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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Alcove Armchair In Ruby Red Velvet With Fringe Skirt, Sidani Design
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
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
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
Pair of Stendig Prague Armchairs by Josef Hoffman
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet, Stendig Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic and iconic Prague armchairs designed by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet. Imported from Czechoslovakia by Stendig in the 1960s. Wood in good shape. Original cane needs to be redone ...
Cane, Bentwood
Contemporary Voluminous 2-seater Sofa with Rounded Contours By Carlos Soriano
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary minimalist modular 2-seater sofa with rounded contours. The sofa is upholstered in a deep navy blue velvet. It consists of three connected modules, giving it a symmetric...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Set of 12 black lacquered green velvet Arches dining chairs by InsidherLand
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
Best Chair Design at the International Design & Architecture Awards 2021 Honorable Mention at the European Product Design Awards 2021 The Arches dining chair is designed in the ...
Brass, Metal
Conservatory Sun Lounger in Stainless Steel Powder Coated White with Cushion
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Conservatory Collection offers a window to a bygone era, when conservatories and orangeries were sanctuaries of peace and quiet, seamlessly blending the indoors with the natural ...
Steel
Handmade Cane Chair, Chakra Natural Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Cane Chair, Chakra Natural Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal Chair in cane. Handmade in India. Perhaps nothing is more captivating than nature's enduring metamorphosis, persisti...
Cane
Square Sofa by Juliana Lima Vasconcellos with Side Tables
Located in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais
The square sofa was created with simple and minimal architectural aesthetics, with wooden inserts that could reveal the upholstery, creating spaces and a formal geometry. The set con...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Modern Catatua Pouf, Ottoman, DEDAR Ivory Boucle, Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By Rute Martins, Greenapple, Dedar
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Catatua Pouf, Ottoman, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe The Catatua pouf channels the expressive character of the cockatoo, with a bold yet playful s...
Fabric, Bouclé, Faux Fur
Barbara Barry for Baker Oval X-Back Mahogany Stain Dining Chairs - Set of 6
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Pre-owned Barbara Barry for Baker Oval X-Back Mahogany Stain Dining Chairs - Set of 6...
Wood
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
Balance Chair in Premium Fabric — Architectural Dining Chair by Dmytro Kozinenko
Located in Kyiv, UA
The Balance chair is architecture at the scale of a seat. Inspired by the art of rock balancing — stones stacked into improbable, gravity-defying pillars — designer Dmytro Kozinenko ...
Steel
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
Accent Dining Chair Gropius CS1 by NOOM, Upholstered Wool, Bauhaus Style, Beige
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 concise...
Fabric, Wool, Mohair, Bouclé, Felt, Cotton, Velvet, Acrylic, Ash
Modern Maarten Van Severen .04 task Red office desk chair for Vitra
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modern Maarten Van Severen .04 task Red office desk chair for Vitra. Armless version with casters and adjustable height very minimalist design. Great task chairs. Labeled Vitra. Ma...
Aluminum, Steel
Modern Sleek Dining Chair In Textured Black Iron Frame And Performance Velvet
Located in New York, NY
This is a modern and elegant piece designed for both comfort and style. It features a robust stainless steel frame in that ensures durability and longevity. The chair is characterize...
Stainless Steel
Customizable Artifort Tulip Midi Armchair by Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
Vinyl The Tulip Midi was the missing member of the Tulip family for a long time. The armchair was designed by Pierre Paulin in 1960 and now completes the Tu...
Textile
Bertu Chair and Ottoman, Suelo Modern Chair and Ottoman, Patio Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Chair and Ottoman, Suelo® Modern Chair and Ottoman, Patio Furniture This Modern Patio Furniture - Suelo® Chair and Ottoman is beautifully constructed in Ohio, USA. This silhou...
Wood, Mahogany
Modern sculptural olive green velvet Double Arch dining chair by InsidherLand
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
Located in Arches National Park in Utah, USA, Double Arch is a grand natural formation which results from an underground sandstone pocket where water and wind erosion gradually sculp...
Fabric, Velvet
Herman Miller Rolling Office Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A nice pair of rolling office or desk chairs By Herman Miller USA, 2000s A nice pair of rolling office or desk chairs By Herman Miller USA, 2000s Measures: 18" W x 19" D x 3...
Aluminum
$850Sale Price|52% Off
Modern Beige Upholstered Three-Seat Sofa with Throw Pillows
Located in Astoria, NY
Modern Beige Fabric Upholstered Three-Seat Sofa, with three throw pillows. 28" H x 93" W x 46" D; seat: 20" H. Provenance: From a 500 Park Avenue Estate.
