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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
483
253
136
to
16
52,745
52,493
872
590
715
2,521
872
375
172
131
98
61
60
58
49
44
38
35
33
27
22
21
18
2
251
619
6
72
132
1
6
4
13
31
48
41
24
315
224
179
130
100
438
410
319
126
85
168
70
22
22
18
Item Ships From: Chicago
Style: Modern
"Composition 20.1" Geometric Abstract Wall Sculpture by Dan Schneiger
Located in Chicago, IL
"Composition 20.1" is a geometric / abstract mixed media wall sculpture by Dan Schneiger, crafted circa 2020. This piece is a bold interplay of forms, comprised of an assembly of woo...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Rubber, Plaster, Wood, Paint, Foam
Modern Geometric Dark Walnut Anvil Coffee Table Styled After Noir
By Noir
Located in Chicago, IL
Modern Geometric Dark Walnut Anvil Coffee Table Styled After Noir
This modern Geometric Dark Walnut Anvil Coffee Table styled after Noir, a truly unique addition to any living spac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Walnut
fferrone Contemporary Handcrafted Italian Marble Serving Tray Board Center Piece
Located in Chicago, IL
The handcrafted contemporary double sided Italian Carrara and Nero Marquine Marble Doppio by Felicia Ferrone was conceived of as a center piece or serving board, Doppio is elegant wh...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Carrara Marble
"Blue Tree, " Mosaic by Toyoharu Kii, 2023
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 Modern Aero Bench Styled after Lievore Altherr Molina for Sellex
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Modern Aero Bench Styled after Lievore Altherr Molina for Sellex
This wonderful aluminum bench was styled after one for Lievore Altherr Molina's Spanish design consultation ...
Category
1990s Spanish Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
"Crustacea I" Abstract Wall Sculpture by Dan Schneiger
Located in Chicago, IL
"Crustacea I" 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 aesthe...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Resin, Plaster, Wood, Paint, Foam
"Kenzo" Geometric Abstract Sculpture by Dan Schneiger
Located in Chicago, IL
The "Kenzo" sculpture by Dan Schneiger stands as a refined exploration of cubic and geometric forms, crafted in the year 2021. Composed of wood, foam core, plaster, and resin, and fi...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paint, Foam
Whimsical Throw Pillows by Nicholas Wolfe
Located in Chicago, IL
These luxurious down throw pillows, handcrafted with care in Chicago, feature a unique tapestry-like fabric that radiates comfort and style. The white background of the fabric serves...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Down
1980s Postmodern Sculptural Arc Chairs - a Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
These chairs are incredible. Very heavy with a wooden swivel base in excellent condition. Use as is or redo in glue favorite fabric.
DIMENSIONS: 32ʺW × 32ʺD × 31ʺH
STYLES: Modern...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Interzone Sculpture by Dan Schneiger
Located in Chicago, IL
"Interzone" is a commanding brutalist / abstract mixed media sculpture by Dan Schneiger, created circa 2015. This piece, like many of Schneiger's works, features an intricate amalgam...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Resin, Plaster, Wood, Paint
‘Novemila 9000' Modular Sofa in Gray Striated Velvet by Tito Agnoli for Arflex
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Chicago, IL
A 4-piece ‘Novemila’ sofa designed by Tito Agnoli in 1969 and produced by Arflex. The ‘Novemila’ is modular and can be arranged in a variety of configurations. This rare version is c...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
"Garam" Geometric Abstract Wall Sculpture by Dan Schneiger
Located in Chicago, IL
"Garam" wall sculpture by Miami-based architect and artist Dan Schneiger is a powerful embodiment of geometric and abstract expression. Created in 2013, this mixed media work weaves ...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Resin, Plaster, Wood, Paint, Foam
Set of Three Vintage Bicycle Seat and Handlebar Trophies
Located in Chicago, IL
Embark on a journey through art history with this playful yet serious set of three bicycle seat and handlebar sculptures, paying homage to Picasso's groundbreaking "Bull's Head" of 1...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Chrome
"Scarpa" Plaster Table Lamps by Dan Schneiger
Located in Chicago, IL
The "Scarpa" white plaster table lamps by Dan Schneiger, created circa 2023, are stunning embodiments of modern abstract sculpture transformed into functional art. Crafted with wood,...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Whimsical Throw Pillows by Nicholas Wolfe
Located in Chicago, IL
