The International Style, a modernist movement within architecture and furniture design that was given its name by American architect Philip Johnson and historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock, was born during the 1920s and ’30s. It gained steam initially in Europe and then in the United States as a response to the first World War. Building projects associated with the movement, as well as vintage International Style chairs, tables and other furnishings, are minimal and pared back.
Pioneers of the International Style — architect Walter Gropius and his Bauhaus colleagues Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, De Stijl advocate and Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and visionary designer Le Corbusier — stripped away decorative elements and placed considerable value on functionality and clean lines, integrating the use of industrial materials like steel, concrete and large sheets of glass in their work. Quite aptly, this mode of design and architectural style coincided with an era now known as the Machine Age and became a global symbol of modernism. The primary motive of its practitioners was to address the changing needs of a rapidly industrializing society, especially the demand for office complexes and apartments in large cities, through economical, technologically advanced, yet aesthetically pleasing designs for furniture and buildings.
“Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep,” said Le Corbusier of the philosophy behind his practical modernist architecture.
The International Style’s designers and architects were inspired by the advantages afforded them by the era’s new technology and industrial machinery as well as state-of-the-art materials. Le Corbusier was fond of framing his buildings in steel but reinforced concrete made far more economic sense. He is probably most admired for the iconic private homes and commercial buildings that he designed or codesigned with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, which are spread across the world, from New York City to Paris to Chandigarh, India. Today, Breuer’s Wassily Lounge chair; the elegant LC series created by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand; and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich, are emblems of progressive modernist design and all make prominent use of tubular steel. Vintage originals are the prized cornerstone of collections.
“The International Style is probably the first fundamentally original and widely distributed style since the Gothic,” posited Johnson in the book that accompanied “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition,” an architectural show he cocurated with Hitchcock that featured the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra and others. While the term “International Style” had previously been circulating in Europe, when the show opened at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, it yielded a much broader application of this important style of design.
Find International Style furniture on 1stDibs.
Office Chair, International Style Leather Office Chair
By kontra
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in 19th century. In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria. Today, it is the key element for whom spends long hours in the office. ...
Leather
Office Chair, International Style Leather Office Chair
By kontra
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in 19th century. In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria. Today, it is the key element for whom spends long hours in the office...
Leather
Office Chair, International Style Wooden Office Chair
By kontra
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in 19th century. In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria. Today, it is the key element for whom sp...
Leather, Oak, Walnut
$1,732Sale Price|20% Off
Antique early 20th century German pine and steel bascule or platform scale
By Deutsches Reichs Gebrauchs Muster (D.R.G.M.) 1
Located in Casteren, NL
Early 20th century industrial decimal platform scale constructed from solid pine and steel, retaining its original mechanical weighing system and a full set of iron counterweights. T...
Steel
AZO Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass, Patinated
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Azo comes from the intention of creating a sconce with vertical lighting. Its shape is the result of a longitudinal cut in a cylinder with rounded en...
Brass
Italian Faïence Pottery Fleur-de-Lis Hand Painted Plates, set of six
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A charming set of six hand painted earthenware plates in the Italian la campagna country style, circa 1940-1950. Brightly painted with a central deep red Fleur-de-lis surrounded by...
Earthenware
$4,145Sale Price / set|10% Off
Trapezi 3 Sculptural Chandelier by Silvio Mondino Studio, Brushed Brass & Glass
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Trapezi is a Sculptural Italian Chandelier designed by Silvio Mondino Studio, inspired by the suspended movement of a circus trapeze artist. Its elements appear to float freely in sp...
Brass
1920s Fenton Celeste Blue Stretch Glass Plates, Set of 12
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of twelve luncheon sized plates, Celeste Blue Iridescent Stretch Glass, the Fenton Glass Company, circa 1920-1930. The Fenton Art Glass Company wa...
Blown Glass
Cathedra Seat by Workshop Alentes, Black Cast Stone Stool from Greece
By ALENTES
Located in PALEA FOKEA, ATTIKI
A quietly powerful work, the Cathedra Seat reflects Alentes’ devotion to form, craftsmanship, and the timeless architectural language that informs the studio’s practice. Entirely han...
Cast Stone
1970's 'Modern Painting of Sun Rays' Screen Print after Roy Lichtenstein
Located in New York, NY
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997). "Modern Painting of Sun Rays". color silkscreen, printed in 1972. Very light cream smooth sturdy wove paper. The full sheet. Fine impression...
Paper
Vintage Louis Vuitton 57" Wardrobe Trunk
Located in Charleston, SC
A Rarely Seen Exceptionally Large French Mid 20th c. Louis Vuitton Wardrobe Trunk with Original Label and Serial #300828. Classic French Colored Vanilla Linen Interior with Brass Ta...
