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Modern Decorative Objects

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Wicker Cane Lucite Acrylic Tissue Box Dior Style
Located in New York, NY
A wicker cane and acrylic tissue holder box in the style of Christian Dior Home. This acrylic and wicker cane box holds standard size tissues. Beautiful natural wicker cane and clear...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Cane, Acrylic, Wicker

New Modern Bowl in White and Black Marble, rotating, Designer Jacopo Simonetti
Located in Milan, IT
Bowl L in White Michelangelo and Black Marquinia marble Available also in the S version, and without a rotating mechanism. The hypnotic black and white stripes of the new Nova coll...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Mercury Series Set of Four Contemporary Handmade Glass Objects
Located in New York, NY
The Mercury Series is comprised of blown glass vessels with a mirrored interior. Meant to mimic the different stages of a drop of mercury separating, the set of handmade vessels is c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass, Mirror

Ukiyo Saucer, Concrete Fountain/Fishpond by OPIARY (D62")
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opiary is a Brooklyn-based biophilic design and production studio. We integrate nature in each of our designs, incorporating live greenery and organic shapes into bespoke furniture, planters, and sculpture. Through the ethos of biophilia, our work reflects the shifting, yet timeless relationship between humans and nature. This modern, minimalist fountain is a tasteful way to incorporate aquatic life into any indoor or outdoor space. The Ukiyo watersaucer can house multiple floating islands...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Cement

Modern Commode in Marble and Powder Coated Steel from "Disused Collection"
Located in Florence, IT
This Avant Garde commode is made of Carrara marble and high-quality powder-coated steel. The function of this piece is more sculptural and decorative but at the same time, it can be ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Steel

Pink Palm Trees Candlesticks Hand Painted Made in Italy Set of 2
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Light up your table with our palm trees candlestick. Size: small 15cm Size: medium 25cm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Rosebud 3 by Martyn Thompson
Located in Paddington, NSW
The carnival landscape of JESTURE pays homage to both the ancient and the outsider. Photographer, Martyn Thompson, began his career making clothes before deciding to document them i...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Vase Vessel Tulip Sculpture Block Rose Quartz Marble Handmade Collectible Design
Located in Ancona, Marche
Important sculptural vase carved by hand from a solid block of Rose Quartz. Vase dimensions: L 26 x W 20 x H 53 cm. Available in different onyx and marbles. Limited edition of 35. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Rose Quartz

Modernist 50 s Krenit Bowl Herbert Krenchel Orange Enamel Black Denmark BIG!
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful early modernist large Krenit bowl designed by Danish designer Herbert Krenchel and dates from the 1950's. Made in Denmark and is signed on the bottom. The bowl has an orang...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Lladró "The Debutante" Fine Porcelain Figurine, 1981
Located in McKinney, TX
This beautiful and whimsical retired design by Lladro artist Jose Puche is called "The Debutante" and is a pastel dream! With purple hair and snow white sk...
Category

20th Century Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Victor Heinrich Seifert - Bronze Sculpture “Nude Woman Fishing
Located in Kastrup, DK
Victor Heinrich Seifert (1870–1953). A finely detailed bronze sculpture of a young nude woman holding a fishing spear by the German-Austrian sculptor Victor Heinrich Seifert. The s...
Category

