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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Nube Italia Harbour Sofa in Chocolate Upholstery by Marco Corti
Located in New York, NY
"Linear sofa in different sizes starting from cm. 180. Metal frame with braided elastic belts. Shape-retaining polyurethane foam upholstery. Back Feather p...
Metal
$7,001 / item
Indoor Balou Sofa by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Balou sofa by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Abacca, rattan, Nylon. Steel. Dimensions: 105 x 227 x H 75cm. Named after the bear from The Jungle Book, Bal...
Steel
Cloverleaf in and Outdoor Sofa, Right Unit in White by Verner Panton
By Verpan, Verner Panton
Located in Horsens, DK
Cloverleaf right unit sofa in-and-outdoor in white by Verner Panton. Charging unit can be added - for indoor use only. Modular sofa system consisting of r...
$14,044 / item
21st Century Slice Sofa by Aleksej Iskos and CBA
Located in Dubai, AE
Slice collection is the result of a dialogue between the artist CBA and the designer Iskos - the Ukrainian-born designer based in Danemark imagined a limited edition of three upholst...
Fabric
$28,920 / item
Cusco XXL Carpanese Home Italia Upholstered Modular Sofa
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
The angular modular sofa is distinguished by different compositions that characterized every single module. The movement created by the different shapes of the modules makes the sofa...
Fabric
$18,487 / item
Inflatable Sofa by Patricia Bustos de la Torre
Located in Geneve, CH
Inflatable Sofa by Patricia Bustos de la Torre Dimensions: D 110 x W 270 x H 70 cm. Materials: Leather and wood. “Blown-up”, rotund and edgeless. The...
Leather, Wood
2004 Ron Arad for Moroso Victoria and Albert Sofa in Purple Leather 6x Available
This is a Victoria and Albert Sofa, originally designed by Ron Arad in 2000. These particular examples were produced by Moroso in Italy C. 200...
Steel
$1,686Sale Price|20% Off
Mirage sofa for SWAN Italia, 1967
Located in Vicenza, VI
The Swan Italia company has established itself as one of the benchmarks in the upholstered furniture manufacturing industry. Swan Italia is synonymous with quality upholstery, but it...
Leather, Fiberglass
Set of 2 Moonlight Sheepskin the Tired Man Lounge Chair by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 moonlight 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...
Sheepskin
$34,470 / item
Morgana Sofa
By Zanaboni
Located in Milan, IT
This sophisticated three-seat sofa is a stunning piece of functional decor that will add unique style to any living room. The frame in solid wood rests on a brass plinth base with a satin finish. The plush cushions of back and sides are in hypoallergenic polyurethane, while the seat is padded with goose feathers for extra softness...
Textile
$33,146 / item
DIVO Sectional Contemporary Sofa
By MORADA Haute Furniture Boutique LLC
Located in Miami, FL
Feel like a movie star on this luxurious sofa upholstered with memory foam and down-filled cushions for extra comfort. Its bold, self-assured personality rests on sleekly designed me...
Metal
2006 Herman Miller Ray and Charles Eames Sofa Compact Purple Fabric Upholstery
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original Herman Miller Eames Sofa Compact designed by Ray and Charles Eames. The sofa compact was designed to be as eff...
Metal
Beige Two Seat Cadaqués Contemporary Art Sofa by Federico Correa, Alfonso Milá
By Santa & Cole
Located in Geneve, CH
Two seat cadaqués sofa by Federico Correa, Alfonso Milá Dimensions: D 100 x W 200 x H 75 cm Materials: beech wood, fabric. Available in other fabrics a...
Fabric, Beech
$7,833 / item
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...
Metal
$5,744 / item
Forma Daybed by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Forma daybed by Kenneth Cobonpue Materials: Polyethelene, steel. Also available in other colors. Dimensions: 89cm x 181cm x height 106cm. A contemporary collection perfect for...
Steel
Nube Italia Flatter Sofa in Gray Fabric by Antonio Nicoli
By Nube Italia, Antonio Nicoli
Located in New York, NY
Frame in curved painted and finished under high heat steel, available also in the leather version. Cushions: seat in shape retaining polyurethane with a differentiated density, back ...
Steel
CENTURY Light Blue Quilted Sofa with Satin Brass Tips Covered with Velvet
By Dainelli Studio, Fratelli Boffi
Located in Lentate sul Seveso, Monza e Brianza
Step into the timeless elegance of the Century collection, a masterpiece by Dainelli Studio that seamlessly blends English '50s aesthetics with a modern decorative flair. Our curated...
