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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Teak Wood Dining Chair with Oatmeal Fabric Upholstery, Stuzi Collection
Located in Miami, FL
The Stuzi chair by Uultis Design pairs subtle sophistication with ergonomic comfort, making it a versatile addition to contemporary interiors. *Please check availability prior to pur...
Teak, Fabric, Upholstery
$1,650 / item
Bertu Bar Stool, Cicely Modern White Oak Bar Stool
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Bar Stool, Cicely Modern White Oak Bar Stool This Modern White Oak Bar Stool - The Cicely is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio...
Wood, 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
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
Customizable Teak Armchair with Oatmeal Upholstery and Rounded Back – Fane Line
Located in Miami, FL
A sculptural teak wood armchair upholstered in Wheat Thin Plain Weave fabric, the Fane armchair brings organic elegance and refined comfort to any space....
Upholstery, Teak, Fabric
Modern Bolota Swivel Lounge Chair, DEDAR Jacquard Velvet, Handmade by Greenapple
By Rute Martins, Dedar, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Bolota Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Bolota swivel lounge chair is a tribute to nature’s organic forms, in...
Brass
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
Giraffe dining Chair in Solid Brazilian Wood by Juliana Vasconcellos
Located in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais
The Giraffe dining chair was designed with soft curves and slender, but with volume, bringing comfort and elegance. The base structure was thought...
Wood
Customizable Teak Wood Dining Room Chair with Beige Fabric, Nowe Collection
Located in Miami, FL
A Nowe teak wood dining room chair designed by Sérgio Batista for Uultis, with beige fabric. The Nowe teak wood dining room chair, designed by Sérgio Batista for Uultis, blends conte...
Upholstery, Fabric, Teak
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
Handcrafted Horsehair Bench by J.M. Szymanski, Blackened Steel
Located in Bronx, NY
HORSE HAIR BENCH NO. 1 JM. Szymanski d. 2019 Contemporary furniture at its finest. Horsehair textile and blackened iron are combined to create an exciting juxtaposition of elements...
Wrought Iron, Iron, Steel
Salvador Dali, Contemporary, Red Dali Lips Sofa for BD
By BD Barcelona Design, Salvador Dalí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Dalilips designed by Salvador Dali for BD design. Two-seat sofa made of polyethylene with rotational moulding process. Color red. Measures: 100 x 170 x 73 H cm. Is the famous sofa in the shape of a mouth which the artist created together with Oscar Tusquets in 1972 for the Mae West room at the Dalí Museum...
Plastic
"Cierre 1972" Beige Italian Leather Sofa, L-shaped with Ottoman
By Cierre
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, two pieces sectional and ottoman you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful light beige ...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Style Armchair With Sculptural Silhouette In Velvet
Located in New York, NY
A bold reinterpretation of mid-century form, this armchair features a sculptural silhouette wrapped in a curated trio of velvets. The frame is upholstered in golden olive velvet, con...
Upholstery, Wood, Velvet
$2,621Sale Price / set|25% Off
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
Boot Stool – Modern Handcrafted Sculptural Solid Wood Stool
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Boot Stool makes furniture a friend. Inspired by toys and figurines, this stool or low table is the happy companion to a space. Marmar Studio is a furniture and object design p...
Hardwood
Pair of A. Rudin 619 Modern Ebonized Ming Style Lounge Chairs
By A. Rudin
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An exceptional pair of "No. 619" mint white upholstered Ming style lounge chairs made by A. Rudin, Los Angeles, CA. The chairs feature a gently curved barrel-back with large block-fo...
Fabric, Hardwood
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
$2,840Sale Price / item|20% Off
Contemporary Dining or Office Chair with Velvet Upholstery and Metal Structure
Located in New York, NY
A dining chair that epitomizes contemporary elegance and superior craftsmanship. Designed to seamlessly blend with modern interiors, this chair features a sleek metal structure that ...
