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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Period: 1950s
Mid Century Armchair by Paolo Buffa, Italy, c. 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in New York City, NY
Upholstered mid-century armchair by Paolo Buffa.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Brazilian Rosewood Sofa by Liceu de Arte e Officios
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Brazilian hardwood sofa. Attractive slatted back, cyclindrical legs and curved arms. Cushions not included.
We have a matching coffee and side table.
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Wool, Jacaranda, Rosewood
Modernist Four Door Cabinet by Oswaldo Borsani
Located in New York, NY
Modernist four-door cabinet by Oswaldo Borsani
with ceramic pulls by Frederico Quatrini.
Mahogany with brass accents and ceramic pulls.
Each ceramic pu...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
C. 1958 Pair of George Nelson Pedestal Side Tables for Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Nelson Pedestal Side Tables, originally designed by George Nelson in 1954. These particular examples were produced by Herman Miller in the United States and date ba...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Twin Headboard 2x Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single (two are available, though sold separately) Model 4695 George Nelson for Herman Miller twin headboard. The piece is forme...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
Citronnier Wood and Marquetry Secretaire by Englander & Bonta, Argentina, 1950
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Citronnier wood and marquetry secretaire by Englander & Bonta, Argentina, 1950.
Englander & Bonta where two European designer that migrated to Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1930 and man...
Category
1950s Argentine Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Pendant by Tom Dixon
By Tom Dixon
Located in San Francisco, CA
A matte black enameled brass lamp with hand beat detail on brass interior and a smooth exterior. Cord length is 6' and can be adjusted.
Category
1950s English Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Plaster Virgin Traditional Figure, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Traditional religious plaster figure of a virgin. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use...
Category
1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Plaster
1950s Thonet Bent Birch Wood and Wood Grain Square Laminate Side / End Table
By Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1950s Thonet bentwood side table with legs designed in a similar manner to that of Alvar Aalto. These tables are iconic...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fratelli Toso Glass Vase
Located in Lugo, IT
Perfect glass vase by Fratelli Toso
Thank you
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Murano Glass
C. 1950 Set of Eight George Nelson for Herman Miller Tubular Steel Dining Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of eight Dining Chairs, Model 4671, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1948. These examples date to the 1950s, and the listed price includes the set of eigh...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
1950s Erwine & Estelle Laverne Woven Black Leather Bench Laverne International
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a very rare Erwine & Estelle Laverne woven black leather bench, produced by Laverne International. This example dates to the 1950's and is in gorgeous original con...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Original Marcel Vertes Large-Scale Gouache of Lily Pons
Located in New York, NY
An original artwork by Marcel Vertes for a poster of Lily Pons (1898-1976) the famous coloratura soprano for a concert at Carnegie hall. The medium is gouach...
Category
1950s North American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Giltwood, Paint
C. 1955 Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller DCM Chair in Calico Ash
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an early DCM Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1946. The piece was produced by Herman Miller and retains its tag under the seat....
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
Framed Editioned Dali Photograph by Philippe Halsman
Located in Atlanta, GA
Artist: Philippe Halsman (1906-1979)
Medium: Gelatin silver print
Title: Dali Fishing
Date: 1954; Printed in 1981 as part of the ten-piece Dali Portfolio...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paper
Chandelier, 1950s/60s
Located in Greding, DE
Chandelier with blue and red beads and bronze frame and six sockets.
Category
1950s Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Bronze
1950s Danish Stool by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen for Willy Beck
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a handsome solidly constructed Danish stool, featuring tapered teak dowel legs, and newly reupholstered in full grain black leather. This piece was designed by Aksel Bender M...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Teak
1950s Raymond Loewy for Mengel Furniture Four Drawer Dresser in Cerused Oak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Four Drawer Dressers, designed in the early 1950s by Raymond Loewy for his Permanized Collection for the Mengel Furniture Company. The listed price includes one dresser, an...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Rare Slipper Chairs by Paul McCobb for Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional and rare pair of Paul McCobb slipper chairs, model 1320, for Directional. Newly restored and upholstered. Price is for the pair.
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Cabinets Designed by Dominique, Andre Domin & Marcel Genevriere
Located in Stamford, CT
An exceptional pair of cabinets designed by Andre Domin and Marcel Genecriere, better known as Dominique...