Brass
$10,530 / item
Chesterfield Brown Leather 3-Seater Sofa
Located in Milan, IT
The Chesterfield sofa, from Tribeca Collection, is an icon of the world of the leather lounge, a timeless classic in the world of upholstery, an ...
Leather
Baker Furniture Blue Velvet Upholstered Roll Arm Sofa
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous traditional velvet upholstered roll arm sofa or loveseat By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Measures: 86"W x 36.5"D x 28"H. Seat height: 19". Arm height: 27.5". Good ...
Velvet
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
$39,856 / item
Ciottolo #1 Seat by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Ciottolo #1 Seat by Imperfettolab Dimensions: D 580 x W 90 x H 50 cm Materials: Fiberglass. Also available in different dimensions and colors. Please contact ...
Fiberglass
$1,981Sale 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
Soriana by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Contemporary Sofa Made in Italy
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Soriana sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. This is a contemporary edition of the iconic Soriana sofa, originally designed in 1969. The was created with a mix of contemporary ...
Cotton
$18,089 / item
Luizet Canapé by Luca Nichetto
Located in Geneve, CH
Luizet Canapé by Luca Nichetto Dimensions: W 240 x D 80 x H 42.6 cm Materials: Upholstery: Fabric or leather Top: Verde Marinace granite/Emperador silver dark/Emperador Tundra/red ...
Other
Nevada Black Leather and Natural Oak Vilhelm Sofa by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nevada black leather and natural oak Vilhelm sofa by Lassen Dimensions: W 217 x D 88 x H 80 cm Materials: leather, oak. Vilhelm is a beautiful padded 3-seater sofa designed by ...
Leather, Oak
$4,919 / item
Outdoor Pigalle Loveseat by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Outdoor pigalle loveseat by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: polyethelene, steel. Also available in other colors and for indoors. Prices for upholstery and fabric upon request. Dime...
Steel
$20,899 / item
Hug Modular Sofa by Collector
Located in Geneve, CH
Hug modular sofa by Collector Dimensions: W 320 x D 98 x H 74 cm. 35º Element module: W 200 x D 98 x H 74 cm. DX terminal element module: W 120 x D...
Fabric, Oak
Nube Italia Tempt Sofa in Light Beige Fabric by Kemistry of Style
By Kemistry of Style, Nube Italia
Located in New York, NY
"Metal frame with braided elastic belts. High definition movable armrests. ABS legs. Seat cushions in feather and shape retaining polyurethane foam, covered in Nortek cotton. Removab...
Metal
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
Elegant Modern 3-Seater Sofa Upholstered in Luscious Green Velvet
Located in Cairo, EG
Elegant Modern 3-Seater Sofa Upholstered in Luscious Green Velvet. Sink in and relax in our fluffy Smooth As Velvet sofa! The couch has a graceful silhouette and framed from both sid...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Soriana Sofa for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in London, GB
Winner of the Compasso d’Oro award in 1970, the Soriana led Italian power couple Afra and Tobia Scarpa to instant success. An original concept, metal belts front and back give struct...
Metal
Saba Oasi Collection Outdoor Modular Sofa with Planter by Robin Rizzini
By Saba Italia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For the Greeks, there was an exact name for everything, one already inherent in its essence, capable of evoking its truest nature. Designed by Robin Rizzini, Oasi is the name we chos...
Fabric, Upholstery
Green Tea Sheepskin and Natural Oak Vilhelm Sofa by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Green tea sheepskin and natural oak Vilhelm Sofa by Lassen. Dimensions: W 217 x D 88 x H 80 cm. Materials: sheepskin, oak. Vilhelm is a beautiful padded three-seater sofa desig...
Sheepskin, Oak
Karim Rashid Casamania & Horm Kouch & Ouch 2-Seat Sofa Loveseat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The pieces are in terrific condition overall with some light signs of use. This listed price is for one chair. Two are available in this exact upholstery. Two others are available in...
Fabric
$26,789 / item
Luizet Canapé by Luca Nichetto
Located in Geneve, CH
Luizet Canapé by Luca Nichetto Dimensions: W 249 x D 89 x H 82 cm Materials: Black powder coated aluminium and metal structure, Cast aluminium legs Upholstery: Fabric or leather ...
Other
$19,857 / 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
$7,457 / item
Outdoor Balou Daybed by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Balou daybed by Kenneth Cobonpue Materials: polyethelene, nylon. Steel. Dimensions: 129 x 241 x H 75cm Named after the bear from The Jungle Book, Balou exudes comfort at first g...
