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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
2022 Jasper Morrison for Cappellini Orla Two-Seater Small Sofa in Sahco Green
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an Orla Small Sofa made with a metal frame and green woven fabric. The sofa was designed by Jasper Morrison and produced by Cappellini in Italy. It dates to circa...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Naked Curved Sectional Sofa, 4 Piece with Natural Oak and Paris Lavanda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Naked Sectional sofa is a modular sofa with inviting curves and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base. The Naked Sectional Sofa is available in a number of diffe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

De Sede DS-3 Two-Seat Sofa in Beige Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The DS-3 consciously emphasizes the importance of comfortable and relaxing sitting. Last but not least, with the DS-3, our Signora has succeeded in creating a new interpretation of t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Amazing Liberti Sofa 3-Seat Frame Solid Wood Armrest Covered Leather
Located in London, GB
About Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’. The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality. A c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

Natural Nubuck Leather and Antique Nickel Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, and ...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

SCP Baude Lilac Three Seater Sofa Matthew Hilton
Located in Basildon, London
The SCP Baude Lilac Three-Seater Sofa by Matthew Hilton is a refined piece that seamlessly blends comfort with contemporary style. Upholstered in a soft lilac fabric, this sofa offer...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool

Loveseat, Settee or Bench by Jordan Mozer, Unique, One of a Kind Prototype
Located in Kansas City, MO
This small sofa / love seat / bench is a one of a kind prototype designed by Jordan Mozer, Chicago. This was never put into production due to high manufacturing costs. A rare opportu...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum

Ananta Class 23 Large Sofa in Lusso Upholstery and Black Nickel by Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ananta Class is an informal and versatile modular range that allows endless combinations of the independent backrests and bases available in 80, 120, 160, 200 and 240 cm lengths. The...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

DS101 3 Seater Sofa, De Sede, 1970s
Located in Budapest, HU
This three-seater sofa offers a high level of comfort and features extendable individual seats that allow for a relaxed lounge sitting experience. The craftsmanship is evident in the...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Hand-Dyed Indigo Canvas and Antique Nickel Two-Seat Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Two Seat Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholst...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Gervasoni Nuvola 12 Sofa in E - 3D Gray Upholstery by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A family of sofas with soft and attractive shapes, Nuvola’s aesthetic invites you to dive into it: the high armrests welcome a seat as deep as a hug, creating a real cocoon effect. Available with two or three seats, they are padded with multi-density polyurethane foam covered with quilt padded with goose down and polyester fibre staple. The cover is removable with visible seams that draw the profile of the product, and can be made with all the covers available in the catalogue in the name of maximum versatility. Sofa, upholstered with polyurethane foam covered by a goose down and polyester fibre quilting, removable cover Additional Information: Material: Polyurethane foam, upholstery Upholstery: E - 3D gray...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Modern Twins Outdoors Sofa, Italian Fabric, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Chaise Longue Outdoors, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Col...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

Gervasoni Ghost 112 Sofa in White Linen Upholstery by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gervasoni Ghost 112 sofa in white linen upholstery by Paola Navone Sofa upholstered with polyurethane foams, removable covers. Three back cushions in ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Saporiti Italia Padded Leather and Stainless Steel Sofa
Located in Miami, FL
Saporiti Italia padded leather and stainless steel sofa Offered for sale is an elegant Saporiti Italian two-seater stainless steel and padded ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless 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

Pedro Big "Cuccione" Outdoor
Located in Ponsacco, IT
An outdoor "cuccione" with a polished mahogany structure and fabric upholstery would be a luxurious and functional piece of furniture. The frame is crafted from high-quality mahogany...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Lotus 3 Seat Sofa - Modern Handcrafted Black Leather Sofa with Steel Legs
Located in London, GB
The Lotus collection was created as a reference of elegance and etiquette, imbuing its design of a magnetic personality with its geometrical beauty. Its structure is shaped from curv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

1970's Design Anfibio Foldable Sofa 240 cm Copper Fabric 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 pi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Audo Copenhagen Menu Offset Three Seater Sofa by Norm Architects
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Audo Copenhagen Menu Offset Sofa, a stunning addition to any modern living space. Crafted with the highest quality materials, this sofa boasts a sleek and contemporar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

