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Modern Benches

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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
2010s Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Cordovan Bench, 2x Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Cordovan Wooden Bench, designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt. The listed price includes one bench, and we currently have two available for purchase. Their design fea...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Pure Vulcano Bench Made From A Single Block of Scented Cedarwood
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Pure Bench by Riva 1920 is a minimalist and natural design crafted entirely from a single block of scented cedar wood. Designed by Matteo Thun. The bench features wooden feet mad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Cedar

Collectible Molletta Cedar Bench by Baldessari & Baldessari for Riva1920
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Molletta Bench is designed by Baldessari e Baldessari, a design studio known for its innovative and playful approach. The bench is inspired by the s...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Sculptural Molded Clear Acrylic Bench by Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1970’s Sculptural clear acrylic bench by Karl Springer. Constructed of one piece of acrylic that’s molded in to shape. Newly professionally polished. Measurements: 28” Wide, 15” Dee...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Benches

Materials

Lucite

Friends Small Bench by Lara Bohinc, Turquoise Blue Coloured Cork, outdoor garden
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
This bench has been inspired by the idea of a gathering of friends. Supported by bulbous egg formations it features two inflated seating areas which can seat two to three people. Th...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Cork

Customizable Cedar Wood Bench Made From A Single Block of Scented Cedar
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Cedar

Saint Bench
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 ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Collectible Molletta Vulcano Cedar Bench by Baldessari & Baldessari for Riva1920
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Molletta Bench is designed by Baldessari e Baldessari, a design studio known for its innovative and playful approach. The bench is inspired by the s...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Wavy Bench Carved From A Single Block of Scented Cedar Wood
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The "Mountains" bench by Riva 1920 is a distinctive piece of furniture designed by Hsiao-Ching Wang . This bench is notable for its sculptural form and the ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Cedar

Leather and Aluminum Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Long rectangular bench upholstered in a cream colored leather with piping along the edges. The cushion sits on a brushed aluminum base with four tapered legs. Two available, priced ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Minimal Modern Customizable Upholstered Wave Bench Light Blue Corduroy
Located in Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia
The Wave Klau Bench is a harmonious blend of comfort and unique design. A modern wave blue upholstered Bench offers a plush and luxurious seating experience. Its wavy shape adds a to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Fabric

The Slat Bench - Vertical Grain Douglas Fir Wooden Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
First designed and tested for Tokyobike’s flagship store that opened in Los Angeles in 2021, our Slat Bench is now part of Volume III. The simplicity of single boards and their wov...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Fir

Contemporary Transformacion Bench
Located in Mexico City, MX
Transformacion emerges as a piece inspired by the structure of the human being and the context of Monterrey. Through contrasts of materials and textures, repetitive balances, and sym...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Gallery Bench in walnut or oak with a corian top. bespoke size by Jonathan Field
Located in London, GB
Each bench is made to a bespoke size. The first of this design was made of walnut with a Corian top and was exhibited by the Connaught Brown Gallery in 2010. The Gallery Bench can be...
Category

2010s English Modern Benches

Materials

Composition

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...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Maple

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:...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Maple

Contemporary Margem Bench made with Soft Fabric and Natural Oak Mate
Located in Seroa, PT
To place at the foot of the bed or grace a sophisticated entry hall, the Margem Bench is a charming piece that emanates the modesty of Scandinavian design. Its presence is subtle but...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Narrow 'Méandre' Bench by Design Frères, in COM
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Narrow Méandre™ bench by DESIGN FRÈRES® in COM. Perfect for an entry, a hallway or a the foot of a bed. COM: 1 yard for the. bench, to be sent to our workroom when your order is co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Karl Springer Stunning "Round Leg Lucite Bench" 1980s (Signed)
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully made “Round Leg Lucite Bench” with polished brass stretchers and upholstered seat by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Springer” on front of stretcher). Brass...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

El Raval Walnut Stained Natural Rattan Bench by Yabu Pushelberg
Located in Toronto, ON
The El Raval neighbourhood in Barcelona is a meeting point for multitudes. Close to the old port, the area was informally known as Barri Xinès or "Chinatown”. Today, it hosts a diver...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Bronze

