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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Tyler Hays for BDDW Caubeen Sofa in Boucle' and Walnut
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Built entirely from scratch and upholstered by hand in the BDDW Pennsylvania workshop. The legs are carved from walnut, and the sofa is covered in boucle' fabric.
Bouclé, Walnut
Michiel Van Der Kley Orange Isobel Sofa for Artifort, 2000s
By Artifort
Located in Miami, FL
Isobel sofa in original Kravdat Tonus 4 orange fabric designed by Michiel Van Der Kley for Artifort, 2000s. The Isobel sofa is characterized by its retro-futuristic look. Designer v...
Steel
Handmade Velvet Sculptural Sofa by Munna Design Studio in Europe
Located in New York, NY
Grounded in a modernist sculptural tradition, this sofa combines generous volumes with sweeping, continuous lines to create an enveloping and sophisticated profile. Its seamless silh...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
$26,344 / item
Patricia Urquiola Vidalenta Sofa for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Vidalenta Sofa for Cassina The Vidalenta sofa interprets the outdoors as a peaceful retreat to enjoy. A system for the living area with an enveloping aesthetic, in...
Metal
Sculptural Curved Segmented Sofa in High Resistant Rich Tobacco Velvet
Located in New York, NY
Defining the contemporary living space with its fluid, organic silhouette, this fully upholstered two-piece modular sectional sofa is a masterclass in sculptural comfort. The design ...
Foam, Wood, Fabric
Three-Piece Modular Sectional Sofa in Ochre Velvet with Dark Wood Plinth Base
Located in New York, NY
Wrapped in richly textured ochre velvet, this sculptural modular sofa is defined by its fluid silhouette, generous proportions, and softly rounded geometry. Three individual modules ...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
$25,634 / item
Patricia Urquiola Vidalenta Sofa for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Vidalenta Sofa for Cassina The Vidalenta sofa interprets the outdoors as a peaceful retreat to enjoy. A system for the living area with an enveloping aesthetic, in...
Metal
Eileen Gray 'Lota' Sofa in High Gloss Lacquered Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eileen Gray for ClassiCon, 'Lota' sofa, high gloss lacquered wood, fabric, design 1924 The French designer and architect Eileen Gray (1878-1976) initially designed this "Lota" sofa ...
Fabric, Wood
Black Leather Togo 3 seater Sofa Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Classic French Togo by Michel Ducaroy for luxury brand Ligne Roset. Originally designed in the 1970s the iconic Togo sofa is now a design classic. Timeless comfort and style make thi...
Leather
Burl-Framed Perception Bench or Loveseat by Known Work w/Customizable Fabric
By Known Work
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A graceful articulation of comfort through form, the Perceptions Bench explores the relationship between upholstery and framework. Its soft, sculpted interior creates cozy contours w...
Upholstery, Maple
$7,685 / item
Plush Modular Modern Sofa in Maharam Velvet
Located in Nyack, NY
The Plush Modular Modern Sofa Collection boasts extremely luxurious proportions: a low back, massive seat cushions, an ultra-thin deck, and some of the most indulgently comfortable c...
Fabric
$18,975 / item
Plush Modular Modern Sofa in Maharam Corduroy
Located in Nyack, NY
The Plush Modular Modern Sofa Collection boasts extremely luxurious proportions: a low back, massive seat cushions, an ultra-thin deck, and some of the most indulgently comfortable c...
Fabric
Baker Furniture Yves Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Baker Furniture Yves Sofa This sofa measures: 96.5 wide x 33 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height of 20.75 inches We take our photos in a controlled light...
Upholstery
Riva 1920 Nudo Sofa In Solid Walnut Wood Structure, Collectible Contemporary
By Riva 1920
Located in New York, NY
A luxurious sofa featuring a solid american walnut wood structure defined by extraordinary, exposed dovetail joints that create a continuous, flowing line around the back and sides. ...
Fabric, Walnut
Avant-Garde Minimalist Sofa Ft. Cape-like Fabric Draped Over the Armrests
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural sofa draws inspiration from the bold pleated structure of traditional Scottish kilts, translating the garment’s rhythmic folds into a striking upholstered form. The d...
