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.
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
Leather Box Style Loveseat Sofa by Charles Pfister for Knoll
By Charles Pfister, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Chic, sophisticated, and voguish loveseat sofa, designed by Charles Pfister for Knoll. This example was executed in grayish blue leather, it is in good, original condition, showing l...
Leather
Contemporary Black Leather two-Piece Modular Sofa, Custom Upholstery
Located in São Paulo, BR
The accordion, or sanfona in Brazil, is an instrument of rhythm, movement, and celebration. Though of European origin, it found its soul in Brazil's Northeast, becoming the soundtrac...
Other
Pucci Neo Classic Style Sofa From Maison Carlhian
Located in Hamburg, DE
French sofa 1950 from Maison Carlhian, Neo Classic Style, 6 no of Legs in total, new upholstered with loose cushions filled with dawns and feathers, ...
Canvas
Classic International Style Navy Mohair Armless Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A well made and impeccably Custom Upholstered Sofa in the International Style. With a contrasting Black Lacquer Frame and Antique Style tapering bulbous carved legs. The Navy Mohair...
Wood
Contemporary Upholstered Armchair with Quilted Side Panels Art.50446
Located in ALCÀSSER, ES
Contemporary Upholstered Armchair with Quilted Side Panels A generously proportioned armchair combining contemporary comfort with refined decorative detailing, handcrafted in Valenci...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
Contemporary Black Leather Three-Piece Modular Sofa, Custom Upholstery
Located in São Paulo, BR
The accordion, or sanfona in Brazil, is an instrument of rhythm, movement, and celebration. Though of European origin, it found its soul in Brazil's Northeast, becoming the soundtrac...
Other
New York Sofa by Katavolos, Litell and Kelley
By ICF Group, Douglas Kelly, Ross Littell and William Katavolos
Located in Barcelona, ES
New York sofa originally designed in 1952 by William Katavolos, Ross Littell and Douglas Kelley for Laverne International, USA. This is an edition from ...
Aluminum, Steel
Italian Modern Sling Sofa with Iron Frame and Original Red Upholstery, c. 1970s
Located in Deland, FL
Attention designers! An Italian sling sofa in original red velvet upholstery set on an architectural tubular metal bases. The lines are exceptional. Every angle is a good angle. Superb as-is, this sofa is also a great candidate for re-upholstery in a fabric of your choice. Perfect in a studio, home or office setting this captivating minimal sofa...
Fabric
$8,600
Italian Sofa Red Velvet
By ALI Alabastri Lavorati Italiani
Located in Long Island, NY
Hand Made Italian Sofa Beautiful Red Velvet With Gold Accents.
Velvet
$2,200
H 28 in W 81 in D 33 in
1970s Vintage Gold Diamond-Jacquard Three-Piece Modular Sofa by Charles Pfister
By Knoll, Charles Pfister
Located in Winston-Salem, NC
Gold diamond jacquard wraps every surface of this vintage sofa, with small plum accents catching the light across the weave. Square-cut arms, a low seat and loose welted back cushion...
Upholstery
Classic Harvey Probber style 4 Seater Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Classic Harvey Probber style 4 seater sofa with chunky round feet. This is a designer delight in that it needs new upholstery-original is well worn and faded. We love the long low...
Upholstery, Wood
$19,054
H 45.67 in W 57.29 in D 35.44 in
Victorian Howard & Sons Ticking Fabric Upholstered Double Wingback Sofa Armchair
By Howard and Sons, Howard & Sons Ltd, Howard Chairs Ltd.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Victorian Howard & Son’s curved front double wingback sofa full stamped with H&S ticking A truly stunning piece, in sublime condition, these double wingback sofas almost never come up for sale, this is a mid Victorian example with original green Howard & Son’s floral ticking fabric...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Contemporary Fabric Upholstered Single Cushion Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A well tailored contemporary sofa with serpentine back, scrolled arms and curved seat with a single seat cushion. Raised on four dark stained turned front legs and square back legs....
Fabric, Wood
Custom Classic Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
We offer an extensive collection and a fully customizable Chesterfield sofa program, made in America and produced within 8 weeks. Every element is customizable, from the leather or f...
