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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Black Leather "Pick Up" Chaise by Tacchini Italy, Modern Design
By Tacchini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are pleased to present this fine contemporary "Pick Up" Chaise in black leather by Pietro Arosio for Tachhini. This was designed originally in 1999 and produced in very limited qu...
Leather
Modern Sage Green Mohair Chaise Longue Daybed on Ebonized Base
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A stylish low-slung chaise loungue or daybed upholstered in an elegant sage green mohair fabric. The fabric is plush and soft with an opulent texture that dances with the light in a ...
Mohair, Hardwood
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
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...
Felt, Ash, Acrylic, Velvet, Cotton, Fabric, Bouclé, Mohair, Wool
1980s Cognac Leather Piumotto 3 Seat Sofa by Arrigo Arrigoni for Busnelli 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful cognac leather 3 seater sofa designed by Italian architect Arrigo Arrigoni for Busnelli, 1980s. The cushions are filled with low-density foam, ensuring an ultra-soft and lo...
Leather
De Sede Set of Two DS-1025/09 Terrazza Sofa in Gold Upholstery by Ubald Klug
By De Sede, Ubald Klug
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Two ingeniously designed sofa elements are the great basis for one’s own and personal interpretation of interior design and furnishing concept. The individual element is reminiscent ...
Leather
CraftAssociates, Vancouver Modern Mohair Sofa, Copper, Walnut
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates, Vancouver Modern Mohair Sofa, Copper, Walnut This modern sofa is expertly crafted and upholstered. The sofa boasts hand cut high-...
Copper
Contemporary Sense Accent Chair, Sapele Wood, Bouclé, Brass, Handmade Greenapple
By Dedar, Greenapple, 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
H Armchair by Cristian Valdes 1977, laminated wood & leather, Tanned
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
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
$2,000 / item
Chile Modern Side Chair
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Chile modern side chair is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The lounge chair's silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with comfortable back and seat cushions. This is the perfect chair for any space, indoor or outdoor. This specific wood species is for indoor only; please contact for outdoor options. Price includes thick weave fabric (multiple colors available) and finish of your choice. Shown here in leather for additional cost. This chair is for indoor use! Please contact us or find our other Suelo® listings for the outdoor version. Designer Inspiration: "I am inspired by my love for travel. So many places that inspire me have very minimal furniture, often built-in sofas with big comfy cushions, hammocks, raw natural wood, etc. The feel is low-key, simple, and comfortable. The wood isn't refined, it just IS. I envision this furniture used for indoor/outdoor spaces or any room that needs some comfort or relief. The Chile chair...
Hardwood
H Armchair by Cristian Valdes 1977, laminated wood & leather, Green
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
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...
Tractor Counter Stool in Carved, Solid Wood by Craig Bassam
Located in Ridgefield, CT
Since debuting at the Milan furniture fair in 2003, the BassamFellows Tractor stool has become a bona fide modern icon. From the outset, it has proven to be a piece of infinite varie...
Wood
"Mississippi" Lounge Sofa (15 pieces) by The Artifort Group For Artifort, 1970's
By Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very rare and exclusive "Mississippi" sofa model 100. This very comfortable sofa was designed and manufactured in the Netherlands by Artifort in 1978. Designed by the Artifort de...
Fabric, Foam
Vintage Tufted Dunkirk Right Arm Chaise Lounge
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Dunkirk Right Arm Facing Chaise from Century Furniture. It features a low-profile design with a tufted seat, a single arm on the right (when facing), and a contemporary, textured hea...
Cotton, Wood
$12,800 / set
Custom Cassaro Corner Banquette
Located in Houston, TX
Custom showroom corner banquette with Zebrawood veneer in Cassaro fabric from Italy. Also available C.O.M. Each bench measures 28" in depth, 56" in...
Zebra Wood
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
Late 20th Century Modern Italian Iron and Upholstered Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 20th Century Modern Italian Iron and Upholstered Bench in good vintage condition. Measures 31" in width, 13" in depth and 24" in height. Seat height is 19".
