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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Vintage Sherrill Furniture Traditional Safari Jungle Animal Print Club Arm Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
This vintage Sherrill furniture armchair features a plush, overstuffed club design characterized by a gently arched backrest and thick, roll...
Fabric, Hardwood
Contemporary Velvet Sculptural Armchair with Spherical Feet
Located in New York, NY
This armchair is a masterclass in modernist sculptural design. Defined by its enveloping proportions and sweeping, continuous curves, this piece commands attention in any space. Its ...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Tyler Hays for BDDW Caubeen Sofa in Boucle' and Walnut
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Built entirely from scratch and upholstered by hand in the BDDW Pennsylvania workshop. The legs are carved from walnut, and the sofa is covered in boucle' fabric.
Bouclé, Walnut
Paul Tuttle 'Chariot' Leather Chaise Lounge Chair for Strassle International
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Tuttle 'Chariot' chaise lounge, c.1972 Leather, chrome-plated steel, lacquered steel. Manufactured by Strassle International, USA / Switzerland. With additional Carmel Sheepsk...
Chrome
Michiel Van Der Kley Orange Isobel Sofa for Artifort, 2000s
By Artifort
Located in Miami, FL
Isobel sofa in original Kravdat Tonus 4 orange fabric designed by Michiel Van Der Kley for Artifort, 2000s. The Isobel sofa is characterized by its retro-futuristic look. Designer v...
Steel
Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Modern Walnut Chaise Lounge by Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Chaise longue designed by American designer Adrian Pearsall. The frame is made of walnut, with a beautiful curved shape, and upholstered in white loop pile. The chaise longue has bee...
Bouclé, Walnut
Italian Contemporary Dining Chair in White Leather 24-Karat Gold-Plated Accents
Located in Ancona, Marche
The 'Petali' dining chair, created by Atelier Barberini & Gunnell, was conceived with the idea of creating an enveloping backrest, as though petals suspended in the air formed a soft...
Aluminum, Gold Plate, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Bertu Bench, Parker Contemporary Bench with Cushion, Oak Warm Slate
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Contemporary Parker Bench in Warm Slate is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. This silhouette is simple, elevated, modern, and sleek, topped with a comfortabl...
Oak
$1,700 / item
Bertu Stool, Iris Modern Counter Stool, White Oak
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Iris Modern Counter Stool in White Oak is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The stool is chunky and modern with a comfortable cushion in the thick weave fabr...
Oak
Handmade Velvet Sculptural Sofa by Munna Design Studio in Europe
Located in New York, NY
Grounded in a modernist sculptural tradition, this sofa combines generous volumes with sweeping, continuous lines to create an enveloping and sophisticated profile. Its seamless silh...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
$3,614 / item
Large Handcrafted Scottish Elm Bench
Located in London, GB
Solid Scottish Elm (or English prime oak) contemporary refectory bench. Handcrafted with wedged mortice and tenon joints on the legs and wiggly feet....
Elm
$3,160Sale Price / set|20% Off
LC2 Style Modernist Chrome Armchairs Pair, Circa Late 20th Century
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina, Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier
Located in New York, NY
A substantial and beautifully made pair of LC2‑style modernist armchairs featuring polished tubular chrome frames and beige canvas cushions, late 20th century. The design follows the...
Metal, Chrome
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Boucle Sofa by B&B Italia Set of 5
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A rare monumental five-piece "Camaleonda" boucle modular sectional sofa, designed by Mario Bellini and made by B&B Italia in Novedrate, Como, Italy. The sofa is comprised of thre...
Steel
$2,481Sale Price / item|20% Off
Art Deco Style Curved Dining Chair by Munna Design Studio in Dusty Rose Velvet
Located in New York, NY
This chair is defined by a refined, continuous form that balances softness with structural clarity. The silhouette is composed around a curved, open backrest that gently wraps forwar...
Velvet, Wood, Upholstery
$3,040Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sculptural Three-Legged T-Back Dining Chair in Satin Walnut and Woolly Bouclé
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural three-legged dining chair is defined by the contrast between its tactile upholstered body and continuous solid walnut rear spine. Rising from the floor, the tapered t...
