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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Mushroom Ottoman in Mid Century Vintage Fabric - Brown and Yellow Circles
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in vintage mid century fabric. Fabric is a synthetic material with a bold pattern of brown circles with yellow stripes. Perfect for ...
Fabric, Wood
$395 / item
Mushroom Ottoman in Sequoia Wool Dot
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a dotted wool blend fabric. "Sequoia" fabric is in the olive green color family with textured tan dots throughout. Perfect for usi...
Wool, Polyester
$395 / item
Mushroom Ottoman in Wool Cream Dot
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a dotted wool blend fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned seat and sculptur...
Wool, Acrylic, Polyester
Handmade Velvet Stool by Munna Design Studio, Modern Fringes, Customizable
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The handmade stool draws on the signature fashion theme, ruffling the scene and inviting guests with its fun and flirtatious feel. Featuring three layers of fringes that run along th...
Silk, Velvet, Wood, Trimming
$395 / item
Mushroom Ottoman in Wool Denim Blue Dot
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a dotted wool blend fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned seat and sculptur...
Wool, Acrylic, Polyester
Bertu Stools, Cicely Modern Sheepskin Dining Stool, White Oak
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Cicely Dining Stool in Sheepskin is beautifully constructed from solid white oak in Ohio, USA. This stool was style-spotted at the Spring 2022 High Point Market. These stools ar...
Sheepskin, Oak
$395 / item
Mushroom Ottoman in Wool Ochre Dot
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a dotted wool blend fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned seat and sculptur...
Fabric, Wool, Acrylic, Polyester
$395 / item
Mushroom Ottoman in Sierra Wool Dot
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a dotted wool blend fabric. "Sierra" fabric is in the gray color family with textured gray and off white dots throughout. Perfect ...
Wool, Cotton
Mushroom Ottoman in Wool Pink Dot - Small Dots
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a dotted wool blend fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned seat and sculptur...
Wool, Acrylic, Polyester
$1,465 / item
Bao Natural Leather Ottoman
Located in Milan, IT
This refined bean bag chair is wrapped carefully in a single piece of soft, full-grain leather, its folds resembling those of origami. The timeless, nostalgic shape is reminiscent of those old bedside...
Leather
$2,780 / item
Beige Couture Geometric Stripe Pouf
Located in Milan, IT
A cylindrical pouf with a beige top and a multicolored base. The top is synthetically padded and it is upholstered with premium velvet 100% trevira while, the bottom, is in painted b...
Textile
$1,800 / item
Beautiful Modern Ottoman in the Style of Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Modern Ottoman in the style of Josef Frank, ottoman has four solid wood bun feet, fabric is by Robert Allen. Ready for a new home, excellent condition.One ottoman ready to ...
Cotton, Wood
$2,760 / item
Sparkle Pink Pouf with Copper Fringe
Located in Milan, IT
As suggested by its name, this pouf from the Sparkle Collection will infuse glamour into a modern living room, bedroom, or private study. Inspired by the fashion of the Roaring '20s,...
Textile
$5,060 / item
Drapè Pouf by Bartoli Design
By Laura Meroni
Located in Milan, IT
The unique sartorial work of the this pouf series is immediately recognizable for creating soft shapes. The Drapé Collection is a set of upholstered poufs covered...
Metal, Other
$2,155 / item
Sparkle Pink Pouf with Gold Fringe
Located in Milan, IT
Crafted with a solid beechwood frame, this original pouf by Milanese designer Lorenza Bozzoli pouf showcases a powder pink velvet padded seat and a magnificent fringe of gold lurex. Part of the Sparkle Collection that pays homage to the roaring years of Charleston, this pouf will bring a glamorous touch to a bedroom vanity...
Textile
Alcove Bench Upholstered In Olive Velvet With Fringe Skirt Trim By Sidani Design
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A sculptural statement piece defined by its architectural silhouette and introspective form. The Alcove Collection embraces a bold silhouette — rectangular and linear — that gently r...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Trimming
$2,155 / item
Sparkle Copper Pouf with Copper Fringe
Located in Milan, IT
Crafted with a beechwood frame, this sophisticated pouf showcases a simple round shape enriched with a warm copper velvet upholstery on the padded seat and a shimmering fringe of lur...
