Modern Tableware
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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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.
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Style: Modern
Espresso Cup Ligne - Set of 4 + Saucers
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A simple, contemporary style along with the matte, white finesse of the porcelain will add a unique French touch to your table and to your home decor.
Design by Kaoline.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Appetize. Nedda El-Asmar for Gense. Starter Cutlery Set, late 20th C.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Appetize, Nedda El-Asmar for Gense, Sweden.
Starter cutlery set in stainless steel.
16 Pieces of cutlery: 4 knives, 4 spoons, 4 forks and 4 coffee spoons.
Late 20th century
In perf...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Modern Tableware
Materials
Stainless Steel
Plate Platters Tsbleware Amber Onyx Marble Collectible Design Hand-carved Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
Hand carved presentation plate from Amber onyx. Multiple use as plates, platters and placers. The polished finishing underlines the transparency of the onyx making this a very precio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Onyx
Set of 6 Cups by Craig Barrow
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 6 cups by Craig Barrow.
Dimensions: 6 x 5 x 5.5cm.
Volume approximate: 50ml.
Materials: Slip cast porcelain shot cups, Internally glazed.
Variatio...
Category
2010s German Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Customizable Forged Culinary San Mai Steel Knife from Costantini Design
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Customizable forged culinary San Mai Steel Knife from Costantini Design.
This handmade knife is available as shown or with a Damascus blade, and t...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Tableware
Materials
Steel
Espresso Cup Mixed - Set of 4 + Saucers
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A simple, contemporary style along with the matte, white finesse of the porcelain will add a unique French touch to your table and to your home decor.
Design by Kaoline.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Timo Sarpaneva for Rosenthal, Six Rare Suomi Porcelain Lunch Plates
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Timo Sarpaneva for Rosenthal.
Six rare Suomi porcelain lunch plates decorated with water lilies. 1970s / 80s.
Diameter: 19.5 cm.
In excellent condition.
Stamped.
Category
1970s German Vintage Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Four-person modernist dinner cutlery set in brass. Late 20th C.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A four-person modernist dinner cutlery set in brass.
Comprising four dinner knives and four dinner forks.
Swedish design.
Late 20th century.
Marked.
In excellent condition.
Knife: L ...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Modern Tableware
Materials
Brass
Espresso Cup Corail
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A simple, contemporary style along with the matte, white finesse of the porcelain will add a unique French touch to your table and to your home décor.
Design by Kaoline.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Paul Evans & Phillip Lloyd Powell, Very Rare, Walnut and Pewter Bottle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a very rare bottle. Only 5 were made because it was very difficult to make. This one was a gift to one of our clients.
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Tableware
Materials
Pewter
New Modern Dish in White Michelangelo Marble Creator Ivan Colominas Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Sculptural, bright white, well-defined and multi-fold. Colominas has created a table service inspired by Angelo Mangiarotti’s soft lines, exalting the shape and structure of objects ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
HEATHCLIFF Set of 2 napkin rings - Cappuccino Beije and Luna White
Located in Torino, IT
A simple design that will add a refined touch to any table, this napkin holder is made entirely by hand from Foglizzo aniline leather. Crisscrossed and secured with a metal stud, it ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Gorham YC 775 Silver Plated Modern Butter Dish w/ Glass Liner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Gorham YC 775 Silver Plated Modern Butter Dish w/ Glass Liner. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 2.5" H x 8.5" W x 3.5" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Silver Plate
Bjørn Wiinblad, Rosenthal, Lotus Porcelain Service, 9 Coffee Cups with Saucers
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal. Lotus porcelain service.
9 coffee cups with saucers decorated with pink lotus leaves. 1980s.
The cup measures: 7.8 x 7 cm.
Saucer diameter: 14 cm.
...