Foam, Wood, Fabric, Upholstery
Original Maurizio Peregalli 1988 Chair, Noto Zeus Milano Modern Art Piece
By Maurizio Peregalli, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Design: Maurizio Peregalli, Noto Zeus, Milano, 1988. Square steel tube, powder-coated, seating- and backrest surface formed Polyurethan.
Iron
Industrial Aluminum Bar Stools by Joan Casas i Ortinez for Indecasa, Spain
By Indecasa, Joan Casas Y Ortinez
Located in Doylestown, PA
Set of three industrial aluminum bar stools by Joan Casas i Ortinez for Indecasa, Barcelona, Spain. Ultra sleek set of iconic, sought after stool...
Aluminum
ATLAS Dining Chair in Dark American Oak Wood With Black Faux Leather
Located in St Petersburg, US
The ATLAS Dining Chair balances sculptural woodworking with a soft, architectural silhouette. Crafted from solid dark brown American Oak, its flowing arm structure and curved backres...
Wood, Faux Leather
$18,313 / set
Original MAH JONG SOFA by ROCHE BOBOIS, 1971
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Modular sofa group, designed by Hans Hopfer. Roche Bobois, France, 1971. Beautiful large modular sofa with a mixture of components, hand-sewn rolled edge, quilted seat and back cu...
Wool, Velvet
Holland Upholstered Leather Dining chair by Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
The Holland Stool Upholstered leather seat top and back / premium foam cushion / solid wood leg braces / solid steel construction / durable powder coat finish Frame - Black, Bronz...
Steel
Patricia Urquiola Vidalenta Sofa for Cassina, Modern Metal Frame
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Vidalenta Sofa for Cassina The Vidalenta sofa interprets the outdoors as a peaceful retreat to enjoy. A system for the living area with an enveloping aesthetic, in...
Metal
Sculptural Curved Segmented Sofa in High Resistant Rich Tobacco Velvet
Located in New York, NY
Defining the contemporary living space with its fluid, organic silhouette, this fully upholstered two-piece modular sectional sofa is a masterclass in sculptural comfort. The design ...
Foam, Wood, Fabric
Bertu Stool, Boca Modern Counter Stool with Boucle Seat, Natural Maple
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Please scroll down to read IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT OUR STUMPS before purchase! Why buy BERTU HOME stumps? KILN DRIED Our stumps all go through a drying process in our kiln, s...
Maple
Three-Piece Modular Sectional Sofa in Ochre Velvet with Dark Wood Plinth Base
Located in New York, NY
Wrapped in richly textured ochre velvet, this sculptural modular sofa is defined by its fluid silhouette, generous proportions, and softly rounded geometry. Three individual modules ...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
$1,400Sale Price|30% Off
Century Furniture Tufted Walnut Chaise Lounge Chair Daybed Fainting Couch 78"
Located in Dayton, OH
Century Furniture chaise lounge / day bed / fainting couch / settee. Features a tufted diamond upholstery with rolled arms, supported by turned walnut legs with brass castors. Dime...
Fabric, Hardwood
Burl-Framed Perception Bench or Loveseat by Known Work w/Customizable Fabric
By Known Work
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A graceful articulation of comfort through form, the Perceptions Bench explores the relationship between upholstery and framework. Its soft, sculpted interior creates cozy contours w...
Upholstery, Maple
Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti Koala Sofa and Armchairs, France, 1980s
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Original Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti Koala Suite, France, 1980s Original Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti Koala Suite, France, 1980s. All the pieces require new fabri...
Bronze
ALO Upholstered Sculptural Dining Chair in Burnt Orange Fabric - Modern
Located in St Petersburg, US
This contemporary dining chair combines sculptural comfort with refined material contrast, creating an elegant seating piece for modern dining spaces. Upholstered in a warm burnt-ora...
Fabric, Wood
Handmade Contemporary Sculptural Armchair by Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
Shaped by a modernist sculptural language, this armchair commands attention through its sweeping, continuous curves and enveloping proportions. Effortlessly balancing precise lines w...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Eileen Gray 'Lota' Sofa in High Gloss Lacquered Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eileen Gray for ClassiCon, 'Lota' sofa, high gloss lacquered wood, fabric, design 1924 The French designer and architect Eileen Gray (1878-1976) initially designed this "Lota" sofa ...
