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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

Kartell Foliage Sofa Teal by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Foliage collection is a family of soft chairs. The key players are a two-seater sofa and an armchair, that seem to have grown "naturally": the frame provides support for a comfortabl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Kartell Foliage Sofa by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Foliage collection is a family of soft chairs. The key players are a two-seater sofa and an armchair, that seem to have grown "naturally": the frame provides support for a comfortabl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Kartell Foliage Sofa Trevira Green by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Foliage collection is a family of soft chairs. The key players are a two-seater sofa and an armchair, that seem to have grown "naturally": the frame provides support for a comfortabl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Moroso Gentry Sofa in Big Braid Capuccino by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A project whose origins lie in the search for meticulous and well-balanced comfort, restrained yet with a nod to exaggeration. Gentry is about tradition, distinction and belonging bu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Moroso Leather Sofa Model Springfield by Patricia Urquiola grey
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This model Springfield sofa was designed by Patricia Urquiola, and was manufactured by Moroso. The Sofa corpus is upholstered in grey leather, the 3 back cushions comes in differen...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Down

Related Items
Minimalistic Purple Suede Chairs by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso
Located in Schagen, NL
These two futuristic and Minimalist chairs form together a sofa; one in pink/purple (corner model) and the other purple/purple. The two colors are in perfect harmony when placed toge...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Suede

Mario Bellini White Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set Of 2
Located in Vicenza, IT
“Camaleonda” sofa, in white velvet upholstery, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. Fully restored and reupholstered in Italy. The sofa is very comfort...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Chenille, Velvet, Foam

'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

Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, 1970
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, Italy, 1970, four elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. A special project made possible this limited edition of "...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Off White Semi-Circular Channel Sectional Sofa 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

Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, 1970
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, velvet, metal and plastic, Italy, 1970, eight elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscove...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

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Metal

Le Bambole sand color Sectional Sofa by Mario Bellni for B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in amstelveen, NL
Le Bambole sectional 7-seater sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s. The Bambole is an iconic piece of Italian design. It was awarded the 1979 'Compasso d'Oro' award. An exampl...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé

B&B Italia Tufty Time sectional sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Houston, TX
Patricia Urquiola Tufty Time-Sofa B&B Italia Spain / Italy, 2005 / 2007 Sectional sofa
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Polyester

Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Modular Sofa for B&B Italia, 1970
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, velvet, metal and plastic, Italy, 1970, three elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscove...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

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

Post Modernist Two-Piece Contemporary Sofa by Charak Furniture Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning two piece sofa, Post Modernist design, Very reminiscent of designs by Vladimir Kagan, Milo Baughman, Noguchi etc, Extremely comfortable. Nice original condition, Coould use ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Orange Cord Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Original
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Original early B&B Italia Organic Modern 2-piece Camaleonda sectional sofa by Mario Bellini in orange cord fabric. Consists of two lounge chairs of the largest 3x3 format in the seri...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Cord, Foam, Plywood

Previously Available Items
Cassina Sengu Bold Sectional Sofa in Sage Green
Located in Tulsa, OK
The Sengu Bold Sectional in sage green, is a modular sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina. Its open, generous shapes encourage conviviality, in an even more comfortable version, with soft lines and extra star-worthy padding. This new edition of the Cassina Sengu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

B&B Italia Tufty Time Two Piece Sofa, Patricia Urquiola, 2005
Located in Culver City, CA
One of B&B Italia's most successful series, the Tufty Time series designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2005 features a series of elements all available to mix a...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé

Patricia Urquiola " Tufty-Time " Sofa for B&B Italia, circa 2005
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Patricia Urquiola " Tufty-Time " sofa for B&B Italia, circa 2005. Three piece modular sofa. The listed measurements below are of the overall dimensions when configured as picture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Springfield Sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in 2008 by Patricia Urquiola and manufactured in Italy by Moroso. The sofa can seat 3-4 people, the sofa is very comfortable, newly upholstered and new cushions made with...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

Floe Light Blue Sectional Sofa, by Patricia Urquiola from Cassina
Located in Vancouver, BC
Floe Insel emerged from Patricia Urquiola’s desire to create an unforgettable, versatile modular system, inspired by icebergs, whose sculptural, monolithic bulk floats weightlessly on water. A soft mass, made up of different geometries provided by a play of angles recalls formless blocks of ice. Additional Information: - Dimensions: D. 158 x W. 342 x H. 72 cm. Floe light blue sectional sofa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Gentry Extra Light Fabric Sofa, by Patricia Urquiola from Moroso
Located in Vancouver, BC
The gentry extra light evolves from the reassuring solidity of the first Gentry, focusing on the feminine high heel play. While springing up, it winks and seduces, never denying its ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Tufty Time Sofa in Greige Linen by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia, Signed 2015
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This wonderful contemporary modular seating system was designed by Patricia Urquiola and manufactured by high end Italian maker, B&B Italia. Named 'Tufty Time' for its unique style o...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Linen

B&B Italia Tufty Time Leather Sofa by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
B&B Italia tufty time black leather sofa by Patricia Urquiola.
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

B&B Italia Sofa, Model Bend by Patricia Urquiola, 2010. FINAL SALE!
Located in Schagen, NL
Cubic design (3D Model with irregular form) by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia. This part can be extended with other Bend parts or left solitary. The sofa, structural, remains in go...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

B&B Italia Modular Bend Sectional Sofa
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Two-piece Italian modern leather sectional sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia. Subtle curves and compact design give this modular couch the flexibility to fit any space. Midnig...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

B&B Italia "Bend" Sofa by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Dallas, TX
A practically brand new B&B Italia sofa. The "Bend" Sofa by Patricia Urquiola. Sofa offered is practically brand new and has almost no use. There are th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

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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