Upholstery
$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
$1,022Sale Price / item|20% Off
Contemporary stained beech wood COM Silhouette dining chair by InsidherLand
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Silhouette is a surreal reminiscence of a woman’s sensual curves that arise designed in an eye-catching dining chair. The joint dimension of people and objects represented by severa...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
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
Pair Late 20th Century Gunlocke Oak and Upholstered Armchairs
By Gunlocke
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Late 20th Century Gunlocke modernist solid Oak and Upholstered Armchairs, guess chairs. Measure 23" in width, 23" in depth, 31" ...
Upholstery, Oak
Customizable Fringes Loveseat By Munna In Mulberry Velvet
Located in New York, NY
The handmade sofa draws on the signature Franjas fashion theme, ruffling the scene and inviting guests with its fun and flirtatious feel. Featuring three layers of fringes that run a...
Silk, Velvet, Wood, Trimming
Contemporary Vertere Stool in Oiled Walnut with White Leather Seat Pad
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
Turned from solid timber, the Vertere projects an exaggerated sculptural silhouette fully accentuating the stunning beauty of walnut. Our recommendation is an oiled finish to bring o...
Walnut
$4,344Sale 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
Set of Twelve Designer Dining Chairs, Cream Silk, Kravet Boucle Beige
Located in Miami, FL
Set of Twelve Designer Dining Chairs, aluminum frames have a Benjamin Moore Cream Silk Finish, Seat were recovered in a beige Kravet Boucle. Ready for a new home. Front arm height is...
Aluminum
Madeleine Walnut Counter Height Stool & Performance fabric by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The Madeleine Counter Stool brings refined French modern design to the kitchen. A unique bow-shaped back offers gentle support, while the solid wood frame adds warmth and structure. ...
Oak
PIPA Sculptural Curved Velvet Sofa by Sergio Prieto for Dovain Studio
By Sergio Prieto
Located in Lisbon, PT
The PIPA Sofa is a sculptural curved velvet sofa designed by Sergio Prieto for Dovain Studio and handcrafted in Portugal. Defined by its generous rounded volumes, continuous flowing ...
Velvet, Wood
$1,750 / item
Inez Modern Barstool or Counter Stool with Swivel
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Inez Stool by Crump and Kwash Carved solid wood seat and base / hand rubbed zero VOC oil finish / solid steel construction / 360 degree rotating seat top....
Bronze
$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
$676Sale Price|35% Off
Wiggle Side Chair by Frank Gehry for Vitra
Located in Hamburg, DE
Designed by renowned architect and designer Frank Gehry for Vitra, the Wiggle Side Chair is one of the most iconic pieces from the celebrated Easy Edges collection. Introduced in the...
Corrugated Cardboard
Italian Natuzzi Red Leather Threeseat Sofa
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage Italian red Leather Natuzzi three seat sofa, soft and comfortable seating.
Leather
Art Deco Style Curved Back Coral Pink Velvet Loveseat
By The Tailored Home, Jhon Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
Petite loveseat upholstered in coral pink velvet with a gently curved back and softly rolled arms. The tight seat and back give the piece a clean, tailored look while maintaining a c...
Velvet, Wood, Maple
Contemporary Black Lacquer Faceted Drumstool by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Faceted drumstool Black lacquer Hand repoussé Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, cir...
Lacquer
Zigzag ashwood Modernist Chair after design Gerrit Rietveld, De Stijl 1930's
Located in Zevenaar, NL
The sculptural and paractical Zigzag chair was designed by Gerrit Rietveld. This iconic design from 1934 is one of the most important design items from the Netherlands. This Zigzag c...
Ash
Modern sculptural brown velvet Double Arch dining chair by InsidherLand
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Located in Arches National Park in Utah, USA, Double Arch is a grand natural formation which results from an underground sandstone pocket where water and wind erosion gradually sculp...
Fabric, Velvet
Contemporary black lacquered textured velvet Arches chair by InsidherLand
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
Best Chair Design at the International Design & Architecture Awards 2021 Honorable Mention at the European Product Design Awards 2021 The Arches dining chair...
Brass, Metal
$1,800 / item
Beautiful Modern Ottoman in the Style of Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Modern Ottoman in the style of Josef Frank, ottoman has four solid wood bun feet, fabric is by Robert Allen. Ready for a new home, excellent condition.One ottoman ready to ...