Velvet, Upholstery
Contemporary Sculptural Sofa with Double-Layered Back in Tailored Upholstery
Located in New York, NY
A contemporary three-seater sofa defined by a low profile and a continuous, rounded silhouette. The design features a gently curved backrest that flows seamlessly into the armrests, ...
Velvet, Wood
Moss Modular Sofa C004 - Dhogar col. 023 (or any Fabric cat. A)
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Moss collection draws inspiration from the softness and organic shapes of moss, offering a relaxed, natural aesthetic. This sofa collection boasts a unique, plush design with sof...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Coating
Louisa Curved Sofa in Belgian Linen, Handcrafted in Belgium, Custom Sizes
Located in Amsterdam, NL
With its fixed seat and gently curved back and armrests, the Louisa sofa embodies effortless elegance. Slim upholstered armrests enhance comfort while preserving a sense of lightness...
Linen, Hemp, Wood
Moss Modular Sofa C001 - Leather Sequoia col. Camel (or any Leather cat. A)
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Moss collection draws inspiration from the softness and organic shapes of moss, offering a relaxed, natural aesthetic. This sofa collection boasts a unique, plush design with sof...
Leather, Upholstery, Coating
Moss Modular Sofa C003 - Nubuck col. Sand (or any Leather cat. A)
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Moss collection draws inspiration from the softness and organic shapes of moss, offering a relaxed, natural aesthetic. This sofa collection boasts a unique, plush design with sof...
Leather, Upholstery, Coating
Moss Modular Sofa C005 & ottoman - Nubuck col. Sage (or any Leather cat. A)
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Moss collection draws inspiration from the softness and organic shapes of moss, offering a relaxed, natural aesthetic. This sofa collection boasts a unique, plush design with sof...
Leather, Upholstery, Coating
$6,836Sale Price / item|20% Off
Contemporary Channeled Fleure 3 seater Sofa in Dedar Verde Velvet Brass Legs.
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Award winning Fleure Signature Edition is our latest revival of the award winning Fleure 3 Seater Sofa, reimagined in this premium cotton velvet upholstery. This signature piece...
Brass
$7,720 / item
Retro Roll Arm Sofa in Maharam Velvet
Located in Nyack, NY
Our retro take on a roll arm sofa. Cylindrical arms, a deep bench seat, and split back cushions sit atop an ultra-thin deck elevated on cylindrical steel legs to create a sleek, retr...
Fabric
$10,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Roche Bobois 'Profile' Blue Velvet Sectional Sofa by Tapinassi & Manzoni, Signed
By Roche Bobois
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant and highly sculptural "Profile" modular sectional sofa by Roche Bobois, designed by acclaimed Italian designers Roberto Tapinassi and Maurizio Manzoni. Comprised of a larg...
Metal
Moss Modular Sofa C004 - Leather col. Sequoia 027 (or any Leather cat. A)
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Moss collection draws inspiration from the softness and organic shapes of moss, offering a relaxed, natural aesthetic. This sofa collection boasts a unique, plush design with sof...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Coating
$11,000 / item
Maresias Modular Sofa by Amilcar Oliveira
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Maresias Sofa is a contemporary Brazilian modular seating system defined by its architectural wooden base and deliberately low, horizontal proportions. Designed as a platform for...
Fabric, Foam, Hardwood
Ron Arad Do-Lo-Rez by Moroso Sofa, Modern Italian Design, 2009
By Ron Arad
Located in Miami, FL
A spectacular and highly sculptural Do-Lo-Rez modular sofa designed by Ron Arad for Moroso, introduced in 2008. Inspired by the pixel—the fundamental unit of a digital image—and rese...
Fabric, Wood
Minimalist Curved Sofa With Soft Feminine Silhouette in High-Resistant Velvet
Located in New York, NY
This sofa embodies a refined dialogue between geometry and softness. Its gently rounded profile creates an uninterrupted, fluid contour that wraps gracefully around the seating area,...
Velvet, Foam, Hardwood
$6,742Sale Price|25% Off
Flexform Soft Dream 2 Seater Leather Sofa designed by Antonio Citterio
Located in Bern, BE
Flexform Soft Dream 2 Seater Leather Sofa (Pelle 2 823) designed by Antonio Citterio. With two matching cushions. New purchase price inc. cushions: CHF 11'140.- (This is a shop disp...
