Skip to main content

Modern Settees

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

25
to
2
20
5
25
25
25
85
10
6
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
39
176
1
10
1
3
3
2
5
6
6
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
20
4
1
16
9
7
7
4
12
7
6
6
1
2
1
1
1
1
Style: Modern
Period: Late 20th Century
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 Settees

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Malibu Sofa Italian Vintage 1970s Wicker Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous Malibu Italian wicker vintage sofa from the 1970s. Beautiful modern wicker design with simple square details. Love the combination of natural wicker and natural linen uphols...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Wicker

Late 20th C. Italian Lacquered Solid Cherry and Upholstered Bench Settee
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 20th C. Italian Lacquered Solid Cherry and Upholstered Bench Settee with nail head trim in great vintage condition. Measures 44" in width, 16.5" in depth, 28" on height with ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Cherry

Adrian Pearsall Angular Settee in Cafe au Lait Bouclé c. 1980
Located in Saint Louis, MO
This Angular Adrian Pearsall Settee is a show stopper that emanates a sense of Modern High Art and Upper Crust Glamour. The sort of piece you drop in a room and immediately get that WOW feeling – unique profile, seductive curves with scrolled arms, chunky channeled base. Chic. Fresh. Enticing. This Pearsall Settee Bench is an attention grabber. A great choice for an open floor plan where it can float and break up the space while at the same time adding a high art element of interest. A sculptural installation on its own. Newly professionally upholstered in soft Café au Lait Bouclé. The texture ventilates well – cozy in winter and cool in summer. Snuggle up. Photographed along with and also currently available in our shop – Vladimir Kagan Caterpillar Chairs...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery

Canapé "Baisity" par Antonio Citterio pour B&B Italia
Located in SAINT-ESTÈVE, FR
Canapé 2 places, dessiné par Antonio Citterio dans les années 80, pour la marque B&B Italia. Structure en acier recouvert de cuir noir. Larges coussins...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Late 20th Century Modern Circular Banquet Sofa Settee Custom Made Brown Leather
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome vintage Modern round or circular banquet sofa or settee custom made with brown smooth & textured leather and button detail. Beautiful conditio...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

McGuire Late 20th Modern Rattan Woven Rawhide Green Chenille Cushion Sofa Settee
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage modern rattan & woven rawhide sofa or settee with loose green chenille cushions by McGuire. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, one seat cushion has a spot at the seam where the fabric has separated a bit, and the black under-threads are showing. It is not a hole. Also, there is some fading on the chenille from age and use. Please see photos and zoom in for details as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 20th Century. Get ready to have your friends and family turning GREEN with ENVY when they lay their eyes upon your vintage modern rattan & woven rawhide sofa by McGuire!!! It is simply GORGEOUS!!! The frame of this sofa or settee is comprised of double rattan bars across the front, rattan legs wrapped with rawhide straps, and the sides and back are double layered interlaced rawhide. It’s a signature combination used by McGuire, and it is FABULOUS! Six loose back and seat cushions wearing a lovely green chenille fabric rest in the frame which is lined with the same green chenille fabric. It is comfortable and STUNNING!! This is just the settee you need to add a splash of Modern style to your sunroom or lanai, but it would be equally as fabulous in your casual living room. This rattan and laced rawhide sofa by McGuire is…absolutely…. FIRE!!! Magnificent presentation, phenomenal comfort, and a well-known McGuire quality!! McGuire Furniture, whose name is synonymous with style and elegance, was founded in 1948 in San Francisco by husband-and-wife team John and Elinor McGuire. The history of McGuire is best told by a quote from Town and Country magazine...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Chenille, Rattan

Curved Settee and Barrel Back Lounge Chair by Interior Crafts Newly Upholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Modern Deco curved settee and barrel back lounge chair by interior crafts newly upholstered in a plush "ice-blu" Italian mohair - 2 piece set Gorgeous Vintage Modern Deco ...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Mohair, Wood

Carlotta Armchair + Footstool Designed by Antonio Citterio for Flexform
Located in Athens, Attiki
Carlotta armchair + footstool designed by Antonio Citterio for Flexform in 1997. The archetypical folding chair, Carlotta was reinterpreted in a con...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Settees

Materials

Metal

LOTA Sofa by Eileen Gray
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Sofa, designed by Eileen Gray. Germany, Classicon, 1990s. The LOTA sofa, designed by Eileen Gray, produced by Classicon in Munich. Sofa with black lacquer...
Category

