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Modern Furniture

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Period: 20th Century
Cream Damask Upholstered Loveseat Sofa
Located in Astoria, NY
Cream Damask Upholstered Loveseat Sofa, with matching pillow. 31" H x 66" W x 34" D; seat: 18" H. Provenance: From an 880 Fifth Avenue Collection.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Damask, Upholstery

Christian Dior Home Silver Plate Engraved Logo Picture Frame in Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning silver plate picture photo frame made by Christian Dior Home Collection Paris. The geometric shape has a "Dior" logo engraved on the bottom area. The back and easel are in...
Category

1990s French Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

1980s Dino Martens Style Modernist Blue Murano Glass with Murrine Inserts Vase
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A particular blue Murano glass vase with murrine inserts in the style of Dino Martens, made in Italy in the 1980s, it's a unique piece. The vase is a captivating and exquisite piece ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass, Murrine

Emilia Castillo Silver-Plated Ladle with Malachite Parrot, Mexican Modernism
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A whimsical and collectible silver-plated ladle designed and handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico by renowned designer Emilia Castillo. Made in solid brass and finished with a rich silver pl...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Malachite, Silver Plate, Brass

Large Double X Upholstered Bench Frame, In the Style of Billy Baldwin
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Double 'X' Upholstered Bench Frame, In the Style of Billy Baldwin  USA, circa 1970s, Ready for Reupholstery in COM.  This Double 'X' Upholstered Bench Frame is unique—a possib...
Category

20th Century American Modern Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Original George Nelson Pretzel Chair, Leather
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and beautiful ''Pretzel'' ArmChair, laminated wood and dark brown leather seat. Manufactured in the 1984/1986 in Italy by ICF De Padova. Price is for one chair. Pair available.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Plywood

Romans vs Greeks Chess Set with Marble Pedestal Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
Cast metal chess set depicting Romans versus Greeks on custom marble pedestal table. The chess pieces feature detailed classical warrior figures, wit...
Category

20th Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Marble

French Wrought Iron Room Divider by Jean Touret for Atelier de Marolles, 1950s
Located in Chicago, IL
A sculptural three-panel room divider by French artist Jean Touret for Atelier de Marolles, France, circa 1950s. Hand-wrought in iron and inset with a menagerie of stylized animal si...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional in Heavy Ivory Boucle
Located in Culver City, CA
Let’s be real: this Vladimir Kagan sofa is an absolute dreamboat. Fully wrapped in a rich, ivory bouclé (yes, even that sexy double-disc base), it’s basically a cloud you can splay o...
Category

1990s American Modern Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Vintage Tizio Classic Floor Lamps by Richard Sapper for Artemide c.1972-1989
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Price is per lamp. A display of aesthetic and functional balance, Tizio remains a modern design marvel. Introduced in 1972, the lamp is built with two counterweights allowin...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Zinc

Majestic Line Rosenthal Porcelain Dinnerware Service for 12
Located in New York, NY
This striking Majestic Line Rosenthal Porcelain Dinner Wear Service for 12 originates from Germany, Circa 1980. Each piece features remarkable gilt textural detailing circumscribing ...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Set of Four Chairs by Matteograssi in Leather red Mod Sistina, Label
Located in Milano, IT
Bold, sculptural, and timelessly elegant. This set of four "Sistina SN2" dining chairs, created by legendary Italian manufacturer Matteograssi in the 1980s, captures the essence of r...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather

Several Murano Glass Pendant Lights by Massimo Vignelli for Venini, 1960
Located in Rijssen, NL
Set of beautiful pendant lights, made in the 1960s by Massimo Vignelli for Venini. The lampshades are made of opaline glass with an inner white glaze. Real Murano glass, made in Ita...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass, Opaline Glass