Brass
Montblanc 75th Anniversary Fountain Pen – “Passion and Soul Since 75”
Located in Vienna, AT
Montblanc 75th Anniversary Fountain Pen – “Passion and Soul Since 75" with leather case. A very special Montblanc 75th Anniversary fountain pen featuring the commemorative engraving ...
Gold, Gold Plate
Salvador Dalí Art Book by Robert Descharnes and Gilles Néret, Taschen Press
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Salvador Dalí 1904-1989 by Robert Descharnes and Gilles Néret With dust cover. Publisher: Taschen; First English-language Edition (November 1, 1998) Language: English Hardcov...
Paper
$4,936Sale Price|20% Off
Square Showtime Ribbon Cocktail Table
Located in Hollywood, FL
Swirling patterns are crafted through the artful inlay of rattan ribbons. The captivating "Ribbon" cocktail tables from Oggetti feature their renowned Showtime material, which exudes...
Rattan, Resin, Coconut
Minton Porcelain "English Rose" Pattern Part Dinner Service, 20th Century
By Minton
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Minton porcelain 'English Rose' pattern part dinner service 20th century. Comprising nine dinner plates 10¾ in. (27.3 cm.) diameter. Nine 6 1/8 in.(15.5cm.) bread and butter...
Porcelain
Vintage Gucci Document Case, Tan Leather, Mid-20th Century, Distressed
By Ralph Lauren, Jonathan Adler, Gucci
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare and authentic vintage Gucci document case crafted in rich tan leather, featuring the house’s iconic green and red web stripe across the front. This classic folio-style piece e...
Leather
Three-Light Meander Flexible Arm Ceiling Mounted Light Fixture
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Ceiling mounted Meander light featuring three flexible metal arms which allow you to adjust and pose the light fixture; shown here with metal arms in standard black finish, and solid brushed brass fittings; 27 inch arms, 6 inch diameter ceiling mount. Overall measurements depend on how it is posed. Custom finishes, leather wrapping and custom configurations are available, please visit us at Avantgarden in Pound Ridge...
Metal, Brass
Portuguese Topazio Cazenovia Silverplate Salt Cellar with Spoon
By Topazio
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage four-piece salt cellar from Topazio Cazenovia Abroad, Portugal, circa 1980s. In silver plate with a raised grape leaf motif, the set includes the outer cage, a glass inser...
Silver Plate
Stainless Steel Double Chain, by Rain, Wall Piece, Stainless Steel, Polished
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Chains series represents a particular look into a rough object, which is often strictly associated to its functional purpose. The piece propose a reflection on mass production...
Stainless Steel
Wall Art Modern Collection Of 6 Graphic Vintage Pinball Games
Located in Stamford, CT
Wall art collection of 6 vintage graphic pinball games. Circa 1920's-1950's. Including a rare Popeye pinball game. they range in size from 23" to 24" tall and 13" to 14" wide. They a...
Metal
Pair of Mid Century Modern Bauhaus Wassily Chairs by Gavina - Stendig in Cognac
By Dino Gavina
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant iconic design by Marcel Breur and recreated by Dino Gavina in heavy Cognac Saddle Leather C 1975 Italy. Chairs were in the same family for 2 generations and rarely...
Steel, Chrome
Pr. Cube Form Club Chairs by Charles Pfister for Knoll
By Knoll, Charles Pfister
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of leather club chairs designed by Charles Pfister for Knoll. Executed in grayish blue leather, close to a slate blue in tone. Chairs are matching in color, they appear different in the pictures as a result of uneven lighting. The chairs are in very good, original condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age. Priced and offered as a pair, please view the matching loveseat we have listed separately at Barbarella Home...
Leather
$1,487Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lola Wicker Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The new Lola chair is a remarkable testament to the beauty of natural materials and expert craftsmanship. Skilled artisans in the Philippines meticulously weave the chair from wicker...
Wicker
Very Fine Detailed Figural Peruvian Shipibo Conibo Pottery Effigy Pot or Vase
Located in Red Lion, PA
Very Fine Detailed Figural Peruvian Shipibo-Conibo Pottery Effigy Pot or Vase This beautifully detailed figural pottery effigy pot was crafted by the Shipibo-Conibo people of Peru, ...
Terracotta
Contemporary Black Leather two-Piece Modular Sofa, Custom Upholstery
Located in São Paulo, BR
The accordion, or sanfona in Brazil, is an instrument of rhythm, movement, and celebration. Though of European origin, it found its soul in Brazil's Northeast, becoming the soundtrac...
Other
$2,886Sale Price / item|20% Off
Orgo Playa Cocktail Table
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Playa veneer showcases an exquisite blend of rattan strips and coco twigs meticulously arranged in perfect harmony. Enhanced by a seamless resin coating, this exceptional materia...