1990s German Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Wood

B&B Italia Free Time Sofa by Antonio Citterio, 1990s
Located in London, GB
A large, extremely comfortable and versatile sofa by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, designed in the late 1990s. Chromed tubular steel lower frame, strap supports, loose seat cushio...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Settees

Materials

Steel, Chrome

French Vintage Bamboo Sofa
Located in Houston, TX
French vintage bamboo sofa with new seat and back cushions. Two available and sold individually priced $3,600 each.
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Cotton, Bamboo, Foam

Original “Deanna" Sofa/Setee Designed by Sally Sirkin Lewis for J Robert Scott
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A gorgeous Deanna settee designed by Sally Sirkin Lewis for J Robert Scott. High gloss creme lacquer finish on wood. Amazing swoop arm cascades into the back leg. From a very prominent multi million dollar Palm Springs designer estate. Original J Robert Scott deco swirl fabric in taupe and beige. Comes with pair of custom metallic rayon "Confetti" pillows that match perfectly. A chic, modern classic. Currently in our North Palm Springs showroom displayed with a pair of Sally Sirkin Lewis designed swivel chairs and a Parisian Modern...
Category

1990s American Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mario Bellini CAB 414Settee by Mario Bellini for Cassina
Located in Hudson, NY
Arm chairs SOLD settee designed by Mario Bellini in 1979 for Cassina, Italy. Steel frame covered with a thick black leather. Stamped with Cassina logo.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

Vintage Modern Oak Bentwood & Chrome Two-Seat Settee or Bench Attr to Thonet
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage modern two-seat settee or bench of oak bentwood, chrome, and upholstery attributed to Thonet. It is in wonderful vintage condition. The wood, chrome, and fabric are ...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Oak, Bentwood

Modernist Settee, circa 1990
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A custom made curved sofa. Solid frame and legs. Upholstered in fine leather and fabric from Spinneyback. Designed for a private collection. N...
Category

1990s Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

Vladimir Kagan Illuminated Double Sided Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Vladimir Kagan Illuminated Double Sided Sofa. Has a walnut and acrylic frame and the original upholstery. The sides also illuminates.
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Acrylic, Walnut

Beautiful Saccaro Velvet Love Seat with Walnut Trim, 21st Century
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Saccaro velvet loveseat with walnut trim. Saccaro produces high end designer furniture from Brazil's top furniture designers.
Category

Late 20th Century Brazilian Modern Settees

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Modern Indoor Outdoor Philippe Starck for Kartell Ploof Settee
Located in Pasadena, TX
Kartell Philippe Starck was born in Paris on 18th January 1949 the son of an aircraft designer; it is he who probably inspired the young Starck. Even at a very early age Starck sh...
Category

1990s European Modern Settees

Materials

Aluminum

Traditional Contemporary Polka Dot Upholstered Lounge Day Bed Settee
Located in Dayton, OH
Polka dot upholstered daybed or settee. Features rolled arms over flared legs and a mahogany toned finish. Olive green and black sheened upholstery. Measure: 69".    
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Settee, Sofa, Pair of 6-Seat, Custom Made, Terence Conran, Sutton Place
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
This massive pair of 6-seat sofas were commissioned as part of Stanley J Seeger’s remodeling and grand redecoration of Sutton Place. They are upholstered ...
Category

1980s British Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Cord

Leather Sitting Set Rock Series Gerard Van Den Berg Montis
Located in Atlanta, GA
A wonderful two-piece set of sitting consisting of a loveseat and a single lounge chair by Gerard Van Den Berg (b. 1947). The beautiful chairs are of the rock series designed by Gerard Van Den Berg for Montis designed in 1981. With their low profile and slightly upturned corners, these two whimsical chairs can be arranged in different positions to create a very chic space, like between two rocks in the forest. The loveseat measures 56.5" W x 45" H x 36" D. The slip chair...
Category

1980s Dutch Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

Italian Post-War Design Pink Velvet Settee
Located in New York, NY
Italian Post-War Design 1960s style (modern) black velvet settee with rounded sides and shaped front with pink velvet seat & 4 back cushions contempor...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Settees

