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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Medium Bowl in Pink Marbled Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our colorful bowl is handmade in traslucid white resin with marbled texture in pink and light pink. Its fun and colorful design makes it a statement piec...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

"The Resignation", Salvador Dali, Bronze Statue
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze sculpture The Resignation inspired by Salvador Dalí, depicting a human head with a hand covering the face, symbolizing withdrawal, silence, and inward reflection. Cast in pati...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Rico, Contemporary Sculptural Hand-Built Ceramic Table Lamp in Matte White
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mico’s Cousin Rico is a contemporary hand-built sculptural ceramic table lamp that inspires the joy of working with hands through unpacking, assembling and balancing weights. The han...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Karl Springer Rare Large Painted Goatskin Jewelry Box, USA, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer rare and exquisite large lacquered painted goatskin jewelry box, divided into compartments inside, and completely lined inside and on the bottom with brown felt ending ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Goatskin, Felt, Wood

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

Pair of Modernist Cut Steel Candle Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of Modernist cut steel candle holders, circa 1970s. The set is in very good vintage condition and measures 5"D x 4"H and holds a 1"D candle. Very attractive set! #3359
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Cut Steel

Contemporary Blackened Bronze Tape Dispenser by Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Blackened Tape Dispenser by Henry Wilson Dimensions: W 14 x D 4 x H 7 cm Materials: Bronze (Blackened) The bronze tape dispenser is a hefty piece of st...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Casa Planter No1
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Casa Planter No 1 in light green Designed by Project 213A in 2023 Artisanal planter created by skilled artisans in Project 213A's own workshop. Hand-sculpted ceramic with textured f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Casa Planter No1
Casa Planter No1
$955 / item
Gary Genetti Blown Cameo Glass Antelope Vase, Etched Overlay, 2008
By Gary Genetti
Located in Miami, FL
Gary Genetti Blown Cameo Glass Antelope Vase, Etched Overlay, 2008 Offered for sale is a cameo glass blown, etched and overlay glass "Antelope" vase b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Roberto Camozzo for Wyland, Tiger Hunting Shark on Base Murano Glass 90s, Signed
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
When I saw these pieces I was so happy to have found them as I knew the history of these wonderful pieces very well. There are great maestros and artist from Murano, some are very well known Seguso, Barbini, Tagliapietra. Roberto Camozzo is instead one that very few know. He and his partner Elio Raffaelli...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Daum Art Glass Panter on Tree Sculpture, France
By Daum
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end glass panter sculpture by Daum, France. The panter - made out of art glass - is lying on a green tree. A beautiful sculpture. Founded in 1878 in Nanc...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Black Baccarat Harcourt Our Fire Candle Holder by Philippe Starck, France
Located in Rijssen, NL
A crystal masterpiece of beautiful proportions, this candleholder crystallize the extraordinary know-how of the Baccarat craftsmen. The candelabra is made up of three sections: the ...
Category

2010s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

E. Gargan and S. Giovannoni Gnam Bread Box for Alessi
Located in Miami, FL
Gnam bread box designed by Elisa Gargan and Stefano Giovannoni for Alessi.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Jens Quistgaard pair of cast iron and brass candlesticks for Dansk .Denmark
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great design in this pair of cast iron candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard , by Dansk, marked JHQ plus Denmark .
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Pin Candle Sticks with Three Sizes, Handcrafted in Brass with Patinated Finishes
Located in Chicago, IL
With an 12”, 16”, or 20” height, the candlesticks appear to almost float. Machined from solid brass both top and bottom, each one is hand polished and tarnished to just the right poi...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Art Glass Heart Paperweight Decorative Object
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial art glass heart paperweight or decorative object by artist Robet Held, circa late-20th century. Heart is a light blue art glass with touches of blue and p...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Sculptural Ceramic White Kawa Vase 2/set, Tactile, Tall, Leather-cast Porcelain
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of 2 tactile and organic porcelain vases with leather textured exterior surface and clear glazed interior. As a result of the production process each item is one-of-a-kind. Set...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain

Contemporary Red Lacquer and Copper Cherries Sculpture by Robert Kuo, Limited
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cherries Red Lacquer Antique Copper Copper Base Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Hand Made Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This te...
Category

2010s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

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

Lladró Dragonfly Sculpture
Located in New York City, NY
An innovative porcelain and metal creation inspired by one of the fascinating creatures in nature. Part of the Awesome Insects Collection. This origi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Glory Lily Candelabra in Brass with Precious Stone, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
The Glory Lily flower dances in paradox, embodying breathtaking beauty and potent power. A striking climber, it isn’t your typical delicate flower, holding medicinal properties to cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Lladro #4854 Porcelain Don Quixote Figurine
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite porcelain figurine, model #4854 by Lladro, was meticulously crafted in Spain circa 1980. Representing the iconic character Don Quixote, it captures the essence of Migu...
Category

