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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Creator: B&B Italia
Italian modern brown leather sofa Coronado Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern brown leather sofa Coronado Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B, 1970s Sofa mod. Coronado in brown leather with high back. The seats, armrests and backrest have curved and s...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Plastic

Erasmo leather sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Erasmo leather sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1960s Erasmo sofa in a very rare buffalo leather version, produced in the 1960s. Good condition, s...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Alanda vintage sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Alanda sofa by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia. A true design product, typical of the 1990s. Made of Steel and upholstered in Grey color Alcantara, fully removable cover. Armrests and head...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini Original for C & B Italia, Italy, 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, circa 1970s. This iconic sofa features four seat elements with four back-rests. The Camaleonda became instantly famous when introduc...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Suede, Fabric

Modular Sofa by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia
Located in BREDA, NL
A sofa extravaganza in soft calf leather. Made by B&B Italia, designed by Antonio Citterio. The set named 'LUIS' contains 7 modular units that can be combined in several set-ups. Th...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Modular Sofa 'Luis' by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, 2007
Located in Antwerp, BE
Modular Sofa; B&B Italia; Maxalto; Luis; 21th century; Contemporary Design; Antonio Citterio; Modular sofa 'Luis', designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia in 2007, is a luxuriou...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Cotton

2016 Hollow Sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia in Houndstooth Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a ‘Hollow’ Case Sofa, designed by Patricia Urquiola for B & B Italia in 2006. This particular piece was manufactured in Italy in 2016. The design features upholstered interio...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

B&B Italia by Naoto Fukasawa Red Highback Papilio Loveseat Sofa
Located in London, GB
Designed by Naoto Fukasawa for B&B Italia, the Papilio collection is named after the Latin word for butterfly and draws inspiration from the silhouette. Taking the same form as the iconic grande Papilio...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Mario Bellini, Le Bambole, Sofa, B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Introducing the Le Bambole sofa by renowned designer Mario Bellini, upholstered in luxurious bouclé fabric, an exquisite addition to elevate any interior space. With its sleek lines ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé

Lunar Sofa by J. Irvine for B&B Italia
Located in Milano, IT
In the world of vintage collecting, James Irvine's Lunar sofa for B&B Italia is a work of art that embodies the exceptional design of the 1990s. Crafted wi...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Coronado Sofa by B&B Italia
Located in Tulsa, OK
The evergreen Coronado sofa is the quintessential symbol of relaxation. It comfort is guaranteed by a suspension system made from harmonic steel bands in...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Polyester

Coronado Two-seater Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B & B Italia, 1969
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two seater Coronado sofa designed in 1966 by Tobia Scarpa for B & B Italia, Mobilplast edition, Spain. Upholstered in original black leather.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Paolo Piva, Alanda, Sofa, B&B Italia, 1980s
Located in Paris, FR
Paolo Piva Alanda A rectangular two-seater sofa with mobile headrests and armrests covered with its multicolored original fabric upholstery. Original edition by B&B Italia. With B&B Italia label. Italy. Circa 1980. Dimensions Height : 74 cm     With headrests raised : 88 cm Width : 210 cm  With armrests raised : 194 cm Depth : 106 cm With headrests raised : 86 cm Height of seat : 42 cm Literature Domus 633, November 1982, p.26-29 Domus 634, December 1982, p.22-23 Giuliana Gramigna, Repertorio del design italiano 1950-2000 per l'arredamento domestico, Umberto Allemandi, 2003, p.277 Mario Mastropietro, Rolando Gorla, Un’industria per il design : la ricerca i designers, l’immagine B&B Italia, Edizioni Lybra Immagine, Milano, 1986, p.394-397. Paolo Piva Paolo Piva was born in Adria in 1950. He studied architecture at the Venice Istituto Universitario di Architettura under the direction of Carlo Scarpa and Carlo Aymonino. He practiced architecture and industrial design mainly in Italy and Austria. In 1990, he became a professor at the Hochschule für Angewande Kunst in Vienna. He designed factories in Italy, such as in Misinto for B&B Italia, galeries such as Schullin in Vienna for which he was awarded the « Adolf Loos » prize in 1994. In 1996, he designed book-shops and cafeterias for the Venetian Civic Museums. The same year, he participated in the 6th International Exhibition of Architecture at the Venice Biennale. Alanda The idea behind the Alanda was to create a « mobile » piece of furniture. Developed with the B&B Research Centre, the mechanism allows different positions following the changing needs of the user. « Alanda was conceived as an open object...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

