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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Pristine Florence Knoll Sofa for Knoll International
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pristine Florence Knoll Sofa for Knoll International. Upholstered in gorgeous Sina Pearson fabric. Florence Knoll was a pioneering designer and entrepreneur who created the modern look and feel of America’s postwar corporate office with sleek furniture, artistic textiles and an uncluttered, free-flowing workplace environment. To connoisseurs of Modernism, the mid-20th-century designs of Florence Knoll, were — and still are — the essence of the genre’s clean, functional forms. Transcending design fads, they are still influential, still contemporary, still common in offices, homes and public spaces, still found in dealers’ showrooms and represented in museum collections. Ms. Knoll learned her art at the side of Modernist masters. She was a protégé of the German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Eliel Saarinen, the Finnish architect and teacher and the father of the architect Eero Saarinen. And she worked with the renowned Bauhaus architects Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer. Throughout her career, influenced by the German Bauhaus school of design, she promoted the Modernist merger of architecture, art and utility in her furnishings and interiors, especially — although not exclusively — for offices. In the 1940s, she married and became a business partner of the German-born furniture maker Hans Knoll, and over 20 years she was instrumental in building Knoll Associates into the largest and most prestigious high-end design firm of its kind, with 35 showrooms in the United States and around the world. While her husband handled business affairs, Ms. Knoll was the design force of Knoll Associates. It grew to become the leading innovator of modern interiors and furnishings in the 1950s and ’60s, transforming the CBS, Seagram and Look magazine headquarters in Manhattan, the H. J. Heinz headquarters in Pittsburgh and properties across the United States, Europe, Asia and South America, including American embassies. Her “total design” favored open work spaces over private offices, and furniture grouped for informal discussions. It integrated lighting, vibrant colors, acoustical fabrics, chairs molded like tulip petals, sofas and desks with chrome legs...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

Set of DS-142 Multifunctional Lounge Chair with Cushions by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of DS-142 multifunctional lounge chair with 2 cushions by De Sede Designer: Winfried Totzek Dimensions: D 82-98 x W 160-198 x H 56-97 cm Cushion: W20 x H 10 cm Materials: Bla...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Wittmann Merwyn Sofa Bench by Sebastian Herkner in STOCK
Located in New York, NY
Merwyn dining sofa 135cm (53.1") with armrests Inside: (cat J) Eclipse day/Shell: Nappa Flint pipping: Nappa Fllint Brass Satin matte
Category

2010s Austrian Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

De Sede DS-87 Two-Seat Sofa in Hazel Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A floating island of tranquility with its slender form, the elegant DS-87 sofa model seems to float in the room, where it seamlessly fits into any modern environment, a piece of upho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-87 Three-Seat Sofa in Hazel Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A floating island of tranquility with its slender form, the elegant DS-87 sofa model seems to float in the room, where it seamlessly fits into any modern environment – a piece of uph...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-5 Sofa in Snow Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Life becomes a lot easier when you take a deep breath and decelerate your everyday life. Who better to translate this into a formal language than a master of her trade? Antonella Sca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Todd Hase Designed Chloe Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Modern details with fabulous curved shapes designed by Todd Hase. Add some modern elements to your living space. This classic sofa will work well wit...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile

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

Chester 2 Seater Sofa, Red Wine Velvet New
Located in Madrid, ES
Chester 2 seater sofa, red wine velvet new Data sheet: -Design sofa with 2 seats. -Made with solid wooden structure. -High-density polyurethane foam. -Upholstered in g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

French Togo Shanghai Sofa by Michel Ducaroy & Cristian Zuzunga for Ligne Roset.
Located in Eindhoven, Noord Brabant
The Shanghai Sofa is a rare, Limited Edition sofa. The cover is made by the Artist Cristian Zuzunga. He collaborated in 2008 with Ligne Roset Ligne Roset ...
Category

2010s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Foam

New Chester Premium 2 Seater Sofa Vintage Faux Leather
Located in Madrid, ES
Chester Premium 2 seater sofa, vintage faux leather -Design sofa, 2 seats. -Made with a solid wooden structure. -High density polyurethane foam. -vintage faux leather ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Sofas

Materials

Faux Leather

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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood, Bouclé, Fabric

Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
Located in San Francisco, CA
An iron-framed gondola sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Fully restored. The frame is newly powder coated in black. ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Iron