Materials

Velvet

Vintage Donghia Yellow Stripe Spirit Sofa by John Hutton
Located in Topeka, KS
Incredible spirit sofa by John Hutton for Donghia. This one is in its original yellow striped fabric and fabulous condition, circa 1990s. The dust cover has been replaced. This sofa is simply wonderful! It was designed by John Hutton for the prestigious Donghia Furniture, a to-the-trade only supplier to interior designers and architects. This sofa, named Spirit, and part of the Enchanted collection was inspired by the ghostly shapes of furniture draped in sheets in homes during extended periods of being uninhabited. John Hutton’s furniture designs are at the same time Classic and modernistic especially depending upon the fabric chosen to “clothe” them. This sofa takes on a more Classic feel with the yellow, army green and cream traditional stripe adorning its modernistic and angular share. I’m sure you are drooling over this sofa right now. We also have the companion chaise longue listed on our storefront as well. I know you...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric

Molar Settee by Wendell Castle
Located in Atlanta, GA
A molar settee or loveseat designed by Wendell Castle and manufactured by Beylerian, circa 1970s. The molar series is a playful design from Wendell Castle...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Fiberglass

Related Items
Italian Vintage Modernist Brutalist Style Solid Wood High Back Settee Benches
Located in Firenze, IT
This vintage Mid-Century Modern period solid wood banquette settee was probably a chapel pews benches. These original and rare high back seatings str...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Settees

Materials

Metal

Charles Sectional Sofa by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite Charles Sectional Sofa, a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and design by renowned Italian designer Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia. This iconic furniture p...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Settees

Materials

Aluminum

Modular Sofa 'Luis' by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, 2007
Located in Antwerp, BE
Modular Sofa; B&B Italia; Maxalto; Luis; 21th century; Contemporary Design; Antonio Citterio; Modular sofa 'Luis', designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia in 2007, is a luxuriou...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antonio Citterio, 'Sity' Sofa for B&B Italia, 1980s
Located in Greding, DE
Brown three-seat sofa on castors with rectangular seat and backrest. The brick-red cylindrical armrests are made of metal. The Sity sofa was designed ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Metal

Italian Mohair Settee Sofa, Brown, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful mohair upholstered curved sofa with wooden legs. Perfect shape and size. In excellent condition, 1950s, Italy.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Settees

Materials

Mohair, Wood

Vintage Giltwood Love Seat Conversation Settee Mid 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a fantastic English vintage giltwood love seat or conversation "Sociable Settee" mid 20th century in date. It is of clover leaf outline and has four individual seats with...
Category

1950s English Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Velvet, Giltwood

Laurel Settee, Modern Walnut Windsor Style Bench
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A clean modernization of a Classic Windsor bench, this settee features sculpted legs and slats instead of dowels and spindles. Constructed from sustainable walnut, the settee is artisan crafted with traditional joinery and finished with an all-natural, 100% plant-based, hard-wax oil. "The Laurel Settee...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Settees

Materials

Walnut, Wood

French Baroque Style Velvet Upholstered Knole Style Settee, 2nd half 20th cen.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Upholstered in green velvet with applied embroidered tape/trim with matching braid and fringe, adjustable padded wings controlled by roping. The original Knole Settee (also known as the Knole Sofa) is a couch chair that was made in the 17th century, probably around 1640.[1] It is housed at Knole in Kent, a house owned by the Sackville-West family since 1605 but now in the care of the National Trust.[2] It was originally used not as a comfortable sofa but as a formal throne on which the monarch would have sat to receive visitors. It was wide enough that a monarch and consort could be seated side by side. As of 2021, it is kept at Knole House...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Settees

Materials

Velvet

Soriana Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Original Fabric, Italy, 1970s
Located in London, GB
A superb 3 seat original Soriana sofa, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa and produced by Cassina in the 1970s. This example is a rare find indeed - all in great condition with original clean wool fabric. We also have a matching pair of chairs...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Settees

Materials

Chrome

"Baisity" Sofa by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Sofa "Baisity" by designer Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia. Very Comfortable three-seat sofa is with fabric pattern and red leather. Very good condition, considering its age. Origin...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Wicker Works Link Newly Upholstered Sofa Settee
Located in Miami, FL
Wicker Works Link newly upholstered sofa settee Offered for sale is a Wicker Works two-seater sofa with newly upholstered cushions. The woven ...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Wicker

