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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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
Unique Decorative Panel, Roger Capron, France 1987
Located in St Ouen, FR
Large decorative panel consists in 20 glazed lava plates fixed on wood and executed on order for an italian collector from the Milano area in 1987 This panel with a lively line and ...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Lava

Wall Sculpture of Little Boy by William Westenhaver
Located in Pasadena, CA
An endearing, wood-carved wall sculpture by William Westenhaver depicting a young boy reading a book. It is made of very grainy wood enhanced on some parts with black, pastel red, b...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Paint, Wood

Dorothy Clough Swedish Upsala-Ekeby Horses Wall Plaque
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Dorothy Clough (British, b.1930) was born and grew up in the United Kingdom and attended Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland between 1948-53. With the help of a travel scholarship, she moved to Sweden in 1954, receiving an internship at the Gefle Porcelain Factory and a year later was hired as a designer at the Upsala-Ekeby factory. She is very well known for her figurative work both of people and animals and was one of the representatives of the illustrious Swedish ceramic designs of the 20th Century. This stunning Swedish plaque...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Wooden Christmas Tree Set – Cedar with Bronze Tip, Large
Located in Orlando, FL
The wooden Christmas tree set is designed to bring natural elegance to your holiday decor. Inspired by the minimal and abstract forms of Cedar, Fir, and Juniper trees, this handcraft...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Oak

Lithea/Gadir by Elena Salmistraro Wall Art in Marble Stone Copper White Pink
Located in Patti, IT
Cala Gadir, aterm of Arabic origin which means ‘Valley of water’ is a location known since old times for its natural hot water springs and still nowadays is one of the most well-know...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Stone, Marble, Copper

Original Danish Vintage Hand Painted Circus Poster for Cirkus Rolando, 1957
Located in Kastrup, DK
Original Danish vintage circus poster for Cirkus Rolando, 1957. Dimensions within the frame: 101 x 67 cm. This is a hand-painted study for a poster print, created using watercolor ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Paper, Glass, Wood

Ghidini 1961 Single Butterfly Coatrack in Rose Gold by Richard Hutten
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Coatrack in stainless steel The single butterfly coat hanger is both playful and elegant and gives to customers the possibility to embellish in a bra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Stainless Steel

Dusk Resin Art Wall by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
It is a geometric, simple and contemporary piece with a lot of personality that will complement any space. You can hang the piece on a wall or place it on a table and lean it agains...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Resin

Vintage Pop Art, C. Jere Style Multi-Colored Paperclip Wall Sculpture
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage Pop Art Paperclip Wall Sculpture, purchased in Italy and in the style of Curtis Jere. The sculpture of oversized paperclips linked together is in fun primary colors and measu...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Metal

Untitled, After Keith Haring
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Untitled, After Keith Haring Vintage unsigned well executed oil on canvas of figures supporting each other, the center image measures 33.5" W x 34" H, on a white background canvas m...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Canvas

Untitled, After Keith Haring
Untitled, After Keith Haring
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
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

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

21st Century Skateboard Marcantonio Wood Inlay Scapin Black
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

Patrick Reyntiens (2010) ’The Silver Sea’ Stained Glass Panel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Titled ’The Silver Sea’, this is a small stained glass window hanging made by the late stained glass artist, Patrick Reyntiens. It is signed and dated 2010 in the lower right-hand co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Glass, Stained Glass

White and Red Heart Installation With Frame by Hatsu
Located in Geneve, CH
White and Red Heart Installation With Frame by Hatsu Dimensions: D 6 x W 67.8 x H 67 cm Materials: Ceramic. Available in other colors. Please contact us. All our lamps can be wired...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Portrait of a Monkey 'Ruby', Painted & Inscribed by John Sutton, Dec 1st 1955
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Portrait of a Monkey, 'Ruby', Painted and Inscribed by John Sutton, December 1, 1955 A captivating portrait of a monkey named 'Ruby,' painted and inscribed by John Sutton on Decembe...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Modern Abstract Landscape Painting by Barbara Beretich, Silver Wide, 1980s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Abstract Painting by Barbara Beretich (1936-2018). It is entitled Silver Wide and depicts a moder abstract landscape. It is artist signed and was painted in 1985. Additional infor...
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Canvas

Italian Contemporary Gliceé Ottoman Print n.2 with Black Laquered Wood Frame
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Ottoman prints 2. Multi-color Giclèe print on 100% cotton paper. Ottoman personage paired with romantic country views. Bluette passepartout. Black lacquered designer wood frame. Fro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Glass, Paper, Wood

Ilya Bolotowsky Signed Modernist Silkscreen Vertical Blue Ellipse Series
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly graphic piece, signed by Ilya Bolotowsky (American, 1907-1981) from the early 1970s. Signed Silkscreen part of the vertical blue ellipse blue series. Silkscreen on Rives p...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