Leather
002 Classic Sofa - 8ft
Located in Westlake Village, CA
TIMELESS STRUCTURE MADE FOR COMFORT Made-to-order by masters of their craft, the Classic Sofa is fully upholstered, featuring sloped scrolled arms, an...
Cotton, Linen, Velvet, Oak, Down
$16,451
H 28.35 in W 98.43 in D 49.22 in
Twins Large Curved Sofa by Rute Martins, Beige Mohair Velvet and Black Lacquer
Located in Lisboa, PT
The Twins large curved sofa by Rute Martins for Greenapple, in beige mohair velvet on a plinth of black satin lacquer. Handcrafted in Portugal. W 250 x D 125 x H 72 cm (98.4 x 49.2 x...
Wood, Mohair, Velvet, Lacquer, Upholstery
$2,944Sale Price|50% Off
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 39.38 in
Contemporary Modular Sofa in Camel woven cotton Upholstery
Located in Hundested, DK
A contemporary modular sofa defined by its generous proportions and soft, sculptural form. Upholstered in warm camel-toned velvet, it offers both comfort and a calm visual presence. ...
Cotton, Wood
Vintage black leather modular sofa, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage black leather sofa set from the 1970s -. Completely modular sofa consisting of 5 very comfy elements. Good condition with normal age related wear 1970s - Germany Dimensio...
Leather
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 85 in D 28 in
Magnificent Space-Age Tubular Chrome 2-Seat Sofa with Table Ingmar Relling Style
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Space Age chrome tubular 2-seat sofa with attached table in the style of Ingmar Relling. This piece is a bit of a mystery as to designer but by the shear quality and craftsmanship they shout that the designer is someone important. This sofa settee was purchased from a super high end car dealership from the 1970s. The interior of this car dealership was very futuristic in design with many pieces like this and pieces from the fiberglass steelcase floating furniture...
Chrome
Hand Carved, Louis XV Style Sofa Made By La Maison London
Located in London, Park Royal
Louis XV style, hand-carved, curved back, freestanding, sofa. Hand finished in antique white and lightly distressed. Upholstered in a Lelievre, damask, fabric with deep filled, feath...
Hardwood
$9,950
H 24 in W 58.5 in D 36.5 in
Gold Goop Brutalist Loveseat Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall, Paul Evans
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This Adrian Pearsall loveseat is a stunning fusion of mid-century modernism and sculptural bravado. Constructed in the 1970s for Craft Associates, its standout feature is a dramatic ...
Resin, Wood, Fabric, Upholstery
$14,475
H 32.5 in W 92 in D 25 in
1940s Style Modernist Sweeping Curved Sofa in Oyster Velvet by High Style Deco
Located in New York, NY
This stunning modernist sofa was handcrafted by artisans in New York state, by High Style Deco, based off a design from the 1940s. It offers elegant proportions and sweeping dramatic...
Velvet, Wood
Classic Leather Sofa Couch
By Classic
Located in New York, NY
Comfy burgundy leather sofa, with brass studs. Classic form, original condition, clean, ready to use. Cushions do sit flat, they were just not p...
Leather
$3,775 / set
H 27 in W 32.5 in D 32.75 in
1970s Minimalist Charles Pfister for Knoll Chair & Ottoman Off White Upholstery
By Knoll, Charles Pfister
Located in St. Louis, MO
An original lounge / club chair with rarely seen ottoman, originally design in 1971 by Charles Pfister for Knoll. Elegant lines, beautifully proportioned with a minimal footprint, a ...
Upholstery, Foam, Down
Sold
H 20.87 in W 70.87 in D 35.04 in
Divano in pelle mod.Brigadiere disegnato da Cini Boeri per Knoll
By Knoll, Cini Boeri
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Divano mod. brigadiere disegnato da Cini Boeri e prodotto da Knoll nel 1976, struttura laccata bianca, un solo divano disponibile della coppia. Buone condiz...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 20.87 in W 90.56 in D 35.04 in
Divano in pelle bianca mod. Brigadiere disegnato da Cini Boeri per Knoll
By Knoll, Cini Boeri
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Divano modello Brigadiere disegnato da Cini Boeri per Knoll nel 1976, si tratta di una versione a tre posti da 230 cm con struttura laccata nera (la versione a due posti non è più di...