1980s Spanish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Italian Modern Photo Frame in Blue Plexiglass, Sharing Blue
Located in Sarezzo, IT
Sharing blue is a square Italian pop design picture frame in blue plexiglass of Art with Heart collection of photo frames by Laura G ,Italy. It is realized into plexiglass royal blue...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plexiglass

Bonsai "Cherry Blossom in Japan", Handmade in Italy, Signed by the artist.
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Unique piece sign by the artist. The Cherry Blossom bonsai is inspired by the beautiful Japanese trees and their flowering. The materials are wood and metals, representing both the...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Amuneal’s Modern Easels (Large)
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal’s modern easels offer a sculptural display system for your favorite artwork and photos. Our blackened steel and aluminum supports clamp your images between two sheets of ?” t...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

"Paper Bag" by California Bronze
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Whimsical "paper bag" made from cast metal from California Bronze. Would make for a fun decorative piece in any interior. Photographed atop a Cappellini sid...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Opinion Ciatti Ombres de Chats #3 Bookend
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ombres de Chats by Angelo Barcella are poetic objects, delicate table sculptures. Shadows of curious, busy, sore, angry or bored cats, instants which are made eternal when transforme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Large Ceramic Centerpiece Signed and Attributed to Pam Bailey
Located in Miami, FL
Large Ceramic Centerpiece attributed to Pam Bailey A unique fine quality, hand-crafted, ceramic centerpiece attributed to Pam Bailey. Pam hand-carves her designs, and is especially...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Christian Dior Home Silver Plate Picture Frame with Engraved Dior Logo, 1990s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite Christian Dior Paris silver plate picture frame was manufactured for the Dior Interior Collection. The piece boasts a geometric plain shape with the "Dior" logo engrav...
Category

1990s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase L Resin Clear Gold
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, clear and gold. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear and Gold. Material: RE...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

New Modern Side Table in White and Black Marble, Designer Jacopo Simonetti
Located in Milan, IT
Side Table S in White Michelangelo and Black Marquinia marble Available also in the L version The hypnotic black and white stripes of the new Nova collection, designed by Jacopo Si...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

White Sculpt Art Shield by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
White sculpt art shield by 101 Copenhagen Designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Dimensions: L58 / W6 / H58 CM Materials: sustainable paper ma...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Paper

Polished Agate Geode Stone Bowl, circa 1960
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Polished Agate Geode stone bowl, circa 1960.
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Agate, Stone

Kong Black Gorilla Floor Lamp, Designed by Stefano Giovannoni, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2) Giovannoni's Kong is, surprisingly, technological and almost human. It shines in front...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Froxfield Clock, Elm
Located in London, GB
The Froxfield clock in Elm. A unique limited edition floor clock created by Comitti designer Edmund Barker using selected timbers and contemporary styling. The design is inspired by ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Borrowed Form #8, Cast Silicon Bronze Vessel
Located in Vancouver, BC
Borrowed Forms takes on loan shapes of the natural world and translates them into domestic objects. Rocks, charred wood, and forest debris from the Pacific Northwest are selected for form and texture, and their impressions are captured in poured jewelers wax. The wax leaves no trace behind as it peels away—an impactless intervention, as if nothing ever occured. Each resulting cast bronze vessel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Beautiful Murano Glass Vase, Blue Green and White, Vintage Italy 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful glass vase with a frill inlet designed by a Murano Glassworker in Venice Italy in the 1980s. A vase made by hand with green glass with details made of blue glass. The col...
Category

1980s Polish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Cubism Sculpture Head in bronze
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This bronze sculpture, showcases a dynamic and emotionally charged cubist design with swirling, fluid forms and an intense psychological presence. Contact us before ordering to conf...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Small Bronze Abstract Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original artwork. One-of-a-kind. Hammered and welded thin cut strips of bronze on wood base. Great for decor and collections of modern art. No signature.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Hand Blown Murano Poker Bowl in Onyx Black
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Indulge in the exquisite elegance of this masterpiece of Murano glass artistry. Handcrafted by the renowned artisans of Venice, this luxurious bowl exudes sophistication with its dee...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Unique Holding Form by Dust and Form
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique holding form by Dust and Form Dimensions: D 22.8 x 8.8 H cm Materials: Porcelain Origin Form Collection in three finishes: Hand-sanded (our Classic, smooth, bare finish) ...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