Rattan, Coconut
1920s Syracuse China Adams Pattern Match Holder Ash Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Syracuse China Company, a combination match box holder and ash tray, in their Adams pattern, circa 1926-1929. Syracuse China was a historic American manufacturer of fine china ...
Ceramic
Antique Minton Majolica Green Glazed Earthenware Leaf Plate
By Minton
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Minton, a classic English majolica glazed overlapping green leaf plate with a basket weave rim. Showing the date cypher for 1905. 7.5 inches in diameter x .75 inches high. In v...
Earthenware
Dos Gallos Custom Long Skinny Wood Console Table with Iron Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom console that can be made in Douglas fir, walnut or oak. Built up top to approximately 3 inches thick. Can be made in different sizes, and different finishes. Made in Los Ange...
Iron
Pair of Antique Sterling Silver Napkin Rings by Arte de Mexico, 1930s
By Arte de Mexico
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of Estate Sterling Silver napkin rings, Mexico, circa 1930s. 925 quality silver. Heavy weight, beautifully hand made with rolled rims. No engraving. 1.5 inches in Diameter...
Sterling Silver
$4,224Sale Price|20% Off
Nautilus Cocktail Table Dao
Located in Hollywood, FL
Maurice Barilone's design showcases a high-fashion look with concentric lines of Dao, elegantly crowned with a round glass top. The meticulous arrangement of concentric lines in Dao ...
Glass, Hardwood
Dutch Delft Blue Handpainted Vase
By Delft
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Nice handpainted Delft blue pottery vase.
Ceramic
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Sterling Silver And Wood English Hinged Small Box Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely small vintage turn of the century sterling silver hinged box has a wood interior with etched design top. There are English hallmarks on the bottom that are clearly visibl...
Sterling Silver
Custom Round Dining/Center Pedestal Table in Walnut Wood by Dos Gallos Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning natural walnut pedestal table. Wood is absolutely gorgeous! Can be made in any size and finish. As shown here in natural walnut. Made in Los Angeles by Dos Gallos Studio CUS...
Walnut
$4,056Sale Price / item|20% Off
Geometric Cocktail Table in Black
Located in Hollywood, FL
This innovative design, conceived by Vito Selma, showcases a captivating arrangement of geometric shapes crafted with lauan wood. The bold web of interconne...
Slag Glass, Wood
Contemporary Sculptural Solid Wood Bimbo Accent Stool
Located in São Paulo, BR
The Bimbo Bench is a playful and versatile piece that seamlessly shifts between seating and a side table, adapting effortlessly to residential, hospitality, and commercial interiors....
Hardwood
My Favorite Material Is Light: & Other Quotes by Architects
Located in New York, NY
Frank opinions, inspiring insights, and hard-earned advice from the world’s most celebrated architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Zaha Hadid, Le Corbusier, and Shigeru Ban Archi...
Paper
Dutch Delft Blue Handpainted Vase
By Delft
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Nice Delft blue pottery vase, handprinted by Gewina Delft.
Ceramic
Copeland Spode Fernleigh Pattern Earthenware Floral Plates, Set of Six
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Copeland Spode – in the Fernleigh pattern, a set of six plates, Stoke-On-Trent, England, discontinued in the early 1960s. Made of Earthenware and transfer printed with hand-col...
Earthenware
Royal Bayreuth Bavarian Porcelain Figural 7 Inch Lobster Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Royal Bayreuth, founded in Bavaria, Germany in 1794, a large water or juice pitcher formed as a bright red lobster, circa 1920s. Made of hand-painted hard paste porcelain, this...
Porcelain
Office Chair, International Style Wooden Adjustable Office Chair
By kontra
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Darwin added wheels to the office chair in 19th century. In the 1970s ergonomics was added to design criteria. Today, it is the key element for whom spends long hours in the office. ...
Leather
International Style Chrome and Glass Coffee Table by Zographos c 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional International Bauhaus Style coffee table designed by Nicos Zographos circa 1970's. From his iconic 35 series group, this is the ...
Chrome
Pucci Neo Classic Style Sofa From Maison Carlhian
Located in Hamburg, DE
French sofa 1950 from Maison Carlhian, Neo Classic Style, 6 no of Legs in total, new upholstered with loose cushions filled with dawns and feathers, ...
Canvas
Functional Graphic Design in the 20's
By László Moholy-Nagy, Kurt Schwitters
Located in New York, NY
First edition of Eckhard Neumann’s pioneering study of modern graphic design, published in 1967 by Reinhold Publishing Corporation. Square 8vo (8.25” x 8.25”), 96 pages, profusely il...