Early 20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Bronze

Dia Contemporary LED Chandelier, Config. 2, Solid Brass, Handmade/finished, Art
Located in Torslanda, SE
Dia is a sculptural chandelier inspired by the heterophony of natural sound. Each frame (or melody) is hand-rolled with all joints cleverly concealed within the circular light source...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Marble Desk Pen Holder Organizer
Located in New York, NY
A substantial marble desk pen/pencil/marker holder organizer, in the modern style, Midcentury Modern design period, circa mid-20th century. Organizer can hold small pieces of paper, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Green Atoll Art Glass Bowl by Anna Ehrner for Kosta Boda, 1980s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Thick and heavy conical art glass bowl from Kosta Boda in Sweden. It was designed by Anna Ehrner in the mid 1980s. The bowl is called Atoll and it features swirl-work to the inside o...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Murano, Italy, Large Mouth-Blown Sculpture in Art Glass, Exotic Bird, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Murano, Italy. Large mouth-blown sculpture in art glass. Exotic bird. 1960s. In great condition. Sticker. Dimensions H 36.0 x L 33.0 cm.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Modern Antelope Bottle Hand Blown Glass Liquor Animal Africa Horn Trophy Nature
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
Introducing the Antelope Bottle, a stunning hand-blown glass masterpiece by the talented Simone Crestani. This exquisite piece is part of the captivati...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Contemporary Buffalo Hand-Blown Glass Bottle Animal Horn Liquor Africa Trophy
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
Discover the Buffalo Bottle, a remarkable hand-blown glass creation by the esteemed Simone Crestani. This captivating piece belongs to the Africa Trophy Bottles...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Maison Lancel Paris Chrome Decorative Lidded Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
Maison Lancel Paris designed this stunning lidded box. The piece was crafted in France circa 1980. The minimalist rectangular shape features a sleek design with polished, chromed met...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Chrome

"Adam", Glass Sculpture with Standing Male Nude, Nybro, Sweden
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare and beautiful, this cast and etched glass sculpture depicts the standing nude figure of Adam, deeply embedded in the glass, who glows when light passes through from above. He i...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Hand Carved Wooden Lidded Jar/Pot.
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Hand Wood Carved Lidded Jar/Pot.
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

TORRE – Minimalist Vase in Red Ceramic
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Created out of a playful approach to materiality and form, this item is a ceramic vase as well as a sculptural piece. The designer Julien Renault chose to mainly follow his intuition...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Seguso Italian Murano Art Glass Vase
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and colorful Italian Seguso Viro Murano art glass vase, Italy, circa 1990s, late-20th century. Maker's mark on bottom/underside as shown...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

French Midcentury Granite Bust on Wood Base, Signed
Located in Houston, TX
French Midcentury hand-sculpted granite bust on wood base, circa 1965. Signed by the artist G. Gregoire.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite

Seguso Vetri D’Arte , Model 5730 Vase Designed By Flavio Poli, 1939
Located in Westport, CT
A beautiful oval shaped double-ribbed criss-cross patterned vase, blown in a transparent celadon color for Seguso Vetri d’Arte by Flavio Poli, model 5730 Marc Heiremans, ‘Seguso Vet...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Rosenthal Versace Flat Plate, "Les Tresors de la Me" decoration, "Ikarus"
Located in Madrid, ES
Rosenthal Versace Flat Plate, "Les Tresors de la Me" decoration, "Ikarus" shape by Paul Wunderlich, porcelain, white body, with polychrome and gold-painted shell decoration, black ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Salvador Dali Surrealist Sculpture Side Table Model Xai Limited Edition 16/20
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
"XAI” lamb designed by Salvador Dali manufactured by BD Barcelona and Deyrolle. Measures: 87 x 26 x H 71 (head) and H 59 (back) approximate Inspired by the painting "Interpret...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wool

Tiffany Co. Clear Crystal Candlesticks, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of crystal candlesticks By Tiffany & Co. (signed at the base) Germany, Late 20th Century Each measures: 3.63"W x 3.63"D x 9.25"H. Good original vintage condition.
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Joe Cariati Petite Glass Decanter Pairs, 2024
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American glass artist Joe Cariati's Petite Glass Decanter Pairs, consisting of four pieces, is quintessentially modern in both functio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

French Modern Zebra Hide Leather Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Modern Zebra Hide and Leather Box France, circa 1960s A sleek French modern zebra hide and leather box, circa 1960s, is a sophisticated addition to any decor. The box feature...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Zebra Hide

