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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Set of 4 Signed Charles Hollis Jones Lucite & Brass Dining Chairs, Metric Line
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional set of 4 dining chairs designed by Charles Hollis Jones from his iconic "Metric" Collection, all hand-signed by the artist. These chairs exemplify Jones' masterful blend ...
Brass
$5,106 / item
Hibi Sculptural Oak Bench with Sheepskin Upholstery
Located in Baguim Do Monte, PT
The Hibi Bench combines sculptural simplicity with the inviting softness of sheepskin upholstery, creating a refined piece that balances comfort with timeless craftsmanship. Its clea...
Fabric, Oak
$25,473 / 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
Asa Bench – Sculptural Walnut Bench Upholstered in Dedar Milano Fabric
Located in Baguim Do Monte, PT
The Asa Bench combines sculptural simplicity with everyday comfort, balancing the warmth of solid walnut with the softness of premium upholstery. Its clean architectural lines and re...
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 ...
Aluminum, Chrome, Stainless Steel, Gold Plate
LC2 Style Modernist Chrome Armchairs Pair, Circa Late 20th Century
By Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
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
Tsuki Oak Bench Upholstered in Pierre Frey Teddy Mohair
Located in Baguim Do Monte, PT
The Tsuki Bench combines soft, sculptural lines with the timeless warmth of solid oak or walnut, creating a refined piece that balances comfort with understated elegance. Fully uphol...
Fabric, Oak
Authentic Holly Hunt "Studio H" Leather Scoop Dining Arm Chairs Set 10
By HOLLY HUNT
Located in Fulton, CA
A set of 10 authentic "Siren" dining arm chairs by Holly Hunt. Retaining Studio H metal label on underside of each chair. White leather scoop seats framed with a solid hardwood base ...
Leather, Mahogany
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
1990s Marcel Wanders for Droog Green Rope "Knotted Chair" by Cappellini - Italy
Located in St. Louis, MO
A rare and spectacular icon of late-20th-century avant-garde design: the "Knotted Chair" (Model KC_1), designed by the legendary Dutch designer Marcel Wanders in 1996 for Droog Desig...
Epoxy Resin, Carbon Fiber
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
G23 Hoop Lounge Chair by Werther Toffoloni & Piero Palange 1970 Italy
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
Rare vintage Hoop lounge chair designed by Werther Toffoloni and Piero Palange in Italy during the 1970s.The chair features a black lacquered wooden frame combined with cognac saddle...
Leather, Wood
Vintage Rapallo Oversized Leather Club Lounge Reading Library Armchair 45"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Rapallo Italian leather club lounge arm chair. This oversized accent chair features premium tan / camel top-grain leather upholstery, distinctive wood trim that elegantly fl...
Leather, Hardwood
$1,450 / item
SHAKER Counter Stool by AMBROZIA // COWHIDE
By AMBROZIA
Located in Drummondville, QC
The SHAKER Counter Stool Cowhide is part of AMBROZIA's signature seating family, thoughtfully designed for residential, hospitality and commercia...
Steel, Metal, Brass, Bronze, Nickel
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
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
$10,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Roche Bobois 'Profile' Blue Velvet Sectional Sofa by Tapinassi & Manzoni, Signed
By Roche Bobois
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant and highly sculptural "Profile" modular sectional sofa by Roche Bobois, designed by acclaimed Italian designers Roberto Tapinassi and Maurizio Manzoni. Comprised of a larg...
Metal
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
Designer Barbara Barry Sleek Contemporary Sofa for Baker Furniture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Timeless and sophisticated sofa by Barbara Barry having a sleek silhouette, one seat cushion and 3 back cushions. HT
Upholstery
Mid-Century Bruno Rey Stackable Dining Chair, Cherry Stained Beech, 1971
Hugues Chevalier "Dominique" Sectional Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Contemporary leather sectional sofa hand-made in France by high-end customer furniture maker, Hugues Chevalier. This is the "Dominique" model. First designed in 1983, this design e...
Leather, Wood
$6,281 / item
Nazaré Daybed
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
Hibi Bench – Upholstered Sculptural Bench in Solid Wood
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, Ash, Oak
Bertu Stools, Chile Outdoor Counter Stools, Walnut Mahogany
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
These Chile Stools - Outdoor Walnut Finish are beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The bar stool is chunky and modern with a comfortable cushion made for outdoor us...
Mahogany
Contemporary Sense Sapelli Lounge Chair, Teal Velvet, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Contemporary Sense Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Sense lounge chair embodies the essence of slow living, designed to enc...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$395 / item
Mushroom Ottoman in Wool Cream Dot
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
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
$9,500 / set
Pair of Club Chairs by Bart Van Bekhoven
Located in Chicago, IL
The Dutch have never been seduced by excess. They leave that to the French. What they perfected instead was restraint—the difficult art of making something so perfectly proportioned ...
Leather
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
$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
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
Moss Modular Sofa C005 & ottoman - Nubuck col. Sage (or any Leather 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...
Leather, Upholstery, Coating
$3,150 / item
Bertu Bench, Iris Modern Bench, Walnut
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Contact us for designer/trade pricing. This Walnut Iris Bench is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. This silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek, topped with a co...