21st Century Home Collection Taupe Velvet Sofa by Patrizia Garganti
Located in Sesto Fiorentino, IT
An incomparable artisan mastery typical of our land is the distinguishing feature of this collection. The Home collection by Patrizia Garganti inclu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

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

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

DS-80 Daybed by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-80 daybed by De Sede Dimensions: D 69 x W 202 x H 58 cm Materials: Frame made of solid wood, lacquered in silk matt black. SEDEX upholstery with SEDE-Lu...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Niemeyer II Round Sofa, Dark Oak & COM, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
The Niemeyer II round sofa is named after the Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer whose Architecture was spread like sculptural poetry in the History of humankind. The rounded lines o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

New Chester Premium 2 Seater Sofa, Green Velvet Upholstery
Located in Madrid, ES
Chester Premium 2 seater sofa, green velvet upholstery -Design sofa, 2 seats. -Made with a solid wooden structure. -High density polyurethane foam. -Upholstered in navy b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Sofa by Ludvig Pontoppidan
Located in San Francisco, CA
An elegant two seat sofa by Danish cabinetmaker Ludvig Pontoppidan. The sofa features curved edges and sloped arms, mahogany legs and upholstered seat, back and sides.
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Glove Couch by John Vieweg
Located in Geneve, CH
Glove couch by John Vieweg Dimensions: D 107 x W 183 x H 102 cm. Materials: wood frame, foam, boucle fabric. RELIEF refers to both a formal and psy...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Foam, Wood

Modern Sectional, Cloud Modern Sectional, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Modern Sectional, Cloud modern sectional, craft associates. This modern cloud sectional sofa is expertly crafted and upholstered. The sofa boasts hand cut high-density foam and co...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Mohair, Hardwood, Walnut

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

21st Century Home collection White Braided Leather Sofa by Patrizia Garganti
Located in Sesto Fiorentino, IT
An incomparable artisan mastery typical of our land is the distinguishing feature of this collection. The Home collection by Patrizia Garganti inclu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Linen

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

Sculptural Kissing Sofa by Lara Bohinc in Bronze Metal and Grey Bouclé
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
Kissing sofa and Kissing armchair feature two semi-circle layers; one bearing the cupped seat and a second forming the back-rest. All the lines are covered w...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Bronze

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

New Chester Premium 2 Seater Sofa, Navy Blue Velvet Upholstery
Located in Madrid, ES
CHESTER PREMIUM 2 seater sofa, navy blue velvet upholstery -Design sofa, 2 seats. -Made with a solid wooden structure. -High density polyurethane foam. -Upholstered in na...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Sosa Two Seater Sofa by Lagu
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
With its monolithic structure and its perfect integration with the floor it is on, the Sosa sofa offers an image that is different from the usual form and appearance that includes your sitting and waiting areas. It can easily adapt to your living spaces with its customizable fabric and material options. -32 DNS HR Foam -1st grade Alder frame Upholstered product use and care Dry clean your product and refer to the sales form for special care instructions. When choosing your fabric, submit your flammability certificate request. Avoid using upholstery...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Hardwood, Foam, Upholstery

DS-450 Sofa by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-450 sofa by De Sede Design: Thomas Althaus Dimensions: D 54 x W 233 x H 97 cm Materials: steel, leather Prices may change according to the chosen materials and size. A m...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

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

Philippe Starck, Two-Seater Sofa Designed for the Restaurant “Kong” Paris
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Philippe Starck, two-seater sofa in leather, designed for the restaurant “Kong” Paris. The offered sofa was produced only six times in this color.
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Modern sofa, Matador Modern Sofa, Lawrence Peabody, Walnut
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Modern sofa, Matador modern sofa, lawrence peabody, walnut This Lawrence Peabody modern sofa for Craft Associates Furniture is expertly handcrafted a...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Altay Sofa by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Geneve, CH
Altay sofa by Patricia Urquiola Materials: Structure in solid natural beech or black lacquered, Cushions and seat in Lama fabric by Mario Sirtori or Gabriel fabric. Technique: Lacq...
Category

2010s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Beech

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

Ekornes Stressless Reclining Leather Sofa High-Back
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Norwegian Tan Leather Stressless Reclining Sofa Superior comfort Teak Colored Wood Frame not teak wood Model Windsor High Back-Seater....
Category