De Sede DS-747/03 Multifunctional Sofa in Black Leather Seat and Back Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Once upon a time, there was a master saddler with his mind set on taking bulky, thick leather and using his perfect craftsmanship to make it comfortable and cozy. For genera-tions, t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Lambert, fully lined sofa in velvet, Dainelli Studio for Somaschini, Italy
Located in Cabiate, IT
A simple, unbroken, curving line draws the shapes of soft, conciliatory seating. Lambert succeeds in matching a synthetic, minimalist approach with an idea of all-round comfort. The ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Ash

‘Fantasy Island’ 2-seater sofa by Kurt Bayer, 1980's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
A magnificent "Fantasy Island" 2-seat sofa by Kurt Bayer, Germany 1980's. This sculptural sofa is made of wood, steel and leather, a beautiful combination. ...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Ron Arad MT2 Sofa in Polyethylene for Driade
Located in Milan, IT
Innovation, experimentation of the materials and forms. This sofa is an iconic sculptural polyethylene monobloc sofa, designed by Ron Arad and manufactured by Driade, sand white colo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Plastic

SINATRA Chaise-Longue Sofa
Located in Frazão, Porto
The SINATRA modular seating system is the result of a search for elegance, comfort and versatility combined with each other. The contemporary style design of the Sinatra sofa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass, Iron

Velas Adjustable Flat Modular Leather Sofa by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Velas sofa by De Sede. Deep-down comfort. The Velas concept is unique. The flat sofa that can change its shape really offers you all the options for sit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

US Mailbag & Antique Nickel Two Seat Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Two Seat Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholst...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Giovannetti, Mid-Century Modern R.Semprini Round Island Sofa Burgundy, O Vulcano
Located in Casalguidi, IT
The central sofa "O Vulcano" with its sweet profile invites us to choose the right posture, living down like in a chaise-longue or sitting like on a norma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Velvet

Bespoke Handmade Belgian Linen Sofa
Located in Jesteburg, DE
Introducing the home collection.  An iconic, unobtrusive design. A small selection of timeless Flemish designs made by hand for us in a small third generation workshop in Belgium....
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Sofas

Materials

Linen

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

Giorgetti Progetti Sofa by Umberto Asnago, Italy
Located in Kastrup, DK
A 2-seat sofa or 'Divanetto' designed by Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti – part of the Progetti collection. Light and elegant construction with Pau Ferro wood detailing at the top of th...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood

L.A. Studio Curved Yellow Sofa of Six-Seat Manufactured in Italy
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Curved sofa, upholstered in luxurious yellow cotton velvet with brass legs, combines comfort with elegant design. Crafted in Italy, it exemplifies meticulous craftsmanship and contem...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

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

White Canvas and Polished Black Nickel Two-Seat Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Two Seat Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholst...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

RPH sofa by Fabio Novembre for Cappellini, 2006
Located in Antwerp, BE
RPH Sofa; Fabio Novembre; Milano; Italy; Modernism; Futurism; Politecnito di Milano; Cappellini; RPH (Revolutions Per Hour) sofa, a masterpiece designed by the renowned Fabio Nove...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Natural Canvas and Antique Copper Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, and supportive belts. The deep seating area is perfect for a relaxing lounge experience. This sofa comes with removable cushion covers to allow for easy cleaning should the need arise. Every Stephen Kenn piece is made to order through our Los Angeles studio in partnership with a number of small businesses and fabricators in the LA area. With this highly customizable sofa you can select from a wide range of finishes and materials to complement your home and lifestyle  - please message us to see our Customization Guide with all available options. This version of our Inheritance Sofa is upholstered in natural canvas. The foam seat cushions have been wrapped in polyfiber for added softness and comfort. Sitting atop an antique copper...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Elegant Italian Design Sofa Free Standing. Printed velvet Fabric
Located in Kastrup, DK
Italian design sofa, very elegant shape. 2 loose cushions. Newly upholstered in printed velvet from GP & J Baker. Good seating comfort. Incl. in t...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Cestone Sofa by Antonio Citterio for Flexform, Italy, Showroom Sample
Located in Antwerp, BE
Cestone three-seater sofa designed in 2008 by Antonio Citterio for Flexform, an embodiment of authentic Italian craftsmanship. This showroom model, designed to command attention and ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Naked Curved Sofa, Large with Beech Ash-056-1 and Paris Brick
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The naked curved sofa with inviting curves and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base. The Naked Round sofa is available in a number of different materials, finishes ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

"Pyramide" Sofa by Erwan Boulloud
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Unique sofa in cut stainless steel upholstered with a high quality brown velvet by Dédar. Unique and signed piece by Erwan Boulloud for the Galerie Glustin. France, 2017.    
Category

