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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Set of 4 Honey Sheepskin The Tired Man Lounge Chair by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 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 T...
Sheepskin
1980s Mario Bellini for Cassina Black Leather Software Tilbury Sofa
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a circa 1980s production Tilbury three seat sofa (part of the Software collection), designed by Mario Bellini and produced by Cassina in Italy. This example is one of a few s...
Leather, Fabric, Plastic, Foam
Modern Outdoor Swing Sofa in Black Stainless Steel with Beige Waterproof Fabric
By Myface
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Fable Hanging Outdoor Sofa Hold by premium outdoor leather straps, this inviting white hanging outdoor sofa will allow quality outdoor moments without any concerns. The whole design of this contemporary outdoor hanging sofa...
Stainless Steel
2024 Verner Panton for Verpan Cloverleaf Parotega Sofa in Green
By Verpan, Verner Panton
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Cloverleaf Sofa, originally designed by Verner Panton in 1969. This particular example was produced by Verpan in Denmark in 2024. This sofa i...
Metal
Elan three-seater Sofa in feather by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An unstoppable commercial success, the Elan sofa continues to impress. Designed by Jasper Morrison in 1999, the range has expanded over the years, and now includes armchairs, two and...
Metal
Orla Modular Two-seater sofa by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic and contemporary shapes define the Orla sofa by Jasper Morrison, true icon of contemporary design. With flowing lines and generous, comfortable cushions, this sofa combines s...
Leather, Fabric, Upholstery, Plywood
$5,044 / item
Maple Lowback Suzy Wong Loveseat by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Maple lowback suzy wong loveseat by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: abaca, rattan, maple. Also available in walnut. Dimensions: 83 cm x 162 cm x H 64 cm. ...
Rattan, Maple
Vintage 1970s Brown Leather Sofa With Sculptural Wood Frame, Attached Cushions
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exceptional vintage 1970s brown leather sofa featuring a substantial sculptural wood frame paired with beautifully textured leather upholstery. This striking piece showcases a bold a...
Leather, Wood
1970s Sculptural Brown Leather Sofa With Solid Wood Frame, Modernist Postmodern
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Striking vintage 1970s leather sofa featuring a bold sculptural wood frame and beautifully textured brown leather upholstery. This exceptional piece combines comfort, craftsmanship, ...
Leather, Wood
$32,856 / item
Stellar Sofa by Egg Designs
Located in Geneve, CH
Stellar sofa by Egg Designs Dimensions: 190 L X 95 D X 80 H Materials: walnut timber, ceramic, fabric upholstery. Founded by South Africans and life partners, Greg and Roche Dry...
Ceramic, Fabric, Walnut
Gervasoni Open 4 Large Modular Bed Sofa in Munch Upholstery by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
When it comes to furniture that transforms, Open is undoubtedly the perfect product. Collection of sofa beds with headboard and backrests available in different solutions, thanks to the foldaway bed with wooden slatted base, easily removable through a servo-assisted movement mechanism, which adds an extra single bed. Reception furniture par excellence is suitable for a number of different rooms in your house. Modular bed...
Upholstery
$22,062 / item
$6,560Sale Price / item|20% Off
Chesterfield Loveseat by Munna Design Studio, Handcrafted Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A contemporary reinterpretation of the classic Chesterfield silhouette, defined by its enveloping curved backrest and deep diamond button tufting. The generous padding and sculpted a...
Velvet, Wood
$5,800 / item
Gufram, Bocca Lip-Shaped Sofa, Grass, by Studio 65
By Gufram Furniture, 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 th...
Fabric, Upholstery
BACK TO BACK Upholstered Walnut Wood Sofa With Different Colors Velvet
Located in Lentate sul Seveso, Monza e Brianza
The Back to Back Sofa is an extraordinary blend of elegance and innovation meticulously handcrafted in Italy, designed by the visionary Nigel Coates. This...
Velvet, Wood, Walnut
New Chester Premium 2 Seater Sofa, Gray Velvet Upholstery
Located in Madrid, ES
CHESTER PREMIUM 2 seater sofa, grey velvet upholstery. -Design sofa, 2seats. -Made with a solid wooden structure. -High density polyurethane foam. -Upholstered in navy bl...