NYC Subway Sign Art, , Mixed Media & Resin, Custom by Morgan Clayhall
Located in Toronto, CA
This unique piece from Morgan Clayhall's studio is a modern interpretation of a New York City subway sign, specifically the 8th Avenue line. The artwork digitally transforms the ico...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Epoxy Resin, Hardwood, Paint, Paper

"Asanoha Landscape" Mosaic by Toyoharu Kii
Located in Chicago, IL
Monochromatic, ethereal and highly textured, the abstract compositions of Japanese mosaic artist Toyoharu Kii reflect a sophisticated approach to the technical art of mosaic making. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Marble

Modern 7 Cidades Wall Art Sculpture Piece Gold Leaf Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
7 Cidades Wall Art Piece, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, 7 Cidades embodies the mystical blue and green lakes and bring curiosity and eye-catching style to any interior. The harmony between the satin finish with gold leaf gilding and the warm white light from LED is perfect for modern living rooms...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel, Gold Leaf

Expressionist Watercolor Modernist Movement Still Life, Signed
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Expressionist watercolor Modernist movement still life, signed. Beautiful Expressionist still life watercolor in delicate pastel hues. Painted on paper and layed down in a loose t...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Paper

"Diary (2301)" Mosaic by Toyoharu Kii, 2023
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 Decorative Art

Materials

Marble

Three Sand Hill Cranes, Colored Pencil Drawing, Matted & Framed
Located in Chicago, IL
The endangered Florida Sandhill Crane can be found in the freshwater wetlands in peninsular Florida from the Everglades to the Okefenokee Swamp. Sylvia Beckman Three Florida Sand Hill...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

"Green Tree" Mosaic by Toyoharu Kii, 2023
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 Decorative Art

Materials

Marble

Tokonoma Karma Cabinet by Andrea Branzi for Superego Editions, Italy
Located in Milan, Italy
Frescoed cabinet (printed fabric) two pieces limited edition, original label numbered and signed Exhibit in Triennale of Milano for show Kama. Sex e Design, December 2012.   Biograph...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Two Kinds of People Minimalistic Round by Corine Vanvoorbergen
Located in Geneve, CH
Two kinds of people minimalistic round by Corine Vanvoorbergen Dimensions: diameter 50 cm Materials: Brass, wood, natural pigments, epoxy and acrylics There are two kinds of people. Those that see the night coming and those that see the day arriving. Corine van Voorbergen...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Brass

Curtis Jere Chrome Plated Sputnik Pom Pom Wall Sculpture Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage chrome plated Curtis Jere wall sculpture is from the 1970s. It is not signed that we can see. It is authentic. It is a combination of 5 sea creatures we call sea urchins...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Chrome

20th Century Gaetano Pesce for Expansion Decorative Panel Mod. Arcadia, 1970s
Located in Turin, Turin
Gaetano Pesce's works are generally eccentric, modern and carry a concept of "happening", which is the transformation of the object. Experimenter of different forms and materials, h...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Fabric, Wood

18th Century Azulejos Portuguese Mural Tiles Wall Hanging, Seascape Tile Art
Located in Miami, FL
18th Century Portuguese Seascape Wall Hanging This exquisite wall hanging features a stunning 18th-Century Portuguese seascape design, rendered in various shades of blue, beige, and ...
Category

18th Century Portuguese Antique Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Faience, Wood, Paint, Ceramic

Postmodern Fanned Steel Wall Sculpture
Located in Denton, TX
Fanned steel sculpture with hanging brass-plated steel rods.
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Brass, Steel

Painting, Portrait of a Lady, Charcoal, C 1960, Large Scale with Wide Gold Frame
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, midcentury, large portrait of a lady, circa 1960. Charcoal on paper with a very decorative gold frame.
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Ghidini 1961 Butterfly Coatrack in Brass by Richard Hutten
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Coatrack in brass Coats flit from coat hanger to coat hanger like butterfly goes from one flower to another. Butterflies have been a source of inspiration through Art History. From the ancient Egypt's, to the Renaissance until now it has always been a theme. The Butterfly coat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Brass

Shou Sugi Ban Wood Wall Panels, Peaks and Waves
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This piece ships free in the continental United States! Originating in 18th century Japan, shou sugi ban is a particularly striking method of preservi...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Maple

Painting by Peter Keil, Modern Art, Acrylic on Board, Pink, C 1975, No Frame
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

Azulejos Portuguese Tile Mural "The Lake" Hand Painted and Signed by Artist
Located in Baldock, GB
Beautiful tile mural with the "THE LAKE" motif finely painted. Tile mural size: 53.1"H x 106.2"W (135cm x 270cm) Tile size: 5.9"H x 5.9"W (15cm x 15cm) Origin: Portugal Producti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

