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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Item Ships From: Chicago
Style: Modern
Persimmon Orange Oval Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
This large tapered vase reinterprets the classic curves of traditional Chinese ceramics with simplified lines and a bright, persimmon-orange glaze. Sculpted by artisans in China's Zh...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
"Tree Talk" by Ren Hui
By Ren Hui
Located in Chicago, IL
Entitled "Tree Talk," this exquisite painting by Chinese artist Ren Hui celebrates the beauty of nature with an abstracted view of a tangle of tree branches. Using a style he calls “...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Miami Console in Red Anodized Aluminum and Polished Acrylic by Jonathan Nesci
Located in Columbus, IN
Anodized aluminum and acrylic console by Jonathan Nesci, designed exclusively for Design Miami, 2015. Edition of 6 and 2 AP, each in a unique color. Brushed and anodized milled alumi...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Miami Console in Pink Anodized Aluminum and Polished Acrylic by Jonathan Nesci
Located in Columbus, IN
Anodized aluminum and acrylic console by Jonathan Nesci, designed exclusively for Design Miami, 2015. Edition of 6 and 2 AP, each in a unique color. Brushed and anodized milled alumi...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Miami Console in Green Anodized Aluminum and Polished Acrylic by Jonathan Nesci
Located in Columbus, IN
Anodized aluminum and acrylic console by Jonathan Nesci, designed exclusively for Design Miami, 2015. Edition of 6 + 2 AP, each in a unique color. Brushed and anodized milled aluminu...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Grant Newman "Two-Way"
By Grant Newman
Located in Chicago, IL
"Two-Way" SidebySide Series 2014
The works from the SidebySide series consist of sewn fabric arrangements exhibiting subtle, intimate material displays. The fabrics used in these ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Miami Console in Gold Anodized Aluminum and Polished Acrylic by Jonathan Nesci
Located in Columbus, IN
Anodized aluminum and acrylic console by Jonathan Nesci, designed exclusively for Design Miami, 2015. Edition of 6 + 2 AP, each in a unique color. Brushed and anodized milled aluminu...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Warren Platner Gold Leaf Arched Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
WARREN PLATNER (1919 – 2006)
Custom beveled mirror in an arched gold leaf frame.
Signed: [WARREN PLATNER ASSOC. 10611 J 7544].
Executed by Platner Associates.
American, 1989
Provenan...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Grant Newman "Veil Between" 2014
By Grant Newman
Located in Chicago, IL
"Veil Between" SidebySide 2014
The works from the SidebySide series consist of sewn fabric arrangements exhibiting subtle, intimate material displays. The fabrics used in these wo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric
24 Karat Gold Paper Bowl
Located in Chicago, IL
The paper series embodies the idea of crumpling paper set in time. The materiality of the brass is utilized by the intricate folds and bends that not on...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Gold
Heltzer Stainless Steel, Copper and Glass Indoor or Outdoor Modern Dining Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Heltzer Stainless Steel and Woven Copper Dining Table and since it was constructed with Stainless Steel and Copper, we have been told by the manufacturer that it could be used Outdoors as well as Indoors. The Heltzer Furniture Company is based in Chicago and is known for their very high-quality and expensive furniture products, many of which are made from Stainless Steel which are intended to survive our Chicago Winters...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Copper, Stainless Steel
Powder-Coated Magazine Table and Catchall Deep Plum
Located in Chicago, IL
The magazine table is an innovative, minimal, and modern take on the tradition use of an accent table creating a new typology that is functional and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Miami Console in Blue Anodized Aluminum and Polished Acrylic by Jonathan Nesci
Located in Columbus, IN
Anodized aluminum and acrylic console by Jonathan Nesci, designed exclusively for Design Miami, 2015. Edition of 6 + 2 AP, each in a unique color. Brushed and anodized milled aluminu...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Josef Albers Silk Screen Diptych
By Josef Albers
Located in Chicago, IL
Josef Albers Formulations - Articulations I & II
Edition 974/ 1000
1972 screen-print on paper
Embossed with Josef Albers initials, portfolio and folder ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Paper
Giacometti Inspired Solid Bronze Dining Table or Desk Built to Order in Any Size
Located in Chicago, IL
Custom Made to Order Solid bronze Desk, or Dining Table inspired by Giacometti and built to your exacting specifications and dimensions. Each Bronze Giacometti inspired Desk or Dinin...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Bronze
"Vijay Path" Ghanaian Movie Poster
Located in Chicago, IL
Vijaypath was a Bollywood action hit in 1994. It's critically acclaimed soundtrack topped charts across the world and became one of the most recognizable in India's history. The film...