Cotton, Wood
$23,645 / item
Drapè Sofa
By Laura Meroni
Located in Milan, IT
This stunning three-seat from the Drapè collection combines unique design, exquisite craftsmanship, and extra comfort. The metal structure is linear and yet welcoming, thanks to the ...
Metal
Dining Chair Balance, Modern Accent Chair in Fabric for Curated Interiors
Located in Kyiv, UA
Dining chair Balance invites you to experience the balance that we all seek in life. This designer chair draws inspiration from the art of rock balancing, where natural stones are ca...
Steel
Customizable Artifort Moulin Chair with Armrests by Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
A good, old-fashioned chair designed by the late Pierre Paulin. Previously in the collection of Thonet France, it now completes the Artifort collection. The design of the Moulin date...
Textile
$4,480Sale Price|20% Off
Custom Chaise One Arm Sofa Crypton Stain Resistant Fabric RAF
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Custom one arm sofa with down wrapped cushions PHOTOS SHOWN AS LAF IN STOCK READY FOR IMMEDIATE SHIPPING showroom samples, reflects discounted price, w...
Fabric
Set of 3 'Méandre' Counter Stools by Design Frères, in COM
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Méandre™ counter stool by DESIGN FRÈRES®, in COM. Dark bronze finish frame. Upholstered firm but comfortable. Requires 1.5 yards COM fabric total for the set of 3, to be sent ...
Steel
Contemporary Upholstered Bench Offered With Ebony Wood
Located in New York, NY
This bench is as great to look at as it is to sit on. Always eye pleasing with contrast cording, chocolate brown leather straps and ebony wood finish. As comfortable in a den as it...
Fabric, Wood
Fox Bar Stool in Dedar Tiger Mountain Fabric — Statement Seating for Home Bars
Located in Kyiv, UA
The Fox bar stool wears its Dedar Tiger Mountain fabric like a trophy coat. Designer Dmytro Kozinenko gave the stool one unforgettable feature — a soft back leg that curves like a fo...
Metal
Modern Bar Stool in Argentine Exotic Wood and Sheepskin by Costantini, Bruno
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
The Bruno Ovino Stool has a subtle sloping back leg that provides its signature profile. This design alludes to the chair of the same name, which has become one of Costantini's most ...
Sheepskin, Wood
Contemporary Cotton Velvet Sofa with Gold Stainless Steel Base
Located in New York, NY
Fabric cotton velvet Base: Gold brushed stainless steel Hardwood frame with interlocking construction. Advanced comfort spring suspension. Fixed seat cushion and back with premium ...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Low Sandy Brown Velvet Stools, Contemporary Style Inspired by the 1970s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of low sandy brown velvet stools. These stools feature a geometric form with a padded seat and thick cylindrical legs inspired by 1970s design. The 100% wool velvet upholstery p...
Wool, Velvet
Italian modern sofa bed Anfibio Alessandro Becchi Giovannetti Collezioni, 1970s
By Giovannetti, Alessandro Becchi
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern leather sofa bed Anfibio by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Collezioni, 1970s Sofa bed model Anfibio with padded seat and backrest upholstered in cognac brown leathe...
Leather
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
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
Custom Cane Dining Chair by Carlesi Tonelli Studio, Black Leather
Located in New York, NY
The chair is made of steam-bent wood and upholstered in Italian black leather. The manufacturing of the item requires a manual installation of the cane that needs artisanal craft and...
Rattan, Wood
'Méandre' Bench by Design Frères in Mohair Velvet or COM
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Méandre bench by DESIGN FRÈRES in mohair velvet or COM. Upholstered firm in mohair velvet (specify color) or provide COM (1 yard). Mohair velvet is extremely durable and resists...
Steel
Ward Bennett for Brickell Newly Caned "Sled" Lounge Chair, Circa 1970
By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Original Chromed Steel & Cane Lounge Chair by Ward Bennett for Brickell. Featuring the vintage low chromed x frame, with newly natural and unstained cane seat, curved back, cover...
Chrome
$5,830 / item
Meditation Armchair Offered in Pure White Chenille
Located in New York, NY
This unique piece is more than an armchair. It is a vessel for wellbeing, a temple for meditation and enlightenment. Designed to be used in your place of choice for a retreat, be it a spa, a meditation space...
Velvet, Wood
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Wielding her influence on the international scene, founding partner Andrea Cesarman expands the platform for Mexican artisans.