Skip to main content

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.

to
1,009
8,737
4,387
1,067
15
32
4,340
9,804
138
943
2,320
5
7
17
46
49
152
364
635
574
400
26,276
14,191
9,309
5,420
3,961
3,098
2,294
1,728
1,407
1,335
1,156
1,151
1,015
934
883
668
666
591
4,340
3,803
3,307
2,267
1,425
7,623
5,003
9,594
5,092
2,336
1,853
1,257
Height
to
Width
to
14,191
7,911
11,017
448
307
152
142
140
Style: Modern
Blue Butterflies Vase, Vessel Glazed Ceramic, Majolica Ornament, Handmade Italy
Located in Recanati, IT
Of extraordinary beauty and unique charm, the blue butterfly has always been considered the bearer of wishes. According to ancient beliefs it has the power to make dreams come true. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Deco Medium Vase in Rio Green Glass by Napoleone Martinuzzi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Historic vase designed by Napoleone Martinuzzi in opalino glass characterized by round horizontal ribs. The model is proposed in three shades of colour and in three sizes. Rhythm"...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Hand-Blown Murano Supreme Vase in Emerald Green Large
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Hand-Blown Murano Supreme Vase in emerald green exudes timeless elegance, blending frosted and clear glass into a harmonious masterpiece. Its gently ribbed texture creates a dyna...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Tall Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg
Located in San Francisco, CA
This wheel-thrown stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg features an extended, thin neck and a smooth glaze in hues of bold olives and greys. It exemplifies Friberg’s refined craftsmanship...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Surrealist Chair by Tessa Koot, Netherlands (1, 2 3)
Located in Hanover, MA
Three chairs from the series "Additions to the family" by Eindhoven artist, Tessa Koot. These were originally exhibited in 2012 at Tuttobene during the Salone Internazionale del Mob...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Polystyrene

Bronze Group Sculpture Of Gulls
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Bronze Group Sculpture of Gulls. It depicts a large bronze sculpture of a group of gulls emigrating over the sea while another one is standing over some rocks. The sculptur...
Category

20th Century Korean Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Group Sculpture Of Gulls
Bronze Group Sculpture Of Gulls
$2,300 Sale Price
20% Off
Hand-Carved Primal Brutalist Wood Totem Sculpture #3 – Egg Designs, Africa
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Khada Totem Sculpture #3 is hand-carved in Southern Africa from sustainable alien timber by a collective of Zimbabwean artisans, who set their own prices, ensuring each piece is ...
Category

2010s South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

OKO Black Ceramic Vase by Malwina Konopacka
Located in Geneve, CH
OKO black ceramic vase by Malwina Konopacka. Materials: Ceramic. Dimensions: ø 19 x 42 cm. It was first presented in 2014 as part of Tokyo Designers Week and has since had numer...
Category

2010s Polish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Unique Ensemble of Bottles, Hand-Sculpted and Signed by Lukasz Friedrich
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of three steel bottles Signed and numbered vases Measures: small steel bottle 15 x 5 x H 28.5 cm Medium steel bottle 19 x 5 x H 37 cm Large steel bottle 22 x 5 x H 46 cm...
Category

2010s European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Richard Texier for Daum, "Taurus Constellation" Glass Sculpture, France 2000s
By Daum
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb glass paste sculpture "Taurus Constellation" designed by Richard Texier for the Daum manufacture. Poetic representation of a bull that takes its cues from a mix of astrology a...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Handblown Murano Sculptural Vase in Rose Gold
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The handblown Murano Burri Vase in Rose Gold is a sublime expression of luxury, merging the finest Venetian glassmaking traditions with an avant-garde design aesthetic. Its form, org...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Riflessi High Blown Glass Vase by Böijte–Bottari
Located in Milan, IT
Riflessi is a project by Böjte-Bottari for Paola C. presented in 2017. This vase is designed to accommodate all types of flowers, and it is made in mouth blown glass. The collection ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Small Light Sussin Sculpture by Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Light Sussin sculpture by Antrei Hartikainen Materials: Linden wood, natural, oil wax, stain, lacquer Dimensions: Width 18 cm Depth 18 cm Height 20 cm Also Available: ...
Category