Leather, Wood
Pier Luigi Frighetto by Black Tie Extra Large Sofa
By Pier Luigi Frighetto by Black Tie
Located in Munster, NRW
Extraordinary extra large sofa design Pier Luigi Frighetto by Black Tie Upholstery in high density polyurethane foam, cover in thermal ...
Fabric
Heartbeat Sofa by Karim Rashid for Nienkamper circa 2019
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
The heartbeat sofa blends sculpture and form. This sofa consists of three individual units (one concave and two convex units) that form a 5 seat sofa three facing one direction and o...
Fabric
Bamboo Couch by Vivai del Sud
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vivai del Sud bamboo couch, 1970s, Italy. Well-matched contrast between the raw bamboo base and soft floral fabric. Would fit perfectly i...
Fabric, Bamboo
Sold
H 27.96 in W 64.97 in D 33.47 in
Set Cassina Maralunga 2-Seat Sofa and Easy Chair by Vico Magistretti in Leather
Located in Osnabrück, NDS
Set of Maralunga 2-seat sofa and easy chair by Cassina, designed in 1973. This offer features one 2- seat sofa and one easy chair together. Fabric and color is identical, because bot...
Leather
Sold
H 27.96 in W 94.49 in D 33.47 in
Cassina Maralunga 3-Seat Sofa by Vico Magistretti in Petrol-Darkgreen Leather
Located in Osnabrück, NDS
Maralunga 3-seat sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, designed in 1973. Original upholstery in dark green / petrol leather. Color is really hard to captur...
Leather
Sold
H 27.96 in W 55.91 in D 31.11 in
Danish Two-Seat Sofa, Model EJ20 by Jørgen Gammelgaard for Erik Jørgensen
By Jørgen Gammelgaard, Erik Ole Jørgensen
Located in Highclere, Newbury
1980s Danish 2-seat sofa, Model EJ20 by Jørgen Gammelgaard for Erik Jørgensen. This funky little 2-seat sofa in warm yellow alacantra with beech legs was designed by the architect...
Fabric, Beech
Marion Cananzi & Roberto Semprini Edra Tatlin
By Edra, Mario Cananzi & Roberto Semprini
Located in Munster, NRW
This unusual piece of furniture was designed by Marion Cananzi and Roberto Semprini for Edra. It is a sofa. However, due to its extraordinary shape, it is not suitable for home use, ...
Sold
H 28 in W 164 in D 71.25 in
"Kennedee" Yellow Leather Sofa by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau
By Poltrona Frau, Jean-Marie Massaud
Located in Hanover, MA
The epitome of luxury. "Kennedee" modular lounge sofa by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau in Carioca yellow leather. Configuration is comprised of: Sectional two-seat ...
Steel
Extra Long Sofa by Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in New York, NY
Unusually long ( 107" ) International Style sofa, by Steelcase. This sofa has a bright chorme base, and original green chenille upholstery ( needs steam cleaning, but useable as is...
Chrome
McArthur Terrace Settee
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A anodized tubular aluminum terrace settee with laced and fabric back, six cushions and rubber feet. Made in the 30's this rare and hard to find sofa has extreme bends which during t...
Aluminum
Robert Haussmann Sofa for De Sede
By Charles Stendig, De Sede, Robert Haussmann
Located in New York, NY
Three-seat sofa with chromed steel frame, wooden platform base, and original brown De Sede leather cushions. By Swiss architect Robert Haussmann, produced c. 1960's. In fine origin...
Chrome, Steel
Ubald Klug Two Piece Terrazza Sofa
By Ubald Klug
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of landscape lounge sofas by Ubald Klug for DeSede of Switzerland. Known as the DS-1025. 2 piece Terrazza sofa in brown leather with even patina. ...
Foam, Wood, Leather
Classic Florence Knoll Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Modern design icon Florence Knoll sofa. This example originally came from the executive office of the Museum of Modern Art NYC. The upholstery ( original ) shows wear, but is still i...
Steel