Modern Decorative Art
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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Style: Modern
Color: Black
Painting by Peter Keil, Mid-Century Modern Art, Fall Colors, 1977, Oil on Canvas
By Peter Keil
Located in New York, NY
Peter Robert Keil was born to an artist blacksmith father whom he lost very early in his childhood during the Second World War. During the end phase of the war, Keil's mother, also an artistically talented woman, took her son and struggled her way to West Berlin...
Category
1970s German Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Acrylic
"Sunset Eyes" Pair Handcrafted Knit/Crochet Multicolour Textile Wall Hanging
By Paris Essex
Located in London, GB
Textile Art, Hand-crafted, Knit and Crochet Art Blanket, Knitted Tapestry, Wall hanging.
A pair of non-identical multicoloured Psychedelic eyes, the owner has the freedom to display in whichever way they wish to create their own character on their wall or furniture.
Embracing the human instincts that attract us to facial features and bright colours, these pieces have been created within a series of knitted eyes, mouths and faces. Adding eyes is the most direct way to give instant personality to any inanimate object; "Sunset Eyes" is heavily inspired by 1960s toys, cartoons and psychedelic graphics: friendly, nostalgic, but a bit spaced-out. The large scale of this piece means that a building, room or piece of furniture can be transformed into a character, like a giant cuddly version of Mr Potato Head...
Category
2010s Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Textile, Wool, Thread, Yarn
Tina Turner and Prince Carnival Banner Wall Decoration
Located in Antwerp, BE
Tina Turner, Prince and Fats Domino Or Percy Sledge (?) ,
all together on a large carnival banner.
A handpainted canvas banner used at the fairground at a bumper car - dodgem car attraction. All 3 of them iconic artists and legendary singers. They will never be forgotten.
Tina Turner with her typical stage clothing was a real trendsetter. Sexy but so stylish and do not forget her typical dancemoves and her incredible talent to sing !
Prince at his motorbike, the typical image for the famous purple rain song.
This large carnival banner - fun fair banner...
Category
Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas
Jardin Des Oiseaux, Customizable, Digital Printing, Mural Decor
Located in Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
All our products are custom made. The price per square meter is 77$. The price shown is for a 350cm wide by 250cm high wall
Jardin des Oiseaux is a reinterpretation of a great cla...
Category
2010s French Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Heart Shaped Emerald Green, 2022, Handmade in Italy, Anatomical Heart, Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Celebrating the human body by dissecting it. The human body as a great system of signs and symbols. We are expression, beyond words and gestures.
A perspective of the flesh in wh...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic
Textile Wall Hanging Handwoven Framed Wall Art Blue
Located in Istanbul, TR
Named after the Mesopotamian Goddess of the Moon, SIN, is a handwoven textile wall piece.
The piece comes with a metal frame with brass coating. Custom wood frame is available upon ...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal
16 fogli mosaico Bisazza nero, anni 90
Located in Felino, IT
16 fogli mosaico Bisazza originale, anni 90 montati su rete. dim 30 x 30 cm adatti uso rivestimento vasi, cornici, rivestimento. adatti anche per uso in esterno.
fogli pronti da inc...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic
Greg Parker, Untitled, 1988; Graphite and Oil on Gessoed Panel
By Greg Parker
Located in Chicago, IL
Greg Parker, American, b. 1952
Untitled, 1988
Graphite and oil on gessoed panel
Signed and dated to verso. Geometric composition in monochromatic variations ending on a graphite...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Gesso, Paint
Ying - Acrylic Silkscreen Ink on Canvas
By Aimee Wilder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multidisciplinary artist, designer, photographer, and founder of her eponymous brand of wallpapers, tiles, and home textiles, Aimée Wilder presents Shadow Wildling, a new series of large-format silkscreened paintings.
This debut fine art edition draws inspiration from Aimée’s textile design background to explore tessellation, positive/negative space, mathematics, fractal dragon curves, and nuanced color relationships.
These new paintings, however, reverse the usual role of patterned designs within interior spaces. Rather than an all-over application of patterned wallpaper...
