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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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.
Style: Modern
Color: White
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
Off White Semi-Circular Channel Sectional Sofa by Steve Chase
By Steve Chase
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1990’s Glamorous off white channel two piece half circle sectional sofa by Steve chase.
Newly recovered in a soft off white chenille fabric.
O...
Category
1990s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Cape 3-Seat Sofa, by Charlotte Høncke from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
An elegant sofa with an organic design inspired by the puffed sleeves and layered designs of haute couture. Its soft lines and chic details make the cape sofa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Foam
DS-1088 Configurable Patchwork Leather Sofa with Elongated Cushions by De Sede
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
Sofa Pierre in Cream and Brown Wool Design Eric Gizard Made in France
By Éric Gizard
Located in MONTROZIER, FR
Pierre sofa was inspired by a photographic work Eric Gizard did in the summer of 2019 in Turkey. From white pebbles cleaned and rounded by the sea, he assembled some of them into abs...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Materials
Wool, Wood
Ghidini 1961 Katana 2-Seat Sofa in Fabric 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
Fabric
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
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
e15 Customizable Kashan Chaise by Philipp Mainzer
By e15, Philipp Mainzer
Located in New York, NY
In its form and material, the Kashan sofa epitomizes the logical continuation of e15 design. The 550 MM (21 5/8 inch) tall backrest is notched to the equally tall side frames, unders...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
New York Soleil Sofa with Hemp Rope Frame & White Legs by Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The New York outdoor collection expands with a line of exclusive woven seating made entirely by hand. New York Sofa Soleil is the product of careful r...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Rope
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
Customizable ClassiCon Lota Sofa by Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
The apartment of Madame Mathieu-Levy on Rue de Lota in Paris was regarded as one of the most sensational examples of French interior architecture of the 1920s. Eileen Gray had create...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Mr. Olsen 3-Seat Sofa with Smoked Oak Legs, by Hans Olsen from Warm Nordic
By Hans Olsen
Located in Viby J, DK
A Classic, sophisticated designer sofa designed in the 1950s by the highly acclaimed Danish architect, Hans Olsen. The Mr. Olsen sofa is an original design that is a perfect match for a gentleman’s room or a feminine sofa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Foam
Customizable e15 Shiraz Sofa by Philipp Mainzer and Farah Ebrahimi 'Module 7'
By e15
Located in New York, NY
The Shiraz sofa was inspired by loosely conjoined, communication enhancing traditional Persian seating islands as well as by classical seating furniture fo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
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
Haven Lounge Chair, by Charlotte Høncke from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
The Haven armchair is a contemporary chair with a simple, soft idiom. With its high, embracing back, the armchair creates a sanctuary, where you can sit, gently shielded off from your surroundings, curled up with a book or simply relaxing. The armchair looks wonderful in a living room and is equally ideal in a hotel lobby to create a private space in the midst of a busy environment, preferably complemented by a Haven Sofa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Foam
Italian Modern Wooden Sofa with White Fabric, 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Wooden sofa with white fabric, 1940s
A sofa with wooden structure. The sofa has a rectangular seat and a rectangular backrest with rounded upper corners, both padded a...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, 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
Gufram Standard 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
DS-76 Convertible Leather Modern Sofa or Daybed by De Sede
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
Cape 3-Seat Stitch Sofa, by Charlotte Høncke from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
An elegant sofa with an organic design inspired by the puffed sleeves and layered designs of haute couture. Its soft lines and chic details make the Cape sofa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Foam
Dwell 2-Seat Sofa, by Hans Olsen from Warm Nordic
By Hans Olsen
Located in Viby J, DK
The Dwell Sofa is recognizable for its light, accommodating design, which has a timeless appeal. The sofa features an eternal 1950s design with armrests that invite you simply to rem...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Foam
Haven 3-Seat Sofa, by Charlotte Høncke from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
Haven is a contemporary sofa with a simple, soft idiom. With its high, embracing back, the sofa creates a sanctuary, where you can sit, gently shielded off from your surroundings, cu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Foam
Armchair in Vegetable Tanned Leather and Oiled Laser-Cut Steel
By Klein Agency
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bulging over its edges, this contemporary single sofa seat by Klein Agency screams comfort. Puffy cushions hug the laser cut steel frame, crea...