Philippe Starck Olly Tango Chair for Aleph Ubik, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Bent bentwood Olly Tango chair on chrome legs by Philippe Starck for Aleph Ubik.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Vintage Sergio Bustamante Brass Snail Sculpture Mexico Mid Century Modern 1970s
Located in Troy, MI
Sergio Bustamante rare snail sculpture Mexico 1970s Hollow form brass welded construction with great detail and character Unmarked 19 inch width 9 inch depth 10 inch height
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Set of 2 Late 20th Century Art Glass Figurines - Ducks - Cenedese Murano
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A striking pair of mid-century Murano glass duck sculptures, executed with great craftsmanship and artistic flair. While unsigned, the quality and style are strongly reminiscent of t...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass

Gae Aulenti Style White Lacquered Pine Leather Armchair by COR, German 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and visually compelling Mid-Century armchair by COR Sitzkomfort, the German manufacturer celebrated for its innovative design vision. Produced in the 1970s, this piece beautif...
Category

1970s British Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Pine

Original Vintage Male Nude Silver Gelatin Photograph by Harvey Ferdschneider
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This original large silver gelatin male nude photograph (printed by hand ad developed and printed the old fashioned way) was printed in 1991 from a photo collection made in 1988 and...
Category

1990s Modern Furniture

Materials

Paper

Bronze Bulldog Door Knocker with Patina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid Bronze Bulldog Door Knocker. The Detailing of the dogs face along with a rich Patina make this a great piece to greet your guests! Two holes on the reverse allow the knock...
Category

20th Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Important and original rug by Diego Giacometti Epreuve d atelier
Located in Harrington Park, NJ
This is not part of the edition of 100. This is the original rug made by the artist for himself. In 1984, Diego Giacometti created the carpets La Rencontre and La Promenade des ami...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Wool

Porcelain Pure Silver Salt Pepper Shakers By Emilia Castillo "
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage table sculptures made in porcelain and pure silver designed and manufactured in Mexico by Emilia Castillo. The sculptures depict two ...
Category

1990s Mexican Modern Furniture

Materials

Silver

1970s Space Age Opaline Murano Glass Ashtray and Vase by Carlo Moretti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This striking two-piece set of Murano glass, a vase and an ashtray, is a quintessential example of 1970s Space Age design by the acclaimed glassmaker Carlo Moretti. The set showcases...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Ralph Lauren Mahogany Faux Alligator Leather Brass Banded Vanity Mirror 50"
Located in Dayton, OH
A very large and impressive Ralph Lauren / Polo mirror. Made of mahogany featuring equestrian inspired design with faux alligator / crocodile embossed leather framed in heavy brass ...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Glass, Mahogany

Owl Lucite and Wood Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A Lucite encased hand carved wood owl, circa late-20th century, Canada. Owl is wood card and encased in Lucite with a prism-like design. Piece is marked 'hand-carved', 'Made in Canad...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Modern Furniture

Materials

Lucite, Wood

1970s Seguso Style Green and Yellow Sommerso Murano Glass Sculptural Vase
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Exquisite 1970s Green and Yellow Sommerso Murano Glass Sculptural Vase. Immerse your space in the vibrant artistry of Murano with this stunning 1970s sculptural glass vase, masterful...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Calla floor lamp Venini VeArt Murrina Franco luce style.
Located in Lugo, IT
Calla floor lamp Venini VeArt Murrina style. Good condition. Thank you
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Swedish Designer, Table Lamp, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine table lamp, designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

B&b Italia 360 Degree Rotating Glass Top Coffee Table, 1990s
Located in Miami, FL
Contemporary B&B Italia 360 degree rotating frosted glass top coffee table with white lacquered waterfall base. The innovative 360-degree rotating frosted glass top adds versatility...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Karl Springer Banker Coffee Table in Patinated Bronze and Lucite, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A commanding and sculptural 'Banker' bronze coffee table by celebrated American designer Karl Springer, dating to the 1970s. Known for his impeccable craftsmanship and bold materiali...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Tisca “Camino” Hand-Tufted Wool Rug, France, 1990s
Located in Debrecen, HU
This striking Tisca “Camino” rug is a wonderful example of the brand’s celebrated hand-tufted craftsmanship and bold geometric design. Made in France in the 1990s, the piece showcase...
Category