2010s Finnish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

1986 Jaru Metallic Gold Sphere Orb Ceramic Pottery California
By Jaru
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Jaru 1986 Gold Sphere Orb Ball Ceramic Pottery California maker stamped 4 diameter x 3.5 h Original preowned vintage condition See all images for details
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Sons of Marble Candle Holder, Large
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sons of Marble is a series of candleholders made of deep black marble, all with brass detailing. Sons of Marble are made to create a cosy atmosphere and can be mixed in different siz...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

Sons of Marble Candle Holder, Large
Sons of Marble Candle Holder, Large
$66 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Fazzoletto Opalino Large Glass Vase in Horizon by Fulvio Bianconi and Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created from the collaboration between Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini, characterized by a soft shape with a graceful wavy lip, always unique, obtained using the free-hand technique...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Modern Italian Pottery Mask Motif Vase, by ND Dolfi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Modern Italian Pottery Mask Motif vase, by ND Dolfi, retailed by Neiman Marcus, C. 1990s Large well sculpted and painted geometric 'mask' vase, w...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Branded Series in Ruby Set of Two Handmade Contemporary Glass Vessels
Located in New York, NY
The Branded series is a set of modern design objects which each feature a hand impressed brand that highlights these wholly handmade vessels. For color, each piece features a transpa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Van Cleef Arpel Velvet Jewellery Box for a Bracelet, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Van Cleef & Arpel velvet jewellery box for a bracelet, 1990. Velvet jewellery box for a bracelet by jeweller Van Cleef & Arpel, presented in its cardboard box, circa 1990. H: 6.5 cm...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paper

"The Big Nude" Sumo Book with Stand Helmut Newton with Original Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
Helmut Newton's Sumo book. The first Sumo and also the most exciting and collectible one ever published by Taschen. Signed and numbered to interior 'Helmut Newton'. This book is numb...
Category

1990s German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

21st Century Leather Origami Box for Closet Wardrobe Handcrafted in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Our Origami box is an endlessly useful complement for a master closet. Two sizes ideal for organizing your interior. Made with eco-friendly, washable an...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Antique American Modern Classical Sterling Silver 18-Inch Vase
Located in New York, NY
Modern Classical sterling silver vase. Made by William B. Durgin in Concord, New Hampshire, ca 1920. Curvilinear with molded mouth and base; tapering sides and domed foot. Fully mark...
Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns Measures: length 4.25 inches, width 3.25 inches, height 2 inches This piece makes for a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Agate Onyx Paperweight
Agate Onyx Paperweight
$270 Sale Price
40% Off
Feng Shui Bonsai "Obeisance", Handmade in Italy, Sculpture, Contemporary Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The Obeisance Bonsai is inspired by the beautiful Japanese trees and their flowering. The materials are wood and metals, representing both the strength of life and the roots of Mot...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

fferrone Contemporary Handcrafted Czech Fluted Glass Albany Small Vase
Located in Chicago, IL
ALBANY SMALL VASE The Albany Vase inverts tradition with intricate fluting detail on the interior. The strong architectural lines are an exercise in material studies and production ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Contemporary Oryx Hand-Blown Glass Bottle Nature Animal Horn Africa Liquor Bar
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
Experience the elegance of the Oryx Bottle, a striking hand-blown glass creation by the acclaimed Simone Crestani. Part of the enchanting Africa Trophy Bot...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

White Glazed Tall Vase With Braided Handles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful modern white glazed ceramic vase with beaded handles. Add some artistic style to your design project. Handmade in Italy with persona, craftsmanship, and details.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Modern Japanese Studio Pottery Oribe Tea Pot by Ken Matsuzaki
Located in Atlanta, GA
A contemporary studio ceramic tea pot with metal handle made by Japanese potter Ken Matsuzaki (1950-). The stoneware tea pot showcases a thick dripping Oribe green glaze partially revealing the unglazed part of the body, which is decorated with scrolling pattern of ash glaze. The work is rooted in both Yohen Shino glaze technique and Oribe tradition, but interestingly it also paid homage to Sancai pottery...
Category

