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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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:  Orange
Roly Poly Polyethylene Sofa in Ochre by Faye Toogood
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The distinctive, reassuringly chunky lines of Faye Toogood’s Roly-Poly furniture collection become even more inviting in her new collaboration with Driade. The latest line for the It...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Plastic

De Sede Leather Sofa by Stephan Hürlemann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-77/03 2-seat sofa by De Sede. Technical details: Standard configuration: Steel legs, matte dark nickel coating. Standard seat and back heights. Neck support in brushed stainle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

DS-1088 Configurable Patchwork Leather Sofa with Elongated Cushions by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Four adjustable sofa base elements DS-1088/05 and three cushions DS-1088/96 by de Sede. Patchwork in its prettiest form. DS-1088 presents itself with a beautiful special feature. The leather is elaborately crafted by hand in a patchwork appearance – for an individually stylish look. The sofa landscape consists of single cubic elements that can be combined with one another in infinite ways. Cushions with an elongated design need no attachment to stay on the sofa and can be moved around in flexible ways. We launched this favorite sofa back in 1975. Now, nearly 45 years later, we are celebrating its comeback. Details: Standard configuration: Seat element in a patchwork look, connectors can be used to combine the individual seating elements to create custom sofa landscapes. Upholstery and assembly: Sedex upholstery covered with wadding. Compact frame made of panel materials and strapped to seat frame. Cushions filled with spelt chaff and latex for combined support and comfort. Glides for hard and soft floor coverings. Function: Unused connectors can be removed. Note: Loosely covered...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

DS-2011 Bauhaus Leather Two-Seat Sofa by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Two-seat sofa DS-2011/02 by De Sede. Aesthetics and functionality in a harmonious combination. An impressive design with a solid steel construction and light upholstery. Casual cushions and visible seams complete the harmonious look. Details: Standard configuration: Runners black...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Easy Adjustable Leather Sofa by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM easy sofa by De Sede. Create new free spaces. So much, in fact, that even two people can relax next to one another. The seating depth can be increased up to 20 cm. The armrests c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

DS-76 Convertible Leather Modern Sofa or Daybed by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sofa with transitional bed function DS-76/102 by De Sede. We launched the DS-76 back in 1972. At that time, the element set was regarded as revolution...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

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

RH-306 Large Tufted Leather Chesterfield Sofa by Robert Haussmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sofa RH-306/103 by De Sede. The Chesterfield sofa has been the epitome of English furniture culture and style since the mid-17th century – and inspired the designers to create a new ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Juna Convertible Leather Sofa by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Juna Sofa by De Sede. Luxurious lightness. Juna is quite clearly a clever symbiosis between elegant form and functionality. The sofa has slender legs that support a seat with two...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

DS-450 Adjustable Leather Modern Sofa or Armchair by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sofa DS-450 with adjustable elements by De Sede. Master of transformation: From sofa to double armchair with two simple flicks of the wrist. Invitingly...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede Fixed Leather Sofa by Alfredo Häberli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-110/02 sofa by De Sede. Technical details: Standard configuration: Thread color according to the color of the body. If not specified otherwise, the standard configuration will...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede Leather Sofa by Gordon Guillaumier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-49/03 3-seat sofa by De Sede. Technical details: Standard configuration: Back cushion and cushion in leather. Legs polished aluminium. Upholstery and Assembly: stabile compa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

KT-221 Bauhaus Two-Seat Sofa in Tufted Natural Leather and Metal by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Two-seat sofa KT221/02 by De Sede. Relaunch and update of the design created in 1956. Objectively functional design of an iconographic, architectural construction through the transfe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Sesam Adjustable Reclining Leather Sofa by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Sesam sofa by De Sede. The ultimate in comfort. A simple adjustment - that can even be made while seated - swivels out the footrest and reclines the sea...
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

Contemporary Orange Sofa 'Palmo' by Amura Lab, Leather Nabuck 19
Located in Paris, FR
Sectional sofa palmo by Amura Lab Designer: Emanuel Gargano Model shown: Textile - Leather Nabuck 19 Inspired by the natural gesture of an opening ha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Juna Convertible Leather Sofa by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Juna Sofa by De Sede. Luxurious lightness. Juna is quite clearly a clever symbiosis between elegant form and functionality. The sofa has slender legs that support a seat with two...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Luizet Canapé by Luca Nichetto
Located in Geneve, CH
Luizet Canapé by Luca Nichetto Dimensions: W 249 x D 89 x H 82 cm Materials: Black powder coated aluminium and metal structure, Cast aluminium legs Upholstery: Fabric or leather ...
Category

