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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
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Item type: Antique and Vintage
Style: Modern
Period: 1960s
Period: 1930s
Period: 1920s
+ 1 more
Early Production #920 Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, c 1966, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This early production Model #920 modular four-seat sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina was designed in circa 1966 and this example is from the earlier years of production as evidenced by the early style 'Figli di Amedeo Cassina' labels on each section (see photos).
Featuring soft supple black leather cushions which extend to the arms and backside along with nicely grained Walnut accents to the frame, this sofa is in two parts and can either be used together as one long four-seat sofa or separated as two loveseat...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Walnut
1st Gen Dieter Rams RZ620 Sofa for Vitsoe 1962
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in Aachen, NW
This timeless iconic sofa was made in the early 60s by Vitsoe and designed by Dieter Rams.
The sofa comes from the iconic RZ620 series and is a first generation example.
The sofa i...
Category
1960s German Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
Original 932-Quartet Leather Sectional Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1964
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
It doesn't get much cooler than this early year (original) collectors set of the model-932 'Quartet' sectional by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Released in 1964, this example has incred...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Canvas
‘Novemila 9000' Modular Sofa in Gray Striated Velvet by Tito Agnoli for Arflex
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Chicago, IL
A 4-piece ‘Novemila’ sofa designed by Tito Agnoli in 1969 and produced by Arflex. The ‘Novemila’ is modular and can be arranged in a variety of configurations. This rare version is c...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
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
Jules Leleu, Sofa, Mahogany, Brass, Fabric, France, 1960s
By Jules Leleu
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany, brass and bouclé fabric sofa or settee designed and produced by Jules Leleu, France, 1960s.
Literature: Sirex, The House of Leleu, 2008, p. 327.
seat height 15.5”.
Reu...
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Brass
5 piece Brown Carrera Modular Sofa by Lomazzi, De Pas + D'urbino for BBB Italia
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare five piece Carrera modular sofa designed by Jonathan De Pas, Donato D’Urbino and Paolo Lomazzi for BBB Italia in 1969. This stunning sofa has two curved corner sections and th...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
2 Sesann sofas Gianfranco Frattini Cassina
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Gianfranco Frattini's set of two Sesann sofas is a sublime expression of contemporary design. Characterized by clean lines and elegant shapes, these sofas embody the essence of Itali...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet
Harvey Probber Sofa
Located in San Francisco, CA
A three-seat sofa by Harvey Probber. Curved front. Loose cushions on the seat, back and sides. Sofa sits on 6 wooden feet.
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood
1970's Ultra Modern Sofa with Retro Designer Fabric by Shawnee Penn
By Shawnee Penn
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1970's Ultra Modern Sofa with Retro Designer Fabric by Shawnee Penn. Very nice condition. Bal Harbour Florida estate.
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
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
1960s Nicos Zographos CH28 Ribbon 3-Seat Sofa in Brown Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a notable and very rare Nicos Zographos CH28 ribbon three-seater sofa in brown leather, produced by Nicos Zographos Designs Inc. The custom fabricate and polished ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Stainless Steel
1960's Knut Saeter Rosewood Sofa for Vatne Mobler Norway New Black Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous and authentic Knut Saeter rosewood sofa, produced by Vatne Mobler. This example has just been freshly reupholst...
Category
1960s Norwegian Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Faux Leather, Rosewood
1960s Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll International Brown Leather Three Seat Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous Model No. 263 three-seater sofa, designed by Mies Van Der Rohe and produced by Knoll International. These pieces were produced in the late 1960's to ear...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Walnut
1964 Eames for Herman Miller 3473 Sofa with Fresh Black Naugahyde Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 3473 sofa, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1964. It is constructed from aluminum, iron, and plywood. It was recently recovered (2021) in b...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Aluminum, Iron
Vintage Sofa with Wooden Armrests
Located in High Point, NC
Designed in the 1960’s, this avant-garde four-seater sofa showcases a brutalist base with boldly carved armrests and comfortable upholstered cushions. The juxtaposition of dark patin...
Category
1960s German Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
1960s Ole Wanscher for AJ Iversen New Boucle Fabric 3-Seat Sofa Made in Denmark
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1960s Ole Wanscher white boucle fabric 3-Seat sofa. This is a gorgeous example, which has just been newly reupholstered by the well regarded Forthright NYC uphol...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé
1964 Eames for Herman Miller 3473 Three Seat Sofa in White Naugahyde #1
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 3473 sofa, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1964. It's constructed from aluminum, iron, and plywood. It may be the original white naugahyde...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Iron, Aluminum
1964 Eames for Herman Miller 3473 Three-Seater Sofa in White Naugahyde #2
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 3473 sofa, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1964. It's constructed from aluminum, iron, and plywood. It may be the original white naugahyde...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Aluminum, Iron
Bamboo Sofa by Paul Frankl, Dal Vera
By Paul Frankl
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A bamboo sofa designed by Paul Frankl is a captivating combination of natural beauty and modern design. Crafted with sustainable bamboo, these pieces exude an air of organic elegance while showcasing Frankl's signature sleek lines and innovative approach.