Category
1980s German Vintage Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Jade by Contempra House Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set 42 Pieces Modernism
Located in Big Bend, WI
Jade plain by Contempra House (division of Towle) sterling silver flatware set of 42 pieces. This pattern was designed by noted Modernist midcentury designer, Earl Pardon, in the yea...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
MADELEINE Set of 2 napkin rings - Amalfi Blue
Located in Torino, IT
This simple napkin holder adds a striking accent to both modern and classic tables. The simple silhouette is made of stainless steel, partially coated with exclusive Foglizzo leather.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel, Metal
MADELEINE Set of 2 napkin rings - Spritz Orange
Located in Torino, IT
This simple napkin holder adds a striking accent to both modern and classic tables. The simple silhouette is made of stainless steel, partially coated with exclusive Foglizzo leather.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Metal, Stainless Steel, Steel
Tent Wooden Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
A very unique piece that can be used as a serving tray or a decoratuon piece for your coffee table.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Modern Tableware
Materials
Wood
Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal, Lotus Porcelain Service, Coffee Pot with Heater
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal. Lotus porcelain service.
Coffee pot with heater for tealight candles and creamer decorated with pink lotus leaves. 1980s.
The coffee pot measures: 21...
Category
1980s German Vintage Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Latte Cup Without Handle, White & Blue
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Justine porcelain pieces are inspired by the ancient Byzantine jewelry. Delicate porcelain transforms cups into timeless design objects by tr...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Latte Cup with Handle, Pink
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Justine porcelain pieces are inspired by the ancient Byzantine jewelry. Delicate porcelain transforms cups into timeless design objects by tr...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Latte Cup with handle, White & Blue
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Justine porcelain pieces are inspired by the ancient Byzantine jewelry. Delicate porcelain transforms cups into timeless design objects by tr...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Latte Cup with Handle, Navy
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Justine porcelain pieces are inspired by the ancient Byzantine jewelry. Delicate porcelain transforms cups into timeless design objects by tr...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Cappuccino Cup with Handle, Pink
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Justine porcelain pieces are inspired by the ancient Byzantine jewelry. Delicate porcelain transforms cups into timeless design objects by tr...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Cappuccino Cup with Handle, Beige & White
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Justine porcelain pieces are inspired by the ancient Byzantine jewelry. Delicate porcelain transforms cups into timeless design objects by tr...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Contemporary Modern, Justine Porcelain Latte Cup Without Handle, Beige & White
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Justine porcelain pieces are inspired by the ancient Byzantine jewelry. Delicate porcelain transforms cups into timeless design objects by tr...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
New Modern Sushi Tray in White Michelangelo Marble Creator Ivan Colominas Stock
Located in Milan, IT
The idealized meeting of east and west has led Colominas to consider a sushi set that embodies Japan’s Minimalist aesthetic with attention to detail for even...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
New Modern Serving Platter with Bowls in Marble creator Ivan Colominas, stock
Located in Milan, IT
Let us cut off the ordinary: a board is not necessarily just a serving platter. It is an individual way of serving cheeses, meats, vegetables or bread. Marble lends itself to the gam...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
New Modern Tray in White Marble, creator Colominas, stock
Located in Milan, IT
An essential, Minimalist tray that easily lends itself to multiple uses. At the table, in the kitchen, in the dining room. In simplicity is beauty.
Size: 40 x 2.2 cm, smooth finishi...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
Charming Novelty Sterling Silver 'Emperor Penguin' Condiment Set, London, 1996
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1996 by Meiling & Gartrell, this wonderful, and very charming, sterling silver condiment set, is modelled to resemble Emperor Penguins...
Category
1990s English Modern Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
New modern Chopping Board in White Carrara Marble creator Studioformart Stock
Located in Milan, IT
The history of marble carving is lost in time; in one breath, it takes us back to the IV century BC, to ancient Greece where decorations and sculptures were created from the shimmering stone. Andrea and Simone Dell’Amico, the souls of Studioformat, are young designers from Carrara who live and breathe marble in the nearby quarries, challenging the material’s strength. Total Marble is a collection that introduces curved and rectangular trays, place mats and mise en place that suggest fleetingness in a material, the divine aspects of which, have been transformed into objects for everyday use.