2010s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Other

1970s Anfibio Sofa Bed Atollo Relax Copper Fabric Becchi Giovannetti
Located in Casalguidi, IT
The bed-sofa, designed by Alessandro Becchi together with the giovannetti staff has recently celebrated its 50 years. Its history is full of important events and participations. A p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Beautiful Modern Sofa Made in the USA by Izzy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Beautiful Modern Sofa Made in the USA by Izzy – the perfect addition to any contemporary living space. Crafted with superior quality materials and exquisite attention...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Gufram, Bocca Lip-Shaped Sofa, Yellow, by Studio 65
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bocca, the original 1970 lips-shaped couch is only Gufram’s. More than any other, this object of design represents the perfect abstraction of feminine beauty. It is no coincidence that it was photographed by important photographers such as David La Chapelle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery

21st Century Belmer Sofa in Velvet by Matteo Cibic
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
"Between sculpture and design, Belmer is a wonder-object suggesting a newly discovered sociality. With its big dimension, it goes against the trend of miniaturization, appearing as a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Natural Veg Tan Leather & 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

De Sede DS-880/23 Comfortable Sofa in Cuoio Leather Seat and Back Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The adrenaline surges, the heart beats faster, an unusually comforting feeling takes hold in the stomach, and suddenly it seems as if the world is frozen in place: even the ancient G...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Kartell Bubble Club 2-Seat Sofa in Ochre by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A veritable icon made by Kartell, the mass-tinted polypropylene Bubble club sofa was a Pioneer of a new concept in furniture accessories: the Industrial sofa made entirely of plastic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Plastic

De Sede DS-31 Three-Seat Sofa in Teak Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The DS-31 model series is one of the classics of our manufacture. This is where design, craftsmanship and leather expertise come together to form a timelessly beautiful item of uphol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Moooi Love Highback Sofa in Divina Melange 3, 457 Upholstery & White Wash Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Have you ever fallen in love with a chair or on a sofa? Both experiences are possible, even probable while enjoying a romantic dinner for two in the Lov...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Drapé Round Orange Sofa
Located in Milan, IT
The embracing silhouette of this sofa is an invitation to enjoy moments of pure relaxation in the company of a good book or glass of wine. Revealing its plush character in the choice...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Nube Italia Tender Sofa in Orange Upholstery by Carlo Colombo
Located in New York, NY
Metal frame with braided elastic belts and internal multi-layered wood backrest. Seat cushions in feather and shape retaining polyurethane foam, covered in Nortek cotton. Backrest cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Sesam Adjustable Reclining Leather Sofa by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Sesam sofa by De Sede. The ultimate in comfort. A simple adjustment - that can even be made while seated - swivels out the footrest and reclines the sea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

DS-2011 Bauhaus Leather Two-Seat Sofa by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Two-seat sofa DS-2011/02 by De Sede. Aesthetics and functionality in a harmonious combination. An impressive design with a solid steel construction and light upholstery. Casual cushions and visible seams complete the harmonious look. Details: Standard configuration: Runners black...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

DS-1088 Configurable Patchwork Leather Sofa with Elongated Cushions by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Four adjustable sofa base elements DS-1088/05 and three cushions DS-1088/96 by de Sede. Patchwork in its prettiest form. DS-1088 presents itself with a beautiful special feature. The leather is elaborately crafted by hand in a patchwork appearance – for an individually stylish look. The sofa landscape consists of single cubic elements that can be combined with one another in infinite ways. Cushions with an elongated design need no attachment to stay on the sofa and can be moved around in flexible ways. We launched this favorite sofa back in 1975. Now, nearly 45 years later, we are celebrating its comeback. Details: Standard configuration: Seat element in a patchwork look, connectors can be used to combine the individual seating elements to create custom sofa landscapes. Upholstery and assembly: Sedex upholstery covered with wadding. Compact frame made of panel materials and strapped to seat frame. Cushions filled with spelt chaff and latex for combined support and comfort. Glides for hard and soft floor coverings. Function: Unused connectors can be removed. Note: Loosely covered...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede Fixed Leather Sofa by Alfredo Häberli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-110/02 sofa by De Sede. Technical details: Standard configuration: Thread color according to the color of the body. If not specified otherwise, the standard configuration will...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede Leather Sofa by Gordon Guillaumier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-49/03 3-seat sofa by De Sede. Technical details: Standard configuration: Back cushion and cushion in leather. Legs polished aluminium. Upholstery and Assembly: stabile compa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

