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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Handmade Velvet Fringes Bench by Munna Design Studio, Modern Style
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The handmade bench draws on the signature fashion theme, ruffling the scene and inviting guests with its fun and flirtatious feel. Featuring three layers of fringes that run along th...
Silk, Velvet, Wood, Trimming
Medium 'Folded' Upholstered Kilim Bench by Estudi Manel Molina and Nanimarquina
By Nanimarquina
Located in Glendale, CA
Medium 'Folded' Upholstered Kilim Bench by Estudi Manel Molina and Nanimarquina New for 2026, Nani Marquina collaborated with Manel Molina to create a ben...
Wool, Foam, Birch, Plywood
Small 'Folded' Upholstered Kilim Bench by Estudi Manel Molina and Nanimarquina
By Nanimarquina
Located in Glendale, CA
Small 'Folded' Upholstered Kilim Bench by Estudi Manel Molina and Nanimarquina New for 2026, Nani Marquina collaborated with Manel Molina to create a benc...
Wool, Foam, Birch, Plywood
Large 'Folded' Upholstered Kilim Bench by Estudi Manel Molina and Nanimarquina
By Nanimarquina
Located in Glendale, CA
Large 'Folded' Upholstered Kilim Bench by Estudi Manel Molina and Nanimarquina New for 2026, Nani Marquina collaborated with Manel Molina to create a benc...
Wool, Foam, Birch, Plywood
Sculptural Low Totem Bench in Patinated Bronze, Sidani Design
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Low Totem Bench is conceived as a grounded sculptural object rather than a conventional seating form. Reduced to its essential mass, the bench presents a continuous monolithic vo...
Composition
Bertu Benches, Suelo Modern Walnut Bench, Upholstered, Artisan
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Modern Walnut Suelo® Bench is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. This walnut silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek, topped with a comfortable cushion. The S...
Walnut
Krobo 200 Bench by Fjord Fiesta, Laminated Oak & Walnut, Modern Design
By Fjord Fiesta
Located in Rhinebeck, NY
Krobo 200 / Bench by Torbjon Afdal Bench in laminated lacquered oak, walnut or fully coloured black oak. Base in solid wood. Available in two heights and three lengths. Made in Nor...
Wood, Walnut, Oak
Bertu Benches, Suelo Big Modern Sheepskin Fur Bench, Sheepskin with Maple
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Big Fur Suelo® Bench is beautifully constructed from solid maple in Ohio, USA. This silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek, topped with a very thick sheepskin cushion. The Suel...
Sheepskin, Maple
Elegant Velvet Bench with Two Solid Wood Legs By Jose De Castro
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This stylish and understated bench is a perfect blend of comfort and natural elegance. The generously upholstered seat provides a comfortable and inviting surface, which can be custo...
Velvet, Wood
Illusion Nuage Bench— White Bouclé , Glossy Walnut by Sidani Design
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Nuage Blanc Fauteuil is a collectible armchair where poetry meets craftsmanship. Its distinctive arms unfold in three rounded, petal-like forms on each side — a sculptural gestur...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
$2,826 / item
Saint Bench
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Saint Bench in oak, designed in 2024. This bench combines traditional design features with a simplistic appearance. Crafted from solid wood . The cushion is available in customer's ...
Oak
71" Vulcano Bench Made From A Single Block of Scented Cedarwood
By Brodie Neill
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Experience the unique aroma of Vulcano scented cedar with this bench, sculpted from a single piece of wood. Its graceful arched base below the seat magnifies the exquisite wood grain...
Cedar
Trio-Leo Bench, Camel Bouclé & Wood Bench by Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order tri-base & bouclé bench designed by Christian Siriano. Fabric: Camel Bouclé (available in custom fabric) Base: Black Lacquered Maple (available in custom finish) Dim...
Bouclé, Maple
Ripple Bench – Pill Shaped Silhouette with Sculptural Carved Wood Base
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Ripple sofa draws from the soft rhythm of water and air, vertical lines echoing ripples, pillars and sculpted silence. Its base anchors the form, while the upholstered seat float...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,491 / item
Large Handcrafted Scottish Elm Bench
By Loose Fit
Located in London, GB
Solid Scottish Elm contemporary refectory bench. Handcrafted with wedged mortice and tenon joints on the legs and wiggly feet. Based on traditional con...
