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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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
Recognized Seller Listings
Early Production #920 Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, c 1966, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This early production Model #920 modular four-seat sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina was designed in circa 1966 and this example is from the earlier years of production as evidenced by the early style 'Figli di Amedeo Cassina' labels on each section (see photos).
Featuring soft supple black leather cushions which extend to the arms and backside along with nicely grained Walnut accents to the frame, this sofa is in two parts and can either be used together as one long four-seat sofa or separated as two loveseat...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Italian Designer, Settee, Walnut, Fabric, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and white fabric settee designed and produced in Italy, 1940s.
14” seat height
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
De Sede DS-3 Three-Seat Sofa in Beige Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The DS-3 consciously emphasizes the importance of comfortable and relaxing sitting. Last but not least, with the DS-3, our Signora has succeeded in creating a new interpretation of t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Settees
Materials
Leather
De Sede DS-3 Two-Seat Sofa in Beige Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The DS-3 consciously emphasizes the importance of comfortable and relaxing sitting. Last but not least, with the DS-3, our Signora has succeeded in creating a new interpretation of t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Settees
Materials
Leather
Custom Settee by Paul Laszlo
By Paul Laszlo
Located in New York, NY
Aluminum, upholstery, wood. This custom settee is from a unique pair by Paul Laszlo. Provenance: Private collection; Laszlo Family Collection; Donzella Ltd...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Aluminum
Malatesta & Masson
Located in San Francisco, CA
A small settee produced by Malatesta and Masson in Rome in the early 1950s. Sweeping arms make this a very comfortable sit.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Brass
High Time Three-Seat Sofa in Green Hallingdal Fabric by Christophe Pillet
Located in New York, NY
Extreme visual lightness, extreme versatility: the High Time sofa, designed by Christophe Pillet, can be used to create studied, yet essential compositions that reflect the individua...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Materials
Metal
Cappellini Elan Three-Seat Sofa with Fabric or Leather by Jasper Morrison
Located in New York, NY
An unstoppable commercial success, the Elan sofa continues to impress. Designed by Jasper Morrison in 1999, Elan sofas rest upon medium-density conglomerate ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Materials
Metal
Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec Basket 011 Three-Seat Sofa in Metal for Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
A casual, relaxed appeal characterizes the Basket 011 sofa, created for Cappellini by the French designer-duo, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. The collection, composed of a two and three...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Materials
Metal
Rodolfo Dordoni Large Cuba 25 Sofa Upholstered in Fabric or Leather, Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
A tribute to flexibility, Cuba 25 sofa by Rodolfo Dordoni is part of a collection of linear elements with removable covers, that includes two and three-se...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Materials
Metal
Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec Basket 011 Three-Seat Sofa in Cream Hero, Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
A casual, relaxed appeal characterizes the Basket 011 sofa, created for Cappellini by the French designer-duo, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. The collection, composed of a two and three...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Materials
Metal
Elan Three-Seat Sofa in Black/White Hallingdal Fabric by Jasper Morrison
Located in New York, NY
An unstoppable commercial success, the Elan sofa continues to impress. Designed by Jasper Morrison in 1999, Elan sofas rest upon medium-density conglomerate ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Materials
Metal
Architectural 2-Seat Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Architectural settee attributed to Augusto Romano. 2-seat sofa with solid oak architectural frame, and upholstered seat and back. Fantastic detailing, and strong look.
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Rodolfo Dordoni Small Cuba 25 Sofa Upholstered in Red Hero for Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
A tribute to flexibility, Cuba 25 sofa by Rodolfo Dordoni is part of a collection of linear elements with removable covers, that includes two and three-se...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Materials
Metal
Rodolfo Dordoni Large Cuba 25 Sofa Upholstered in Red Hero for Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
A tribute to flexibility, Cuba 25 sofa by Rodolfo Dordoni is part of a collection of linear elements with removable covers, that includes two and three-se...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Materials
Metal
Rodolfo Dordoni Small Cuba 25 Sofa Upholstered in Fabric or Leather, Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
A tribute to flexibility, Cuba 25 sofa by Rodolfo Dordoni is part of a collection of linear elements with removable covers, that includes two and three-se...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Materials
Metal
Cappellini High Time Three-Seat Sofa in Blue Hero Fabric by Christophe Pillet
Located in New York, NY
Extreme visual lightness, extreme versatility: the High Time sofa, designed by Christophe Pillet, can be used to create studied, yet essential compositions that reflect the individua...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Materials
Metal
Cappellini High Time Three-Seat Sofa in Fabric or Leather by Christophe Pillet
Located in New York, NY
Extreme visual lightness, extreme versatility: the High Time sofa, designed by Christophe Pillet, can be used to create studied, yet essential compositions that reflect the individua...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Materials
Metal
Indoor/Outdoor Steel-Framed DeMille Sofa in Modern Regency Style by Laun
By LAUN
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Powder coated stainless steel sofa frame with removable cushions upholstered in an outdoor fabric, this sofa looks great inside or out. The green frame is fully welded and has a perf...