Category
2010s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Michel Anasse metal abstract brutalist sculpture.Les Bides
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice and large metal sculpture by the well known artist Michel Anasse. This is one of the musician series, This is one looks like the bass p...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal
Painting by Peter Keil, C 1979, Wood Frame Black & White, Modern Art, On Board
By Peter Keil
Located in New York, NY
Peter Robert Keil was born to an artist blacksmith father whom he lost very early in his childhood during the Second World War. During the end phase of the war, Keil's mother, also an artistically talented woman, took her son and struggled her way to West Berlin where they settled. This is where Peter Robert Keil grew up in the working-class neighborhood of Berlin-Wedding and where he discovered his interest in painting – particularly in expressionistic artists and in Pablo Picasso's work. From 1954 on, the East Berlin...
Category
1970s German Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Acrylic
Eclipsis III 80 Wall Mirror Copper and Black Leather by Atlasproject
By Atlasproject
Located in Manocalzati, Avellino
Eclipsis III
The fascinating performance of the moon casting its shadow onto Earth inspired this mirror by Atlasproject. The typical geometries of the design and the refined mater...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal, Brass
Frondaison, Wallpaper, Digital Printing, Mural Decor, Isidore Leroy
Located in Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
This spectacular plant wallpaper is inspired by an original Isidore Leroy design from the 1930s.
The play of light and shadow in the leaves contrasts wit...
Category
2010s French Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Heart Shaped "Red Love Arrow", 2022, Handmade in Italy, Anatomical Heart
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Celebrating the human body by dissecting it. The human body as a great system of signs and symbols. We are expression, beyond words and gestures.
A perspective of the flesh in wh...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic
Mineral Wall Hanging in Black Patina
Located in Austin, TX
The Mineral wall hanging draws inspiration from the worn shapes of river rocks. The organic curved shapes and striking black patina finish create inviting...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Brass
XL Asian Wall Panel Peacock and Birds, 1990s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stunning XL Asian wall panel with peacock and lots of birds.
A black shiny - black laquered panel with painted landscape with 2 peacock, birds, butte...
Category
Late 20th Century Asian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood
Frieze, Rodin, Contemporary Art Decorative Sculpture by Eduard Locota
Located in Timisoara, RO
"I Classici " - An innovative collection in which classical sculpture, contemporary design elements and augmented reality coexist.
From extremely detailed 3D scans of the most import...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Balkan Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Acrylic, Fiberglass, Ceramic
Continuum Mobile Black Patina
Located in Austin, TX
The Continuum Mobile is our most stunning mobile in both design and scale with visually cacophonous clusters of shapes that artfully glide between each other. The striking black patina...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Brass
Continuum Mobile in Black Patina and Brass
Located in Austin, TX
The Continuum Mobile is our most stunning mobile in both design and scale with visually cacophonous clusters of shapes that artfully glide between each other. The striking contrast b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Brass
21st Century Skateboard Marcantonio Wood Inlay Scapin Black
By MARCANTONIO
Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT
Old Skull Board
Old Skull Board/ Life After Life Board è una tavola da skateboard decorativa,
disponibile in due varianti colore e con un disegno intarsiato simbolo della continui...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Plywood
Cubist Oil Painting with Figure Composition by Ebba Carstensen, Denmark
By Ebba Carstensen
Located in Odense, DK
Large and beautiful cubist oil painting by Danish female artist Ebba Carstensen. Figure composition, c. 1915–25. Indistinctly signed. Oil on canv...
Category
1920s Danish Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paint
Lavender: A Piece of 3D Sculptural Blue and Pink Leather Wall Art
Located in Margate, GB
Lavender:
A piece of 3D sculptural wall art designed and made from two layers of leather, one blue one pink, woven together by Louise Heighes.
Measurements are 31 x 49 inches or ...
Category
2010s British Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Leather
Heart Shaped Green & Gold, 2022, Handmade in Italy, Anatomical Heart, Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Celebrating the human body by dissecting it. The human body as a great system of signs and symbols. We are expression, beyond words and gestures.
A perspective of the flesh in wh...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic
Painting by Peter Keil "the Lady" Black & White, Acrylic, New Wood Frame, C 1987
By Peter Keil
Located in New York, NY
Painting by Peter Keil, circa 1987. Acrylic on Paper, matted and framed with a black and gold wood frame. The art work is called "The Lady".