2010s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

Gold and Brown Velvet Sofa
Located in Greenwich, CT
Sleek tight back sofa with sinuous curves. Silky tiger eye velvet covers a solid maple frame with a firm seat made with 8-way hand tied springs. Tapered legs are made in wenge with b...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Maple

De Sede DS-21/123A Two-Seat Modular Sofa in Black Leather by Stephan Hürlemann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opulent elements for modular use. The architectural structure of DS-21 is created by a metal frame that surrounds individual cushion volumes, seemingly carrying them effortlessly. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Brown Bison Leather and Blackened Steel Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Conceived in 2011, this sofa design was the first piece in The Inheritance Collection by Stephen Kenn. Beginning from a place of curiosity about how furniture was constructed, the collection is a result of reimagining typical upholstered seating. This version of our Inheritance Sofa is upholstered in beautifully textured pebbled brown bison leather...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Forest 3-Seat Sofa with Plush Velvet by Marcantonio
Located in Kolkata, IN
Forest 3-seat sofa with plush velvet by Marcantonio, is a comfortable three-seat sofa with an array of cushions in a variety of velvets. The colour and fabric of the upholstery can b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Gufram, Bocca Lip-Shaped Sofa, Classic Red, by Studio 65
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bocca, the original 1970 lips-shaped couch is only Gufram’s. More than any other, this object of design represents the perfect abstraction of feminine beauty. It is no coincidence that it was photographed by important photographers such as David La Chapelle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery

"Elisa" Outdoor Three-Seat Sofa Designed by Enzo Mari for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Elisa" is an outdoor three-seat sofa, designed by Enzo Mari and manufactured by Driade, featuring a structure made of steel with protective cataphoresis treatment, finished in black...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Potomac Tan Leather and Blackened Steel Sofa with Ottoman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Conceived in 2011, the Inheritance Sofa design was the first piece in The Inheritance collection by Stephen Kenn. Beginning from a place of curiosity about how furniture was construc...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Limes New 80 Small Sofa in Beige Upholstery with Roll Armrest by Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Limes New is a sofa that upholds Saba’s philosophical approach to a larger furnishing project: “Everything slides, everything changes” elaborates Parmenide, who ignited the creative ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Zabuton Sofa, Handmade Japanese Futon on Modular Maple Frame, Kvadrat
Located in Oakland, CA
The Zabuton Sofa is available in infinite configurations. It is customizable through modular system of wood partitions, futon, Zabuton, and bolsters. Star...
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Sofas

Materials

Maple

Kartell Bubble Club 2-Seat Sofa in Green 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

Mw05 "Blue" design sofa, handmade in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Beaumont-Louestault, FR
Winner of the DNA Paris Design Awards 2023. No. MW052203 This MW05 "Blue" sofa is a unique piece, signed and handcrafted in France. The glass sides of the sofa are crafted by a Frenc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas

Materials

Other, Stainless Steel

Saba Pan Flute Armchair by Paolo Grasselli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pan Flute bench is molded into a new an armchair form. Rigorous yet extremely comfortable, it gives a new rhythm to spaces. Protagonist without being ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Plywood

Galore 3-Seat Sofa, by Rikke Frost from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
Luxurious 3-seat sofa with an elegant, attractive idiom, created by the talented Danish designer, Rikke Frost. Galore exudes the decadence of yesteryear in a contemporary interpretat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam

Stylish Sofa Frame Made of wood Distressed Paint Feet customizable
Located in London, GB
Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’. The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality. A constant...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Waxed Navy Leather & Marbled Rust Two Seat Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Two Seat Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholst...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Grey Nubuck Leather and Antique Nickel Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, and ...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Restored "Floral Rose" Arm Rattan 3-Strand 3-Seater Sofa with Scoop Base
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage Paul T. Frankl inspired double "Floral Rose" arm, three-seat three-strand sofa with 3 poll rose design along the side of the arm and deep cushion scoop base. Custom cushion...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Rattan

Hand-Dyed Indigo Canvas and Antique Brass Two-Seat Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Two Seat Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholst...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Deep Brown Soft Structure Daybed, Leather Seat & Cushion by Lucas Tyra Morten
Located in Geneve, CH
Brutal Daybed by Lucas Tyra Morten Limited Edition of 12 + 1 AP Signed Dimensions: W180 x D40 H60 cm Material: Hand waxed plywood and leather Objects comes with a "Certificate of Au...
Category

2010s Swedish Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Plywood

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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