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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Color:  Black
Spina Table in Lac Wood Bordeaux 1 Edit by Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Spina is a collection of tables, seating and consoles characterized by a dense skeletal base that supports a smaller horizontal plane along its axis. The thicknesses and proportio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Lacquer

Indoor / Outdoor Black and Red Glossy Lacquered Bench by Christophe Pillet
Located in Chicago, IL
Loop bench by Christophe Pillet for Serralunga. Indoor / outdoor bench in glossy black and red lacquer. Frame in LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene). Dimensions: 180cm ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Lacquer

Modern Black Braided Leather Bench W/ Suede Arms & Polished Brass Legs
Located in Porto, PT
Limited Edition: Zeus Bench is a modern bench design, perfect for a modern hotel lobby or a presidential suite. An upholstered leather seat with a s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

e15 Customizable ELBE III Bench by Marguerre, Besau and Schöning
By Eva Marguerre, Marcel Besau and Daniel Schöning, e15
Located in New York, NY
Originally conceived for concert hall Elbphilharmonie by Herzog & de Meuron architects, bench ELBE III is focussed on essential forms that allow for classic references. The removable...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Textile

Tillikum Black Oak Bench by Autonomous Furniture
Located in Victoria, BC
The Tillikum bench in Blackened Oak is set on matte black frame and legs for a dramatic statement. The minimalist design by Kirk Van Ludwig combines these elements to create a modern entrance bench. A tailored bench for contemporary design-driven people who like to make a statement. A welcome addition to any room, use this modern wood and acrylic bench as an entryway bench, under a window, pulled up to a table, or as a hallway bench. Handcrafted bench with sustainable materials - matte black frame and legs using solid surface material made of 65% recycled paper and a non-petroleum resin, FSC certified, with a torched and fumed solid oak top. Designed by Kirk Van Ludwig, six-time Designer of the Year finalist for Western Living magazine. Autonomous Furniture...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut, Fir, Paper, Oak

S Collection Wooden Bench Woven with Jute
Located in CDMX, MX
S Collection wooden bench woven with jute available in oak or tzalam wood.
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Benches

Materials

Jute

Anza Large Upholstered Bench with Floating Cushion
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For the past six years Portuguese designer Rui Pereira and Japanese designer Ryosuke Fukusada have been collaborating on projects that tap into the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Rive Bench Big by Draga & Aurel Cement and Bronze, 21st Century
Located in Como, IT
Transparency Matters collection by Draga & Aurel: Bench in concrete with details obtained through a technique involving the corrosion of sea salt. Hand finished brass leg. The benc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Cement, Brass

Handmade Modern Bench by Peter Harrison, Industrial Concrete Cables & Black Wood
Located in Middle Grove, NY
The Axis bench is made from aluminum, concrete, stainless steel cable and Mahogany dyed black. It has an undulating pattern of cable which plays off of its convex sides. Unorthodox c...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Benches

Materials

Concrete, Stainless Steel, Aluminum

Bench in Knoll Textile Plush Mohair with Blackened Steel Modern Contemporary
Located in Bronx, NY
THE WALTON BENCH J.M. Szymanski d. 2023 Modern and minimal meets intimate and timeless. Iron is combined with com. Available in COM only. Custom sizes available. Made in the Br...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Michael Gustavson Ceramic Indoor/Outdoor Bench or small table "The Arrival""
Located in Glen Ellen , CA
Dimensions: 34" long x 13.5" deep x 19.5" high. California sculptor Michael Gustavson's colorful "The Arrival" ceramic bench or small table is made from hand-built clay. It is very w...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Ceramic

Tillikum Black Walnut Bench by Autonomous Furniture
Located in Victoria, BC
The dramatic Tillikum Black by Autonomous Furniture features our Black Walnut solid wood top set on striking matte black frame and legs. The minimalist design by Kirk Van Ludwig combines these elements to create a modern handcrafted bench. A welcome addition to any room, use this bench in an entryway, under a window, pulled up to a table, or at the foot of a bed. Matte black frame and legs using solid surface...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut, Fir, Paper, Oak

