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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Burl-Framed Perception Bench or Loveseat by Known Work w/Customizable Fabric
By Known Work
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A graceful articulation of comfort through form, the Perceptions Bench explores the relationship between upholstery and framework. Its soft, sculpted interior creates cozy contours w...
Upholstery, Maple
Beautiful Murano Glass Vase, Blue Green and Clear, Vintage Italy 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand-blown Italian art glass sommerso vase, featuring elegant swirls of green, and blue within clear glass. The flowing, upward-curving rim creates a dynamic and scu...
Art Glass
Brass Console Table with Semi Precious Stone, Glory Lily, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Console Table with Semi Precious Stone Top, Glory Lily Multicolour, Viya by Vikram Goyal Console in brass with semi precious stone top. Handmade in India. The Glory Lily flow...
Brass
French Vintage Dining Table, Hand-Carved Marble, Modern Design, 1970
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A fabulous vintage French dining table of circa 1970, carved from a unique block of Moroccan marble populated by the fossilized remains of a variety of marine life. Dagger-shaped bel...
Stone
A Monumental Collection – 60 Alias Laleggera Chairs in Birch
By Alias, Riccardo Blumer
Located in Dronten, NL
Some design icons are meant to be experienced in singular form. Others, like this extraordinary set of 60 Laleggera chairs, demand to be appreciated in their full monumental glory—a ...
Birch
CITRINO Stone Green Velvet Deluxe Handmade Decorative Round Cushion
Located in Viseu, PT
Inspired by the allure of crystals, gems, and precious stones, this luxurious velvet cushion will spark and spread beauty, positive energies, and comfort throughout your living space...
Cotton, Velvet
$5,417 / item
Estantería Ondeen · Edición Limitada Cobre
Located in Barcelona, ES
La Estantería Ondeen, en su edición limitada en acabado cobre, lleva el diseño estructural a una nueva dimensión. Su estructura de acero de alta calidad y sus ligeros estantes de a...
Stainless Steel
Roy Lichtenstein Modern Pop Art German Poster I Know How You Must Feel Brad
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful, vintage Roy Lichtenstein German poster featuring his iconic 1964 Pop Art painting "I Know How You Must Feel.....Brad". The German translates to "Oil and Magna on Canv...
Paper
Customizable Spider 180 Ceiling Light by Diego Mardegan, Brass & Brown Parchment
Located in London, GB
A very stunning ceiling light fixture tiled "Spider 180". "Spider 180" light is made of a brass structure, the arms are painted in opaque ivory colour and are fixed on an iron disk ...
Brass
Daisy II Terracota Velvet Deluxe Handmade Decorative Cushion Blue Fringe
Located in Viseu, PT
Inspired by the allure of crystals, gems, and precious stones, this luxurious velvet cushion will spark and spread beauty, positive energies, and comfort throughout your living space...
Cotton, Velvet
$840 / item
FLO Pendant PL3
Located in Renton, WA
Defined by length and clarity, the FLO Pendant PL3 brings refined structure to suspended lighting. Its sculptural profile shapes light with intention, creating focus without visual w...
Steel
Century Furniture Tufted Walnut Chaise Lounge Chair Daybed Fainting Couch 78"
Located in Dayton, OH
Century Furniture chaise lounge / day bed / fainting couch / settee. Features a tufted diamond upholstery with rolled arms, supported by turned walnut legs with brass castors. Dime...
Fabric, Hardwood
Organic Modernist C-Shaped Modular Sofa in High-Resistance Velvet, Seats 8–9
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
Defined by a sculptural C-shaped silhouette, this conversational modular sofa is designed to bring people together while creating a bold architectural centerpiece. The generous open ...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
ALO Burnt Orange Lacquer Makeup Vanity - Dressing Table with Upholstered Stool
Located in St Petersburg, US
ALO Sculptural makeup vanity combines bold color with refined craftsmanship. Finished in a rich burnt orange lacquer, the design features a soft, rounded tabletop supported by a soli...
Wood, Lacquer, Mirror
$1,680Sale Price / item|20% Off
ALO Modern Two-Drawer Orange Lacquer Nightstand with Dark Oak Base, Sculptural
Located in St Petersburg, US
Sculptural nightstand combines bold color with refined material contrast. Finished in a rich burnt orange lacquer, the piece features two spacious drawers with seamlessly integrated ...
