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Modern Dry Bars

MODERN STYLE

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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.

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Style: Modern
Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
Meridian Modular Credenza, Trio, Modern Steel Corner Cabinet, by Force/Collide
Located in Seattle, WA
The most versatile piece of furniture in Force/Collide's portfolio, the Meridian Modular Credenza is an all-steel, sturdy and modern construction consisting of double-sided paneling with no exposed fasteners. It provides total flexibility; the credenza breaks apart into three individual cabinetry components that can be reconfigured in numerous ways, or rather isolated and used independently. Hyper-dimensional in any arrangement, there is virtually no top or bottom to any one of the three components, lending them to function seamlessly in every 90 degree rotation. The use of geometry and mirrored symmetry in every position is not only aesthetic but maximizes storage capacity. This position features: Corner position The corner position is the crux of flexibility for the Meridian Modular Credenza. Designed to give maximal storage in a minimal amount of space, one side of the right-hand unit has been left open to create an access point to the cabinet. The removable door being a key feature for this configuration, all shelves are fully accessible and surface counter area is equivalent to the horizontal configuration. Features The cabinet comes with a removable, reversible door that accommodates every configuration with more than one option. Key design features making this possible: no hardware is visible, magnets are positioned to hold the door in place when closed, and chains can be added or removed from the frame to act as a stop when the door is open in the horizontal position. This gives three ways to use the cabinet: like a door (see horizontal position), like a writing desk (see below), or completely open (see corner position). Adjustable feet provide a guarantee that surfaces can be made level with one another in circumstances where floors may not be level or weight distribution becomes uneven, and finally, the units bolt together from the inside of the cabinet at hidden anchor points to lock it into its proper position and eliminate gaps once level. Details The surface quality of the hot rolled steel used to make the Meridian is scratch-free and luxe, the mill scale patterning carefully paired and emboldened by the process of oiling, buffing and waxing. The framing is blackened to match, while the silver edges of the sheet metal form highlights that act as a geometric mapping of the mirroring cavities. Other positions include: Horizontal position Spanning almost 8 feet across, and hitting 3 feet high, this is the perfect position for use as a traditional credenza...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Cocktail Cabinet Made from 1970s Cluster Bomb
Located in London, GB
Expertly crafted from a decommissioned English 1970s R.A.F. MK1 practice cluster bomb, with mirror-polished aluminium and steel exterior opening to reveal a polished brass and black ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Steel, Aluminum, Brass

After Midnight Liquor Cart by MSJ Furniture, Walnut Case with Leather and Brass
Located in Vancouver, BC
Our after midnight liquor cart is constructed out of solid walnut and featuring brass wheels, brass hardware, and brass pulls. Midnight blue leather top and a soft close drawer for y...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

One of the Kind Cabinet or Dry Bar, France
Located in Paris, FR
Very elegant poetic style, handmade French cabinet or dry bar, in Limited edition creation 3/8. Mother of pearl marquetry, ebony, lemon tree wood, and maple wood. It represents a cou...
Category

2010s French Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Brass, Gold

Meridian Modular Credenza, Duo, Modern Steel Casework, by Force/Collide
Located in Seattle, WA
The most versatile piece of furniture in Force/Collide's portfolio, the Meridian Modular Credenza is an all-steel, sleek and modern construction consi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Steel

Artisan Crafted Iron Framed & Ceramic Three Dimensional Design Cabinet on Stand
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
Designed by Miguel Angel Arregui, a Mexican interior designer and artist and handmade by skilled artisans. The dry bar and cabinet is built of an iron frame with a glass interior. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Iron

Amplia Weightless Storage by Daniele Lago
By Daniele Lago
Located in Hanover, MA
Clever modern Italian storage design by Daniele Lago from his 2003 36E8 collection for Lago. The floating credenza appears to defy gravity while...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Glass, Wood

Limited Edition Artisan Crafted "Origami" Glass and Iron Bar Cabinet
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
An iron frame cabinet on stand. The doors are glass, lined with intricately cut-out paper. The cut-out design allows the fabric lined interior to glow through. The shelves are remova...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Iron

21st Century Limited Edition Bar / Cabinet by Troy Smith
Located in Paris, FR
Contemporary and timeless with a touch of Art Deco. The Crazy Bar is hand made and designed by Troy Smith. Crazy Glass is a very special process, a micro interlayer of the dichroic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Carved Woven Credenza
Located in Westwood, NJ
This carved woven Credenza is a stunning example of craftsmanship and design, perfect for adding a touch of tropical glamour to your home. The digitally carved, traditional woven ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Travertine, Metal

Modern Walnut Demilune Bar Cabinet
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Walnut Demilune bar cabinet - The cabinet is constructed of walnut with a transparent low luster finish. Doors feature walnut swirl veneer ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Metal

Plano Bar Cabinet in Bronze, Curved Glass Doors, Waxed Leather Bottle Slings
Located in Vancouver, BC
A monument to curiosity and an invitation for the viewer to engage with the objects contained within. Its presence is created by the tension of delicate lightness contrasted with imposing size, and the interplay between light and shadow. Crafted by hand from the finest materials, it is a cabinet like no other – the marriage of the artist’s idealistic impracticality to the possibilities of industrial process. Shown with frame in Warm Bronze and Blackened Steel, frosted glass doors...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Bronze, Metal

Industrial Modern Bar by Peter Harrison, Metal & Black Wood, In Stock
Located in Middle Grove, NY
The Ganymede liquor cabinet is a captivating statement for your home. It is meticulously constructed out of 399 individual components. The doors hinge on a studio made machined hinge...
Category

2010s American Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Aluminum

Modern Bar Cart with Polished Stainless Steel, Sapphire Glass and Painted Body
Located in Chicago, IL
A modern day twist on a Classic, the bar cart with its hidden casters, appears to float across the floor, made of a painted steel body with glass and polished stainless steel details...
Category

2010s American Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Modern dry bars for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern dry bars for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage dry bars created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern dry bars made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original dry bars, popular names associated with this style include Scarlet Splendour, Nika Zupanc, Ercole Home, and Renats Kotlevs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for dry bars differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $125 and tops out at $144,909 while the average work can sell for $13,833.

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