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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
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
Zabuton Sofa, Handmade Japanese Futon on Modular Maple Frame, Kvadrat
By UMÉ Studio
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...
Maple
1990s Heli Three-Seat Sofa by Otto Zapf for Knoll International in Brown Leather
$1,264 / item
Unique Gold Nami Chair by Hatsu
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique nami chair by Hatsu. Dimensions: D 50 x W 57 x H 65 cm. Materials: uphostered seating on powder coated steel frame. Hatsu is a design studio based in Mumbai that creates ...
Steel
LIFT - Minimalist 3 Seats Sofa in Solid Ash Wood and Pearl Fabric Seat
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...
Leather, Ash
2002 Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen PK31 Three Seat Sofa in Black Leather
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Poul Kjaerholm PK31 3-seat sofa, initially designed by Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen in 1958. This particular example was produced in 2002 in Denmark. We currently have t...
Steel
$11,296 / item
Form Modular Sofa, Setup 21, Hallingdal Grey
By Formiing
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Form Modular Sofa by Formiing, Setup 21 (1x Ottoman-F1D, 2x Center-F1C, 2x Armrest-F1A, F1B) Fabric: Hallingdal 103 Modular Sofa: Assemble different modules for your own composition...
Wool
$8,897 / item
Form Modular Sofa, Setup 1, Rewool Grey
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Form Modular Sofa by Formiing, Setup 1 (1x Center-F1C, 1x Open-Ended-F1W, 1x Armrest-F1A) Fabric: Re-wool 128 Modular Sofa: Assemble different modules for your own composition. Ava...
Wool, Nylon
2010s Claesson Koivisto Rune for Swedese Continental Sofa
By Claesson Koivisto Rune, Swedese
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Continental sofa, originally designed by Claesson Koivisto Rune for Swedese in 2011. This particular example was produced in Sweden in the 2010s. The sofa features a sculpt...
Steel
Italian Modern Grey Fabric and Black Iron Foliage Sofa by Kartell, 2000s
By Kartell
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Grey fabric and black iron Foliage sofa by Kartell, 2000s Two seater Foliage sofa with tubular structure in black painted iron. The seat and back are padded with poly...
Iron
$28,800 / item
Loom Sofa in Brushed Brass by De Castelli
By DeCastelli
Located in Boston, MA
The Loom collection challenges the apparent contradiction between the hardness of metal and the soft comfort of upholstery. Loom turns an oxymoron into inspiration, positioning a w...
Brass
$10,100 / item
Meg 2P Carpanese Home Italia Sofa with Metal Belts
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Designed by Sebastian Herkner for Carpanese Home, Meg is a modular sofa composed of two upholstered elements: a rectangular seat and a cylindrical backrest, joined by a perimeter ban...
Metal
Modern by Giuseppe Carpanelli Galileo 3 Seater Sofa Back in Canaletta Walnut
By Carpanelli
Located in Desio, IT
Three seats sofa with structure in wood. Visible shell in natural canaletta walnut. Upholstery available in fabric or leather. In photo presented in velvet.
Fabric, Walnut
"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
$10,007 / item
Carson Sofa by Collector
Located in Geneve, CH
Carson sofa by Collector Materials: Fully upholstered in fabric. Solid walnut feet. Dimensions: W 140 x D 81 x H 70 cm Your favorite sofa will be th...
Upholstery, Walnut
2023 Arik Levy for Bernhardt Design Gaia Three Seat Sofa in Blue Leather
By Bernhardt Design, Arik Levy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Gaia Sofa, originally designed by Arik Levy for Bernhardt Design in 2008. This particular example was produced in 2023. Its frame is composed of polished aluminum, and it h...
Aluminum
Baleri Italia Bill Sofa in Fabric Marmolada, 3 cushions incl by Hannes Wettstein
By Baleri Italia, Hannes Wettstein
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Setting off into a challenging territory, between elegance and practicality. Wettstein manages to avoid taking radical hazards and creates a sofa, understated and sober in its look, ...
Leather, Fabric
$11,008 / item
Collectible Contemporary Slinky Long - Rust 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
$4,569Sale Price|49% Off
The Conran Shop Arbor 3 Seater Sofa by Matthew Hilton
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the Arbor 3 Seater Sofa by Matthew Hilton for The Conran Shop - where timeless design meets exceptional craftsmanship. This elegant sofa showcases a sleek, contemporary s...