Early 2000s Norwegian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Sofa and Armchairs Set in the Style of Adriano Piazzesi, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Sofa and armchairs set, designed and realized in the 1970s, in the style of Adriano Piazzesi. It is made in metal and fabric. Very good condition. Armchair, height 90 cm, leng...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Chester 3 Seater Sofa, Red Wine Velvet New
Located in Madrid, ES
Chester 3 seater sofa, Red Wine velvet new. DATA SHEET: -Design sofa, 3 seats. -Made with solid wooden structure. -High-density polyurethane foam. -Upholstered in gree...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

DS-2011 Sofa by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-2011/02 sofa by De Sede Dimensions: D 59 x W 163 x H 84 cm Materials: beechwood, leather Prices may change according to the chosen materials and size. Aesthetics and func...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Beech

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

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

New 2 Seater Spanish Sofa Model Vintage
Located in Madrid, ES
Data Sheet: -Design sofa, 2 seats. -Made with solid wooden structure. -High-density polyurethane foam. -Upholstered in vintage imitation leather -Armchair and matching...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Sofas

Materials

Faux Leather

Demille Sofa by Laun
Located in Geneve, CH
Demille sofa chair by Laun Hollywood Collection Dimensions: H.79 D.56 W.152 cm Materials: Powdercoated Or Plated Steel Brushed Stainless Indoor/Outdoor Fabric Also Available: D...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

DS-60 Sofa by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-60 sofa by De Sede. Designer: Gordon Guillaumier. Dimensions: D 54 x W 204 x H 76 cm Materials: Metal frame. Seat with belted suspension Fixed upholster...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

DS-490 Sofa by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-490 sofa by De Sede Design: Thomas Althaus Dimensions: D 72 x W 240 x H 104 cm Materials: metal, birch plywood, leather Prices may change according to the chosen materials a...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

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

Outdoor Swing Sofa with Rope Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This swing sofa make a wonderful addition to the patio, deck, garden, yard, backyard, porch, bedroom, living room, and other places around your home. Thanks to its stylish design and comfortable and washable seat cushions, this swing sofa provides maximum seating comfort. The outdoor swing sofa...
Category

2010s Asian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Rope

Set of 3 Pierre Modules by Plumbum
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 pierre modules by Plumbum Dimensions: 181" x 16.43" x H 31.50" Materials: Upholstered with Holland and Sherry wool. Also available without fabric, in different sizes, ...
Category

2010s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Foam, Wood

Chauffeuses Armchair by Plumbum
Located in Geneve, CH
Chauffeuses armchair 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

Outdoor Sunbrella Sage & Black Powdercoat Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Outdoor Collection sofa was designed to be as comfortable as it is modern and durable. It can be used on its own or paired with other elements of the Outdoor Collection to create a larger sectional. The stretch webbing base creates a soft lounging...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Set of 4 Pierre Modules by Plumbum
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 pierre modules by Plumbum Dimensions: 181" x 16.43" x H 31.50" Materials: Upholstered with Holland and Sherry wool. Wood, foam. Also available without fabric, in diffe...
Category

2010s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Foam, Wood

DS-17 Sofa by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-17 sofa by De Sede The cushions are optional, please contact us Dimensions: D 87 x W 174 x H 78 cm Materials: frame of solid beech, belted suspension; seat and back cushions:...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech, Leather

DS-531 Sofa by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-531 sofa by De Sede Dimensions: D 55 x W 234 x H 80 cm Materials: oak, leather Prices may change according to the chosen materials and size. Simply beautiful. Or beautifu...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

1970s Anfibio Foldable Sofa Bed Relax Atollo Blu Jeans Becchi Giovannetti
Located in Casalguidi, IT
The bed-sofa, designed by Alessandro Becchi together with the Giovannetti staff has recently celebrated its 50 years. Its history is full of important events and participations. A p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Cappellini Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec "Glide Sofa"
Located in Perpignan, FR
Very rare sofa designed by the famous French designer Bourroullec. Fabrication was made by Cappellini . It is in very good conditions . Only 2 small tears ( 2 cm) Good and rare ...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile

Set of DS-276 Sofa and Cushions by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of DS-276 Sofa and Cushions by De Sede Design: Christian Werner Dimensions: Sofa: D 63 x W 190 x H 72 cm Cushions: D 12 x W 45 x 45 cm Materials: aluminium, leather Pric...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum

DS-175 Sofa by De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-175 sofa by De Sede Designer: Patrick Norguet Dimensions: D 56 x W 180 x H 74 Materials: steel with matt coating (leather, fabric). Prices may change according to the chosen m...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

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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