Modern Furniture
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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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.
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Style: Modern
Creator: Kartell
Kartell Square Tray Table by Piero Lissoni
By Kartell, Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is an articulated system of table surfaces for the home or office. The construction concept of the design is based on small tables and shelf systems, with patterns and finishes ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Bloom Suspension in Gold Bronze & Copper by Ferruccio Laviani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bloom is a tubular polycarbonate framework entirely covered by a structure of tiny transparent polycarbonate double corolla flowers. The result is an industrially produced lamp but w...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Mini Kabuki Desk Lamp in Crystal by Ferruccio Laviani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A mini version of the lamp in a complex thermoplastic polymer with a characteristic perforated surface, from which the light diffuses.
Dimensions: Height: 27.56 in.; Width: 11.8 in....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Smatrik Outdoor Chair in Black by Tokujin Yoshioka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The constant interplay of design and technological innovation has led to the creation of Smatrik, the latest interpretation of a chair, designed by Tokujin Yoshioka. It has an innova...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Medium FL/Y Pendant Light in Copper by Ferruccio Laviani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An essential lamp which is characterized by the “subtle interpretations of the theme. Made in transparent methacrylate in copper, the cover is not perfectly hemispherical but the cut...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Resin
Set of 2 Kartell Louis Ghost Armchairs in Straw Yellow by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comfortable armchair in transparent and colored polycarbonate in the Louis XV style, it is the quintessence of baroque revisited to dazzle, excite and captivate. Louis Ghost is the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Pop Outdoor Armchair in White by Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pop outdoor is the modular sofa with evanescent profiles characterised by large seat and backrest cushions which make it soft and comfortable, made with fabrics conceived specificall...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Plastic
Kartell Optic Cube in Smoke by Patrick Jouin
By Patrick Jouin, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Optic is a container cube which comes in two versions: closed with a door or with one open side. Its surface is strikingly decorated with square based transparent or mirrored pyramid...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Glossy Table in Marble White by Antonio Citterio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Mini Kabuki Desk Lamp in Crystal by Ferruccio Laviani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A mini version of the lamp in a complex thermoplastic polymer with a characteristic perforated surface, from which the light diffuses.
Dimensions: Height: 27.56 in.; Width: 11.8 i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Napoleon Table-Stool in Multicolor by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Napoleon table-stool, is charismatic personalities of striking originality and anti-conformism. Stools and tables which are cute and humorous but with o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Invisible Side Table in Glossy White by Tokujin Yoshioka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A piece of clean, linear, minimal design, the aesthetic synthesis of the designer's Japanese culture. Invisible side is a light and elegant multi-functional product which can be easi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Charles Ghost Small Stools in Smoke Grey by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The shape conjures up stools of the 1800s and the line of the legs is rounded and slightly upturned, an icon of the Classic high stool. Charles Ghost is constructed from a single blo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Kartell Flip Trolley in Crystal by Antonio Citterio & Toan Nguyen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kartell brings transparency to the world of trolleys too and thus we have flip, the folding trolley which combines the transparent plastic surfaces of the trays with a metal frame. T...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Kartell Foliage Sofa by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Foliage collection is a family of soft chairs. The key players are a two-seater sofa and an armchair, that seem to have grown "naturally": the frame provides support for a comfortabl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Kartell Blast Rectangle Table in Chrome with Yellow Top by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kartell lifestyle enhances the living room with Philippe Starck’s Blast, a coffee table rectangular with rounded corners and clear bases and tops. The design is a development of the Sir Gio table...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Glass
Kartell Bellissima Pendant Light in Glossy White and White by Ferruccio Laviani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bellissima is presented in the material version of glossy pink and white.
