International Style Seating
INTERNATIONAL STYLE
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.
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Style: International Style
21st century Leather Talking Stools
By Studio Lani
Located in Lekki, LA
The Talking Stools celebrate traditional Hand-woven Matts in a contemporary manner by extending it’s use as stools.
These sculptural stools are the perfect pieces for inspired inte...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian International Style Seating
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Raffia, Rattan
Horizon Bench by RAIN, Contemporary Bench, Solid Wood and Plywood, Limited
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This contemporary bench shows that perspective is a visual illusion that gives the notion of depth to an image. The Horizon bench has its shape drawn fro...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Seating
Materials
Wood, Plywood
Ultra Glossy Red Lacquered Wooden Armchair Designed by Laura Gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
Ultra glossy lacquered wooden armchairs inspired by the Classical Indian chairs of 19th century designed by Laura Gonzalez. Portuguese craftsmanship and Fabric "Medium in Love" by Fr...
Category
2010s French International Style Seating
Materials
Wood
Design In America Chromed Steel Bench with Cocoa Velour Cushion
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Design Institute of America International style cushioned Chrome Bench. Featuring a clean, reflective Chrome rectangular form, with balanced, curved base, and cushioned Cocoa and Bei...
Category
Late 20th Century American International Style Seating
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Canapé simili cuir noir
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-RIVIÈRE, FR
Canapé simili cuir en état moyen. Il ya quelques trous et déchirures à reprendre.
Category
1990s French International Style Seating
Materials
Synthetic
Italian Armchair With ottoman Crocodile Leather Brown
Located in Long Island, NY
Italian Armchair , With Ottoman in Brown Leather Crocodile Made in Italy , The Finest Furniture. Beautiful And Rare Armchair and Ottoman .
Category
Early 2000s Italian International Style Seating
Materials
Leather
Chrome and Black Cesca Chair Designed by Marcel Breuer Made in Italy circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Chic Cesca arm chair, designed by Marcel Breuer. Iconic and timeless Bauhaus chair, still relevant to today’s interior spaces. This chair was produced ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian International Style Seating
Materials
Chrome
Office Chair, International Style Wooden Adjustable Office Chair
By kontra
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in the 19th century.
In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria.
Today, it is the key element for those who spend long hours in the office.
Office chair consists of a solid walnut/oak/plywood body, leather/cashmere upholstery, and metal base with a glossy finish. Adjustable office chair...
Category
Early 2000s Turkish International Style Seating
Materials
Leather, Oak, Walnut
Office Chair, International Style Leather Office Chair
By kontra
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in 19th century.
In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria.
Today, it is the key element for whom sp...
Category
2010s Turkish International Style Seating
Materials
Leather
Pair of Italian Loung Chairs Unique
Located in Long Island, NY
A pair of Italian Lounge Chairs , woven wood at the back and sides , suede seat in Tan Color.
Unique Pieces made in Italy .
Category
Early 2000s Italian International Style Seating
Materials
Oak
Italian Sofa Red Velvet
By ALI Alabastri Lavorati Italiani
Located in Long Island, NY
Hand Made Italian Sofa Beautiful Red Velvet With Gold Accents.
Category
Early 2000s European International Style Seating
Materials
Velvet
Italian Poltrona Armchair Hand Made Emerald Green Velvet
Located in Long Island, NY
Beautiful Armchair Poltrona In Emerald Velvet and Gold Fabric All Hand Made In Italy .
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating
Materials
Oak
Divano in pelle bianca mod. Brigadiere disegnato da Cini Boeri per Knoll
By Cini Boeri, Knoll
Located in Milan, IT
Divano modello Brigadiere disegnato da Cini Boeri per Knoll nel 1976, si tratta di una versione a tre posti da 230 cm con struttura laccata nera (la versione a due posti non è più di...
Category
1970s Vintage International Style Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Office Chair, International Style Leather Office Chair
By kontra
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in 19th century.
In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria.
Today, it is the key element for whom spends long hours in the office.
...
Category
2010s Turkish International Style Seating
Materials
Leather
Office Chair, International Style Leather Office Chair
By kontra
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in 19th century.
In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria.
Today, it is the key element for whom spends long hours in the office...
Category
2010s Turkish International Style Seating
Materials
Leather
Office Chair, International Style Leather Office Chair
By kontra
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in 19th century.
In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria.
Today, it is the key element for whom spends long hours in the office...
Category
2010s Turkish International Style Seating
Materials
Leather
Divano in pelle mod.Brigadiere disegnato da Cini Boeri per Knoll
By Cini Boeri, Knoll
Located in Milan, IT
Divano mod. brigadiere disegnato da Cini Boeri e prodotto da Knoll nel 1976, struttura laccata bianca, un solo divano disponibile della coppia. Buone condizioni della pelle e dell'im...
Category
1970s Vintage International Style Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Solida Bench, by Rain, Contemporary Bench, 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...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Seating
Materials
Wood
Willy Guhl Loop Chair 1st edition with original wood 1950
By Willy Guhl
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible original from the 50s Loop Chair by Willy Guhl with wood in the base in perfect conditions. Fantastic.