American Leather 3 Seat Bench in White
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
Bench made by American Leather furniture company. High quality white leather. 3 cushioned seats. The middle seat flips over to revea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Benches

Materials

Leather

American Leather 3 Seater Bench in White
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
Bench made by American Leather furniture company. High quality white leather. 3 cushioned seats. The middle seat flips over to revea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Benches

Materials

Leather

Surge Bench
Located in Portland, OR
The "Surge Bench” is a fusion of art and functionality, crafted from Concrete Canvas, an innovative new material that is the signature material of Neal Aronowitz. Concrete Canvas exp...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Concrete, Cement

Pair of Contemporary Herringbone X-Form Bronze Benches
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of contemporary 20th century herringbone benches with bronze x-form bases. Newly reupholstered in herringbone fabric in 2022.
Category

20th Century Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Antropología Bench
Located in Ciudad de México, MX
Antropología is a minimal furniture collection created by Mexico City-based designer Raul de la Cerda for BREUER. BREUER is the leading company in design and manufacturing of custom ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Benches

Materials

Marble

American Leather 3 Seat Benches in White, a Pair
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
A pair of benches made by American Leather furniture company. High quality white leather. 3 cushioned seats. The middle seat flips o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Benches

Materials

Leather

Parchment Bench Attributed. Jean-Michel Frank
Located in Houston, TX
Jean-Michel Frank style goatskin bench newly upholstered in French gray mohair with feather down wrapped seat cushion.
Category

20th Century Modern Benches

Materials

Goatskin, Wood

Waterfall Velvet Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
With cascading curves in a smooth taupe velvet, this waterfall-style, upholstered bench effortlessly mixes organic simplicity with notes of glamour. A Silver Driftwood frame adds su...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Le Jeune Upholstery Brando Bench Floor Model in Brass and Quilted Vinyl
Located in Miami, FL
Le Jeune Upholstery Brando Bench Floor Model in Brass and Quilted Vinyl Offered for sale is a Le Jeune Upholstery BRANDO B1 .923 bench floor display model. The all-upholstered bench...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Curve, 71" Cedar Bench, Designed by Brodie Neill, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bench in a single block of scented sandblasted cedar. Distinguished by its arched shape below the seat that exalts the wood grains and the shades of the natural cedar. Designed by Br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Cedar

Outdoor/Indoor Bench Made From A Single Block of Scented Cedar
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Cedar

Italian Contemporary Forest Green Chenille and Wood Bench
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Beautiful bench upholstered with forest-green chenille, designed and handcrafted by us with structure in solid wood. It is an object of high quality and refinement, ideal for giving ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Chenille, Wood

Sintra Bench
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
"Sintra bench" Designed by Project 213A in 2023 The bench is made by highly skilled craftsmen in Northern Portugal from oak wood. This bench is part of the "Sintra" collection whic...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Lotus Banquette - Modern Black Leather Sofa with Stainless Steel Legs
Located in London, GB
The Lotus collection was created as a reference to elegance and etiquette, imbuing its design of a magnetic personality with its geometrical beauty. Its structure is shaped from curv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Lotus Banquette - Modern White Leather Sofa with Stainless Steel Legs
Located in London, GB
The Lotus collection was created as a reference to elegance and etiquette, imbuing its design of a magnetic personality with its geometrical beauty. Its structure is shaped from curv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Custom Rectangular Concrete Bench, 'Skye'
Located in Cazadero, CA
These customizable mid-weight concrete benches or coffee tables with or without impressions from real leaves can make a natural addition to nearly any room or outdoor environment. T...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Concrete

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 i...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

KGBL Norton Bench
By KGBL
Located in New York, NY
One half inch thick brass straps embrace and are subsumed into the solid wood bench-top. The simple strength of the Norton Bench makes it ideal as an entry piece or in juxtaposition ...
Category