Spina Table in Lac Wood Bordeaux 3 Edit by Portego
Located in Stienta, IT
Spina is a collection of tables, seating and consoles characterized by a dense skeletal base that supports a smaller horizontal plane along its axis. The thicknesses and proportions...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Lacquer

Blackened Walnut and Figured Bubinga Bench by Thomas Throop/ Black Creek Designs
Located in New Canaan, CT
The Havana bench shown here in blacked walnut and figured bubinga can be made in custom sizes and various wood combinations and finishes. The same design details apply to all possible variations. The Havana bench also listed separately features a blackened solid walnut base with a sculpted and bowed stretcher supporting a "floating" seat made of solid figured English elm. The elm seat is comprised of two pieces derived from on long plank. Each piece was selected and cut to reveal the best overall grain pattern with the richest unified composition of the"pippy" figure. The top is cerused with lime wax in order to create a stunning contrast within the top itself and also with the blackened walnut base. The rich organic patterning on the top is a pleasing counter balance to the strict structure of the base. Each element is shaped, joined and finished so as to create a united design. The Havana bench is designed and made at the Black Creek...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut, Cherry, Sapele Wood

Cala Bench by Draga&Aurel Resin and Concrete, 21st Century
Located in Como, IT
Featuring a juxtaposition of cast resin and concrete, these benches have been inspired by Lake Como and its countless shades. The resin, in the tones of blue and green, looks like wa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Concrete

Spina Side Table in Wood 3 Edited by Portego Customizable Bench
Located in Stienta, IT
Spina is a collection of tables, seating and consoles characterized by a dense skeletal base that supports a smaller horizontal plane along its axis. The thicknesses and proportions...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Lacquer

Set of 3 Counter Stool, Contemporary Design, Black Steel & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary counter stool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turned m...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Oltremare Bench in Seventy Grey Upholstery & Matt Black Legs by Antonio Marras
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The seating collection “Oltremare” designed by Antonio Marras and produced in collaboration with Saba, stems from a far-away past and place, ful...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery

Lego Bench with a Storage Slot, Black
Located in Istanbul, 34
The Lego Bench looks exactly like its name, with several blocky feet that give it an anthropomorphic feel. It’s not only eye-catching, but practical as you ...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Blackened Aluminum Compression Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Compression bench by Stephen Kenn is a celebration of simplicity and strength. The bars are held together without nails or welds, but through compression along steel rods. The Compression Bench can be paired with the matching Compression Table or used as a standalone piece. Every Stephen Kenn piece is made to order through our Los Angeles studio in partnership with a number of small businesses and fabricators in the LA area. With this customizable bench...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Steel

Metal Pepino Chair by Owl
Located in Geneve, CH
Metal Pepino chair by Owl Dimensions: L 112 x W 70 x H 60 cm Materials: Metal Base, Upholstered La Pepino is a collection of only seating, which con...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Lock Metal Bench in Hand-Polished Iron
Located in London, GB
Lock, the first series of Kolektt is based on the idea of joining one single form to another. In principle, two L-shaped pieces of different sizes create balance by interlocking. Th...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Contemporary Lock Stool Metal Bench in Hand-Polished Iron
Located in London, GB
Lock, the first series of Kolektt is based on the idea of joining one single form to another. In principle, two L-shaped pieces of different sizes create balance by interlocking. Th...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Blackened Walnut and Elm Bench by Thomas Throop/ Black Creek Designs- In Stock
Located in New Canaan, CT
This Havana bench features a blackened solid walnut base with a sculpted and bowed stretcher supporting a "floating" seat made of solid figured English elm. The elm seat is comprised of two pieces derived from on long plank. Each piece was selected and cut to reveal the best overall grain pattern with the richest unified composition of the"pippy" figure. The top is cerused with lime wax in order to create a stunning contrast within the top itself and also with the blackened walnut base. The rich organic patterning on the top is a pleasing counter balance to the strict structure of the base. Each element is shaped, joined and finished so as to create a united design. The Havana bench is designed and made at the Black Creek Designs studio in New Canaan, CT by Thomas Throop...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Elm, Walnut