Gorilla Statue in the style of Rembrandt Bugatti , Bronze Sculpture
By Rembrandt Bugatti
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This gorilla statue is a bronze sculpture in the style of Rembrandt Bugatti, measuring 30 cm high, 39 cm wide, and 15 cm deep, weighing 13.2 kg. It depicts a powerful silverback gor...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Contemporary Golden Bronze Incense Burner by Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Bronze Incense Burner by Henry Wilson Dimensions: D 6 x H 5 cm Materials: Bronze The Incense Burner was initially designed for Perfumer H. The p...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Elongated Octagonal Lidded Tessellated Bone Box in the Style of Enrique Garcel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A well crafted wooden Octagonal box with Tessellated bone inlay - lidded and ready for many different contents, from desk accessories to television remotes, jewelry, letters, memento...
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Wood

Modern Sculptural Wood Room Divider by Sebastiano Bottos, Italia
Located in Pordenone, IT
The "Cortina" screen designed by Sebastiano Bottos is a sculptural piece of furniture handcrafted by assembling extroflexed wood elements, the result of an innovating processing tech...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Caldera Vase Clear Umber By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
A modern exploration of light and form, the Caldera Crystal Vase is inspired by Carlo Scarpa’s Tomb of Brion. In either clear crystal or with a warm umber centre, this stem vase is b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Tessellated Faux Horn Covered Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful tessellated faux horn decorative box made in France. Gorgeous detail work inside and out. Add some French style to you design project.
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Hand Blown Murano Moon Vase in Ruby Red Large
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite vase features a luxurious matte red exterior with polished beveled edges creating a striking visual and tactile experience. The deep, rich red glaze is inspired by the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Vintage Modernist Sculptural Brass Tape Dispenser or Tape Holder Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
Machine Age meets modern in this vintage sleek and sculptural large brass tape dispenser and holder. It is great from all angles and a wonderful d...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Baccarat Structured Amethyst and Clear Crystal Vase, France
Located in Rijssen, NL
A crystal masterpiece of beautiful proportions, this vase crystallize the extraordinary know-how of the Baccarat craftsmen. The different cuts and vibrant amethyst colour in the vase...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Rare Vintage Large Fragrance Factice The Dreamer by Versace 1990s
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and striking incredibly large fragrance factice by Versace. This sculptural piece is commanding and striking. A balance of lines and codes of the Versace fashion empire. T...
Category

1990s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Contemporary Wave Crystal Sculpture Aquamarine Handcrafted by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2021 Artistic sculpture of crystal of maximum artisanal qualty signed Ghirò Studio (Milan, Italy). Innovative design, fine craftmanship and a stron...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Livio Seguso Murano St. Marks Venice Horses Italian Art Glass Sculptural Bowl
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown white Italian decorative art glass bowl with 4 embossed rearing horses. Documented to designer Livio Seguso. I have previously owned several other...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Glass

Murano Sommerso Glass Dolphin Sculpture by V. Nason C. on Bullicante Base
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Elegant Murano art glass dolphin sculpture attributed to V. Nason & C., Italy, circa late 20th century. The dolphin features vibrant cobalt blue and emerald green hues, masterfully b...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso

1980s Modern Hand-Painted Sicilian Ceramic Unique Vase by Fiumara D Arte
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This unique, hand-painted ceramic vase is a striking piece of Sicilian art from the 1980s. Signed on the bottom by "Mariella Miraglia" with "Fiumara D'Arte," this piece connects dire...
Category

Late 20th Century Sicilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Monumental French Moderne Verdigris Bronze Vase , Manner of Gilbert Poillerat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Monumental French Moderne Bronze Vase with Verdigris Patina, in the Manner of Gilbert Poillerat, 1950s A striking French Moderne cast bronze vase of impressive weight and presence, ...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Ettore Sottsass RSVP Centerpiece Mod. Azzurro in Colored Glass
Located in Turin, Turin
Ettore Sottsass grew up in Turin, and graduated in architecture from the Turin Polytechnic in 1939. In 1947, he founded his own studio in Milan. In 1956, Sottsass moved to New York w...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Vertigo Menorah Black Onyx Stone Candle Holder
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
A composition of onyx with alpaca metal. Inspired by the pure and essential lines of a structure of solid stones, with a vertigo stability. Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kin...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Bijoux Jewelry Chest in Briar and Mahogany
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry chest in briar and mahogany, matte finish, ultrasuede lining, 24 karats gold plated brass accessories. With necklace bars, lockable doors and 6 drawers. Adjustable mirror on ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Suede, Mahogany