These luxurious down throw pillows, handcrafted with care in Chicago, feature a unique tapestry-like fabric that radiates comfort and style. The white background of the fabric serves...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Down
"Crustacea III" Abstract Wall Sculpture by Dan Schneiger
Located in Chicago, IL
“Crustacea III” is a monumental brutalist/abstract mixed media wall sculpture by Dan Schneiger, created circa 2015. The piece is a formidable assemblage of wood, foam core, plaster, ...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Resin, Plaster, Wood, Paint, Foam
American Hand-Built Ceramic Tray
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 20th-century American hand-built slab ceramic tray is a striking fusion of artistic craftsmanship and practical utility. Its undulating edges add a touch of organic eleganc...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Rather Large Round Framed Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
Elevate the ambiance of your living space with this stunning large round pine framed mirror, boasting a deep profile for a bold statement. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Pine
Picasso Inspired Throw Pillows by Nicholas Wolfe
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover a touch of artistic elegance and unparalleled comfort with this pair of down-filled throw pillows, handcrafted with meticulous attention in Chicago. These aren't just any th...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Down, Fabric
Leonard Bernstein Seriograph Signed by Jin G Kam and Framed
Located in Chicago, IL
Leonard Bernstein Seriagraph Signed by Jin G Kam and Framed 10/50
This signed and framed seriagraph depicts Leonard Bernstein on a jewel blue background with a light blue rectangle ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Lucite Chess Set and table by Victor Vasarely
Located in Chicago, IL
Victor Vasarely French-Hungarian 1908-1987
Vasarely Chess Set
1979 or 1982
A complete chess set having a screenprint on acrylic set in in an acrylic f...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Acrylic
Picasso Inspired Throw Pillows by Nicholas Wolfe
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover a touch of artistic elegance and unparalleled comfort with this pair of down-filled throw pillows, handcrafted with meticulous attention in Chicago. These aren't just any th...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Down
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Dining Chairs, Italy, 1970’s
By Saporiti
Located in Chicago, IL
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti dining chairs, Italy, circa 1970. Original condition, Saporiti tag on bottom, sled bases.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
Picasso Inspired Throw Pillows by Nicholas Wolfe
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover a touch of artistic elegance and unparalleled comfort with this pair of down-filled throw pillows, handcrafted with meticulous attention in Chicago. These aren't just any th...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric
The Modern: A Simple Sleek Contemporary Stone Fireplace
Located in Chicago, IL
The Modern stone fireplace features sleek, spare lines for an elegant, clean, contemporary design. The legs and lintel all bevel in toward the o...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Limestone
Bubblegum Leopard Velvet Throw Pillows by Nicholas Wolfe
Located in Chicago, IL
Introducing our exquisite "Bubblegum Leopard" throw pillows, a luxurious fusion of comfort and captivating design. Crafted from premium Belgian velvet, these pillows exude sophistica...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Down, Velvet
Billowing Clouds Painting
Located in Chicago, IL
This captivating 4-foot by 5-foot oil on canvas painting is a contemporary American masterpiece that captures the raw, untamed beauty of wild billowing storm clouds set against a roy...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Paint
Modernist Cocktail Table with Marble Top
Located in Chicago, IL
This 20th century American Modernist table, crafted from pine and crowned with a sleek gray marble top, is a captivating fusion of artistic inspiration and functional design. Drawing...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble
Two-Seat ‘DS-47’ Sofa in Buffalo Leather by De Sede, Switzerland 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Chicago, IL
‘DS-47’ Two-Seat Sofa in Buffalo Leather by De Sede, Switzerland 1970s
DIMENSIONS: 69"W x 33"D x 29"H; 16"Seat Height
CONDITION: Great vintage condition.
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Upholstery
Rouge Marble Dining Table with Pedestal Base, 20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage dining table featuring a 3” thick rectangular table top with a unique double bullnose edge and a pedestal base. This table was constructed using Rouge marble with gorgeous ...
