The International Style, a modernist movement within architecture and furniture design that was given its name by American architect Philip Johnson and historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock, was born during the 1920s and ’30s. It gained steam initially in Europe and then in the United States as a response to the first World War. Building projects associated with the movement, as well as vintage International Style chairs, tables and other furnishings, are minimal and pared back.
Pioneers of the International Style — architect Walter Gropius and his Bauhaus colleagues Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, De Stijl advocate and Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and visionary designer Le Corbusier — stripped away decorative elements and placed considerable value on functionality and clean lines, integrating the use of industrial materials like steel, concrete and large sheets of glass in their work. Quite aptly, this mode of design and architectural style coincided with an era now known as the Machine Age and became a global symbol of modernism. The primary motive of its practitioners was to address the changing needs of a rapidly industrializing society, especially the demand for office complexes and apartments in large cities, through economical, technologically advanced, yet aesthetically pleasing designs for furniture and buildings.
“Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep,” said Le Corbusier of the philosophy behind his practical modernist architecture.
The International Style’s designers and architects were inspired by the advantages afforded them by the era’s new technology and industrial machinery as well as state-of-the-art materials. Le Corbusier was fond of framing his buildings in steel but reinforced concrete made far more economic sense. He is probably most admired for the iconic private homes and commercial buildings that he designed or codesigned with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, which are spread across the world, from New York City to Paris to Chandigarh, India. Today, Breuer’s Wassily Lounge chair; the elegant LC series created by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand; and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich, are emblems of progressive modernist design and all make prominent use of tubular steel. Vintage originals are the prized cornerstone of collections.
“The International Style is probably the first fundamentally original and widely distributed style since the Gothic,” posited Johnson in the book that accompanied “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition,” an architectural show he cocurated with Hitchcock that featured the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra and others. While the term “International Style” had previously been circulating in Europe, when the show opened at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, it yielded a much broader application of this important style of design.
Find International Style furniture on 1stDibs.
Cathedra Seat by Workshop Alentes, Black Cast Stone Stool from Greece
By ALENTES
Located in PALEA FOKEA, ATTIKI
A quietly powerful work, the Cathedra Seat reflects Alentes’ devotion to form, craftsmanship, and the timeless architectural language that informs the studio’s practice. Entirely han...
Cast Stone
Contemporary Sculptural Solid Wood Bimbo Accent Stool
Located in São Paulo, BR
The Bimbo Bench is a playful and versatile piece that seamlessly shifts between seating and a side table, adapting effortlessly to residential, hospitality, and commercial interiors....
Hardwood
Pair of Vintage bentwood Low Tables or Stools After a Design by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Hudson, NY
This pair of vintage 3-legged low stools or tables from the designer Alvar Aalto were first introduced in the 1930s. Both made circa 1955 and clearly having always lived their life t...
Wood, Lacquer
Solida Stool, by Rain, Contemporary Stool, Solid Garapá Wood
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Sólida series’ main characteristic is the synthetic character of its design contrasted with the use of a natural material. Each piece in the collection is composed of two or thre...
Wood
Contemporary Wood Stool
By Pedro Useche
Located in Boston, MA
Flexus plywood stool. One of a kind.
Plywood
Handmade Ottoman with Embossed Leather Seat by Angel Pazmino from Ecuador
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
An stool by Angel Pazmino from Ecuador. This beautiful handmade stool features a leather strapped seat with incredible embossed designs. The frame of the stool is rounded and hand ca...
Leather, Wood
Contemporary Matias Sagaría Swivel Stool Ribbed Wood Velvet Seat Italian Walnut
Located in San Polo, Parma
Sga Bello is a swivel stool, designed by Studio Sagarìa. Bold and asymmetrical, Sga Bello has his design rooted in the mix of Milan’s and New York City’s narratives, with nods to bo...
Metal
Hand carved solid oak side table and stool set with marble gems from SoShiro
By SoShiro
Located in London, GB
The side table and stool from the SoShiro Pok collection are hand-carved in Italy from solid oak, finished in turtle dove grey, and embellished with inlaid polished marble gems. Thes...