Steel
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
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
$6,439 / item
Jasmine Gentle 733 Swivel Armchair by Royal Stranger
Located in Geneve, CH
Jasmine gentle 733 swivel armchair by Royal Stranger Dimensions: W 81 x D 80 x H 77 cm. Seat height 48 cm. Materials: Upholstery. The Jasmine swivel...
Upholstery
$14,800 / item
Celeste Curved Loveseat in Velvet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Celeste sofa offers unlimited configurations in curved and straight styles to customize your seating space. Made in Los Angeles.
Leather, Bouclé, Velvet
$28,280 / item
Albert 3-Seater Sofa
Located in Milan, IT
Exuding regal flair, this exquisite three-seater sofa will be a stunning piece to complement classic decors. An ultra-soft velvet upholstery in an intense dark hue covers the generou...
Textile, Wood
"Flag" Modern Couch and Chaise Longue, Two Arms, Gray Linen, Wood Feet
Located in Centro, RS
The Flag Couch is a smart and multifunctional piece. The couch has a cushion built into the seat that makes the piece with dual functionality: when is closed, it works as a comfortab...
Fabric, Hardwood
$8,861 / item
3 Seat Palm Springs Sofa by Anderssen & Voll
Located in Geneve, CH
3 seat Palm Springs sofa by Anderssen & Voll Materials: Polyurethane foam of different densities, covered with fabric or leather. Base in bronze lacquered metal. Technique: Lacquer...
Metal
Swaim Classics Curved Danish Style Gold Beige Chenille Sofa
By Swaim
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated early 2000s with this exquisite sofa. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The sofa is a statement piece which is also e...
Chenille, Wood
$30,055 / set
Set of DS-276 Sofa and Cushions by De Sede
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...
Aluminum
$46,365 / item
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...
Fabric, Bouclé, Foam, Wood
$26,508 / item
Ciottolo#1 by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Ciottolo#1 by Imperfettolab 2017 Dimensions: W 272 x D 125 x H 50 cm Materials: Fiberglass Varnished seat in fibreglass. Imperfetto lab Who we are ? We are a family. Verte...
Fiberglass
1964 Eames for Herman Miller 3473 Three Seat Sofa in White Naugahyde #1
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 3473 sofa, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1964. It's constructed from aluminum, iron, and plywood. It may be the original white naugahyde...
Aluminum, Iron
Nevada Cognac Leather and Smoked Oak Vilhelm Sofa by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nevada cognac 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 designed by ...
Leather, Oak
Italian “Onda” Black Leather Sofa by De Pas, D’Urbino and Lomazzi for Zanotta
By Zanotta, Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Iconic “Onda” sofa, designed in 1985 by De Pas, D’Urbino and Lomazzi for Zanotta, representing one of the most recognizable examples of Italian postmodern design of the 1980s. The s...
Steel
$26,625 / item
Ostrich Fluff Sofa by Egg Designs
Located in Geneve, CH
Ostrich fluff sofa by Egg Designs. Dimensions: 160 L X 79 D X 85 H Materials: antique brass coated steel, brass buttons, ostrich feather trim, velvet upholstery. Founded by Sout...
Brass
1980s Marcel Breuer for Tecta Gray Suede F40 Settee / Sofa Made in Germany
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an exceptional and very rare F40 settee / sofa, designed by Marcel Breuer and produced by renowned bauhaus manufacturer Tecta. Tecta has been bringing to life earl...
Suede, Foam
Set of 2 off White Sheepskin the Tired Man Lounge Chair by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 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...
Sheepskin
2016 BassamFellows for Geiger Tuxedo Component Lounge Settee Sofa in Fabric
By BassamFellows, Geiger International
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Tuxedo Component Loveseat, designed by BassamFellows for Geiger and Herman Miller. This example was produced by Geiger in the USA in 2016. The base is comprised of stainles...
Steel
Galore Center Module, 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
"Playground" Sofa With Adjustable Backrests by Eilersen made in Denmark
By Eilersen 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful sofa designed and manufactured in Denmark by Eilersen Furniture. The sofa comes with removable upholstery and adjustable backrests and pillows that can be moved around dep...
Fabric, Wood
$26,789 / item
Luizet Modular Sofa by Luca Nichetto
Located in Geneve, CH
Luizet 3 seats modular sofa by Luca Nichetto Materials: Upholstery: Fabric (also available in leather) Top: Verde Marinace granite/Emperador Silver dark/Emperador Tundra/Red marbl...
Metal, Aluminum
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...
Sheepskin
$8,500 / item
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...
Upholstery