21st Century Elena Salmistraro Ione Bench Polyurethane Marble Black Scapin
Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT
Ione Bench, design by Elena Salmistraro for Scapin Collezioni New Atomic Age Collection In Ione bench, the encounter between simple geometries and graphic designs of the Limited ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Marble

Dust Bench, Large with Beech Ash-056-5, Polished Brass and Paris Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust bench is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal feet ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Lock Stool in Black Oak
Located in London, GB
Lock, the first series of Kolektt is based on the idea of joining one single form to another. In principle, two L-shaped pieces of different sizes create balance by interlocking. The linear form, which is striking at first glance, and its holistic stance consisting of one single solid material, give ‘Lock, a sculptural attitude. Launched with two different materials, wood and metal, the collection is also inspired by the material itself and the manufacturing process. Produced entirely from solid oak wood. Characterized by contrast dying. Since wood is a natural material, wood grains may differ from the product in the image. Materials: Solid oak Available Colors/Finishes or customizations: - Cerused black oak...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Modern Tufted Leather X Frame Stool
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern tufted leather X frame stool, classic meets contemporary with this versatile piece. The top boxed cushion is crafted in rich brown leather accented with button tufting, it s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Dust Bench, Large with Beech Ash-056-1, Polished Brass and Paris Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust bench is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal feet ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Dust Bench, Large with Natural Oak, Polished Brass and Paris Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust bench is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal feet ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Dust Bench, Large with Beech Ash-056-5 and Paris Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust bench is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal feet ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Dust Bench, Large with Beech Ash-056-1 and Paris Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Bench is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal feet ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Dust Bench, Large with Natural Oak and Paris Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust bench is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal feet ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Dust Bench, Small with Beech Ash-056-5, Polished Brass and Paris Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust bench is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal feet ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Dust Bench, Small with Beech Ash-056-1, Polished Brass and Paris Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust bench is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal feet ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Bench Loveseat Chair/Handmade GraffitiTextile Modern/Contemporary Waxed Steel
Located in Bronx, NY
JMS x MRS BX NO. 3 J.M. Szymanski d. 2022 JMS x MRS BX NO. 1 - PLASTER J.M. Szymanski d. 2022 100% of money collected from this unique collection will be given to Destination Tom...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Iron, Wrought Iron

Dust Bench, Small with Natural Oak, Polished Brass and Paris Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust bench is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal feet ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Petit Arrêt Bench Black Shining Leather
Located in Milano, IT
Petit Arrêt is a bench composed of a wooden shell padded with different densities polyurethane foam and finished with an upper layer of acrylic fiber and characterized by a striped padding on the seat. The length of the petit arrêt bench, available completely covered in fabric or leather, is made to measure. The product is equipped with leveling feet. This version of the Petit Arret bench is upholstered with Shining Leather, Black color, a buffed aniline leather with a surface water...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Leather

Dust Bench, Small with Natural Oak and Paris Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust bench is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal feet ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Dust Bench, Small with Beech Ash-056-5 and Paris Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Bench is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal feet ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Dust Bench, Small with Beech Ash-056-1 and Paris Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust bench is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal feet ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

The Bench by Anadora Lupo Stainless Steel Iron
Located in Timisoara, RO
Build process Technique: wrought iron, welded iron. 100% hand crafted from zero by the artist. Build process takes between 3-4 weeks; please allow extra time for custom orders (mat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balkan Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Iron

Cast Bronze Khetan Bench with Gold Bronze Interior by Elan Atelier in Stock
Located in New York, NY
AVAILABLE NOW AND READY TO SHIP! Description/ A glacial and inarguable movement. The Khetan family of designs has a monumental presence that stands apart from time. Dimensions/ Sm...
Category

