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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
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Style: Modern
Abstract Painting Signed D. Filov
By Dmitry Filov
Located in Denton, TX
Abstract painting signed D. Filov. Very retro abstract piece. Beautiful and unique color scheme. This piece has a wooden frame. Great addition...
Category
Late 20th Century West Asian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
The Big Book Of Harley-Davidson Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Big Book Of Harley-Davidson:
Official Publication by Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Bolfert, Thomas C.
Published by Harley-Davidson Inc. Milwaukee, 1989
The Big Book Of Harley-Davidso...
Category
1990s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Lisbon Tiles Wall Art, Original Artwork, Gold Leaf, Handmade in Portugal
Located in Lisboa, PT
Alfama Wall Art, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
The Alfama wall art is an original artwork, exclusively designed and handcrafted by G...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Mirror
Leslie Formalik Trompe L'oeil Paintings of Butterflies, Pair, Dated
Located in Downingtown, PA
Leslie Formalik Trompe L'oeil paintings of butterflies,
Pair,
Dated 2013 and 2019
The pair of beautiful tromp l'oeil paintings each depict a different pinned butterfly...
Category
2010s North American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood
Vicenç Orsolà Sculpture Free Composition AEM-83 Red Black Wood
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sculpture AEM-83 made by Vicenç Orsola Free Composition around 2007 in Barcelona. Painted Wood In great original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserv...
Category
Early 2000s Spanish Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood
Vicenç Orsolà Sculpture Exempt AEM-501 Red Black Wood
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sculpture AEM-501 made by Vicenç Orsola circa 2007 in Barcelona. Painted wood In great original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful p...
Category
Early 2000s Spanish Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood
Michel Anasse abstract metal brutalist surrealist , sculpture, "Musician"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great sample of the French artist Michel Anasse in this metal welded surrealist sculpture of the series " Musicians ".
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal
Sitting Monkey Gouache by Henri Samouilov
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
Gouache and pastel study of a sitting Macaque monkey with its hand to its head by Henri Samouilov with a similar unfinished study to the reverse of the...
Category
1990s French Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paint
Standing Macaque Gouache by Henri Samouilov
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
Gouache and pastel study of a standing macaque monkey by Henri Samouilov with an unfinished study of two monkeys to the reverse of the sheet
Paris, ...
Category
1990s French Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paint
Black ceramic tribal mask - Circa 1950/70
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Original black enameled ceramic mask
A hole on the back allowed to hang it on wall
Circa 1950/70
DImensions : H 33.5 x W 22 x D 8 cm
Good conditions
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic
Large Plato Shelf by Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Geneve, CH
Large plato shelf by Antrei Hartikainen
Materials: maple, natural oil mix
Dimensions: W 75, D 10, H 3,5 cm
Also available: different sizes.
The surface of the moon is the in...
Category
2010s Finnish Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood
Painting from the 1940s, Red, Blue and Yellow Color, New Frame, Mid-Century Art
Located in New York, NY
Decorative painting from the 1940s. Red, blue and yellow. Children playing on a bicycle.
Framed in a beautiful gold frame with a linen liner.
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Acrylic
Reflection - 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
Snake - 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
Painting from the 1940s, Golden, Mid-Century Art, Blue, Chocolate & White Colors
Located in New York, NY
Decorative painting from the 1940s. Painting has a beautiful gold frame with a linen liner.
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Acrylic
Gudrun Lauesen, Stone Mosaic Artwork, Signed
By Gudrun Lauesen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Gudrun Lauesen 1917 - 2002.
Decorative artwork set in stone mosaic with a scene of a rooster and chickens.
Different colored stones applied to cement.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Cast Stone
Painting by Peter Keil, C 1959, The Lion Face", Acrylic on Paper, C 1959, Framed
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 a...
Category
1950s German Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Acrylic
Margaret Smith “Near the Zócalo” Abstract Impressionist Cityscape Oil Painting
By Margaret Smith 1
Located in San Francisco, CA
A signed late 1970s/early 1980s large abstract impressionist cityscape oil painting on board titled “Near the Zócalo”, by American artist Margaret Smith.
The Zócalo is the common na...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
21st Century Dominique Samyn Framed Giclee "Mustang Series" Prints, a Pair
Located in Morristown, NJ
Early 21st century, a pair of framed giclee prints from the "Mustang Series" by Dominique Samyn (born 1952), Belgium and USA. The work with the horse looking to the right is titled "...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Jute, Wood
Emerson Woelffer Bonze Sculpture, Abstract Face, Signed, Dated, Numbered
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice modern abstract Face, by the well known artist, Emerson Woelffer. Signed, numbered 1/4 and dated 1947.
