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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Period: Mid-20th Century
Important Wall Unit, Large Curved Sofa and walnut Shelfs by Dassi, 1940
Located in Rome, IT
Important wall unit, a large curved "conversation" sofa by Dassi executed in 1940 attributed to Ico Parisi. Part of a unique living room designed to commission, L-shaped. Mahogany, maple wood, brass, white cotton. original key Measures: H 84 cm, 330 x 150 cm. Brass plinth base H. 15 cm. unique room very large and curved sofa, removable; an hanging shelf, asymmetrical door fine and elegant details in "grissinato" wood. Please note this item is sold as single piece but belongs to a complete dining room...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

1st Gen Dieter Rams RZ620 Sofa for Vitsoe 1962
Located in Aachen, NW
This timeless iconic sofa was made in the early 60s by Vitsoe and designed by Dieter Rams. The sofa comes from the iconic RZ620 series and is a first generation example. The sofa i...
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Original 932-Quartet Leather Sectional Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1964
Located in Los Angeles, CA
It doesn't get much cooler than this early year (original) collectors set of the model-932 'Quartet' sectional by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Released in 1964, this example has incred...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Canvas

‘Novemila 9000' Modular Sofa in Gray Striated Velvet by Tito Agnoli for Arflex
Located in Chicago, IL
A 4-piece ‘Novemila’ sofa designed by Tito Agnoli in 1969 and produced by Arflex. The ‘Novemila’ is modular and can be arranged in a variety of configurations. This rare version is c...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Erasmo leather sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Erasmo leather sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 1960s Erasmo sofa in a very rare buffalo leather version, produced in the 1960s. Good condition, s...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Jules Leleu, Sofa, Mahogany, Brass, Fabric, France, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany, brass and bouclé fabric sofa or settee designed and produced by Jules Leleu, France, 1960s. Literature: Sirex, The House of Leleu, 2008, p. 327. seat height 15.5”. Reu...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

5 piece Brown Carrera Modular Sofa by Lomazzi, De Pas + D'urbino for BBB Italia
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare five piece Carrera modular sofa designed by Jonathan De Pas, Donato D’Urbino and Paolo Lomazzi for BBB Italia in 1969. This stunning sofa has two curved corner sections and th...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Renzo Zavanella Attribution, Large Sofa, Shearling, Wood, Italy, 1940s.
Located in High Point, NC
A large shearling and stained wood sofa attributed to Renzo Zavanella, Italy, 1940s. Seat height 18”
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

2 Sesann sofas Gianfranco Frattini Cassina
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Gianfranco Frattini's set of two Sesann sofas is a sublime expression of contemporary design. Characterized by clean lines and elegant shapes, these sofas embody the essence of Itali...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Harvey Probber Sofa
Located in San Francisco, CA
A three-seat sofa by Harvey Probber. Curved front. Loose cushions on the seat, back and sides. Sofa sits on 6 wooden feet.
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood

1958 Florence Knoll Parallel Bar Three Seat Sofa, Model 57 in Green Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an extremely early Florence Knoll ‘Parallel Bar’ Sofa, Model 57, designed by Florence Knoll in 1958. It is a rare example of Florence K...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

LC2 Sofa by Le Corbusier, Cassina
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The LC2 sofa, designed by Le Corbusier, is a true icon of modern furniture design. With its clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and impeccable craftsmanship, t...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Faux Leather

1970's Ultra Modern Sofa with Retro Designer Fabric by Shawnee Penn
By Shawnee Penn
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1970's Ultra Modern Sofa with Retro Designer Fabric by Shawnee Penn. Very nice condition. Bal Harbour Florida estate.
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

1949 Florence Knoll Associates 26 BC Upholstered 3-Seater Sofa New Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1949 Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates 26 BC upholstered 3-seater sofa, which was just freshly reupholstered by Forthright, a renowned upholstery shop based in...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

1960s Nicos Zographos CH28 Ribbon 3-Seat Sofa in Brown Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a notable and very rare Nicos Zographos CH28 ribbon three-seater sofa in brown leather, produced by Nicos Zographos Designs Inc. The custom fabricate and polished ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

1960's Knut Saeter Rosewood Sofa for Vatne Mobler Norway New Black Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous and authentic Knut Saeter rosewood sofa, produced by Vatne Mobler. This example has just been freshly reupholst...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Faux Leather, Rosewood

1960s Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll International Brown Leather Three Seat Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous Model No. 263 three-seater sofa, designed by Mies Van Der Rohe and produced by Knoll International. These pieces were produced in the late 1960's to ear...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Walnut

1964 Eames for Herman Miller 3473 Sofa with Fresh Black Naugahyde Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 3473 sofa, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1964. It is constructed from aluminum, iron, and plywood. It was recently recovered (2021) in b...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum, Iron

Coronado Sofa by B&B Italia
Located in Tulsa, OK
The evergreen Coronado sofa is the quintessential symbol of relaxation. It comfort is guaranteed by a suspension system made from harmonic steel bands in...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Polyester