Bellissima is the collection of suspension lamps with a clean and contemporary line, available in a range o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell All Saints Mirror in Chrome by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Round mirror with a transparent or colored PMMA frame, with a unique pleated effect. The possibility of applying transparency even to gold and chrome, makes this mirror an extremely ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Resin
Kartell A.I. Stool Light by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stool made from recycled material for maximum sustainability. A.I. stool light is sustainable in materials and production process and is the result of thorough optimisation: three ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell All Saints Mirror in Amber by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Round mirror with a transparent or colored PMMA frame, with a unique pleated effect. The possibility of applying transparency even to gold and chrome, makes this mirror an extremely ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Resin
Kartell Aledin Tec Desk Lamp in Fume by Alberto e Francesco Meda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Aledin Tec has a flat head which throws a direct luminous beam and is also adjustable thanks to the movement of the diffuser itself. These characteristics make it suitable for office...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Tall Only Me Mirror in Chrystal by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Only Me is a mirror with a slender frame in a variety of colours. Only Me is available in square and rectangular versions that can be hung in either direction....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Tall Only Me Mirror in Glossy Black by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Only Me is a mirror with a slender frame in a variety of colors. Only Me is available in square and rectangular versions that can be hung in either direction.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Maui Soft Trevira Chair in Grey by Vico Magistretti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Maui chairs form a family with a rich variety of colours and shapes, both hard and soft, capable of satisfying specific needs, at home or in professiona...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Glossy Table in Tropical Grey by Antonio Citterio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble, Steel
Kartell Kabuki Pendant Light in Blue by Ferruccio Laviani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kabuki pendant light in blue.
Dimensions: Height: 19.67 in.; Diameter: 23 in. Made of: Thermoplastic Technopolymer. Assembly required. Voltage: 120. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Small Rectangular Francois Ghost Mirror in Gold by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A series of rectangular two-dimensional wall mirrors which bring to mind milled crystal frames. The frames are made of transparent or colored polycarbonate with seagull wing sections...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Resin
Kartell Foliage Sofa Trevira Green by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Foliage collection is a family of soft chairs. The key players are a two-seater sofa and an armchair, that seem to have grown "naturally": the frame provides support for a comfortabl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Kartell Four Table Soft Touch in White by Ferruccio Laviani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This functional and refined table also has a strict geometric design. Thanks to the elegant design solution, the position of the slim table top allows for the convenient positioning of drawers or storage furnishings for computer hardware. They can be placed side-by-side to form office workstations. Four is available with a painted steel body and a 2.5 cm thick table...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
Set of 16 Large Kartell Jellies Glasses in Light Blue by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comprehensive line of glasses made from colorful and transparent PMMA plastic. The line's individuality is down to the fact that each model presents a different organic pattern tha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Resin, Plastic
Kartell Madame Chair in Paris Print by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Thanks to its neutral colour palette, this chair makes the ideal furniture piece for inserting in sophisticated residential interiors or the most refin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Set of 2 Kartell Lizz Chairs in White by Piero Lissoni & Carlo Tamborini
By Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A light, ultra-streamlined chair, so representative of the minimalist and elegant style of its designer, Piero Lissoni. Made of a mass-tinted thermoplastic technopolymer, Lizz is manufactured in a single piece, using gas-blowing technology. Its name (from Liz Taylor) as well as the traditional chair...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Charles Ghost Small Stools in Powder Blue by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The shape conjures up stools of the 1800s and the line of the legs is rounded and slightly upturned, an icon of the Classic high stool. Charles Ghost is constructed from a single blo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Kartell Foliage Armchair in Dove Grey by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Foliage collection is a family of soft chairs. The key players are a two-seater sofa and an armchair, that seem to have grown "naturally": the frame provides support for a comfortabl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Kartell Colonna Stool in Green by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Colonna stool is included in the Kartell goes Sottsass - A Tribute to Memphis collection, launched in 2015 in homage to the movement founded by desig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Piuma Chair in White by Piero Lissoni
By Kartell, Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
2016 saw the completion of the “Piuma” project by Piero Lissoni. The chair is one of the most revolutionary and enterprising products in Kartell’s repertoire of technology and materi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Set of 4 Kartell Lou Children's Ghost Chair in Glossy Black by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Following the runaway success of Louis Ghost, we’ve created a “baby” version of the famous Starck chair. Lou Lou Ghost inherits its “paternal” Classic line...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Pop Outdoor Armchair in Dove by Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pop outdoor is the modular sofa with evanescent profiles characterised by large seat and backrest cushions which make it soft and comfortable, made with fabrics conceived specificall...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Maui Armchair in Black by Vico Magistretti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Its elegant lines, sober colours and practical usage make Maui an extremely versatile chair, capable of satisfying the widest demands of the business and residential market. Maui cha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
Kartell Misses Flower Power Glossy Red by Philippe Starck and Eugenie Quillet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Miss flower power is the planter with an elongated Silhouette and generous dimensions capable of giving a touch of personality to outdoor settings.