Steel
$18,975 / item
Plush Modular Modern Sofa in Premium Belgian Linen
Located in Nyack, NY
The Plush Modular Modern Sofa Collection boasts extremely luxurious proportions: a low back, massive seat cushions, an ultra-thin deck, and some of the most indulgently comfortable c...
Fabric
Art Deco Style Sofa Covered In Olive Velvet By Munna Design
Located in New York, NY
A contemporary upholstered sofa defined by a low, elongated silhouette and a continuous, sculptural profile. The form is characterized by a gently curved backrest that flows seamless...
Velvet, Upholstery, Wood
Moss Modular Sofa C005 - Leather col. Sequoia 027 (or any Leather cat. A)
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Moss collection draws inspiration from the softness and organic shapes of moss, offering a relaxed, natural aesthetic. This sofa collection boasts a unique, plush design with sof...
Leather, Upholstery, Coating
Ripple Sofa – Angular Curved Silhouette with Carved Wood Base-Sidani Design
Located in New York, NY
The Ripple sofa draws from the soft rhythm of water and air, vertical lines echoing ripples, pillars and sculpted silence. Its base anchors the form, while the upholstered seat float...
Upholstery, Wood
Contemporary Sculptural Sofa with Wavy Feminine Silhouette In Dusty Rose Velvet
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural sofa is defined by its fluid silhouette and continuous curved backrest, creating an elegant architectural profile that feels both timeless and contemporary. The softl...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Black Leather Sofa by COR, Germany
By COR
Located in Miami, FL
Black Leather Sofa by COR, made in Germany. Great quality.
Aluminum
Organic Modern Two Seater Sofa in Terracotta Velvety Jacquard w Abstract Motifs
Located in New York, NY
This modern sofa has a soft and inviting aesthetic, comprised of multiple rounded, oversized cushions that form the seat, back, and armrests. Upholstered in rich textured fabrics, th...
Upholstery, Foam, Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Style Sculptural Sofa In Portofino Pink Velvet
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural interpretation of midcentury modern elegance, this curved sofa is upholstered in pink velvet that adds depth and style to any setting. The tailored silhouette features v...
Velvet, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Style Curved Sofa In Chocolate Velvet By Mondo Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural interpretation of midcentury modern elegance, this curved sofa is upholstered in rich chocolate velvet that adds depth and warmth to any setting. The tailored silhouette...
Velvet, Walnut
The Laziness Armchair in Brazilian Solid Wood and Leather with rocking footstool
Located in São Paulo, SP
Laziness is a laid-back and spacious rocking armchair, crafted for sitting/lying down and unwinding. The low seat height from the ground draws inspiration from Japanese rocking chairs...
Alabaster
1980s Cognac Leather Piumotto 3 Seat Sofa by Arrigo Arrigoni for Busnelli 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cognac leather Piumotto 3S sofa designed by Italian architect Arrigo Arrigoni for Busnelli in the 1980s. Three generously scaled back cushions sit above three deep seat cushions, all...
Leather
Anthracite Black Leather Coupe Sofa
By Bramin Mobler, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
A very bold and unusual anthracite black leather coupe sofa by Kai Kristiansen for Bramin Mobler, Denmark, circa 1970's. A solid statement design. Soft anthracite leather with feathe...
Leather
The Laziness Armchair in Brazilian Solid Wood with a rocking footstool
Located in São Paulo, SP
Laziness is a laid-back and spacious rocking armchair, crafted for sitting/lying down and unwinding. The low seat height from the ground draws inspiration from Japanese rocking chairs...
Velvet, Foam, Wood, Hardwood
Red Maralunga Love Seat by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Circa 1970s
By Cassina
Located in Austin, TX
Love seat sofa from Italy made with the original red Italian tan leather. This piece was designed as part of the Maralunga line by Vico Magistretti and crafted by Cassina. Originally...
Leather
$13,577 / item
Moss Modular Sofa C004 - Nubuck col. Marron
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Moss collection draws inspiration from the softness and organic shapes of moss, offering a relaxed, natural aesthetic. This sofa collection boasts a unique, plush design with sof...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Coating
$7,520 / item
Super-plush Organic Modern Sofa in Maharam Beck
Located in Nyack, NY
This sofa's deep, ultra-plush cushions invite you to sink in, while the soft, organic curves and gently arched back add an elegant touch to any space. Crafted with the highest qualit...
