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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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.

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Style: Modern
Color:  White
Willy Guhl Concrete and Steel Floating Bench, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Remarkable mid-century floating concrete bench by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl. Circa 1960s. Sturdy and substantial. Holds the weight of 3 adults easily. Perfect minimal design as is c...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Benches

Materials

Concrete, Steel

Willy Guhl Concrete and Steel Floating Bench, 1960s Switzerland
Willy Guhl Concrete and Steel Floating Bench, 1960s Switzerland

Willy Guhl Concrete and Steel Floating Bench, 1960s Switzerland

Modern White or Brown Dinosaur or Dog Bone Garden Sculpture by Daï Sugasawa
By Qeeboo
Located in Origgio (VA), IT
Daï Sugasawa loves to visit regularly Natural History Museum. He had always been fascinated by the huge size of dinosaur bones. His dream was to own one at home, in his own garden. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Plastic

Modern White or Brown Dinosaur or Dog Bone Garden Sculpture by Daï Sugasawa
Modern White or Brown Dinosaur or Dog Bone Garden Sculpture by Daï Sugasawa

Modern White or Brown Dinosaur or Dog Bone Garden Sculpture by Daï Sugasawa

IvoryBrown Sugar
e15 Customizable ELBE III Bench by Marguerre, Besau and Schöning
By e15, Eva Marguerre, Marcel Besau and Daniel Schöning
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

e15 Customizable ELBE III Bench by Marguerre, Besau and Schöning
e15 Customizable ELBE III Bench by Marguerre, Besau and Schöning

e15 Customizable ELBE III Bench by Marguerre, Besau and Schöning

Basel 123Charcoal LoupoSterling LoupoIvory Loupo + 17 more
21st Century Elena Salmistraro Ione Bench Polyurethane White Travertine Scapin
By Elena Salmistraro
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 Limite...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches

Materials

Marble

21st Century Elena Salmistraro Ione Bench Polyurethane White Travertine Scapin
21st Century Elena Salmistraro Ione Bench Polyurethane White Travertine Scapin

21st Century Elena Salmistraro Ione Bench Polyurethane White Travertine Scapin

Contemporary Hand Carved Blackened Steel Bench with Handwoven Horsehair in White
By J.M. Szymanski
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...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel, Iron, Wrought Iron

Contemporary Hand Carved Blackened Steel Bench with Handwoven Horsehair in White
Contemporary Hand Carved Blackened Steel Bench with Handwoven Horsehair in White

Contemporary Hand Carved Blackened Steel Bench with Handwoven Horsehair in White

Established & Sons Drift Bench by Amanda Levete
By Established & Sons, Amanda Levete
Located in London, GB
A piece of found driftwood initiated the design for the Drift bench. The naturally formed fluid lines of that found object provided inspiration for Amanda Levete’s exercises in compl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Benches

Materials

Glass

Established & Sons Drift Bench by Amanda Levete
Established & Sons Drift Bench by Amanda Levete

Established & Sons Drift Bench by Amanda Levete

Glossy BlackGlossy White
Spiros Zakas Vintage Rare Smoked Lucite Bend Bench, Off White Upholstery Cushion
By Spiros Zakas
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful large overscale rare vintage sculpted smoked gradient lucite bench with squared off arms is the work of a Greek designer from Atlanta in the 60's named Spiros Zakas. H...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Lucite

Spiros Zakas Vintage Rare Smoked Lucite Bend Bench, Off White Upholstery Cushion
Spiros Zakas Vintage Rare Smoked Lucite Bend Bench, Off White Upholstery Cushion

Spiros Zakas Vintage Rare Smoked Lucite Bend Bench, Off White Upholstery Cushion

Modernist Chrome Wrapped Ottoman in Cream Gaufrage Velvet, Manner of Springer
Located in New York, NY
This stunning modernist ottoman was realized in the United States circa 1970. Executed in the manner of Karl Springer, it features a subtly domed concave body newly reupholstered in ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Benches

Materials

Chrome

Modernist Chrome Wrapped Ottoman in Cream Gaufrage Velvet, Manner of Springer
Modernist Chrome Wrapped Ottoman in Cream Gaufrage Velvet, Manner of Springer

Modernist Chrome Wrapped Ottoman in Cream Gaufrage Velvet, Manner of Springer

Mid-Century Inspired Teak Bench with White Lacquer Dipped Legs
By The Tailored Home, Jhon Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
Mid-century inspired teak bench with protective clear coat finish and White Lacquer Dipped Legs. Topped with a 1 1/2" fixed cushion made from cotton/dacron wrapped foam and covered w...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Teak, Lacquer

Mid-Century Inspired Teak Bench with White Lacquer Dipped Legs
Mid-Century Inspired Teak Bench with White Lacquer Dipped Legs

Mid-Century Inspired Teak Bench with White Lacquer Dipped Legs

Emeco Alfi 3-Seat Bench in White and Ash with High Back by Jasper Morrison
By Jasper Morrison, Emeco
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco and Morrison together, designed and engineered The Alfi collection with the conviction that what you don't see is as important as what you do see. Alfi reflects Emeco and Morri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Emeco Alfi 3-Seat Bench in White and Ash with High Back by Jasper Morrison