Iron
Contemporary Twins Curved Sofa, DEDAR Mustard Mohair, Handmade by Greenapple
By Dedar, Greenapple, Rute Martins
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
$2,372 / item
Bold Armchair - Anouk 105
By Mohdern
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Celebrating the art of relaxed sophistication, the Bold Armchair is a statement piece that embodies the spirit of modern design. The skillful use of high...
Bouclé
Sly Low Armchair Rombi with Ropes by Italo Pertichini
By Adrenalina
Located in Milan, IT
With its enveloping shape, this designer armchair is characterized by the slits on the back, which is available in a high or low version. The slits are close...
Other
$24,500 / item
Moroso Gogan Sofa by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Gogan collection takes its name from nature and in particular from Japanese stones rendered smooth by time and water, which provided the inspiration for this project. This is the...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Dining Armchair, Faux Leather Upholstery, in stock
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Mid-Century Modern curved back dining armchairs upholstered in faux leather. Crafted of solid wood frame for either casual or formal dining room or kitchen. This chair is heavily c...
Faux Leather, Wood
$7,653Sale Price / item|20% 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
Mobili Sintetici bench, in veneered plywood, by Cara\Davide for Medulum
Located in Meolo, Venezia
The basics of carpentry involve the mechanical and manual processing of wood, commonly in board-format where the most simple and fundamental processes are straight and inclined s...
Plywood
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
Set of 6 sculptural walnut armless Arches II dining chair by InsidherLand
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
The Arches II dining chair is designed in the likeness of the architectural scale that suggests a crossing through the structures of a utopian city, organized by the principles of sy...
Metal, Brass
$875 / item
Bertu Wood Stool, "Brinx" Wood Stool, Maple
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Wood Stool, "Brinx" Wood Stool, Maple Please scroll down to read important instructions about our stumps before purchase! Why buy Bertu Home stumps? Kiln Dried Our stumps a...
Cedar
Tulip Chair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International - 1960s
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
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
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
$4,500 / item
Suelo Modern Loveseat
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Suelo® Modern Loveseat 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
Modern Outdoor Armchair Crafted from Iroko Wood with Striped Cushions
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This is an outdoor armchair, crafted from iroko wood, given its warm, medium-brown wood tone. The chair features a modern, rectilinear design with clean lines. The frame consists of ...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Contemporary Sense Lounge Chair, Oak Wood, Bouclé, Brass, Handmade by Greenapple
By Rute Martins, Dedar, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Contemporary Sense Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Sense lounge chair embodies the essence of slow living, designed to enc...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Ligne Roset Fireside “Neo” Lounge Rocking Chair and Footrest
By Ligne Roset
Located in Miami, FL
Ligne Roset “Neo” fireside rocking chair and footrest with original canary yellow fabric by Alban-Sebastian Giles . Use with existing fabric or have r...
Fabric, Foam
Contemporary Minho Daybed, DEDAR Velvet, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Contemporary Minho Daybed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Minho daybed is a modern reinterpretation of traditional furniture design. In...
Alpaca, Mohair, Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Wood, Oak, Walnut
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
Classic Contemporary Barstool w Backrest Natural Tan Leather, Black Rubber Metal
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary stool belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as t...
Steel
CraftAssociates Caned Dining Chairs, Bonnie Caned Dining Chairs, Leather Walnut
By Craft Associates, Laura Trenchard
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Craft caned dining chairs, bonnie caned dining chairs, leather and walnut Designer: Laura Trenchard Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture Pe...
Cane, Walnut, Leather
$1,322 / item
Volpi bench in natural wood and fabric seat
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
The simple yet striking and delicate geometry of the Volpi Bench was inspired by the little flags eternalized by the work of master painter Alfredo Volpi. Made from mdf with natural ...
Wood, Fabric
$9,156Sale Price / item|20% Off
Georgian Style Double Conversation Settee in High-Gloss Red Lacquer
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This distinctive double conversation settee features a sculptural silhouette inspired by classic Georgian forms. The piece is designed with two opposing rounded backrests connected b...