Category
Late 20th Century Ghanaian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Contemporary Sculptural Black Steel Etagere Bookcase Storage Shelf Pair, USA
Located in Chicago, IL
This set includes two modern Etagere bookcases Storage Shelves which are contemporary and sculptural.
The functional modern yet minimal sculptural Ah...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
Pair of Vintage Camer Glass Sconces
By Camer Glass
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a pair of vintage Camer glass and gold sconces from the 1960s.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Grant Newman Painting
By Grant Newman
Located in Chicago, IL
Series of interpretive paintings inspired by Master Works.
"Mont Ste. Victoire" [Cézanne].
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Grant Newman Painting
By Grant Newman
Located in Chicago, IL
Series of interpretive paintings inspired by Master Works.
"The Daughters of Darley Boit" [John Singer Sargent].
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Grant Newman Painting
By Grant Newman
Located in Chicago, IL
Series of interpretive paintings inspired by Master Works.
"Cypresses" [Vincent van Gogh].
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Acrylic, Canvas
Grant Newman Hard Edge Painting
By Grant Newman
Located in Chicago, IL
Untitled, anonymous tribal painting acrylic on canvass.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Acrylic
French Architect and Artist Arik Levy Polished Stainless Steel Log Sculptures
By Arik Levy
Located in Chicago, IL
The French architect and artist Arik Levy mirror polish stainless steel small log sculptures from "Absent Nature" exhibit at Wright, 2007.
Each signed w...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Contemporary Lighting Collection by Jonas Fernando Pires
By Jonas Fernando Pires
Located in Chicago, IL
Pavilion is very excited to continue its dialogue with contemporary French design and welcomes Jonas Fernando Pires to Pavilions contemporary collection.
Born in Paris in 1987, Jonas Fernando Pires quickly showed a particular attraction for architecture. He produced his first works at the age of 20 years and created a collection of furniture.
Material predilections of the artist are steel and concrete. His work is clean, inspired by minimalism. Architects Tadao Ando and Mies van der Rohe are his references but Jonas Fernando Pires creative language is, creative freedom, the rule quality, enrolling in a traditional sense.
His latest creations are centered around the idea of mood lighting, with amazing works where he revisits spaces with shadow and light.
Recently he has presented at 2013 Maison Objet, L'Eclaireur, Vip Room Paris, Cannes, and Salone di Mobile 2013, Milan.
His first exhibition in the United States will be with the French Design Connection hosted by the Chambers Hotel in NYC during ICFF and now at Pavilion in Chicago.
His gallery in Paris is on rue de Verneuil...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
"Basket of Eggs" Painting on Board by Chicago Artist Stanley Mitruk 1958
By Stanley Mitruk
Located in Chicago, IL
Painting on board of an atmospheric still life of eggs in a cloth draped basket by Chicago artist Stanley Mitruk titled "Basket of Eggs", dated 1958.
Measurements given below are ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Paint, Wood
French Hand-Made Genuine Tolix Kitchen Counter Stools Midnight Blue Set of (4)
Located in Chicago, IL
French Hand-Made Set of (4) Genuine Tolix Kitchen Counter Height Stools. We have over (1300) pieces of French Hand-Made Tolix dining chai...
