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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Sora Bench – Upholstered Bench with Pierre Frey Frida Carmín Fabric
Located in Baguim Do Monte, PT
Sora Bench – Upholstered Bench with Organic Curves The Sora Bench embodies softness and balance, with curved lines that invite comfort and ease. Fully upholstered, its gentle form c...
Upholstery
$5,200 / 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
Mario Bellini Cab 413 Brown Leather Dining Chairs for Cassina - Set of Six
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Miami, FL
Set of six Cab 413 brown leather dining or side chairs designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Italy, 1990s. “This was a new kind of chair, constructed totally out of leather, much c...
Leather
$18,950 / 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
Original Armchair 'Fauteuil á Dossier Basculant' LC1 by Le Corbusier, P. Jeanner
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Original LC1 Armchair designed by Le Corbusier, P. Jeanneret and C. Perriand. Italy, Cassina, (1928). The iconic armchair uses a chrome-plated frame with back- and seat-cover uphol...
Cowhide
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, Gold Plate, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Industrial Aluminum Bar Stools by Joan Casas i Ortinez for Indecasa, Spain
By Joan Casas Y Ortinez, Indecasa
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
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
Afra and Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia, Set of Six ‘Dialogo’ Dining Chairs, 1973
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in New York, NY
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, set of six ‘Dialogo’ dining chairs; the seat and back rest in a rich black lacquered fiberglass and supported on angular oak wood frames. The ‘D...
Fiberglass, Oak, Lacquer
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
$26,648 / 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
LC2 Style Modernist Chrome Armchairs Pair, Circa Late 20th Century
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret
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
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
Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Modern Walnut Chaise Lounge by Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
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
$25,937 / 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Donghia Klismos Slipper Chair in Mahogany-Finished Maple and Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant Klismos slipper chair by Donghia Furniture, designed and manufactured in the United States. Drawing inspiration from the iconic silho...
Leather, Wood, Maple
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
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
A Monumental Collection – 60 Alias Laleggera Chairs in Birch
By Riccardo Blumer, Alias
Located in Dronten, NL
Some design icons are meant to be experienced in singular form. Others, like this extraordinary set of 60 Laleggera chairs, demand to be appreciated in their full monumental glory—a ...
Birch
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
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
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
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
French Vintage Set of Four Oak and Rush Seat Triangular Stools
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French vintage midcentury (circa 1950s) set of four, oak triangular stools with rush seats in the manner of Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Faucheux. Their approachable, intuitive form...
Rush, 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
Mid-Century Bruno Rey Stackable Dining Chair, Cherry Stained Beech, 1971
Pair of Christian Liaigre at Holly Hunt Lounge or Slipper Chairs, 2000s
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Hamburg, PA
Pair of Christian Liaigre lounge or slipper chairs for Holly Hunt. Tailored square form with a slightly flared back, curved arms, loose seat cushions, and a full skirt. Dark tapered ...
Upholstery
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
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
$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
21st Century Asian Outdoor Indoor Rope Contour Triangle Pouf - Chocolate Brown
By iota
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
A lightweight, highly comfortable pouf featuring a classic triangular shape and a knitted rope contour. Easy to carry and versatile, it combines premium outdoor fabric with heavy-dut...
Textile, Rope, Polyester
Modern Ikat Woven Fabric Upholstered Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Astoria, NY
Modern Ikat Fabric Upholstered Three-Seat Sofa. 30" H x 77" W x 39" D; seat: 18" H. Provenance: An Upper East Side Townhouse.
Upholstery
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
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, Polyester, Acrylic, Wool
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
$6,395 / 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
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
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
$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
$3,835Sale 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
$3,257 / 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
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
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...
Velvet, Upholstery
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.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
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.