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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Roche Bobois Three-Piece Suite Sofa, Settee and Chair near Flawless Condition.
By Roche Bobois
Located in Highwood, IL
Roche Bobois Three-Piece Suite Sofa, Settee & Chair near Flawless Condition. When inspecting our Roche Bobois Sofa with matching Chair and Sette it is hard too fathom that anyone...
Fabric, Upholstery, Ultrasuede
$10,615 / item
Philippe Chaise Longue by Dom Edizioni
By Dom Edizioni
Located in Milan, IT
A superb addition to a contemporary or classic home, this chaise longue is a celebration of sophisticated lounging. The wooden structure is visible in the lacquered feet that support...
Other
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
$1,750 / item
Inez Counter Stool by Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Inez Counter stool by Crump and Kwash Carved, solid wood seat, base, and under cap / hand rubbed oil finish / solid steel construction / durable powder coat finish / 360 degree rotating...
Steel
Bertu Bench, Suelo Modern Wood Bench, Upholstered, Thick Weave
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Bench, Suelo® Modern Wood Bench, Upholstered, Thick Weave This upholstered Suelo® Modern Wood Bench is beautifully constructed from solid wood...
Fabric, Hardwood
Contemporary Minimalist Armchair Fully Upholstered In Performance Velvet
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and bold, this custom-made armchair is a statement piece for any space. Curving edges with hugging back for the ultimate comfort with a high-density foam fixed seat. Contact ...
Wood, Upholstery, Velvet
Bertu Stools, Chile Modern Blackened Oak Counter Stools, Red Oak
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
These Chile Counter Stools in Blackened Oak are beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The stools are chunky and modern with a comfortable cushion in the thick weave f...
Oak
$21,000 / item
Horsechair by J.M. Szymanski: Horsehair & Blackened Iron
Located in Bronx, NY
HORSECHAIR NO. 2 J.M. Szymanski d. 2021 Contemporary furniture at its finest. Horsehair textile and blackened iron are combined to create an exciting juxtaposition of elements....
Steel, Iron
2020s Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Management Desk Chair in Cognac Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Management Desk Chair, Model EA435, initially designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1969. This example dates to the 2020s. T...
Aluminum, Steel
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool This White Oak Chile Counter Stool is beautifully constructed from solid wood...
Wood, Oak
Handmade Rope Armchair with Brass, Twist & Knot Natural, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Rope Armchair with Brass Legs, Twist & Knot Natural, Viya by Vikram Goyal Chair in brass and jute rope. Handmade in India. Immersed in the heritage of India's ancient ...
Brass
Ralph Lauren Leather Writer's Chair and Ottoman
Located in Houston, TX
Ralph Lauren Leather Writer's Chair and Ottoman. Classic design, nice patina. Beautiful saddle leather, oversized brass nail head trim atop bun feet. 3 buttons missing on ottoman, le...
Leather
Armchair with a Distinctive Design, Fully Upholstered in Velvet By José Castro
Located in New York, NY
This is a modern, upholstered armchair characterized by its distinctive design where the armrests seamlessly connect and flow into the backrest. This creates a continuous, rounded, a...
Upholstery, Velvet
Oscar Bench by Alessandra Delgado, Solid Wood & Natural Straw
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
In creating the Oscar Bench, Alessandra Delgado drew inspiration from the work of master architect Oscar Niemeyer. The Oscar Bench is made of solid wood and, despite being very robus...
Wood, Straw
Bertu Counter Stools, Brinx Wood Counter Stool, Solid
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stools, Brinx Wood Counter Stool, Solid Why buy BERTU stumps? KILN DRIED Our stumps all go through a drying process in our kiln, sometim...
Wood, Cedar
Single Bucket Stool, Seat Side Table with Bentwood Handle in Solid Oak
Located in Oakland, CA
The Single Bucket Stool is a single sized, dining table height seat, or side table. The second of four versions from the Bucket Stools collection, a famil...
Brass
$4,620 / item
Sabaudia Viennese Cane Armchair by Fratelli Boffi
Located in Milan, IT
A stunning version of the Sabaudia armchair, this elegant piece boasts the same sophisticated Silhouette and exquisite details and materials of its sibling, but features a striking t...
Wood
Modern Vintage IKEA Urban Barstools Made in Italy by Carl Ojerstam a Pair
By Carl Öjerstam, IKEA
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome Early 21st Century vintage IKEA Urban Barstools Made in Italy by Carl Ojerstam a pair composed of chrome plated steel frame & shafts with a 360 swivel & height adjusting hand...
Steel, Chrome
Lorette Settee, Stripe Silk & Natural Wood Settee by Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order silk and wood settee designed by Christian Siriano. Fabric: Black/grey stripe silk (available in custom fabric) Base: Natural Maple (available in custom finish) Dime...