Category
1950s European Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Ash
1950's Original George Nelson Herman Miller X Leg Extension Dining Table 5260
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a rare and stunning original George Nelson & Associates X-Leg dining table in oak. This example is a classic George Nelson piece, showcasing tubular x-legs and a c...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Four "Dordogne " chairs by Charlotte Perriand/Robert Sentou, France, 1950's
Located in Paris, FR
Set of four chairs designed by Charlotte Perriand, edited by Robert Sentou, France, 1950's
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Cord, Wood
Plaster Virgin Traditional Figure, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Traditional religious plaster figure of a virgin. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use...
Category
1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Marilyn Monroe Photograph by Philippe Halsman
Located in Atlanta, GA
Artist: Philippe Halsman (1906-1979)
Title: Marilyn Flirting
Medium: gelatin silver prints
Date: 1952 printed in 1981
Edition: 178/250
Size: image 12.5" x 8.75"; with frame 20.25" x...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paper
1950 George Nelson Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series Two Door Cabinet in Walnut
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a two-door cabinet designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller circa 1950. This is a gorgeous original example, which appears remarkably intact. As not...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Ceramic Fawn by Knud Kyhn
By Knud Kyhn
Located in San Francisco, CA
A stoneware figurine of a deer by Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen. Incised on the base with makers mark and the initials of the creator.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Pictorial Designed Vintage Nepalese Square Wool Rug In Beige And Blue
Located in Norwalk, CT
This antique Nepalese rug features a pictorial all-over design that depicts landscapes, historical events, and daily life scenes. It is often crafted from wool or silk. It has fine d...
Category
1950s Nepalese Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Wool
"Champagne" glass with round foot and stem Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
"Champagne" glass with round foot and stem in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloche. Crystal drinker in modern contemporary style. Measureme...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
1959 Thomasville American Black Walnut Modern Full Size Headboard / Bed Frame
By Thomasville
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Full-Sized Headboard / Bed Frame in American Black Walnut, designed and produced by Thomasville in the USA in 1959.
The bed frame measures 79.75 inches long, 55.75 inche...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Walnut
1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Four Drawer Dresser in Walnut
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Herman Miller Thin-Edge Four-Drawer Dresser, model 3302, designed by George Nelson in 1952. This piece dates to circa 1954 and is rarely seen in the marketplace in this con...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
Set of Four Traditional Plaster Figures , circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 4 traditional religious plaster figures. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, ...
Category
1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Rare set of High Backed T Leather Chairs by Katavolos, Littell & Kelley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
William Katavolos in partnership with Douglas Kelley & Ross Littell designed the iconic sling-back T chair in 1952 as part of the Laverne International's sculptural New Furniture ser...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
Harold Cohn Beauty in the Simplicity Signed Modernist Figurative Line Study
By Harold Cohn
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A modernist figurative line drawing on paper titled “Beauty in the Simplicity” by Harold Cohn. Signed and dated 1955 on the lower right. Using a minimalist yet expressive ink line, C...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Paper
Caned and Ebonized Arm Chair Designed by Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A sharp looking ebonized chair with caned side panels designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Félix Agostini, Amour Ardent, Applique, circa 1955
Located in Paris, FR
A gilt bronze with two lights applique with a rectangular pink shade.
Signed.
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Traditional Religious Plaster Figure: Virgin of Timeless Elegance
Located in Barcelona, ES
Behold the grace and elegance of this traditional religious plaster figure, depicting the Virgin with timeless beauty. Crafted in a traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa ...
Category
1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Plaster Virgin Traditional Figure, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Traditional religious plaster figure of a virgin. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and...
