It has been more than 100 years since the founding of the Dutch art and design movement known as De Stijl.
It was in October of 1917 that artist, architect and critic Theo van Doesburg released the first issue of De Stijl magazine. A platform for artists, designers and architects to express their revolutionary new ideas, the journal was a launching point for what would become an international movement. Meaning “the Style,” De Stijl was an attempt at pure abstraction — one centered on the use of primary colors and perpendicular lines as a utopian expression of a harmonious world.
Along with van Doesburg, the group’s most integral members were Bart van der Leck, Gerrit Rietveld and Piet Mondrian, whose geometric red, yellow, blue and black “Composition” paintings remain the most recognizable work of the movement. Mondrian used the term “neoplasticism” to describe the abstract art that he and his friends produced.
Not just an art movement, however, De Stijl also had a profound impact on modern design and architecture. It would go on to influence Bauhaus and the International Style of architecture. Although it was disbanded in 1931, De Stijl continues to inspire the popular imagination today, and De Stijl creators and their ilk are responsible for timeless works (some of which can be found on 1stDibs).
Made from two plywood plates and 15 connecting bars, the Red and Blue chair is a calling card of the De Stijl movement. Designed by architect Gerrit Rietveld, the chair is most often referred to as the Rietveld chair, likely because it didn’t actually get its signature De Stijl colors until the early 1920s.
Also designed by Rietveld, this asymmetrical side table was constructed for his first residential commission, the Rietveld Schröder House in Utrecht, which is now a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Mondrian is the De Stijl group’s most well-known member. His familiar black lines with red, yellow and blue blocks are still reproduced in artworks and products today.
Russian-American artist Ilya Bolotowsky was highly interested in the work of Piet Mondrian. A founding member of the New York–based American Abstract Artists — other founders included Ray Kaiser (later Eames) and Josef Albers — Bolotowsky was smitten with Mondrian’s pure geometric abstractions from the period when lived in New York. In this signed, untitled silkscreen print from around 1970, you can see Bolotowsky’s use of hard-edge vertical and horizontal lines, as well as primary colors, although he didn’t limit himself to this palette.
Mondrian is the De Stijl group’s most well-known member. His familiar black lines with red, yellow and blue blocks are still reproduced in artworks and products today. In the 1960s, Yves Saint Laurent designed the Mondrian Collection of cocktail dresses. This wall mirror by Italian manufacturer Rimadesio is among the many decor pieces created in the likeness of Mondrian.
On 1stDibs, find De Stijl lighting, De Stijl decorative objects and more.
$23,234 / set
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld - Utrecht Chairs
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Pair of early Cassina Utrecht chairs designed, by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, originally drawn in 1936 for the Metz & Co warehouse. In 1972, Cassina acqui...
Mohair
Gerrit Rietveld Red and Blue Chair by Cassina
Located in The Hague, NL
The Red and Blue chair was originally designed in 1918 by Dutch architect and designer Gerrit Rietveld, one of the leading figures of the De Stijl movement. This striking lounge cha...
Beech
Gerrit Rietveld, Red and Blue Chair / Authentic Chair
Located in Zürich, CH
Here we see a playful kind of experimentation, different from the average modern design, which is more well-behaved and dogmatic. It’s radical, it’s curious, it pushes boundaries. That is a one-of-a-kind piece – unique and outstanding, it holds a museum exhibit quality. An artefact for collectors and connoisseurs. A piece without any compromises. Highly valuable, rarely even offered by auction houses. However, it comes with a price. Originally designed in 1917, this chair is a true representation and one of the first pieces of De Stijl movement. Founded in the Netherlands as a reaction against the horrors of WWI, its visual language consisted of pure, geometrical forms and primary colours. As forms and shapes tended to establish balance and harmony in a world of chaos, this piece is a manifestation of the idea. Some of the first chairs were made for the "Rietveld Schröder House...
Aluminum
Habitat Lounger - Collectible Post-Modern Industrial Mixed-Media Chair w/ Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Habitat Lounger is a place to be. The only place you need to be. Have a seat! A comfortable yet supportive place to sit with a smooth, sculpted poplar wood seat, and a wavy sculpted ...
