Modern Sofas
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
Gervasoni Loll 7 Modular Sofa in Munch Upholstery by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modules of different shapes and particular corner elements of the LOLL sofa family allow you to create ever new configurations. A proposal that tells a s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Large Custom Double Sided Sofa White Bouclé Vintage, Certified
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Exceptional and substantial Vladimir Kagan custom unique double sided sofa. This piece is designed as a multi-directional sofa, allowing access and co...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sofas
Materials
Brass
Naked Curved Sectional Sofa, 3 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
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
Outdoor Lounge Seating for Three with Leather Accents
By Myface
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Céline Three-seat Sofa
The Céline sofa features a minimalist design enriched with subtle details that convey the essence of the brand, making it a versatile piece that integrates p...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Stainless Steel
De Sede DS 76 Two-Seat Sofa Bed in Black Upholstery by De Sede Design Team
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-76 was launched as early as 1972, when it was considered revolutionary, no sofa bed could manage with a simpler mechanism: in a few simple steps, the model ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
Vladimir Kagan Large Sectional Custom L Shaped Sofa Rust bouclé Vintage Certifed
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Exceptional and substantial Vladimir Kagan custom unique L shaped sectional. This piece is designed as a multi-directional sofa, allowing access and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sofas
Materials
Brass
"Gimme Shelter" Three-Seat Sofa with Steel Frame and Base by Moroso for Diesel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Gimme Shelter" is a three-seat sofa, designed by Diesel Creative Team and manufactured by Moroso, featuring injected flame-retardant foam over internal steel frame and base in varni...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Blue Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Sectional
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sectional 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.
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 sectional...
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Outdoor Sofa Painted Aluminum Structure Removable Cover Water Repellent Custom
By sicis
Located in London, GB
Part of the Lipari series, the cosy two-seater outdoor sofa , SICIS is inspired by one of Sicily's most intriguing islands. The frame is in matte white aluminium and the cushions are...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Aluminum
C. 2018 Como Sectional Sofa in Grey Italian Leather by Giorgio Soressi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Como Sectional Sofa, initially designed in 2007 by Giorgio Soressi for Design Within Reach. This particular example dates to C. 2018 and was produced in Italy. It features ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
KGBL Villaflor Sofa
By KGBL
Located in New York, NY
The Villaflor Sofa’s bladelike leg detail appears to pierce the upholstery, wedding the base to the seat and anchoring the whole. A second material has been introduced to the Villafl...
Category
2010s Modern Sofas
Materials
Brass
White Stainless Steel Outdoor Swing with Blue Waterproof Fabric
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Fable Outdoor Swing
The Fable swing is completely customizable, which offers you the possibility of turning it in the main attraction and star of any pati...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Stainless Steel
Gervasoni Ghost 22 R Modular Sofa in White Linen Upholstery by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gervasoni Ghost 22 R modular sofa in white linen upholstery by Paola Navone
Modular sofa, one left (L) or right (R) armrest, upholstered with polyurethane foams, removable covers. F...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Olive Canvas & Tarnished Brass Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
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
"Elisa" Outdoor Two-Seat Sofa Designed by Enzo Mari for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Elisa" is an outdoor two-seat sofa, designed by Enzo Mari and manufactured by Driade, featuring a structure made of steel with protective cataphoresis treatment, finished in black-b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Faribault Grey Wool and Antique Nickel Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
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
Contemporary Round Shape Sofa Upholstered in Velvet with Metal Base
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This three-seater sofa is a study in soft, rounded forms, upholstered in luxurious velvet. Its design is both chic and timeless, offering a versatile piece that can enhance a variet...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Velvet
2010's Knoll Mies Van Der Rohe Krefeld Loveseat Sofa Fabric Sets Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a (sold separately) gorgeous and original Mies Van Der Rohe Krefeld Sofa, produced by Knoll.
Multiples of these two-seater sofas are a...
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
DS-1088 Sofa by De Sede
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
De Sede RH-306 3-Seat Sofa in Cafe Upholstery and Steel Feet by Robert Haussmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
RH-306 is a striking appearance that impresses with craftsman like precision and refined details. The body stands on filigree feet, while the square leather panels harmonize elegantl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
Naked Curved Sectional Sofa, 4 Piece with Natural Oak and Corn
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
Faribault Grey Wool and Blackened Steel Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
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
ASYM SOFA - Modern Asymmetrical Sofa in Curly Lamb Boucle in Soft White
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
ASYM SOFA - Modern Asymmetrical Sofa in Curly Lamb Boucle in Soft White
The Asym Sofa is a stylish and elegant piece of furniture featuring an asymmetrical ...
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Italian modern Velvet sofa Utrecht by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Cassina , 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Velvet sofa mod. Utrecht by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Cassina , 1990s
fantastic three-seater sofa mod. Utrecht with curved seat and backrest, padded and upholstered ...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet
Winged Sofa with Tall Back and Loose Cushions
By Jhon Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
A sleek and modern sofa featuring a tall tight back design with three loose cushions. The sofa shown is covered in a wool boucle fabric. Pillows in other pictures are not included bu...
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Walnut, Wool
Pebbled Black Leather and Blackened Steel Two-Seat Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
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
Nube Italia Eddy Sofa in Dark Gray Fabric by Kemistry of Style
Located in New York, NY
"Metal frame. Bright or brushed chromium-plated legs. Seat cushions in shape retaining polyurethane foam. Back cushion in Bill-Fib fibres with shape-retaining material support inside...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Two-Seat Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
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
Smoke Leather and Blackened Steel Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
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 variation is upholstered in a deep charcoal...
