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
Three Primary Documents from MoMA's Modern Architecture Exhibition, 1931-1932
By Philip Johnson, Richard Neutra, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in New York, NY
Three volumes documenting the conception, realization, and theoretical codification of the Museum of Modern Art's landmark 1932 Modern Architecture: International Exhibition—the exhi...
Paper
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
$1,720Sale 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Vintage Cassetti "Lighthouse" pepper shaker, 1950
Located in Vienna, AT
Vintage lighthouse-shaped pepper shaker by Cassetti, Italy, crafted in rich ebony and chrome-plated brass. This exquisite mid-century design, dating from circa 1950–1970, exemplifies...
Brass, Chrome
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, Gucci, Jonathan Adler
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
Rare silvered metal double vide-poche, Hermès, Paris, 1960.
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Rare Hermès silvered metal vide-poche. Two round cups linked by a handle in the shape of a horse bit. marked Hermès Paris Clover mark for Ravinet d'Enfert France circa 1960
Metal
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
$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
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
$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
$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
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
Leather Box Style Loveseat Sofa by Charles Pfister for Knoll
By Charles Pfister, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Chic, sophisticated, and voguish loveseat sofa, designed by Charles Pfister for Knoll. This example was executed in grayish blue leather, it is in good, original condition, showing l...
Leather
A Pair of Original English Vintage Fairground Signs dating to Circa 1970
Located in Faversham, GB
A striking and very decorative pair of vintage circus or funfair signs with hand painted stylised typography on pine boards. The signs read, ‘Wonderful World Of Entertainment’ and a...
Pine, Plywood, Paint
STONE VALLEY - Coffee Table - Valleyra - Calacatta Oro Marble - Elliptical
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
The luxury table Valleyra, of elliptical shape, reminds us of the mountains of natural stone quarries. Like a giant handcrafted footprint, it will reveal your space area by its simp...
Marble
$14,560 / item
Dos Gallos Custom Ceruse Oak Wood Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid oak coffee table with turned, fluted legs and fluting on apron. Can be made in custom sizes and finishes. As shown here in oak with a ceruse finish. Made in Los Angeles by Dos ...
Oak, Walnut
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
$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
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
$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
20th Century Handmade Rhino Sculpture in Terracotta from France
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 20th-century statuette in handcrafted terracotta from France. This sculpture depicts an African safari grassland rhinoceros. This nicely handcrafted piece has its characteristic ho...
Terracotta
Montblanc Sterling Silver Money Clip – Elegant Luxury Accessory for Collectors
Located in Vienna, AT
Montblanc money clip crafted from sterling silver, exemplifying the brand’s renowned precision and timeless elegance. This refined accessory combines practicality with luxury, making...
Sterling Silver
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
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
$7,326
Pierre Bonnard Drawing
Located in London, GB
Pierre Bonnard (1867-1947) Drawing Graphite pencil on paper. cm x cm (sheet size cm x cm). C19
Paper
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
STONE VALLEY Compact Console – Ombrure Mini – Pink Onyx & Classic Travertine
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
Choice of colors and materials for our Ombrure console, which will highlight your entrances and corridors. A unique creation that combines functional use. Its bright or more natural ...
Onyx, Travertine
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
Luxury Pull Handle, Various Metal & Leather Color Finishes Classic Shape Nickel
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Door & drawer pull handle Artisanal architectural elements that privilege the sense of touch. Made with brass and metal precision pieces, CNC turned and hand-finished using uniq...
Brass
Vintage Gucci Black Leather Travel Bag with Yellow and Orange Stripe, Italy, cir
By Gucci
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage Gucci travel bag in black leather, made in Italy, circa 1970s. A bold band of yellow and orange leather runs down the center of the bag on both sides, a far less common col...
Leather
Framed Original Vanity Fair Caricature Litho, Lord Roseberry, 1901
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An English Gentleman Caricature – Lord Roseberry – an original chromolithograph from the British Vanity Fair series English Gentlemen, printed by Vincent Brooks Day & Son., 190...
Giltwood, Paper
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
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
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
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
Vintage Cut Crystal Square Whiskey Decanter and Stopper
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A cut crystal whiskey decanter, circa early 1980s. Square in shape with a large round star cut stopper. Heavy weight crystal, cut with a linear pattern on all sides, a star-cut on t...
Crystal
Framed Original Vanity Fair Caricature Litho, The Marquess of Bath, 1896
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An English Gentleman Caricature – The Marquess of Bath – an original chromolithograph from the British Vanity Fair series English Gentlemen, printed by Vincent Brooks Day & Son....
Paper, Giltwood
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
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
Architectural Loft Design & Living Books, set of 3
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A group of three architectural design and living books entitled Lofts. Lofts are former commercial spaces that have been converted for residential use and work environments. With th...
Paper
$1,733Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lola Open Weave Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
The Lola chair is a true testament to the beauty of design and comfort. The chair features an open weave of leather that covers a sensually shaped frame, creating a striking and eye-...
Leather
Dutch Delft Blue Handpainted Vase
By Delft
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Nice handpainted Delft blue pottery vase.
Ceramic
$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
Fitz and Floyd Porcelain Dalmation Trinket Box, Glazed, USA, 1985
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Fitz and Floyd, a charming porcelain Dalmation trinket box, dating to 1985. Two yellow and black spotted dogs sit atop an oval, green glazed lidded box with metal bracing. The...
Porcelain
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
Pelikan “Souverän” Fountain Pen unused, 1975, with Original Box
Located in Vienna, AT
A classic Pelikan Souverän fountain pen from 1982, preserved in excellent condition and complete with its original packaging. A sought-after mid-20th-century Pelikan model, appreciat...
Alabaster, Metal, Gold, Gold Plate
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