B&B Italia Two Piece "Bend" Sofa by Patricia Urquiola, 2010, off White, Signed
Located in Kansas City, MO
"Bend" sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia, 2010. This example was purchased five years ago. It has has very little use, but does have a few very small spots which you ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Cloud Sofa by Naoto Fukasawa for B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Cloud Sofa by Naoto Fukasawa for B&B Italia - a stunning piece of furniture that will transform any living space into a cozy and comfortable haven. This beautiful cou...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

'Camaleonda' in Original Leather by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1976, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
If you are someone who seeks the absolute best of the best - this is for you. This is an all original modular Camaleonda sectional by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia made within the fir...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

B&B Italia Free Time Sofa by Antonio Citterio, 1990s
Located in London, GB
A large, extremely comfortable and versatile sofa by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, designed in the late 1990s. Chromed tubular steel lower frame, strap supports, loose seat cushio...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Early 'Camaleonda' Sectional by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, c 1971, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This monumentally sized modular 'Camaleonda' sectional living room set (fourteen pieces in total) by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, each section signed with labels as can be seen in the photos. Included in the set are eight (8) full-sized seat sections, each is quite large and spacious which adds to the incredible comfort. And six (6) full-sized seat backs leaving two of the seat sections to be used as ottomans or free-floating seat elements to open the sectional to either side. This set has been previously professionally reupholstered with only light use and in very good condition. Designed by Mario Bellini in 1970 for C&B Italia, later produced after 1973 by B&B Italia after Piero Busnelli bought out Cassina and changed the name to B&B. This set consists of six sections labelled with C&B labels and two sections with B&B labels, meaning that most of this set was produced between 1970 and 1973 - the original production years of the Camaleonda, and making this set ideal for collectors and investors of art and design. *We have a large quantity of other Camaleonda elements (C&B Italia and B&B Italia examples, both in mohair fabric and in leather including some sets ready for reupholstery to a new fabric or leather of your choice) if you are looking for a larger set, contact us to discuss. MEASUREMENTS: *This is a modular set with fourteen (14) total pieces and can be configured in many ways as each seating section can be placed wherever you desire and the seat backs can be fixed to the seating elements where you want. You can configure as one large sectional sofa, three-seat couch with loveseats...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

B&B ITALIA Afra & Tobia Scarpa Modell Coronado Leather Sofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
B&B Italia black leather sofa Modell Coronado designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa in the late 1960s. Big loose cushions. This small sofa is comfortable. The leather is in good conditio...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Sofa "Baia" by Antonio Citterio & Paolo Nava for B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced for B&B Italia, original upholstery in very good vintage condition. This example purchased new by the previous owner in 1981. Measure: Width: 230 cm.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Lauriana Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1978
Located in Uppsala, SE
Lauriana 2-seat sofa designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa in 1978 for Italian luxury manufacturer B&B Italia. Dark chocolate brown removable velvet upholstery with light brown piping. Mou...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

B&B Italia Sofa or Loveseat
Located in North Miami, FL
This newly upholstered Italian B&B sofa and or loveseat is from the 1980s. It is in an off-white textural checkerboard upholstery fabric. The sculptural arms add a dimension. It has ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Antonio Citterio, Charles Sofa, B&B Italia, Creme Beige, Two Parts Sofa
Located in Berlin, BE
Super comfortable sofa by the famous Designer Antonio Citterio. The two-part sofa was manufactured by Charles for B&B Italia and designed 1997. The Sofa has L-shaped aluminium legs,...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Early 'Diesis' Loveseat Sofas by Paolo Nava for B&B Italia, c 1979 Italy, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pair of 'Diesis' loveseat sofas were designed by Paolo Nava along with Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia in 1979, and these examples are early production 'originals', likely produ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum

Related Items
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Wool Bouclé, 1970, Set of 3
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
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Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Modular Sofa for B&B Italia by Rubelli, 1970
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Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Brown Mohair, 1970, Set of 5
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
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Antonio Citterio, 'Sity' Sofa for B&B Italia, 1980s
Located in Greding, DE
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'Erasmo' sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B 1970s-80s
Located in Milano, IT
2-seater sofa, foam padding, leather upholstery. Fair condition, worn leather upholstery.
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Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, 1970
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Italian Three-Seater Sofa Model Diesis by Antonio Citterio for B&B, 1970s
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Charles Sectional Sofa by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia.
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Alanda sofa Paolo Piva for B&B Italia black leather
Located in Mortsel, BE
Immerse yourself in luxury with the Alanda sofa, designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia. This exquisite piece showcases timeless elegance in black leather. The geometric design and le...
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Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Sofa in Walnut and Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, three-seat sofa, model '920', brown leather, walnut, Italy, 1966. This high quality sofa is designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina in 1966. Th...
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Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Black Leather, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
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Pair of Black Leather Arcadia Side Chairs by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia
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Previously Available Items
Antonio Citterio, Charles Sofa, B&B Italia, Gray, Two Parts Sofa
Located in Berlin, BE
Super comfortable sofa by the famous Designer Antonio Citterio. The two-part sofa was manufactured by Charles for B&B Italia and designed 1997....
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B&B Italia by Antonio Citterio Cream Fabric Michel Effe Two Seater Sofa
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by Antonio Citterio in 2015 for B&B Italia, the Michel Effe seating range continued to build on the design of Michel sofa from 2012, an...
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Living room of Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Model Coronado for B&B Italia
Located in Milano, IT
Step into a realm of timeless elegance where the echoes of the 60s resound in every carefully curated detail. Behold the splendor of an elegant living room, a sanctuary of style, graced by a magnificent set crafted by the skilled hands of Afra and Tobia Scarpa, the Coronado model for B&B Italia. As you step into this living masterpiece, you are transported to an era of refined taste and sophisticated design. The allure is unmistakable – a duo of plush sofas and an inviting armchair, all swathed in the richness of brown leather that carries with it the whispers of a bygone era. This is the embodiment of the Mid-century Italian style, where every curve and contour seems to hold a story, a secret from the past. A sensory delight awaits as you run your fingers across the supple surface, tracing the age lines that map out the journey of this vintage treasure. The Coronado set...
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Leather

Mario Bellini, Le Bambole, Sofa, B&B Italia, 1980s
Located in Buffalo, NY
Le Bambole sofa by renowned designer Mario Bellini, upholstered in luxurious fabric, an exquisite addition to elevate any interior space. With its sleek lines and contemporary aesth...
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Mario Bellini, Le Bambole, Sofa, B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in Milano, Lombardia
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Antonio Citterio, Charles Sofa, B & B Italia, Creme, Two Parts Sofa
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B&B Italia Sofa Daybed by Antonio Citterio, Sity Collection, 1980s
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
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B&B Italia by Antonio Citterio Grey Fabric Michel Effe Corner Sofa
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by Antonio Citterio in 2015 for B&B Italia, the Michel Effe seating range continued to build on the design of the Michel sofa from 2012, and is a fantastic example of modern furniture design. The sofa is tuxedo in style with integrated armrests at the same height as the back to create one single linear seat that sits on a slim matt black metal frame. Fully upholstered in grey fabric, the sofa has built in back and seat cushions, adding to the overall simplicity of the piece, while the generous proportions of the wide arms and deep seat offer the ultimate comfort. Four additional cushions in matching fabric sit across the back of the sofa with bolsters...
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B&B Italia Tufty Time Two Piece Sofa, Patricia Urquiola, 2005
Located in Culver City, CA
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B&B Italia Lunar Folding Sofa / Daybed by James Irvine
Located in Dronten, NL
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Modern Sectional Grey Sofa Harry Bertoia B&B Italia by Antonio Citterio
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Sectional sofa HARRY designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B. The 'Harry' sofa is named after Harry Bertoia Made in Italy for the USA. Sectional features 2 seats with lounge seat on ...
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Designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, the Amoenus collection is a fantastic example of modern design. The round loveseat is the ideal shape for lounging, with the deep seat offering the ultimate comfort. Fully upholstered in grey fabric, the sofa sits on an integral base which allows it to swivel 360 degrees, while the backrest curves around the seat, enhancing the circular shape and creating an enclosed feeling. A fantastic accent piece for any contemporary living space, this Amoenus sofa...
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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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