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage International Style Seating
Materials
Concrete
Beaded Yoruba Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Take a seat in a masterpiece of Yoruba craftsmanship with this captivating hand-beaded chair, adorned in a mesmerizing white and blue design that adds a touch of artistry to any space.
Yoruba chairs have a rich history rooted in the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people of West Africa. They are known for their skilled craftsmanship and artistic traditions passed down through generations, resulting in beautifully handcrafted pieces like this white and blue hand-beaded chair.
- 37"h, 25"w, 24"d, 14"h (seat height), 23"h (arm height)
- White and blue floral arm chair...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nigerian International Style Seating
Materials
Glass
Showtime Regal Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Showtime veneer showcases an exquisite blend of rattan strips and coco twigs intricately woven together and adorned side by side. It is then delicately coated with a layer of res...
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Rattan, Coconut
Modern Italian Swivel Upholstered Stool from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Bontempi Casa, Clara stool is a swivel barstool with metal frame, gas lift piston and adjustable height. Combining classical style and modern design, it can be matched wi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating
Materials
Metal, Other
21st century Woven Leather Bata Stool
By Studio Lani
Located in Lekki, LA
BATA means shoes in Yoruba. Inspired by the concept of Journey and ‘walking in someone’s shoes’. The BATA stool’s identity is emphasized in it’s sculptural legs.
It is a lovely addi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian International Style Seating
Materials
Metal
Kai Swing, Outdoor - Indoor Swing in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in São Paulo, SP
The piece was designed in 2022 on order for "House Kai", receiving the same name. The Hawaiian word "Kai" means "sea", "ocean" or " what comes from the sea". The swings are made in limited editions, using Brazilian solid wood species that are uncommon in the furniture industry. This design is made with hand skills from our makers as well as digital fabrication from a CNC router.
In the photos, you can see a edition in "Louro Vermelho" ( Nectandra Rubra) with some datails in "Freijó" (Boraginaceae) and "Itaúba" ( Lauraceae). We use different solid woods for each edition. All legally harvested wood.
Each piece is engraved on the back with its numbering, edition and wood species used.
Furniture suitable for indoor areas or covered outdoor areas.
Finishing: danish oil
10 meters of rope will be included shipped knotted...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Seating
Materials
Cord, Hardwood
Geraldo de Barros set of 4 brazilian Jacaranda circa 1960
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible GERALDO DE BARROS original set of 4 armchairs in brazilian jacaranda circa 1960.
Category
1960s Brazilian Vintage International Style Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Tara Ottoman by Tana Karei
By Tana Karei
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
The Tara Ottoman is a unique piece that has a tripod base. It is made with Mexican rosa morada wood and the fabric can be personalized to fit your space. The piece is created by expe...
Category
2010s Mexican International Style Seating
Materials
Linen, Polyester, Hardwood
21st century (Woven) Leather Talking Stools
By Studio Lani
Located in Lekki, LA
The Talking Stools celebrate traditional Hand-woven Matts in a contemporary manner by extending it’s use as stools.
These sculptural stools are the perfect pieces for inspired inte...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Nigerian International Style Seating
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Raffia, Rattan
Carlo Hauner brazilian blue and white chair in wood polychromed and iron 1960
By Carlo Hauner
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Carlo Hauner blue and white chair in wood and iron circa 1950.
Category
1960s Brazilian Vintage International Style Seating
Materials
Iron
Luisa Wicker Lounge Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
Luisa, one of three fabulous new accent chairs from the ever-talented Vito Selma, is sensual and seductive. With an organic shape to guarantee comfort...
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Wicker
M Stool, Contemporary Handcrafted Stool in Hardwood
Located in São Paulo, SP
Our M Stool is part of our M collection! Handcrafted in traditional woodworking techniques with certified brazilian wood. This stool is made with "Jequitibá Ro...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Italian Chaise Longue silk
Located in Long Island, NY
Italian Chaise Longue .Elegant and Timeless. Beautiful Reds and Gold Colors in Silk .
Category
Early 2000s Italian International Style Seating
Materials
Silk
Set of 2 M Stools, Contemporary Handcrafted Stools in Hardwood
Located in São Paulo, SP
Set of 2 M Stools. Our M Stool is part of our M collection! Handcrafted in traditional woodworking techniques with certified brazilian wood. This stool is made...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Egg chair by Peter Ghyczy in fiberglass and synthetic leather 1970
By Peter Ghyczy
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible egg chair in fiberglass and synthetic leather circa 1970
Category
1970s German Vintage International Style Seating
Materials
Fiberglass
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.
Category
1960s Brazilian Vintage International Style Seating
Materials
Wood
Lola Wicker Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The new Lola chair is a remarkable testament to the beauty of natural materials and expert craftsmanship. Skilled artisans in the Philippines meticulously weave the chair from wicker...
