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Modern Sofas

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

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Style: Modern
Color:  Beige
Cream Leather and Antique Nickel Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a ste...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Sofa in Beige Fabrics and Brown Leather by Vincent Le Bourdon Handmade
Located in MONTROZIER, FR
This handmade furniture, composed of a sofa (here proposed) and two armchairs, was designed by Vincent Lebourdon for a Parisian living room to offer se...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wool, Fabric

Zeno Ecological Sofa by Brian Sironi
By D3co
Located in Milan, IT
Contemporary and compact, this playful Zeno Beige Sofa by Brian Sironi adds style to any room. Featuring a mid-century classic design with a modern twist, the legs and entire framewo...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel, Other

Velas Adjustable Flat Modular Leather Sofa by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Velas sofa by De Sede. Deep-down comfort. The Velas concept is unique. The flat sofa that can change its shape really offers you all the options for sit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-4 Three-Seat Sofa in Snow Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The DS-4 is a clear statement from the designer to follow an idea, a style, a personal claim to perfection to the very depths. Thanks to its raised backrest, the DS-4 offers that sty...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Casquet Beige Sofa by DDP Studio
By D3co
Located in Milan, IT
Plush volumes and a fresh cover in beige linen (removable) give this sofa a seductive yet innoent flair. The comfort of the seat is guaranteed by the natural padding counting latex, ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile

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 Sofas

Materials

Leather

KT-221 Bauhaus Three-Seat Sofa in Tufted Natural Leather and Metal by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Three-seat sofa KT221/03 by de Sede. Relaunch and update of the design created in 1956. Objectively functional design of an iconographic, architectural construction through the trans...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Natural Canvas and Marbled Rust Sofa with Tonal Belting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, and ...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

21st Century Liberty Sofa High Back Polished Brass and Natural Cow Fur Cushions
Located in Oporto, PT
Inspiration: The sculptural forms of the 30s inspired the Liberty Collection. The tubular and steel structures that have marked those years are combined with a new inspiration that emphasizes the antagonistic feeling of deprivation of liberty. This conjunction marks the alliance of a vintage style with modern sensibilities. The curvy and exaggerated shapes of the sofa´s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass, Metal

Ghidini 1961 Frame 3-Seat Sofa with Arms in Cuoio Leather by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Stefano Giovannoni designs Frame for GHIDINI1961, a new collection composed of sofas, armchairs, dining and coffee tables, bookshelves and cabinets. Everything starts from a simple e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

GUFRAM Autumntime Couch by Valerio Berruti
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The collaboration with Valerio Berrutti, an Italian artist with a distinctive trait, has given life to couches which have been produced in 250 numbered pieces and have evocative name...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Other

Natural Leather and Antique Brass Two Seat Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Two Seat Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholst...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Orione Loveseat
Located in Milan, IT
Either alone in an entryway, or combined with the Orione white armchair in a living room, this loveseat will suit a contemporary or modern decor and its small size makes it ideal to ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile

1980s Italian Modular Sofa by Cassina
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Fully upholstered modular seating system with slab sides, tight seats, and ‘saddle bag’ style back and end cushions. Labeled Cassina under the seats on its metal frame as well as lab...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Natural Canvas and Marbled Rust Two-Seat Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Slightly smaller in size, the two seat sofa is ideal for apartments or smaller spaces requiring a smaller footprint. This variation is upholstered in a natural canvas.. The foam sea...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Winged Sofa with Tall Back and Loose Cushions
Located in Greenwich, CT
A sleek and modern sofa featuring a tall tight back design with three loose cushions. The sofa shown is covered in a wool boucle fabric. Pillows in other pictures are not included bu...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut, Wool

Ghidini 1961 Frame Sofa in Cuoio Leather by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Stefano Giovannoni designs Frame for GHIDINI1961, a new collection composed of sofas, armchairs, dining and coffee tables, bookshelves and cabinets. Everything starts from a simple e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Natural Canvas and Antique Copper Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, and supportive belts. The deep seating area is perfect for a relaxing lounge experience. This sofa comes with removable cushion covers to allow for easy cleaning should the need arise. Every Stephen Kenn piece is made to order through our Los Angeles studio in partnership with a number of small businesses and fabricators in the LA area. With this highly customizable sofa you can select from a wide range of finishes and materials to complement your home and lifestyle  - please message us to see our Customization Guide with all available options. This version of our Inheritance Sofa is upholstered in natural canvas. The foam seat cushions have been wrapped in polyfiber for added softness and comfort. Sitting atop an antique copper...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Natural Canvas and Polished Brass Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a ste...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Heathered Beige Wool and Polished Nickel Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, and ...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Set of Four Modern Beige Cotton Twill Pillows with Geometric Jacks Motif
Located in New York, NY
This refined set of four cotton twill pillows feature stylized and abstracted jacks- recalling the mobiles of Alexander Calder- set against an ecru toned background. With their neutr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sofas