Category
2010s French Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
Italian Curved Loveseat in the Style of Gio Ponti, 1960s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1960s Italian Loveseat in a shape often attributed to the works of Gio Ponti. Featuring an elegant curved, four splayed legs and new velvet upholstery.
DIMENSIONS: 49.5 "W x 28...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Architectural Travertine Executive Desk, 1980s
Located in Chicago, IL
A handsome 1980s executive desk in travertine featuring stately square pedestal legs and a thick rectangular travertine top. This modernist desk has two inset center drawers and stor...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Travertine
M1 T70 Dining Table by Angelo Mangiarotti, Italy 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare M1 T70 Table was designed by Mangiarotti in 1969 for Skipper. Mangiarotti’s vision was to create a table that respected the materiality of the marble without utilizing any joi...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble
‘Lunario’ Coffee Table by Cini Boeri for Gavina, Italy 1970s
By Cini Boeri
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1970s Italian ‘Lunario’ coffee table by Cini Boeri for Gavina. This iconic piece features a chrome plated teardrop shaped pedestal base, which is weighted to counterbalance an off-...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair of Marble Teardrop Nesting Tables, France 20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of vintage French side tables constructed with gorgeously veined marble in a range of taupe, cream and rust hues. These tables have teardrop shaped tops and angular bases. One...
Category
20th Century French Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble
Modernist Travertine Occasional Table, France 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
The elegance and simplicity of French modernist design feels timeless. This 1940s accent table is a classic example - a beautiful aged patina to the metal frame with the original hon...
Category
1940s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Travertine
Pair of Cerused Oak Dining or Accent Chairs, France 20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of vintage French dining or accent chairs constructed with beautifully grained cerused oak wood. These sculptural chairs feature dramatic proportions and carved detailing. The...
Category
20th Century French Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
Martha Sturdy 72" Bronze Resin Dining Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Feast your eyes on the majestic 72" diameter resin dining table by Martha Sturdy, Canada circa late 20th century. This table is a masterpiece of design, blending the opulence of bron...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
Kalos Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia
Located in Chicago, IL
Step into the realm of comfort and sophistication with the Kalos lounge chair and ottoman, designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia / Maxalto in 1997. This chair and ottoman set, ...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Linen, Upholstery, Fabric, Oak
Set of six Millefoglie Chairs by Biagio Cisotti and Sandra Laube for Plank
Located in Chicago, IL
This set of six modernist bent plywood chairs with chrome tubular legs were designed by Biagio Cisotti, Sandra Laube for Italian firm Plank have zebra wood design in the wood. Etched...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Chrome
French Modernist Wall Sculpture by Atelier Marolles
Located in Chicago, IL
Step into the enchanting world of French 1950s modernism with an exquisite hand-wrought iron wall sculpture from the esteemed Atelier de Marolles. This masterpiece, intricately const...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Vintage Baker Wicker and Leather Dining Chairs - Set of 6
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Wicker Back with Leather Seats Dining Chairs by Baker Furniture - Set of 6
Beautiful set of 6 wicker back dining chairs: 2 armchai...
Category
20th Century Modern Furniture
Materials
Wicker, Wood
Handmade Bauhaus Inspired Throw Pillows
By Bauhaus
Located in Chicago, IL
Elevate your space with our trio of Bauhaus-inspired pillows, each pillow is meticulously handcrafted and wrapped with a luxurious Kensington Polyester Velvet. This collection showca...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Polyester, Down
Modernist Teakwood Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Embrace the essence of 1930s French modernism with our teakwood table, a captivating tribute to the visionary spirit of Brancusi. Crafted with meticulous artistry, its sleek form and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Stanley Jay Friedman "Morocco" Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
for Brueton c. 1970s - reupholstered in brand new wool velvet from Fishman's Fabrics.