Emeco Alfi 3-Seat Bench in White and Ash with High Back by Jasper Morrison

Emeco Alfi 3-Seat Bench in White and Ash with Low Back by Jasper Morrison
By Emeco, Jasper Morrison
Located in Hanover, PA
Emeco and Morrison together, designed and engineered The Alfi Collection with the conviction that what you don't see is as important as what you do see. Alfi reflects Emeco and Morri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Emeco Alfi 3-Seat Bench in White and Ash with Low Back by Jasper Morrison

Emeco Alfi 3-Seat Bench in White and Ash with Low Back by Jasper Morrison

Related Items
Walnut and Corian Gallery Bench Mid-Century Modern inspired Minimal Handmade
By Le Corbusier, Figure Ground, Maarten van Severen, George Nakashima
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This bench is composed of a Corian top floating on an elegantly detailed walnut frame. It is large enough for one's imagination or a group conversation. Spanning 7' long, it commands environments while subtly disappearing like its double miter joints that waterfall into the walnut grain. The bench is sawn from long hand-selected boards, carefully milled with a miter joint detail that cascades or 'waterfalls' a continuous grain from the seat down through the legs. To further accentuate the bench's slender span, we chose a double miter cut on the edge profile that almost makes the Bench's thickness at first glance disappear. The white-to-walnut bench refines the moment of repose. Its minimalism is as seductive as its touch to the senses. This bench is versatile and can just as easily define a vestibule or gallery window as it will sit aside a matching dining table. Finished in Tung oil it maintains a natural look and feel for the locally sourced black walnut. This item is available in custom sizes or finishes upon request. Due to natural materials used, the object received will be unique in material figuring and coloration. No item assembly or installation is necessary. Care for the object is minimal and can be conditioned every 2 years to maintain the original finish. All of our pieces are originally designed and handmade in the Brooklyn, NY based Figure+Ground studio; we don't believe in the separation of design and fabrication. Each item is handcrafted, serialized, and shipped with a “Certificate of Authenticity”, documenting its place in history. Own an original Figure+Ground Piece...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

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Oak, Walnut

Walnut and Corian Gallery Bench Mid-Century Modern inspired Minimal Handmade
Walnut and Corian Gallery Bench Mid-Century Modern inspired Minimal Handmade

Walnut and Corian Gallery Bench Mid-Century Modern inspired Minimal Handmade

H 19 in W 80 in D 15 in
Contemporary Minimalist Rustic Wood and Steel Bench by Scott Gordon
By Scott Gordon
Located in Sharon, VT
The Duncan Bench, an original design offered exclusively by Vermontica, is a contemporary Minimalist bench designed and produced in Vermont by Scott Gordo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Benches

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Steel

Contemporary Minimalist Rustic Wood and Steel Bench by Scott Gordon
Contemporary Minimalist Rustic Wood and Steel Bench by Scott Gordon

Contemporary Minimalist Rustic Wood and Steel Bench by Scott Gordon

H 16 in W 72 in D 18 in
21st Century Contemporary Minimal White Velvet Bench With Black Lacquered Base
Located in Porto, PT
Fifih Bench is a luxury bench upholstered in velvet and wood base. A contemporary design bench is perfect for minimalist and modern interior architecture ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

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Fabric, Velvet, Lacquer, Wood

21st Century Contemporary Minimal White Velvet Bench With Black Lacquered Base
21st Century Contemporary Minimal White Velvet Bench With Black Lacquered Base

21st Century Contemporary Minimal White Velvet Bench With Black Lacquered Base

H 18.51 in W 63 in D 19.69 in
Rustic Pine Beam Bench Pine and Corten Steel Base by Alabama Sawyer 6'
By Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
Our beam bench utilizes salvaged local pine logs for a rustic bench for indoors or outdoors. Narrow and backless, the simple lines express the natural textu...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Rustic Pine Beam Bench Pine and Corten Steel Base by Alabama Sawyer 6'
Rustic Pine Beam Bench Pine and Corten Steel Base by Alabama Sawyer 6'

Rustic Pine Beam Bench Pine and Corten Steel Base by Alabama Sawyer 6'

H 18 in W 72 in D 15 in
e15 European Walnut Calle Bench Designed by Philipp Mainzer in STOCK
By Philipp Mainzer, E15 Furniture
Located in New York, NY
e15 Calle Bench Design: Philipp Mainzer, 2002 Measures: 63” L x 15.75” D x 16.5” H European walnut oiled. The solid wood bench Calle consists of a contoured seat, two sides flushed w...
Category

2010s German Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Oak

e15 European Walnut Calle Bench Designed by Philipp Mainzer in STOCK
e15 European Walnut Calle Bench Designed by Philipp Mainzer in STOCK

e15 European Walnut Calle Bench Designed by Philipp Mainzer in STOCK

H 16.5 in W 63 in D 15.75 in
White Arch Bench by Karstudio
Located in Geneve, CH
White Arch bench by Karstudio. Materials: FRP. Dimensions: 120 x 40 x 43 cm. *This piece is suitable for outdoor use. Both display ways make it the ...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Benches