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Bronze
Max Walter Svanberg Painted Ceramic Tile, for Rorstrand, Signed Titled in Bac
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice painted tile by the well-known artist, Max Walter Svanberg for Rorstrand.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic
Poul Esting, Tosca, Color Lithograph, Framed
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Poul Esting, Tosca
Color lithography
Number 22/36
Work with signature and individual number and title (pencil)
Work dimensions 50/40
Framed work
Poul Esting is a Danish artis...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Abstract Painting Signed D. Filov
By Dmitry Filov
Located in Denton, TX
Abstract painting signed D. Filov. Very retro abstract piece. Beautiful and unique color scheme. This piece has a wooden frame. Great addition...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Schumacher by Caroline Hurley Sepiessa Wallpaper Mural in Sky
Located in New York, NY
Based on a painted and collaged artwork by Caroline Z Hurley, Sepiessa is a two-panel set; the full repeat measures 108" x 12'. It's printed on a ground with a toothy, vellum look.
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
El Ermitaño. From The Ventura Series. Embroidery thread on canvas
Located in Miami Beach, FL
El Ermitaño, 2019 by Maria Jose Franco Maldonado
From The Ventura Series.
Embroidery thread on canvas
Image size: 27 cm H x 17 cm W
Frame size: 40 cm...
Category
2010s Colombian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Textile, Canvas, Thread
Hand Made Abstract Sculptural Glazed Ceramic Box. Fitted Lid
Located in Miami, FL
Hand Built Abstract Sculptural Glazed Ceramic Box. Fitted Lid
Offered for sale is a handmade abstract form ceramic box that is signed and dated by Rexx Fischer. The box is both func...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic
Pulliam Abstract Framed Oil On Canvas
By Pulliam
Located in Countryside, IL
Pulliam abstract framed oil on canvas
This painting measures: 20 wide x 2 deep x 24 inches high
This Painting is in Good Vintage Condition with minor marks, dents, and wear.
...
Category
2010s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Larry Laslo Green, Grey, Yellow, Black Abstract Landscape on Paper Custom Framed
By Larry Laslo
Located in North Miami, FL
This fantastic abstract strong landscape work of art by the designer Larry Laslo is signed in the lower right hand corner. The vivid colors of green, yellow white, black and cobalt b...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood, Lacquer, Paint, Paper
Hungarian modern Optical Art painting with metal frame by Victor Vasarely, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Hungarian modern Optical Art painting with metal frame by Victor Vasarely, 1970s
Painting with gold metal frame. The painting represents a colored geometric composition in full Optic...
Category
1970s Hungarian Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal
Hungarian modern Optical Art painting with metal frame by Victor Vasarely, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Hungarian modern Optical Art painting with metal frame by Victor Vasarely, 1970s
Painting with metal frame. The painting represents a colored geometric composition in full Optical Ar...
Category
1970s Hungarian Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal
David Allgood "Hawk" Signed Serigraph
Located in Los Angeles, CA
David Allgood "Hawk" signed serigraph numbered 254/500. Framed. Made in USA, c. 1980's.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood, Paper
Lester Goldman Abstract Watercolor Painting, Blue, Pink, Green, and Red, Signed
Located in Kansas City, MO
Lester Goldman watercolor in striking colors of blue, pink, green and red. Acquired directly from the estate of Lester Goldman. Excellent condition and ...
Category
1990s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Chrome
large ceramic dish signed VANDEVILLE, circa 1950/1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
large ceramic dish signed VANDEVILLE, circa 1950/1960
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic
Gaston Chaissac, Lithographic Print, Composition with Face, 1960s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Gaston Chaissac, Composition with Face, 1960s
Print on lithographic paper
Sheet dimensions 64/44
Unframed work
Gaston Chaissac (1910 - 1964), was...
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Abstract Painting On Canvas
Located in Denton, TX
Abstract painting on canvas. Yellow, blue, green tones. If you look hard enough, you can spot an umbrella and a duck!
Category
20th Century North American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Paint, Wood
"Figure in Blue", Oil on Canvas, Framed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully framed oil on canvas representing a blue figure.
Size: 13 3/4 x 9 3/4 inches canvas, 22 1/8 x 18 1/2 inches frame.
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Modernist Pop Art
Located in Denton, TX
Oak framed with molded plastic Pop art design.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Plastic, Oak
Jeanne Grut. Peacock Faience Wall Relief
By Jeanne Grut, Aluminia
Located in Kastrup, DK
Jeanne Grut (Danish, 1927-2009)
A faience wall relief in the shape of a peacock with butterfly.
Very decorative and extremely rare.
Polychrome glazed faience on a unglazed background...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Iron
21st Century Skateboard Marcantonio Wood Inlay Scapin Yellow
By MARCANTONIO
Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT
Old Skull Board
Old Skull Board è una tavola da skateboard decorativa,
disponibile in due varianti colore e con un disegno intarsiato simbolo della continuità
della vita dopo la ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Plywood
Pullman Extra Large Original Art Oil on Canvas
By Pullman
Located in Countryside, IL
Pullman extra large original art oil on canvas.
This painting is in excellent Vintage Condition with minor marks, dents, and wear.
We take our...