Textile
Handmade Velvet Stool by Munna Design Studio, Modern Fringes, Customizable
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The handmade stool draws on the signature fashion theme, ruffling the scene and inviting guests with its fun and flirtatious feel. Featuring three layer...
Silk, Velvet, Wood, Trimming
$2,160 / item
Purple Couture Geometric Line Pouf
Located in Milan, IT
A cylindrical purple pouf decorated by a set of viscose fringes of different colors and lengths. The base of this item is in painted beech wood padded with...
Textile
Sparkle Bean Green Ottoman with Gold and Green Fringe
Located in Milan, IT
An original piece of functional decor with a glamorous appeal, this ottoman by designer Lorenza Bozzoli audaciously blends glamorous 1920s sartorial details with modern geometrical s...
Textile
Zebra Ottoman Pouf with legs
By Jose Gomez
Located in Saint Louis, US
This 4 legged sturdy ottoman pouf is made from the finest zebra hide of the South African savannah. This exotic piece is perfect for adding texture and depth to any space. The myster...
Zebra Hide, Foam, Wood
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Carmen Leather Cocktail Ottoman or Museum Bench
By Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Located in Miami, FL
Carmen large cocktail ottoman or museum bench with Caspian Leather cushion and bronze finish steel base by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. The le...
Steel
$2,632Sale Price|20% Off
Custom Made Iron and Vintage Turkish Rug Ottoman
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Custom made iron and upholstered bench ottoman, the base is a custom finished iron base, with antique turkish rug upholstered top. The very durable top is a heavy wool hemp and cotto...
Iron
$1,500 / item
Harness Black Leather and Blackened Steel Ottoman
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to pair with any of the seating options in Stephen Kenn's Inheritance Collection, the ottoman is a great way to add a lounge element to your seating arrangement for maximum ...
Steel
Oversize Round Shearling Floor Cushion in Dune by Moses Nadel
By Moses Nadel
Located in Oyster Bay, NY
This thoughtfully designed and versatile oversized floor cushion was designed for both kids and adults as an inviting addition to any space. U...
Sheepskin
Mid-Century Modern Grand Pouf, Velvet, Oak, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Grand Pouf, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Grand pouf is a versatile piece that combines elegance with functionality. Its curved, sculptural d...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Contemporary Minho Daybed, DEDAR Velvet, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Contemporary Minho Daybed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Minho daybed is a modern reinterpretation of traditional furniture design. In...
Alpaca, Mohair, Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Wood, Oak, Walnut
$14,425Sale Price / item|20% Off
Moroso PEBBLE RUBBLE by Front Design
By Moroso, Front Design
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Imagine we find ourselves upon a massive, mysterious slab of stone. As if, in a time long before our own, someone gifted with superhuman strength lifted and positioned it, creating a...
Wood
Large Chesterfield Leather Tufted Ottoman, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A generously sized rectangular ottoman upholstered in rich brown tufted leather. Designed in the 1960s, Exuding classic Chesterfield sophistication with a modern versatility. Brass n...
Leather
Ottoman pouf DROVA 4 Designer Upholstered Accent Seating for Bedroom
Located in Kyiv, UA
Ottoman pouf Drova 4, a versatile and stylish addition to your living space. Handcrafted with precision in Ukraine, this cube pouf embodies the perfect fu...
Steel
Modern Kaizuka Pouf Ottoman Dedar Mint Green Velvet Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By Dedar, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Kaizuka Pouf Ottoman, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. A comfy ottoman with a luxurious touch. Upholstered in a DEDAR mint green velvet. Destined to...
Gold Leaf
Large bench ottoman by Carla Sozzani in Milan mohair velvet 1990s
Located in Paris, IDF
This is a very rare and unique Italian bench ottoman designed by Carla Sozzani for her gallery in Milano in the 1990s. With strong architectural lines, the handmade steel structure i...