Elm
Contemporary Bench with Solid Wood Base and Upholstered Seat
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This bench elevates any interior with its sculptural presence. Defined by a rounded, oversized silhouette and meticulous stitching, this piece strikes a perfect balance between bold ...
Upholstery, Wood
71" Outdoor/Indoor Bench Made From A Single Block of Scented Cedar
By Brodie Neill
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Experience the unique aroma of scented cedar with this bench, sculpted from a single piece of wood. Its graceful arched base below the seat magnifies the exquisite wood grains and na...
Cedar
$3,775Sale Price / item|25% Off
Contemporary Channeled Fleure Bench Laetus multi colours in Velvet with Walnut
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
This Special Edition Fleure Bench comes with its exquisitely tailored flutes in 13 different colours. A departure from the signature one-colour looks of the other Stuart Scott pieces...
Velvet, Walnut
Leo Bench, Camel Mohair & Wood Bench by Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order mohair and maple bench designed by Christian Siriano. Fabric: Camel Mohair (available in custom fabric) Base: Natural Maple (available in custom finish) Dimensions:...
Bouclé, Maple
Twist & Knot Bench in Rope with Brass Legs, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Twist & Knot Bench in Rope with Brass Legs, Viya by Vikram Goyal Immersed in the heritage of India's ancient artistry, the humble rope transports us ...
Brass
Contemporary Hand Carved Blackened Steel Bench with Handwoven Horsehair in White
Located in Bronx, NY
HORSE HAIR BENCH NO. 1 JM. Szymanski d. 2019 Contemporary furniture at its finest. Horsehair textile and blackened iron are combined to create an exciting juxtaposition of elements...
Steel, Iron, Wrought Iron
Stool/Bench Modern Medieval Handmade Horsehair Iron Woven Textile Fringe Tassel
Located in Bronx, NY
HORSE HAIR BENCH NO. 1 - WHITE J.M. Szymanski d. 2019 Contemporary furniture at its finest. Horsehair textile and blackened iron are combined to create an exciting juxtaposition o...
Steel, Iron
Alison Berger Glassworks Carpenter Bench For Holly Hunt
By HOLLY HUNT
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Carpenter's Bench designed by Alison Berger for her furniture collection. The design is inspired by everyday objects and tools of the trade, such as carpentry, metalsmithing, and jew...
Iron
Outdoor/Indoor Bench Made From A Single Block of Scented Cedar
By Matteo Thun
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Contemporary handcrafted cedar bench 100% Italian product. If you'd like to learn more about customization options and available finishes, we encourage you to get in touch with us. P...
Cedar
$12,800 / set
Custom Cassaro Corner Banquette
Located in Houston, TX
Custom showroom corner banquette with Zebrawood veneer in Cassaro fabric from Italy. Also available C.O.M. Each bench measures 28" in depth, 56" in...
Zebra Wood
$2,100 / item
Suelo Modern Bench
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Suelo® Modern bench is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. This silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek, topped with a comfortable cushion. This is the perfect...
Hardwood
Bench Sculptural Dynamic Contemporary Modern Woven Hand Carved Blackened Steel
Located in Bronx, NY
BENCH NO. 1 J.M. Szymanski d. 2020 Beautifully designed textiles and blackened steel are combined to bring elegance to the simplicity in this d...
Steel, Wrought Iron
Contemporary Oak Bench – Tillikum Black Long Bench by Autonomous Furniture
By Kirk Van Ludwig, Autonomous Furniture
Located in Victoria, BC
The Tilikum Black Long Bench by Autonomous Furniture is a striking example of contemporary design and sustainable craftsmanship. Handcrafted in British Columbia, this long bench is m...
Walnut, Fir, Paper, Oak
Architectural Concrete Bench by Martin Kleppe, Germany, circa 2011
Located in Berlin, DE
Handmade bench made of concrete by german artist Martin Kleppe. Martin Kleppe studied at the Art Academy Düsseldorf with Tony Cragg from 1993 to 1999 and graduated as a master student.
Concrete
Contemporary Upholstered Bench Offered With Ebony Wood
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This bench is as great to look at as it is to sit on. Always eye pleasing with contrast cording, chocolate brown leather straps and ebony wood finish. As comfortable in a den as it...
