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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Number in Set: Single Piece
"Flag" Couch and Chaise Longue in Natural Linen and Wood Feet, Small Size
Located in Centro, RS
The Flag Couch is a smart and multifunctional piece. The couch has a cushion built into the seat that makes the piece with dual functionality: when is close...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Delta Sofa - Modern White Upholstered Two Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
The curvaceous sides of the Delta collection, give the design a modern and elegant look; blending together a sense of warmth and comfortableness with a touch of minimalist simplicity...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Hand-Tailored Curved Sectional Sofa in Mustard Yellow Velvet
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern inspired sectional sofa featuring curved design with luxurious mustard yellow velvet fabric. Supported by walnut base. Standard dimensions: 293 cm x 157 cm x 84 cm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

1950's Style Curved Velvet Sofa in Custom Velvet Colors
Located in New York, NY
The Sofa inspires itself nature where green is the predominant element and where valleys and hills prevail. The item’s details allow it to be the perfect statement piece for any cont...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Roly Poly Polyethylene Sofa in Ochre by Faye Toogood
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The distinctive, reassuringly chunky lines of Faye Toogood’s Roly-Poly furniture collection become even more inviting in her new collaboration with Driade. The latest line for the It...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Plastic

Kartell Bubble Club 2-Seat Sofa in Zinc White by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A veritable icon made by Kartell, the mass-tinted polypropylene Bubble Club sofa was a Pioneer of a new concept in furniture accessories: the Industrial sofa made entirely of plastic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Plastic

Upholstered 3 Seats Sofa with an Iron and Wood Structure.
Located in New York, NY
This elegantly crafted sofa is designed for both visual appeal and comfort, making it a perfect addition to varied environments like living rooms and hotel lobbies. It features a sim...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Rue de Babylone Sofa by Christophe Delcourt
Located in Toronto, ON
Framed by 19th century Parisian architecture, the Rue de Babylone guides both locals and tourists alike through the most celebrated and unassumed segments of Paris. Referencing the a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Upholstered 2 Seats Sofa with an Iron and Wood Structure.
Located in New York, NY
This elegantly designed sofa combines aesthetic appeal with memory foam comfort, making it a perfect fit for various settings like living rooms and elegant lobbies. It features a sim...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Modern Cache Antiques Carlyle Sofa Settee
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Modern Cache Antiques Carlyle Sofa Settee
Category

1990s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Down

Modern Mel Armchair, Beige Linen Fabric, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mel Armchair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Mel armchair, named after nature’s purest and sweetest gift, brings forth the comforting e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Modern Minho Day Bed, Light Blue Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Minho Day Bed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Minho day bed with a wooden sid...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Leather

Modern Coast Mudular Sofa, Linen, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Coast Mudular Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The modern Coast modular sofa was designed to bring a sense of calm and peace to anyone ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Modern Conchula Corner Sofa, White Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Conchula Corner Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Conchula corner sofa is a room-defining...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Bouclé, Cotton, Oak

Modern Galapinhos Sofa, Cream Wool-Linen, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Galapinhos Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Galapinhos modern sofa was designed to add the essence of nature into the interior spac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Modern Grass Armchair, Pink Nubuck Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Grass Armchair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Grass armchair takes its shape from nature’s own dewdrop on grass, promising a comfortab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Cédric Ragot for Roche Bobois Brown Nautil 3 Seat Sofa
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by Cédric Ragot for Roche Bobois in 2013, the Nautil sofa gives a contemporary update to the iconic styles of the 1970s. Constructed from a solid wood frame, t...
Category

2010s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Modern Conchula Day Bed, Beige Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Conchula Day Bed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Conchula day bed is a room-d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Bouclé, Cotton, Velvet, Wood, Wool, Oak

Modern Twins Day Bed, Beige Cotton Linen, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Day Bed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Twins day bed and curved sofa s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Velvet, Bouclé, Leather, Cotton

Modern Twins Outdoors Sofa, Beige Woven, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Sofa Outdoors, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Bouclé, Leather, Fabric

Modern Minho Day Bed, DEDAR Bouclé, Oak, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Minho Day Bed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Minho day bed with a wooden sid...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Modern Barao Lounge Chair, Caramel Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Barão Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Barão leather lounge chair draws inspiration from the meticulous craftsmanship of sh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Modern Caju Lounge Chair, Swivel, Bouclé Faux Fur, Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Caju lounge chair stands as a trendy furniture piece that personifies the orga...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Suelo Modern Wood Sofa
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Suelo modern wood sofa is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The sofa's silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with com...
Category

2010s North American Modern Sofas

Materials

Hardwood

Modern Twins Curved Couch, Mint Green Velvet, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Twins curved couch and day bed sha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Oak

Modern Caju Lounge Chair, Swivel, White Faux Fur, Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Caju lounge chair stands as a trendy furniture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Organic Modern Twins Curved Sofa, White Bouclé, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Twins cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Wood

Modern Twins Curved Sofa, Beige Wool Linen, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins sofa, contemporary collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the contemporary collection, the Twins curved sofa and day bed shar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood, Bouclé, Fabric

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

Modern Twins Chaise Lounge, Grey Linen, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Chaise Lounge, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood, Velvet, Cotton, Bouclé

Modern Minho Chaise Lounge, DEDAR Velvet, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Minho Chaise Longue, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Modern Capelinhos Lounge Chair, Swivel, Leather, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Capelinhos Swivel Lounge Chair with foot rest, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Capelinhos lea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Modern Twins Day Bed, White Woven Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Day Bed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Twins day bed and curved sofa s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Bouclé, Cotton, Velvet, Wood

