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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Vintage Brass Pendant Light with Perforated Trim - 2 Available
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage brass pendant light featuring a delicately tapered cylindrical brass shade with a perforated metal trim along the top edge. It hangs from a brass rod with a new brass canop...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Geometric Wooden Sculpture by Suzanne Sumner, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
An abstract hand carved wooden sculpture by Suzanne Sumner in the 1970s. This piece has a beautiful geometric profile and is presented on a rectangular wood base. It was acquired fro...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
fferrone Set of 2 Czech Contemporary May Medium Glasses Handmade
Located in Chicago, IL
May medium glasses, set of two
A pair of Czech contemporary handcrafted glasses perfect for everyday use.
The May collection is inspired by the lightness of the early summer mo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Furniture
Materials
Glass
fferrone Set of 2 Czech Contemporary May Champagne Flute Glasses Handmade
Located in Chicago, IL
May champagne flute glasses, set of two
A pair of Czech contemporary glass handcrafted is the perfect modern champagne glass.
The May collection i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Furniture
Materials
Glass
fferrone Set of 2 Contemporary Margot Champagne Coupe Glasses Handcrafted Czech
Located in Chicago, IL
Margot champagne coupe, set of two
The Margot champagne glass coupe is a contemporary glassware set which is handcrafted without the use of molds, made one by one by master craftsme...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Furniture
Materials
Glass
Pillar Candlesticks with Three Sizes, Handcrafted in Chicago
Located in Chicago, IL
Spring tension holding up a pillar of wax wrapped around a fiber of cotton ready to be lit on fire.
Sizes:
Small diameter 1.5" x height 6-9/16" - $205.00
Medium diameter 1.5" x hei...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Wicker + Bamboo Writing Desk with Brass Trim, Italy 20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage Italian writing desk clad in woven cane with an elegant patinated brass trim. The front and back of this desk are framed in bamboo and it features three front drawers with ...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker
Swinging Drink Table in Hand-Rubbed Brass
Located in Chicago, IL
A table for your drink that is already a little drunk.
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Circle Candle
Located in Chicago, IL
It is possible to have a candle that is circular, I guess so.
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Round Ottomans in Sage Green Velvet, France 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming pair of vintage ottomans sourced in the South of France. These have been professionally restored in a beautiful green velvet.
DIMENSIONS: 24.5"Dia x 17"H
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
fferrone Czech Clear Contemporary Decanter and Eight Liqueur Shot Glass Set
Located in Chicago, IL
Margot Decanter and eight Dearborn Liqueur Shot Mini clear glass set
Entirely hand-formed without the use of molds, the contemporary minimal Margot Decanter is an ideal companion to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Furniture
Materials
Glass
Single Ruched Leather Lounge Chair in the Style of De Sede, France 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Chicago, IL
1970s French lounge chair in the style of De Sede. This regal chair features a block frame with curved arms and sits low to the ground on circular acrylic feet. It retains the origin...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Upholstery
Vintage Italian Travertine Coffee Table with Angled Legs
Located in Chicago, IL
There’s no better place to find original Travertine furniture than the region around Rome, Italy. Sourced on a recent buying trip, this classic and timeless material is imagined into...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Travertine
Casey Lurie Studio Contemporary "Lap" Side or End Table
By Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
Named for the lap joints that make up its structure, the Lap Table is a versatile piece that can easily function as a side table, end table, nightstand, or e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Ash, Hardwood, Walnut, Oak, Cherry, Wood
Wall Vase Made of Brass, Handcrafted in Chicago, Designed by Christopher Gentner
Located in Chicago, IL
Each of these handcrafted wall vases are perfect as an individual home accessory. Made of brass and hand-patinated, the wall vase can be massed to create a wall full of flowers or accenting an individual bud on a wall. The cylinder attached on the bottom comes off, allowing the user to clean and pour...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Modern Oil Decanter, Made of Patinated Brass, Completely Handcrafted in Chicago
Located in Chicago, IL
Made of brass and hand tarnished, the oil seems to magically move from the container to the spout without the two being connected. This piece, with it visual disconnects, is all abou...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Convex Galt Mirror with Bronze Frame, Designed by Christopher Gentner
Located in Chicago, IL
The Galt mirror accentuates perspective with its convex form. Framed in lightened bronze, the Galt mirror is perfect for any minimalistic environment.
Sizes include:
48" x 2" x 48" ...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Baltic Side Tables Made from Lightened or Darkened Bronze
Located in Chicago, IL
The Baltic embodies a conceptual design that is striking in its simplicity; its waterfall edges and corners defined by negative space exemplify the idea as form and form as the idea....
