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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
$4,720Sale Price / item|20% Off
Contemporary Leather Armchair with High Back & Swivel Base
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This timeless armchair coordinates perfectly its materials in a one-of-a-kind piece, especially when presented in a cross-stitched seam. ?A powerful and embracing structure where a h...
Metal
Set of Two Oversized Pebble Armchairs In Velvet, Ciarmoli Queda Studio
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
$2,500 / item
Bertu Arm Chair, Modern Mondo Arm Chair, Maple
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Mondo Arm Chair in Maple is beautifully constructed from solid wood and veneer in Ohio, USA. The chair's silhouette is low, simple, and modern with comfortable reversible back a...
Maple
Set of 3 Nicoletti Salotti for Interline Italia c. 1980's Leather Sectional Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 3 American 1980s Post-Modern style sofa suite in a dusty lilac leather featuring a single arm chair, two cushion loveseat and a larger two seat sofa (Nicoletti Salotti for INT...
Leather
$14,988Sale Price / item|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Inspired Angular Sofa in Velvet with Tapered Brass Legs
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This mid-century-inspired sofa creates an exquisite dialogue between horizontal and vertical forms. Its six-leg base and geometric back sections provide a structured, architectural f...
Metal
Salvador Dalí Red Dali Lips Sofa, Polyethylene, Modern Design, Spain
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
Occasional Armchair Upholstered in Light Gray with Black Oak Finish, Laguna Line
Located in Miami, FL
A Laguna occasional chair designed by Aciole Félix for Uultis, with black wood finish, black and gold cane and light gray fabric. The Laguna oc...
Metal
$5,264 / item
Crema Velum Pleated Chair
Located in London, GB
The Velum Pleated Dressing Room Chair is part of the RIGOR Collection and is designed as a low, sculptural seat defined by softness and flow. The silhouette is relaxed and compact, w...
Linen
Vino Armchair made from various Brazilian woods. Showroom sample
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Vino armchair is an exclusive piece, created from leftover premium wood from other projects. With a design that combines softness and clean lines, it elegantly explores the flexi...
Leather, Hardwood
$6,250Sale Price|30% Off
Flexform Soft Dream 2 Seater Leather Sofa designed by Antonio Citterio
Located in Bern, CH
Flexform Soft Dream 2 Seater Leather Sofa (Pelle 2 823) designed by Antonio Citterio. With two matching cushions. New purchase price inc. cushions: CHF 11'140.- (This is a shop disp...
Steel
Modernist Tubular Steel Armchairs, Can Be Covered In Fabric Or Leather, ca. 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist tubular steel armchairs with an elegant, sinuous shape. The upholstery can be covered with fabric or leather. The armchairs were designed and manufactured by Gottwald, Cz...
Metal, Chrome
Customizable Cedar Wood Bench Made From A Single Block of Scented Cedar
By Matteo Thun
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Contemporary handcrafted cedar bench 100% Italian product. If you'd like to learn more about customization options and available finishes, we encourage you to get in touch with us. P...
Cedar
$3,200 / item
TUSK Sling Chair in Saddle Leather by Möbius Objects
Located in Calgary, AB
Sling dining chair by Möbius Objects - hand-sculpted in solid American Ash. Raked legs offer a unique 'wind-swept' silhouette. The veg-tan leather sling...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
$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
Pair of Dessin Fournir Macassar Ebony & Leather Jansen Bar Counter Stools
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Dessin Fournir Macassar Ebony & Leather Jansen Bar Counter Stools
Leather
Alcove Linear Sofa – Curved Backseat with Fringe Base In Chocolate Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A sculptural statement piece defined by its architectural silhouette and introspective form. The Alcove Sofa embraces a bold exterior — rectangular and linear — that gently reveals a...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Trimming
$8,385 / item
+ 13 moreGhidini 1961 Katana Lounge Chair in Leather and Burnished Brass, Paolo Rizzatto
By Ghidini 1961, Paolo Rizzatto
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
In the Katana sofa, Paolo Rizzatto, being the refined and expert designer he is, puts great care in the proportions of the structural elements of the produ...
Leather
$2,100 / item
Suelo Modern Bench
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Suelo® Modern bench is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. This silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek, topped with a comfortable cushion. This is the perfect...
Hardwood
Daybed in Walnut and Leather Designed by Craig Bassam
Located in Ridgefield, CT
For many who’ve encountered it or been lucky enough to recline upon it, the BassamFellows Daybed is more than a piece of furniture - it’s an obsession. While a sofa is made to accomm...
