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.
AZO Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass, Patinated
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Azo comes from the intention of creating a sconce with vertical lighting. Its shape is the result of a longitudinal cut in a cylinder with rounded en...
Brass
AZO Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass, Patinated
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Azo comes from the intention of creating a sconce with vertical lighting. Its shape is the result of a longitudinal cut in a cylinder with rounded en...
Brass
AZO Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Polished
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Azo comes from the intention of creating a sconce with vertical lighting. Its shape is the result of a longitudinal cut in a cylinder with rounded en...
Aluminum
Brass Two Branch Wall Light, 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A brass two-branch wall light, 20th century With two scrolling branches issuing from an urn with a sprouting flame, all on a carved wood plate w...
Wood
Arco Lamp, Gold, by RAIN, Contemporary Wall Lamp, Stainless Steel
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Arco lamps are made from a prolonged section of circle that stand out by the discontinuity of its shape. The collection consists of lamps that seem to penetrate the surfaces they...
Stainless Steel
Mother — Teak and Mother of Pearl Inlay Wall Sconce by Evam
Located in Udaipur, IN
The Mother sconce is an ode to light and nurture. Crafted from reclaimed teak and inlaid with mother of pearl, it balances earthy warmth with celestial shimmer. The round form, embed...
Wood, Teak
$2,325Sale Price / set|25% Off
Large Pair of Mediterranean Style Wrought Iron Sconces 1920's
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very stylish large pair of traditional Mediterranean style wrought and cast iron wall sconces with the original black and gold paint. These have been recently re-wired and are read...
Wrought Iron
$1,120Sale Price / item|25% Off
Arco Lamp, Silver, by Rain, Contemporary Wall Lamp, Stainless Steel
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Arco lamps are made from a prolonged section of circle that stand out by the discontinuity of its shape. The collection consists of lamps that seem to penetrate the surfaces they...
Stainless Steel
$1,120Sale Price / item|25% Off
Arco Lamp, Off-White, by Rain, Contemporary Wall Lamp, Stainless Steel
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Arco lamps are made from a prolonged section of circle that stand out by the discontinuity of its shape. The collection consists of lamps that seem to penetrate the surfaces they...
Stainless Steel
Arco Lamp, Black Edition, by Rain, Contemporary Wall Lamp, Stainless Steel
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Arco lamps are made from a prolonged section of circle that stand out by the discontinuity of its shape. The collection consists of lamps that seem to penetrate the surfaces they...
Stainless Steel
Arco Lamp, Terracotta, by Rain, Contemporary Wall Lamp, Stainless Steel
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Arco lamps are made from a prolonged section of circle that stand out by the discontinuity of its shape. The collection consists of lamps that seem to penetrate the surfaces they...
Stainless Steel
AZO Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Black
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Azo comes from the intention of creating a sconce with vertical lighting. Its shape is the result of a longitudinal cut in a cylinder with rounded en...
Aluminum
Orbe Wall Lamp Small, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass & Aluminium, Yellow
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Orbe is a wall lamp with indirect light, designed to provide soft illumination to the environment. The piece has a simple structure, composed by the minimum required for its functionality: the front box houses the light source and provides the weight that supports the set; the conical plate has the function of gradually rebounding the light, creating a nuance of shade that encicles its volume; the back support provides stability to the piece and completes its silhouette. Each of these elements is marked by the use of different colors and finishes that seek to emphasize the precise constitution of the Orbe lamp. Its name alludes to the aesthetics of the object, given by the conjunction of the geometric design with its metallic finishes and matte colors. At the same time, the circular reflector that surrounds the frontal totem sets...
Aluminum, Brass
Orbe Wall Lamp Small, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass & Aluminium, Black
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Orbe is a wall lamp with indirect light, designed to provide soft illumination to the environment. The piece has a simple structure, composed by the minimum required for its functionality: the front box houses the light source and provides the weight that supports the set; the conical plate has the function of gradually rebounding the light, creating a nuance of shade that encicles its volume; the back support provides stability to the piece and completes its silhouette. Each of these elements is marked by the use of different colors and finishes that seek to emphasize the precise constitution of the Orbe lamp. Its name alludes to the aesthetics of the object, given by the conjunction of the geometric design with its metallic finishes and matte colors. At the same time, the circular reflector that surrounds the frontal totem sets...