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Wicker
Late 20th Century Hand Forged Polished Steel Bench style of Alberto Giacommetti
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular craftsmanship in the style of Alberto Giacommetti. Expert welding with high quality steel, using tapered stretchers with all handmade fabrication. Fabric is clean and wou...
Category
1980s French Vintage International Style Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Arata Lounge Chair in a Natural Wood Finish
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Arata stands out with its alluring curves and the gentle radiance of pine wood. The left and right limbs are symmetrical counterparts, mirroring the human form with their repetit...
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Wood
Clara Wicker Lounge Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
Introducing the Clara Lounge Chair, one of the latest creations from the talented designer Vito Selma. As part of a trio of exceptional lounge chairs, Clara...
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Wicker
Lola Open Weave Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Lola chair is a true testament to the beauty of design and comfort. The chair features an open weave of leather that covers a sensually shaped frame, creating a striking and eye-...
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Leather
Wing Open Weave Saddle Leather Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
To enhance both style and comfort, supple woven leather gracefully envelops an intriguingly shaped chair.
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Leather
Lola Lampakanai Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Lola chair is a true testament to the beauty of design and comfort. This exquisite combination of materials and design creates a perfect balance between style and comfort, making...
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Reed
Lola Open Weave Leather Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Lola chair is a true testament to the beauty of design and comfort. The chair features an open weave of leather that covers a sensually shaped frame, creating a striking and eye-...
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Leather
Jose Wicker Lounge Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
Vito Selma has done it again with the introduction of the Jose Lounge Chair, another exceptional addition to his collection of three fabulous accent chairs....
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Wicker
Modern Italian Completly Upholstered Hide Leather Chair-Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Daniele Molteni, Linda chair is part of a whole family of chairs and stools. This Linda chair, with high back, has a metal frame completely upholstered and covered in Blu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating
Materials
Metal
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...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage International Style Seating
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Showtime Royal Armchair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Showtime veneer is a combination of rattan strips and coco twigs inlaid side by side, then covered with resin. Repeated sanding and more resin give this material a lustrous Finis...
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Rattan, Coconut
Bella Armchair Open Weave Leather
Located in Hollywood, FL
"Bella” is Italian for “beautiful” and this chair is truly that! Stable and comfortable, the intricate weave is done with leather and is available in several colors. The airy play of...
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Leather
Lola Wicker Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Lola chair is a remarkable testament to the beauty of natural materials and expert craftsmanship. Skilled artisans in the Philippines meticulously weave the chair from wicker, wh...
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Wicker
Wing Open Weave Brown Leather Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The chair's distinct shape is enveloped in meticulously woven leather, enhancing both its style and comfort.
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Leather
Wing Open Weave White Leather Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
To enhance both style and comfort, supple woven leather gracefully envelops an intriguingly shaped chair.
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Leather
Arata Lounge Chair in a Dark Wood Finish
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Arata chair stands out with its alluring curves and the gentle radiance of pine wood.The left and right limbs are symmetrical counterparts, mirroring the human form with their re...
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Wood
Lola Open Weave Leather Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Lola chair is a true testament to the beauty of design and comfort. The chair features an open weave of leather that covers a sensually shaped frame, creating a striking and eye-...
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Leather
Ari Geometric Armchair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Ari Chair is a true work of artistry in woodworking, showcasing a complex yet elegant geometric design that is simply stunning. Crafted from countless pieces of wood and finished to a smooth silky patina, this chair is offered in a choice of natural or rich reddish-brown tones. For added comfort, the chair comes with a taupe cotton seat...
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Fully Upholstered Day Bed Designed by Laura Gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
Fully upholstered day bed in a Dedar fabric. Structure in wood. Featuring incredibly comfortable upholstery and soft structure made of non-de...
Category
2010s French International Style Seating
Materials
Fabric
Bella Armchair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Bella Chair lives up to its Italian name, which translates to "beautiful." This stunning piece of furniture not only boasts intricate leather weaving, but it also offers remarkab...
Category
2010s Philippine International Style Seating
Materials
Leather
NY Folding Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Takeshi Nii, Japan, c. 1950's
By Takeshi Nii
Located in Deland, FL
A permanent part of the collection of MOMA, the ‘NY’ chair is a highly respected example of modern design. First produced in 1958 by Japanese designer Takeshi Nii, the layout of the ...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage International Style Seating
Materials
Chrome
Modern Italian Wooden Chair from Bontempi Casa Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
Designed by Daniele Molteni, Alfa is a chair with walnut solid wood frame and a characteristic lapel on the back, a chic detail of timeless elegance. The Bontempi Casa solid wood fra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Modern Italian White Polypropylene Chair from Bontempi Collection
Located in Titusville, PA
This white Polypropylene chair is stackable and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Designed by Pocci&Dondoli it is easy, plain, actual. Gipsy chair is a passkey for every envi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian International Style Seating
Materials
Metal
International Style seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique International Style seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used International Style seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Bontempi Casa, Knoll, kontra, and Alexander Diaz Andersson. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $209 and tops out at $60,000 while the average work can sell for $2,167.
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