"For Saturday" Large Square Abstract Painting by Jim Condron
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large multi colored abstract wall painting titled "For Saturday" by American Artist Jim Condron, signed and dated 2015. “For Saturday,” 2015 was made durin...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Canvas, Linen

Schumacher Orissa Sisal Wallpaper Mural in Sky
Located in New York, NY
Capturing the look of artisanal processes like ikat or shibori, this 12-foot tall panel wallcovering is printed on sisal for tactile dimension and alludes ...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Paper, Grasscloth

Artistic Mosaic Handmade Dimension and Colors Customizable
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

Schumacher Madame De Pompadour Art Panel, Left
Located in New York, NY
Our wallpaper panels are gorgeous enough to frame—and we’ve done all the work for you. Resized to capture the most alluring portions of the original design by Miles Redd, this art panel pairs...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Glass, Wood

Painting by Peter Keil Painted in Palma, Spain, C 1959, Acrylic on News Paper
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

Andrianna Shamaris Framed Abstract Courrèges Scarf from Paris France
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Courrèges silk scarf in excellent condition found in Paris, France. Features bold contrasting colors in this beautiful abstract silk vinta...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood, Silk

"Diary (2303)" Mosaic by Toyoharu Kii, 2023
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 Decorative Art

Materials

Marble

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, Mirror, Wood

Large Midcentury Abstract in the Style of Jackson Pollack Oil on Canvas
By (after) Jackson Pollock
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful colors dropped, poured or spilt onto an extremely large cancels which is 5 foot x 8 foot. Unsigned and guessing the age it looks to be 40 to 50 yes old. Stretcher has suppo...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Canvas

Tapestry by Enzo Mari for Interflex - Flou
Located in Milan, Italy
Tapestry designed by Enzo e Elio Mari Hand-tufted and doubled textile panel. Printed by silk-screen printing. Interflex- Flou production, 1999. Without iron support for hanging. Bi...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Textile

Red and White Heart Installation With Frame by Hatsu
Located in Geneve, CH
Red and White Heart Installation With Frame by Hatsu Dimensions: D 6 x W 67.8 x H 67 cm Materials: Ceramic. Available in other colors. Please contact us. All our lamps can be wired...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Schumacher Madame De Pompadour Art Panel, Right
Located in New York, NY
Our wallpaper panels are gorgeous enough to frame—and we’ve done all the work for you. Resized to capture the most alluring portions of the original design by Miles Redd, this art panel pairs...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Stylish Artistic Mosaic Handmade Gold or Platinum Leaf
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, Platinum, Gold Leaf

Artistic Mosaic Handmade Glass and Marble Mosaic Customizable
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

Silver Leaf Foil Wall World Map Engraving Based on the Original Moses Pitt, 1681
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique style pictorial silver leaf foil world map taken from and original engraving my Moses Pitt, 1681 This is a very interesting ...
Category

20th Century English Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Silver Leaf

Moonlit Elsewhere
Located in London, GB
Hand-embroidered matt sequins with natural pearls, aluminum shards, and fabric manipulations.
Category

2010s British Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Aluminum

Schumacher Brighton Pavilion Art Panel, Right
Located in New York, NY
Our wallpaper panels are gorgeous enough to frame—and we’ve done all the work for you. Resized to capture the most alluring portions of the original design by Miles Redd, this art pa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Erwin Walter Burger "Fish" Wall Panel
Located in Milan, IT
A beautiful Erwin Walter Burger "Fish" wall panel
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Glass, Wood

Wildflower: A Piece of 3D Sculptural Cream Leather Wall Art
Located in Margate, GB
Wild flower: A piece of 3D sculptural wall art designed and made from two layers of cream leather woven together by Louise Heighes. Measurements are 19.5 x 19.5 inches or 49 x 49...
Category

2010s British Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Leather

Set 12 Porcelain Plates Adamo Black/White
Located in MILANO, IT
This set of twelve hand-decorated porcelain plates, as a whole, forms the figure of Adamo. You can use the ensemble for ornamental purposes ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Porcelain

Black and White Heart Installation With Frame by Hatsu
Located in Geneve, CH
Black and White Heart Installation With Frame by Hatsu Dimensions: D 6 x W 67.8 x H 67 cm Materials: Ceramic. Available in other colors. Please contact us. All our lamps can be wir...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Jeanne Grut for Alumina, a Faience Hyacintara Parrot Wall Releif
Located in Kastrup, DK
Jeanne Grut 1927-2009. A faience wall relief in the shape of a hyacintara parrot. Blue glazed faience, branch and background unglazed. Designed 1961 by Jeanne Grut for Aluminia, Denm...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Faience

Set of Six Iconic "Julia" Plates by Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of six "Julia" displaying porcelain plates with surrealism designs by Piero Fornasetti, an iconic series from 'Temi e variazioni' (“Themes and Variations”). These plates were m...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Porcelain

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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