Vintage Sofa with Wooden Armrests
Located in High Point, NC
Designed in the 1960’s, this avant-garde four-seater sofa showcases a brutalist base with boldly carved armrests and comfortable upholstered cushions. The juxtaposition of dark patin...
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

1949 Jens Risom No. 23 Sofa with New Upholstery Signed H.G. Knoll Products
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an exceptionally rare and early Jens Risom Sofa, model number 23, produced by Knoll and labelled H.G. Knoll Products. This particular examples dates to circa 1949....
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

1960s Ole Wanscher for AJ Iversen New Boucle Fabric 3-Seat Sofa Made in Denmark
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1960s Ole Wanscher white boucle fabric 3-Seat sofa. This is a gorgeous example, which has just been newly reupholstered by the well regarded Forthright NYC uphol...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé

1950s Florence Knoll Associates Three Seat Sofa Redone by East Penn Upholstery
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 ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

C. 1941 Jens Risom for Knoll Associates Three-Seater Sofa/Settee w/ New Webbing
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a three-seater settee, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll Associates in 1941. The piece has a frame constructed of pine (or possibly birch), and has newly re-done webbed straps...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Copper

1964 Eames for Herman Miller 3473 Three Seat Sofa in White Naugahyde #1
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...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Iron, Aluminum

1964 Eames for Herman Miller 3473 Three-Seater Sofa in White Naugahyde #2
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...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum, Iron

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

Channel Back Sofa by Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
An early channel back sofa with brass legs and covered in blue fabric by Edward Wormley. Model #4757 designed in 1947. The fabric is tired and should...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Stylish Scroll Top Curved Sofa, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern Italian three seat sofa with gently curved front and scrolled top. Sofa has 3 loose seat cushions, tight button tufted seat back and brass legs Covered in Holly Hu...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Restored Milo Baughman Style Stick Reed Rattan Cubists Sofa
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-Century Baughman style rattan sofa with woven stick rattan sides and pole rattan frame. The seats are covered in tuft blue cloth cushions. 1950, United States Sofa: 34" tal...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Rattan

DS94 DeSede Leather Sofa 1980s
Located in Pasadena, TX
DS94 leather sofa by DeSede 1980s Leather model DS-94, manufactured by De Sede Switzerland 1970s. The sofa is upholstered with very nice high quality natural/tan leather. Superb com...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Rare Pair of Vladimir Kagan Designs Sofas / Loveseats, 1970s
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Rare pair of Vladimir Kagan Designs sofas / loveseats 1970s Early rare set of matching upholstered sofas, loveseats or settees on signature Kagan w...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Bamboo Sofa by Paul Frankl, Dal Vera
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A bamboo sofa designed by Paul Frankl is a captivating combination of natural beauty and modern design. Crafted with sustainable bamboo, these pieces exude an air of organic elegance while showcasing Frankl's signature sleek lines and innovative approach. The bamboo armchairs feature a graceful silhouette with gently curved armrests and a comfortable seating area, providing both style and comfort. The bamboo sofa continues the theme, offering generous seating space and a refined aesthetic that effortlessly blends into any interior. Paul Frankl's bamboo furniture collection is not only visually appealing but also environmentally conscious. Bamboo's sustainable nature makes it an eco-friendly choice, perfect for those seeking both style and a greener lifestyle. Embrace the allure of nature with this timeless set, where Paul Frankl's expertise in modern design meets the timeless beauty of bamboo, creating an inviting and sustainable seating...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Bamboo

Modernist Oak Sofa Designed by Guillerme et Chambron
Located in New York, NY
Modernist oak sofa designed by Guillerme et Chambron for the French company "Le mobilier Votre Maison". Solid Oak frame with newly upholstered seat and back cushions.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Italian Design Two Seater Sofa Blue Velour Italy Midcentury Free Standing Legs
Located in Berlin, BE
Beautiful Italian free-standing two seater sofa newly upholstered with blue velour. Patinated metal legs, brass feet. Made 1950–1960s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
Located in San Francisco, CA
An iron-framed gondola sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Fully restored. The frame is newly powder coated in black. ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Iron

Modern Italian Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" Sofa for Cassina circa 1969
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid Century Modern three seat sofa Italian made Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" for Cassina circa 1969. Charcoal fabric held together by chrome plated metal clamps. Very nice condition...
Category

1960s European Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Yrjö Kukkapuro Ateljee Sofa, Haimi, Finland, 1964
Located in London, GB
“Does it make any sense to design a chair which is not good to sit on” is the mantra of Finnish designer Yrjö Kukkapuro (born 1933). His aim to unite beauty with ergonomics in furniture has led to a number of his designs becoming classics. One example of this is the Ateljee sofa...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Coronado Two-seater Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B & B Italia, 1969
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two seater Coronado sofa designed in 1966 by Tobia Scarpa for B & B Italia, Mobilplast edition, Spain. Upholstered in original black leather.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Divano Coronado di Tobia Scarpa per B&B Italia, anni '60
Located in Felino, IT
Divano 3 posti B&B Italia, disegno di Afra e Tobia Scarpa anni 60. il divano e' stato rifatto nell'imbottitura dei cuscini e braccioli e rivestito a nuo...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Set of 2 Green Velvet and Oak Wood Armchairs and a Sofa, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 2 armchairs and a sofa. Upholstered with green velvet an oak wood. Manufactured by unknown designer in Spain, circa 1950. Materials: Velvet. Oakwood. Important inf...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Oak