2010s Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Sintra Curved Bench
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Sintra Curved Bench in oak Designed by Project 213A in 2023 The bench is made by highly skilled craftsmen in Northern Portugal from oak wood. Bespoke d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Bench Rendez-Vous Model by Studio Superego, Italy
Located in Milan, Italy
A beautiful bench Redez-Vous model in transparent plexiglass with different colors and with two brass legs designed by Studio Superego for Superego Editions. Signed. Biography: Supe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Pair of Rare JMF Benches in Ox Blood Goatskin with Cushions 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of rare sculptural “J.M.F. Benches” in oxblood lacquered goatskin with seat cushions by Karl Springer, American 1970's. These exquisite benches are stunning in every way. Newl...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Benches

Materials

Goatskin, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer

Brown Ash Solid Wood Bench, Entryway Wood Bench
Located in Naperville, IL
The Eola bench provides a multi-use bench that can be easily placed in the kitchen, dining room, den, lounge or other space. With a double backing and forward angled legs, this Mid-C...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moldovan Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Sintra Bench
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Sintra Bench in oak Designed by Project 213A in 2023 The bench is made by highly skilled craftsmen in Northern Portugal from solid oak. Bespoke dimensions and wood options availabl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Polka bench
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
The polka bench is crafted in metal and coated with matte electrostatic paint finish, it is ideal as an accent piece in a hallway, or as a funcional item suitable for both, info and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Custom Made Limited Edition Ottomans or Benches With Off White Boucle Upholstery
Located in North Miami, FL
This pair of fabulous custom made limited edition modern benches or ottomans are coined the Cloud Series. They have never been used and are upholstered in a thick large off white fin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Viva Stripe Black and White Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Stripe Black and White Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also available in different ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Uginox Benches, France 1970
Located in New York, NY
Bent stainless steel benches with light blue hair on hide upholstery.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Viva Stripe Blue and Brown Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Stripe Blue and Brown Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also available in different colours. Please contact us. VIVA BENC...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Viva Checkerboard Black White Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Checkerboard Black White Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also availab...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Upholstered 55-inch Cherry Wood Bench by Gregory Beson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elemental wood-frame bench with a soft top is shown upholstered in one-of-a-kind vintage linen, but it is available made to order in COM / COL. It can also be custom ordered in ...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Cherry

Viva Purple Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Purple Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also available in different colours. Please contact u...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Foot Bench in Oak
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
This playful design is part of Project 213A's hand carved wooden "foot series"; inspired by a classic milking stool, this bench comes with three foot shaped legs and one uneven leg. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Chestnut

Vintage Lucite Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Go retro with this transparent Lucite bench. Its ¾ inch thick Lucite material makes it sturdy, and ideal as a single-seat bench, vanity seat or foot stool.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Benches

Materials

Lucite

Trapezio Bench 4 Seats in Teak Wood Finish and Beige Fabric
Located in Miami, FL
The TRAPÉZIO bench draws inspiration from the trapezoid geometric shape, a plane figure defined by its four sides. This design philosophy underscores its foundation of stability and ...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Teak

Steel Gold Arch Bench by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Steel gold arch bench by Pietro Franceschini. Sold exclusively by Galerie Philia. Materials: Steel. Finishes available:...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Storage Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Shoes look best on you, not on the floor! Stow away up to 8 men’s shoes in this very unique conversation piece bench. Hallways, foyers and mudrooms tend to be an afterthought. Furniture designed for these spaces unfortunately get that same treatment when it comes to design. These areas of your home are important, it’s your welcoming space to both you and visitors when entering your home. Furnish it thoughtfully with our modern shoe bench...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Maple

Viva Checkerboard Green and Purple Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Checkerboard Green and Purple Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also available in different co...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Benches

Materials

Velvet, Upholstery, Wood

Viva Blue Bench by Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Viva Blue Bench by Houtique Dimensions: D 100 x W 45 x H 48 cm Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Wood Also available in different colours. Please contac...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Modern benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern benches 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 benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern benches made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original benches, popular names associated with this style include Marie Burgos Design, Emeco, Jasper Morrison, and Stephen Kenn. 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $350 and tops out at $96,000 while the average work can sell for $4,139.

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