Leather, Wood
Customizable Teak Wood Accent Chair with Cane Back and Gray Upholstery, Laguna
Located in Miami, FL
A Laguna teak wood occasional chair designed by Aciole Felix for Uultis upholstered in a light gray fabric with black and gold cane accents. The Laguna oc...
Metal
$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
$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
$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
Geometric Daybed in Solid Walnut, Bronze and Leather by Craig Bassam
By Craig Bassam
Located in Ridgefield, CT
The Geometric Colection from BassamFellows celebrates the sublimity of pure geometry championed by the Wiener Werkstätte and the Bauhaus. In the same way that designers of these two ...
Steel
$5,900Sale Price|22% Off
Henredon for Ralph Lauren Thick Leather Wingback Writer's Club Chair, Signed
By Ralph Lauren, Henredon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous 'Writers' wingback club chair by Henredon for Ralph Lauren has such incredible leather, very thick and quality natural hides were used in it's making. The original Writ...
Leather, Wood
Riccardo Blumer Alias 301 Laleggera 32 Stacking Maple Chairs with steel trolleys
By Alias, Riccardo Blumer
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
Laurameroni Drapé Sofa by Bartoli Design in Nubuck Leather
By Bartoli Design, Laurameroni
Located in Monza, IT
2-Seats upholstered sofa with memory foam seat, covered in a Cat. A Nubuck leather drapery, equipped with small feet. Decorative cushions not included. The particular sartorial work...
Leather
$11,960Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
Bold Dining Armchair - Inlassable Candy WO 117 18 by Elitis
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
With a refined modern design, the Bold Dining Armchair embodies the essence of contemporary living. A statement piece that captivates with timeless elegance and sophisticated charm. ...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
Craft Associates Dining Chairs, Barricas Modern Oak Dining Chairs, Upholstered
By Laura Trenchard, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Dinning Chairs, Barricas Modern Oak Dining Chairs, Upholstered These Modern Upholstered Oak Dining Chairs are part of the "Ba...
Fabric, Oak
$5,750 / item
Suelo Modern Wood Sofa
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Suelo® modern wood sofa is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The sofa's silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with comfortable back and seat cushions. This...
Hardwood
$2,160 / item
Purple Couture Geometric Line Pouf
Located in Milan, IT
A cylindrical purple pouf decorated by a set of viscose fringes of different colors and lengths. The base of this item is in painted beech wood padded with...
Textile
Bench Sculptural Dynamic Contemporary Modern Woven Hand Carved Blackened Steel
Located in Bronx, NY
BENCH NO. 1 J.M. Szymanski d. 2020 Beautifully designed textiles and blackened steel are combined to bring elegance to the simplicity in this d...
Steel, Wrought Iron
Long 'Méandre' Bench by Design Frères, in COM
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Long 'Méandre' Bench by Design Frères, in COM. COM: 2 yards (instructions will be provided once the order is placed).
Iron
Minimalist Low Chair Gropius CS1 and Spheric Pouf by NOOM, Wool, Cobalt Blue
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, Cotton, Linen, Faux Fur, Acrylic, Wood, Ash, Velvet
Set of 4 'Antibes' Swiveling Bar Stools by Design Frères, in COM
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 'Antibes' swiveling bar stools by Design Frères, in COM. These are suited to sit comfortably at a 42 in. tall bar. COM required: 1 yard per stool. COM instructions will be...
Steel
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
$850 / item
Game Side Table
Located in Mérida, MX
These side wooden stools capture the elegance and charm of antique card tables, where cards and camaraderie intertwined in endless afternoons. Each bench is meticulously designed wit...
Wood, Cedar
$6,008 / item
360° Rotating Outdoor Daybed In Stone Washed Wicker
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Modern and minimalist in design, this dreamy daybed creates the illusion of flotation that rotates a full 360 degrees. The solid metal base ensures stability and safety. This outdoor...
Fabric, Synthetic, Wicker
$5,874Sale Price / item|20% Off
Contemporary channeled Florence Easy Chair in Yellow Leather and Walnut Frame
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
Created with the ultimate lounging comfort in mind and featuring a subtly detailed oiled walnut frame, the Florence is pure statement. It works well upholstered in fabric but our rec...
Leather, Walnut
Cobalt Blue Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
Located in New York, NY
Made in the 1970s, this iconic sectional sofa was designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. The sofa consists of 6 modular pieces that can be arranged in various combinations to ...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
$10,843 / item
Custom Curved Modern Velvet Sofa with Bolster Cushions
By Jhon Ortiz, The Tailored Home
Located in Greenwich, CT
A custom upholstered sofa defined by a softly curved back, rolled arms, and two cylindrical bolster cushions that enhance both comfort and visual balance. Shown in a rich green velve...
