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.
$2,604Sale Price / item|20% Off
Showtime Royal Armchair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Showtime veneer is a combination of rattan strips and coco twigs inlaid side by side, then covered with resin. Repeated sanding and more resin give this material a lustrous Finis...
Rattan, Coconut
$7,396 / item
Madras Armchair in Cherry by Laura Gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
The Madras armchair is made with a hand-carved wooden base and hand-painted in a high-gloss, cherry red lacquer. This flagship armchair from our collec...
Wood, Fabric
$1,800Sale Price / item|25% Off
Bella Armchair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Bella Chair lives up to its Italian name, which translates to "beautiful." This stunning piece of furniture not only boasts intricate leather weaving, but it also offers remarkab...
Leather
$1,800Sale Price / item|25% Off
Bella Armchair Open Weave Leather
Located in Hollywood, FL
"Bella” is Italian for “beautiful” and this chair is truly that! Stable and comfortable, the intricate weave is done with leather and is available in several colors. The airy play of...
Leather
$2,604Sale Price|20% Off
Showtime Regal Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Showtime veneer showcases an exquisite blend of rattan strips and coco twigs intricately woven together and adorned side by side. It is then delicately coated with a layer of res...
Rattan, Coconut
Italian Armchair With ottoman Crocodile Leather Brown
Located in Long Island, NY
Italian Armchair , With Ottoman in Brown Leather Crocodile Made in Italy , The Finest Furniture. Beautiful And Rare Armchair and Ottoman .
Leather
Italian Poltrona Armchair Hand Made Emerald Green Velvet
Located in Long Island, NY
Beautiful Armchair Poltrona In Emerald Velvet and Gold Fabric All Hand Made In Italy .
Oak
Set of 4 Handkerchief Armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 handkerchief armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. In 1968 Vignelli was contracted by Knoll to re-envision the corporate identity ...
Steel, Chrome
Arco Armchair, by RAIN, Contemporary Armchair, Upholstery on Wood Structure
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Arco is an upholstered armchair of simple and enveloping geometry. The shape of the piece reproduces the arch of the body, creating a welcoming anatomical shell. The armchair is cove...
Upholstery
Set of 4 Handkerchief Armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 handkerchief armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. In 1968 Vignelli was contracted by Knoll to re-envision the corporate identity ...
Steel, Chrome
Set of 4 Handkerchief Armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 handkerchief armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. In 1968 Vignelli was contracted by Knoll to re-envision the corporate identity ...
Steel, Chrome
Bruxelles Armchair .
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Bruxelles armchair from 1960, Czech Republic. Highly recommended item will be perfect complementation of the rooms in not only Classic style, but...
Metal
Bruxelles Armchair .
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Bruxelles armchair from 1960, Czech Republic. Highly recommended item will be perfect complementation of the rooms in not only Classic style, but...
Metal
$2,695Sale Price / item|30% Off
Ari Geometric Armchair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Ari Chair is a true work of artistry in woodworking, showcasing a complex yet elegant geometric design that is simply stunning. Crafted from countless pieces of wood and finished to a smooth silky patina, this chair is offered in a choice of natural or rich reddish-brown tones. For added comfort, the chair comes with a taupe cotton seat...
Cotton, Wood
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Huanghuali Horseshoe Back Armchairs
Located in Water Mill, NY
Pair of 19th century Chinese Huanghuali horseshoe back Armchair, with very good patina. Some restoration. Contact dealer for more information.
$8,121 / set
H 30.52 in W 29.53 in D 31.3 in L 30.52 in
George Smith Chelsea Signature Full Scroll Arm Brown Leather Armchair & Ottoman
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, hand dyed saddle brown leather George Smith Chelsea, Signature full scroll arm armchair with matching run up large ottoma...
Leather
$1,702 / item
H 28 in W 32 in D 30 in
Contemporary Armchair in Chocolate Finish with Charcoal Upholstery - Bella Line
Located in Miami, FL
A Bella contemporary armchair designed by Sérgio Batista for Uultis with chocolate metallic finish and charcoal fabric. *Please check availability prior to purchase*. The Bella cont...
Metal
Cowhide 2 Armchair
Located in Paris, FR
Armchair Cowhide 2 black and white, covered with treated natural cowhide, with polished stainless steel structure. Exceptional piece.
Stainless Steel
Origami Armchair by Royal Stranger
Located in Geneve, CH
Origami Armchair by Royal Stranger Dimensions: D 95,5 x W 110 x H 72 cm. SH: 47 cm. Materials: Fabric and wood. Weight: 47,5 kg Upholstery: Gentle 113 fabric. Upholstery Available i...
Fabric, Wood
Armchair
Located in London, England
Scroll arm armchair on bun feet. U.K circa 1900.
Beech
Mahogany and Brass Open-Back Armchair
Located in Chicago, IL
Stylized X-frame Regency-style armchair with cast brass arm risers, curved open back, striped silk button tufted removable cushion over a caned panel seat. Nicely carved arms and bac...