1990s French Modern Furniture

Materials

Wool

Maralunga Chair and Ottoman by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
Located in Greensboro, NC
Classic and comfortable "Maralunga" chair and ottoman designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina. This is example is very clean and shows well as-is, with two notable flaw...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Rosenthal Andy Warhol featuring Beethoven Glass Plate
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Rosenthal Glass Plate, featuring Beethoven by Andy Warhol, quite possibly the greatest pop art artist of our time. Shortly before his death in 1987, Warhol created a serie of portr...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass, Cut Glass

Fornasetti “Commedia” Ceramic Paperweight and Cup Pair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
“I have thus dressed ceramics, furniture, and things in signs, and in that way I have placed a message in every work — a small story that is sometimes ironic, obviously wordless, but...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Ward Bennett Steam-Bent Oak and Cane Armchair for Brickel Associates, c. 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully crafted caned armchair designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates. This iconic piece features a steam-bent oak frame with a sculptural silhouette and tightly woven...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Oak, Cane

Paul Northmore Jackson Abstract Colorful Hand Painted Studio Pottery Mug, 1993
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
From an extensive collection of studio pottery we are pleased to offer this fine abstract form studio pottery mug by Cornish based potter Paul Northmore...
Category

1990s English Modern Furniture

Materials

Pottery

S31 Or Sfax stools by Pierre Chapo
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Deux tabourets de Pierre Chapo S31 ou Sfax en orme français massif.
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Elm

Mario Bertorelle Disco table lamp
Located in Montréal, QC
Iconic Mario Bertorelle Disco lamp for JMRDM Massanzago. Adjustable molded plastic disc. 15-25 watt E-14 (European bulb) or higher if LED/CFL. Tested origi...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Plastic

"Leopoldo" coffee table by A.Citterio G.O. Löw for Kartell - Italy - 1990s
Located in Milano, IT
The Leopoldo coffee table, designed in the 1990s by Antonio Citterio and Glen Löw for Kartell, is a perfect combination of minimalism and technical innovation. Characterized by an es...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Jaeger LeCoultre, Desk Clock, Atmos Prestige, Limited Edition, 1980s
Located in Greven, DE
Atmos Clock - "Prestige" by Jaeger LeCoultre with original box Switzerland Gold-plated brass 1980s Dimensions: H x W x D: 27 x 17 x 16 cm Description: The Atmos Prestige from Jaeg...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Italian Snakeskin Picture Frame, circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A '70s Modern Italian red burgundy suede and snakeskin picture frame, circa 1970s, Italy. Frame can sit in two positions: vertical (as shown) o...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Animal Skin, Suede, Glass

Pierre Cardin White Laquer Waterfall Console Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pierre Cardin White Laquer Waterfall Console Table  France, circa 1970s Experience the epitome of 1970s chic with this Pierre Cardin White Lacquer Waterfall Console Table. Crafted i...
Category

20th Century French Modern Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Set of 2 Vintage Elsa Peretti for Tiffany Co. Thumbprint Wine Glasses
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of signed drinking glasses. By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. In the 'Thumbprint' pattern. Marked to the base for Elsa Peretti / Tiffany & Co. Simply a wonderful set o...
Category

20th Century Spanish Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass

Amazing Pink Amethyst Murano Glass Leave Ceiling Light or Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
Realized in pure pink amethyst color Murano glass consists of 45 delicious hand-blown leaves. The structure is gilt-metal. Five E27 lights spread a magical light. the price is item...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass

Extra Large Glass Sculpture by Peter Bramhall
Located in New York, NY
Extra large handblown glass sculpture by Peter Bramhall. Rare color combination in tones of amber and brown with internal glass threads, Signed and dated on the bottom.
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass

Sculptural Spiral Leather Lounge Chair
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Modern sculptural black leather accent lounge chair. Made in Canada.
Category