1970's Anfibio Foldable Sofa 240 cm Copper Fabric Becchi Giovannetti
Located in Casalguidi, IT
The bed-sofa, designed by Alessandro Becchi together with the giovannetti staff has recently celebrated its 50 years. Its history is full of important events and participations. A pi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Cappellini Oblong System Sofa in Multi-Density Foam & Fabric by Jasper Morrison
Located in New York, NY
Designed for residential and contract spaces, the oblong system sofas is a series of free-standing and compostable seats by Jasper Morrison which offer the possibility to create personalized two-sided sofa formations. Jasper Morrison’s oblong...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Horizon Contemporary Sofa in Fabric and Metal
Located in London, GB
The Horizon sofa has been designed with a loose circular backrest. It rests on a metal frame allowing it to be rolled from one side to the other. Both the...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

KT-221 Bauhaus Two-Seat Sofa in Tufted Natural Leather and Metal by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Two-seat sofa KT221/02 by De Sede. Relaunch and update of the design created in 1956. Objectively functional design of an iconographic, architectural construction through the transfe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Gufram Special Colors Bocca Unlimited by Studio 65
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, Bocca revolutionizes its image: 25 new colors dye Gufram’s iconic lips, which for the occasion are dressed up in an unprecedented, more mater...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool

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 Sofas

Materials

Metal

Ghidini 1961 Katana 3-Seat Sofa in Natural Leather by Paolo Rizzatto
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
In the Katana sofa, Paolo Rizzatto, being the refined and expert designer he is, puts great care in the proportions of the structural elements of the produ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

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 Sofas

Materials

Metal

Lem 3 Seat Sofa in Upholstery, by Francesco Beghetto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is three-seated Lem sofa, upholstered in the listed fabrics. Please note that this product does not include the Lem Ottoman. Francesco Beghetto graduated in Industrial Desi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

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 Sofas

Materials

Metal

Botera High Chair in Upholstery, by E-GGS
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Botera High chair is padded with four different types of foam, following the chair's design focus of comfort. A chunky cushion forms the base from which the high or low backrest is d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Jasper Morrison Three Sofa De Luxe in Solid Fir and Poplar Plywood
Located in New York, NY
The Three Sofa De Luxe defies the traditional function of a furnishing accent that is commonly perceived as merely a seat. For this collection, Jasper Morrison plays with this concep...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam, Wood

Easy Adjustable Leather Sofa by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM easy sofa by De Sede. Create new free spaces. So much, in fact, that even two people can relax next to one another. The seating depth can be increased up to 20 cm. The armrests c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

DS-76 Convertible Leather Modern Sofa or Daybed by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sofa with transitional bed function DS-76/102 by De Sede. We launched the DS-76 back in 1972. At that time, the element set was regarded as revolution...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede Leather Sofa by Stephan Hürlemann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-77/03 2-seat sofa by De Sede. Technical details: Standard configuration: Steel legs, matte dark nickel coating. Standard seat and back heights. Neck support in brushed stainle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Ghidini1961 Katana bench in Fabric with Polished Brass Legs by Paolo Rizzatto
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Thus the elliptical section of the leg emphasizes its elegant and solid supporting element. The padded seat, simple and closed, suggests possible variations of shapes, dimensions and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Elegant Tufted "Vista" Sofa by Cruz Design Studio
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Incredible tufted "Vista" sofa designed by Cruz Design Studio. Inspired by the most representative furniture from the Mid-20th Century, this sofa has a modern and elegant design in w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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 Sofas

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 Sofas

Materials

Metal

Jean-Marie Massaud Small InOut Sofa in Lacquered Fiberglass for Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
Inout benches and sofas, designed by French designer and architect Jean-Marie Massaud are an elegant and sophisticated accent with a hint of the futuristic. The sinuous, clean lines ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Stained Glass, Fiberglass

Ghidini 1961 Katana 4-Seat Sofa in Natural Leather by Paolo Rizzatto
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
In the Katana sofa, Paolo Rizzatto, being the refined and expert designer he is, puts great care in the proportions of the structural elements of the produ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

DS-450 Adjustable Leather Modern Sofa or Armchair by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sofa DS-450 with adjustable elements by De Sede. Master of transformation: From sofa to double armchair with two simple flicks of the wrist. Invitingly...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Customizable Upholstered Say Sofa.Com Option Available, Handmade in Chicago
Located in Chicago, IL
Strong formal lines and geometric shapes seem like puzzle pieces that come together defining the Say Sofa. COM options and other customizations make this a perfect statement piece for both for a formal living room...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

RH-306 Large Tufted Leather Chesterfield Sofa by Robert Haussmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sofa RH-306/103 by De Sede. The Chesterfield sofa has been the epitome of English furniture culture and style since the mid-17th century – and inspired the designers to create a new ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

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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