Marble
Handmade International Style Upholstered Mary Stool Brass, Textured Black/White
Located in Lisbon, PT
Playing with dichotomies between rough materials and soft textures, cold and hot materials, round and straight shapes is what Mary stool is all about. A great accent piece that can b...
Brass
Modern Steel Stool
By Pedro Useche
Located in Boston, MA
Arrepita carbon steel with epoxy paint and naturally finished wood legs. Black, white and yellow.
Steel
Carlo Hauner brasilian tricolor stool in wood and iron circa 1960
By Carlo Hauner
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Carlo Hauner stool tricolor circa 1960 in wood and iron polychromed. Perfect conditions.
Wood
Hand carved solid oak stool with marble gems from the SoShiro Pok collection
By SoShiro
Located in London, GB
The stool from the SoShiro Pok collection is hand-carved in Italy from solid oak, finished in turtle dove grey, and embellished with inlaid polished-marble gems. This ergonomic woode...
Marble
$1,198
H 18.51 in W 13.78 in D 11.82 in
Sculptural Side Table, Stool, Solid Wood, Walnut, Contemporary Design, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
This is one of those pieces where the wood and the maker seem to have arrived at the form together. Carved from a single solid log, the body tapers and swells with a fluidity that fe...
Wood, Walnut
$2,283Sale Price|20% Off
H 19.89 in Dm 24.02 in
Mid-Century Sun Series Garden/Side Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Karis, Nyland
Old production Alvar Aalto Sun-series garden/side table, from mid-20th century and in great patinated condition. The table is made of painted birch, with a yellow laminate panel in t...
Brass, Enamel, Steel
Contemporary Stool 'Yakisugi' by Carmworks, Burnt Wood
By Camilo Andres Rodriguez Marquez
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary black stool Yakisugi by Camilo Andres Rodriguez Marquez (aka CarmWorks) Burnt wood Suitable for outdoor use Each piece is made to ord...
Oak, Cedar
Sculptural Side Table / Stool Solid Mango Wood
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderfully sculptural round side table or stool. Its neutral pigment makes it perfect for any space. A uniquely sculptural and versatile piece certain to invoke conversation. It w...
Wood, Fruitwood
Bertu Stools, Boca Dos Wood Stool, Solid
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Stools, Boca Dos Wood Stool, Solid Please scroll down to read IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT OUR STUMPS before purchase! Why buy BERTU HOME stumps? KILN DRIED Our stumps all...
Wood, Maple
Bertu Wood Stool, "Brinx" Wood Stool, Maple
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Wood Stool, "Brinx" Wood Stool, Maple Please scroll down to read important instructions about our stumps before purchase! Why buy Bertu Home stumps? Kiln Dried Our stumps a...
Cedar
Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Dining Table
By Alvar Aalto
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A fantastic Alvar Aalto fan leg dining table. Birchwood , lovely amber tone which looks lighter in direct sunlight. The graining gives it a unique qualit...
Birch
$1,500 / item
H 20.48 in W 16.93 in D 16.93 in
Sculptural Stool Carved from Solid Mango Wood Modern Organic
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderfully sculptural stool with mix of wood textures and shades. A uniquely sculptural and versatile piece, this chair was crafted from a single block of mango wood and has a smo...
Wood, Fruitwood
Sculptural Side Table / Stool Solid Tamarind Wood
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderfully sculptural round side table or stool. Its neutral pigment makes it perfect for any space. A uniquely sculptural and versatile piece certain to invoke conversation. It was crafted from a solid block of tamarind wood...
Wood
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare Mid-Century Modern writing desk in full birch model K81 manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas for Artek. The minimalist design of the table already designed in the 1...
Birch
$1,300 / item
H 18 in W 12.75 in D 12.75 in
Boot Stool – Modern Handcrafted Sculptural Solid Wood Stool
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Boot Stool makes furniture a friend. Inspired by toys and figurines, this stool or low table is the happy companion to a space. Marmar Studio is a furniture and object design p...
Hardwood
$1,200 / item
H 20.48 in Dm 13.78 in
Sculptural Stool Carved from Solid Mango Wood Modern Organic By Tiempo Gallery
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderfully sculptural stool, with a mix of wood textures and shades. It features a spiral design, with an exposed core. A uniquely sculptural and versatile piece, this chair was c...