Category
20th Century American Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble
Velvet Collage 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
Amethyst Lucite Coffee Table, France 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1970s French lucite coffee table set apart by its deep amethyst color. Sourced along the Cote D’Azur, we imagine this was a custom piece designed specifically for an estate along t...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Set of 4 Bentwood Dining Chairs with Cognac Leather Seats, Italy 1980s
Located in Chicago, IL
A set of 4 vintage Italian dining chairs featuring stately bentwood frames with dramatically arched seat backs and rectangular block legs. The stained wood frames contrast beautifull...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Italian Green Murano Glass Vase
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Italian Green Murano Glass Vase
This rippled glass vase has streaks of blue and dark green on a pale green color field. It contains a make...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Murano Glass
Ikea Tofteryd TV Bench in Glossy White
By IKEA
Located in Chicago, IL
IKEA Tofteryd Styled TV Console Table Gloss White
Featuring a discontinued Ikea Tofteryd styled TV Bench in Glossy White. Great piece to add to your living room/bedroom or can even ...
Category
Early 2000s Swedish Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rouge Languedoc Marble Coffee Table with Tapered Brass Legs, Italy 1950s
Located in Chicago, IL
A gorgeous Mid Century Italian coffee table featuring a rectangular Rouge Languedoc marble tabletop with subtly curved sides and a sharknose edge. The marble has striking veining in ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Square Travertine Coffee Table with Fluted Legs, Italy 20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage Italian coffee table constructed with beautifully veined travertine in a range of taupe, cream and brown hues. This table has a square tabletop with a beveled edge and stan...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Travertine
Trio of Calacatta Marble Nesting Tables, Italy 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
A trio of 1970s Italian tables constructed with beautifully veined Calacatta marble in a range of white, gray and taupe hues. These honed tables feature sleek profiles and nest toget...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble
Pair of Picasso Inspired Throw Pillows by Nicholas Wolfe
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover a touch of artistic elegance and unparalleled comfort with this pair of down-filled throw pillows, handcrafted with meticulous attention in Chicago. These aren't just any th...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Down
Square Travertine Coffee Table on Castors in the Style of Milo Baughman, Italy
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage square travertine block coffee table in the style of Milo Baughman designs for Directional. This table was constructed with beautifully veined travertine in a range of taup...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Travertine
Rouge Marble Pedestal Stand with Brass Trim, 20th Century - 2 Available
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage rouge marble pedestal stand featuring gorgeous veining in burgundy, cream and gray hues. This pedestal has beautiful beveled edge details with a patinated brass trim and st...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Vintage Green Marble Dining Table
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning custom made vintage Green Marble dining table. This table features a dramatically large round base comprised of many vertical pieces of green marble mounted on a wooden ba...
Category
20th Century American Modern Furniture
Materials
Marble
Italian Brass Squiggle Occasional Table, 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1960s Italian accent table featuring a beautifully patinated brass and a charming squiggle motif along the frame. Completed with a new round glass top.
DIMENSIONS: 26.25"Dia x ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of ‘Papillon’ Lounge Chairs by Guido Rosati for Giovannetti, Italy 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of ‘Papillon’ (which translates to butterfly) lounge chairs designed by Giudo Rosati for the Giovanetti brand in the 1970s. These rare chairs fold 90°, allowing the seat to be...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Sculptural Bronze + Glass Coffee Table by Wayne Trapp, 1987
By Wayne Trapp
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage coffee table handmade by American artist Wayne Trapp (1935-2016). This statement piece features a sculptural bronze base and an egg shaped glass top with a beveled edge. A ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Bronze
‘Nuvola’ Lounge Chair by Emilio Guarnacci & Felix Padovano for 1P Italy, 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
A ‘Nuvola’ lounge chair designed by Emilio Guarnacci and Felix Padovano for 1P Italy in the 1960s. This stately chair features sleek lines and soft curves; it was freshly reupholster...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
20th Century French Bronze Venus Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
This 20th-century French gilt bronze "Venus" sculpture is a harmonious fusion of ancient inspiration and modernist aesthetics. The abstracted female torso, resplendent in gilded bron...
Category
20th Century French Modern Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Curved Brass Frame Sling Chair in Original White Leather, Italy 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1970s Italian lounge chair featuring two dramatically curved tubular lacquered brass legs, which provide a striking contrast to the rest of the angular metal frame. Sourced in Nort...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
6-Piece Segment Mirror by Talbot + Yoon
Located in Chicago, IL
Modular mirror designed and produced by Talbot & Yoon.