Peter Robert Keil was born to an artist ...
Category
1980s German Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Acrylic
Wildflower: a Piece of 3d Sculptural Blue and Pink Leather Wall Art
Located in Margate, GB
Wild Flower:
A piece of 3D sculptural wall art designed and made from two layers of leather woven together by Louise Heighes.
Measurements are 19.5 x 19.5 inches or 49 x 49 cm
...
Category
2010s British Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Leather
1980s Modern Metal Wall Art Hammered Copper Enamel Abstract Artwork Signed
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Metal Art
1980s Modern Art hand Hammered Swirled copper Enamel metal wall abstract Artwork signed piece.
Unfortunately, we are unable to read signature.
Dimensions:12 x 12 x .13 ...
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Framed Abstract Lithograph by a French Artist, Signed Roosleens
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning and very decorative original French abstract lithograph depicting this wonderful range of shapes, patterns, colors and shapes. This work by the French painter who signs his ...
Category
20th Century French Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Maiohgi Fan Shaped Contemporary Wall Mirror Limited Edition in Black Grey Stone
By Jacobsroom
Located in Roma, IT
Maiohgi is a contemporary fan-shaped wall mirror inspired by the Japanese tradition, whose surface rests on an anthracite grey and black stone insert with lunar references. Created b...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Sheet Metal
Modernist Painting by Randy Harter New York Artist Father and Child
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous modernist Painting by Randy Harter New York Artist. Father with child in muted tones. Framed size is 30 x 42.
Category
1990s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Paint, Hardwood
Master Quilter Nina M. Groves Small Geometric Wall Hanging Quilt
By M.C. Escher
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A small wall hanging quilt by master quilter Nina M. Groves known for her famous Quilt barn trail which had designs of them painted on over 1000 bar...
Category
20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Fabric
Fabric Tapestry with Tiger Design Upholstered Panel on Demand
By sicis
Located in London, GB
Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’.
The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality.
A constant...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Silk, Polyester
Tannic Acid Plate, Steel Wall Piece
Located in Eindhoven, NL
A steel plate is treated by hand in a rotating movement with Tannic Acid from Oak. Different shades of blue become visible on the steel by the intensity of tannic acid.
Tannic Ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Steel
Tortillero Erizo Basket by Onora
Located in Geneve, CH
Tortillero Erizo basket by Onora
Dimensions: D 27 x 12 cm
Materials: Woven Wicker
Our new on going basket collection explores a sea urchin aesthetic. Handwoven by master weavers...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Other
WWI Model of Horse Head Wearing Gas Mask
Located in New York, NY
WWI model of a molded papier-mache brown horse head wearing a gas mask and goggles. (Can be mounted on back).
Category
20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Plastic
Brass, Chrome and Black Metal Wall Art Attributed to Curtis Jere, circa 1980
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Sexy, large and impressive 1980s wall art attributed to Curtis Jere and made of brass, chrome and black metal sheets - as if bound together like a bow - with round brass button detai...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Artistic Mosaic Handmade Portrait Wall Decor Dimension and Colors Customizable
By sicis
Located in London, GB
Making artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass Mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divul...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass
Wisteria a Piece of 3D Sculptural Black Leather Wall Art
Located in Margate, GB
Wisteria:
A piece of 3D sculptural wall art designed and made from two layers of black leather woven together by Louise Heighes.
Measurements are 17 x 17 inches or 43 x 43 cm
This ...
Category
2010s British Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Leather
Niels Helledie, Denmark, Unique Face Mask in Hand-Painted Stoneware
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Niels Helledie (b. 1927), Denmark.
Unique face mask in hand-painted glazed stoneware. 1980s.
Measures: 18 x 18 cm.
Depth: 9.5 cm.
In excellent cond...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Stoneware
Aqua Blocks Contemporary Wall Sculpture by Eduard Locota, Acrylic Glass & Marble
Located in Timisoara, RO
Volumetric piece
We present you a one of a kind wall artwork, looking along the sea coastline length, “Aqua Blocks” can become a center piece to any interior. It’s fractured structu...