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Black Bison Leather and Antique Nickel Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
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.
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 heavily pebbled black bison leather...
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Naked Curved Sectional Sofa, 4 Piece with Beech Ash-056-1 and Smooth 60
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
Hand-Dyed Indigo Canvas and Antique Copper Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
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
Copper, Steel, Brass
Sesam Adjustable Reclining Leather Sofa by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Sesam sofa by De Sede. The ultimate in comfort. A simple adjustment - that can even be made while seated - swivels out the footrest and reclines the sea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
Yemeni Contemporary Sofa Family in Fabric and Wood
Located in London, GB
The Yemeni Series takes its name from the incredible ruins and remains of monuments left in the Yemeni Deserts. Parallel slabs of solid wood support an upholstered back, giving a sur...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Oak, Walnut
Knokke Divano
By Emmemobili
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Knokke Sofa by Emmemobili
Knokke, designed by Carlo Colombo for Emmemobili, is a sculptural sofa composed of two multilayer wood blocks, CNC-shaped and then hand-finished with excep...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Plywood
De Sede DS-21/123C 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
Naked Round Sofa, Medium with Beech Ash-056-5 and Aluminium
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Naked Round 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 a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Set of 2 Honey Sheepskin the Tired Man Lounge Chair by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 honey sheepskin the tired man lounge chair by Lassen.
Dimensions: W 102 x D 87 x H 88 cm.
Materials: Sheepskin.
Flemming Lassen designed the overstuffed easy chair, The...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Sofas
Materials
Sheepskin
Set of 4 off White Sheepskin the Tired Man Lounge Chair by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 off white sheepskin the tired man lounge chair by Lassen
Dimensions: W 102 x D 87 x H 88 cm
Materials: Sheepskin
Flemming Lassen designed the overstuffed easy chair, T...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Sofas
Materials
Sheepskin
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Moss Green High Wing Back Sofa or Settee
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, modern and intimate Scandinavian Danish love seat, settee, sofa or couch in the Mid-Century Modern style in moss green felt upholstery with a...
Category
Late 20th Century Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Style Gray Velvet Sofa Cactus Shape w/ Swivel Gold Base
Located in Porto, PT
Ajui sofa is a modern rounded sofa that combines an artsy interpretation of a cactus shape with the comfort expected from a luxury sofa. It is uphols...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Brass
Outdoor Hanging Sofa in Stainless Steel with Water-Resistant Upholstery
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Fable Outdoor Swing
The Fable swing is completely customizable, which offers you the possibility of turning it in the main attraction and star of any p...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Stainless Steel
21st Century Modern Italian Sofa Upholstered In Cotton Velvet
Located in Milan, IT
Rich, plush, round volumes and luscious comfort in a small-sized sofa. The ends of the armrests and backrest are angled at 45 degrees: This visual trick greatly increases the perceived width of the elements and the perceived size of the sofa. In addition, while sexy beast...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Grey Wool & Marbled Rust Two-Seat Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
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
"Pietra" Curved Couch Upholstered in Bouclé Fabric 2.42
Located in Centro, RS
The inspiration for the design features comes from the Italian name Pietra: The translation Stone, an element of organic nature that brings a feeling of biophilia and well-being to t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Sofas
Materials
Bouclé
Luc Sofa Small with Beech Ash-056-5 and Corn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Luc settee with his inviting curves and a comfortable seating. Handmade in a solid wood base, natural rattan back and soft comfortable velvet upholstery...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
De Sede DS-21 Two-Seat Sofa in Nougat Upholstery 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
Vintage Military Canvas and Antique Brass Two Seat Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
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
Naked Curved Sectional Sofa, 3 Piece with Wood and Paris Safira
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
Teal Leather and Light Antique Brass Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
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
Vintage Military Canvas and Antique Copper Three-Piece Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
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
Waldo W1 Sofa by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Waldo W1 sofa by Pietro Franceschini
Materials: Mohair Velvet
Dimensions: W 210 x L 94 x H 57-93cm
Designed during a creative momentum in the relaxed Italian Riviera Ligure, our...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet
Gervasoni Ghost 18 High Back Sofa in White Linen Upholstery by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gervasoni Ghost 18 high back sofa in white linen upholstery by Paola Navone
High back sofa upholstered with polyurethane foams, removable covers. Two back cu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Curvy Modern Banquette with Botanical Velvet
Located in Greenwich, CT
Our Alizon Banquette features a curvy cushioned seat and swooping tight back design with tapered wooden legs. The Banquette shown was upholstered in an openwork velvet pattern with f...
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Madda Sofa by Michael Felix
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Madda is a contemporary interpretation of the classic club chair, extended into sofa form. Its metal base fully wraps around the sofa, as if to squeeze it into a plump and comfor...
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
"Wow" Composition P1 or P2 Sectional Sofa in Goose Feather by P. Starck, Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Wow Composition P1" or "Wow Composition P2" (mirrored composition of P1) are sectional sofas, designed by Philippe Starck and manufactured by Driade, with solid wooden structures an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Plywood, Feathers, Wood, Foam, Fabric, Leather
PILLAR SOFA - Modern design in Soft White Boucle
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
The Pillar Sectional Sofa is a stunning piece of furniture with a unique and captivating design. It is characterized by layered, asymmetrical design elements that create a sense of sophistication and simplicity. The deliberate imbalance in these design elements comes together harmoniously to make a minimal yet elegant design statement.
The displayed fabric for the Pillar Sofa...
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
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.