Modern Caju Lounge Chair, Swivel, DEDAR Velvet, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Caju lounge chair stands as a trendy furniture piece that personifies the organic shape of a cashew. Upholstered in Dedar white velvet, the design of the lounge chair ensures unparalleled comfort and a modern touch in the living space. Caju combines fine craftsmanship and timeless design, becoming a Greenapple’s best-seller and a favorite piece among designers. Caju armchair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Modern Minho Day Bed. DEDAR Dark Blue Velvet, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Minho Day Bed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Minho day bed with a wooden sid...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Contemporary Three-Seater Sofa by Hessentia Upholstered in Grey Bouclé Fabric
Located in Carate, Brianza (MB)
Gio sofa is the result of a long design process and a synergistic collaboration between the architect Luca Erba and company Cornelio Cappellini. This sofa amazes for its soft and def...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé

Moder Grass Armchair, Light Orange Faux Fur, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Grass Armchair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Grass armchair takes its shape from nature’s own dewdrop on grass, promising a comfortab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Modern Almourol Sofa, Olive Green Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Almourol Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Almourol leather sofa draws inspiration from the distinctive...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Cassina by Jaime Hayon Vico Purple Two Seater Sofa
Located in London, GB
First presented at the Salone del Mobile in 2014, the Vico seating collection was designed by Jaime Hayon for Cassina and named after his son. Inspired by the Cassina archives, Ha...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum

Modern Twins Outdoors Sofa, DEDAR Libertino Velvet, Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Sofa Outdoors, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Leather, Wood, Fabric

Art Deco Aurora Sofa White Woven Bouclé Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Aurora Sofa, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Europe. An Italian furniture piece and a limited edition of only one unit, this 2-seat sofa comes from Asian craftsmanship wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Leather, Fabric, Velvet

Organic Modern Twins Curved Sofa, White Bouclé, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Twins cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood, Bouclé, Fabric

Modern Capelinhos Lounge Chair, Swivel, Leather, Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Capelinhos Swivel Lounge Chair with foot rest, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Capelinhos lea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Modern Twins Outdoors Sofa, Sunbrella Fabric, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Sofa Outdoors, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Twins outdoors sofa and day bed share the same genes, ye...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Modern Almourol Sofa, Light Blue Leather, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Almourol Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Almourol leather sofa draws inspiration from the distinctive...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Modern Barao Lounge Chair, Light Grey Leather, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Barão Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Barão leather lounge chair draws inspiration from the meticulous craftsmanship of sh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Modern Capelinhos Lounge Chair, Swivel, Leather, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Capelinhos Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Capelinhos leather lounge chair stands as a testament to timeless comfor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood, Oak

De Sede DS-600 “Non-stop” Modular Sofa in Blue with Adjustable Elements
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Launched in 1972, DS-600 is an indestructible, variable modular system of upholstered furniture consisting of individual, addable armchair elements. These consist of an L-shaped hard...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

De Sede DS-450/02 Sofa in Petrol Upholstery by Thomas Althaus
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A miracle of brilliant technical inspiration Designer Thomas Althaus updated the original developed by Reto Frigg in 1985, lovingly perfecting it with sophisticated technology, down ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

20th Century English Moss Green Velvet Upholstered 3-Seat Saddle Arm Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
20th century English custom-made 3-seat saddle arm sofa in dark moss green velvet. Wood legs, condition as shown.
Category

20th Century English Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet

Sunz Ultra Modern Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
Geometry intersects with organic artistry for a look that is simultaneously timeless and modern. Clean lines and a linear form are softened by a luxurious boucle fabric, making the s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé

Pumpkin 3-seater sofa by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset 2010
Located in Stavenisse, NL
Modernist design by Pierre Paulin, the Pumpkin was designed by Paulin in the 70s to represent an organic interpretation to furniture. In line with many other Paulin designs, its insp...
Category

2010s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Plastic, Foam

Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia Maxalto Grey Velvet Two Seat Sofa, 2013
Located in London, GB
Designed by Antionio Citterio for Maxalto B&B Italia, this two seater sofa seamlessly combines modern and traditional design. Featuring a square frame sitting on a brushed black oak...
Category

2010s European Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Giovannetti, 1970s Anfibio Foldable Sofa Blue Colored Fabric Project, Becchi
Located in Casalguidi, IT
From an idea of Cav. Giovannetti Benito was born the project Anfibio. Production year 1970. Its history is full of important events and participations. A piece considered a “Classic”...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Fabric

Henredon Ralph Lauren Saddle Leather Sofa
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning Ralph Lauren sofa in thick, buttery, luxurious saddle leather. Lovely light patina. Sink in comfort with the softest down filled cushions. L...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Arflex Marenco Sofa in Fabric Heidi and Candy by Mario Marenco
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Marenco Sofa is designed by Mario Marenco for Arflex. This sofa features the system with making the armrest and seat as the base portion. There is a metal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Modern Caju Lounge Chair, Swivel, Jacquard Velvet, Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Caju lounge chair stands as a trendy furniture piece that personifies the orga...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

GAN Grapy Soft Lounge Chair by Kensaku Oshiro
Located in New York, NY
This innovative easy chair is available in two different cotton fabrics, canvas and velvet, in five color choices with reinforced seams with contrasting colors and a filling of polys...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

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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