Maple, Silk
Illusion Curved Corner Sofa in Soft Alpaca Velvet, Hand-Crafted
Located in New York, NY
The Illusion Sofa is defined by its sculptural curved silhouette and organically shaped back, thoughtfully designed to create the visual impression of effortlessly embracing a 90-deg...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
CraftAssociates Dining Chairs, Peabody Modern Dining Armchair, Walnut, Leather
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Dining Chairs, Peabody Modern Dining Armchair, Walnut, Leather These modern wood dining arm chair by Lawrence Peabody : The Derby Chair fo...
Leather, Walnut
Bertu Counter Stool, Boca Uno Organic Modern Counter Stool, Maple
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stool, Boca Uno Organic Modern Counter Stool, Maple Please scroll down to read IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT OUR STUMPS before pur...
Wood, Maple
Modern Slipper Chairs in French Country Toile Upholstery
Located in Southampton, NJ
A pair of French style slipper chairs in Country French Toile upholstery with brass tack detailing & attractive splay legs. Very sweet smaller scale. Seats: 18" H.
Brass
Finn Juhl Pelican Chair, Sheepskin Upholstery, Modern Design, Denmark
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Pelican chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1940, relaunched in 2001. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. Pelican chair was probably the one furthest ahead of its time. When i...
Wood
$7,115Sale Price / item|25% Off
Contemporary Channeled Fleure Luxus Sofa in Green Velvet and Oak or Walnut Legs
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Fleure Luxus sofa is our latest adaptation of the award winning Fleure 3 – seater sofa, upholstered in this premium cotton velvet. The Fleure range combines traditional style cue...
Velvet, Oak, Walnut
Sculptural Bouclé Dining Chair with Pedestal Base-Set Of 8 Chairs White Bouclé
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural blend of form and function, this contemporary dining chair exudes elegance with its soft curves and refined silhouette. Upholstered in a range of bouclé fabric colors. ...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
Extra Deep Curved Sofa Offered In Performance Velvet and Metal Base
Located in New York, NY
Made to order sofa with deep curved chaise offered in a selection of luxurious performance soft velvets. The velvet is stain resistant, and water repelle...
Stainless Steel
$1,950 / item
Holland Counter or BarStool by Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Holland Counter Stool by Crump and Kwash Upholstered leather seat top and back / premium foam cushion / solid wood leg braces / solid steel construction / durable powder coat finis...
Steel
$1,550 / item
Walnut Counter Height Cicely Stools
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
These Walnut Counter Height Cicely stools are beautifully constructed from solid walnut in Ohio, USA. This stool was style-spotted ...
Walnut
$4,372Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary Tux Chair by Stuart Scott in Straw Cotton Velvet, Walnut legs
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Tux Chair is our contemporary interpretation of the Classic Chesterfield. The deep buttoning and tailored detailing make this piece a personal favourite. Shown here upholstered i...
Velvet, Walnut
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
Modern Sofa Gropius CS1 by Noom, Two-Seater, Upholstered, Minimalist Design
Located in Paris, FR
New NOOM furniture collection is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bauhaus School in Germany. Ideas of functionalism and conciseness, the combination of Craft...
Fabric, Wool, Sheepskin, Bouclé, Cotton, Jacquard, Linen, Faux Fur, Foam...
Set of 6 Contemporary Dining Chairs With Upholstered Seat and Back
Located in New York, NY
This exceptionally versatile dining Chair adapts seamlessly to any setting, from homes to offices. Its bold architectural design features a wooden frame with striking angular-cut leg...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Wood Soaped Oak Bar Stool with Natural Tanned Leather Seat
By Mater
Located in Chicago, IL
The Mater High stool is designed by the Danish architect duo Space Copenhagen and is regarded as a New Danish Classic. With its organic yet Minimalist...
Leather, Oak
Asa Pingree Upholstered Lapwing Bench in Ebonized Oak
By Asa Pingree
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Lapwing bench is versatile and elegant. It has found its place in museums, offices and homes. Custom sizing is available. COM Welcome. Any customization is subject to price var...
Canvas, Oak
Michael Thonet N. 14 Bistro Dining Chair, Austria
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Michael Thonet
Located in Miami, FL
Iconic N. 14 Bistro dining chair or side chair designed by Michael Thonet, rendered in black painted beech bentwood frame with a woven wicker cain...
Wicker, Wood, Beech, Bentwood, Paint
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
1st Edition Cité Armchair by Jean Prouvé for Vitra
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare first edition Jean Prouve Cité chair by Vitra, circa 2002. The Cité armchair is an early masterpiece by the French designer and engineer Jean ...
Metal
Lucien Dining Chair, Ivory Bouclé & Wood by Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order wood & bouclé dining chair designed by Christian Siriano. Fabric: Ivory Bouclé (available in custom fabric) Base: Red Oak Wood (available in custom finish) Dimens...