Steel
In Stock, Segment Stool in Aluminum and Suede by Estudio Persona
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Segment stool is part of the Segment collection: a series of pieces that intend to break down a homogenous piece and ask the question of how to produce several products composed ...
Aluminum
$792Sale Price / item|20% Off
Geo Small Pouf in Lario Top Orange Upholstery by Paolo Grasselli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Geo pouf is an accessory that can be placed in any home and contract environment. It is a versatile element that can connect with diverse styles with a simple...
Upholstery
$10,612Sale Price / item|20% Off
Pixel Large Seating Pouf in Extra Kami A1 Upholstery by Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
From the creativity of Sergio Bicego comes Pixel sofa, featuring a series of elements that can be freely combined, thanks to an exclusive connector created ...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Swivel Grand Pouf, Set/2 Pink Nubuck, Handmade by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Grand Pouf, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe The Grand pouf is a versatile piece that combines elegance with functionality. Its curved, sculpt...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$2,300 / item
Lith Ottoman, by Lynnea Jean. In-stock
By Lynnea Jean
Located in Aitkin, MN
The Lith Ottoman by Lynnea Jean features a solid white oak frame with a matte ebonized finish and a tailored upholstered seat in Wesley Hall Balboa fabric. Handmade in Los Angeles, t...
Oak, Velvet
Clover Upholstered Pouf by Hannah Bigeleisen, Soft Teal Velvet, New
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Your lucky charm for any space. The Clover Upholstered Pouf in a can’t-stop-touching-it, soft gray cotton velvet is designed to fit anywhere you might need a quick pop of color, soft...
Velvet
Set of custom made Gueridon Ottomans, COM fabric, Made in USA.
Located in Stratford, CT
INTRODUCTION Gueridon handmade ottomans are made to order to your liking and specifications. 100% made in USA. Following the success of its ottomans, GUERIDON launched a full line ...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,435 / item
Emerald and Sea Foam Couture Geometric Bicolor Pouf
Located in Milan, IT
Create a lush and relaxed vibe with this pouf in two different shades of green. Imbibing any space with a natural appeal, the pouf is upholstered in velvet 100% trevira and wrapped i...
Textile
$3,795 / item
Pink Couture Geometric Flo Pouf
Located in Milan, IT
This pouf is characterized by two parts: the seat which is completely upholstered in pink velvet and the viscose fringes of different lengths that create the geometric motif. Its bas...
Textile
$10,574Sale Price / item|20% Off
Pixel Small Seating Pouf in Extra Kami A1 Upholstery by Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
From the creativity of Sergio Bicego comes Pixel sofa, featuring a series of elements that can be freely combined, thanks to an exclusive connector created ...
Upholstery
$1,330 / item
Plaid and Faux Fur Pouf/Ottoman
By Jhon Ortiz, The Tailored Home
Located in Greenwich, CT
Dare we say, Prep-Nouveau? Rad Plaid handmade pouf/ottoman covered in vibrant blue Faux Fur & patterned Funky Plaid Fabric. Light-weight enough to move around as occasional seating w...
Faux Fur, Fabric
$2,080 / item
Green Couture Geometric Bicolor Pouf
Located in Milan, IT
A tiny pop of color for a cozy lounge area, the Green Couture Geometric Bicolor Pouf offers casual seating or a place to rest a tray. Entertain in st...
Textile
Round Ball Ottoman in Latte Zenith Leather by Moses Nadel
By Moses Nadel
Located in Oyster Bay, NY
Functionality combined with elegance, the Ball Ottoman is a versatile piece of furniture. Sculptural with its round shape and playfully engaging, this leather ottoman is commonly use...
Leather
$2,789Sale Price|34% Off
Custom Made Turkish Rug Ottoman with Iron Base
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Custom made Cocktail ottoman Size: 48" x 48" x 18" Iron base finished in antique bronze finish. This item was constructed using a vintage turkish rug, this hemp and wool rug is a ...
Metal, Iron
$6,735 / item
Beige Couture Geometric Geo Large Pouf
Located in Milan, IT
A large round puof, entirely made in Italy, fantastically cozy and comfortable to sit on. The base is in painted beech wood covered by multiple layers of viscose fringes that create ...