Category
2010s Romanian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Cast Stone
21st Century Skateboard Marcantonio Wood Inlay Scapin Black
By MARCANTONIO
Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT
Life After Life Board
Old Skull Board/ Life After Life Board è una tavola da skateboard decorativa,
disponibile in due varianti colore e con un disegno intarsiato simbolo della con...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood
Painting by Hanoi Artist "The Muse", Red and Black, Large Black Frame, 2007
Located in New York, NY
Decorative large painting by Hanoi artist, "The Muse", circa 2007.
Category
Early 2000s Vietnamese Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Acrylic
Hardy Strid, Swedish Artist, Abstract Composition, 1960s / 70s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hardy Strid (1921-2012), Swedish artist. Enamel on sheet metal. Abstract composition. 1960s / 70s.
The sheet metal measures: 33 x 25 cm.
In excellent con...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal
Square Frame New Eucalyptus Set Arrangement, Flowers, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
Life is a perpetual cycle with no beginning and no end: everything is, becomes and evolves according to its own nature. The universe does not admit of “nonexistence”: everything, eve...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Aluminum
Artistic Mosaic Handmade Dimension and Colors Customizable
By sicis
Located in London, GB
Making Artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Aluminum
Abstract Landscape, David Lord, circa 1960
By David Lord
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful abstract landscape.
Fabulous colors, almost pastel like.
Acrylic on canvas laid on board.
Antique ebonized oak frame.
Unsigned.
Category
1960s English Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas
Multicolored Geometric Screen Print
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-century screen print formed of blocks of garnet, sky blue, and carob. The blocks of colors build onto each other against a warm, ivory background. A lined coat on top of the base...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal
Fabric Tapestry with Peacock Design Upholstered Panel on Demand
By sicis
Located in London, GB
Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’.
The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality.
A constant...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Silk, Polyester
Vintage Metal Wall Art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Eye-catching piece of wall art combining different shades of metal and textures to interesting effect. Please confirm item location with seller (NY/NJ).
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal
Fun Set of 3 Hans Richter 1961 Artcraft Plaster Negative Relief Sports Plaques
By Hans Richter
Located in San Francisco, CA
A true time capsule of 1961, the 3-dimensional plaster negative relief plaques depicting a golfer, bowler and tennis player all engaged in their sport and all from the perspective of...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Plaster
Peter Buchman Heroine White Neon, 2024
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Peter Buchman's Heroine White Neon is a provocative piece that blinks 3 different words randomly: Heroine - Hero - Heroin. The concept for this piece cam...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass
Abstract Landscape, David Lord, circa 1960
By David Lord
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful abstract landscape.
Fabulous muted colors, almost pastel like.
Acrylic on canvas laid on board.
Antique ebonized oak frame.
Unsigned.
Category
1960s English Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas
Artistic Mosaic Handmade Glass & Marble Mosaic Customizable
By sicis
Located in London, GB
Making Artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Marble, Aluminum
Expressionist Portrait of a Woman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Expressionist portrait of a woman that alludes to the Fauvist movement filled with garnet, scarlet and deep brown color fields. Bright green, yellow and blue accents highlight the ar...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paint
Art Glass Gipsy Decorative Panel for Multiple Uses Dimension Customizable
By sicis
Located in London, GB
A combination of special techniques and process has created glass sheets that capture the timeless and limitless beauty of precious stones, lava rock, as well as dream landscape.
Th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Art Glass
Fabric Tapestry with Artistic Rug Design Upholstered Panel on Demand
By sicis
Located in London, GB
Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’.
The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality.
A constant...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Silk, Polyester
Artistic Mosaic Handmade on Aluminum Panel Dimension and Colors Customizable
By sicis
Located in London, GB
Making Artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Aluminum
Abstract Composition
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Abstract slate sandstone composition by Nicole Cormier (1932-2020)
Provenance from the artist atelier.
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Slate, Sandstone
Artistic Mosaic Handmade Dimension and Colors Customizable
By sicis
Located in London, GB
Making Artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass
Modern decorative art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern decorative art 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 decorative art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, decorative objects, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with glass, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern decorative art 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 decorative art, popular names associated with this style include sicis, Louise Heighes, Atlasproject, and Peter Keil. 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. Prices for decorative art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $35 and tops out at $191,803 while the average work can sell for $2,184.
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