Fabric
$11,939 / item
Moss Modular Sofa - Dhogar col. 023 (or Fabric cat. A)
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Moss collection draws inspiration from the softness and organic shapes of moss, offering a relaxed, natural aesthetic. This sofa collection boasts a unique, plush design with sof...
Upholstery, Coating, Fabric, Velvet
Designer Barbara Barry Sleek Contemporary Sofa for Baker Furniture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Timeless and sophisticated sofa by Barbara Barry having a sleek silhouette, one seat cushion and 3 back cushions. HT
Upholstery
Art Deco Sofa by Munna Design Studio with Velvet Upholstery
Located in New York, NY
This sofa features a wonderfully elegant fan-shaped motif, with its accentuated curvy lines with decadent and lavish finish. The feminine curves are ravishingly enhanced by the diffe...
Velvet
Holly Hunt for Studio H George V Sofa in Goldenrod Fabric
By HOLLY HUNT
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A bold and handsome bespoke three-seat sofa designed by Holly Hunt for Studio H, upholstered in a rich textured dark mustard yellow or goldenrod tone fabric. Designed in the iconic G...
Brass
Illusion Curved Corner Sofa in Soft Alpaca Velvet, Hand-Crafted
Located in New York, NY
The Illusion Sofa is defined by its sculptural curved silhouette and organically shaped back, thoughtfully designed to create the visual impression of effortlessly embracing a 90-deg...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Art Deco Sofa by Munna Design Studio with Velvet Upholstery
Located in New York, NY
This sofa features a wonderfully elegant fan-shaped motif, with its accentuated curvy lines with decadent and lavish finish. The feminine curves are ravishingly enhanced by the diffe...
Velvet
Vintage Modern James David Sling Sofa w/Brown Wide Wale Corduroy Chrome Frame
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Modern James David Inc. sling sofa composed of a chrome & steel frame, original brown wide wale corduroy fabric upholstered on loose zippered foam seat & bac...
Steel, Chrome
$39,717 / item
Acerbis Free System Modular Sofa by Claudio Salocchi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Claudio Salocchi’s design explores research in the decade from the 1970s to the 1980s, when new ways of living and experimentation were central to the work of Italian designers. Free...
Upholstery, Fabric
Handmade Velvet 3-Seater Sofa by Munna Design Studio, Modern Design
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural curved sofa is defined by a continuous, enveloping back and integrated arms, forming a strong yet inviting architectural silhouette. Upholstered in plush velvet, the ...
Silk, Velvet, Wood, Trimming
Custom Chaise One Arm Sofa Crypton Stain Resistant Fabric
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Custom one arm sofa with down wrapped cushions In stock ready for immediate shipping showroom samples, reflects discounted price, we offer custom in any...
Fabric
$63,270 / item
Acerbis Free System Modular Sofa by Claudio Salocchi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Claudio Salocchi’s design explores research in the decade from the 1970s to the 1980s, when new ways of living and experimentation were central to the work of Italian designers. Free...
Fabric, Upholstery
Extra Deep Curved Sofa Offered In Performance Velvet and Metal Base
Located in New York, NY
Made to order sofa with deep curved chaise offered in a selection of luxurious performance soft velvets. The velvet is stain resistant, and water repelle...
Stainless Steel
$14,950 / item
1950's Style Curved Velvet Sofa in Custom Velvet Colors
Located in New York, NY
The Sofa inspires itself nature where green is the predominant element and where valleys and hills prevail. The item’s details allow it to be the perfect statement piece for any cont...
Velvet, Walnut
J. Robert Scott Green and Purple Print Fabric Upholstered Sofa
Located in Astoria, NY
J. Robert Scott Green and Purple Print Fabric Upholstered Sofa, label beneath center cushion. 34" H x 83" W x 37" D; seat: 20" H. Provenance: From an Upper East Side Estate.
Upholstery
Modern Ikat Woven Fabric Upholstered Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Astoria, NY
Modern Ikat Fabric Upholstered Three-Seat Sofa. 30" H x 77" W x 39" D; seat: 18" H. Provenance: An Upper East Side Townhouse.
Upholstery