Concrete, Steel
Pair of White Painted Austrian Cube Chairs in the Manner of Josef Hoffmann
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pair of white painted Austrian cube even armchairs in the manner of Josef Hoffmann, original white painted finish, Arts & Crafts style pierced open lattice work, stunning.
Wood
$4,505 / set
Pair of Dutch Armchairs
Located in London, GB
Elegant pair of wooden armchairs with strong architectural lines and refined proportions. The dark-stained frame contrasts beautifully with the blue upholstered seat and backrest, hi...
Pine, Paint
$2,930Sale Price|24% Off
H 31.11 in W 34.26 in D 35.83 in
Post Modern Black Leather Lounge Chair Made by Marinelli, Italy
Located in Weesp, NL
Very comfortable black heavy leather lounge chair produced in the 1980s by Marinelli, Italy. The chair is in excellent condition. Measurements: H 79 x D 91 x W 87, seating height 42 ...
Leather
Dutch Set of Six Armchairs in Plywood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, plywood, Netherlands, 1960s A set of innovative and durable chairs: these strongly curved dining chairs crafted from plywood. These...
Plywood
$4,450 / set
H 30.71 in W 31.11 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Dutch Art Deco Armchairs with Inlay Motif in Oak and Velvet, 1930s
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Dutch Art Deco Armchairs with Inlay Motif in Oak and Velvet, 1930s A stylish and comfortable pair of Dutch Art Deco armchairs from the 1930s, thoughtfully designed with balan...
Metal
Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina Crate Chairs, Italy, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina crate chairs, Italy 1970s. Pair of two Gerrit Rietveld' Crate' chairs. These chairs were designed in 1934 and produced by...
Ash
$5,500 / set
H 33 in W 22 in D 20.5 in
8 Post Modern Spindle Dining Arm Chair with Jayson Clymer Paintings Upholstery
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Set of 8 Post-Modern era spindle chairs in the Jean Prouve style. Aesthetically pleasing. Light weight wood with golden Shellac finish. Each seat cover is an original Giocometti style figural painting by Pennsylvania artist...
Upholstery, Wood
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld “Utrecht” Sofa by Cassina
Located in Dronten, NL
A true icon of modernist design, the Utrecht Sofa by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld—faithfully produced by Cassina—embodies the radical spirit of early 20th-century Dutch design. Originally ...
Fabric, Wood
Surrealist Post Modern Three Legged Chair in Ivory Bouclé, circa 1980s
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Stylish and sculptural Surrealist Postmodern style 1980s lounge chair newly reupholstered in super soft ivory white bouclé. The look of high art. Whimsical. Unexpected. Killer profil...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
$13,043 / set
H 28.35 in W 25.2 in D 33.86 in
Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina – Pair of Iconic ‘Utrecht’ Chairs in Leather
Located in Voorburg, NL
Offered is a striking pair of authentic ‘Utrecht’ lounge chairs, originally designed in 1935 by Dutch modernist master Gerrit Thomas Rietveld and produced by the esteemed Italian man...
Leather, Oak
1930S Dutch Amsterdam School Armchair
Located in London, London
Armchair Amsterdam school Oak Beige fabric upholstery Adjustable back Seat height 39cm Netherlands 1930s
Oak
$1,502
H 34.65 in W 25.6 in D 31.5 in
Red & Blue De Stijl Armchair by Gerrit Rietveld, vintage 1970-80s
Located in Brussels, Brussels
The icon of the "De Stijl" movement, created in 1917 by Gerrit Rietveld. This chair is a one off piece, made by a German engineer in the 1970s for his private use. This is a very w...
Oak, Plywood
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld "Utrecht" Armchair for Cassina, 1935
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld "Utrecht" armchairs for Cassina, wool and steel, Netherlands, 1935. The designer came up with the idea of the “Utrecht” armchair in 1935 while working for t...
Wool
Secession Armchair by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession armchair by Josef Hoffmann professionally stained and repolished. Signed J&J Kohn Teschen Austria.