A little bit board and a little bit tray...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
New Modern Tray in White Carrara Marble creator Studioformat Stock
Located in Milan, IT
“I’m searching for magnificence,” the surprise of a curved slab, of a strong material moulded by the craftsman’s hands. A modern and decisive gesture that makes something fluid that fluid is not. And so, on the contour of Curvati, we rest vegetables and fruit, sushi and pastries almost caught between desire and reality. Size: 40 x 20 x 2 cm, smooth finishing, stain treatment compatible with food. Commercial name: Curvato L, Total Marble collection...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
New Modern Bread Basket in Black Marble Creator Cristoforo Trapani Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Acclaimed by critics, rewarded and beloved by customers, the bread basket has made a comeback as the hero of the table, for good reason. Forget about precooked loaves or packaged breadsticks, bread is the pride of Italian gastronomic tradition, which is why it deserves the right presentation. Michelin Star...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
Trivet in Black Marquinia Marble by Ivan Colominas, Italy in Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Myron is a trivet that is not defined by its function. Of perfect marble, with no above or below, it fulfils multiple uses in the kitchen and at the table.
Size: 26 x 2 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Myron, Materia e Tavola collection by the Spanish Designer Ivan Colominas. Available also in White Michelangelo marble. Made in Italy, hand finished.
Mmairo loves wining and dining, good food and...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
Set of 8 Linen Cocktail Napkins Embroidered with Skull and Crossbones
Located in Morristown, NJ
Late 20th C, American, a set of 8 white linen cocktail napkins embroidered with skull and crossbones; 2 each of orange, blue, green and gold.
Dimensions:
6"sq
Condition:
Good. No c...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Tableware
Materials
Cotton, Linen
New Modern Dish in Black Marquinia Marble, creator Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
Sculptural, bright white, well-defined and multi-fold. Colominas has created a table service inspired by Angelo Mangiarotti’s soft lines, exalting the shape and structure of objects ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
New Modern Serving Tray in Nero and White Marble, creator Matteo Cibic
By Matteo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Serving tray in black Marquinia and White Michelangelo Marble.
Size: 40.7 x 30 x 3 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Danese, Homage Collection by the Italian designer Matteo C...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
New Modern Small Tray in White and Black, creator Matteo Cibic
By Matteo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Small tray/plate in White Michelangelo and Black Marquinia Marble.
Size: 22.5 x 15 x 2 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Carlo, Homage Collection by the Italian designer Matteo...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
New Modern Centrepiece in White, Black and Red Marble, creator Matteo Cibic
By Matteo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Centerpiece in three different marbles.
Size: 48 x 35.6 x 14.8 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Orazio, Homage Collection by the Italian Designer Matteo Cibic. Made in Italy, ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
Black Designer Teapot in Porcelain, Late 1900s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Black designer teapot in porcelain.
Late 1900s.
In perfect condition.
Marked.
Measures: L 29 cm. x W 11 cm. x H 17 cm.
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Set of 8 Lucite and Molded Skull Head Napkin Rings
Located in Morristown, NJ
Late 20th c a set of 8 molded skull heads on lucite modern bases, outstanding details on the heads. Great for Halloween or year round entertaining. Nice substantial weight.
Dimensio...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Tableware
Materials
Lucite
New Modern Dish in White Michelangelo Marble, creator Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
Sculptural, bright white, well-defined and multi-fold. Colominas has created a table service inspired by Angelo Mangiarotti’s soft lines, exalting the shape and structure of objects ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
Dish in White Carrara Marble by Studioformart, Italy
Located in Milan, IT
Having abandoned soft and linear shapes, Studioformart has considered a rational and perfectly functional dining set. Soup plate, dinner plate and dessert plate, Square is a declarat...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
New Modern Tray in White Carrara Marble, creator Studioformart
Located in Milan, IT
“I’m searching for magnificence,” the surprise of a curved slab, of a strong material moulded by the craftsman’s hands. A modern and decisive gesture that makes something fluid that ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
New Modern Centrepiece in Black Marquina Marble, creator Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
Sculptural, bright white, well-defined and multi-fold. Colominas has created a table service inspired by Angelo Mangiarotti’s soft lines, exalting the shape and structure of objects that characterise the exploration of one of the greatest pleasures afforded us, food. Size: 36.5*10 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Amaltea, Materia e Tavola Collection by the Spanish Designer Ivan Colominas. Available also in White Michelangelo, Green Guatemala, White Arabescato, Black Marquinia, Red Levanto and Black Portoro Marble. Made in Italy, hand finished.