Velvet
Moonlight Sheepskin and Natural Oak Vilhelm Sofa by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Moonlight sheepskin and natural oak vilhelm sofa by Lassen Dimensions: W 217 x D 88 x H 80 cm Materials: sheepskin, oak. Vilhelm is a beautif...
Sheepskin, Oak
$6,831 / item
Fade Lounge Sofa by Wonwoo Koo x DVIRA
Located in Geneve, CH
Fade Lounge Sofa by Wonwoo Koo x DVIRA Dimensions: D 80 x W 88 x H 70 cm. Material: Leather, Fabric, wood Leather color customization available upon request Wonwoo Koo I majored in...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
$13,946 / item
Fade Sofa by Wonwoo Koo x DVIRA
Located in Geneve, CH
Fade Sofa by Wonwoo Koo x DVIRA Dimensions: D 105 x W 360 x H 65 cm. Materials: Leather, Fabric, wood Leather color customization available upon request Wonwoo Koo I majored in fur...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Outdoor Oil-Treated Oak Wood 3 Seater Sofa with Double Mattresses
Located in Cairo, EG
Outdoor oil-treated oak wood 3-seater sofa with double mattresses. Have you checked out our comfortable and durable For the Love of Nature outdoor sof...
Upholstery, Oak
$3,978 / item
Indoor Pigalle Loveseat by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Indoor Pigalle loveseat by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Abaca, nylon, steel. Also available in other colors and for outdoors. Prices for upholstery and fabric upon request. Dimen...
Steel
$2,836Sale Price|50% Off
Telegraph Three-Cushion Nautica Swing Chairs by MUT Design, Set of Two
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the ultimate in relaxation and style - the Telegraph Three-Cushion Nautica Swing Chair. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, this swing chair is the perfect ad...
Fabric, Rattan
$9,460 / item
Customizable ClassiCon Odin Sofa by Konstantin Grcic
Located in New York, NY
When you stand in front of this sofa, it appears to welcome you with open arms. When you sit on it, the high armrests appear to embrace you protectively. Odin is an island of peace a...
Velvet
$5,800 / item
Gufram, Bocca Lip-Shaped Sofa, Pumpkin, by Studio 65
By Studio 65, Gufram Furniture
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 th...
Fabric, Upholstery
Collectible Contemporary Slinky Loveseat - Camouflage Velvet
By Difane
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Slinky collection is a statement piece that redefines the essence of modern living. Bibibi was inspired by an architectural silhouette and fluid, sculptural lines, it blends luxury m...
Velvet
Nevada Black Leather and Smoked Oak Vilhelm Sofa by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nevada black leather and smoked oak vilhelm sofa by Lassen. Dimensions: W 217 x D 88 x H 80 cm. Materials: leather, oak. Vilhelm is a beautiful padded three-seater sofa designe...
Leather, Oak
Gufram, Bocca Lip-Shaped Sofa, Classic Red, by Studio 65
By Gufram Furniture, 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...
Fabric, Upholstery
Edward Wormley Party Sofa by Dunbar, Brown Velvet, Modern Design
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Astoria, NY
Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Party" Sofa, brown velvet upholstery, labeled "Dunbar / Bernie, Indiana" to underside. 23.5" H x 99" W x 35" D; seat: 15" H. Provenance: From a One Centr...
Upholstery, Velvet
$38,553 / set
Set of Ds-333 Sofa and Cushions by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of DS-333 sofa and cushions by De Sede Set of 4 cushions and 1 sofa Design: Christian Werner Dimensions: Sofa: D 58 x W 198 x H 78 cm Backrest cushion/ armrest cushion: D 1...
Aluminum
1950s Florence Knoll Associates Three Seat Sofa Redone by East Penn Upholstery
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original Florence Knoll three-seater sofa, designed by the renowned Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll Associates. This example was produced during the later ...
