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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Returnable Items Only
Conversation Sofa Offered in Velvet & Lacquer
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the grandiose style of Louis XV and XVI, this conversation sofa is faithful to the original Tête-à-Tête silhouette. The turned wood dowe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

White Curvy Upholstered Sofa Inspired By Egypt's Nubian Architecture
Located in Cairo, EG
White curvy upholstered sofa inspired by Egypt's Nubian Architecture The Nubia set is the heart of this Nubian collection. Nubian houses are typically built for entire families an...
Category

2010s Egyptian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Great Modern Sofa in Burnt Orange Velvet by Steelcase
Located in Miami, FL
Great modern sofa in burnt orange velvet made by Steelcase. In direct sunlight the orange color looks brighter.
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Chester 2 Seater Sofa, Green Velvet New
Located in Madrid, ES
CHESTER 2 seater sofa, green velvet new. DATA SHEET: -Design sofa with 2 seats. -Made with solid wooden structure. -High-density polyurethane foam. -Upholstered in gre...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Reveur I Anthracite Seating by Altin
Located in Geneve, CH
Reveur I Anthracite Seating by Altin Designed and developed by Yasmine Sfar and Mehdi Kebaier. Dimensions: D 190 x W 95 x H 78 cm Materials: Metal, fabric. Meridian in metal structu...
Category

2010s Tunisian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Set of 2 Chauffeuses Armchairs by Plumbum
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Chauffeuses armchairs by Plumbum Collection by Vincent Le Bourdon. Dimensions: 31.5" x 102.36" x H 29.52" Materials: Leather, wool and fabric. Also available in a set of 2. This furniture, composed of two armchairs (here proposed) and a sofa, was designed by Vincent Lebourdon for a Parisian living room...
Category

2010s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wool

English Modern Rover Sofa, Ron Arad for One off Ltd 1981, Inspired by Rover 2000
Located in MIlano, IT
English modern black leather and metal Rover sofa by Ron Arad for One Off Ltd, 1981, inspired by Rover 2000 car. Rover model sofa, with tubular metal structur...
Category

1980s English Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Reveur I Bronze Seating by Altin
Located in Geneve, CH
Reveur I Bronze Seating by Altin Designed and developed by Yasmine Sfar and Mehdi Kebaier. Dimensions: D 190 x W 95 x H 78 cm Materials: Metal, fabric. Meridian in metal structure a...
Category

2010s Tunisian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Two Seats "Continuous Sofa" by Faudet-Harrison
Located in Geneve, CH
Two seats "Continuous Sofa" by Faudet-Harrison Dimensions: 166 x 89 x 75cm Materials: European hardwood frame, zig-zag springs, jute webbing, hessian straps. Natural fiber, animal ...
Category

2010s British Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Valentino Bench by Pepe Albargues
Located in Geneve, CH
Valentino bench by Pepe Albargues Dimensions: 45 x 150 x 45 cm Materials: Beechwood structure. Seat stuffed with polyurethane 3542. The Valentino bench is an extremely versatil...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood

HICKORY WHITE Transitional Leopard Print Sofa with Nailhead Trim
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Transitional style sofa by Hickory White Furniture. Hardwood frame construction; upholstered in a soft velvety beige color textured leopard print fabric, Knole style arms & back, b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American 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

Calligraphy L Shaper Sofa Andre Fu Living
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Description: inspired to capture the expressive spirit of personal calligraphy writing. the meandering curve profiles evokes a swirling poetic brush stroke. Color: dusty grey Size:...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Pine

Contour Armchair Andre Fu Living
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Description : the softer contour armchair suggests the curving lines of rice paddy fields, combining masculinity in its overall form with a hint of sensuali...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Pine

Italian Modern Caramel Leather Piumino Sofa by De Pas, D'urbino & Lomazzi, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern caramel leather three seating Piumino sofa by De Pas, D'Urbino and Lomazzi, 1970s. Piumino model sofa with internal structure in foamed fo...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

L.A. Studio Curved Yellow Sofa of Six-Seat Manufactured in Italy
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Curved sofa upholstered in yellow cotton velvet and legs made of brass, Italy.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Cube 3 Seater Sofa Andre Fu Living
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Description: a cubist hand-made sofa that exudes a sense of relaxed luxury. upholstered in a selection of soft boucle fabrics, it is designed as an essential piece to enlighten all l...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Pine

Alastair Sofa by Marta Sala Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Alastair sofa by Marta Sala Editions Dimensions: W 230 x D 96 x H 78 cm Materials: Mohair velvet, polyurethane foam Variations of Material and Dimension are available. Collect...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Foam