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Cantilever Armchairs by Kinetics
Located in Chicago, IL
Made by Kinetics in Canada. Reupholstered in yellow marine vinyl. Chrome frame. Signed
Price is for the set. Contact us if you'd like to purchase a single item.
Category
1970s Canadian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Chrome
American Modern Chest of Drawer
Located in Chicago, IL
A chic early 20th century American modernist chest with four drawers with wide wooden pulls, and all with a beautiful timeless ivory painted finish that blends seamlessly into myriad...
Category
1930s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Birch
American Modern Tall Chest of Drawer
Located in Chicago, IL
A chic early 20th century American modernist tall chest with five drawers with wide wooden pulls, and with a beautiful timeless ivory painted finish that blends seamlessly into any s...
Category
1930s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Birch
David Whitehead French Ceramic Contemporary Table Lamps La Borne
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of David Whitehead French ceramic artist working wood fired ceramic table lamps.
Whitehead works in the famous pottery village of La Borne where he fires all of his work in woo...
Category
2010s Modern Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Brueton Cristal Stainless Steel and Glass Coffee Table by J. Wade Beam
By Brueton
Located in Chicago, IL
Brueton Cristal stainless steel and glass coffee table by J. Wade Beam. Stainless steel base rest on glass ball feet with iridescent finish. Glass has ...
Category
1990s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel, Chrome
French Modernist Iron Floor Lamp
Located in Chicago, IL
Found in the South of France, we were immediately stunned by this handmade lamp. This appears to be an artist made piece as the construction is well built but clearly was not produce...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Iron
Persimmon Orange Bottleneck Vase
Located in Chicago, IL
Drawing on a long Chinese tradition of ceramics, this striking long-necked vase is cloaked in an all-over persimmon-orange glaze. With a rounded, globular body and cylindrical neck, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Modern Glass Top Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible 20th century modern side table constructed from dozens of sculptural bent steel bars with a fantastic blue-gray painted finish, and with a glass top. Perfect next to yo...
Category
20th Century American Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
19th Century Japanese Firemen's Coat on Custom Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare 19th century Japanese firemen's coat, constructed from smoked deer leather and with bold white stenciled characters creating a wonderfully modern pattern across the back and b...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather
Repurposed Wood Side Table Pedestal, Found Wood and Various Materials, Painted
By John Seubert
Located in Chicago, IL
Made from found and reclaimed wood, each of John Seubert's Crash tables are unique and meticulously crafted. He calls them Crash Tables because they are a collision of parts taken from old and recycled furniture, stair railings...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Reclaimed Wood, Paint
DS-168 Light Grey Leather Wingback Armchair and Ottoman by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Chicago, IL
De Sede has its origins in a small but skilled saddler's workshop in Klingnau, Switzerland. The craftsmen there committed themselves to transforming the best possible leather into se...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather
fferrone Contemporary Minimal Pink Amara Marble Side Table Handcrafted in Italy
Located in Chicago, IL
Like punctuation marks for your living space, this contemporary minimal marble side table, available in pink or Carrara marble will finish off a space. An exercise in subtlety, with ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble
Chinese Orange Glazed Rope Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
The striking monochrome of this vase draws on a long Chinese tradition of ceramics glazed in a single, statement-making color. The vibrancy and cheer of the orange finished stoneware...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Brass and Glass Light
Located in Chicago, IL
Materials: Brass and glass
Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 14"
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Ainslie Side Table, Nickle-Plated Steel with Star-Fire Edged Glass
Located in Chicago, IL
Ainslie, named after Christopher Gentner's favorite street in Chicago, the table was inspired by the poise of a flower stem, having the taper and balance as the focus of the table. C...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
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 Furniture
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Ward Bennett Pair of Armchairs by Brickel
Located in Highland, IN
Ward Bennett's highly refined aesthetic combines subtle, graceful shapes and exquisite craftsmanship. The classical proportions of these wood framed armchairs allows them to work in ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
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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