Royal Copenhagen Large Porcelain Siamese Cat Figure Model 3281
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine quality vintage Danish porcelain model of seated Siamese cat by renowned and sought after makers Royal Copenhagen and dating from around 1980. The large, seated cat is beautif...
Category

1980s Danish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Striped Horn Inlay Decorative Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant rectangular decorative box features a striking striped pattern crafted from natural horn inlays, showcasing rich variations in tone from amber and honey to deep espresso...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Wall Sculpture Black Contemporary Geometric Totem Brutalist Wood Paper Pulp
Located in Seville, ES
TERRITORIO 2.3.74 - V We worked with paper pulp for the first time a few years ago. We were testing ways of optimising the recycled paper until we achieved an almost clay-like pulp t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Composition

Bronze Sculpture, Woman nude, XXth century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture in bronze, Girl with Leaning Leg. Bronze, the young girl rests one foot on a raised form, her chin leaning on her hand — a gesture of quiet reflection. Contact us before o...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Handmade Sicilian Ceramic Pine Nut Italian Potter
Located in Palermo, PA
This exquisite handmade Sicilian ceramic pine nut is a timeless symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and Mediterranean heritage. Crafted by skilled artisans in Sicily, each piece is m...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Miguel Ortiz Berrocal Mini Cristina, Puzzle Sculpture, Signed #2874/9500
Located in Miami, FL
Miguel Ortiz Berrocal Mini Cristina Puzzle Sculpture, Signed #2874/9500 Offered for sale is a Miguel Berrocal (1933-2006) Mini Cristina puzzle sculpture from 1969-1970. This sculptu...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Nickel, Enamel

Michael Gitter Clear and Red Lucite Interlocking Hearts "Love Sculpture"
Located in Miami, FL
Michael Gitter Clear and Red Lucite Interlocking Hearts "Love Sculpture" Offered for sale is an interlocking hearts "Love Sculpture" constructed of clear and red Lucite by artist Mi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Lucite

Pair of Salvador Dali Contemporary Portlligat Wood Sculpture Sunbed with Cushion
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of Two Sunbeds. Design by Salvador Dalí­­, 1903 Manufactured by BD Barcelona Solid Iroko wooden structure with polyamide wheels. Optional upholstered cushion with water repelle...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

SkLO "Seam" Glass Vessels
By SkLO
Located in Dallas, TX
A special glassblowing technique developed at SkLO gives these vessels their "seam" while they are hot on the glassblower's pipe. This creates the unique asymmetrical, off-center dou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Seletti "Burlesque - The No Evil Monkeys" Five-Arm Chandelier, White
Located in Doral, FL
From its very first year in 1964, Seletti in Cicognara, Mantova, has followed its principle of professionality service and constant research to strive for betterness innovation and o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Pair of Veritas Contemporary Faceted Optical Glass Square Vases, Texas, 2016
Located in Glasgow, GB
Pair of contemporary faceted optical glass square vases by Veritas, Texas, 2016, each hand-crafted in crystal-clear optical glass. The thick, heavyweight block form is precision-cut ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Optical Glass

Lauren LED Sconce Large, 170"H, Handmade Brass, Bronze or Nickel
Located in Torslanda, SE
by Matthew Holleman, 2024 Standard size, 30”/76cm Length and 170"/403cm Height Brass, Nickel, and Bronze options are available. This piece is handmade in our Swedish workshop and f...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Jean-Michel Ceramic Sculpture by Massimo Giacon for Superego Editions, Italy
Located in Milan, Italy
Jean-Michel model glazed ceramic sculpture from the new collection École d'Art s by Massimo Giacon for Superego Editions. Limited edition of 50 pieces. Signed and numbered. Biograph...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern decorative objects 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 objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern decorative objects 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 objects, popular names associated with this style include Venini, RAAQUU, VG-VGnewtrend, and Mosche Bianche. 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 objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $15 and tops out at $6,718,000 while the average work can sell for $1,174.

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