Fabric, Foam, Hardwood
LIFT - Minimalist 2 Seats Sofa in Solid Ash Wood and Pearl Fabric Seat
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...
Fabric, Ash
C Sofa in Oiled Teak, Woven Cotton Rope & Upholstery by Evam
Located in Geneve, CH
C Sofa in Oiled Teak, Woven Cotton Rope & Upholstery by Evam Dimensions: D 68.6 x W 203.2 x H 92.7 cm. Materials: Oiled teak, upholstery, and woven cotton rope. Available in oiled ...
Upholstery, Teak, Cotton
LIFT - Minimalist 3 Seats Sofa in Solid Ash Wood and Camel Leather Seat
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...
Leather, Ash
LIFT - Minimalist 2 Seats Sofa in Solid Ash Wood and Bosco Leather Seat
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...
Ash, Leather
1964 Eames for Herman Miller 3473 Three-Seater Sofa in White Naugahyde #2
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
$5,663Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dust Sofa, Large with Beech Brown - Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Metal
$5,663Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dust Sofa, Large with Beech Ebony - Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Metal
$5,663Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dust Sofa, Large with Natural Light Oak - Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Metal
$5,663Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dust Sofa, Large with Natural Light Oak
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Metal
$5,183Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dust Sofa, Medium with Beech Ebony - Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Metal
$5,183Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dust Sofa, Medium with Beech Brown - Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Metal
$5,183Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dust Sofa, Medium with Natural Light Oak - Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Metal
$5,183Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dust Sofa, Medium with Beech Brown
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Metal
$5,183Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dust Sofa, Medium with Natural Light Oak
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Metal
$4,895Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dust Sofa, Small with Natural Light Oak - Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Metal
$4,895Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dust Sofa, Small with Beech Ebony - Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Metal
$4,895Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dust Sofa, Small with Natural Light Oak
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Sofa is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs with a stylish polished bras...
Metal
Galore 3-Seat Sofa, by Rikke Frost from Warm Nordic
By Hans Olsen
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...
Foam
$14,745 / item
Modern by Giuseppe Carpanelli Madison 3 Seats Sofa
By Carpanelli
Located in Desio, IT
Three seats sofa with wooden structure covered with a layer of polyurethane in different densities. The maximum comfort of the seat is determined by an intertwining of elastic straps...
Leather
Sentir-Sentar Sofa by Richard Malachowski and Thai Mainhard
Located in Dubai, AE
Inspired by the rough and chaotic beauty of traditional art studios, where wooden easels hold the canvases, trestles are full of brushes and open paints. The Sentir-Sentar sofa is an...
Leather, Faux Leather
$11,679 / item
Beige Sahco Zero and Smoked Oak Mingle Sofa by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Beige Sahco zero and smoked oak mingle sofa by Lassen Dimensions: W 154 x D 68 x H 74 cm Materials: Textile, oak. The Mingle sofa was designed in 1935 by architect Flemming Las...
Textile, Oak
2022 Marcel Wanders SSG Sofa So Good Sectional w/ Chaise Lounge in Dodo Pavone
By Moooi, MARCEL WANDERS
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Sofa So Good Sectional Sofa made up of the Chaise Longue Left and Right arm two seater parts. The sofa is made with a steel frame on polished aluminum feet, upho...
Steel
Collectible Contemporary Slinky Loveseat - Burgundy 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
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large 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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large with Beech Ash-056-5 and Barcelona Lotus
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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large with Beech Ash-056-5 and Smooth 60
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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large with Beech Ash-056-5 and Paris Brick
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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large with Beech Ash-056-5 and Smooth 72
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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large with Beech Ash-056-5 and Paris Green
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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large with Beech Ash-056-5 and Teal
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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large with Beech Ash-056-5 and Boucle Snow
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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large with Beech Ash-056-5 and Paris Black
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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large with Beech Ash-056-5 and Vigo Plantain
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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large with Beech Ash-056-1 and Paris Lavanda
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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large with Beech Ash-056-5 and Aluminium
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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large with Beech Ash-056-1 and Smooth 72
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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large with Beech Ash-056-1 and Vigo Blossom
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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large with Beech Ash-056-1 and Paris Black
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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large with Beech Ash-056-1 and Paris Brick
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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large with Beech Ash-056-1 and Vigo Plantain
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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
$10,751Sale Price / item|20% Off
Luc Sofa Large with Beech Ash-056-1 and Smooth 60
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. The Luc Settee is availa...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood
