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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 Ships From: USA
Style: Modern
1980s de Sede DS140 Adjustable Sofa by Reto Frigg in White Leather
By Reto Frigg, De Sede
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a DS140 adjustable sofa designed by Reto Frigg and produced by de Sede in Switzerland circa mid 1980s. The sofa has a unique rotating seat system, allowing it to become a double chaise lounge...
Category
1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Steve Chase Channel Tufted Sectional Sofa
By Steve Chase
Located in New York, NY
Modern channel tufted sectional sofa designed by iconic California designer Steve Chase. Sofa features new padding and upholstery from Romo wh...
Category
20th Century American Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
2010's Knoll Mies Van Der Rohe Krefeld Loveseat Sofa Fabric Sets Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a (sold separately) gorgeous and original Mies Van Der Rohe Krefeld Sofa, produced by Knoll.
Multiples of these two-seater sofas are a...
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Dust Sofa, Small with Beech Brown
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Dust Sofa, Large with Natural Light Oak - Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Dust Sofa, Large with Beech Ebony
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
21st Century Cushy Sofa in Blue Jacquard Fabric by Etro Home Interiors
By Etro
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Expression of a new domestic scenario made of expressive colors and immersive fabrics, Cushy is a line of furniture made up of a sofa, armchair, bed and pouf, all characterized by so...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, 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
2020 Knoll Barber Osgerby Compact Two Seater Sofa in Green Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Barber Osgerby Compact Two Seater Sofa, designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby and produced by Knoll. This example was produced in 2020. The fabric looks and feels simil...
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Dust Sofa, Small with Beech Ebony - Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
21st Century Ratio Sofa in Green Velvet by Etro Home Interiors
By Etro
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
A perfect mix between modernity and tradition, Ratio is a soft and welcoming sofa, characterized by decorative stitching, expression of Etro Home Interiors’ sartorial quality. The ge...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Dust Sofa, Large with Beech Brown
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Dust Sofa, Small with Beech Ebony
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Dust Sofa, Medium with Beech Ebony - Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Lord Norman Foster Model 500 Black Leather 2 Seat Settee Sofa for Walter Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a very rare and unusual Walter Knoll 500 settee in black leather, designed by Lord Norman Foster, the renowned British architect. Two sofa...
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Dust Sofa, Small with Beech Brown - Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Dust Sofa, Small with Natural Light Oak - Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Preview Cloud Vladimir Kagan Style Organic Shape Sofa
Located in Toledo, OH
Organic cloud shape sofa circa 1990's by Preview Furniture. Very nice upholstery with small pattern.
Category
20th Century North American Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Dust Sofa, Large with Natural Light Oak
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
1975 Hans Krieks Settee by CI Designs Boston in Oak and Fabric American Modern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a circa 1975 vintage Hans Krieks settee, produced by CI Designs of Boston, Massachusetts. This piece was acquired by a Boston-based archi...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Dust Sofa, Medium with Natural Light Oak - Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Dust Sofa, Medium with Beech Brown - Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Dust Sofa, Medium with Beech Ebony
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Dust Sofa, Large with Beech Ebony - Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Dust Sofa, Large with Beech Brown - Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Dust Sofa, Medium with Beech Brown
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Dust Sofa, Medium with Natural Light Oak
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Dust Sofa, Small with Natural Light Oak
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
1949 Jens Risom No. 23 Sofa with New Upholstery Signed H.G. Knoll Products
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an exceptionally rare and early Jens Risom Sofa, model number 23, produced by Knoll and labelled H.G. Knoll Products. This particular examples dates to circa 1949....
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
1980s Vintage Dieter Rams for Vitsoe 620 Red Leather and Black Two Seat Settee
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a rare Dieter Rams for Vitsoe 620 two-seater loveseat with gorgeous red leather upholstery and black casing. This is a favorite of ours, ...
Category
1980s German Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
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
1958 Florence Knoll Parallel Bar Three Seat Sofa, Model 57 in Green Fabric
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an extremely early Florence Knoll ‘Parallel Bar’ Sofa, Model 57, designed by Florence Knoll in 1958. It is a rare example of Florence K...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
1950s Florence Knoll Associates Three Seat Sofa Redone by East Penn Upholstery
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original Florence Knoll three-seater sofa, designed by the renowned Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll Associates. This example was produced during the later ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Larry Laslo for Directional Down Sofa, Pair Available
Located in New York, NY
Modernist sofa designed by Larry Laslo for Directional featuring new Italian Ivory Boucle fabric. Back and seat feature cushions which are ...
Category
20th Century American Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Down
2 Contemporary Overstuffed Cotton Upholstered Rolled Arm Lounge Sofa Couch 90"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage pair of two contemporary / modern lounge sofas featuring plush overstuffed rolled arm design with off white cotton fabric, skirted base and lumbar pillows. Attributed to Tay...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Hardwood
2008 Knoll Divina Two Seat Sofa/Settee by Piero Lissoni in Volo Leather Model 68
By Knoll, Piero Lissoni
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Divina Two-Seater Settee, designed by Piero Lissoni for Knoll in 2001. This example dates to 2008. The piece is upholstered in a chocolate-brown leather, likely Volo leathe...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Ruché Sofa by Inga Sempé for Ligne Roset
By Ligne Roset
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed in 2010 by Inga Sempé for Ligne Roset, the elegant Ruché seating series suggests a balance of tradition and modernity.