Materials

Fiberglass

White Arch Bench by Karstudio
White Arch Bench by Karstudio

White Arch Bench by Karstudio

H 16.93 in W 47.25 in D 15.75 in
Concrete Machu Pichu Bench
By Carlo Scarpa, VerteX Design Studio, VerteX Concrete
Located in Hawthorne, CA
Machu picchu bench Inspired by Carlo Scarpa's architectural works, We have designed this original practical art piece as a bench to last forever, Conc...
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Concrete

Concrete Machu Pichu Bench
Concrete Machu Pichu Bench

Concrete Machu Pichu Bench

H 17 in W 74 in D 12 in
Rustic Shou Sugi Ban Wood Bench Pine and Corten Steel 6'
By Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
Our beam bench utilizes salvaged local pine logs for a rustic bench for indoors or outdoors. Narrow and backless, the simple lines express the natural texture of the end grain of eac...
Category

2010s North American Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Rustic Shou Sugi Ban Wood Bench Pine and Corten Steel 6'
Rustic Shou Sugi Ban Wood Bench Pine and Corten Steel 6'

Rustic Shou Sugi Ban Wood Bench Pine and Corten Steel 6'

H 18 in W 72 in D 15 in
Pair of "Loop Chairs" by Willy Guhl, Produced by Eternit Brazil, 1960s
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in New York, NY
Presenting an attractive loop shape, the Loop Chair was created by the Swiss designer Willy Guhl (1915-2004) in 1954, featuring a single volume of seats...
Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Modern Benches

Materials

Cement

Pair of "Loop Chairs" by Willy Guhl, Produced by Eternit Brazil, 1960s
Pair of "Loop Chairs" by Willy Guhl, Produced by Eternit Brazil, 1960s

Pair of "Loop Chairs" by Willy Guhl, Produced by Eternit Brazil, 1960s

H 22.84 in W 21.66 in D 30.52 in
Leo Bench, Ivory Bouclé & Wood Bench by Christian Siriano
By Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order wood & bouclé bench designed by Christian Siriano. Fabric for seat/back cushion: Ivory Bouclé Base: Black lacquered maple.  
Category

2010s American Modern Benches

Materials

Bouclé, Maple

Leo Bench, Ivory Bouclé & Wood Bench by Christian Siriano
Leo Bench, Ivory Bouclé & Wood Bench by Christian Siriano

Leo Bench, Ivory Bouclé & Wood Bench by Christian Siriano

H 19 in W 58 in D 18 in
Contemporary Bench with Handwoven B&W Upholstery
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
The Cloud collection was created around the concept of tress. These contemporary styled benches and stools are made with cotton fabric and foam stripe...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric

Contemporary Bench with Handwoven B&W Upholstery
Contemporary Bench with Handwoven B&W Upholstery

Contemporary Bench with Handwoven B&W Upholstery

H 17.72 in W 51.19 in D 19.69 in
3-Seat Bench in Hand-carved Blackened Oak with Stainless Steel Armrests
By Rooms Studio
Located in New York, NY
The "Triple Bench" in Stainless Steels by Rooms Studio of Tbilisi, Georgia, would make a striking focal point in an entryway or lobby - the scale of the p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Georgian Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

3-Seat Bench in Hand-carved Blackened Oak with Stainless Steel Armrests
3-Seat Bench in Hand-carved Blackened Oak with Stainless Steel Armrests

3-Seat Bench in Hand-carved Blackened Oak with Stainless Steel Armrests

H 24 in W 18 in D 70 in
Previously Available Items
Pair of Christian Liaigre Nankin Benches in White Leather
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful pair of Christian Liaigre Nankin benches in white leather, black lacquer bases. These can be sold individually.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pair of Christian Liaigre Nankin Benches in White Leather
Pair of Christian Liaigre Nankin Benches in White Leather

Pair of Christian Liaigre Nankin Benches in White Leather

H 17.5 in W 75.5 in D 17 in
Petrified Wood Slab Bench or Coffee Table with Modern Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
A petrified wood top modernly designed coffee table (or bench). This custom coffee table has been fashioned from a gorgeous single thick slab of smoothly polished petrified wood. Thi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Benches

Materials

Iron, Metal

Petrified Wood Slab Bench or Coffee Table with Modern Base
Petrified Wood Slab Bench or Coffee Table with Modern Base

Petrified Wood Slab Bench or Coffee Table with Modern Base

H 19 in W 55.25 in D 23 in
Long Travertine Top Table or Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Custom-made marble-top table with white wood base. Extra long at nine feet and very sturdy. Great for an entry way or under a large window. (Please confirm item location - NY or N...
Category

20th Century Modern Benches

Long Travertine Top Table or Bench
Long Travertine Top Table or Bench

Long Travertine Top Table or Bench

H 16 in W 108 in D 16 in

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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