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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Modern Four Seaters Sofa Frame Made in Wood Back Frame Leather Customisable
Located in London, GB
Comfortable and welcoming, the Botero is a modular monocoque sofa with soft lines and a comfortable seat. The cover, completely removable and washable, can be in fabric or leather. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

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...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fiberglass

Italian Contemporary Black and Light Grey Velvet Three-seater Sofa
Located in Scandicci, Florence
This beautiful three-seater sofa made with a handmade wooden inner structure and upholstered in a beautiful black and light grey velvet. Embellished with three back-protection cushio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Velvet

Gufram, Bocca Lip-Shaped Sofa, Rice, 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 th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery

Cloverleaf in and Outdoor Sofa, Extension Unit in White by Verner Panton
Located in Horsens, DK
Cloverleaf extension unit sofa in-and-outdoor in white by Verner Panton. Charging unit can be added - for indoor use only. Modular sofa system consisting ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Sofas

Miniforms NEBULONE Sofa by E-GGS
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Nebulona has become a sofa and now it’s named Nebulone. You can find the same drop-shaped armrests, but now they embrace an extended and seriously welcoming seat, to relax yourself f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood

Modern walnut sofa fitted with kaelo wine coolers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Modern walnut sofa fitted with kaelo wine coolers. We are please to offer this unique bespoke made sofa which features a kaelo wine cooler in each arm.  This piece was made for an e...
Category

2010s English Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut

Customizable Artifort 905 Sofa by Artifort Design Group
Located in New York, NY
This design, dating from 1964, is still up to date. As slim and tender as your first love. A Classic that is now in production for its second time. Now available as contract seating...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile

Minimalist two seater sofa ash - fabric upholstered
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Inspired by the graceful mechanics of elevators, the LIFT sofa takes both its name and aesthetic cues from this influence. Created by the hands of Julien Renault, this masterpiece pa...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Ash

"Flag" Couch and Chaise Longue With Two Arms in Grey Linen and 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Stylish Sofa Seater Frame Solid Timber Wood Upholstered Leather or Fabric
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

Leather, Fabric, Wood

21st Century Liberty Sofa High Back Polished Brass and Natural Cow Fur Cushions
Located in Oporto, PT
Inspiration: The sculptural forms of the 30s inspired the Liberty Collection. The tubular and steel structures that have marked those years are combined with a new inspiration that emphasizes the antagonistic feeling of deprivation of liberty. This conjunction marks the alliance of a vintage style with modern sensibilities. The curvy and exaggerated shapes of the sofa´s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass, Metal

Bordeaux Velvet Modern Bhutan Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the breathtaking beauty of Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest Temple, this velvet-upholstered sofa exudes luxury, comfort, and modern refinement. The plush velvet enhances its sculptu...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Vintage Style Hand Dyed Cigar Brown Leather Sofa Lovely Style and Design
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale hand dyed aged brown leather sofa A good looking well made and decorative sofa, the lines to the sides especially the arms are very nice We h...
Category

20th Century English Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Naked Curved Sectional Sofa, 3 Piece with Beech Ash-056-5 and Paris Mouse
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

New Chester Premium 2 Seater Sofa, Dusky Blue Velvet Upholstery
Located in Madrid, ES
Chester Premium 3-seater sofa, dusky blue velvet upholstery -Design sofa, 3 seats. -Made with a solid wooden structure. -High density polyurethane foam. -Upholstered in n...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Naked Curved Sectional Sofa, 3 Piece with Beech Ash-056-5 and Boucle Snow
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

Paris Sofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Paris Sofa by Hugues Chevalier Elegant contrasts in a contemporary style. The Paris sofa offers both comfort and timeless elegance. Available in ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Contemporary Liberty Armchair Low Back, Polished Brass Tube, Cow Fur Cushions
Located in Oporto, PT
Inspiration: The sculptural forms of the 30s inspired the Liberty Collection. The tubular and steel structures that have marked those years are combined with a new inspiration that emphasizes the antagonistic feeling of deprivation of liberty. This conjunction marks the alliance of a vintage style with modern sensibilities. The curvy and exaggerated shapes of the chair´s arms symbolize the end of enclosed spaces which are transformed into open doors to freedom. Materials: Hand-polished brass tube with high gloss varnish, Natural cow fur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass, Metal

Haven Pouf, by Charlotte Høncke from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
The haven pouf is a contemporary pouf with a simple, soft idiom. The haven pouf can be used in any room in the home as an extra seat or to put up your feet ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam

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

Gufram, Bocca Lip-Shaped Sofa, Wine, 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 th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery

Contemporary Tux Lux Sofa in British Wool with Brass or Walnut Legs
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Tux Lux Sofa compliments the already established Tux range, with the addition of a feather and down wrapped seat cushion it adds softness to the design wh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Wood, Walnut

21st Century Frida 3-Seater Sofa in Velvet by Etro Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
The rich and evocative fabric of the new Home Interior Collection is the main feature of the Frida sofa, whose precious and inimitable style is enhanced by the velvet piping, the bro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Sofa with Wooden Legs Modern, 7443
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Modular sofa characterized by a soft backrest perfectly shaped that enhances the comfort. The wooden feet improves the subtle look of the sofa and give a more elegant feeling. On t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

1957 Arne Jacobsen Fritz Hansen of Denmark Sofa Model 3300/4 4-Seat Sofa Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Model 3300/4 sofa, designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen of Denmark. This examples was produced circa 1957. While it is more common to see the single-seater...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Dwell 2-Seat Sofa, by Hans Olsen from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
The Dwell Sofa is recognizable for its light, accommodating design, which has a timeless appeal. The sofa features an eternal 1950s design with armrests that invite you simply to rem...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam

Wittmann Black Leather Sofa Model Edwards Design by Eward B. Tuttle
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This leather sofa and loveseat was designed by Edward B. Tuttle for Wittmann, 1981. It´s the early 1st version from 1990. The first versio...
Category

1980s Austrian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Wood

1970s Nicos Zographos Designs / SOM Attributed Four Seat Tuxedo Sofa in Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a four seat Tuxedo sofa, seemingly designed by Nicos Zographos and produced by Zographos Designs Inc. As the sofa is unmarked and many designers of this era produced similar ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

1980s de Sede DS140 Adjustable Sofa by Reto Frigg in White Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a DS140 adjustable sofa designed by Reto Frigg and produced by de Sede in Switzerland circa mid 1980s. The sofa has a unique rotating seat system, allowing it to become a double chaise lounge...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Indoor/Outdoor Steel-Framed DeMille Sofa in Modern Regency Style by Laun
By LAUN
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Powder coated stainless steel sofa frame with removable cushions upholstered in an outdoor fabric, this sofa looks great inside or out. The green frame is fully welded and has a perf...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

De Sede DS 17 Leather Sofa Racing Green
Located in Munich, Bavaria
De Sede leather sofa model DS 17. The leather is the DS club leather a thick Semianiline leather in racing green colour. Great comfort and a classic timeless d...
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Wood

New Chester Premium 3 Seater Sofa, Dusky Blue Velvet Upholstery
Located in Madrid, ES
Chester Premium 3-seater sofa, dusky blue velvet upholstery -Design sofa, 3 seats. -Made with a solid wooden structure. -High density polyurethane foam. -Upholstered in n...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Gufram, Bocca Lip-Shaped Sofa, Sapphire, 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

Modern Walnut Leather Sofa, The Suelo
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Modern walnut leather sofa - The Suelo is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The sofa's silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with comfortable back and seat cushions. The price includes an amazingly soft high-grade black leather. The Suelo Collection consists of an arm chair, side chair, bench, daybed, loveseat, ottoman, dining chairs - both arm and side, and multiple orientations of sofas/sectionals for indoor or outdoor use. You can get any Suelo piece in a solid or slatted version. This specific wood species is for indoor only; please contact for outdoor options. Price includes thick weave fabric and finish of your choice - natural, grey-wash, walnut, and black. Multiple fabric colors available. Designer Inspiration: "The Suelo Collection was inspired by my love for travel. So many places that inspire me have very minimal furniture...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut

Meir Sofa by Matteo del Pero
Located in Milan, IT
With an iron frame and wooden shell covered entirely in fine and exclusive leathers and offered in two sizes (220 cm and 280 cm), the Meir Sofa by Matteo del Pero...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Iron

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

ClassiCon Model Satyr Sofa Design by ForUse
By ForUse
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Model Satyr designed by ForUse. Manufactured by Classicon. This object is a rare and unique version from the pre production with a raw steel base from the year 2005. The cover is a ...
Category

Early 2000s German Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel, Metal

Osaka Large Sofa in Stretchy Blue Upholstery by Pierre Paulin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1967, the French designer Pierre Paulin challenged the rationalism that was predominant at the time by envisaging a range of seats with naturally winding lines. Developed for Expo...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