Metal
$1,852Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern Outdoor Lounge Chair, Hand-Woven Wicker, Aluminum Frame, Asia
Located in New York, NY
This chair is modern weaving personified. The combined use of two different colors and the open weave technique creates the unique design of this collection. Thanks to its round desi...
Aluminum
Lotus Stool by Daniel Simonini, Solid Wood & Cane Back, Mocha Leather
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Lotus Stool - SL4 is a solid wood counter stool with arms, designed by Daniel Simonini, in a walnut finish with the back and the seat upholstered in off white nubby bouclé. The Lotu...
Leather, Cane, Hardwood
Sculptural Modern Patinated Metal Upholstered Bench by Costantini, Elia
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
The Elia by Costantini Design is a handcrafted modern sculptural bench featuring gently curved metal legs that envelop a firm upholstered seat. Shown in patinated metal finish, but a...
Metal
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
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
Vladimir Kagan Fettucini Lounge Chair in Sienna Leather Seat with Metal Base
Located in Clifton, NJ
The kinetic lines of the Fettucini Chair fold together and gracefully join along the legs, drawing the eye across each contour. The floating backrest flows into twisting curves of th...
Leather
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
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
Indoor / Outdoor Black and Red Glossy Lacquered Bench by Christophe Pillet
By Serralunga
Located in Chicago, IL
Loop bench by Christophe Pillet for Serralunga. Indoor / outdoor bench in glossy black and red lacquer. Frame in LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene). Dimensions: 180cm ...
Lacquer
$14,950 / item
Hand-Tailored Curved Sectional Sofa in Deep Blue Velvet
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern inspired sectional sofa featuring curved design with luxurious blueberry blue cotton velvet fabric. Supported by smoked eucalyptus wood base. Standard dimensions: ...
Velvet, Wood
Handmade Mushroom Ottoman in Denim Blue Dot Boiled Wool, Mid Century Style, 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
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
$2,800 / set
Set of Six Designer Dining Chairs
Located in Miami, FL
Set of Six Dining Chairs, two arm and four side chairs. Commercial grade. Arm chairs are 23.5" wide and 22.5" deep.
Fabric, Wood
'Big' by Guido Faleschini for i4Mariani Leather Executive Desk Chair, Italy, New
By Pace Collection, i4 Mariani, Guido Faleschini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible executives chair is named 'Big', designed by Guido Faleschini by i4 Mariani originally designed in the 1970s, this example newly produced in gorgeous black leather an...
Leather
$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 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...
Piero Lissoni for Cassina Beige Fabric Upholstered "Nest" Sofa
By Piero Lissoni, Cassina
Located in Astoria, NY
Piero Lissoni for Cassina "Nest" Sofa, beige fabric upholstery on steel tubular frame, label to underside. 32" H x 77" W x 38" D; seat: 17" H. Provenance: From a Madison Avenue Col...
Steel
Craftassociates Chairs, Peabody Modern Lounge Chairs in Boucle, Wingback, Oak
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Craftassociates Chairs, Peabody Modern Lounge Chairs in Boucle, Wing, Oak, White This Lawrence Peabody wing chair for Craft Associates...
Bouclé, Oak
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
Custom-Made Swivel Armchair in Monotone Green—Leather Back & Velvet Seat
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural statement in tone-on-tone green, this custom-made swivel armchair features a smooth matte leather shell enveloping a plush velvet seat. The silhouette is soft yet struct...
Wood, Leather, Velvet
$4,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Gregorio Spini "Sutra" Distressed Leather Lounge Chairs for Kundalini - a Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Rare pair of brown distressed hand-stitched leather Sutra lounge chair by Gregorio Spini for Kundalini, 1990s Italy. The leather is original and maintains the Kundalini impression o...
Leather
$10,000 / set
Pair of Christian Liaigre "Sudd" Stools Red Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt square red leather "Sudd" stools. The stools are upholstered in Holly Hunt leather with hammered bronze legs. Made in France. Ships from Philadel...