The bamboo armchairs feature a graceful silhouette with gently curved armrests and a comfortable seating area, providing both style and comfort. The bamboo sofa continues the theme, offering generous seating space and a refined aesthetic that effortlessly blends into any interior.
Paul Frankl's bamboo furniture collection is not only visually appealing but also environmentally conscious. Bamboo's sustainable nature makes it an eco-friendly choice, perfect for those seeking both style and a greener lifestyle.
Embrace the allure of nature with this timeless set, where Paul Frankl's expertise in modern design meets the timeless beauty of bamboo, creating an inviting and sustainable seating...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Bamboo
Modernist Oak Sofa Designed by Guillerme et Chambron
Located in New York, NY
Modernist oak sofa designed by Guillerme et Chambron for the French company "Le mobilier Votre Maison". Solid Oak frame with newly upholstered seat and back cushions.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
Yrjö Kukkapuro Ateljee Sofa, Haimi, Finland, 1964
By Haimi, Yrjö Kukkapuro
Located in London, GB
“Does it make any sense to design a chair which is not good to sit on” is the mantra of Finnish designer Yrjö Kukkapuro (born 1933). His aim to unite beauty with ergonomics in furniture has led to a number of his designs becoming classics.
One example of this is the Ateljee sofa...
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Wood
Divano Coronado di Tobia Scarpa per B&B Italia, anni '60
Located in Felino, IT
Divano 3 posti B&B Italia, disegno di Afra e Tobia Scarpa anni 60. il divano e' stato rifatto nell'imbottitura dei cuscini e braccioli e rivestito a nuo...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
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
COR Conseta Blue Leather Sofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
COR leather sofa model Conseta from.
Blue aniline leather. The leather has a soft touch.
Comfortable sofa with decent design.
Design by Friedrich W...
Category
1960s German Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Down, Upholstery
Sofa 'Illona' in Yellow Leather by Arne Norell, 1968
Located in Berlin, DE
Sofa 'Illona' for two in mustard colored buffalo leather with a structure made of birch wood. Renewed cover and downs.
Arne Norell (1917–1971) was a Swedish furniture designer an...
Category
1960s Norwegian Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Birch, Leather
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 in Grey-Green, Model '875', Ico Parisi, 1960
By Cassina, Ico Parisi
Located in Berlin, DE
This minimalistic and elegant three-seater sofa has a matt chromed metal structure and new upholstery and cover. The cover is made of 100% wool in a cool grayish green. Excellent con...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Modern Italian Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" Sofa for Cassina circa 1969
By Cassina
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid Century Modern three seat sofa Italian made Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" for Cassina circa 1969. Charcoal fabric held together by chrome plated metal clamps. Very nice condition...
Category
1960s European Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Illum Wikkelso Sofa Model Ml-90 Mikael Laursen and Son, Denmark, 1960
Located in London, GB
Kristian Illum Wikkelsø (1919–1999) was a Danish furniture designer whose key work, including the ML-90 sofa, was made during the heyday of Danish design in th...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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
Pair of Alcantara Crimson & Wood 2-Seat 1960s Sofa by Cassina
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This pair of 2-seat sofa was designed and produced in Italy at the end of the 1960s. They have been originally upholstered with Alcantara synthetic fabric in a precious crimson color...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Industrial Modernist Anodized Aluminum Warren McArthur Park Ave Sofa
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful and rare McArthur sofa created in the early thirties, an icon of the Hollywood era. His signature grid with aluminum curved tubing, tootsie roll armrests and black puck feet are all present on this sofa. Notched tubes and milled washers another feature well represented. This sofa carries his Park Ave...
Category
1930s American Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Aluminum
1966 Rare Henry P Glass Intimate Settee for Deco House in Mahogany
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a very rare Henry P. Glass for Deco House Inc. intimate island settee. Henry P. Glass was an influential designer, educator, and architect, who produced unique wor...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Three Seater Sofa by Frits Henningsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Frits Henningsen three seater sofa on a mahogany frame with eight legs and covered with green wool. The sides have exposed wood panels on either side. It was designed and made circ...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Italian Two-Seat Saratoga Sofa, by Vignelli Associates for Poltronova, 1964
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian two-seat Saratoga sofa, by Vignelli associates for Poltronova, 1964
Two-seat sofa with rigid structure, made by assembling four elements of equ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Polyester, Wood
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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