Category
2010s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Freedom Wall Art, Swarovski Crystals, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Freedom Wall Art, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
Wall art with Greenapple exclusive design printed on glass with Swarovski crystals a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Modernist Painting Father & Child by Randy Harter New York Artist
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
Anotherview n.14 On the Ganges During Monsoon
Located in Milan, IT
ANOTHERVIEW is an ongoing project that takes place in between interior design and video art. It transforms your home into a nomadic place, where virtual window leads to unexpected la...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Iron
Large Framed Drawing of a Baby Rhino Head
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Captivating large drawing of a baby rhino's bust or head framed in a thick giltwood frame. Appears to be charcoal with pastel signed by artist on right bottom and labeled "For David ...
Category
20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper, Plexiglass, Giltwood
"Feng Shui" Kite by Michael Thompson
Located in Chicago, IL
Chicago-based artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites crafted from split bamboo frames covered with stretched muslin and a collage of vintage Asian ephemera—including fragments of fabric, scrolls, drawings, and books collected during his travels.
In “Feng Shui...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Muslin, Silk, Bamboo
Tom Rooth “Honeycomb” Wall Sculpture — Handmade Ceramic & 23.5k Gold Gilt Frames
By Tom Rooth
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Tom Rooth “Honeycomb” Wall Sculpture — Handmade Ceramic & 23.5k Gold Gilt Frames
A striking and whimsical wall sculpture by British artist Tom Rooth, this handcrafted piece features...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic
Katrina King Modern Abstract Painting on Steel, 2010
By Katrina King
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Interesting abstract modern art painting on steel or metal by Katrina King. "Abstract Arrangements" series made with hand-colored paint. Painted on a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal
Paul Slapion, Mixed-Media Abstract Painting, circa 1985
Located in San Francisco, CA
Paul Slapion (American, 20th century) mixed-media abstract painting
Title: In Each of Us...All of Us #4
circa 1985
A fine mixed media painting created with many layers of glass, ink and oils.
Visually stunning optical art.
Dimensions 16 inches x 20 inches.
Frame dimensions 20.25 inches x 16.25 inches.
Very good vintage condition. Lightly distressed frame.
Signed verso with the original "OK Harris Gallery...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Paint
Original Clair Seglem Tall Portrait Painting of a Nude Blonde Woman
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A lovely tall portrait painting by the late Oklahoma artist Clair Seglem. The piece has a muted pallet and depicts a woman in the buff with long blonde h...
Category
20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Masonite, Paint, Paper
René Genis, Lithograph on Bfk Rives Paper, 1970s
By René Genis
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Rene Genis
Lithograph on BFK Rives paper
Number 54/60
Work with signature and individual number
Work dimensions 51/65
Unframed work
René Genis was a French painter. Known for...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Anthony John Padovano Metal/Paint Sculpture, Signed, Dated, Numbered
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great modernism sculpture, by the well-known artist Anthony J. Padovano. Dated 1970 and numbered 2/6.signed.
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal
Large Ceramic Plate, Decorative Majolica Bowl Centerpiece, Pink White, In Stock
By deBlona
Located in Recanati, IT
Large pink hand painted ceramic plate, made in a limited edition of 30 pieces. This majolica plate made in Italy can be used as a centerpiece, tray, fruit bowl, as a decorative wall ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Frame by the French Manufactory "Delf, Cadre D' Art, Paris", 20th Century
By Delft
Located in Madrid, ES
Frame, arched and multi-coloured frame moulding;
model frame by the French manufacturer DELF - Cadre d' art - Paris
Overall dimensions 75 x 65 cm; inlay dimensions 60,5 x 50,5 cm.
Inscribed with the original selling price...
Category
20th Century French Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood
Large Framed Black and White Action Photographic Prints of World Polo League
Located in Morristown, NJ
20th c., black and white photographic prints, matted and framed under glass. A pair of polo action shots that capture the intensity of play and the agility of player and polo pony al...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Paul Slapion 'American, 20th Century' Mixed-Media Abstract Painting, circa 1985
Located in San Francisco, CA
Paul Slapion (American, 20th century) mixed-media abstract painting
Title: In Each of Us...All of Us #2,
circa 1985
A fine mixed-media painting created with many layers of glass, ink and oils.
Visually stunning optical art.
Dimensions: 16 inches x 20 inches.
Frame dimensions: 20.25 inches x 16.25 inches.
Very good vintage condition. Lightly distressed frame.
Signed verso with the original "OK Harris Gallery, NY" label.
The OK Harris Gallery was an art gallery located at 383 West Broadway...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Paint
"Graphiti" Mixed Media Collage by Michael Thompson
Located in Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Paper
Tulip Design Wooden Wall Clock - Wood Wall Design Accessory
Located in İnegöl, TR
TULIP DESIGN WALNUT WALL CLOCK
Custom sizes, colours and finishes are available!
Here's a 50 inches round clock for your wall. It's built from tough walnut wood, and the clock fac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Resin, Walnut, Wood
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.