Early 2000s Japanese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Kariba Fruit Bowl, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Kariba fruit bowl was originally designed by Matteo Thun in 1982 for Memphis. Born 1952 in Bolzano, Italy. Matteo Thun studies under Oskar Kokoschka at the Salzburg Academy of A...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Amazing Pair of Vases Decorated with Fauns Terracotta Impruneta end 20th century
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of Vases Ornato Cariatidi Terracotta Impruneta Internal Diameter (Cm) 48 External Diameter (Cm) 58 Height (Cm) 43 Base Dimensions (Cm) 28 Weight (Kg) 24 Vaso Ornato Cariatidi ...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Hand-Blown Murano Diamond Sculpture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Exquisitely crafted in Murano, Venice, this hand-blown glass sculpture embodies timeless elegance and artisanal mastery. Its smooth, shiny surface reflects light beautifully, enhanci...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

2 Fililla Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Fililla Glass Vase is blown glass, with a pendant and was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. Signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity info...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Nomon Brisa Wall Clock By Andres Martinez
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FOR THE FIRST TIME, NOMON WORKS WITH SUBTLY FOLDED WOODEN STRIPS. THE SILHOUETTE CONNECTS US WITH NATURE, EMULATING AN OPEN FLOWER IN ALL ITS SPLENDOR. Clock made with natural wal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Hand Blown Murano Glass Box M in Leopard with Brass Fittings
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This avant-garde adornment is a unique and eye-catching piece that combines the rich tradition of Murano glassmaking with a contemporary and fashionable design. Handcrafted on the hi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Feng Shui Bonsai "Hell in heaven", Handmade in Italy, Sculpture, Contemporary
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The Hell in heaven Bonsai is inspired by the catastrophic events caused by global warming. The artisan always takes inspiration from nature and natural events. This piece reminds u...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of flamingoes lily flower candlesticks, Hand made in South Africa
Located in North Miami, FL
This unique Pair of Flamingoes & Lily Flower Candlesticks by Senzo Duma Ceramics is a testament to South African artistry, meticulously hand-sculpted by Phomotso Mafura and vibrantly...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Blue Peacocks Sculptures, by Waylande Gregory
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of blue peacocks sculptures, by Waylande Gregory USA, Circa 1950s This rare pair of blue peacock sculptures by Waylande Gregory, created in the USA circa 1950s, showcases the ar...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Clear Murano Glass Candle Holders by Archimede Seguso
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s large pair of Italian clear Murano glass by Archimede Seguso. Both candle holders are signed ‘Archimede Seguso Murano’(see detail phot...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Wooden Christmas Tree Set – Brass-Tipped Brown Cedar, Medium Size
Located in Orlando, FL
The brass-tipped solid cedar minimalist Christmas tree is designed to add a sophisticated touch to your holiday theme. Inspired by the natural forms of Cedar, Fir, and Juniper trees,...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Italian Contemporary Artistic Ceramic Canopo Vase by Amaaro, 2022
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian contemporary unique piece ceramic vase Plant Landscapes serie designed and produced by Italian artists Amaaro with matt white enamel, patc...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Votive Holder in Clear Quartz Classic
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Indulge in the captivating allure of Kathryn McCoy's Rock Crystal Collection, a masterpiece that seamlessly blends nature's raw beauty with exquisite craftsmanship. Available in vari...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Quartz

Modernist Geometric Galvanized Metal Outdoor Sculpture
Located in Milford, NH
A fine modernist geometric lightweight galvanized metal sculpture, possibly aluminum, riveted construction, unsigned. Dates to the 20th century in very good condition, with some mino...
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Hand Carved Crystal Flower Plate by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Flower plate Crystal Hand carved Contemporary Limited Edition Each individual crystal vary in shapes and inclusions.
Category