Bentwood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 25.2 in D 34.26 in
Pair of Utrecht chairs, designed by Gerrit Rietveld, made by Cassina, 1990s
Located in EVERDINGEN, NL
Price is per chair - a set is available. Can be bought either as a set or individually Pair of ‘Utrecht’( model R31) Armchairs, designed by Gerrit Rietveld in the mid 1930s. In 1988...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 34.65 in W 19.69 in D 21.66 in
Dutch De Stijl-Inspired Modernist Armchair in Original White Finish, 1960s
Located in EVERDINGEN, NL
A striking 1960s modernist armchair, with an elegant asymmetry and original finish, constructed in the spirit of De Stijl. With its radical asymmetry and balance, this piece demonstr...
Oak
Dutch Modernist Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina Crate Chair, 1970s
Located in EVERDINGEN, NL
A beech wooden crate chair from the mid to late 70-ties, marked Cassina and numbered. This chair came from a private collection and first owner. It is in very good condition with onl...
Beech
Dutch Zig Zag side chair with holes and short armrests, 1970s
Located in EVERDINGEN, NL
A small and elegant vintage (1970s) Zig Zag side chair after Gerrit Rietvelds' 1938 rare design with holes and short armrests. This chair dates from between the 1970s and 1980s and w...
Elm
Early numbered Gerrit Rietveld Zig Zag chair by Cassina, 1970s
Located in EVERDINGEN, NL
An early Cassina ''Zig Zag'' Chair, one of the first numbers - no. 125, estimated 1973-1975. In 1973 Cassina obtained the rights to start relaunching Rietvelds' masterpiece. This cha...
Elm
Vintage Red and Blue Chair by Gerrit Rietveld
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Iconic chair designed by Dutch artist Gerrit Rietveld between 1918 - 1923. This particular piece comes from early 1970's. Manufacturer is unknown however all the joints and overall c...
Wood
Gerrit Rietveld, Red Blue Chair, De Stijl Modern, 1918
Located in Gardena, CA
The Red and Blue Chair is a chair designed in 1917 by Gerrit Rietveld. It represents one of the first explorations by the De Stijl art movement in three dimensions. The original c...
Wood, Lacquer
Gerrit Rietveld Red and Blue Chair 'Rietveldchair' for Cassina
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Iconic and sculptural gerrit rietveld red and blue chair (Rietveldchair) manufactured by Cassina since 1973. The chair is in good co...
Wood
Mondrian Red and Blue Style Sling Chair, a Pair
Located in Plainview, NY
A stylish and comfortable pair of Mondrian red and blue sling chairs in the manner of Gerrit T Rietveld. The iconic design was created in 1918 in Net...
Textile, Wood
Rietveld's Utrecht Chair with a Wooden Frame, a Pair
Located in Antwerp, BE
Utrecht chair, Gerrit Rietveld, architect edition 1960s, wenge frame, upholstery Gerrit Rietveld came up with the design for the Utrecht armchair in ...
Fabric, Wood
Gerrit T Rietveld style Red and Blue Armchair
Located in Den Haag, NL
Hand made red blue chair, Rietveld style manipulated rectilinear volumes and examined the interaction of vertical and horizontal planes in much the same way as he did in his archite...
Beech
Sold
H 27.56 in W 25.2 in D 33.08 in
Blue 'Utrecht' Chair by Dutch Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina 1980s Italy
Located in London, GB
Vintage Gerrit Rietveld 'Utrecht 637' chair designed in 1935 and made by Cassina since the late 1980s. This chair retains the original blue alcantara fabric with ivory blanket stitch trim with original label and signature. The Utrecht chair is one of Rietveld’s few upholstered chairs that was actually taken into production and sold by the leading design warehouse Metz & Co. in Amsterdam in 1936. The chair has armrests that merge into the front legs. The seat and the backrest come together at an angle to form the back leg. The first edition was covered in dark-brown canvas and was finished with a clearly visible festoon stitch. After the war, Metz & Co. brought the chair back into production, but this time using a felt covering with the same distinctive white stitching. In 1988, one hundred years after Rietveld’s birth, Cassina Utrecht...
Textile, Wood