Steel
Bertu Outdoor Sofa, Suelo Modern Sofa with Extension Table, Outdoor Sapele
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Outdoor Suelo® Sofa with Side Table Extension is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. This sofas's silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with comfortable back...
Sapele Wood
Form Modular Sofa by Formiing in Harald Taupe, Customizable
By Formiing
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Form Modular Sofa by Formiing, Setup 13 (1x Large Center Chaise Lounge-F1R, 2x Large Armrest Chaise Lounge-F1P, F1Q) Fabric: Harald233 Modular Sofa: Assemble different modules for y...
Wool
"Pietra" Curved Couch Upholstered in Modern Knit Fabric
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...
Fabric
$10,258 / item
Russell Loveseat by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Russell loveseat by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Polyethyelene, Aluminum. Dimensions: 160cm x 202cm x H 220cm Russell brings the allure of escape to your space. Rest in its air...
Aluminum
Vintage Contemporary Gray Leaf Print Fabric Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Contemporary Gray Leaf Print Fabric Upholstered Sofa
Upholstery
$3,753Sale Price|42% Off
Italian modern black leather Three-seater sofa by Gastone Rinaldi for Rima 1970s
By RIMA, Gastone Rinaldi
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black leather Three-seater sofa by Gastone Rinaldi for Rima, 1970s Three-seater sofa with seat and backrests padded and covered in black faux leather. The legs and the...
Steel
$5,800 / item
Gufram, Bocca Lip-Shaped Sofa, Biscuit, by Studio 65
By Gufram Furniture, 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 th...
Fabric, Upholstery
$7,685 / item
Plush Modular Modern Sofa in Maharam Corduroy
Located in Nyack, NY
The Plush Modular Modern Sofa Collection boasts extremely luxurious proportions: a low back, massive seat cushions, an ultra-thin deck, and some of the most indulgently comfortable c...
Fabric
Collectible Contemporary Modular Three Seat - Petrol Velvet
By Difane
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Slinky collection is a statement piece that redefines the essence of modern living. Bibibi was inspired by an architectural silhouette and fluid, sculptural lines, it blends luxury m...
Velvet
$13,332Sale Price|20% Off
M C Home Maxfield Contemporary Tight Back Three-Seat Custom Sofa
By Foley & Cox
Located in New York, NY
The Maxfield sofa is from the foley&cox HOME Custom Collection. Shown here in a Kravet lichen-colored ultra-suede, the curved arm sofa features a tight back with vertical top sti...
Upholstery, Oak
George Smith "Bean" 4-Seat Sofa by Tom Dixon in Kvadrat "Haakon" Mohair-Velvet
By Tom Dixon
Located in Barrowford, GB
On offer on this occasion is the rarest-of-the-rare, it being a peerless, immaculate Tom Dixon-designed "Bean" large 4-seat sofa from George Smith, dressed in a peerless, elegant, to...
Velvet
$8,226 / item
Modern Thorpe Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern upholstered sofa with sleek modern lines and raised on bold block feet. Two long loose pillow backs with two long comfort down seat cushions. With brass nailhead trim details...
Leather
Minimalist Hand-sculpted Circular Beige Fabric Sofa with MDF Frame by kar
Located in Geneve, CH
Circular sofa by kar Dimensions: W 240 x D 133 x H 80 cm Materials: Fabric, MDF frame Kar, is the root of Sanskrit Karma, meaning karmic repetition. W...
Fabric
2020 Vitra Alcove Seating by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec in Orange Fabric
By Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Vitra
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a custom c-shaped high Alcove sofa, designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, produced by Vitra in Germany. It was acquired directly from Vitra, when...
Steel
$14,823 / item
Modern by Giuseppe Carpanelli Cherubino 3 seater Sofa
By Carpanelli
Located in Desio, IT
Single and modular sofa system with wooden structure covered with a layer of polyurethane in different densities. The seat cushions are removable, made of shaped polyurethane foam wi...
Leather, Fabric
De Sede Ds 47 Echtledersofa Neckleder Braun Vintage
By De Sede
Located in Garching a. d. Alz, DE
SEDE DS 47 Zweisitzer Vintage Zustand Maße: B/H/T 143x75x89-106 Sitzhöhe: 42 Sitztiefe: 57-74 Natürliche Patina Polsterung ist gut Nichtraucherhaushalt. Keine Haus...