Mmairo loves wining and dining, good food and entertaining...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
Set of 4 Kartell Jellies Round Trays in Light Blue by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comprehensive line of trays made from colorful and transparent PMMA plastic. The line's individuality is down to the fact that each model presents a different organic pattern that ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Resin, Plastic
Espresso Cup Graphik
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A simple, contemporary style along with the matte, white finesse of the porcelain will add a unique French touch to your table and to your home decor.
Design by Kaoline.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Timo Sarpaneva for Rosenthal, Rare Suomi Ice Bucket in Porcelain
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Timo Sarpaneva for Rosenthal.
Rare Suomi ice bucket in porcelain decorated with water lilies. 1970s / 80s.
Measures: 13 x 11 cm.
In excellent condition.
Stamped.
Category
1970s German Vintage Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Espresso Cup Graphik - Set of 2 + Saucers
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A simple, contemporary style along with the matte, white finesse of the porcelain will add a unique French touch to your table and to your home decor.
Design by Kaoline.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Timo Sarpaneva for Rosenthal, Rare Salt / Pepper Set in Porcelain
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Timo Sarpaneva for Rosenthal.
Rare salt / pepper set in porcelain decorated with water lilies. 1970s / 80s.
Measures: 8 x 6.5 cm.
In excellent condition.
Stamped.
Category
1970s German Vintage Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Gorham YC 775 Silver Plated Modern Butter Dish with Glass Liner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Gorham YC 775 Silver Plated Modern Butter Dish with Glass Liner. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 2.5" H x 8.5" W x 3.5" D
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Silver Plate
Corneille, Dutch Cobra Artist, Coffee Cup, Plate and Egg Cup
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Corneille (Guillaume Cornelis van Beverloo), Dutch CoBrA artist (1922-2010).
Coffee cup, plate and egg cup in porcelain decorated with birds over field with sunrise. 1980s / 90s.
...
Category
1980s Dutch Vintage Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Set of 6 White Cotton Harvey & Strait Placemats with Black Ants
Located in Morristown, NJ
21st c. American, a set of 6 cotton placemats. White background with an army of printed black ants marching all over.
Dimensions:
17"w x 14"d
Condition:
Excellent. Have not been us...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Tableware
Materials
Cotton
Twosidestory Bowl by Lisette Rützou
Located in Geneve, CH
Twosidestory bowl by Lisette Rützou
Dimensions: D 20 cm
Materials: Candy Onyx
Lisette Rützou’s design is motivated by an urge to articulate a story. Inspired by the beauty of m...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
Turquerie Man Small Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Stunning ottoman man tray in a Turquerie style
Serving and decorative tray.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Modern Tableware
Materials
Wood
Ghidini 1961 Omini Napkin Holder Four in Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This playful napkin holder ring in brass combines a rigorous square body with the charming decoration of a stylized figurine of a faceless man, depicted seating on top of the square ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Tray
Located in Geneve, CH
Contemporary tray
Measures: Diameter 30 * height 27.5 cm
Plated metal coated with glossy pink copper finish
From Earth, one can only see the portion of ...
Category
2010s French Modern Tableware
Materials
Metal
Ghidini 1961 Omini Salt and Pepper Shakers in Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This playful brass condiment salt and pepper are decorated with tiny animate men on each.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Brass
Modern tableware for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern tableware 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 tableware created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern tableware made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original tableware, popular names associated with this style include André Fu, Kartell, Patricia Urquiola, and Coralla Maiuri. 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 tableware 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 $69,597 while the average work can sell for $308.