Brass
$2,995 / set
H 38 in W 23.75 in D 17 in
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty Style 1920s Horseshoe Back Bamboo Armchairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style 1920s horseshoe back bamboo armchairs a pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style horseshoe back armchairs from the early 20th century, with fretwork moti...
Wood, Bamboo
George III Formal Open Armchair
Located in Hudson, NY
This finely carved chair made from costly imported mahogany exhibits many special details including a molded arch back with a pierced baluster shaped splat, shaped arms and graceful cabriole legs headed by atheneum and leaf-shaped carving. All the carving is very fine and the color is its original faded color which is so lovely and special. The chairs generous proportions make it comfortable and easy to use. Condition Disclosure: While we do our best to carefully inspect and give a full report on the condition of any item we sell, pointing out any repairs or alterations that may have been done to the best of our knowledge, as is the case with any antique and vintage item, there is a possibility that at some point in the life of the piece that there may have been damaged which has been professionally repaired and as such a repair undetectable, it is therefore impossible for us to disclose... we recommend that you also read and agree to the 1st dibs user agreement...
Mahogany
Arena Steel with Rope Weave Armchair
By Cotidiano
Located in Mexico City, MX
This reinterpretation of the Acapulco chair maintains the spirit of the 20th century. The city was a favorite for the worlds´ jet-set, one of the first destinations that put Mexico in the international spotlight...
Steel
$325Sale Price / item|46% Off
H 30.5 in W 25.8 in D 18.8 in
Famous Cane Chair in Open Weave Style by Malawi Cane
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The famous cane chair in open weave style by Malawi Cane Additional information: Material: Solid Wood Style: Open Weave Provenance: Africa, 21st Cen...
Cane
Art Deco Open Armchair
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
A fabulous Art Deco open arm chair of small proportions, oak timber construction with original leatherette seating, the piece is in totally original condition with no restorations. A...
Oak
Pair of Toruga armchairs - Italy 1960s
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of armchairs - Tortuga model by Beka - Italy, 1960s. Fully restored with cream lacquered wooden armrests attached with original brass screws to a light brown velvet seat by Cas...
Velvet, Lacquer
Sold
H 35.44 in W 28.35 in D 35.44 in
20 century circa 1955 lounge chair iconic design by François Letourneur
By François Letourneur
Located in Paris, FR
Rare model inspired by the famous Marco ZANUSO Lady chair Not re edited In its original condition
Metal, Brass
Luisa Wicker Lounge Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
Luisa, one of three fabulous new accent chairs from the ever-talented Vito Selma, is sensual and seductive. With an organic shape to guarantee comfort...
Wicker
Pr. Meis Van Der Rohe Designed Brno Chairs by Knoll in Brown Leather
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of classic Brno chairs, designed by Meis van Der Rohe, made by Knoll. The chairs are in original brown leather upholstery, which is in nicely worn condition, showing cosmet...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 31 in W 23 in D 21 in
Cesca Arm Chairs Black Chrome and Cane Designed by Breuer Made in Italy, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Iconic cesca chair, designed by Marcel Breuer, this example was produced in Italy circa 1970s. The chair features a wood framed cane seat, and backrest, with a bright chrome cantilev...
Chrome
Sold
H 29 in W 18.5 in D 21.5 in
Chrome and Black Cesca Chair Designed by Marcel Breuer Made in Italy circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Chic Cesca arm chair, designed by Marcel Breuer. Iconic and timeless Bauhaus chair, still relevant to today’s interior spaces. This chair was produced ...
Chrome
Eileen Gray, Transat Lounge Chair, 1970s
By Eileen Gray
Located in Argelato, BO
Eileen Grey, Black leather lounge chair, model Transat, 1970s. Black lacquered wood, brushed metal, black leather.
Metal
Cesca Arm Chairs by Marcel Breuer Italy
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of Cesca bent wood and caned arm chairs with sculptural chromed metal tube frames . A classic design by Marcel Breuer which has stood t...
Chrome
Late 19th Century Antler Armchair with Leather Seat
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Antique antler armchair. Striking German design from the late 19th century. Legs, backrest and armrests are made from antlers from red and fallow deer. Solid ...
Antler, Leather
Sold
H 33 in W 22 in D 24 in
Marcel Breuer Design Leather and Chrome Arm Dining Office Chair c. 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Classic Marcel Breuer arm chair, having a leather seat, and back rest, with a chrome frame. The cantilevered design, considered revolutionary ...
Chrome
Pr. Breuer Cesca Chairs Made in Italy, C 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Iconic and arguably the most important chair ever designed, the Breuer Cesca chair remains as relevant today as it was when first introduced in the 19...
Chrome
Pair of Italian Pacha Armchairs, 70s
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of 70s Italian Pacha lounge chairs, fully upholstered in Shearling style. Organic shapes and full of roundness give a lot of comfort and elegance to these armchairs.
Fabric, Bouclé, Wool, Cotton, Polyester