2010s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

White Sculpt Art Void by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
White sculpt Art Void by 101 Copenhagen Designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Dimensions: L58 / W4 / H58 CM Materials: Sustainable Paper Mass...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Paper

Waveform Carved Square Sculpture by Bradley Duncan Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carved square waveform Redwood Measures: 48” x 5.25” x 3.5” 2018 8 LBS waveform- Burnt with an icon of authenticity Produced by hand in Los Angeles, CA. from regional wood. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Asprey Sterling Silver and Rose Gold Compact, circa 1960
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant compact poudrier by Asprey in sterling silver and rose gold. Exquisite craftsmanship, finished on all sides. Weighs 125 grams.
Category

1960s British Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tissue Box in Black Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Black Shagreen Tissue Box by R&Y Augousti is a sublime expression of modern elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. Encased in luxurious shagreen, its textured finish exudes refin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Shagreen Stingray

Dark Horse, Ceramic Centerpiece, Completely Handmade Without Mold, NEW 2024
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of an Horse in a modern way. The animal is gently handcrafted starting from clay and all hand worked. All the pieces from Mosche Bianche are uniq...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

fferrone Set of 2 Contemporary Czech Clear Glass Trio Candelabras/Bud Vases
Located in Chicago, IL
The contemporary handcrafted set of two clear glass Trios Candelabras can serve as either a candelabra or bud vase. When used in multiples, endless playful arrangements can be create...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Czech Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Rone Contemporary LED Sculptural Brass Table Light, Handmade in Sweden
Located in Torslanda, SE
The Rone range is an exploration of the delicate balance of Classic forms. In simplicity, quality is at the utmost importance and our solid brass parts are painstakingly milled or sp...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Boîte Corniforme II by Joris Grelet
Located in New York, NY
Glazed ceramic. Abstract form ceramic box with lid. Artist signed on the underside.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Limited Edition Salvador Dali Armchair, "Invisible Personage"
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Indulge in a rare opportunity to own a piece of art history with this Limited Edition Salvador Dali Armchair, featuring the artist's iconic "Invisible Personage" design. One of only ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sheepskin, Upholstery, Lacquer

"Star Gazers" Earthenware Sculpture
Located in Highland, IN
This terrific and evocative sculpture of two male figures with their eyes fixed on the heavens has great presence, whether displayed on a pedestal, cabinet, or on the floor. The wor...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Hand Blown Murano Vase in Amber with 24-Karat Gold Flecks Large
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite vase with 24-karat gold flecks brings a touch of the sunlit Italian countryside into your space. The vase's golden amber hue, reminiscent of the warm hues seen in the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Pietra Brass Vase Lacquered by Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
Evoking the organic architecture of Australian coastlines, the Pietra Vase features extractions modelled from hand-cast forms. An innovative vessel that connects nature and craftsman...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Great Vase Airbrush Colored Strips Italian Design 1980 Triangular Grey White
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Great vase airbrush colored strips Italian design 1980 triangular grey white.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Hand Blown Murano Sculpture in Crystal Clear with the Black Detail
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite Murano glass object is a captivating blend of minimalist design and artistic elegance. Crafted from clear glass, its sleek, faceted form features a striking black arch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

2011 Dr. Lakra Wood Tequila Reserva De La Familia Box
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Awesome wood tequila box featuring Dr. Lakra art on every surface. Made to hold Jose Cuervo Tequila Reserva De La Familia, 2011. Very limited edition. Bo...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Sculpture of Venus in Solid Silver 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Sculpture of venus in solid silver Elegant sculpture of the roman goddess Venus on a malachite pedestal. The sculpture is made of solid silver and is pu...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Malachite, Silver

21st Century Karim Rashid Centerpiece Container Murano Glass Ocean Blue
Located in Brembate di Sopra (BG), IT
21st century Karim Rashid centerpiece container Murano glass various colors. Designed by Karim Rashid, Kountess is a stately, sculptural jar with a lid. Just like its twin model, Kou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

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.

Still Thinking About These?

All Recently Viewed