The International Style, a modernist movement within architecture and furniture design that was given its name by American architect Philip Johnson and historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock, was born during the 1920s and ’30s. It gained steam initially in Europe and then in the United States as a response to the first World War. Building projects associated with the movement, as well as vintage International Style chairs, tables and other furnishings, are minimal and pared back.
Pioneers of the International Style — architect Walter Gropius and his Bauhaus colleagues Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, De Stijl advocate and Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and visionary designer Le Corbusier — stripped away decorative elements and placed considerable value on functionality and clean lines, integrating the use of industrial materials like steel, concrete and large sheets of glass in their work. Quite aptly, this mode of design and architectural style coincided with an era now known as the Machine Age and became a global symbol of modernism. The primary motive of its practitioners was to address the changing needs of a rapidly industrializing society, especially the demand for office complexes and apartments in large cities, through economical, technologically advanced, yet aesthetically pleasing designs for furniture and buildings.
“Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep,” said Le Corbusier of the philosophy behind his practical modernist architecture.
The International Style’s designers and architects were inspired by the advantages afforded them by the era’s new technology and industrial machinery as well as state-of-the-art materials. Le Corbusier was fond of framing his buildings in steel but reinforced concrete made far more economic sense. He is probably most admired for the iconic private homes and commercial buildings that he designed or codesigned with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, which are spread across the world, from New York City to Paris to Chandigarh, India. Today, Breuer’s Wassily Lounge chair; the elegant LC series created by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand; and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich, are emblems of progressive modernist design and all make prominent use of tubular steel. Vintage originals are the prized cornerstone of collections.
“The International Style is probably the first fundamentally original and widely distributed style since the Gothic,” posited Johnson in the book that accompanied “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition,” an architectural show he cocurated with Hitchcock that featured the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra and others. While the term “International Style” had previously been circulating in Europe, when the show opened at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, it yielded a much broader application of this important style of design.
Find International Style furniture on 1stDibs.
Pair of Knoll Barcelona Chairs by Mies Van Der Rohe
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in San Mateo, CA
Pair of Barcelona chairs manufactured by Knoll. These have a polished stainless steel frame with tan or saddle colored leather. These were purchased in the 1970's. The chair frames s...
Stainless Steel
Lola Open Weave Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Lola chair is a true testament to the beauty of design and comfort. The chair features an open weave of leather that covers a sensually shaped frame, creating a striking and eye-...
Leather
Lola Wicker Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The new Lola chair is a remarkable testament to the beauty of natural materials and expert craftsmanship. Skilled artisans in the Philippines meticulously weave the chair from wicker...
Wicker
Arata Lounge Chair in a Natural Wood Finish
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Arata stands out with its alluring curves and the gentle radiance of pine wood. The left and right limbs are symmetrical counterparts, mirroring the human form with their repetit...
Wood
Pair of Rattan Chaise Lounge Chairs Tito Agnoli for Pierantonio Bonacina, c 1963
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Deland, FL
Constructed from bamboo and rattan and consistent with the line, shape and period materials of Italian designer, Tito Agnoli, for Pierantonio Bonacina, Circa 1963. ---Dimensions--- ...
Bamboo
Lola Lampakanai Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Lola chair is a true testament to the beauty of design and comfort. This exquisite combination of materials and design creates a perfect balance between style and comfort, making...
Reed
Lola Wicker Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Lola chair is a remarkable testament to the beauty of natural materials and expert craftsmanship. Skilled artisans in the Philippines meticulously weave the chair from wicker, wh...
Wicker
Wing Open Weave Saddle Leather Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
To enhance both style and comfort, supple woven leather gracefully envelops an intriguingly shaped chair.
Leather
Lola Open Weave Leather Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Lola chair is a true testament to the beauty of design and comfort. The chair features an open weave of leather that covers a sensually shaped frame, creating a striking and eye-...
Leather
Pair of Mid Century Modern Bauhaus Wassily Chairs by Gavina - Stendig in Cognac
By Dino Gavina
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant iconic design by Marcel Breur and recreated by Dino Gavina in heavy Cognac Saddle Leather C 1975 Italy. Chairs were in the same family for 2 generations and rarely...
Steel, Chrome
Mattia Biagi, "Sit on My Face", Chair, 2022
By Mattia Biagi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The “Sit On My Face” chair sculpture and the "Light Up My Face" sconce reveal the artist's intimate investigation of life and death, nature and civilizatio...