Bouclé, Oak
Craftassociates Counter Stools, Cane counter height Stools, Walnut and leather
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Craftassociates Counter Stools, Cane counter height Stools, Walnut and leather "Modernism, rebelling against the ornament of the 19th century, limited th...
Leather, Cane, Walnut
Modern Krueger Set 8 Dining Armchairs Chrome Steel Rod Frames & Geometric Fabric
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage Modern Krueger set of 8 dining armchairs composed of chrome solid steel rod frames, black molded fiberglass seats/back fram...
Steel, Chrome
$14,950 / item
1950's Style Curved Velvet Sofa in Custom Velvet Colors
Located in New York, NY
The Sofa inspires itself nature where green is the predominant element and where valleys and hills prevail. The item’s details allow it to be the perfect statement piece for any cont...
Velvet, Walnut
Iconinc Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Soriana Sofa for Cassina, Italy 1970's
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic and highly collectible Soriana sofa designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, one of the most celebrated examples of Italian modern design from the 1970s. Winner of the Com...
Fabric
$1,550 / item
Modern Counter Stools in Walnut, Cicely Collection
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
These walnut counter height cicely stools are beautifully constructed from solid walnut in Ohio, USA. This stool was style-spotted ...
Walnut
$1,650 / item
Bertu Barstools, Cicely Modern Walnut Barstools
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Barstools, Cicely Modern Walnut Barstools These Cicely Modern Walnut Barstools are beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. It was style-spotted at the Spring 20...
Wood, Walnut
Ju Armchair by Alessandra Delgado, Modern Hand-Woven Fabric, Brazil
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
With curved and modern lines, Alessandra creates the Ju Armchair. The Ju armchair can be made in various fabric options, in the fixed or swivel version and various shades of the woo...
Synthetic, Polyester, 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
Handmade Velvet Fringes Bench by Munna Design Studio, Modern Style
Located in New York, NY
The handmade bench 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
$11,500Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ombra Bench by Riva 1920: Solid Cedarwood & Lacquered Metal Design
By Riva 1920
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural bench is a striking composition of two integrated parallelepipeds, designed to evoke the image of an object and its shadow. It is crafted from two distinct materials:...
Metal
Contemporary Sleek Dining Chair with Solid Wood Frame In Walnut Finish
Located in New York, NY
Product Description: Introducing a sophisticated and versatile range of seating furniture that combines modern design with high-quality materials and ergonomic comfort. Whether for c...
Fabric, Wood
Didier Gomez for Ligne Roset Modern Convertible Daybed Sofa
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Modern convertible daybed sofa By Didier Gomez for Ligne Roset France, Early 21st Century Measures: 81"W x 43"D x 37"H. Seat height: 16". Very good original vintage c...
Steel
Handmade Velvet Armchair by Munna Design Studio, Modern Style
Located in New York, NY
The handmade armchair draws on the signature fashion theme, ruffling the scene and inviting guests with its fun and flirtatious feel. Featuring three...
Silk, Velvet, Wood, Trimming
Contemporary Bench with Solid Wood Base and Upholstered Seat
Located in New York, NY
This bench elevates any interior with its sculptural presence. Defined by a rounded, oversized silhouette and meticulous stitching, this piece strikes a perfect balance between bold ...
Upholstery, Wood
Riccardo Blumer Alias 301 Laleggera 32 Stacking Maple Chairs with steel trolleys
By Riccardo Blumer, Alias
Located in London, GB
32 x Ricardo Blumer for Alias 301 Laleggera model '301' lightweight stacking chairs, all priced individually (£250 per chair) There are 5 x steel troll...
Birch
Craft Associates Modern Lounge Chair, 2002, the Parallax
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Laura Trenchard Manufacturer: Craft Associates Modern Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, Mohair Yardage: 6 yards, 5.5 meters condition Craft Associates Modern lounge chair - 2002 - The Parallax...
Mohair, Walnut
Handmade Velvet 3-Seater Sofa by Munna Design Studio, Modern Design
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
Custom Luxury Dining Chair Upholstered in Velvet With Lacquered Structure
Located in New York, NY
This chair is a geometric model. It has a unique and rarely seen design based on precise mathematical calculations. The back of the chair seems to hang in the air. Visually, it does ...
Velvet, Wood
Vintage Monumental Bernhardt Brown Leather Ushaped Pit Sectional
By Bernhardt
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, six pieces sectional you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful sectional is statement p...
Leather, Wood
Maya Ochre Pouf Ottoman
By Leah Singh
Located in Westfield, NJ
This geometric pouf has been ethically hand woven by artisans in Rajasthan, India, using a traditional weaving technique that is native to this region. ...
Cotton
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 layer...
Silk, Velvet, Wood, Trimming
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.