Category
2010s American Modern Settees
Materials
Stainless Steel
"Gimme Shelter" Three-Seat Embroidered Leather Covered Sofa by Moroso for Diesel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Gimme Shelter" is a three-seat sofa, designed by Diesel Creative Team and manufactured by Moroso, featuring injected flame-retardant foam over internal steel frame and base in varni...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Materials
Steel
Lobel Originals "Box Tufted Chaise" Made to Order
Located in New York, NY
Box Tufted Chaise with left arm, both arm and back are uniformly tufted. Made to order with solid mahogany legs which can be finished in a choice of colors, by Lobel Originals / COM....
Category
2010s American Modern Settees
Materials
Foam, Mahogany, Fabric
"Gimme Shelter" Three-Seat Sofa with Steel Frame and Base by Moroso for Diesel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Gimme Shelter" is a three-seat sofa, designed by Diesel Creative Team and manufactured by Moroso, featuring injected flame-retardant foam over internal steel frame and base in varni...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Materials
Steel
"Gimme Shelter" Two-Seat Sofa with Steel Frame and Base by Moroso for Diesel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Gimme Shelter" is a two-seat sofa, designed by Diesel Creative Team and manufactured by Moroso, featuring injected flame-retardant foam over internal steel frame and base in varnish...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Materials
Steel
Italian Green Velvet Settee
Located in New York, NY
Italian 1940s style (modern) large settee / sofa with camel back design and flaired arms upholstered in light green velvet with 2 large seat cushions and ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Settees
Materials
Velvet
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
Settee by Illum Wikkelso
Located in San Francisco, CA
A two-seater sofa with tapered rosewood legs and 2 seat cushions. Upholstered with red leather. Model V12.
Exceptional condition for a piece of this vintage. Very little wear with...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Patchwork Brass Settee, USA
By Stefan Rurak
Located in New York, NY
Brooklyn based Stefan Rurak’s unique vision and process stems from a diverse range of media, ranging from things as conventional as drawing and painting to performance art. “The work...
Category
2010s American Modern Settees
Materials
Gold Leaf, Brass
Danish Settee
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Danish settee upholstered in beige linen, with piping along all the edges, including the rolled arms, and mahogany legs.
Seat has eight-way hand tied springs in excellent condi...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Linen, Mahogany
Related Items
Divano mod. 920 di Afra & Tobia Scarpa per Cassina, 1964
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Divano modello "920" di Afra & Tobia Scarpa per Cassina, 1964.
Il modello è quello di un divano a due posti comodi.
Cuscini e rivestimento rinnovato con tessuto lavabile e antimacc...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Danish Modern Settee, 1940
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful Danish modern settee from the 1940s, dark stained beech legs with a multicolored, floral themed upholstered and tufted body.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Upholstery, Beech
Guglielmo Ulrich Art Deco Italian Velvet Sofa, 1940s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
A large Italian sculptural sofa designed by Guglielmo Ulrich, very comfortable. Recently upholstered in light blue velvet with a light gray velvet border, in a minimalist way, which ...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Velvet, Beech
Malatesta & Mason Walnut and Black Leather Italian Armchair, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Incredible midcentury armchair in walnut and black leather. This fantastic piece was designed by Malatesta & Mason and produced in Italy during the first half of the 1950s.
The a...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Leather, Walnut
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
H 24.81 in W 99.61 in D 38.59 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Bouclé Wool, 1969
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” three-seater for Cassina, bouclé wool and chromed steel, Italy, 1969.
Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra Scarpa is firmly associated with the next decade, when its popularity peaked. "Soriana" is low and invites you to sink into its curves. Its most notable feature, however, is the Minimalist structure in chromed steel. This external structure in steel rod keeps the cover taut using buttons...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Chrome
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
H 36 in W 66 in D 33 in
Fritz Hansen Attributed 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Fritz Hansen sofa designed by Soren Hansen in the company's characteristic style of open armrests. Made from stained beech wood showing great gran and color and with ...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Wool, Beech
Danish Midcentury 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests by Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Alfred Christensen designed sofa in his characteristic style of open armrests carved from solid beech wood and made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk in the 1940s. Beautiful ref...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Wool, Beech
H 31.5 in W 59 in D 29 in
Danish Curved Banana Sofa in a Powder Pink Wool Fabric, 1940s
Located in Echt, NL
High quality Danish curved ‘banana’ sofa in excellent condition.
This sofa has beautiful organic lines and a voluptuous appearance.