Textile
Saturn Pouffe Large, Ottoman, Modern, Sculptural, Chrome Frame and Cream Boucle
By Lara Bohinc
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
The equally singular Saturn pouffe utilises the same gathered bilboquet seat construction, to create a more simplified but still incredibly distinctive form. The sumptuously undulati...
Metal
$2,155 / item
Sparkle Green Pouf with Gold Fringe
Located in Milan, IT
A statement piece in a modern living room, bedroom, or foyer, this pouf's sartorial appeal and shimmering glamour are inspired by the roaring '20s and the Charleston fashion style. T...
Textile
$3,125 / item
Emerald Couture Geometric Tie Pouf
Located in Milan, IT
Nearly monochromatic, this pouf in emerald, sea foam and grass green is accented with unabashedly pink stripes, inspired by neckties. On a beechwood base, the pouf is topped with velvet and accented with viscose fringe, its signature look. Pair the pouf with other pieces from the Couture Geometric...
Textile
1990s Gijs Papavoine Windy Ottoman in Black Leather by Montis
By Montis, Gijs Papovoine
Located in Knebel, DK
1990s Gijs Papavoine Windy ottoman in black leather by Montis The Winy series was designed by Gijs Papavoine in 1992 with shapes that reflects a design that looks like the pieces of...
Leather
$1,106 / item
Modern Curule Stool
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Modern curule stool with a button tufted leather cushion seat above a pewter-finished iron curule form base with gilded accents. Dimensions: 20" W x 16" D x 21" H.
Iron
'Shade 3B' Large Wool Pouf in Greens by Begüm Cana Özgür for Nanimarquina
By Begüm Cana Özgür, Nanimarquina
Located in Glendale, CA
'Shade 3B' Large Wool Pouf in Greens by Begüm Cana Özgür for Nanimarquina Executed in 100% hand-spun New Zealand wool with a birch base and flame-retardant filling, this decorative ...
Wool, Birch
Hexagonal Ottoman by Frank Lloyd Wright for Henredon - three available
Located in San Francisco, CA
A hexagonal ottoman designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for the Heritage-Henredon collaboration. Features a mahogany base with faceted feet and carved Taliesin detailing, topped with a so...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Beautiful Ottomans, Stools in Josef Frank Teheran Linen Fabric by Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of beautiful Ottomans covered in Josef Frank Teheran Linen Fabric by Svenskt Tenn. Each ottoman has four apple shaped stained wood feet. Ready for a new home.
Wood, Linen
$1,043Sale Price|20% Off
TORUS Ottoman designed by Umberto Bellardi Ricci for Tacchini
By Tacchini
Located in Carson, CA
Torus Designed by Umberto Bellardi Ricci In the Torus ottomans, industrial materials converse with soft upholstery to create an original piece of furniture that reinvents the concept...
Aluminum
$1,495 / item
Twist & Knot Ottoman, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Twist & Knot Ottoman, Viya by Vikram Goyal Immersed in the heritage of India's ancient artistry, the humble rope transports us to the heart of crafts...
Brass
Moooi Pooof Small Pouf in the Menagerie of Extinct Animals Velvet Upholstery
By Moooi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pooof is your perfect companion at home. Timeless, versatile, solid and soft. At first sight, the sturdiness of the firmly grounded Pooof would not let you imagine how flexible i...
Upholstery
$395 / item
Mushroom Ottoman in Wool Jade Dot
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a dotted wool blend fabric. "Jade" colored fabric is a grayish green-blue color with large textured dots in a darker hue throughou...
Wool, Acrylic, Polyester
Laurameroni "Drapè" Custom Pouf in Hand-Pleated Leather or Velvet
By Bartoli Design, Laurameroni
Located in Monza, IT
Tall round padded ottoman covered in a Cat B. Montana 1305 leather drapery. Metal base with Ral 7005 "mouse-gray" lacquering. Finish: Cat. B Montana...
Leather, Velvet