Fabric, Wood
Rudolph Outdoor One-Seater Chair by Vincent Van Duysen for Serax
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Architect Vincent Van Duysen in a collaboration with Belgium-based Serax has designed a sofa line embodying the essence of his "warm minimalist" aesthetic. Dubbed Rudolph, in homage...
Aluminum
Bertu Stool, Cicely Modern Counter Stool with Sheepskin, Caramel White Oak
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Modern Cicely Counter Stool with Sheepskin Seat is beautifully constructed from solid white oak in Ohio, USA. It is finished with a beautiful caramel colored commercial grade fi...
Oak
Modern Cream Dot Boiled Wool Mushroom Ottoman Pouf or Accent Seat, Handmade, USA
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a dotted wool blend fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned seat and sculptur...
Wool, Acrylic, Polyester
$24,942 / item
Patricia Urquiola Vidalenta Sofa for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Patricia Urquiola Vidalenta Sofa for Cassina The Vidalenta sofa interprets the outdoors as a peaceful retreat to enjoy. A system for the living area with an enveloping aesthetic, in...
Metal
Ron Arad Do-Lo-Rez by Moroso Sofa, Modern Italian Design, 2009
By Ron Arad
Located in Miami, FL
A spectacular and highly sculptural Do-Lo-Rez modular sofa designed by Ron Arad for Moroso, introduced in 2008. Inspired by the pixel—the fundamental unit of a digital image—and rese...
Fabric, Wood
$18,975 / item
Plush Modular Modern Sofa in Maharam Corduroy
Located in Nyack, NY
The Plush Modular Modern Sofa Collection boasts extremely luxurious proportions: a low back, massive seat cushions, an ultra-thin deck, and some of the most indulgently comfortable c...
Fabric
Organic Modernist C-Shaped Modular Sofa in High-Resistance Velvet, Seats 8–9
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
Defined by a sculptural C-shaped silhouette, this conversational modular sofa is designed to bring people together while creating a bold architectural centerpiece. The generous open ...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Lucca Capsule Loop Bench in Walnut with Tailored Bouclé Cushion
Located in New York, NY
The Lucca Loop Bench is defined by a continuous walnut frame that forms an elongated capsule-shaped loop around a tailored upholstered seat. Its softened perimeter, rounded ends, and...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Bruno Rey Stackable Dining Chair, Cherry Stained Beech, 1971
Contemporary sculptural wood COM Silhouette II dining chair by InsidherLand
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
Silhouette II emerges as a natural evolution of the original Silhouette dining chair, with its elegant forms, now embraced by arms that invite a more generous comfort. Silhouette II ...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
$7,685 / item
Plush Modular Modern Sofa in Maharam Velvet
Located in Nyack, NY
The Plush Modular Modern Sofa Collection boasts extremely luxurious proportions: a low back, massive seat cushions, an ultra-thin deck, and some of the most indulgently comfortable c...
Fabric
$3,744Sale Price|30% Off
Stuart Scott Tux Chair, Emerald Cotton Velvet, Oiled Walnut Legs, UK
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
We have a very special 'one-off' Tux chair available now upholstered in a beautiful Emerald cotton velvet, with legs in natural oiled walnut! The Tux Chair is our contemporary inter...
Velvet, Walnut
Mushroom Ottoman in Sierra Dot Boiled Wool, Mid Century Style Design, USA
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a dotted wool blend fabric. "Sierra" fabric is in the gray color family with textured gray and off white dots throughout. Perfect ...
Wool, Cotton
Nazaré Daybed - walnut - hand-made - carved - artisanal - Project 213A
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
NAZARÉ DAYBED, designed in 2024. The Nazaré Daybed is crafted from solid walnut and has a removable cushion. The legs have a hand-carved detailed wave texture giving the piece it's ...
Walnut
Thomas Pheasant for Baker Furniture Villa Settee Sofa
By Thomas Pheasant, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Thomas Pheasant for Baker Furniture Villa Settee Sofa This sofa measures: 67 wide x 40 deep x 37 inches high, with a seat height of 19 inches We take our photos in a controlled lig...
