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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Agresti Grande Segreto Armored Jewelry Case
Located in New York, NY
Armored jewelry case with pull out necklace bars. See information below for details of item variations. Gold variation: Shiny gold steel. Inside d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Steel

Moroso Jardin Suspendu Outdoor Basket Set by Concetta Giannangeli
By Concetta Giannangeli, Moroso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Indoor/outdoor baskets made using woven threads normally used for fishing nets, the designs are all different and original, like their names. Handwoven,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Senegalese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Alfonso Vase, by Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
This vase draws inspiration from the Icelandic volcanic rock formations which can be found by Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. It his sculpted by organically displacing seventeen indivi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal. Studio. Flower pot jar in white porcelain.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal. Studio Line. Flower pot jar in white porcelain. Motif of woman and flowers. 1980s. Marked. Perfect condition. Dimensions: Diameter 12.8 cm. x Height 9....
Category

1980s Danish Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Weltron Model 2001 Space Ball, AM/FM Radio 8 Track Stereo
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Step into the retro-futuristic charm of the Weltron Model 2001 8-track stereo AM-FM radio, a timeless piece that seamlessly blends nostalgia with space-age ae...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

Big, Large Miss Dior Perfume Bottle, XXth Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Giant, large Miss Dior perfume bottle, XXth century. Giant Miss Dior perfume bottle, XXth century, without perfume. H: 19cm, W: 17,5cm, D: 10cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Lacquered Solid Wood Modern Minimal Modular Drawers from Costantini, Baccello
Located in New York, NY
Baccello lacquered solid wood Modern minimal modular drawers from Costantini. Each unit measures 20" x 20" x 5" high. 6 units as shown. Each one...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Mid 20th Century Limited Edition Salvador Dali "Venus aux Tiroirs"
Located in London, GB
An excellent mid 20th Century limited edition bronze figure of the Venus de Milo incorporating multiple drawer compartments to her head, breasts, torso and left leg to symbolise the ...
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Green 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

"NUR" bust with semi-gloss black enamel finish
Located in Treviso, IT
A fascinating handcrafted sculptural work celebrating feminine beauty. "Nur" is part of a liimited first edition made in Italy according to the strictest craftsmanship techniques. Th...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Large Modern Wall Clock by Designer Nomon, Wood Fiberglass, Spain
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Large luxury wall clock that imitates an eye. An artisan clock with a black fiber hoop with a central case and walnut needles. Look wall clock : Wood an...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Fiberglass, Wood

Italian Marble Egg Sculptures
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of five (5) Italian marble egg sculptures, in the Modern style, circa mid-20th century, Italy. Eggs include marble, alabaster and T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

Wonderful Mid Century Modern Smoke Art Glass Crystal Large Thick Panel Vase
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Mid Century Modern Smoke Art Glass / Crystal Large Thick And Heavy Panel Vase Attributed To Baccarat
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Baccarat Crystal Lidded Candy Dish or Mustard Bowl, Signed French Crystal
Located in Miami, FL
Baccarat Crystal Lidded Candy Dish or Mustard Bowl, Signed French Crystal A fine Baccarat crystal lidded candy dish or mustard bowl, showcasing the ...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

1960s Modernist Purple Scavo Murano Glass Vase by Cenedese
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This elegant and striking modernist vase is a testament to the innovative artistry of the Cenedese glassworks on Murano. Dating from the 1960s, this piece features a sophisticated pu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Large Decorative Bottle for Samsara Perfume, Guerlain, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large decorative bottle for Samsara perfume, Guerlain, 1990. Vintage decorative bottle for the perfume Samsara by Guerlain in glass and gold stopper, 1990 . H: 27cm, W: 28cm, D: 9cm
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Sons of Marble Candle Holder Hurricane, Rose
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

Vase Painted Two-handled Amphora Majolica Renaissance Vessel Italian Ceramic
Located in Recanati, IT
This large luxurious amphora, in majolica handmade in Italy and hand-painted in polychrome, is characterized by a dense presence of naturalistic ornamental motifs that decorate the v...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Bronze Sculpture by Rob Cerneüs
Located in Asaa, DK
Bronze sculpture by Dutch sculptor Rob Cerneüs (1943-2021) Figurine depicting a woman with flowing garments. Signature on base.
Category

Late 20th Century Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Classic Extra Large Bowl in Clear Quartz by Kathryn McCoy
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Glowing with quiet brilliance, the Classic Large Bowl in Clear Quartz by Kathryn McCoy exudes an elemental elegance that feels both grounded and celestial. Handcrafted from clusters ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Quartz, Rock Crystal

Victor Salmones Bronze Sculpture Titled "La Cuerda Floja" Signed Number 6/10
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning bronze sculpture envisioned and executed in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico by the listed sculptor, Victor Salmones. This limited edition Bronze Sculpture is titled "La Cuerda Floj...
Category