Iron
Retro Style Armchair With Curved Form and Pleated Details
Located in New York, NY
This armchair showcases a distinctive interplay of texture and color through its signature curvaceous form. The pleated details accentuate the smooth, rounded shapes of the low seat ...
Velvet, Upholstery, Wood
Illusion 90 Degree Corner Sofa with Curved Silhouette In Burnt Orange Velvet
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
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
$9,759,809 / set
Pair of armchairs, sofa and pine table
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Mario Marenco, Molteni & C, Yngve Ekström, Maison Regain
Located in Lugo, IT
Sofa two armchairs and coffee table in pine. Sofa W 140.5 H 65 D 84 centimeters Armchair W 81.5 H 65 D 84 " " Coffee table 80/80 H 50.5 "...
Wood, Pine
$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
$3,165 / item
Light Green Couture Geometric Stripe Pouf
Located in Milan, IT
This delicate yet vibrant pouf is a great piece characterized by a light-green velvet upholstering on top and a painted beech wood base. The base is topped up with different rows of ...
Textile
$1,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
A Pair of Mario Bellini for Cassina Cab chairs Model 413, dark brown, 1990s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Seattle, WA
A pair of Early Cab Chairs, model 413 in dark brown saddle leather, designed by Mario Bellini, manufactured by Cassina in late 90s early 2000s The pair is in absolutely beautiful co...
Leather
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
Vintage Ralph Lauren Style Leather Club Chair & Ottoman
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Sink into exceptional comfort with this oversized Ralph Lauren leather club chair and matching ottoman, a custom-order American-made s...
Leather
Modern Beige Textured Fabric Upholstered Chaise Longue
Located in Astoria, NY
Modern Beige Textured Fabric Upholstered Chaise Longue, together with two matching pillows. 28" H x 77" W x 39" D; seat: 21" H. Prov...
Upholstery
Contemporary Armchair with Detailed Seaming through the Front to Back
Located in New York, NY
The lounge chair projects pure haute couture, with its sensuous feminine outline and voluptuous shape. Each exquisite curve features detailed seaming through the front to back, enveloped by a sinuous footer, creating the pièce de résistance...
Brass
Leather Club Chair by Bart van Bekhoven
Located in Chicago, IL
Some chairs invite you to sit. The rare ones persuade you to stay. Bart van Bekhoven built his reputation on that distinction. At a time when much of European modernism favored hard...
Leather, Wood
$10,700 / item
Extra Deep Metal-Framed Madda XL Sofa by Michael Felix
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Madda XL is a contemporary interpretation of the classic club chair, extended into sofa form. Its metal base fully wraps around the sofa, as if to squeeze it into a plump and com...
Steel
$14,617 / item
Hand-Tailored Retro Style Sofa, Channel Tufted Velvet
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary retro style sofa in beige latte velvet. Plinth antique brushed brass. All hardwood frame with interlocking construction. Advanced comfort...
Stainless Steel
$8,664Sale Price / set|27% Off
Set of 6 Eliel Saarinen 'Cranbrook' Dining Chairs, Refinished and Reupholstered
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Offered here is a beautifully restored set of six (6) Eliel Saarinen 'Cranbrook' dining chairs, an enduring icon of early American modernism and one of the most recognizable seating ...
Leather, Wood
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
Set of 4 Modern Chrome Dining Chairs in Brown Ultrasuede, Milo Baughman Style
By Pierre Cardin, Romeo Rega, Milo Baughman
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A striking set of four modern thin frame dining chairs, executed in the iconic mid-century style attributed to Milo Baughman. Each chair features a sleek polished chrome frame with a...
Chrome
$3,000 / item
Suelo Modern Outdoor Side Chair
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Suelo® outdoor modern side chair is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. This silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with comfortable back and seat cushions. T...
Mahogany
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