Walnut
Avant-Garde Minimalist Sofa Ft. Cape-like Fabric Draped Over the Armrests
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural sofa draws inspiration from the bold pleated structure of traditional Scottish kilts, translating the garment’s rhythmic folds into a striking upholstered form. The d...
Upholstery, Velvet
$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
Moss Modular Sofa C002 & ottoman - Nubuck col. Sand (or any Leather 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...
Leather, Upholstery, Coating
$3,789Sale 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 Wool Ochre Dot
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
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
Moss Modular Sofa C001 - Leather Sequoia col. Camel (or any Leather 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...
Leather, Upholstery, Coating
Contemporary Sculptural Sofa with Wavy Feminine Silhouette In Dusty Rose Velvet
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural sofa is defined by its fluid silhouette and continuous curved backrest, creating an elegant architectural profile that feels both timeless and contemporary. The softl...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
$395 / item
Mushroom Ottoman in Sierra Wool Dot
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
Pair of MOD Space Age Louis Sognot Style Brass Bar Stools
By Louis Sognot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant pair of 1970's MOD brass Louis Sognot Style bar stools with cream colored leather seats. Bent tubular brass frames with 14.25" high footrests. In original condition with visi...
Brass
$1,600 / set
Pair of 1980 Slipper Lounge Chairs
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of 1980 Slipper Lounge Chairs.
Fabric
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
$13,492 / item
Moss Modular Sofa C004 - Nubuck col. Marron
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
$3,094Sale Price|30% Off
Italian Chaise Longue Cowhide with Zebra Pattern, 1980s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
A stunning 1980s Italian chaise longue, featuring a sinuous, sculptural silhouette and upholstered in genuine zebra-print cowhide. The elegant, undulating shape is designed to follo...
Leather
Tsuki Bench – Contemporary Upholstered Bench with Refined Wooden Details
Located in Baguim Do Monte, PT
The Tsuki Bench embodies softness and balance, fully upholstered with refined details in oak or walnut. Its gentle curves and clean lines evoke the calm presence of moonlight, bringi...
Fabric, Oak, Walnut
Moss Modular Sofa C003 - Nubuck col. Sand (or any Leather 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...
Leather, Upholstery, Coating
Handmade Velvet Stool by Munna Design Studio, Modern Fringes, Customizable
Located in New York, NY
The handmade stool draws on the signature fashion theme, ruffling the scene and inviting guests with its fun and flirtatious feel. Featuring three layers of fringes that run along th...
Silk, Velvet, Wood, Trimming
Mushroom Ottoman in Wool Denim Blue Dot
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
Olive Curved Sofa with Tailored Upholstery and Walnut Plinth In Matte Finish
Located in New York, NY
A continuous sculptural arc defined by disciplined tailoring and material contrast. The sofa’s enveloping curved silhouette creates a composed seating landscape, balancing presence ...
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
Patricia Urquiola 4 Piece "Beam" Sectional Sofa for Cassina, Italian Modern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2016 for Cassina, this exceptional four-piece Beam sectional sofa represents one of the most innovative upholstered seating systems of contemporary I...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Style Armchair in Velvet with Ebony Veneer and Brass Accents
Located in New York, NY
A refined armchair inspired by mid-century modern design principles, defined by its architectural wood frame, suspended upholstered seat, and exposed structural elements. The contras...
Brass
Bamboo and Rattan Lounge Chair with Hassock, McGuire, Late 20th century
By McGuire
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Rattan and bamboo lounge chair and ottoman (hassock) set designed by McGuire Furniture. Featuring the brand's signature leather-wrapped bindings and a classic "tobacco" finish. Cover...
Bamboo, Rattan, Chenille
Moss Modular C006 (Armchair & Ottoman)-Nubuck col. Sand (or any Leather cat. A)
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Moss sofa draws inspiration from the softness and organic shapes of moss, offering a relaxed, natural aesthetic. This sofa collection boasts a unique, plush design with soft, pad...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Coating
$3,198 / item
Sora Bench – Upholstered Bench with Organic Curves
Located in Baguim Do Monte, PT
The Sora Bench embodies softness and balance, with curved lines that invite comfort and ease. Fully upholstered, its gentle form captures the lightness of its name — Sora, meaning “s...
Upholstery
McGuire Umbria Rattan and Wicker Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By McGuire
Located in Franklin Park, IL
McGuire Umbria Rattan and Wicker Lounge Chair with Ottoman The chair measures: 33 wide x 43 deep x 38 high, with a seat height of 19 inches and arm height/chair clearance of 23.5 in...
Upholstery, Wicker, Rattan
Pair of Italian Modern Leather & Walnut Armchairs Style of Giorgetti, 1990s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Italian Modern Leather & Walnut Armchairs in the Style of Giorgetti, Circa 1990 A refined pair of Italian Modern armchairs executed in the manner of Umberto Asnago for G...
Leather, Hardwood
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.
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The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.
Damon Liss and Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects collaborated on this serene getaway for a minimalism-minded Manhattan family of four.
The Palm Springs interior decorator developed a mid-century style that defined the vacation homes of celebrities and other notables, including Bob Hope and Lucille Ball.
Wielding her influence on the international scene, founding partner Andrea Cesarman expands the platform for Mexican artisans.