Fabric, Wood
Mobili Sintetici bench, in veneered plywood, by Cara\Davide for Medulum
Located in Meolo, Venezia
The basics of carpentry involve the mechanical and manual processing of wood, commonly in board-format where the most simple and fundamental processes are straight and inclined s...
Plywood
$3,768 / item
Sintra Bench with Cushion - Walnut
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
SINTRA BENCH, designed in 2023. This bench combines traditional design features with a simplistic appearance. Crafted by hand from solid walnut wood in Northern Portugal. Bespoke d...
Walnut
Brown Velvet Bench with Black Legs, Contemporary Design
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Brown velvet bench, a seating piece designed for dry indoor spaces. This bench features a softly padded seat with a smooth touch, supported by black...
Velvet, Wood
$1,322 / item
Volpi bench in natural wood and fabric seat
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
The simple yet striking and delicate geometry of the Volpi Bench was inspired by the little flags eternalized by the work of master painter Alfredo Volpi. Made from mdf with natural ...
Wood, Fabric
$12,950 / item
Custom Lime Green Lucite Bench by Amparo Calderon Tapia
By Cain Modern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Fluorescent Green & Clear Lucite Bench by Amparo Calderon Tapia, a stunning addition to any contemporary living space. Crafted from high-quality Lucite material, this...
Lucite
Customizable Cedar Wood Bench Made From A Single Block of Scented Cedar
By Matteo Thun
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Contemporary handcrafted cedar bench 100% Italian product. If you'd like to learn more about customization options and available finishes, we encourage you to get in touch with us. P...
Cedar
Tillikum Acrylic & Torched Oak Bench by Autonomous Furniture
By Kirk Van Ludwig, Autonomous Furniture
Located in Victoria, BC
The elegant Tillikum bench features a rare solid wood top set on clear acrylic frame and legs for an airy, floating effect. The minimalist design by Kir...
Acrylic, Oak, Walnut, Ash
Contemporary Unfinished Curved Sofa, DEDAR Mohair, Handmade by Greenapple
By Dedar, Greenapple, Rute Martins
Located in Lisboa, PT
Contemporary Unfinished Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Unfinished sofa pushes the boundaries of co...
Fabric, Bouclé, Wood, Alpaca, Mohair, Linen, Velvet, Oak, Walnut, Lacquer
$1,056Sale Price|36% Off
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Carmen Leather Cocktail Ottoman or Museum Bench
By Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Located in Miami, FL
Carmen large cocktail ottoman or museum bench with Caspian Leather cushion and bronze finish steel base by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. The le...
Steel
Late 20th Century Modern Italian Iron and Upholstered Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 20th Century Modern Italian Iron and Upholstered Bench in good vintage condition. Measures 31" in width, 13" in depth and 24" in height. Seat height is 19".
Iron
Bench Organic Contemporary Blackened Steel and Saddle Leather with Horsehair
Located in Bronx, NY
BENCH NO. 2 J.M. Szymanski d. 2023 A carved iron frame is combined with soft saddle leather. The leather is intricately hand stitched with organic linen fused at the ends with a hor...
Steel, Iron
Cloud Day Bed/Bench by Naoto Fukasawa for B&B italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Cloud Day Bed/Bench by Naoto Fukasawa for B&B Italia - the perfect addition to any modern living space. This sleek and stylish piece of furniture is designed to provi...
Chrome
'Méandre' Bench by Design Frères in Mohair Velvet or COM
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Méandre bench by DESIGN FRÈRES in mohair velvet or COM. Upholstered firm in mohair velvet (specify color) or provide COM (1 yard). Mohair velvet is extremely durable and resists...
Steel
Natural Leather Strap bench w-hammered iron, strong Rosa Morada wood, matte lac.
Located in San Antonio, TX
The Laguna leather strap bench is handmade in Mexico, finished with natural vegetable tanner leather and solid Rosa Morada wood with forget iron stretcher. The dimensions are 48 X 14...
Iron
$3,572Sale Price / item|20% Off
Contemporary Channeled Fleure Bench Midi in Yellow Velvet with Walnut feet
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Fleure Bench Midi, with its impeccable fluted detailing complements one of our signature pieces: The Fleure Sofa. Shown here upholstered in a beautiful Baker House cotton velvet,...
