert dishes, Four figures in battle, Early 19th century The Spode Greek pattern pott...
Pearlware, Pottery
Box Set of English Silver Cutlery for Six
Located in New York, NY
Boxed English Silver Serving Set for Six. Antique Sheffield Silver Plated Cutlery Set for Six retailed by Walker & Hall with accompanyi...
Silver Plate, Stainless Steel
French Natural Bamboo Handled Knives, Hand Crafted 10 piece set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage set of ten Natural Bamboo & Stainless Steel Knives – A French classic. Perfect for a fruit and cheese course or a buffet. Hand Made of 100% natural Bamboo and Stainless S...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 0.5 in W 1 in D 9 in
Natural Bamboo Handled Flatware, Hand Crafted Service for Six, 30 piece set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Natural Bamboo & Stainless Steel Cutlery – Six, Five piece place settings, thirty pieces in all. A French classic. Hand Made of 100% natural Bamboo and 18/10 Stainless Steel. Six...
Stainless Steel
Samuel Peace English Stag Antler Handled Flatware Service, 36 pieces
By Samuel Peace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An English stag antler handled flatware set, made by Samuel Peace in Sheffield, England, circa 1895-1925. Nine each dinner sized forks, luncheon or salad...
Silver Plate, Stainless Steel
Samuel Peace English Stag Antler Handled Knives & Forks, 10 piece set
By Samuel Peace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An English stag antler handled flatware set, made by Samuel Peace in Sheffield, England, circa 1895-1925. Five each dinner sized fork and knives made of ...
Silver Plate, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 1.5 in W 1.25 in D 15.75 in
Sheffield English Stag Antler Handled, Sterling Capped Carving Set, 3 Pcs
By Sheffield
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A three piece carving set with Stag Antler handles and Sterling Silver ferrules and end caps, Sheffield, England, circa mid 20th Century. Impressively sized, the set consists of a long carving knife, fork, and sharpening steel...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Eichenlaub German Riveted Bamboo Steak Knives, Set of Six
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of six, Eichenlaub cutlery bamboo handled steak knives, circa 1950-1960. Since 1910, the Eichenlaub brand from Solingen, Germany, has represented the finest quality of hand-...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 1.19 in W 1.58 in D 8.27 in
130-Piece Silver-Plated Flatware by Christofle, Cluny, for 12 Persons
By Christofle
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful set of silver-plated table flatware for 12 people by the French brand Christofle. The model's name is Cluny. The cutlery is in beautiful condi...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2 in W 8 in D 9.75 in
Cork & Son Sheffield Rosewood Handled & Silver Capped Cutlery, Boxed S/12
By Sheffield
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Cork & Son Cutlery Works, a set of twelve Rosewood handled, Stainless Steel knives and forks, Sheffield, England, circa 1940s. A gorgeous boxed set of English cutlery with po...
Silver, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 0.5 in W 0.5 in D 6.5 in
Vintage Majolica Glazed Ceramic Handled Stainless Steel Fruit Knives, Set of 8
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of eight Majolica handled fruit knives made in Continental Europe- possibly Germany, circa 1920-1930. Stainless Steel blades are fitted into majolica glazed ceramic handles....
Stainless Steel
Silver Plate Silent Butler Table Crumber with Hidden Lucite Brush
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An electroplated silver over copper Silent Butler table crumber from The Sheffield Silver Co. USA, circa 1950-1960. The crumber has a stored Lu...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 1 in Dm 7.25 in
Rudolphstadt Beyer & Bock, Prussia Porcelain Chinoiserie Style Bird Plates, S/6
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of six porcelain bird themed plates, made by Rudolphstadt - Beyer & Bock, Volkstedt, Thuringia, Prussia, circa 1890-1905. Central images show a Chinoiserie style pattern of br...
Porcelain
Chased Silver Plate Servants Service Dining Table Call Bell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A twist gear servants call bell, silver plate, circa late 19th-early 20th century. Meant to sit on the table near the hostess, the clapper strikes the in...
Silver Plate, Brass