Maple, Wood, Velvet
Armchair in Cognac Leather and Burnished Brass-Plated Laser-Cut Steel Frame
By Klein Agency
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bulging over its edges, this contemporary single sofa seat by Klein Agency screams comfort. Puffy cushions hug the laser cut steel frame, creating a supple cocoon, demanding you to w...
Cut Steel
X Frame Bench by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia/Maxalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined and highly sought-after X Frame bench designed by Antonio Citterio for Maxalto / B&B Italia, exemplifying the brand’s commitment to minimalist Italian modernism and archite...
Steel
$3,768Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary Isabella Scalloped Slipper Chair Juniper Green Velvet Walnut Legs
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Isabella slipper chair is one of our signature pieces. The exquisite tailored fluting and distinctive lines give a shapely feminine edge. This design is superb upholstered in a v...
Velvet, Walnut
Modern Dining Chair Gropius CS2 by NOOM, Linen fabric, Ash legs, Green
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, Linen, Velvet, Faux Fur, Polyes...
21st Century, Modern, Maçka Chair, Stainless Steel Structure & Upholstery
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Maçka, defined by its juxtaposed simple geometrical forms, is a seating collection consisting of dining & corner chairs, bar stool and love & lounge benches. The designs elegantly re...
Stainless Steel
Italian Contemporary Black and Light Grey Velvet Three-seater Sofa
Located in Scandicci, Florence
This beautiful three-seater sofa made with a handmade wooden inner structure and upholstered in a beautiful black and light grey velvet. Embellished with three back-protection cushio...
Wood, Velvet
Contemporary Sense Accent Chair, Sapele Wood, Bouclé, Brass, Handmade Greenapple
By Greenapple, Dedar, Rute Martins
Located in Lisboa, PT
Contemporary Sense Accent Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Sense accent chair embodies the essence of slow living, designed to enc...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Ripple Sofa – Angular Curved Silhouette with Sculptural Carved Wood Base
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Ripple sofa draws from the soft rhythm of water and air, vertical lines echoing ripples, pillars and sculpted silence. Its base anchors the form, while the upholstered seat float...
Upholstery, Wood, Foam
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, Craftassociates counter stools, cane counter height stools, walnut and l...
Walnut, Cane
Modern Counter Chair Gropius CS2 / 65cm with Ash Wood Legs in Grey Wool by Noom
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, Cotton, Jacquard, Linen, Velvet, Faux Fur
Tulip Chair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International - 1960s
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Debrecen, HU
Two of the six available chairs are swivel models. All pieces are original; however, the chair tops were refinished at some point. Designed by Eero Saarinen and manufactured by Knol...
Aluminum
$2,833Sale Price / item|20% Off
Contemporary Barstool with Seaming Details on the Front & Back
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This barstool projects pure haute couture, with its sensuous feminine outline and voluptuous shape. Each exquisite curve features detailed seaming through the front to back, standing...
Brass
Customizable Gray Upholstered Lounge Chair with Graphite Frame – Mono Collection
Located in Miami, FL
A bold, sculptural occasional chair with a graphite-finished metal frame and firm charcoal grey upholstery, the Mono chair offers a commanding yet streamlined presence. *Please check...
Metal
H Armchair by Cristian Valdes 1977, laminated wood & leather, Caramel
Located in Huechuraba, CL
The H armchair completes the first series alongside A chair and B chair. Its name comes from the distinctive “H” shape formed by its wooden ribs when viewed from the front, giving it...
Steel
Round Stool Modern Medieval Handmade Horsehair Iron Handwoven Fringe Tassel
Located in Bronx, NY
HORSE HAIR STOOL J.M. Szymanski d. 2018 Contemporary furniture at its finest. Horsehair textile and blackened iron are combined to create an excitin...
Iron, Steel
Outdoor/Indoor Bench Made From A Single Block of Scented Cedar
By Matteo Thun
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Contemporary handcrafted cedar bench 100% Italian product. If you'd like to learn more about customization options and available finishes, we encourage you to get in touch with us. P...
Cedar
Contemporary Twins Curved Sofa, DEDAR Mustard Mohair, Handmade by Greenapple
By Rute Martins, Dedar, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Contemporary Twins Curved Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Twins curved sofa and its matching daybed share the same genes, yet each...
Fabric, Alpaca, Mohair, Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Wood, Oak, Walnut
Linea Sofa, COM upholstery with walnut detail, by Estudio Persona
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Linea Sofa is defined by the gentle flow of its upholstered curves, balanced by solid wood details. Staying true to the studio's design philosophy, it p...
Fabric, Mohair, Walnut
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.