On a strait, slender frame of solid anthracite-staine...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
2008 Gaia Three Seat Sofa by Arik Levy for Bernhardt Design in Red Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a ‘Gaia’ sofa, designed by Arik Levy for Bernhardt Design in 2008. Its frame is composed of polished aluminum, and it has a molded-foam seat and back. The upholstery is done ...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Aluminum
1970s Nicos Zographos Designs / SOM Attributed Four Seat Tuxedo Sofa in Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a four seat Tuxedo sofa, seemingly designed by Nicos Zographos and produced by Zographos Designs Inc. As the sofa is unmarked and many designers of this era produced similar ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
2010s Vitra Alcove Love Seat in Fabric by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Vitra Alcove love seats in green and gray fabric, designed by Erwan and Ronan Bouroullec, produced by Vitra. Production of this line sta...
Category
2010s German Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
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
1980s Marcel Breuer for Tecta Gray Suede F40 Settee / Sofa Made in Germany
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an exceptional and very rare F40 settee / sofa, designed by Marcel Breuer and produced by renowned bauhaus manufacturer Tecta. Tecta has been bringing to life earl...
Category
1980s German Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Suede, Foam
2022 Florence Knoll Two Seat Settee / Loveseat Sofa in Green Leather
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a two-seater ‘Florence Knoll’ settee sofa, model 1205S2. The piece was originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1954. This example dates to 2022, and is upholstered in its or...
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Bold Geometric, bold, 1920, 1930, contemporary, modern lounge sofa, den sofa
Located in Greenwood Village, CO
Experience the Ultimate in Luxury with the Bevel Sofa
Step into the world of luxury and sophistication with the Bevel Sofa. This sleek and elegant sectional...
Category
2010s Pakistani Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Velvet, Walnut
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
Chunky Modern Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1990s. Reupholstered in Camira Synergy charcoal wool fabric. Chunky legs covered as well.
Category
1990s Unknown Modern Sofas
Materials
Wool
2007 Herman Miller Eames Two-Seat Sofa in Brown Leather and Walnut, Model ES108
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Two-Seat Sofa / Settee, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1978. The design is rather special as it is the last piece of furniture produced by the Eames Office, which com...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Aluminum
2018 Steeve Sofa by Jean-Marie Massaud for Arper 2x Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single (two are available, but the price listed is for each sofa) Steeve sofa, designed by Jean-Marie Massaud and produced by Arper in Italy. The sofa is in terrific condit...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
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
C. 1941 Jens Risom for Knoll Associates Three-Seater Sofa/Settee w/ New Webbing
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a three-seater settee, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll Associates in 1941. The piece has a frame constructed of pine (or possibly birch), and has newly re-done webbed straps...
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Copper
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
2020 Vitra Alcove Seating by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec in Orange Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a custom c-shaped high Alcove sofa, designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, produced by Vitra in Germany. It was acquired directly from Vitra, when...
Category
2010s German Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
1980s Mario Bellini for Cassina Black Leather Software Tilbury Sofa
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a circa 1980s production Tilbury three seat sofa (part of the Software collection), designed by Mario Bellini and produced by Cassina in Italy. This example is one of a few s...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Plastic, Foam
2000s Piero Lissoni for Knoll Divina Lounge Chair in Brown Leather 4x Available
By Knoll, Piero Lissoni
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a circa 2008 production Divina lounge chair, designed by Piero Lissoni and produced by Knoll. Four chairs are available, though the price listed is for each one. The chairs c...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel, Chrome
2010 Poltrona Frau Kennedee Sofa / Sectional by Jean-Marie Massaud in Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a ‘Kennedee’ sofa, initially designed by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau in 2006. This particular sofa was manufactured in Italy in 2010. The piece features a hand-stitc...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Giorgetti Solemyidae Sofa by Rossella Pugliatti
By Rossella Pugliatti, Giorgetti S.p.A.
Located in Boston, MA
Designed by Rossella Pugliatti
A small sofa that is welcoming and full of character.
The shaped, anatomical, and comfortable frame is inspired by shells, hence the name Solemyidae,...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Fabric
Loveseat Sofa by Claudio Salocchi for Sormani Italy, c 1970, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This newly reupholstered loveseat sofa by Claudio Salocchi for Sormani, circa 1970s, features a graceful chrome frame with nubby white bouclé fabric. Signed with 1960s/ 1970s Sormani label as shown in photo gallery.
*Note, we have the matching pair of club chairs available in another listing.
The graceful frame shares a design quality with Cassina's LC2 / LC3 design by Le Corbusier, as they are 'buckets of cushions' in similar fashion and comfort. However this Sormani sofa features some unique subtle details, such as the slight "twist" in the rear legs (see photos).
Signed with a Sormani label, this particular rare design is attributed to Claudio Salocchi. While there were several other famous designers who created works for Sormani in this time period, the style best matches Salocchi's work. For collectors looking for something unique and rare within a collection of 1960s/ 1970s Italian designs, this pair two-seater couch is an amazing opportunity.
This Cassina LC2 / LC3 loveseat...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Original lounge sofa, Barrel Sofa, round back chair, bold, modern, walnut wood
Located in Greenwood Village, CO
Experience the Timeless Elegance of Erete Sofa: A Modern, Bold, Barrel Back Chair with an Original Design
Indulge in the captivating allure of Erete, a bold and exquisitely crafted ...
Category
2010s Pakistani Modern Sofas
Materials
Brass
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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