1990s Canadian Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel

1983 Ivan Kliun, Russian Avant-Garde, Moderna Museet, Malmo Exhibition Print
By (After) Ivan Vasilievich Kliun
Located in San Carlos, CA
🎨 Vintage Offset Lithograph by Ivan Kliun: Russian Avant-Garde Exhibition Memorabilia Step into the world of Russian Avant-Garde art with this stunning offset lithograph, created i...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Paper

Ettore Sottsass Rare Limited Edition Piccoli Libri Cabinet, 1992
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Piccoli Libri cabinet designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1992 edited by Design Gallery Milano. P.A from a Limited edition of 9 + 3 P.A. Plastic laminate-covered, maple-veneered woo...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Plastic, Wood

Oil Painting Abstract post impressionist from Venitian Palace, Italy Venise 1970
Located in La xara, VC
Exceptional oil on wood panel period abstract gift 1970, large format approaching an impressionist atmosphere ... water lily. work commissioned for a palace on the Italian coast near...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Papillona Lamp - Tobia Scarpa for Flos - Italy - 1980s
Located in Milano, IT
The Papillona produced by Flos, is an iconic floor lamp designed in 1975 by Tobia Scarpa. Its essential and elegant style perfectly embodies the minimalist and innovative taste that...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Unknown American Artisan Modern Steel Kinetic Mobile, Circa 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Unknown American Artisan Modern Steel Kinetic Mobile, Circa 1970s  This striking kinetic mobile, made by an unknown American artisan in the 1970s, embodies the spirit of modern abst...
Category

20th Century American Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel, Wire

1954 Omega Automatic 14K Gold Filled Bumper mens Watch w 10K Band
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-century era 1954 mens Omega automatic watch features a 14k gold-filled case and automatic bumper movement, known for its smooth winding action. The watch is paired with a Speidel...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Gold

Light Grey Tucroma Chairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, 1980s, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani and produced in Italy for the Pace Collection, the Tucroma chair has become one of the most recognizable and well-regarded seating designs...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Kaare Klint "Faaborg Chair" – Rud Rasmussen, 1950s
Located in Kastrup, DK
Kaare Klint (1888–1954) The Faaborg Chair was designed by Danish architect and furniture designer Kaare Klint (1888–1954) in 1914 as part of the interior for Faaborg Museum, dedicate...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rattan, Mahogany

Modernist Rectilinear Matt Black Swivel Top Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
This minimal an highly functional Modernist Rectilinear Matt Black Swivel Top Pedestal Originates from the United States during the latter half of the 20t...
Category

20th Century American Modern Furniture

Materials

Formica

Jewelry box attributed to Maison Bague / Maria Pergay bamboo
Located in Lugo, IT
Jewelry box attributed to Maison Bague / Maria Pergay. Good condition. Thank you
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Taddei Sestini for Kristal Krisla
Located in Lugo, IT
Glass bowl by Taddei Sestini for Kristall Krisla. Good condition, thank you.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Stanislav Libensky Czech Art Glass Vase for Skrdlovice Glassworks
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Czech art glass vase with a spiral twist design by Stanislav Libensky (1921-2002) for Beranek Skrdlovice Glassworks and dating from ar...
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

The Encounter, 1944 Lithograph by Maurits Cornelis Escher
Located in Point Richmond, CA
The Encounter, 1944 Maurits Cornelis Escher (Dutch, 1898-1972) Print size: 13.5 by 18.5 inches (34.2 by 47 cm) Frame size: 23.25 x 27.5 inches (59 by 70 cm) From the catalogue raison...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Modern Furniture

Materials

Paper

Nude Male Sculpture in Solid Lucite
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing our stunning Nude Male Sculpture in Solid Lucite, Circa 1970's. This one-of-a-kind piece of furniture is a true masterpiece, expertly craft...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Lucite

Mid Century Modern Art Glass Vase Kosta Boda by Ulrica Hydman-Valliens Open Mind
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic simple and elegant Art Glass Vase Open Minds cat face design for Kosta Boda by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien . This is a medium sized version of the vase, stands at 6.25 inches t...
Category

1990s Swedish Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, lighting, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Rug Kilim, Schumacher, Vistosi, and Kartell. 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.

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