It is f...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Settees
Materials
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Oak
Ralph Lauren Settee Loveseat
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering One of our recent palm beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of a
Vintage settee loveseat by Ralph Lauren
Comes with 4 matching t...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Cotton
Danish Easy Settee with Oak Armrests, 1940s attributed to Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant and charming easy style settee from the 1940s attributed to Slagelse Mobelvaerk. These type of 1940s pieces are increasingly coming into fashion, however. Made from oiled oak...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Wool, Oak
H 30.5 in W 48 in D 31.5 in
Previously Available Items
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
'Wave' Suede Loveseat by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italia, c. 1978, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous 'Wave' loveseat was designed by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italia in 1974 and features a hefty brushed stainless steel base with suede upholstery. The suede color is...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Steel
H 29.5 in W 74.75 in D 43 in
'Togo' Fireside Lounge Chair by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible Togo fireside lounge chair was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for Ligne Roset, France. Signed with Ligne Roset underside decking fabr...
Category
20th Century French Modern Settees
Materials
Velvet, Foam
'Togo' Loveseat Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible Togo loveseat sofa in orange alcantara was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for Ligne Roset, France. Signed with a Ligne Roset label. Timeless design make this Togo settee...
Category
Early 2000s French Modern Settees
Materials
Foam, Ultrasuede
'Togo' Fireside Lounge Chair by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible Togo fireside lounge chair was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for Ligne Roset, France. Signed with Ligne Roset underside decking fabr...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Ultrasuede, Foam
'Togo' Loveseat Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible Togo loveseat was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for Ligne Roset, France. Signed with Ligne Roset underside decking fabric and label. Originally designed in the 1...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Ultrasuede, Foam
'Togo' Leather Loveseat by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible dark brown leather 'Togo' loveseat sofa was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for Ligne Roset, France. Signed with Ligne Roset label. Originally designed in the 1970...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Leather, Foam
Vladimir Kagan Modern Lucite and Black Fabric Loveseat, circa 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stylish and Classic Vladimir Kagan settee with Lucite arms and legs and black fabric upholstery. This circa 1970s loveseat sofa is rare collectors piece, while also a comfortable a...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Lucite, Fabric
'Tatlin' Center Round Sofa by Mario Cananzi and Roberto Semprini for Edra, 2002
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This wild and amazing Postmodern 'Tatlin' center sofa was designed by Mario Cananzi and Roberto Semprini and produced by Edra in 2002. Covered in a sumptuous red velvet fabric over a steel and wood frame, this high quality and substantially sized circular settee...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Settees
Materials
Steel
H 53 in W 82.5 in D 69 in
Togo Loveseat by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in Emerald Green Velvet, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible 'Togo' two-seat loveseat was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for Ligne Roset, France. This Togo loveseat sofa was completely restored with new high grade velvet upholstery in a mesmerizing Emerald Green color, and bottom decking fabric has been professionally cleaned. Signed with Ligne Roset underside decking fabric and labels on each piece. This settee originally produced in the 1970s, is now showroom ready and ready for you to use and enjoy in your home or commercial project.
Timeless design and Classic style make this Michel Ducaroy Togo two-seat loveseat couch the perfect choice for any space. Incredible and incredibly soft Emerald Green velvet, beautiful stitching detail and rippled button tufting give a sporty luxury design appeal.
This Michael Ducaroy for Ligne Roset Togo sectional loveseat would be great for a conversation pit or sunken living room...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Velvet, Foam
H 28 in W 52 in D 40 in
'Le Bambole' Thick Hide Leather Loveseat by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible 'Le Bambole' loveseat by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia has thick gorgeous dark brown hide leather. The color is a dark deep brown that it looks black in lower light se...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Settees
Materials
Leather
H 28.5 in W 67 in D 33 in
'UP4' Loveseat Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This UP4 loveseat sofa by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia is an incredible interior design choice that is on-trend, fun and playful, and comfortable as well. Originally designed in 1969 and produced for a short time, this example was part of B & B Italia's first year production of their year 2000 reissue. This example is signed and dated underneath with November 28th, 2000 date stamp making it collectible as it is now a vintage example and the first year of the 2000s reissue.
About the series:
B&B Italia has an extensive amount of technological know-how (the technology of polyurethane injection moulding, for example) and it uses this information to build its company. Now, it has decided to give the creation of Mr. Pesce, the UP 2000 series, the most appropriate language to express this technology, and also to turn it into a fragment of contemporary art to offer to a vast public. In 1969, a series of sofas and armchairs called “Serie UP” came out, a total of seven pieces. They were ahead of the times for the project that generated them, and also for the technical procedures used to make them. Within the UP2000 Series there is the UP1, UP2, and UP3 chairs, UP4 loveseat settee, UP5 Big Mamma...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Settees
Materials
Fabric, Jute, Nylon
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.
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