The Segment Mirror was imagined as a series of triangular flat mirrors framed by ‘petals’ slightly raised off the wall surf...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mirror
Stainless Steel Console by François Monnet for Kappa, France 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
A sculptural French console table designed by François Monnet for Kappa in the 1970s. This piece was constructed with folded stainless steel and features a striking geometric profile...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
5 piece Brown Carrera Modular Sofa by Lomazzi, De Pas + D'urbino for BBB Italia
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare five piece Carrera modular sofa designed by Jonathan De Pas, Donato D’Urbino and Paolo Lomazzi for BBB Italia in 1969. This stunning sofa has two curved corner sections and th...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Vintage Modern Abstract Metal Matchwork Giraffe Patchwork Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Modern Abstract Metal Matchwork Giraffe Patchwork Sculpture
Featuring a vintage baby giraffe sculpture in patchwork metal, welded, handcrafted and hand painted. Use in a nur...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Hosta Leaf, Small Scale Cast Bronze Botanical Sculpture with Subtle Patina
Located in Chicago, IL
This small bronze sculpture is a maquette for a large scale sculpture at the Olbrich Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin. Made with the ancient lost wax method, a process dating back to th...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Echo II Side Table by Ian Cochran, Represented by Tuleste Factory
By Ian Cochran
Located in New York, NY
Echo II Side Table by Ian Alistair Cochran
Solid Resin
D 21" x H 18"
Like its predecessor, the Dew Drops, the Echo Series is a collection of small tables made from solid cast res...
Category
2010s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Resin
Blue Metal Ski Holder Sculpture, France 1950s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1950s French sculpture constructed with metal and painted a vibrant blue hue. This piece features hollow rectangular blocks at varying heights arranged in artful tiers. It was sour...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Fountain of Lies, Objet d'Art with Painting and Found Objects
By John Seubert
Located in Chicago, IL
Self-taught artist John Seubert, AKA John Dolly, uses objects he uncovers as he rehabs older homes in Chicago. This piece has a figurative painting mounted as a shrine then set upon a corinthian capital and a granite stand. A metal plaque at the top as well as at the bottom give the piece it's title 'The Fountain on Lies".
John Seubert
The Fountain of LIes
mixed media
Measures: 22.50h x 13.50w x 4d in
57.15h x 34.29w x 10.16d cm
JSE069
In the early Nineties, John Seubert was living in a former hotel in a high-rise building on St. James Place in Chicago. The apartment was tiny, as hotel rooms tend to be, and clad with paper-thin walls allowing sound to pass from one apartment to the other. At the time, John’s artwork consisted of pounding copper sheets into tables which was a noisy endeavor to say the least. Following several noise complaints from the neighbors, John had a dream that he was living in a ramshackle house but with plenty of room to work and no attached neighbors. The following day after lunching at the McDonalds in Lincoln Park, John wandered the neighborhood a came upon a shabby, falling-down old Victorian house. He located the real estate agent, put in an offer, and weeks later was pushing a shopping cart full of his belongings to his new home.
This 144-year-old Painted Lady provided a blank canvas for this inimitable artist. For many years the house remained so empty that John was able to ride his Japanese fold up bike throughout the 1st floor. “Some people want to have sex...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Furniture
Materials
Paint, Reclaimed Wood
fferrone Contemporary Czech Minimal Talise Glass Water Filter Carafe Pitcher
Located in Chicago, IL
Inspired by the mundane plastic water filter pitcher, the Talise transforms the ubiquitous plastic vessel into an elegant glass carafe, increasing its durability and improving its fu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Furniture
Materials
Glass
Plump Chair by Ian Cochran, Represented by Tuleste Factory
By Ian Cochran
Located in New York, NY
A continuation of the Plump series of sculptural furniture. The shapes play upon the effect that resin has as light is refracted through the solid parts. The chair is only held toget...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Furniture
Materials
Resin
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Box Small Cabinets
Cabinet With Narrow Drawers
Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets With Paw Feet
Carved Door Crown
Carved Wood Design Door Cabinet
Bow Front Commode
Art Deco Exhibition Posters
Bathrooms With Antique Vanities
Cabinet Lights
Modern Glass Cabinet For Display
Canadian Historical Art
Vintage Clothes Us
Bachelor Chest
Bachelors Chest
Carved Chinese Drawers
Asian Brass Hardware
Canadian Travel Poster
Pair Of Wood Side Chests