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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Item type: Antique and Vintage
Style: Modern
Unique Wrought Iron and Wicker Gossip Bench in the Style of Arthur Umanoff 1950s
Located in Mexico, DF
Very unique wrought iron and wicker Gossip Bench from the 50s. in the very simple yet sophisticated style of Arthur Umanoff (doesn´t have authentication)....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Benches
Materials
Wrought Iron
4 French Mid-Century Modern Industrial Iron Stools / Benches
Located in New York, NY
Two pairs of French Mid-Century Modern / Industrial Design stools
Priced and sold by the pair.
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Custom White Biomorphic White Canvas Duck Upholstered Bench and or Settee
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful custom backless channeled floating organic kidney shaped bench and or settee is re-upholstered with white duck canvas. There are 7 t...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Vintage Karl Springer Large Stainless Steel and Upholstered Souffle Pouf Ottoman
Located in North Miami, FL
This ultra-chic and large Karl Springer style soufflé pouf or ottoman has been newly fully restored and re-upholstered and the brass-plated aluminum original base has been changed to custom stainless steel banding. It is from the 1980s. All new insides have been put in when the upholstery was redone. All the sides are pleated in the upholstery. This is a fabulous floating ottoman...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Alvar Aalto Bench Blue Linoluem Top
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
1960's alvar aalto design bench
It is blue linoleum top.
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Birch
Pair of Maui sofas by Vico Magistretti for Kartell
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of maui sofas by vico magistretti for kartell circa 1980.
Designed by well known italian architect and furniture designer vico magistretti (1920 - 2006)
Moulded plastic seats ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Benches
Materials
Chrome
Postmodern Steel Bench, two available
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern cotton steel bench with shelf underneath. Heavy and very sturdy. Two benches available. Please contact 1stdibs for international quotes.
Category
1990s American Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
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
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
1960s John Behringer Link Bench Model 656 for Fabry Associates
By Fabry, John Behringer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous 4-seater bench (model 656) by John Behringer for Fabry Associates. These iconic benches were used in the TWA terminal, famously designed by Eero Saarine...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Vintage Modern Aero Bench Styled after Lievore Altherr Molina for Sellex
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Modern Aero Bench Styled after Lievore Altherr Molina for Sellex
This wonderful aluminum bench was styled after one for Lievore Altherr Molina's Spanish design consultation ...
Category
1990s Spanish Modern Benches
Materials
Aluminum
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
A Pair Of Unusual Benches By John Vesey ca' 1960's
By John Vesey
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare benches in solid brass by John Vesey, ca' 1960's. Priced per pair (2 pairs or four stools available). Heavy brass, reupholstered in natural suede.
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Bench covered in white Bouclé, 1960s
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A small mid-century style bench, covered in white bouclet, new upholstery.
Category
1960s Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
Guglielmo Pecorini, Bench, Fabric, Wood, Brass, Italy, c. 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood, brass, and white fabric bench designed and produced by Guglielmo Pecorini, Italy, circa 1950s.
seat height 13.5”.
Literature: M. R. Rogers, Italy At Work. Her Renaissance i...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Lucite Bench Upholstered in Louis Vuitton Monogram Fabric
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Design and purpose best describe this one-of-a-kind custom bench. This piece features an authentic classic Monogram Louis Vuitton fabric...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Benches
Materials
Fabric, Lucite
A Classic Upholstered Bench With Caned Back
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic upholstered bench with original speckled finish. Caned back, reupholstered in Larsen fabric.
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Mahogany
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
Extra large modernist solid wood bench, Netherlands 1960s
Located in ECHT, NL
Large modernist bench. Made from solid wood. The bench consists of two halves that are joined together with wood dowels and 2 large metal bolts. They can also be used as 2 separate s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Modern Benches
Materials
Wood
Pair of Hunter Green Square Faux Leather Stools/Benches with Brushed Steel Legs
Located in San Francisco, CA
each square-form bench with semi-detached faux leather cushion over a deep apron; raised on square tapering brushed-steel supports
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Knoll International Green Capitonné Leather Steel feet Benches
By Knoll
Located in IT
Knoll International benches in green capitonné leather and steel feet. There are 2 benches and they have been completely restored both in the padding and reupholstered with new green...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
50's bench 153A natural
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
alvar aalto design 153A bench.
This condition is very nice patine and original finish.
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Birch
Pair Mastercraft Contemporary Brass And Upholstered Benches Footstools
By Mastercraft
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Contemporary Brass And Upholstered benches / Stools / Footstools attributed to Mastercraft of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Recently reup...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
George Koch Sons Chrome-Plated Steel Silk Velvet Upholstered Stool / Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
George Koch Sons Chrome-Plated Steel and Silk-Velvet Upholstered Stool / Bench. Velvet Upholstered. Clean and very solid.
Measures 19.5" i...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Chrome Bench with Magenta Pink Seat Milo Baughman Style
Located in New York, NY
A chrome bench with upholstered magenta pink seat, '60s '70s Modern / Hollywood Regency style, after designer Milo Baughman, circa late-20th century, USA. A single seat bench with a ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Benches
Materials
Chrome
Post Modern Ripple Wave Bench by Laurinda Spear for Brayton International, 1980s
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing an authentic, vintage "Ripple" bench, designed by the pioneering and trailblazing Laurinda Hope Spear. Featuring its original burnt orange knit fabric, instantly recogniz...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Fabric
French Modern Bleached & Silverleaf Curule Bench with Cashmere Upholstery
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Modern Bleached & Silverleaf Curule Bench with Cashmere Upholstery
France, Circa 1950s
A glamorous French modern bleached & silverleaf curule bench, embodies the epitome of sophistication and French modern design. Made in France circa 1950s, it seamlessly combines form and function. With dimensions of 66 inches in width, 24 inches in depth, and 25 inches in height, boasting a comfortable seat height of 19.5 inches. The blend of the large-scale silhouette and the delicate yet generous proportions of the rolling arms creates an inviting seating experience.
The choice of a neutral Kravet Cashmere blend upholstery adds elegance and ensures comfort The meticulously carved silverleaf motifs on the bleached wood base, including shells, ribbons, and tassels, highlight the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the era. With its harmonious blend of materials, dimensions, and design elements, this french modern bench...
Category
20th Century French Modern Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Stylish Clean Line Upholstered Bench 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Stylish fully upholstered bench with beautiful graphic fabric, American, 1970s.
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Long Steel and Felt Bench by Roberto Gabetti & Aimaro Isola, 1969
By Roberto Gabetti, Roberto Gabetti and Aimaro Isola
Located in New York City, NY
Long Steel and Felt Bench by Roberto Gabetti & Aimaro Isola for ARBO, Italy
Additional Information:
Materials: Tapisom (Heavy duty Felt), Chromed Steel, La...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Milling Road Baker Furniture Upholstered Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Milling Road 20th century bench with hardwood frame and upholstered seat and sides. Versatile design style that can easily compliment either home or office environment. Please confir...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Benches
Materials
Wood
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
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer, Goatskin
1989 Antonio Citterio for Vitra Area Montage Daybed Bench Sofa w/ Black Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original Montage, Area Series daybed/sofa, designed by Antonio Citterio for Vitra. This design was produced in 1988 and continued in production for a few years ...
Category
1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Polished Steel and Leather Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Upholstered Beige Leather Bench with polished steel legs and edge.
Supported underneath with a steel cross frame. Excellent quality, heavy, sturdy...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
American Designer, Large Organic Bench, Fabric, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A large organic off white bouclé fabric over wood bench designed and produced in the US, c. 1940s.
Condition: Reupholstered in brand new fabric.
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Sculptural Curved Benches
Located in Chicago, IL
These exquisite 20th century American Modernist curved benches, originating from an Arts and Crafts house in upstate New York, tell a story of both form and function. Their simple yet sculptural architectural frames are a testament to the modernist movement's emphasis on design rooted in geometric forms and harmonious integration into the architecture in which it lives.
These benches once graced the game room of that house, standing sentinel on either end of a billiard table. Their crest rails, perfectly positioned for leaning or sitting, witnessed countless games of pool and camaraderie. Now, these beauties have been meticulously restored. Upholstered in an Italian Alpine...
Category
20th Century American Modern Benches
Materials
Oak
Rustic Solid oak benches -sold separately
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W60 D21 H32.5 SW60 SD13 SH17
Rustic Solid oak benches sold separately. These primitive benches have been restored, filled and sealed. Both benches are heavy and structurally sound. ...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Driftwood
1950s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Associates Model 400 Bench in Oak with Black Base
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an iconic slatted oak bench designed by Harry Bertoia and produced by Knoll. It dates to circa 1952. This piece was constructed using solid oak wood for the top an...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
1950s George Nelson Herman Miller 72.5 inch 4692 Slatted Platform Bench in Birch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1950s vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller natural and black-lacquered birch platform bench (Model 4692). This classic George Nelson example has a gorgeous pa...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Birch
Panca o divanetto Vienna in metallo di Rodney Kinsman per Bieffeplast 1980 ca.
Located in MIlano, IT
Divano o panca modello Vienna con struttura con braccioli dal profilo curvo, in metallo a sezione tonda con finitura in grigio opaco, schienale e seduta imbottiti e rivestiti nel lor...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Metal
1984 Herman Miller Eames 3734 T&em Four Seater Arm Shell Bench in Gray Naugahyde
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Herman Miller Eames Tandem four seater bench, model 3734 base and 3730 top, designed by Ray and Charles Eames. This set was manufactu...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
1950s Erwine & Estelle Laverne Woven Black Leather Bench Laverne International
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a very rare Erwine & Estelle Laverne woven black leather bench, produced by Laverne International. This example dates to the 1950's and is in gorgeous original con...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Metal
Uginox Benches, France 1970
By Uginox
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
Stainless Steel Bench by Vladimir Kagan for Gucci, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, PA
A stunning modernist stainless steel bench designed by Vladimir Kagan for Gucci, 1990s. This versatile bench would work in any interior, wheth...
Category
1990s American Modern Benches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Modern Leather Bench
Located in New York, NY
Modern leather surfaced bench with waterfall rounded armrests, made by Karl Springer in 1987. Signed and dated by the designer. The piece is in great vintage condition with age-appro...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Leather
Vintage Chrome Over Steel X Frame Bench With White Boucle Upholstered Seat
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely vintage chromed steel X frame bench is from the 80's and has been re-upholstered in an off white boucle fabric for the top as a sling seat. It remains modern and it has e...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Steel, Chrome
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
Hannes Wettstein for Cassina Xen Cabinet Bench
Located in New York, NY
Hannes Wettstein (Swiss, 1958-2008) for Cassina, 1990's Xen Cabinet Bench L15 (designed) in beechwood stained cherrywood on a coated steel base.
Dimensions: 26.75"H x 39.25"W x 17.7...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Bentwood Bench, 1960s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Minimal bentwood bench with plywood back and seat and contrasting dark wood legs. Beautiful curvature offers a comfortable seat for one or two adults. This bench features stunning wo...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Wood, Bentwood, Plywood
French Designer, Long Bench, Oak, Iron, France, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid oak and white-lacquered iron long bench, designed and produced in France, c. 1940s.
Category
1940s French Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Iron
Single Window Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Listing is for 1 of 2 window benches. Wood frame with fabric seat.
Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Category
20th Century Modern Benches
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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
Vintage Pair Parsons Benches Stools Ottomans Newly Upholstered Coral Quadrille
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Wonderful pair of vintage 1970s parsons benches stools ottomans. In the style of Billy Baldwin. These have been newly upholstered a beautiful coral Quadrille fabric...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of Contemporary Taupe Leather Upholstered Benches
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of Contemporary rectangular benches with taupe leather upholstered tops with bronze upholstery nail detail on each corner, resting on four square wooden legs with a dark wood ve...
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Benches
Materials
Bronze, Metal
Benche by Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milan, IT
MASTERPIECE
Italy, 1930s
Provided with certificate of authenticity of the Gio Ponti Archives
Walnut frame, Dedar Tabularasa cotton satin upholst...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Cotton, Walnut
Luxury Bench, Designer Théo Eichholtz, 20th Century
By EICHHOLTZ
Located in CRÉTEIL, FR
With its black velvet upholstery, this ultra-upholstered seat ensures optimal elegance and seating. Its gilded metal frame, similar to bamboo, reveals a perfect finish.
Period: 20th century
Dimensions : Height : 73 cm x Length : 68cm x depth : 42cm
Fabric : 64% polyester & 36% viscose
When founder Theo Eichholtz...
Category
20th Century European Modern Benches
Materials
Metal
1980s Hollywood Regency Lucite Bench New Gray Tufted Fabric
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1980s Hollywood Regency lucite bench
Fresh new gray tufted tweed fabric
Measures: 17 tall x 23.5 w x 16 d
Preowned original vintage.
See images provided.
LA OC delivery.
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Benches
Materials
Fabric, Lucite
Willy Guhl Concrete Curved Bench, 1960s, Switzerland
By Eternit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Substantial midcentury concrete seat/ bench by Eternit, circa 1960s. Perfect minimal concave design with convex sides that bow out gently. The bench is made of solid fiber cement which allows it to develop an incredible patina. Factory drilled drainage holes in the seat. A beautiful piece with a strong presence. Very sturdy and able to hold 1-2 adults. These can also be placed together in a variety of arrangements to make a different designs and seating arrangements. These seats are also perfectly compatible with our Willy Guhl Concrete Benches...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Benches
Materials
Concrete
Outdoor Aluminum and Faux Leather Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
A simply but chic 20th century American industrial aluminum bench with a custom faux leather upholstered outdoor cushion. The perfect bench by your po...
Category
20th Century American Modern Benches
Materials
Aluminum
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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