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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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 Masters Bar Stool in White by Philippe Starck & Eugeni Quitllet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kartell also offers a stool version of the Masters chair, winner of the Good Design Award 2010 and the Red Dot Award 2013, and a worldwide best seller. The legs are lengthened and the seat is shrunk, but the frame's unmistakable graphic look, created by the weave of the silhouettes of three iconic chairs, remains the same. Masters Stool...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Maui Swivel Chair Adjustable in Purple Red 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 professional environments. Thanks to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Four Table Soft Touch in Black/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 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
Kartell Tray Table by Piero Lissoni
By Piero Lissoni, Kartell
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 Pop Outdoor Sofa in Sunbrella 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 Sir Gio Square Coffee Table with Smoke Top by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kartell lifestyle enhances the living room with Philippe Starck’s Blast, a coffee table square with rounded corners and clear bases and tops. The design is a development of the Sir Gio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Glass
Set of 2 Kartell Lizz Chairs in Black 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
Kartell Toptop Table White 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 Taj Lamp in Glossy Black by Ferruccio Laviani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Taj, more than a lamp, is a three-dimensional manifestation, a luminous sculpture, a presence as much at home on our desk as on another piece of furniture. Although it is a table lam...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Resin
Kartell Eros Swivel Chair by Phillippe Starck, Set of Four
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Eros Swivel Chair, a stunning creation by renowned designer Phillippe Starck for Kartell. This luxurious chair features a unique and eye-catching design, with a smoot...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Kartell Small Rectangular Francois Ghost Mirror in Mat Black 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 Dr. Na Table in Warm Grey by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dr. NO chair is combined with a round table, Dr. NA, available as a direct complement to the seat. The scratch-proof painted surface and tapered central leg made of plastic and a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Set of 2 Kartell Generic C Chairs in Grey by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Generic is an ambitious project of deeply ethical connotations, in which new objectives are defined for contemporary design to fulfil and creativity is seen in the light of a public ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Foliage Sofa Teal 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
Hook coat stand with shelf by Olaf Von Bohr and Marcello Siard, Kartell 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Hook coat stand with shelf by Olaf Von Bohr and Marcello Siard, Kartell 1970s.
Hook model wall coat hanger with structure entirely in beige plastic with four coat hangers and hat rac...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Eleganza Nia 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
Set of 2 Kartell Generic A Chairs in Grey by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Generic is an ambitious project of profoundly ethical connotations, in which contemporary design sets out to fulfil new objectives and creativity is placed at the service of the gene...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Al Stool by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
AL wood is a side table which complements the Smart Wood collection. It features a structure made from chrome-plated or painted steel, combined with a curved wooden top.
A practica...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
Kartell Misses Flower Power Glossy White 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 Sir Gio Round Coffee Table with Yellow Top by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kartell lifestyle enhances the living room with Philippe Starck’s Blast, a coffee table square with rounded corners and clear bases and tops. The design is a development of the Sir Gio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Glass
Kartell Pop Outdoor Sofa in Ikon Orange 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 Sir Gio Square Coffee Table with Bronze Top by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kartell lifestyle enhances the living room with Philippe Starck’s Blast, a coffee table square with rounded corners and clear bases and tops. The design is a development of the Sir Gio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Glass
Kartell Medium FL/Y Pendant Light in Chrome by Ferruccio Laviani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An essential lamp which is characterised by the “subtle interpretations of the theme. Made in transparent methacrylate in chrome, the cover is not perfectly hemispherical but the cut...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Resin
Kartell Charla Chair by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The CHARLA dining armchair boasts elegant, flowing lines and embraces you in an almost wrap-around seat. The chair has everything needed for the contract and consumer segments and is perfect for a quick rest in a hotel lobby or a TV dinner...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Plastic
Kartell All Saints Mirror in Glossy White 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
Set of 2 Kartell Masters Chairs in Titanium by Philippe Starck & Eugeni Quitllet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Masters chair is a powerful tribute to three symbolic chairs, re-read and re-interpreted by the creative genius of Starck. The unmistakable silhouett...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Kabuki Floor Lamp in Light Blue 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 Mini Kabuki Desk Lamp in Black 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 Sir Gio Square Coffee Table with Pink Top by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kartell lifestyle enhances the living room with Philippe Starck’s Blast, a coffee table square with rounded corners and clear bases and tops. The design is a development of the Sir Gio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Glass
Kartell Small Rectangular Francois Ghost Mirror in Chrome 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
Set of 4 Kartell Jellies Round Trays in Light Blue 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 Misses Flower Power Glossy Black 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
Set of 4 Kartell Small Dune Trays in Chrome by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The semi-transparent material of these trays with internal sculpting varies in chromatic intensity and luminosity and projects a magical three-dimensional illusion onto the surface holding glasses and cups. Images fluctuate and flow in these trays. Like mountain streams, rivers of lava, fiery flames. Animated images of the caprices of wind and light. Like the waves on the sea, desert dunes or the shimmering reflections of silk. These rainbow-colored trays...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Charles Ghost Small Stools in Glossy Black 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 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 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
Kartell Four Table 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
Kartell Small Rectangular Francois Ghost Mirror in Mat White 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 Glossy Table in Black 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
Set 2Kartell Smatrik Rocking Chair in White with Chrome Legs by Tokujin Yoshioka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Smatrik is available transparent in white with painted or chrome-plated steel legs, and in stainless steel with oak-stained wood finish.
Dimensions: Height 30.33 in.; Width 24 in....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Piuma Chair in Black 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
Kartell Pop Outdoor Sofa in Ikon 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 Short Planet Floor Lamp in Crystal by Tokujin Yoshioka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A family of lamps: suspended, for a coffee table and with a metal structure, and the most recent floor version of the lamp in 130 cm height. The distinctive trait is the shape of the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Set of 2 Kartell Charles Ghost Small Stools in Crystal 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 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Kartell Carpet Rug
By Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Kartell carpet collection consists of four different models of propylene-backed polyamide rugs. All patterns are digitally printed.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Nylon
Kartell Uncle Jim Armchair in Black 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 Maui Swivel Chair Adjustable in Anthracite 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 professional environments. Thanks to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Kartell Sir Gio Round Coffee Table with Smoke Top by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kartell lifestyle enhances the living room with Philippe Starck’s Blast, a coffee table square with rounded corners and clear bases and tops. The design is a development of the Sir Gio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Glass
Kartell Thierry Table by Piero Lissoni in Blue
By Kartell, Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Thierry is a family of highly characteristic occasional tables that make an inspired use of colour. Each table can have 3 or 4 different colours and can be assembled in various ways....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Set of 16 Large Kartell Trama 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 Four Table Soft Touch in White / Black 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
Kartell Uncle Jim Armchair in White 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 Glossy Table in Gold/Black 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 Round Glossy Table in Tropical Grey 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 Aledin Tec Desk Lamp in Fume 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 Four Table in White/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 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
Kartell Viscount of Wood Table by Philippe Stark in Walnut and Chrome Frame
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Viscount of wood tables are the latest addition. These naturally composed tables complement the collection's choice of seats and create a sustainable livin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Kartell Bloom Suspension in Crystal 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
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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