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Contemporary Powder Coated Black Steel Organic Minimal Coffee Table USA
Located in Chicago, IL
Named after the Japanese word for ‘river rock’ the Ishicoro contemporary coffee table is composed of two different organic shapes held together in contrast by square bars creating a ...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
Foldable Ebonized Ash Wood Console + Dining Table, France 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1970s foldable ash wood table featuring a rich ebonized finish that highlights the painterly wood grain. Both the legs and top extend to create a larger surface area the scale of a...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
Eva' White Leather + Beechwood Lounge Chair by Bruno Mathsson for DUX, Sweden
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1960s Swedish ‘Eva’ lounge chair designed by Bruno Mathsson for DUX. This Scandinavian Modern lounge chair features a sculptural bent beechwood frame with dramatic curved arms and ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Modern Grey Marble Side Table with Wheels, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1970s beautifully veined grey marble side table with wheels. This Modern cubic side table features three rectangular cutouts perfect for displaying design books. The marble varies ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble
Italian Petite Round Glass + Lucite Cocktail Table, Italy Circa 1950s
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite Italian round glass cocktail table in the style of Fontana Arte. This cocktail table features a tripod base with sculptural boomerang legs and a round glass top. Natural pat...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Glass
Modern Red Travertine Coffee Table with Wood Base, Belgium 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
A modern rectangular coffee table constructed of a rare variation of red travertine with a polished finish. Veining is present throughout in hues of orange, coral, and taupe. The tra...
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Travertine
Set of 2 Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture X Back Dining Chairs with Arms
Located in Chicago, IL
A set of 2 X back dining chairs with arms designed by Barbara Barry for Baker. These chairs are still in production today (and sell for between $3K - $4K per chair). These are super...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Plisse Width Adjusting Suspension Lamp by Inga Sempe for Luceplan
By Lucepan
Located in Chicago, IL
Plisse by Inga Sempe for Luceplan
Adjustable-width suspension lamp. The double pantograph system permits easy extension from a minimum of 23.6 inches to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Vintage Reverse Painted Glass Wall Art w/ Female Figure by Mark Narens
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Reverse Painted Glass Hanging Wall Art with Female Figure Signed by Mark Narens
Featuring a stunning piece of vintage wall art, this Reverse Painted Glass Hanging Wall Art f...
Category
1990s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Glass, Paint
Vintage Reverse Painted Glass Wall Art w/ Male Figure signed by Mark Narens
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Reverse Painted Glass Hanging Wall Art with Male Figure Signed by Mark Narens
Introducing a stunning piece of vintage wall art, skillfully crafted and signed by the renowned...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Glass, Paint
Set of 6 Barbara Barry for Baker X Back Oval Dining Chairs
Located in Chicago, IL
An impressive set of 6 dining chairs designed by Barbara Barry for Baker. This set is without arms (although we do have 2 arm chairs available in a separate listing). These chairs ar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Modern Brass and Glass Center Hall or Dining Table by Old Plank Made in America
Located in Chicago, IL
Modern Thick Solid Brass Center Hall Table or with a larger top can be used as a Dining Room Table. Currently as shown the Modern Brass Table is fitted with a thick glass and functio...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Hand-Carved Wood Pedestal
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th-century American Modernist hand-carved wood pedestal is a sculptural masterpiece, evoking the essence of artistic expression and practicality. Adorned with thousands ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
Modern Solid Brass Curio-Cabinet Made in America High Quality and Nice Details
Located in Chicago, IL
Modern Curio Cabinet that was made right here in America by the Glober Manufacturing Company of Carpentersville, Illinois. The Curio-Cabinet was constructed from solid brass and glas...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Modern Sculptural Draped Chain Chandelier
Located in Chicago, IL
Modern Sculptural Draped Chain Chandelier
A showstopping addition to any space, this chandelier’s traditional silhouette is given an edgy, modern update with draped stainless steel ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Vintage Tibetan Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking vintage Tibetan hand-knotted wool rug with two dark red circles and several gray and yellow circles against a silver ground, and with no border.
Category
Late 20th Century Tibetan Modern Furniture
Materials
Wool
American Oil on Linen Portrait of MSU Student
Located in Chicago, IL
A captivating 1950s American oil-on-linen portrait, a stunning portrayal of a young male student poised at the threshold of his academic journey. Clad in a distinguished green Michig...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Paint
1950s French Cocktail Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Indulge in the timeless allure of mid-20th-century French design with this stunning low cocktail table, reminiscent of the iconic style of André Arbus. Crafted with meticulous attent...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble, Iron
"Landscape Divided" Mosaic by Toyoharu Kii
By Toyoharu Kii
Located in Chicago, IL
Intricate, ethereal and highly textured, the abstract compositions of Japanese mosaic artist Toyoharu Kii reflect a sophisticated approach to the technical art of mosaic making. Clas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble
Vintage French Design Kidney Shape Carved Walnut Office Library Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage French Design Kidney Shape Carved Walnut Office Library Desk
Featuring a charming mahogany & walnut French design small office or library desk in the classic kidney shape. ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
"Composition 202.2" Cubist Abstract Sculpture by Dan Schneiger
Located in Chicago, IL
"Composition 202.2" is a captivating cubist/abstract mixed media sculpture by Dan Schneiger, circa 2020. The sculpture is a harmonious assembly of wood, foam core, plaster, and resin...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Foam, Resin, Plaster, Paint, Wood
"Green in the Corners" Mosaic by Toyoharu Kii
By Toyoharu Kii
Located in Chicago, IL
Intricate, ethereal and highly textured, the abstract compositions of Japanese mosaic artist Toyoharu Kii reflect a sophisticated approach to the technical art of mosaic making. Clas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble
Fraser Taylor Black and Purple Oil over Canvas
Located in Chicago, IL
Fraser Taylor Black and Purple Oil over Canvas, 2005 some paper and fabric elements are incorporated.