Paper
Large Stone Bust Of An African Chief Shona From Verdit Tendayi Tandi
Located in Hannover, DE
This beautiful stone sculpture is a true masterpiece of African art from the beautiful country of Zimbabwe. This bust is lovingly hand-carved from stone that is said to have healing ...
Stone
ceramic tile panel "triennale" design Gio Ponti for Marazzi
By Gio Ponti, Alberto Rosselli Saporiti
Located in taranto, IT
ceramic panel composed of four iconic and famous "triennial" tiles also known as "four times curved," designed in the 1960s by Gio Ponti and Alberto Rosselli for Ceramiche Marazzi. T...
Aluminum
Halcyon Days English Bilston Enamel Floral Egg Trinket Box
By Halcyon Days
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Halcyon Days, a Bilston enamel trinket box shaped as an egg, Stoke-on-Trent, England, circa 1970-1980s. Established in the 1950s, Halcyon Days Ltd ...
Copper
$1,487Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lola Wicker Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Lola chair is a remarkable testament to the beauty of natural materials and expert craftsmanship. Skilled artisans in the Philippines meticulously weave the chair from wicker, wh...
Wicker
Pair of Gucci Silver-Plate Tankards with Stag Handles, Original Box
By Gucci
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of vintage silver-plated tankards by Gucci, each with a sculptural leaping stag serving as the handle — a striking equestrian motif characteristic of Gucci's 1970s barware and...
Silver Plate
$3,080Sale Price|20% Off
Oval Showtime Ribbon Cocktail Table
Located in Hollywood, FL
Swirling patterns are crafted through the artful inlay of rattan ribbons. The captivating "Ribbon" cocktail tables from Oggetti feature their renowned Showtime material, which exudes...
Rattan, Resin, Coconut
$4,743Sale Price|20% Off
Giant Orgo Showtime Cocktail Table
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Showtime veneer is crafted by skillfully intertwining rattan strips and coco twigs in a side-by-side arrangement. This artistic arrangement is then coated with resin, which under...
Rattan, Coconut
Malle Goyard Shoe trunk early 20th century
By Goyard
Located in Walnut Creek, CA
Malle Goyard shoe trunk, early 20th century, done in the chevron logo canvas and trimmed in leather. This shoe trunk measures 25 1/2" long by 14 1/2" wide by 14 1/2" tall. The trun...
Wood
AZO Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass, Patinated
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Azo comes from the intention of creating a sconce with vertical lighting. Its shape is the result of a longitudinal cut in a cylinder with rounded en...
Brass
20 th Century , Brass massive Table Clock
Located in Vienna, AT
Large Work Stylisch Table Clock made by Jaeger LeCoultre 60s, good condition.
Brass
Mies Van der Rohe Knoll custom order chrome with black leather MR chair
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Ferndale, MI
MR lounge chair designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe 1927 . This is a licensed Knoll edition maybe 1975 . Custom ordered with contrasting straps . Above average condition some roughn...
Chrome
Ottoman Handwoven Silk Stripe Cushion
Located in London, GB
Introducing our stunning handwoven cushion, an exquisite piece that beautifully blends the rich heritage of the Ottoman Empire with contemporary elegance. Featuring vibrant pink, blu...
Cotton, Silk
Pr Post Modern International Bauhaus Style Chrome and Glass End Chrome Tables
Located in New York, NY
Pair of chic architectural Bauhaus, International, Post Modern style endear side tales. The tables feature bright chrome bases of squared metal, which support nice thick ( .75 in. ) ...
Chrome
Large round silver metal vide-poche, Hermès, Paris, 1960.
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Large round silvered metal vide-poche. The handle in the shape of a stylized horse head Marked "Hermès Paris" "made in France" with clover hallmark (maker's mark: Ravinet Denfert ...
Metal
Antique Leather Spine 6 Volumes National Geographic Magazine 1924 1925 and 1926
Located in Miami, FL
Set of antique 1924/1925 and 1926 National Geographic Magazines. 6 Well bound leather-spine & corners and dark cloth books, 2 volumes per year, January-June and July-December. ...
Leather, Paper
Frank O Gehry, The Complete Works by Francesco Dal Co. Modern Architecture Book
By Frank Gehry
Located in Philadelphia, PA
One of the world’s great architects, Frank O. Gehry has produced an astonishing body of work. With the artistry of a sculptor and the brilliant articulation of an engineer, Gehry creates constructions that defy categorization. Over three hundred projects and a thousand illustrations — includes, among others, the controversial American Center in Paris; Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis; Nationale-Nedelanden Building (Fred and Ginger Building) in Prague; Vitra Headquarters in Weil am Rhein, Germany; California Aerospace Museum; Loyola Law School in Los Angeles; Chiat Day...
Paper