Vintage Sofa Set by Silvio Cavatorta - Italy 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Sofa Set realized by Silvio Cavatorta in the Mid-20th century. Top rare an impressive set of a sofa and a pair of armchairs realized in cur...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Fabric, Rosewood

Sofa 'Illona' in Yellow Leather by Arne Norell, 1968
Located in Berlin, DE
Sofa 'Illona' for two in mustard colored buffalo leather with a structure made of birch wood. Renewed cover and downs. Arne Norell (1917–1971) was a Swedish furniture designer an...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Birch, Leather

American Designer, Freeform Sofa, Green Fabric, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric sofa designed and produced by an American designer, USA, 1940s.
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Elegant 4-Piece Modular Sofa in Mohair with Mahogany Legs 1940s
Located in New York, NY
Curved 4 piece modular sofa with mahogany legs, custom design, American 1940's. This sofa allows you to configure it in multiple ways with the slipper ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Mohair, Upholstery, Mahogany

Sofa in Grey-Green, Model '875', Ico Parisi, 1960
Located in Berlin, DE
This minimalistic and elegant three-seater sofa has a matt chromed metal structure and new upholstery and cover. The cover is made of 100% wool in a cool grayish green. Excellent con...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal, Chrome

B&B ITALIA Afra & Tobia Scarpa Modell Coronado Leather Sofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
B&B Italia black leather sofa Modell Coronado designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa in the late 1960s. Big loose cushions. This small sofa is comfortable. The leather is in good conditio...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

COR Conseta Blue Leather Sofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
COR leather sofa model Conseta from. Blue aniline leather. The leather has a soft touch. Comfortable sofa with decent design. Design by Friedrich W...
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Down, Upholstery

Illum Wikkelso Sofa Model Ml-90 Mikael Laursen and Son, Denmark, 1960
Located in London, GB
Kristian Illum Wikkelsø (1919–1999) was a Danish furniture designer whose key work, including the ML-90 sofa, was made during the heyday of Danish design in th...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Rare Sofa by Greta Grossman
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare Sofa by Greta Grossman for The Sherman Bertram Company. USA, 1952 A rare and collectible sofa designed by Greta Grossman. This sofa appeared in the May 1952 edition of the Arts & Architecture magazine. The metal frame is in original vintage condition. The sofa has been fully restored and upholstered in a luxurious ebony suri bouclé Sandra Jordan Prima Alpaca fabric from the Sonoma Coast...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Iron

Italian Modern Wooden Sofa with White Fabric, 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Wooden sofa with white fabric, 1940s A sofa with wooden structure. The sofa has a rectangular seat and a rectangular backrest with rounded upper corners, both padded a...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Italian Modern Wooden Armchairs with White Fabric, 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern wooden armchairs with white fabric, 1940s Set of 2 armchairs with wooden structure. The armchair has a square seat and a square b...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Grand Italian Sofa, (attributed to) Ico Parisi
Located in San Francisco, CA
A six legged grand Italian sofa. Is of the same vintage and strongly resembles the work of Ico Parisi or possibly a very early and original Frederio Munari. Later upholstery job ne...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut, Cotton, Velvet

Pair Modern Rosewood Paul Cardovius Sofas for France & Son
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of Mid-Century Modern sofas by Paul Cardovius for France & Son. Basket weave design. This item includes restricted materials and cannot be sold outside of the contiguous U S. Ve...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Modern Sofas

Materials

Rosewood

Gio Ponti White Sofa from Casa & Giardino, circa 1938
Located in Rome, IT
A Gio Ponti Casa & Giardino white sofa, circa 1938 walnut and fabric; white cotton and walnut feet fully rest orated and newly upholstered Measure: height 79, cm 152 x 82cm, high ...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Cotton, Walnut

Brazilian Rosewood Sofa by Liceu de Arte e Officios
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Brazilian hardwood sofa. Attractive slatted back, cyclindrical legs and curved arms. Cushions not included. We have matching side chairs, coffe...
Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Jacaranda, Rosewood, Wool

Chic Large French 1950s Sofa by Maison Leleu
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chic large French 1950s sofa by Maison Leleu, Paris.
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Pair of Alcantara Crimson & Wood 2-Seat 1960s Sofa by Cassina
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This pair of 2-seat sofa was designed and produced in Italy at the end of the 1960s. They have been originally upholstered with Alcantara synthetic fabric in a precious crimson color...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood

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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