Curt Single Module – Fabric Jet '6098 Dark Blue' – Curt Modular Sofa System
Located in Berlin, BE
Pouf, Stool, Ottoman - Or Simply the Basic Component for Probably the Most Flexible Sofa System in the World? The Curt single module is of course also a wonderful pouf. Or a useful ...
Category

2010s German Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum, Stainless Steel

Montage Armchair Andre Fu Living
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Colour: Mineral Sage Size: 67L x 80D x 74H cm Material: solid timber, genuine leather, linen.
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Pine

Baba Sofa, Iskos Berlin
Located in Geneve, CH
Baba is an organic soft-formed “furniture pet” that invites you to cuddle up to it, sit on it or sink into its warm embrace. Dimensions: BaBaBa sofa/ one seat: 67 x 60 x 90 cm (als...
Category

2010s German Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

DeSede DS 76 Vintage Leather Sofa
Located in Austin, TX
DeSede leather sofa, circa 1970, of thick leather brown hide. The iconic leather sofa is comfortable and versatile, all zippers are in great condit...
Category

1970s Swiss 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

Moroso “Hyde Park” Sofa & 2 Armchair Suite, in Red “Pelle” Leather
Located in Barrowford, GB
On offer on this occasion is an ultra-rare, pristine suite of “Hyde Park” furniture, consisting of a huge 3-Seat Sofa and 2 identical complimenting Armchairs, all dressed in a high-g...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Contemporary Channel-Tufted Sofa Offered in Velvet
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
Designed with a thorough but playful attention to geometry and form, this sofa has a glamorous 60’s & 70’s sci-fi retro look. Its quilted upholstery...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Rare English Sofa with Telephone Holder, 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare English sofa with telephone holder 20th century. Beginning 20th century In brown wood, seat and back upholstered in leather. With one drawer, iron fittings. Signs of use. ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Long Modern Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This oversized contemporary modern sofa features Mid-Century style design with unique cutaway back and spacious upholstered seating area. Wonderfully comf...
Category

20th Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum

Handcrafted Sofa with Architectural Silhouette and High Resistance Velvet
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This sofa is a time capsule of style. Taking cues from the most fashionable scarves in history, it’s subtle and layered composition create a dynamic and effortlessly stylish presence...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Giulio Corner Black Leather Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Meritalia, Italy 80s
Located in Zagreb, HR
Giulio sofa was designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Meritalia in 1987. This corner shaped sofa version of the model Giulio is ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Val Sofa by Luca Nichetto
Located in Geneve, CH
Val sofa by Luca Nichetto Dimensions: W100 x D80 x H61 Materials: Rotomolded polyethylene glossy painted light blue and Marsala Like mushrooms popping up after the rain, Val is...
Category

2010s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Forma Loveseat Indoor by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Forma loveseat indoor by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: rattan. Dimensions: 66 cm x 84 cm x H 82 cm. A contemporary collection perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces, the bala...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Sofas

Materials

Rattan

Val Outdoor Sofa by Luca Nichetto
Located in Geneve, CH
Val outdoor sofa by Luca Nichetto Dimensions: W100 x D80 x H61 Materials: Rotomolded polyethylene dark yellow/dark green/grey Like mushrooms popping up after the rain, Val is d...
Category

2010s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Other

Modern 3 Seats Fortune Sofa Made with Wood and Textile, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
Measure Units 2 Seats - D 100 x W 200 x H 86 3 Seats - D 100 x W 300 x D 100 x H 86 Stool - D 100 x W 100 x H 42 Available in other configurations. The Fortune collection cr...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile, Wood

Modern 2 Seats Fortune Sofa Made with Wood and Textile, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units 2 Seats - W 200 x D 100 x H 86 cm 3 Seats - W 300 x D 100 x H 86 cm Stool - W 100 x D 100 x H 42 cm The Fortune collection creates a disruption of the traditi...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile, Wood

Modern 3 Seats with Chaise Lounge Fortune Sofa Made with Wood and Textile
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units 2 Seats - W 200 x D 100 x H 86 cm 3 Seats - W 300 x D 100 x H 86 cm Stool - W 100 x D 100 x H 42 cm The Fortune collection creates a disruption of the traditi...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile, Wood

Modern Hilary Sofa Made with Wood and Textile, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
The Hilary collection embraces charming curves, natural touches, and a minimalist visual to create furniture that snuggles and hugs you, making your home a cosy sanctuary. With clean...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile, Wood

Petal 3 Seater Sofa Andre Fu Living
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Color: Rocky White Size: 220L x 94.5D x 90H cm Material: solid timber, linen.
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Pine

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

Pair of John Mascheroni Curved Sofas
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of John Mascheroni curved sofas, an elegant duo of modern furniture that adds a touch of sophistication to any living space. These beautifully crafted sofas feature strikin...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé

Sculptural Vintage Cloud Sofa
Located in Denton, TX
Cloud freeform sofa in black microfiber fabric.
Category

20th Century North American Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Baba Sofa, Iskos Berlin
Located in Geneve, CH
Baba is an organic soft-formed “furniture pet” that invites you to cuddle up to it, sit on it or sink into its warm embrace. Dimensions: BaBaBa sofa/ two-seat: 74 x 138 x 100 cm (A...
Category

2010s German Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Contemporary Handmade Curved Sofa Upholstered in White Bouclé
Located in London, GB
The 'Cloud' sofa is handmade in the UK with a dowelled ply frame. This makes it highly customisable, both in size and fabric. any length is possible and we have a range of fabrics to...
Category

2010s English Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Valentino Bench by Pepe Albargues
Located in Geneve, CH
Valentino bench by Pepe Albargues Dimensions: 45 x 150 x 45 cm Materials: Beechwood structure. Seat stuffed with polyurethane 3542. The Valentino bench is an extremely versatil...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood

Italian Design Two Seater Sofa Blue Velour Italy Midcentury Free Standing Legs
Located in Berlin, BE
Beautiful Italian free-standing two seater sofa newly upholstered with blue velour. Patinated metal legs, brass feet. Made 1950–1960s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

DS-2878 Punch Bag by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-2878 Punch Bag by De Sede Dimensions: D 35 x H 135 cm Materials: leather Prices may change according to the chosen materials and size. Matching t...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Modern Pink Velvet Sofa Cactus Shape with Gold Swivel Base Polished Brass
Located in Porto, PT
Modern pink velvet sofa cactus shape with gold swivel base polished brass Ajui Sofa Pink is a contemporary design sofa that features an artsy inte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Hand-Woven Rope Outdoor Sofa in Solid Teak
Located in New York, NY
The Material: Our products use taut, clean, and highly tenacious rope made of 100% polyester. What makes this material special is because the characteristic of polyester that is extr...
Category

2010s Asian Modern Sofas

Materials

Rope, Teak, Fabric, Rattan

Pair of Long Lite Blue Down Filled Sofas by Steve Chase
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s glamorous pair of long lite blue down filled sofas by Steve Chase. This came out of a Steven Chase design estate in Indian Wells CA. and wer...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Down

Contemporary Sculptural Sofa with Discreet Seaming
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This sofa makes a bold statement with its clean and captivating design, delivering an effortlessly cool finish. The poised back enhances its built-in seat cushion, complemented by d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

DS-1025 Set of 2 Sofas by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-1025 set of 2 sofas by De Sede Design: Ubald Klug Dimensions: Left: D 91 x W 156 x H 70 cm, right D 91 x W 156 x H 38 cm Materials: SEDEX upholstery with wadding cushion. Stabl...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Beech

DS-1088 Sofa by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-1088 sofa by De Sede Price per module Dimensions: D 92 x W 92 x H 39 cm Materials: SEDEX upholstery covered with wadding. Compact frame made of panel materials and strapped t...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Canapé Sofa by Luca Nichetto
Located in Geneve, CH
Canapé sofa by Luca Nichetto Dimensions: W 175 x D 106 x H 77 Materials: fabric Also available in leather. Cushions are not included. Liaison is the story of a daring shell, forme...
Category

2010s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Other

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

Toadstool Collection Ensemble Sofa, Table and Puffs by Pepe Albargues
Located in Geneve, CH
Toadstool Collection Ensemble sofa, table and puffs by Pepe Albargues Dimensions and materials: Sofa: Dimensions: 88 x 160 x 75 cm Materials: Beech, pine and particles board ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Foz 3 Seat Sofa, Bouclé & Brass, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Foz is a grand sofa that gathers surprising details of a beach located in Porto, in the north of Portugal. Designed in layers, the contour of the sofa is an ode to the sea waves t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Bababa Sofa, Iskos Berlin
Located in Geneve, CH
BABA is an organic soft-formed “furniture pet” that invites you to cuddle up to it, sit on it or sink into its warm embrace. Dimensions: BaBaBa sofa/ 3 seater: 74 x 196 x 100 cm (...
Category

2010s German Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Modern Sofa 'Palmo' by Amura Lab, Leather Old Velvet, 2064
Located in Paris, FR
Sectional sofa Palmo by Amura Lab Designer: Emanuel Gargano Model shown: Textile - Leather Old Velvet 2064 Inspired by the natural gesture o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Valentino Bench by Pepe Albargues
Located in Geneve, CH
Valentino bench by Pepe Albargues Dimensions: 45 x 150 x 45 cm Materials: Beechwood structure. Seat stuffed with polyurethane 3542. The Valentino bench is an extremely versatil...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Sofas

Materials

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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