New Modern Fruit Bowl in Red Marble, creator Karen Chekerdjian
Located in Milan, IT
Inside Out Fruit Bowl in red Levanto marble, designed by the internationally renowned designer Karen Chekerdjian - it is available also in other colours. I...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Art Deco Crystal Faceted Block Paperweight Vase Desk Accessory
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A thick Block of Crystal with a large hole in the center. The faceted piece had a previous life as an ink well, or small container for stamps or a piece like a salt Cellar. The pi...
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Medium Sculpture in Olive Wood by Rectangle Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Sculpture in olive wood by Rectangle Studio Dimensions: 23 x 23 x 33 cm Materials: Solid Olive Wood It is collected from the roots and branches of different olive trees i...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Olive

Cuyo Medium Alpaca Silver Cream Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beautiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, mostly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library. Our pieces are made by hand. One of...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Woven Rattan and Chrome Inlay Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sophisticated mid-century rectangular box features a beautifully woven rattan surface accented with bold diagonal chrome inlays, creating a striking balance between natural text...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

“Colline” 1993 oil on wood painting/sculpture by Ettore Fico, Italy
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
Ettore Fico — “Colline”, 1993 Oil on wood, double-sided Dimensions: 40 cm W × 22.5 cm H × 13.5 cm D Signed and dated “Fico 93” lower center Provenance: Artist’s studio, Turin, Italy ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint

Large Mackenzie-Childs Flower Market Picture Frame with White Background
Located in Morristown, NJ
Vintage MacKenzie-Childs 11" x 13" white enamel "flower market" pattern picture frame for a 5" x 7" picture. Heavy-gauge, hand-glazed steel underbody embellished with hand-applied fl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Enamel

A Bamana Wrought Iron Equestrian Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
This character filled A Bamana Wrought Iron Equestrian Sculpture originates from Mali during the latter half of the 20th Century. Features a rectilinear black base on which four curv...
Category

20th Century Malian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wrought Iron

Nomon Pisa Floor Clock By Jose Maria Reina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Innovating with its small and simple models Nomon brings the Pisa T Clock to be placed on desktops or corner desks. The slim needle shape of this foot clock...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Battuto Frosted Amethyst Glass Centerpiece Bowl
Located in New York, NY
This modernist Murano glass centerpiece bowl, crafted in Italy in the 21st century, is a stunning testament to the artistry and innovation of Murano's renowned glassmaking tradition....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Ambrosiá Handmade Crystal Decorative Bowl
Located in Glendale, CA
Pieces Included: Made in Italy Spoon, Footed Bow, Lid Bowl The Ambrosiá footed crystal bowl is a handcrafted, multifunctional centerpiece that blen...
Category

2010s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Ambrosiá Handmade Crystal Decorative Bowl
Ambrosiá Handmade Crystal Decorative Bowl
$488 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Pair of Daum Star Crystal Candle Holder , 1970s , France
By Daum
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Mouth blowed star shaped colorless prime quality lead crystal candle holder from Daum, France. Measure 9 inches at widest point by 3.25 i...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

" Sommerso " Art Glass Vase attributed to Falvio Poli
Located in New York, NY
" Sommerso " Italian Art Glass vase attributed to Flavio Poli. Decorative low vase crafted of thick art glass in hues of deep blue and pink.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

A Pair of SCANDINAVIAN GLASS VASES, by PER LUTKEN, for HOLMEGAARD, Denmark 1960
Located in PARIS, FR
A spectacular pair of asymetrical cylindrical or tube blown vases, Modernist, Forme-Libre, 2 high and low purple blue blown glass vases, both acide signed and dated under the base by...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Silver Travertine Eclipse Bowl XL
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Stunning, aesthetic, timeless are words that can be used to describe this elegant and modern silver travertine Eclipse xl bowl from Kiwano. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Cuarta-IV Sculpture
Located in Ciudad de México, MX
The IV Fourth Sculpture is part of Noviembre collection, which offers a compelling range of furniture, inviting exploration of form, function, and the serene lines that define each p...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Oak

Cuarta-IV Sculpture
Cuarta-IV Sculpture
$1,980 / item
Allan McCollum "Visible Marker" United States, 1997
By Allan McCollum
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Allan McCollum Concrete "Visible Marker" United States, 1997. Signed, Numbered & Dated to the bottom.
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete

Centerpiece Bonsai "Hanami", Handmade in Italy, 2022 Sculpture, Contemporary
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The Reinassance is inspired by the Maple Tree. The artisan always takes inspiration from nature and natural events. The materials are wood and metals, representing both the streng...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Sergio Bustamante Fish Boy Series Fantasy Figural Large Hand Painted Sculpture
Located in Topeka, KS
Magnificent vintage Sergio Bustamante “Fish Boy” Series Fantasy Figural large-scale hand painted ceramic signed sculpture. Beautiful, repaired c...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

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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