Aluminum, Brass
Lotus — Blackened Teak Carved Wall Sconce by Evam
Located in Udaipur, IN
The Mother sconce is an ode to light and nurture. Crafted from reclaimed teak and inlaid with mother of pearl, it balances earthy warmth with celestial shimmer. The round form, embed...
Wood, Teak
Ferrão Wall Lamp, 210cm, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Black
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Ferrão lamps are composed of a metallic body with a reduced diameter and sharp tips, referring to the image of a sting. The spike-shaped ends give the pieces tension, but also se...
Aluminum
Orbe Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass & Aluminum, Black and Silver
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Orbe is a wall lamp with indirect light, designed to provide soft illumination to the environment. The piece has a simple structure, composed by the minimum required for its functionality: the front box houses the light source and provides the weight that supports the set; the conical plate has the function of gradually rebounding the light, creating a nuance of shade that encicles its volume; the back support provides stability to the piece and completes its silhouette. Each of these elements is marked by the use of different colors and finishes that seek to emphasize the precise constitution of the Orbe lamp. Its name alludes to the aesthetics of the object, given by the conjunction of the geometric design with its metallic finishes and matte colors. At the same time, the circular reflector that surrounds the frontal totem sets...
Aluminum, Brass
Ferrão Wall Lamp, 180cm, by RAIN, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Polished
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Ferrão Lamps are composed of a metalic body with a reduced diameter and sharp tips, referring to the image of a sting. The spike-shaped ends give the pieces tension, but also ser...
Aluminum
Ferrão Wall Lamp, 210cm, by RAIN, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Chrome
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Ferrão lamps are composed of a metallic body with a reduced diameter and sharp tips, referring to the image of a sting. The spike-shaped ends give the pieces tension, but also se...
Aluminum
Ferrão Wall Lamp, 150cm, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Chrome
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Ferrão lamps are composed of a metallic body with a reduced diameter and sharp tips, referring to the image of a sting. The spike-shaped ends give the pieces tension, but also se...
Aluminum
Ferrão Wall Lamp, 150cm, by RAIN, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Black
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Ferrão lamps are composed of a metallic body with a reduced diameter and sharp tips, referring to the image of a sting. The spike-shaped ends give the pieces tension, but also se...
Aluminum
Ferrão Wall Lamp 180cm, by RAIN, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Black
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Ferrão lamps are composed of a metalic body with a reduced diameter and sharp tips, referring to the image of a sting. The spike-shaped ends give the pieces tension, but also ser...
Aluminum
$6,331 / item
Bamboo Frosted Glass Panel Light in Gold Plate
Located in New York, NY
The Bamboo Frosted Glass Panel Light brings a sense of natural harmony and timeless refinement to any interior. A distinguished design from our Classic Collection, it reinterprets th...
Brass, Bronze
Samuel Marx Pair of Unique Custom Sconces from the Morton D May House St. Louis
By Samuel Marx
Located in St. Louis, MO
Unique pair of sconces from the entrance hall of the Samuel Marx designed masterpiece home of retail magnate and art patron Morton D. May. Sold with photocopy of original blueprint i...
Steel
Orbe Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass & Aluminium, Yellow & White
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Orbe is a wall lamp with indirect light, designed to provide soft illumination to the environment. The piece has a simple structure, composed by the minimum required for its funct...
Aluminum, Brass
Orbe Wall Lamp Small, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass & Aluminium
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Orbe is a wall lamp with indirect light, designed to provide soft illumination to the environment. The piece has a simple structure, composed by the minimum required for its funct...
Aluminum, Brass
Orbe Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass & Aluminium, Silver & Blue
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Orbe is a wall lamp with indirect light, designed to provide soft illumination to the environment. ? The piece has a simple structure, composed by the minimum required for its functionality: the front box houses the light source and provides the weight that supports the set; the conical plate has the function of gradually rebounding the light, creating a nuance of shade that encicles its volume; the back support provides stability to the piece and completes its silhouette. Each of these elements is marked by the use of different colors and finishes that seek to emphasize the precise constitution of the Orbe lamp. ? Its name alludes to the aesthetics of the object, given by the conjunction of the geometric design with its metallic finishes and matte colors. At the same time, the circular reflector that surrounds the frontal totem sets...