Wood, Fruitwood
$5,950 / set
H 30 in W 26 in D 26 in
Safari Chairs Angel Pazmino Rosewood Hunting Armchairs Black Original Leather
By Angel Pazmino, Muebles De Estilo
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of lounge armchairs designed in 1960s by Angel I. Pazmino and manufactured by Muebles de Estilo in Ecuador. A stunning and rare pair of vintage safari chairs in solid rosewood ...
Leather, Teak, Rosewood
Alvar Aalto Dining Table for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dining table designed by Alvar Aalto, for Artek. The table features a rectangular blue laminate top that sits atop bent birch wood legs. This design features Aalto’s signature metho...
Laminate, Birch, Bentwood
Alvar Aalto Table in Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A classic L-leg table designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustehdas Oy and retailed by Artek in Finland. This piece exhibits a beautiful vintage patina, with ...
Birch
rare stool by Jean-Claude Biraben, France, 70s
By Jean Claude Biraben
Located in Kiel, SH
rare stool by Jean Claude Biraben from France, 70s The stool has some signs of use and age H: 58 cm x L: 93 cmx D: 35 cm
Wood
Chinese Blue and White Glazed Ceramic Garden Seat
Located in Astoria, NY
Chinese blue and white glazed ceramic pottery garden seat / stool decorated with scrolling foliate design and flowers. Measures: 18.5" height x 13" diameter.
Ceramic
Sold
H 31.5 in W 19 in D 20 in
Iconic Pepe Cortes Contemporary 'Jamaica' Chrome and Aluminum Bar Stools
By Amat-3, Pepe Cortés
Located in Houston, TX
A set of 3 Jamaica chrome and aluminum bar stools by Pepe Cortes (Designer) made in Spain. The Jamaica stool is already a Classic in Spanish design and is one of the best designed s...
Aluminum
Iconic 20th Century Pepe Cortes Chrome and Aluminium Bar Stools
By Amat-3
Located in Highclere, Newbury
A set of four 1st edition 1990's 'Jamaica' chrome and aluminium bar or kitchen stools designed by Pepe Cortes and produced in Spain by Amat-3 for Knoll. A beautiful set of iconic...
Aluminum, Chrome
Black and Bronze Lava Stools
Located in Antwerp, BE
Bronze cast stools with patinated black base These pieces could be used as side tables too. Would fit well in an eclectic or Hollywood Regency inspired interior
Bronze
Chrome and Aluminium Knoll 'Jamaica' Bar or Kitchen Stools
By Amat-3, Pepe Cortés
Located in Highclere, Newbury
A pair of first edition 1990s 'Jamaica' chrome and aluminium bar or kitchen stools designed by Pepe Cortes and produced in Spain by Amat-3 for Knoll. These chairs feature a ‘saddle’ ...
Aluminum, Chrome
Petrified Wood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Petrified wood stool/side table with stunning striations in black, white, grey and beige
Petrified Wood
Petrified Wood Side Table or Stool - one available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Piece to the right is sold. Striking beige, white, grey and black stone side table or stool,. Interesting veining throughout.
Stone
Reclaimed Wood Cube Stools or Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Reclaimed Douglas fir stools or side tables with painted stripe.
Paint
Petrified Wood Stool or Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
ONLY THE BLACK ONE AVAILABLE. Large scale petrified wood stone side table or stool in black and beige. Natural shapes and stone gradations.
Petrified Wood
Black Stripe Side Table or Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Recycled wood side table or stool. Black stripe!
Wood, Paint
Pair of Bacang Wood Stools or Side Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lovely tropical hardwood stool/tables. Beautiful wood and patina. Top has slightly concave curve. Can be purchased separately $2630 each
Large Petrified Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large petrified wood stool/side table. Great black, white and beige colors. Slightly oval shape
Petrified Wood
Petrified Wood Stool/Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Petrified wood (stone) side table/stools. Left one is mostly black with what looks like quartz patch. Right one is black and beige. They make a nice pair. Sold individually at $1...
Stone
Petrified Wood Stool/Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Petrified wood from Java. Beige overtones, oval shape.