Carrara Marble
Pair of Italian Loung Chairs Unique
Located in Long Island, NY
A pair of Italian Lounge Chairs , woven wood at the back and sides , suede seat in Tan Color. Unique Pieces made in Italy .
Oak
Arco Armchair, by RAIN, Contemporary Armchair, Upholstery on Wood Structure
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Arco is an upholstered armchair of simple and enveloping geometry. The shape of the piece reproduces the arch of the body, creating a welcoming anatomical shell. The armchair is cove...
Upholstery
Arata Lounge Chair in a Dark Wood Finish
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Arata chair stands out with its alluring curves and the gentle radiance of pine wood.The left and right limbs are symmetrical counterparts, mirroring the human form with their re...
Wood
Lola Open Weave Leather Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Lola chair is a true testament to the beauty of design and comfort. The chair features an open weave of leather that covers a sensually shaped frame, creating a striking and eye-...
Leather
POLTRONOVA / SUPERSTUDIO "SOFO" Modular Chair(s) / Stackable 1968
By Superstudio
Located in Tinton Falls, NJ
SOFO is a seat to place in a row, like a train, or to stack to build solid, colorful mountains. It is simply a block made with an S—shaped cut from a cube of polyurethane, covered wi...
Fabric, Upholstery
Wing Open Weave White Leather Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
To enhance both style and comfort, supple woven leather gracefully envelops an intriguingly shaped chair.
Leather
Wing Open Weave Brown Leather Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The chair's distinct shape is enveloped in meticulously woven leather, enhancing both its style and comfort.
Leather
H 36 in W 27 in D 26 in
Pair of Italian Loung Chairs Unique
Located in Long Island, NY
A pair of Italian Lounge Chairs , woven wood at the back and sides , suede seat in Tan Color. Unique Pieces made in Italy .
Oak
H 28.35 in W 32.29 in D 28.75 in
Vintage Pair of Swiveling Wicker Chairs
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage Pair of Swiveling Wicker Chairs Vintage - Decoration - Home Decor Measures : 82x73cm H:72cm SH:37cm Pair of vintage wicker armchairs with chrome tulip bases. Elegant design...
Metal
H 35.44 in W 34.26 in D 27.56 in
Easy Chair Outdoor with Hand Weaved Aluminium Structure
Located in Guadalajara, Jal.
A spacious and low chair perfect for resting and relaxing.? Combines synthetic weaving technique with an aluminium light structure perfect for outdoor living. “Tumbona” is total co...
Aluminum
H 15.5 in W 24.5 in D 22.25 in
Knoll Barcelona Stools by Mies Van Der Rohe
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Iconic Pair of Barcelona stools or ottomans, designed by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, American, circa 2000s. Retains Knoll tag underneath. They have been cleaned and a leather condit...
Metal
H 27.56 in W 39.38 in D 33.86 in
Tito Agnoli For Poltrona Frau Leather Lounge Chairs by, Italy 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Lounge chairs by Tito Agnoli For Poltrona Frau, Italy 1970s Magnific set of two lounge chairs manufactured by Poltr...
Leather
H 30.25 in W 29.5 in D 30 in
Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Chair and Stool
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Mies van der Rohe's iconic Barcelona chair with stool. Stamped Knoll.
Metal
H 37.5 in W 30 in D 32 in
Danish 1940s Easy Chair with Open Armrests in Beech by Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic elegant Danish high back armchair from the 1940s by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk with open armrests in beautifully carved natural beech wood. Nice slim elegant ...
Beech, Wool
H 4,275 in W 26.5 in D 25 in
Danish Midcentury Higback Lounge Chair with Open Armrests by Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Frits Hansen/Soren Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Stylistically perfect open armchair designed by Soren Hansen for Fritz Hansen in the early 1940s. Sturdy construction of stained beech wood with the frame being in very good conditio...
Wool, Beech
H 36.75 in W 31 in D 29 in
Danish 1940s Easy Chair with Channeled Backrest and Open Armrests in Beech
By Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic elegant Danish high back armchair from the 1940s by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk with open armrests in beautifully carved stained mahogany. Very elegant sculptu...