Signed on back Fraser Taylor 2005
Intro:
Fraser Taylor is an interdisciplinary v...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Canvas, Paint
Late 20th Century Tibetan Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A chic late 20th century Tibetan hand-knotted rug with a gray background and an all-over scrolling vine and stylized flower pattern woven in crimson, pink, cream, orange, and dark gr...
Category
Late 20th Century Tibetan Modern Furniture
Materials
Wool
Vintage Mid Century Modern Clam Chairs by Seymour Weiner for Kodawood - Set of 4
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Clam Shell Chairs by Seymour James Weiner for Kodawood - Set of 4
Featuring 4 vintage MCM “Clam Shell” armchairs designed by Seymour J. Wiener for Kodawoo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Channeled Accent Chairs with Pouf by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of vegan leather accent chairs by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, Italy 1980s. These rare three-legged chairs feature elegant curvature and make the most of negative space, o...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Upholstery
Marble Ball Sculpture Coffee Table, Italy 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
3 carved marble spheres create a sculptural yet minimal coffee table. The marble spheres measure 11” in diameter and the table has a 42” round glass top with beveled edge. Produced i...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble
Belgium Velvet Tiger Throw Pillows by Nicholas Wolfe
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand crafted in Chicago, these Belgium velvet throw pillows redefine luxury with their plush texture and striking tiger design. The premium velvet, known for its unparalleled softnes...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Velvet
"Hidden Movements" Mosaic by Toyoharu Kii
By Toyoharu Kii
Located in Chicago, IL
Monochromatic, ethereal and highly textured, the abstract compositions of Japanese mosaic artist Toyoharu Kii reflect a sophisticated approach to the technical art of mosaic making. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble
Andre Bloch French Low Ceramic Vase in Black Glaze c 2010
Located in Chicago, IL
A low ceramic vase by French artist Andre Bloch. Bloch uses a heavily grogged clay and deep black glaze to create his unique forms. Circa 2010
Category
2010s French Modern Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
The Minimalist: A Modern Stone Fireplace with a Stepped-in Frame
Located in Chicago, IL
The Minimalist is a pared-down, simple but elegant modern fireplace surround, with a step in around the opening for added visual interest and...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Limestone
"Spring" Mosaic by Toyoharu Kii, 2021
By Toyoharu Kii
Located in Chicago, IL
Intricate, ethereal and highly textured, the abstract compositions of Japanese mosaic artist Toyoharu Kii reflect a sophisticated approach to the technical art of mosaic making. Clas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble
"Ceremony" Abstract Wall Sculpture by Dan Schneiger
Located in Chicago, IL
"Ceremony" is a commanding brutalist / abstract mixed media wall sculpture by Dan Schneiger, created circa 2015. This sculpture stands as a robust embodiment of Schneiger's aesthetic...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paint, Resin, Foam
Franco Bucci Italian Black Ceramic Vase Italy c1970
By Franco Bucci
Located in Chicago, IL
A black ceramic vase by Franco Bucci for Laboratorio Pesaro Italy c 1970.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Belgium Velvet Tiger Pillows by Nicholas Wolfe
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand crafted in Chicago, these Belgium velvet throw pillows redefine luxury with their plush texture and striking tiger design. The premium velvet, known for its unparalleled softnes...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Velvet
The Tri-Minimalist: A Modern Stone Fireplace with a Classic Stepped-In Profile
Located in Chicago, IL
The Tri-Minimalist is a modern stone fireplace with a classic, Art Deco stepped-in profile. The stonework steps in 3 times, hence this fireplace...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Limestone
Andre Bloch French Tall Ceramic Vase in Black Glaze c 2010
Located in Chicago, IL
A tall ceramic vase by French artist Andre Bloch. Bloch uses a heavily grogged clay and deep black glaze to create his unique forms. Circa 2010
Category
2010s French Modern Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
"Composition 202.3" Cubist Abstract Sculpture by Dan Schneiger
Located in Chicago, IL
"Composition 202.3" is a captivating cubist/abstract mixed media sculpture by Dan Schneiger, dating from circa 2020. The sculpture is a harmonious assembly of wood, foam core, plaste...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Foam, Resin, Plaster, Paint, Wood
Velvet Collage Throw Pillows by Nicholas Wolfe
Located in Chicago, IL
Crafted with unmatched skill in Chicago, these throw pillows embody luxury and artisanal beauty. Inside, the plush down filling provides supreme comfort, making them the perfect comp...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Polyester, Down
The Balzac: A Transitional Stone Fireplace with a Bold Curving Frame
Located in Chicago, IL
The Balzac stone fireplace feels both modern and classical. The bold raised curved frame around the opening gives it a more modern twist. The square overall shape of the fireplace,...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Limestone
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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