Upholstery
Contemporary Bench "Underpass" in White Oak and Blackened Steel by Casey Lurie
By Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
Underpass is a contemporary bench inspired by the simple forms and robust construction of freeway interchanges. Foregrounding the natural beauty of solid wood, a blackened steel chas...
Steel
Hibi Bench – Sculptural Bench in Solid Oak with Pierre Frey Mohair
Located in Baguim Do Monte, PT
The Sabi Bench celebrates the quiet beauty of simplicity and natural imperfection, expressed through a refined balance of solid wood structure and a softly upholstered seat. Warm, co...
Fabric, Oak, Mohair
Lotus Chair, Solid Wood Chair with Arms, Walnut and Hexagonal Cane, by Simonini
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Lotus Chair - CL2 is a solid wood dining chair with arms, designed by Daniel Simonini, in a walnut finish with a hexagonal cane back in the same tone and a textile seat. The Lotus C...
Leather, Cane, Hardwood
Handmade Mushroom Ottoman in Ochre Dot Boiled Wool, Modern Design, USA
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a dotted wool blend fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned seat and sculptur...
Fabric, Wool, Acrylic, Polyester
Ralph Lauren Houndstooth English Style Library Castors Chairs, Set of 2
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning Ralph Lauren chairs you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful chairs are a statement pie...
Upholstery, Wood
Black Leather Togo 3 seater Sofa Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Classic French Togo by Michel Ducaroy for luxury brand Ligne Roset. Originally designed in the 1970s the iconic Togo sofa is now a design classic. Timeless comfort and style make thi...
Leather
$18,975 / item
Plush Modular Modern Sofa in Premium Belgian Linen
Located in Nyack, NY
The Plush Modular Modern Sofa Collection boasts extremely luxurious proportions: a low back, massive seat cushions, an ultra-thin deck, and some of the most indulgently comfortable c...
Fabric
Riva 1920 Nudo Sofa In Solid Walnut Wood Structure, Collectible Contemporary
By Riva 1920
Located in New York, NY
A luxurious sofa featuring a solid american walnut wood structure defined by extraordinary, exposed dovetail joints that create a continuous, flowing line around the back and sides. ...
Fabric, Walnut
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
The virgola chair by Yaacov Kaufman for Arflex
By Yaacov Kaufman, Arflex
Located in Toronto, ON
The ‘virgola’ chair was designed by Yaacov Kaufman for Arflex and made in 1991. This chair is named after its shape ‘virgola’ which translates to ‘comma’. This iconic shape is both b...
Chrome
1970s Italian Modern Style Sculptural Armchair with Round Continuous Silhouette
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural single-seater armchair characterized by an oversized, enveloping form and bold, rounded proportions. The design features a continuous backrest that flows seamlessly into...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
$10,080Sale Price / set|20% Off
Six Organic Modern Dining Chairs in Faux Fur with Wooden Structure
Located in New York, NY
This chair features a striking blend of rich textures and clean, contemporary lines. The design centers on plush, inviting comfort achieved through a seat and backrest upholstered in...
Fabric, Wood
Moss Modular Sofa C004 - Dhogar col. 023 (or any Fabric cat. A)
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Moss collection draws inspiration from the softness and organic shapes of moss, offering a relaxed, natural aesthetic. This sofa collection boasts a unique, plush design with sof...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Coating
Set of 5 Togo Sofa in Cognac Leather by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning five-piece Togo sofa set in cognac brown leather brings an iconic blend of form, function, and timeless style to any space. Designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, ...
Leather
1970s Space Age MOD Vanity Stool, Gold-Plated Brass, Black Upholstery
By Louis Sognot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vanity stool from the 1970s showcases the bold sculptural aesthetic of Space Age MOD design. The frame features thick bent tubular brass in a continuous loop construction, creating a...
Brass
Contemporary Sculptural Sofa with Double-Layered Back in Tailored Upholstery
Located in New York, NY
A contemporary three-seater sofa defined by a low profile and a continuous, rounded silhouette. The design features a gently curved backrest that flows seamlessly into the armrests, ...
Velvet, Wood
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Wielding her influence on the international scene, founding partner Andrea Cesarman expands the platform for Mexican artisans.