Wool, Birch
H 26.78 in W 40.56 in D 24.41 in
Tito Agnoli for Bonacina Rattan Armchair Mod.P3, Italy 1960s
By Bonacina, Tito Agnoli
Located in Naples, IT
Chaise longue/armchair made entirely of rattan mod. P3 by Tito Agnoli for Bonacina, 1960s. The structure is composed of a single component that "bends" to form the inclined backres...
Rattan
H 32 in W 44 in D 35.5 in
Pair of Hollywood Regency Wicker Lounge Chairs + Ottomans
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Spectacular pair of large wicker lounge chairs with two ottomans featuring newly upholstered fabric cushions in a soft linen style fabric in beige. The lounge chairs are constructed ...
Metal
H 31.13 in W 23 in D 22 in
Pair of Knoll International Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Brno Leather Lounge Chairs
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Wayne, NJ
Pair Of Knoll International Mies Van Der Rohe Brno leather lounge chairs from 1971 If you are in the New Jersey , New York City Metro Area , please contac...
Leather
H 29.25 in W 29.25 in D 30 in
Knoll Mies Van Der Rohe Barcelona Chair/ ONE LEFT!
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe Black Leather and Stainless Steel Barcelona Chair. All seat straps have been replaced and Leather Cushions are in nice shape. Dated 1976 on label. Stainless ...
Stainless Steel
H 33 in W 35 in D 39 in
Clara Wicker Lounge Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
Introducing the Clara Lounge Chair, one of the latest creations from the talented designer Vito Selma. As part of a trio of exceptional lounge chairs, Clara...
Wicker
H 31.11 in W 22.05 in D 36.23 in
Eileen Gray, Transat Lounge Chair, 1970s
By Eileen Gray
Located in Argelato, BO
Eileen Grey, Black leather lounge chair, model Transat, 1970s. Black lacquered wood, brushed metal, black leather.
Metal
H 30 in W 30 in D 30 in
Pr. Vintage Barcelona Chairs Ca. 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of vintage Barcelona Chairs, having leather seats, and bright chrome frames. These chairs are vintage 1970's probably made in Italy, ...
Steel
H 30.5 in W 25.8 in D 18.8 in
Handwoven Malawi Cane Lounge Chair in Open Weave with White Linen Cushion
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This lounge chair artfully combines handwoven cane and solid wood with a plush linen and down-filled cushion, bringing long-lasting comfort to nearly any interior setting. Here at Z...
Linen, Cane, Rattan
H 26 in W 30 in D 28 in
Pr. LC2 Petite Confort Modele Club Chairs by Le Corbusier
By Le Corbusier
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite pair of LC2 Petite Modele armchairs in bright chrome with black leather cushions. These chairs are vintage 1970's, probably made in Italy, unsigned. Both are in very fine, ...
Chrome
H 30 in W 29.5 in D 31 in
Leather Barcelona Lounge Chair by Ludwig Miles van der Rohe
By Knoll
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A soft leather cream colored Barcelona lounge chair with polished chrome steel frame and matching back and bottom straps. Well crafted with double sewn leather cushions in the manner...
Leather
H 29 in W 30.75 in D 27.75 in
Breuer Wassily Canvas and Chromed Lounge Chair
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A hard to find canvas slung Wassily lounge chair with sculptural steel chromed frame by Marcel Breuer finished in a yellowish canvas material. Model # B3 designed in the late 1930's ...
Canvas
H 29.5 in W 30 in D 30 in
Pair of Meis Barcelona Chairs by Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Impressive pair of Knoll (Park Ave.) Barcelona chairs in wonderful baseball glove worn brown leather. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the Barcelona chair practically singularly...
Stainless Steel
H 28.5 in W 31 in D 28 in
Vintage Wassily Chair Attributed to Knoll
By Knoll, Marcel Breuer
Located in New York, NY
Nice early Wassily chair in rich brown patinated leather and chrome. This example shows some cosmetic wear, notably significant wear to chrome ele...
Chrome
H 30 in W 30 in D 30 in
Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chairs & Ottoman for Knoll International, circa 1974
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A fantastic pair of labeled and authentic Barcelona lounge chairs and single Barcelona ottoman by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll International. Originally created to serve as Mod...
Chrome
H 30 in W 29 in D 31 in
Pair of Barcelona Style Armless Lounge Chairs
By Nicolas Zagraphos, Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of cantilevered lounge chairs after the iconic Barcelona chair. Newly reupholstered in sophisticated and voguish French Blue mohair, making these midcentury International S...
Chrome