1980s North American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

American Contemporary Colored Crystal Perfume Bottle
Located in Queens, NY
American Contemporary Fifth Avenue Crystal perfume bottle in blue, pink and clear crystal in a rounded bud shape with a round stopper (STAMPED: Fifth Avenue Crystal)
Category

20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Doug Delind Ceramic Face
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Doug Delind Raku-Fired Ceramic 2 sided face Sculpture. Signed on side of base. In nice original condition! Face shows some lines in the glaze as seen in ph...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Kindred Spirit, Abstract Sculpture, Brightly Colored Intertwined Geometric Form
Located in Chicago, IL
Robert Segal’s abstract sculpture offers a particularly fertile ground for experiments in shape, color, proportion, and technique. He steps away from non-traditional sculpting method...
Category

1990s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic, Fiberglass

Les Ottomans "The Moon Design" Small Porcelain Plate by Matthew Williamson
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Matthew Williamson one of the most well known fashion designer has created a tabletop and textile collection for Les-Ottomans. Colors is a must in all Williamsons’ designs as well as...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Sculpture Representing the Bust of a Greek Sportsman in the Hellenistic Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture representing the bust of a Greek sportsman in the Hellenistic period, 21st century. Sculpture on base of a bust of a Greek sportsman, in patinated plaster and resin, 21st ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin, Plaster

Sculpture Representing the Bust of a Roman Soldier, 21st Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture representing the bust of a Roman soldier, 21st century. Sculpture on base of a bust of a Roman soldier, Gladiator, in plaster and patinated resin, 21st century, modelled o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin, Plaster

Pair Vallauris France Table Lights Color Turquoise With Rafia Fringed Shades
Located in Hamburg, DE
1 pair of Table lights from Vallauris France, color turquoise, the initials VF for VALLAURIS FRANCE is given on the bottom and a stamp FRANCE , size: 30cm height x 20cm diameter, Han...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Venini Limited Edition Ando Time Hour Glass Set in Pink by Tadao Ando
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The collaboration between the master craftsmanship of the Venetian glass and the layered geometric form has created this special piece of objet. Architecture is defined through “Spac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Co. Clear Crystal Heart-Shaped Lidded Jewelry Box
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous modern clear crystal heart-shaped lidded jewelry box or trinket box By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Japan, Circa Late 20th Century Measures: 4.13"W x 4"D x 2"H. Very...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Cigar Box two-tone stripes on the lid fire-enameled on guilloche Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Large rectangular table cigar box with rounded sides in 925/1000 sterling Silver gold plated with translucent fired enamels on guilloche and hand engraving, with two-tone stripes on ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold Plate

Contemporary Ceramic Tulipano Corteccia Texture Coral Vase
Located in Porcia, IT
Merging modern design with innovative artistic sensibility, this vase is a daring exercise in balance and visual harmony. Fashioned by artist Paola ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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

Baccarat Crystal Hypnos Pendulette Table Clock, France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning 20th Century "Hypnos" table clock by France's renowned Baccarat company has quartz movement, a glass case, a white dial, and black Arabic numerals. The clock has a few ...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Quartz

1990s Modernist Black Fat Lava Ceramic German Bison
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Ceramic Bison by Otto Keramik is a striking and unique piece of ceramic art that epitomizes the design aesthetics of the era. Created by the renowned German pottery studio Otto ...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Paper Bowl Two, Made of Crumpled Brass Sheet, Handcrafted and Formed in Chicago
Located in Chicago, IL
The Paper Series embodies the Idea of crumpling paper set in time. The materiality of the brass is utilized by the intricate folds and bends that not on...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Small Murano Glass Bowl with Gold Inclusions, Archimede Seguso, Italy
Located in Glasgow, GB
A decorative freeform shaped Murano glass bowl by Archimede Seguso, hand-crafted in Italy during the 1980s. The small bowl is crafted from clear Murano glass infused with suspended g...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Cartier Must II ballpoint pen silver plated and palladium 1980s
Located in Paris, IDF
This Cartier Must II ballpoint pen from the 1980s is a rare piece made of silver plating and palladium, adorned with a distinctive engraved motif featuring Cartier's iconic "C". It b...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Decorative Marble Sculpture Ornament White Rose Blossom Statuary Handmade Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
A refined sculpture, entirely handcrafted from a single block of fine Statuario marble. Each piece begins with the careful selection of the marble, chosen for the purity of its tones...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Statuary Marble

Triangular Footed Planters by Willy Guhl, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural triangular concrete planters by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl. Each planter has a concrete leg at each corner of the planter which allows the planter to float a couple of inc...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete

Murano Glass Vase Spike Amber Green
Located in Murano, VE
Introducing a stunning collection of vases meticulously handcrafted by Roberto Beltrami and his skilled team in Murano. These majestic vases are shaped before being adorned with sco...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Contemporary Leggerezza Octopus Hand-Blown Glass Sculptural Sea Creature Goblet
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
This hand-blown colorless glass tazza by Italian artist Simone Crestani features a refined baluster stem crowned with a sculpted octopus applied to the vessel. The piece merges class...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Large Vintage Stand Alone Coral Sculpture Centerpiece Chinese Hard-Wood Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large vintage stand alone coral sculpture centerpiece Chinese hard-wood stand.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Coral

Silver Travertine Eclipse Bowl XL
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our travertine bowls are a study in sculptural simplicity. This Silver Travertine Eclipse Bowl XL is stunning with its timeless esthetic in nat...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Nomon Mini Barcelona Wall Clock By Andres Martinez
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Black glass fiber double-ring wall clock that contains the walnut case and clock hands in the center. The whole set is grouped and fastened by a support with two rods and support ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut, Fiberglass

Volga White Vase, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Volga Vase for one flower in decorated white porcelain, was originally designed in 1983 by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano. Born 1952 in Bolzano, Italy. Matteo Thun studies under Os...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Nomon Oj Wall Clock By Jose Maria Reina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A wall clock tends to resemble its owner. Its design, color and resolution, the style of the one who placed it in that precise place and that's why the frequent alternatives are so varied. When the wall clock you need meets many of the characteristics of your personality as a taste for the minimalist innovative trends and a lot of originality the option is undoubtedly the Nomon OJ Clock. The OJ is a true designer clock...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Polystyrene

"Koishi" Stone Shaped Ottoman Designed by Naoto Fukasawa for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Koishi" is a stone shaped ottoman, designed by Naoto Fukasawa and manufactured by Driade, featuring a painted fiberglass structure available in four different colors: white, anthrac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Fiberglass

Rare Vintage Chanel Perfume Bottle in Plexiglass, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rare vintage Chanel perfume bottle in plexiglass, 20th century. Rare vintage Chanel perfume decoration bottle in plexiglass, 20th centur...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plexiglass

"Freevolle" modern contemporary Lady Table Lamp, Lampshade, Brass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
FREEVOLLE Twist and go! The Freevolle Lady lamp captures a quiet elegance, with its refined curves, delicate and airy silhouette, it moves with grace—strik...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Striking Pair of Large Brass Sculptures of Giraffes
Located in Rome, IT
A pair of outstanding giraffe sculptures . The item will be well-suited to either an indoor or outdoor setting.
Category

1990s European Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Sculpture of Venus in Resin and Metal Base, Medium-Sized Model.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture of Venus in resin and metal base, medium-sized model. Venus is the goddess of love, seduction and beauty in Roman mythology. She is the equivalent of the Greek goddess Aph...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

20th Century Lapis Blue Gemstone World Globe with Gilt Meridian Stand
Located in Plainview, NY
This striking decorative world globe features a richly saturated lapis-blue surface inlaid with detailed continental cartography, accented by warm earth tones and fine grid lines. ...
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Precious Stone

Meteorite Slice with Crystalized Metal and Peridot Gems
Located in London, GB
This magnificent cross-section originates from the pallasite meteorite, Seymchan, which was formed over 4.5 billion years ago in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Comprisin...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

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

Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest
Located in New York, NY
Lockable jewelry chest with 5 drawers, two pullout / pull-out necklace bars, and lined in ultra-suede. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest
Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest
From $4,500 / item
Red BurlwoodEbonyWhite Bird
s Eye Maple
Pair of Italian Silver Plated Soliflore Handled Vases, Sophisticated Design
Located in Bochum, NRW
A pair of gorgeous Silver plated Ewer Vases expertly crafted in Italy. These elegant vases boast a gracefully curved handle and a sophisticated mode...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate

Dali Vase Green, Glass Object
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
"Add an Artistic Touch to Your Space with the Captivating Dali Vase Glass Object Elevate your interior design with the mesmerizing beauty of the Dali Vase Glass Object. Inspired by t...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Romeo Rega Brass, Chrome and Crystal Centerpiece Catchall Vide Poche, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Renowned Italian designer Romeo Rega designed this stunning modernist brass and chrome catchall or tray. The piece was meticulously crafted in Italy circa 1970. This rare catchall sh...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Brass, Chrome

Murano "Spuntoni" Black Mirror Vase by Enrico Cammozzo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Murano art glass vase with black mirrored surface and hand blown "spuntoni" spikes / Made in Italy by Enrico Cammozzo, circa 1990s Original maker's mark underside Measures: H...
Category

20th Century 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.