Leather, Hardwood
$1,977Sale Price|50% Off
De Sede DS-450 Sofa by Thomas Althaus
Located in Rochester, England
This leather sofa by De Sede, crafted in 2018, combines comfort with contemporary design. The high-quality leather and sleek lines make it a stylish addition to any living space. Per...
Leather
Knokke Sofa by Emmemobili, Hand-Crafted Plywood, Modern Design, Italy
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...
Plywood
$20,044 / item
Hug Modular Sofa by Collector
Located in Geneve, CH
Hug modular sofa by Collector. Dimensions: W 330 x D 160 x H 74 cm. DX terminal element Gap module: W 180 x D 98 cm x H 74. Chaise longue XL module...
Fabric, Oak
Modular Sofa and Ottomans for Cassina
By Cassina
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Fully upholstered modular seating system with slab sides, tight seats, and ‘saddle bag’ style back and end cushions. Labeled Cassina under the seats on its metal frame as well as lab...
Metal
Cradle to Cradle Sofa by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi
Located in Geneve, CH
Cradle to cradle sofa by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi. Objects Dimensions: H 60 x L 200 x W 150 cm Materials: leather, iron, foam, rubber. Aviha...
Iron
Cape 3-Seat Sofa, by Charlotte Høncke from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
An elegant sofa with an organic design inspired by the puffed sleeves and layered designs of haute couture. Its soft lines and chic details make the cape sofa...
Foam
$11,008 / item
Collectible Contemporary Slinky Long - Bronze Velvet
By Difane
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Slinky collection is a statement piece that redefines the essence of modern living. Bibibi was inspired by an architectural silhouette and fluid, sculptural lines, it blends luxury m...
Velvet
Galore Module Pouf, by Rikke Frost from Warm Nordic
By Hans Olsen
Located in Viby J, DK
A luxurious modular sofa with an elegant, attractive idiom, created by the talented Danish designer, Rikke Frost. Galore exudes the decadence of yesteryear in a contemporary interpre...
Foam
$2,978Sale Price|40% Off
Canapé Tacchini Polar personnalisable de PearsonLloyd
By PearsonLloyd, Tacchini
Located in Rouen, FR
Polar est un système de sièges inspiré des icebergs des mers du Nord. Ses composants présentent tous des volumes solides et des lignes obliques, qui peuvent être combinés pour créer ...
Fabric
$10,420 / item
Geometric Modern Sofa in Maharam Beck
Located in Nyack, NY
The Geometric Modern Sofa exudes understated elegance. Its extra-wide, rectilinear arms are adorned with relaxed throw pillows, all resting on a single, seamless bench seat—chic and ...
Fabric
1976 Nicos Zographos Saronis Leather & Oak Sofa from Hugh Stubbins Library
By Nicos Zographos, Zographos Designs Ltd.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a leather and oak Nicos Zographos Saronis sofa from 1976, which came directly from a Hugh Stubbins (Architect) designed library at a notable ivy-league institution...
Leather, Oak
1960s Ole Wanscher for AJ Iversen New Boucle Fabric 3-Seat Sofa Made in Denmark
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1960s Ole Wanscher white bouclé fabric 3-Seat sofa. This is a gorgeous example, which has just been newly reupholstered by the well regarded Forthright NYC uphol...
Fabric, Bouclé
Contemporary Sofa, Two-Seats, Handmade, Curved Walnut Back and Stainless Steel
By João Faria, EMOTIONAL OBJECTS
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The curved Lazy Day Two-Seat Sofa is part of a seating collection that includes armchairs and sofas for three people. This piece is entirely made in Portugal and artisanally by the...
Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel
2000s Royalton Two-Seater Sofa by Philippe Starck for Driade in Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Royalton Sofa, designed by Philippe Starck and produced by Driade shortly after the design's introduction in 1988. In the late 1980s, Starck was approached by hotelier Ian ...
Steel, Aluminum