De Sede DS-167 Sofa with Movable Backrest in Schiefer Fabric by Hugo de Ruiter
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular seating system with movable backrest in the further development of the modular seating system, the organic form of the sculptural body grew mo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Sofa with Wooden Legs Modern, 7444
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Four seater sofa characterized by a soft backrest perfectly shaped that enhances the comfort. The wooden feet improves the subtle look of the sofa and give a more elegant feeling. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

2019 Bernhardt Design B.1 3-Seat Sofa by Fabien Baron in Sand Shagreen Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a B.1 Three Seat Sofa, initially designed by Fabien Baron for Bernhardt Design in 2013. This particular example dates to 2019 and was produced in the USA. The design features...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Outdoor 2-Seat Sofa with Armrest by Cipriani
Located in Boston, MA
Part of the Outdoor collection by Cipriani. Sofa with armrest, in velvet fabric, weaved structure. Fabric Cat. C More fabrics available upon request. Dimensions: Cm 180 x 96...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Moooi Triple Seater Sofa So Good in Denim Light Wash Foam with Table and Shelf
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sofa So Good by Marcel Wanders studio is a modular sofa system made of generous proportions and feather-like softness. It’s made from the highest quality materials and combines smart design and ultimate comfort. A story of contrasts with its linear framework and curvy softness. The sofa system includes eight different upholstered modules, two tables and three shelves. The tables and shelves are available in six different wood finishes. An eclectic range of fabrics to choose from—like the newly added colors in the Extinct Animals fabric collection—completes the set-up. Sofa So Good is endlessly versatile and is suitable for any interior. In our online configurator you don’t just create a sofa; you create a personal space tailored to your needs. Additional information: Material: Steel, foam on elastic straps, aluminum, white wash stained Upholstery: Denim Light...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Morgana Sofa
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile

Amazing Sofa 3-Seat Frame Made Solid Wood and Metal Wire 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

21st Century Clapton Sofa in Leather by Gianfranco Ferré Home
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
An attractive sofa with a comfortable seat and a contemporary design. The geometric volumes are emphasized by the external plates in metal upholstered leather and by the piping enhancing the profiles of the cushions. The use of leather as privileged upholstery material...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Foam, Beech

Fried Egg Sofa Hero 991, Ritz 6381
Located in Viby J, DK
The fried egg sofa is an exclusive design that features the same idiom and line as Hans Olsen’s iconic armchair, the affectionately-nicknamed ‘Fried Egg’. Bu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood

Stylish Sofa Frame Made Solid Timber Wood Antique Bronze or Silver Finish
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

Lord Norman Foster Model 500 Black Leather 2 Seat Settee Sofa for Walter Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a very rare and unusual Walter Knoll 500 settee in black leather, designed by Lord Norman Foster, the renowned British architect. Two sofa...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Metropol Sofa by Cesare Arosio
Located in Milan, IT
The stylish Metropol 3-seater sofa in nubuck leather features the distinctive element of wrapping the seats with the back and side shell in brushed matt lacquered wood, providing a h...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Contemporary Outdoor Sofa With Lacquered Metal Structure & Backrest
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Two-seats sofa with four legs base, structure and backrest in lacquered metal. Cushions upholstered in fabric, leather or faux leather. It is possible to configure the sofa choosing ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam

Naked Curved Sectional Sofa, 3 Piece with Beech Ash-056-1 and Boucle Snow
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

Modern Leather Sofa in Walnut, Suelo Collection
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Modern walnut leather sofa - The Suelo This Modern walnut leather sofa is apart of our Suelo collection This Modern walnut leather sofa - The Suelo ...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Straight Sofa, 21st Century Contemporary Velvet and Cast Aluminum Sofa
Located in Sofia, BG
Straight Sofa - 21st century contemporary velvet and cast aluminum sofa Neat and refined contours, textured velvet, and edgy cast aluminum detail...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of maui sofas by Vico Magistretti for Kartell
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of maui sofas by vico magistretti for kartell circa 1980. Designed by well known italian architect and furniture designer vico magistretti (1920 - 2006) Moulded plastic seats ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Canape Fleurus
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Rich and innovative, the Fleurus sofa embodies the perfect fusion of French artistry and bold audacity. Designed with a striking aesthetic, its metal branches with a refined bronze...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, 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.

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