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Cut Steel
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
Jean-Marie Massaud Big 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
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
Sofa in White Cream Wool 2 Modules Made in France Customizable
By Éric Gizard
Located in MONTROZIER, FR
Pierre sofa was inspired by a photographic work Eric Gizard did in the summer of 2019 in Turkey. From white pebbles cleaned and rounded by the sea, he assembled some of them into abs...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Materials
Foam, Wood, Wool
Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec Cassette Sofa in White for Established & Sons
Located in London, GB
Bringing together contrasting materials and a simple form, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec have created a statement two and three-seater sofa that is also a welcoming retreat. The wide panels of the powder-coated metal frame feature a slim edge profile, creating a surprising sense of lightness. This offsets the sofa’s generous dimensions and deep cushions, providing a particularly large seating area in comparison to its floor footprint. Skilfully made and upholstered in Udine, Italy. The metal frame is extremely solid and hard wearing anticipating an unusually long lifespan. The set of removable seat cushions are durable but when the time comes to update the sofa they are easily and economically replaced with an entirely new look. Supplied by Established & Sons fully assembled, Cassette is a kit of parts that can also be fully disassembled for ease of installation, flat storage and movement over its lifetime— making it an ideal solution for tight spaces, narrow doors...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
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
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
Sofa in White and Cream Wool Handmade in France Customizable
By Éric Gizard
Located in MONTROZIER, FR
Pierre was inspired by a photographic work Eric Gizard did in the summer of 2019 in Turkey. From white pebbles cleaned and rounded by the sea, he assembled some of them into abstract...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Materials
Foam, Wool, Wood
Sofa Pierre in White Cream Wool 2 Modules Made in France Customizable
By Éric Gizard
Located in MONTROZIER, FR
Pierre sofa was inspired by a photographic work Eric Gizard did in the summer of 2019 in Turkey. From white pebbles cleaned and rounded by the sea, he assembled some of them into abs...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood, Wool, Foam
Sofa Pierre in Beige and Brown Wool by Eric Gizard in stock
By Éric Gizard
Located in MONTROZIER, FR
Organic Pierre sofa was inspired by a photographic work Eric Gizard did in the summer of 2019 in Turkey. From white pebbles cleaned and rounded by the sea, he assembled some of them ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood, Wool, Foam, Fabric
Gio Ponti White Sofa from Casa & Giardino, circa 1938
By Gio Ponti
Located in Rome, IT
A Gio Ponti Casa & Giardino white sofa, circa 1938
walnut and fabric; white cotton and walnut feet
fully rest orated and newly upholstered
Measure: height 79, cm 152 x 82cm, high ...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Cotton, Walnut
Sofa Pierre in Cream and Brown Wool
By Éric Gizard
Located in MONTROZIER, FR
Pierre sofa was inspired by a photographic work Eric Gizard did in the summer of 2019 in Turkey. From white pebbles cleaned and rounded by the sea, he assembled some of them into abs...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood, Foam
Sofa Pierre in White and Cream Wool
By Éric Gizard
Located in MONTROZIER, FR
Pierre was inspired by a photographic work Eric Gizard did in the summer of 2019 in Turkey. From white pebbles cleaned and rounded by the sea, he assembled some of them into abstract...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Materials
Wool, Foam, Wood
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
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
De Sede DS 85 Natural Daybed Leather Sofa Ecru Crème White
By De Sede
Located in Munich, Bavaria
De Sede model Ds 85 daybed.
This De Sede DS-85 daybed can be transformed into a double bed. It is upholstered in ecru white crème fine soft aniline leather. It features a circumfere...
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel, Chrome
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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