Wood, Lacquer
$2,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
ALO Orange Lacquer Low Coffee Table with Dark Oak Base (44.1 × 35.4 × 7.9H in)
Located in St Petersburg, US
ALO low coffee table brings a bold yet refined presence with its burnt orange lacquer finish. The smooth, rounded form contrasts with the dark oak base, creating a warm and grounded ...
Wood, Oak, Lacquer
Stainless Steel 'OneTwoOne' Shelving System, Germany 2020
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Shelving System made from stainless Steel. Germany 2022. A modular shelving system that can be arranged over four levels (Low Board to Bookshelf). The shelves and uprights are conne...
Aluminum
Rare Minimal Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen, Tiffany & Co signed Angela Cummings
By Angela Cummings, Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A sleek embodiment of refined minimalism, this Modernist Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen, signed by Angela Cummings and dating to circa 1990, is an outstanding example of late 20th-cen...
Sterling Silver
Huge Clarence House Silk Stripe Drapery Panel - 1 of 10
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Huge Clarence House Silk Stripe Drapery Panel - 1 of 10 panels available.
Silk
Jean René Gauguin “Havtyren” / 'Sea Bull' Sculpture for Bing & Grøndahl, Denmark
By Jean Rene Gauguin
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
An impressive and large glazed ceramic sculpture titled “Havtyren” (Sea Bull) by Jean René Gauguin, created at Bing & Grøndahl, Denmark, in the 1930s. This iconic work is executed in...
Pottery
Globe Table Lamp, Research.Lighting, Small, 5in Glass, Black, Marble, Dimmable
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1x Globe Table Lamp in black manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Steel, Marble, & Glass Finish: Black Electronics: 1x G9 Socket, 4.5 Watt LED Bulb...
Marble, Metal, Brass, Steel
Florentine Style Alabaster Murano Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Murano glass flush mount produced by Massive Leuchten, Germany, in the 1980s. This elegant light features a stunning textured glass shade with a soft, marbled appearance ...
Metal
Pair of Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Fluted Glass Sconces in Frosted Smoked Topaz
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pair of modernist hand-blown Murano glass sconces embodies the rich tradition of Venetian glassmaking with a contemporary twist. The fluted glass design showcases a fros...
Brass
Pair of Christian Liaigre at Holly Hunt Lounge or Slipper Chairs, 2000s
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in Hamburg, PA
Pair of Christian Liaigre lounge or slipper chairs for Holly Hunt. Tailored square form with a slightly flared back, curved arms, loose seat cushions, and a full skirt. Dark tapered ...
Upholstery
Contemporary Floral Hand-Tufted Rug with Layered Botanical Design in Soft Pastel
By RAG home
Located in Jakarta Selatan, ID
This contemporary hand-tufted rug celebrates a vibrant botanical composition, blending artistic expression with soft, inviting textures. Featuring a lush cluster of stylized white bl...
Wool, Acrylic
Sergio Bustamante Monumental Carved Sun Sculpture, Mexico, Circa 1980s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Sergio Bustamante Monumental Carved Sun Sculpture, Mexico, Circa 1980s A large and compelling hand-carved and hand-painted sculptural sun figure attributed to the celebrated Mexican...
Wood, Paint
$8,772,949Sale Price / item|20% Off
Linea Aurea Coffee Table, Gilded Bronze-Gold Finish with Glass Top, by Benediko
Located in Freiburg im Breisgau, DE
Hand-sculpted and gilded by hand, the Linea Aurea Coffee Table is characterized by its clean, sculptural aesthetic. The fragmented, articulated joints — shaped and assembled along a ...
Metal, Gold Leaf
Poul Henningsen PH 4.5/3 Outdoor Wall Lamp in Copper for Louis Poulsen, Denmark
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Poul Henningsen (1894–1967) Iconic PH 4.5/3 outdoor wall lamp designed by Poul Henningsen and produced by Louis Poulsen, Denmark, circa 1970s. Executed in copper with the characteri...