Materials

Cotton

Italian Curved Cream Velvet and Brass Sofa
Located in Miami, FL
Gorgeous sculptural Italian cream colored velvet and brass curved sofa.
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofa in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofa was produced by Directional Furniture in the 1980s and was just newly reupholstered in a gorgeous nubby bouclé fabric, and is signed underneath with Directional label and has the lucite center support leg. The color of the bouclé is a very light oatmeal color - close to ivory and off-white. In brighter light settings it appears to be white but in darker or regular room settings you can see the slight tan color it possesses. We've searched for years for the best bouclé fabric and this one is quite exquisite, with bigger and softer pile and thicker backing than all the others we have found. *NOTE, the Philip & Kelvin LaVerne 'Chan' cocktail table shown in the photos is not priced in this set however is available for purchase in another listing. In addition, we have a matching ottomans on casters, three 'Corkscrew' swivel club chairs and other configurations of the 'Cloud' sofas, contact with questions and for more details. Kagan, inspired by his early 1950s Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa and his later 'Shorty' sofa, designed his popular and classic always-in-demand 'Cloud' sofa for Directional Furniture with all of its sensuous Post-Modern curves and signature lucite bar fitted between two cylindrical bases. This pair of sofas feature the pouf / ottoman on the right side (if you are sitting on the sofas) which allow you to face the sofas towards each other in a Yin / Yang formation. Also both sofas are the style with the more in-demand 'center back' vs the style which has the 'wrap around arm'. This particular style is more rare and desirable so having both sofas with this style is difficult to achieve as they are harder to find. If you need a different configuration contact us as we have other Cloud sofas in stock that are ready to be reupholstered. Collectors and designers, it's hard to find a matching pair together - here's your opportunity, but hurry - this design is hot and sell fast as they are a staple for interior designers looking to create a magazine cover interior. This Vladimir Kagan cloud sofa is so popular today with interior designers and collectors - the demand for Kagan's designs keep growing year after year. There is something timeless about the shape and silhouette of this couch and the comfort level is through the roof. Combine this was the on-trend off-white / oatmeal boucle fabric - and this sofa is a recipe for exquisiteness. This Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved Cloud sofa...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Lucite

Divano Soriana, Afra e Tobia Scarpa, B&B
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Soriana, designed in 1969 by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, is still among the most sought-after upholstered furniture for interior design projects worldwide. A true icon of style, Soriana i...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile

Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofas in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular pair of Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofas were produced by Directional in circa 1980 and were newly reupholstered in a gorgeous white nubby bouclé fabric, both sofas signed underneath with Directional labels. Kagan, inspired by his early 1950s Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa and his later 'Shorty' sofa, designed his popular and classic always-in-demand 'Cloud' sofa for Directional Furniture with all of its sensuous Post-Modern curves and signature lucite bar fitted between two cylindrical bases. Each sofa has a different back style, one which wraps around one side and the other centralized. Having both styles together in the same room was the signature look that Kagan made popular - a beautiful way to creatively signify how two separate individuals, while different, can live harmoniously together. You can have the sofas face each other or place them side by side as you can see in the photos. Collectors and designers, it's hard to find a matching pair together - here's your opportunity, but hurry - these matched pairs sell fast as they are a staple for interior designers looking to create a magazine cover interior. *This listing is priced for the pair of sofas, if you wish to only purchase a single see our other listings for these sofas individually priced or contact us. These Vladimir Kagan cloud sofas are so popular today with interior designers and collectors - the demand for Kagan's designs keep growing year after year. There is something timeless about the shape and silhouette of this couch and the comfort level is through the roof. Combine this was the on-trend white boucle fabric - and this sofa is a recipe for exquisiteness. These Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved Cloud sofas...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Lucite, Bouclé

Modern sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern sofas 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 sofas created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern sofas made in a specific country, there are Europe, Portugal, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sofas, popular names associated with this style include De Sede, Finn Juhl, Stephen Kenn, and Moooi. 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 sofas differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $72 and tops out at $497,965 while the average work can sell for $9,554.

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