B&B Italia by Antonio Citterio Brown Velvet Richard Sectional Sofa
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia in 2016, the Richard sofa is a fantastic example of contemporary Italian design. Made up of two units, the sofa is constructe...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Settees

Materials

Velvet

Previously Available Items
Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
Located in Greensboro, NC
Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s in a stylish striped fabric. Original fabric appears to be a w...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Settees

Materials

Steel

Confidential Sofa Designed by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti
Located in Chicago, IL
Iconic “Confidential” sofa designed by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti c. 1970’s in cognac leather.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

Brown Leather 'Togo' Loveseat Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous deep brown leather 'Togo' loveseat sofa was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for Ligne Roset, France. Signed with Ligne Roset Made in France label and has Ligne Roset fabric underneath. Timeless design and classic style make this two-seat couch by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset the perfect choice for any space. Incredible soft buttery leather with thick folds, stitching and deep button tufting. This Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset Togo settee...
Category

1990s French Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Foam

Modern metal Yellow chairs Omstak by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Yellow chairs Omstak by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast, 1970s Stackable chairs Omstak model, with structure in steel rod and seats with circular holes in yellow metal. Designed by R...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Metal, Chrome

1970s Italian Maralunga Two Seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in London, GB
The iconic Maralunga two seater sofa, upholstered in its original black leather, by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1970s, Italy. About the d...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

Vintage Barbara Barry For Henredon Transitional Modern 3 Seat Sofa Couch
Located in Dayton, OH
Famed designer Barbara Barry brings her signature blend of accessible elegance to her collection for fine furniture brand Henredon. It features a tight seat and back, along with a sl...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Italian Scalloped Back Sofa in Camel Mohair, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant sofa featuring a scalloped back in new lush camel mohair upholstery. This is a custom design with a firm sit and 15” seat height, typical for 1970s Italian seating...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Metal, Brass

Afra and Tobia Scarpa Bastiano Two Seater Sofa, Gavina, Italy
Located in London, GB
The Bastiano series by Afra and Tobia Scarpa is one of the highly influential Italian design duo’s earliest furniture productions. The intention of the design was to provide “seating...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Century Furniture LTD7600-3C Cornerstone 3 Seater Leopard Print Upholstered Sofa
Located in Dayton, OH
Century Furniture LTD7600-3C Cornerstone Sofa. Traditional form with modern appeal. Features 3 seats, leopard print beige upholstery, rolled arms, thr...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery

Paolo Piva, Three-Seater DS-4251/53 Sofa, De Sede, Switzerland, 1989
Located in London, GB
Paolo Piva (1950-2017) was an Italian architect and designer whose interest in social housing influenced a career in making minimalist, elegant and functional buildings and furniture. This is particularly so for the DS-4251 / 53 sofa, designed for the prestigious Swiss furniture company De Sede. Its black leather frame establishes strong rectilinear frame which, alongside the selective use of material and elemental straight lines, is reminiscent of Bauhaus designs. This sofa was owned by the legendary English designer Mary Fox Linton...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Wool, Bouclé

Paolo Piva, Two-Seater DS-4251/53 Sofa, De Sede, Switzerland, 1989
Located in London, GB
Paolo Piva (1950-2017) was an Italian architect and designer whose interest in social housing influenced a career in making minimalist, elegant and functional buildings and furniture. This is particularly so for the DS-4251 / 53 sofa, designed for the prestigious Swiss furniture company De Sede. Its black leather frame establishes strong rectilinear frame which, alongside the selective use of material and elemental straight lines, is reminiscent of Bauhaus designs. This sofa was owned by the legendary English designer Mary Fox Linton...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Wool, Bouclé

DeSede "Tatzelwurm" Sofa DS600, 1972
Located in Berlin, Berlin
"Tatzelwurm" sofa designed by U. Berger, E. Peduzzi Riva, H. Ulrich, K. Vogt. Switzerland, DeSede, 1972. Blue leather and black sides. Named after a mythical alpine creature, the ...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

DeSede "Tatzelwurm" Sofa DS600, 1972
DeSede "Tatzelwurm" Sofa DS600, 1972
H 29.14 in W 98.43 in D 39.38 in

Modern settees for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern settees 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 settees created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern settees made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original settees, popular names associated with this style include Etro, Jillian O'Neill, Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors, and Ghidini 1961. 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 settees differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $843 and tops out at $80,000 while the average work can sell for $9,685.

Recently Viewed

View All