Metal, Copper
CITRINO Cobalt Blue and Dry Green Velvet Deluxe Handmade Round Cushion
Located in Viseu, PT
Inspired by the allure of crystals, gems, and precious stones, this luxurious velvet cushion will spark and spread beauty, positive energies, and comfort throughout your living space...
Cotton, Velvet
Afra and Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia, Set of Six ‘Dialogo’ Dining Chairs, 1973
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in New York, NY
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, set of six ‘Dialogo’ dining chairs; the seat and back rest in a rich black lacquered fiberglass and supported on angular oak wood frames. The ‘D...
Fiberglass, Oak, Lacquer
Bonnie Config 6 Contemporary Linear LED Chandelier, Solid Brass @ 300cm/118"
Located in Torslanda, SE
The Bonnie range is designed around the stylised form of a Saffron flower, known around the world for its valuable beauty, fragrance and essence. Each organic flower-like form is ...
Brass
Curtis Jere "Lily Pad" Floor Lamp
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Houston, TX
A sculptural floor lamp by Curtis Jere, dated 1974, featuring two flattened cones and arranged asymmetrically. The lamp is composed of polished nickel-plated metal. To view more of ...
Metal, Nickel
Brass Photo Frame, Tokyo Song, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Photo Frame, Tokyo Song, Viya by Vikram Goyal Photo frame in brass. Handmade in India. Repoussé involves hammering low-relief designs into malleable metal sheets from the rev...
Brass
Antique Spode Copeland's England Art Nouveau Tea Set – "Blue Lily" Fleur de Lily
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful and highly collectible Art Nouveau porcelain tea service by Spode Copeland's England, featuring the elegant "Blue Lily" / "Fleur de Lys" pattern. Dating from the early 20...
Porcelain
$2,100 / item
Bertu Nightstand, Iris Modern Nightstand, Walnut
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Walnut Nightstand - The Iris is made in the heart of Ohio with locally sourced wood. Each piece is hand-made with solid walnut and finished with a beautiful matte commercial gra...
Walnut
Daisy II Large fringed terracota Velvet Deluxe Handmade Decorative Cushion
Located in Viseu, PT
Inspired by the allure of crystals, gems, and precious stones, this luxurious velvet cushion will spark and spread beauty, positive energies, and comfort throughout your living space...
Cotton, Velvet
ALO Upholstered Sculptural Dining Chair in Burnt Orange Fabric - Modern
Located in St Petersburg, US
This contemporary dining chair combines sculptural comfort with refined material contrast, creating an elegant seating piece for modern dining spaces. Upholstered in a warm burnt-ora...
Fabric, Wood
$1,742Sale Price / item|30% Off
Kasumi Nightstand – Handcrafted Oak Bedside Table with Sculptural Marquetry
Located in Baguim Do Monte, PT
“Kasumi reflects quiet craftsmanship — layers of oak shaped by time, gesture, and care.” Kasumi is a handcrafted bedside table fully veneered in oak, defined by its sculptural prese...
Oak
Brass Vanity Tray, Saffron Ecru, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Vanity Tray, Saffron Ecru, Viya by Vikram Goyal Lacquered wood vanity tray with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker's such as red gold, exquisite thread or golden light, s...
Brass
Decorative Sagittarius Trinket Tray in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Sagittarius with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe ...
Brass
Handmade Cane Bassinet, Lullaby, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Cane Bassinet, Lullaby, Viya by Vikram Goyal Bassinet in cane. Handmade in India. Gentle forms sculpted from resilient rattan, crafted using the ancient 7th-century cane w...
Cane
Lacquered Trinket Box with Brass, Saffron Dark Blue Large, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Lacquered Trinket Box with Brass, Saffron Dark Blue Large, Viya by Vikram Goyal Lacquered trinket box with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thre...
Brass
Brass Floor Lamp, Under The Banyan, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Floor Lamp, Under The Banyan, Viya by Vikram Goyal Floor lamp in Brass & Linen. Handmade in India. Echoing ancient whispers of worship, each object captures the essence o...
Brass
Contemporary Brass Bowl, Evil Eye Small with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Contemporary Brass Bowl, Evil Eye Small with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Bowl in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. The collection reimagines a pr...