2010s European Modern Benches

Materials

Bronze

Anza Small Upholstered Bench with Floating Cushion
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For the past six years Portuguese designer Rui Pereira and Japanese designer Ryosuke Fukusada have been collaborating on projects that tap into the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Rive Bench Small by Draga&Aurel Cement and Bronze, 21st Century
Located in Como, IT
Transparency Matters collection by Draga&Aurel: Bench in concrete with details obtained thought a technique involving the corrosion of sea salt. Hand finished brass leg. The bench ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Cement, Brass

Bench with Antique Rug Upholstery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This bench, in the style of Stephen's Kenn Inheritance Collection, has been upholstered with an antique rug from the collection of King Kennedy rugs. The textile has been lovingly re...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Bordeaux Velvet Minimalist Bench
Located in Geneve, CH
Bordeaux velvet Minimalist bench Dimensions: L 110 x W 39 x H 68 CM Materials: Cotton velvet, steel The collection includes benches, chairs, shelves and mirrors in a wide variety o...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Bench is a versatile piece that can be used as a chaise extension on any sofa, as an independent seating option or as a large upholstered coffee table...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Dragon Bench Contemporary Bench in Black Walnut
Located in London, GB
The Dragon bench is a part of a mini collection consisted of furniture pieces handcrafted entirely out of massive Black Walnut (Noce Canaletto), character...
Category

2010s Macedonian Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Bench/Handmade GraffitiTextile Modern/Contemporary Waxed Steel
Located in Bronx, NY
JMS x MRS BX NO. 2 J.M. Szymanski D. 2022 JMS x MRS BX NO. 1 - PLASTER J.M. Szymanski d. 2022 100% of money collected from this unique collection will be given to Destination Tom...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Iron, Wrought Iron

Contemporary Minimal Black and White Ecowood Veneer Fold Bench, USA
Located in Chicago, IL
Perfect for a foyer or the end of a bed, the contemporary minimal lined, black and white, Fold Bench is easily adapted to any space. The Fold Bench began as an experiment in creating...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Benches

Materials

Composition

Contemporary Channeled Fleure Bench in Designers Guild Velvet in Denim Blue
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Fleure bench, with its impeccable fluted detailing compliments one of our signature pieces, the Fleure sofa. Shown here upholstered in Designer Guild Denim blue cotton velvet. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut, Velvet

Bench/Daybed Modern/Handmade Black Leather Modern/Contemporary Waxed Steel
Located in Bronx, NY
Bench/daybed No. 2 J.M. Szymanski d. 2021 A dynamic bench or daybed with carved iron details at the base. The channeled leather cushion is completed by a leather and suede bol...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Steel

Custom Modern Black Lacquered Bench
Located in North York, ON
Custom Modern black lacquered bench. Simplistic modern design with tapered legs. Finished in a rich black lacquer with upholstered exterior side ...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Brentwood Navy Leather and Blackened Steel Extra Large Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance bench is a versatile piece that can be used as a chaise extension on any sofa, as an independent seating option or as a large upholstered coffee table...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Bench/Stool Modern Medieval Handmade Horsehair Iron Tassel Fringe Woven
Located in Bronx, NY
HORSE HAIR BENCH NO. 3 J.M. Szymanski D. 2022 Contemporary furniture at its finest. Horsehair textile and blackened iron are combined to create an exciting juxtaposition of ele...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Iron, Steel

Contemporary Gray Suede Bench With Anodized Iron & Golden Brass Details
Located in Porto, PT
Arcana Bench is an Art Deco-inspired bench that will steal the show in any modern living room project. A luxury bench upholstered in leather with a playfu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

Materials

Iron, Brass

Ione bench
Located in Milan, IT
Ione was born from the encounter between smooth shapes and sophisticated graphic carvings. Circles, lines and orbits blended together give life to a marble and resin bench that seems...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Marble

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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