Velvet, Walnut
Black Wooden Contemporary "Tomb" Bench in Plywood & Horn by Rick Owens, 2007
By Rick Owens
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare contemporary wooden black stained "Tomb" bench in plywood and horn by Rick Owens produced in his studio in Paris, France 2007. In good original condition. Signed and number...
Horn, Plywood
$3,275 / item
Libellula Eco Earthy Gold Velvet Bench
By Biosofa
Located in Milan, IT
Libellula Ottoman Bench is inspired by the classical piano seat, its clear lines and luxurious finishes add a sophisticated touch to any home. This is a ver...
Velvet
Indoor & Outdoor Low Profile Woven Black Rattan Bench
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This outdoor low profile woven black rattan bench offers a sleek, modern take on classic woven furniture. Crafted with a sturdy frame and tightly wrapped in black rattan. The elongat...
Rattan, Wood
Custom Bench in Deep Blue and Clear Lucite by Amparo Calderon Tapia
By Cain Modern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Cobalt blue & Clear Lucite Bench by Amparo Calderon Tapia, a stunning addition to any contemporary living space. Crafted from high-quality Lucite material. This bench...
Lucite
CraftAssociates Upholstered Bench, Trenchard Modern Upholstered Bench, Black
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Upholstered Bench, Trenchard Modern Upholstered Bench, Black This modern upholstered bench is expertly crafted and upholstered. The bench boasts hand cut high-densit...
Metal
Bertu Bench, Suelo Modern Wood Bench, Upholstered, Thick Weave
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Bench, Suelo® Modern Wood Bench, Upholstered, Thick Weave This upholstered Suelo® Modern Wood Bench is beautifully constructed from solid wood...
Fabric, Hardwood
Hand-Crafted Solid Maple Arc Bench by Juntos Projects, Modern Design
$9,173 / item
Modern Waterfall Upholstered Bench
By Jhon Ortiz, The Tailored Home
Located in Greenwich, CT
This fully upholstered bench features a waterfall design in which the upholstery flows continuously from the back, over the seat, and down the sides. The uninterrupted surface create...
Cotton, Velvet, Foam, Maple
$3,414 / item
Quinta Bench in oak
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
QUINTA BENCH, designed in 2024. This bench combines traditional design features with a simplistic appearance. Crafted from solid wood. Bespoke dimensions available upon request. Pl...
Walnut
21st Century, Modern, Bouclé, Brass, Hand carved, Oak, Furniture, IO Bench
Located in Istanbul, TR
IO Bench Hand-sculpted solid wood legs, Bouclé fabric and Patinated brass. Designed by Buket Hoscan Bazman
Brass
$5,061 / item
Handcrafted Large Sawtooth Oak Bench
By Loose Fit
Located in London, GB
Large Sawtooth Bench in European oak. Handcrafted in solid English oak this bench has an elegant, imposing and robust design. The solid seat has a very bold sawtooth relief cut into it, and features precisely hand cut, wedged mortise and tenon joints. Finished in Danish oil for a durable protection. It has a shelf beneath that can be used as extra storage space, ideal for books or shoes. Also available in white oak and to custom dimensions. Please contact us for any further information and international shipping. James designs and makes furniture to be fun to live with, while being sensitive to the demands of natural timber. He takes design inspiration from a wide range of sources, from English pub furniture...
Oak
Modern Solid Argentine Rosewood Outdoor Bench by Costantini, Serrano
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Part of the Serrano family, this solid wood bench gives a nod to the master artist and designer Donald Judd. Shown here in Argentine Rosewood but av...
Wood
$1,980 / item
Teak Wood Framed Bench, with Woven Rattan Seat
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A hand-crafted teak framed & woven rattan strap bench. These benches are crafted by local artisans using a wood joinery technique without the use of nails. They feature a subtle wood...
Teak, Rattan
Christian Liaigre Leather “Velin” Banquette
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are pleased to present a Christian Liaigre blue/grey leather banquette, purchased from the NYC liaigre showroom around 2012. We also have four Velin dining chairs in matching le...
Leather
$2,480 / item
Teak Wood Framed Bench, with Woven Leather Seat
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A hand-crafted teak framed & woven leather strap bench. These benches are crafted by local artisans using a wood joinery technique without the use ...
Leather, Teak