Brass
Bespoke Spider 150 Ceiling Light Brass & Cream Silk shades by Diego Mardegan
Located in London, GB
A very stunning bespoke ceiling light fixture Titled " Spider Special 150 " This ceiling light is composed of six cream coloured silk on parchment shades held to a brass metal fram...
Brass
Gucci Cocoa Brown Stitched Leather Picture Frame, circa 1990
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Gucci created this exceptional leather picture frame for its Interior Collection. The rare piece was crafted in Italy, circa 1990. The photo frame boasts the timeles...
Leather
Contemporary side table, Glory Lily Small in brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Contemporary side table, Glory Lily Small in brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal Side Table in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. The Glory Lily flower dances in paradox,...
Brass
Hibi Bench – Upholstered Sculptural Bench in Solid Wood
Located in Baguim Do Monte, PT
The Sabi Bench celebrates the quiet beauty of simplicity and natural imperfection, expressed through a refined balance of solid wood structure and a softly upholstered seat. Warm, co...
Fabric, Ash, Oak
Daisy II Burgundy Velvet Deluxe Handmade Decorative Cushion Blue Fringe
Located in Viseu, PT
Inspired by the allure of crystals, gems, and precious stones, this luxurious velvet cushion will spark and spread beauty, positive energies, and comfort throughout your living space...
Cotton, Velvet
La Murrina Vistosi Pink Flush Mount Ceiling Light, Vintage Italy 1980s
By La Murrina
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An elegant vintage Italian flush mount ceiling light, Glass shade made by La Murrina. The gold-plated metal fixture by Vistosi, circa 1980s or earlier. The fixture features a substan...
Metal
Decorative Brass Bowl, Himalaya Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Bowl, Himalaya Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal Bowl in brass. Handmade in India. Perhaps no greater ascent - physically or spiritually - is imagined than in the Himala...
Brass
One of a kind monumental 72 inch 8 seater Round Walnut Dining Table
By Aaron Saxton
Located in South Charleston, WV
71.75" diameter x 29.125" tall. Monumental Dining Table is Radial Sunburst walnut. Created by Aaron Saxton using select flamed walnut from a unique log obtained where the patterns ar...
Walnut
Onos 55 Double Pull Pendant Lamp by Florian Schulz, Germany
Located in Rijssen, NL
Fantastic pendant light Onos-55 Double Pull by Florian Schulz, Germany, Europe. Design period: 1970-1979, production period: 2022. Two nickel plated brass pendants suspended with t...
Brass, Nickel
Customizable Spider 180 ceiling light brass parchment design by Diego Mardegan
Located in London, GB
Customisable Spider 180 ceiling light brass parchment design by Diego Mardegan Italy Spider 180 Edition light is made of a brass structure, the arms are painted in opaque ivory colo...
Brass
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Gemini with Semi Precious, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Brass Trinket Tray, Gemini with Semi Precious Inserts, Viya by Vikram Goyal Trinket tray in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Bring the universe home,...
Brass
Lacquered Tissue Box with Brass, Saffron Ecru Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Lacquered Tissue Box with Brass, Saffron Ecru Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal Lacquered tissue box with brass. Handmade in India. With moniker’s such as red gold, exquisite thread or g...
Brass
Handmade Brass Coasters with Semi Precious, Evil Eye Set , Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Handmade Brass Coasters with Semi Precious Inserts, Evil Eye Set of 2, Viya by Vikram Goyal A pair of coasters in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. The collectio...
Brass
$3,150 / item
Bertu Bench, Iris Modern Bench, Walnut
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Contact us for designer/trade pricing. This Walnut Iris Bench is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. This silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek, topped with a co...
Walnut
Christian Dior Home Lucite and Wicker Cocktail Coasters Set - 6 pieces, 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
A chic and sculptural barware coaster set created for the Christian Dior Interior Collection circa 1970. The set comprises six pieces, each crafted in crystal‑clear Lucite (or acryli...
Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Resin, Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Onos 55 Double Pull Brass Pendant Lamp by Florian Schulz, Germany
Located in Rijssen, NL
Fantastic pendant light Onos-55 Double Pull by Florian Schulz, Germany, Europe. Design period: 1970-1979, production period: 2022. Two brass polished unlacquered pendants suspended...
Brass