Velvet, Wood, Upholstery, Lacquer
Three Sofa de Luxe Sofa Sofa with armrest by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Three Sofa de Luxe defies the traditional function of a furnishing accent that is commonly perceived as merely a seat. For this collection, Jasper Morrison plays with this concep...
Leather, Fabric, Plywood
Counter Stool Fox in Fabric Dedar Tiger 001 Designer Seating for Kitchen Islands
Located in Kyiv, UA
"Fox" counter Stool by Dmytro Kozinenko – Subtle Elegance with a Nature-Inspired Touch The "Fox" counter stool merges modern minimalism with a playful nod to nature. Its defining fe...
Metal
Alcove Linear Sofa – Curved Backseat with Fringe Base In Rose 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, Foam, Wood, Trimming
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
Modern Acccent Dining Chair Gropius CS1 by Noom, Upholstered, Pink Wool
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, Ash, Acrylic, Velvet, Cotton, Felt, Bouclé, Mohair, Wool
Maple-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
Contemporary Sense Lounge Chair, Oak Wood, Bouclé, Brass, Handmade by Greenapple
By Rute Martins, Dedar, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Contemporary Sense Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Sense lounge chair embodies the essence of slow living, designed to enc...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Green Folding Chair Model Mia by Giorgio Cattelan with Rushes Italy 1980s
By Cattelan Italia, Giorgio Cattelan
Located in Hannover, DE
This stylish Green Folding Chair Model Mia by Giorgio Cattelan with Rushes is from the 90s of the last century and is a rarity in this design. The...
Metal
Mario Bellini classic Duc-Duc velvet sofa for Cassina Italy, 1976 / 2024
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Skokie, IL
New showroom sample of the classic Duc-Duc sofa in velvet originally designed by Mario Bellini in 1976 and relaunched in 2020. A perfect balance of comfort and design. The sofa retai...
Steel
$2,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
Contemporary Dining Chair Inspired by Minimalist Design
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Inspired by minimalist design but engineered for maximum comfort. Sleek and practical, perfect for contemporary timeless interiors lovers. The fabric has a geometric design of line...
Stainless Steel
Pair Of 1960s Locus Solus Chairs By Gae Aulenti For Poltronova
By Poltronova
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A refined example of Italian modernist design, this pair of 1960s Locus Solus chairs by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova showcases a bold yet refined tubular aesthetic. Constructed from co...
Chrome
Knoll Barcelona Daybed, 2000s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your living space with the Barcelona Day Bed, a perfect blend of style and comfort. This day bed is not just a furniture piece, it's a statement of timeless elegance. The day...
Leather
Modern Armchair, White Cotton with Spiked Biomorphic Surface, Hand-Sewn By ESTO
By ESTO
Located in New York, NY
Chair 03 by ESTO Tubular Steel, Padded Cover, Foam Seat, Cotton Fabric H 33.5 x L 16.5 x W 15.7 A functional furniture piece with a steel structure, finished in a hand-sewn textil...
Steel
Accent Low Chair Gropius CS1 by NOOM, Modern Design, Upholstered Wool, 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
Contemporary Dining Chair in Red Velvet With Custom Lacquer Finish-Jose Castro
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This modern dining chair is a study in sleek, minimalist design. Its lacquered wooden frame offers a smooth, clean finish, while the gently curved backrest provides ergonomic support...
Wood, Velvet
$2,435 / item
Priamo Brown Indoor Swing
Located in Milan, IT
This indoor swing will add a sophisticated and playful accent to a modern loft with its brown leather seat embellished by tone-on-tone stitching. Suspende...
Leather
$14,680 / item
+ 5 moreSling Club Chair in Solid Walnut, Bronze and Leather Designed by Craig Bassam
Located in Ridgefield, CT
A club chair anchors a living space and gives it personality. Seen from across a room, it invites relaxation, contemplation, and introspection while setting the mood. The Sling chair...
Steel
Modern sculptural pink sand 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
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.
