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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Mushroom Ottoman in Sedona Wool Dot
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a dotted wool blend fabric. "Sedona" fabric is in the rust color family with textured earth tone dots throughout. Perfect for usin...
Wool, Cotton
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
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
Mushroom Ottoman in Mid Century Vintage Fabric - Brown and Yellow Circles
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in vintage mid century fabric. Fabric is a synthetic material with a bold pattern of brown circles with yellow stripes. Perfect for ...
Fabric, Wood
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
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
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
Vintage Omani Scrolled Wrought Iron Teak Saddle Seat Lounge Armchair
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Middle Eastern saddle seat lounge chair. Made of scrolled wrought iron featuring a teak chain link style sling seat, acanthus carved arms, and Fleur de lis accents. Made an...
Wrought Iron
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
$6,800 / set
Pair Orange McGuire Teak Portico Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Houston, TX
Originally designed by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy for McGuire of San Francisco, the Portico chair takes a modern approach while saluting a traditional aesthetic. Each solid teak chair fame ...
Velvet, Teak
Mid-Century Bruno Rey Stackable Dining Chair, Cherry Stained Beech, 1971
$9,120Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set Of 2 Cozy Lounge Chairs in Mongolian Faux Fur, Natural Oak Legs, New
Located in NEW YORK, NY
An explosion of organic, enveloping forms, conceived as both furniture and sculpture. Its silhouette is defined by soft, generous curves and a commanding backrest that cocoons the bo...
Upholstery, Faux Fur, Wood
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
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
$8,600Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
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
$10,353Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
Modern Split-Back Dining Chair in Velvet and Walnut, Customizable Upholstery
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This modern dining chair is defined by its sculptural split-back silhouette and refined tailoring, creating a piece that feels both elegant and architectural. The design features two...
Wood, Velvet
$6,404 / 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
Holly Hunt for Studio H George V Sofa in Goldenrod Fabric
By HOLLY HUNT
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A bold and handsome bespoke three-seat sofa designed by Holly Hunt for Studio H, upholstered in a rich textured dark mustard yellow or goldenrod tone fabric. Designed in the iconic G...
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
$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
Mushroom Ottoman in Wool Jade Dot
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a dotted wool blend fabric. "Jade" colored fabric is a grayish green-blue color with large textured dots in a darker hue throughou...
Wool, Acrylic, Polyester
Contemporary Sculptural Velvet Sofa with High Curved Back
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Contemporary sofa defined by a continuous curved backrest and an extended seat designed for both conversation and relaxed lounging. The high back wraps around the sitter, creating a ...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
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
Bertu Stools, Cicely Modern Counter Stool With Backrest, Sheepskin, White Oak
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
These Sheepskin Counter Stool with Backrest - The Cicely are beautifully constructed from solid white oak in Ohio, USA. These stools are modern...
Oak
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
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
$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 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
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
Moss Modular Sofa C004 - Leather col. Sequoia 027 (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...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Coating
$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
$13,757 / 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
$1,940Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
$6,645 / item
Geometric Modern Sofa in Maharam Corduroy
Located in Nyack, NY
The Geometric Modern Sofa exudes understated elegance. Its extra-wide, rectilinear arms are adorned with relaxed throw pillows, all resting on a single, seamless bench seat—chic and ...
Fabric
Couture Swivel Lounge Chair in Hand-Tailored Upholstery, Hollywood Regency Style
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This couture swivel armchair is defined by a sculptural silhouette and refined tailoring. The front presents a composed and restrained profile, with a smooth upholstered seat, backre...
Velvet, Wood
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
$11,000 / item
Maresias Modular Sofa by Amilcar Oliveira
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Maresias Sofa is a contemporary Brazilian modular seating system defined by its architectural wooden base and deliberately low, horizontal proportions. Designed as a platform for...
Fabric, Foam, Hardwood
$16,346 / item
Curved Couture Velvet Sofa with Silk Fringes By Munna
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This sculptural curved sofa is defined by a continuous, enveloping back and integrated arms, forming a strong yet inviting architectural silhouette. Upholstered in plush velvet, the ...
Silk, Velvet, Wood, Trimming
$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
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
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
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
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
Sculptural Open-Back Dining Chair with Curved Arms and Tailored Upholstery
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This contemporary dining chair is defined by a sculptural open-back silhouette and a continuous, embracing form that integrates the backrest and armrests into a single architectural ...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
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
Danish Three Piece Sectional "Dane" by Sofa Company
By COR
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful contemporary seat-scape modules 'Dane' by Sofa Company, Denmark, designed and produced in 2020 with 'Danny Dusty Blue' upholstery. The set consists of two corner modules an...
Upholstery
$19,557 / item
Aria Sofa in Pierre Frey Teddy Mohair by Frances Jean
Located in London, GB
The Aria Sofa is designed as a calm and refined anchor for the home, balancing generous comfort with a composed, sculptural silhouette. Defined by clean lines, deep seating, and a si...
Mohair, Linen, Upholstery, Foam, Feathers
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
Maralunga sofa/armchair/pouf set designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in Firenze, FI
Set consisting of a pair of sofas, an armchair with ottoman, model "Maralunga" designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italia1973. Iconic Maralunga seating set for Cassina, designe...
Velvet
Ripple Chair No. 1 by Sidani Design, Bouclé Upholstery, Walnut Legs
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Ripple Chair No. 1 is an upholstered seating piece defined by continuity of form and restrained architectural detail. Designed as part of the Ripple colle...
Upholstery, Wood
French Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Brown Leather & Velvet Chair
Located in Southampton, NJ
Christian Liaigre "Caraïbes" bergere Armchair, a mix of classic and majestic. Solid Oak construction with mixed textures upholstered in saddle stitched leather and velvet lined inter...
Leather, Velvet, Oak
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
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Leather Upholstered Bench, Pair Available
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in San Diego, CA
A refined and architecturally restrained upholstered bench designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt—an exemplar of understated luxury and disciplined modernism. The silhouette is...
Leather, Wood
Slope Arm Sofa in Amber Mohair Velvet with Flared Panel Base
Located in Greenwich, CT
Defined by slope arms that sweep down and splay outward into a flared panel base, this made-to-order sofa delivers a silhouette that is simultaneously architectural and inviting. The...
Mohair, Upholstery
Set of Two Oversized Pebble Lounge Chair by Mondo Design, Ruby Red Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Oversized pebble-shaped lounge chair by Ciarmoli Queda Studio, featuring a sculpted monolithic form with integrated arms and backrest built on a solid timber frame padded with multi-...
Upholstery, Velvet, Foam, Wood
Contemporary Sculptural Sofa with Curved Base and Tailored Upholstery
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Defined by a clean, architectural silhouette and refined proportions, this contemporary sofa delivers a bold yet understated presence. The design is characterized by a gently curved ...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Set of Six Barbara Barry for Baker Oval X-Back Dining Chairs
By Baker Furniture Company, Barbara Barry
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A refined iconic set of six oval X-Back dining side chairs designed by Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture. The chairs feature darkly stained hardwood frames with a contrasting and su...
Fabric, Beech
Roo Occasional Chair / Stool in Linen by Frances Jean
Located in London, GB
The Roo Stool is a compact and proportion-led occasional seat designed with a low crescent back for gentle support and comfort. Its refined oval silhouette allows it to slip neatly b...
Fabric, Linen, Upholstery
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