Aluminum, Brass
Glyph Carved Reclaimed Teak Geometric Sconce by Evam
Located in Udaipur, IN
The Glyph sconce speaks in patterns and symbols. Carved in reclaimed teak with an oiled finish, its geometry is at once ancient and modern. The circular surface reveals intersecting ...
Wood, Teak
Wall Lamp Sconce in Gold Patina and White Lamp Shades
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Wall lamp sconce in gold patina and white lamp shades, wooden baze in chestnut. Four lampshade in white fabric and golden braid. Information about the covid 19. At this point, the w...
Metal
Pair of 1940s Wall Sconces by Ezan and Petitot
By Ezan
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Pair of French wall sconces signed Ezan, circa 1940s, frosted clear glass with golden highlights mounted on a bronze base by Petitot.
Bronze
$1,880Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 3.75 in Dm 8.5 in
Set / 3 1950s French Regency Pink Nacre Mother of Pearl Floral Form Wall Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Fabulous Set of 3 1950s Pink Floral Form Nacre/ Mother of Pearl Wall Sconces. These are French and were found in a beautiful Chateau. Hard to find style.
Mother-of-Pearl
$3,402 / set
H 14.5 in W 13 in D 6 in
Pair Swedish Pine Brass Two-Light Wall Sconces with Glass Pleated Shades, 1940s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A pair of lovely pine, brass and art glass two-light wall sconces designed and produced in Sweden in the 1940s. Clean lines and organic design from the Scandinavian Modern period, tw...
Brass
Scandinavian Moon Wall Sconce in Teak and Smoke Glass, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Moon shaped fixed wall light composed of solid teak, brass and smoke glass. Made from excess furniture wood during the early 1960s by an anonymous Scandinavian maker. Please notice t...
Teak
Pair of Wall Sconces by Ezan
By Ezan
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Ezan & Petitot. Frosted clear glass with golden highlights mounted on a bronze base, circa 1940. Signed. Height: 12.5”, width: 5.5”.
Brass
$760Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29 in W 16 in D 35 in
MCM Arched Teak Multi-Directional Wall Lamp / Sconce
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool and rare MCM arched teak multi-Directional wall lamp or sconce, circa 1960s. The arched lamp can rotate 180 degrees left and right and move up a...
Teak
$4,313 / item
H 14.18 in W 14.18 in D 7.09 in
Metropolis Brass Contemporary Suspension Wall Lamp by Jan Garncarek
Located in Geneve, CH
Metropolis Brass Contemporary Suspension Wall Lamp by Jan Garncarek Dimensions: 36 x 36 x 18 cm Material: Brass Handcrafted by Jan Garncarek. Signed and Numbered Information: weigh...
Brass
$1,309 / set
H 16.92 in W 7.08 in D 7.87 in
Midcentury Swedish Wall Sconces in teak by Luxus, Uno & Östen Kristiansson
By Luxus of Sweden, Uno & Östen Kristiansson
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
Rare midcentury Swedish sconces, designed by Uno and Östen Kristiansson for Luxus, Sweden, 1960s. With simplicity and refined detailing, these wall lamps are excellent examples of t...
Teak, Acrylic
$3,273 / set
H 2.76 in W 8.67 in D 3.55 in
Pair of Danish Modern 1950s LYFA Wall Lamps in Patinated Brass
By Finn Juhl, Vilhelm Lauritzen, Lyfa
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 2 LYFA wall lamps manufactured in Denmark in the 1950s. All original condition in beautifully patinated brass and white lacquered inside. The lamps have an adjustable rounded ...
Brass
$1,297
H 5.52 in W 5.52 in D 3.94 in
Lotus Flower Wall Sconce, Mother-of-Pearl Petals & Gilt Brass, Italy, 1970s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Exquisite Italian lotus flower wall light, 1970s. Delicate, layered mother-of-pearl petals mounted on polished gilt brass backplates, it emits a warm, romantic, pearl-like glow. Full...