Available in black, glossy whit...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Eleganza Ela Chair by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegance and its discreet charm. Philippe Starck has re-thought the essential lines of Italian style with a timeless chair that combines the world of Haute Couture with bon ton. Dist...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Plastic
Kartell Four Table in Black/ Aluminum by Ferruccio Laviani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This functional and refined table also has a strict geometric design. Thanks to the elegant design solution, the position of the slim table top allows for ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
White Acrylic Spherical Pendants, Kartell, c. 1973
By Kartell
Located in New York City, NY
Priced individually; two available.
Unique ceiling lamps by Kartell. The cords can be adjusted up to 9 feet.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Glass, Plastic
Kartell Pop Outdoor Armchair in Ecru by Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pop outdoor is the modular sofa with evanescent profiles characterised by large seat and backrest cushions which make it soft and comfortable, made with fabrics conceived specificall...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Plastic
Kartell A.I. Bar Stool in Grey by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kartell continues its ongoing commitment to sustainability with eco-friendly products which are part of the broader project expressed by the industrial manifesto Kartell loves the pl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Set of 4 Kartell Jellies Round Trays in Pink by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comprehensive line of trays made from colorful and transparent PMMA plastic. The line's individuality is down to the fact that each model presents a different organic pattern that ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Resin, Plastic
Kartell Small Planet Table Lamp in Yellow by Tokujin Yoshioka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Planet lamp in crystal. Its special feature that is the shape of its slightly elliptical diffuser. Its transparent surface, which is many-sided both inside and out, creates a rich ta...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Kartell Piuma Chair in Gray by Piero Lissoni
By Kartell, Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
2016 saw the completion of the “Piuma” project by Piero Lissoni. The chair is one of the most revolutionary and enterprising products in Kartell’s repertoire of technology and materi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Smatrik Outdoor Chair in Plum by Tokujin Yoshioka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The constant interplay of design and technological innovation has led to the creation of Smatrik, the latest interpretation of a chair, designed by Tokujin Yoshioka. It has an innova...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Lizz Matt White Chair by Piero Lissoni
By Kartell, Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A light, essential and rigorous chair. Its square line is designed by Piero Lissoni, with a wide seat and a wide, low backrest. Created for use around tables, it was born in a range ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Uncle Jim Armchair in Clear by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Uncle collection designed by Philippe Starck adds the Uncle Jim armchair. The armchair echoes the lines and sinuosity of Uncle Jack and lends itself to b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Kabuki Floor Lamp in Opaque White by Ferruccio Laviani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Kabuki floor lamp is injection molded. The sophisticated injection technology used makes it possible to crate a woven structure similar to lace with a unique perforated surface t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Aledin Dec Desk Lamp in Amber by Alberto e Francesco Meda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Aledin Dec is defined by the faceted decoration of its cone-shaped diffuser. The luminous beam throws a wider and more atmospheric light which well lends itself to residential applic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Planet Stand Lamp in Crystal by Tokujin Yoshioka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Planet stand lamp in crystal. Its special feature is the shape of its slightly elliptical diffuser. Its transparent surface, which is many-sided both inside and out, creates a rich t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Kartell Extra Large Multiple Dining Table by Antonio Citterio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multiple is a large family of tables, versatile in its uses, and designed for customisation by playing with its shapes (rounded square, round and oval) and pairing of bases (central base with two, three or four spokes) and tops (solid colour stoneware or marble and glass finish). To the collection are added the low table multiple low models 43...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Kartell Toptop Table Black by Philippe Starck with Eugeni Quitllet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Round Glossy Table in Symphonie Marble by Antonio Citterio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The TopTop table line is distinguished by its leg which can be either a round or square transparent section with a multi-faceted surface and metal core.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble, Steel
Kartell Small Planet Table Lamp in Crystal by Tokujin Yoshioka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Planet lamp in crystal. Its special feature that is the shape of its slightly elliptical diffuser. Its transparent surface, which is many-sided both inside and out, creates a rich ta...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, lighting, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Rug & Kilim, Schumacher, Vistosi, and Kartell. 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.
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