Category
1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Advertising Aluminum Ice Bucket Wine Cooler, circa 1950
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a stunning modernist aluminum ice bucket or wine cooler crafted in France in the 1950s. Specially designed for tall Alsace white wine bottles, this bottle chiller is also com...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Beautiful Pair of Italian Armchairs
Located in Milan, Italy
A beautiful and perfect pair of 1950 circa Italian armchairs in wood with yellow velvet cover. Production Italy.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Luigi Carron for Alcyone Mid-Century Ceramic Vase, Italy 1950s
By Carron
Located in Atlanta, GA
Luigi Carron designed this stunning Mid-Century Modern ceramic vase for Alcyone of Marostica, Italy, in the 1950s. The chunky amphora shape has painted geometric and stylized animal ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Faience
Sciolari Metal Plated 12 Lights Chandeliers, 1952
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sciolari metal plated 12 lights chandeliers, 1952.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
C. 1953 Pair of Herman Miller Eames LKR Cats Cradle Lounge Chairs with Bases
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pair of LKR Wire Side Chairs with Rare "Cats Cradle" Lounge Bases, initially designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1951.This pair dates to circa 1953, and ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
Gino Sarfatti 238/1 Wall Lamp for Arteluce, Italy, 1952
Located in London, GB
Gino Sarfatti (1912-1985) has been hailed as the ‘master of light’. Entirely self-taught, he developed nearly 700 light fittings between the 1930s and 1970s after a brief spell in na...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
White table lamp, design by Goffredo Reggiani, 1970
Located in Milano, Lombardia
White table lamp, design by Goffredo Reggiani, Manifattura Italiana
Condition: Good - Superficial marks
Materials: Painted metal, Steel
Era: 1970
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal, Steel
Henri Matisse, 'Musee National D’art Moderne' Original Exhibition Poster, 1956
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Between 1900 and 1905, Matisse painted in the style called Fauves (French for “wild beasts”). Many of his finest works were created in the decade or so after 1906. Matisse developed ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Paper
1950s Pair of Lena Arm Chairs by Sven-Erik Fryklund for Hagafors Stolfabrik
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Lena armchairs designed by Sven-Erik Fryklund, originally designed in 1955. They were manufactured by the Swedish furniture compa...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood, Birch
4 French Mid-Century Modern Industrial Iron Stools / Benches
Located in New York, NY
Two pairs of French Mid-Century Modern / Industrial Design stools
Priced and sold by the pair.
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
Bottle Holder After Marcel Duchamp Readymade
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bottle holder as the ones used by Marcel Duchamp for his readymade,
Not signed.
In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use. Preserving a beautiful ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Original MTF 600 Chair by Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage iron chair designed by notable mid-century Brazilian furniture designer Geraldo de Barros and made by his company Unilabor in São Paulo.
Great as a desk chair for someone pas...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Iron
1957-1962, Rare Georges Braque 'Au Vent d'Arles' Archive Books and Lithographs
Located in Paris, FR
Extremely rare set of Georges Braque archives maquettes books and lithographs created with the publisher 'Au Vent d'Arles', Paris.
The set is composed with:
- L'Ordre des Oiseaux (...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Paper
1950s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Associates Model 400 Bench in Oak with Black Base
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an iconic slatted oak bench designed by Harry Bertoia and produced by Knoll. It dates to circa 1952. This piece was constructed using solid oak wood for the top an...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
C. 1955 George Nelson for Herman Miller Extension Dining Table Model 5757
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a rarely seen Extension Dining Table, Model 5757, designed by George Nelson and Associates for Herman Miller in 1955. The piece features a white powder coated steel base with...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Grand Haven Chair by Jack Van Der Molen for Jamestown Oak Open Desk/
Located in San Francisco, CA
the framed incurved upholstered back above a loose cushion seat flanked by graceful sling-form arms; all raised on tapering turned supports ending in ebonized feet; Jack van der Mole...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Oak
Mid Century Italian Modern Herringbone Lacquered Dining Table
Located in Tulsa, OK
Beautiful, impressive brass trimmed, herringbone pattern lacquered.dining table. Love evidence condition and structurally sound. I believe this to be Italian but it could be Frenc...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Oak, Mahogany, Cherry
Two-arm ceiling light, Italy, 1950s
Located in London, GB
Bifurcating out from the stem of this ceiling light are two cupped shades, reminiscent of Calla lilies. Pointed in opposing directions the shades project a warm glow across any room.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Side Table / Nightstand on Pedestal Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pedestal Occasional Table, model 5655, designed by George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller in 1956. The piece has a case of Brazilian Rosewood and has a pedestal base of white enameled aluminum. It has one drawer. The base has been professionally restored, and the rosewood case has been freshly refinished.
The piece measures 17 inches deep, 24 inches wide...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
1950s Florence Knoll Credenza in Black with Original Leather Pulls Model 541
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 1950s Sliding Door Credenza in Black and White, Model 541, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Inc. circa 1949. The piece features an ebonized walnut case and has white la...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
Plaster Baby Jesus and Antique Book Sculptural Artwork, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Baby Jesus plater figure and antique book artwork. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. Olot has a long tradition in the production of sculptures and...
Category
1950s Spanish Vintage Modern Furniture
Materials
Plaster, Wood
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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