Brass
$4,978 / item
H 14.57 in Dm 13.78 in
'Eclipse Verdigris' Handmade Patinated Brass Contemporary Wall Light Sconce
Located in London, England
Inspired by the beautiful textures of nature, a verdigris copper patina is applied on a hand-spun brass plate to create this unique finish. Softly illuminated with integrated LED f...
Brass
$1,900 / set
H 11.75 in W 11.75 in D 3.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Sconces in Mother of Pearl color, Italy 1960s
Located in Long Island City, NY
Mid-century modern Murano glass sconces. Made in Italy in 1960s. Murano glass in mother of pearl color. Each sconce takes 1 medium base bulb. Complimentary US rewiring upon request. ...
Metal, Aluminum
Galassia Sconce by Visual Comfort
Located in Alhambra, CA
Kinetic sculpture-inspired sconce made by Visual Comfort. Steel frame is made of steel with a burnished brass finish. Milk glass bulbs easily screw into frame. Sold as a set of four....
Steel
Mother — Teak and Mother of Pearl Inlay Wall Sconce by Evam
Located in Udaipur, IN
The Mother sconce is an ode to light and nurture. Crafted from reclaimed teak and inlaid with mother of pearl, it balances earthy warmth with celestial shimmer. The round form, embed...
Wood, Teak
Pair of French Red Tole Napoleonic Hats Wall Light Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in this Pair of French Red Tole Napoleonic Hats made into Wall Light Sconces. Ready to hanged on the wall of your Library or anywhere else... The hats are in the Napoleon styl...
Metal
Sold
H 6.11 in W 8.27 in D 8.67 in
A single 1930s original art deco modernist chrome applique, wall light or sconce
Located in London, Fitzrovia
Original Art Deco chrome-plated modernist wall light, uplighter or sconce circa 1930s, in the manner of Perzel. only one still available.
Chrome, Sheet Metal
Pair of Italian Brass Sconces
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of 1960’s brass wall sconces by Tobias Fraum. Created through the marriage of laquered metal base and brass folded sheet, it follows a tipical mid-century metal processing technique: calendering, a metal bending technique often used to create a “shade” for lamps. It was used in many furniture designs of the 50s and 60s in Europe, such as the famous Foglia sconces...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 47.25 in W 47.25 in D 2.37 in
Aldo van den Nieuwelaar ‘Circle’ Wall light perspex with TL-tube for Nila Lights
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Rare and Important “Circle” wall light. These wall objects, were made in 3 dimensions, 100, 120 and 150 cm. and thick 6 cm. Signed with paper label by designer / manufacturer. Perma...
Acrylic
Pair of North German Repoussé Brass Wall Sconces
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A pair of north german repoussé brass wall sconces. 1st half of 20th century. Oval-shaped with convex reflector and single sconce. Ovals: 11 3...
Brass
Italian Murano Floral Glass Sconces, Pr
Located in Astoria, NY
Italian Murano art glass pair of wall sconces with multiple floral branches in multicolored glass. Measures: 21" H x 15" W x 11" D.
Murano Glass
Large Elaborate Venetian Wall Sconces, Italy, a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of Venetian wall sconces, Italy. Elaborate painted details. Solid wood, mounted on metal frames. Carved and painted in a wonderful mix of co...
Wood
Pair of Plexiglass Bedside Tables, 1970
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of smoked-colored plexiglass bedside tables, 1970, with a drawer, for two nightstands.
Plexiglass
Mara
Located in Berlin, DE
The designer Wera Jane shows a skilful revival of the 1970s with her unique lampshades. All of the lamps are unique and made to order. They are handwoven by herself in her studio in ...
Yarn
Three Wall Sconces by Steven Lombardi for Artemide Memphis Industrial
Located in South Charleston, WV
A fantastic set of 2 wall sconces lamps by Steven (Steve) Lombardi for Artemide. The sconces invoke Industrial Design as well a touch of Memphis in their style. Featuring parchmen...
Cut Steel