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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Modern Nude Velvet Wave Bench Ebony Veneer Base
Located in Porto, PT
21st century contemporary beige bench & ebony veneer base bold shapes Cadiz Bench Nude combines bold shapes with extreme attention to comfort. A modern ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Ebony, Wood

Contemporary Dining Chair Offered in Brick Velvet
Located in New York, NY
Timeless design in combination with handmade couture techniques. The dining chair features curved wooden upholstered back for greater comfort. Offered...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Karl Springer Impressive Stacked Lucite Table Lamp 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Iconic table lamp with stacked solid lucite slabs with radius corners and chrome hardware and double socket assembly by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This lamp comes with the orig...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer "Molding Box" in Multicolor Lacquers 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Hinged “Molding Box” with multi-colored lacquer design and dark green suede interior by Karl Springer, American 1970's. Springer’s superb lacquer work and attention to detail make t...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

A pair of "Spirit" Sofas by John Hutton
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair “spirit” sofas by John Hutton for Dohghia. Covered in a deep rust colored velvet with decorative velvet rosettes across the back. Retains Donghia label. Condition: Very goo...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Modern Cream Velvet Wave Stool with Ebony Veneer Base
Located in Porto, PT
Modern cream velvet wave stool with ebony veneer base Cadiz Stool combines bold shapes with comfort. A modern design stool, upholstered in velvet, for any...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Ebony, Wood

Karl Springer "J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in Lizard with Matching Leather Shade 1980s
Located in New York, NY
"J.M.F. Floor Lamp" with gently curving shaft in black lizard with polished brass base and hardware with black leather shade by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The matching shade is ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Italian Contemporary Geometric Wood Sideboard with Brass Finishes
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Beautiful sideboard designed and handcrafted by us with structure and interior in solid wood, a big rectangular leg , 3 sliding doors with vertical moldings and finishes in brass. It...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Outdoor Rug in Naturel Fiber for Boho Home Decor
Located in LES BERGES DU LAC, TN
This rug, through its irregular shape, reflects a new way of assembling mats in 4 staggered bands, and reflects the contribution of design crafts in the art of weaving rugs in Smar (...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tunisian Modern Furniture

Materials

Natural Fiber, Seagrass, Rush

Karl Springer "Half Round Molding Mirror" in Lacquered Gold Leaf 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Stunning "Half Round Molding Mirror" in mirror lacquered gold leaf by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This mirror is the epitome of glamor. Hangs on a wire on the back. Mirror is ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Modern Hand-Tufted Irregular Round Shape Memphis Style Rug Orange & Beige
Located in Porto, PT
TAPIS Essential #008 is a modern rug that brings back mid-century modern vibes mixed with Memphis style. With an irregular shape and neutral colors, the ochre and cream rug juxtaposes an organic shape and two oval circles, making this modern rug essential in contemporary interiors. Made of botanical silk, TAPIS Essential #008 irregular area rug...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Furniture

Materials

Natural Fiber

Contemporary Round Center Coffee Table Wood Marquetry Modern Abstract Pattern
Located in Porto, PT
COA CENTER TABLE Coa Center Table adds an unmistakable design style to your home, this bedside table is an eye-catching addition to any decor. DIMENSIONS:Width: 120 cm 47.2 in – De...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood, Birdseye Maple, Oak

Karl Springer Set of 3 Candle Holders in Brass with Chrome Accents 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Set of 3 candle holders in polished brass with chrome accents by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Beautifully made, these iconic Springer candle holders would complement any interior...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Modern Sculpted Shou Sugi Ban Ash Aya Side Table
Located in Columbus, OH
This one-of-a-kind piece evokes mother nature in her beauty and mystery. Flowing hair form the legs that cradle the featureless face within. Its organic femininity makes it an ideal focal point for any room and pairs well as a pedestal for plant life whose leaves fall naturally amongst the hair. Approximately 50 hours of craftsmanship and highest quality local hardwood went into the creation of this piece. It was created using laminated white ash, which was then carved by hand and sanded to 220 grit to reveal a smooth finish. It was treated with the ancient Japanese shou sugi ban...
Category

2010s American Modern Furniture

Materials

Ash

Light brown natural Rattan and brushed Aluminium Cocktail Table
Located in London, GB
Originally created for a private commission, the cocktail table was manufactured in collaboration with a Philippines-based rattan manufacturer to produce a custom cocktail table. Th...
Category

2010s British Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Karl Springer Set of 4 "J.M.F. Barstools" in Brown Leather 1986 'Signed & Dated'
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 exceptional “J.M.F. Barstools” in brown leather with brushed brass foot rests by Karl Springer, American 1986 (signed and dated on bottom “Karl Springer 1986”). The craftsma...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Spinger "Tray Top Side Table" In Lacquered Goatskin 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted "Tray Top Side Table" with 2 tiers in lacquered goatskin by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This table has clean lines and is very elegant. Cleaned and polished...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Exceptional Lacquered Goatskin Console Table 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional console table in lacquered goatskin with 3 drawers, each with an artisan brass pull, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Minimal Modern Center Coffee Table Black & White Abstract Figures Wood Marquetry
Located in Porto, PT
NICE CENTER TABLE BLACK Nice Center Table is the epitome of modern design. The minimal center table unveils a sleek silhouette balanced by the pure white and black pattern with an an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Furniture

Materials

Oak, Lacquer

Modern Bohemian Ibiza Round Wall Mirror in Natural Fiber & Black
Located in Porto, PT
Ibiza is an eye-catching wall mirror perfect for a modern design decor. The hanging mirror is inspired by the raw and timeless textures of the tribes' decorations, jewels, and artist...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Furniture

Materials

Lacquer, Natural Fiber, Mirror

Karl Springer "Oval Table Lamp" In Black Granite with Lavastone Finish 1980s
Located in New York, NY
“Oval Table Lamp” in solid black granite with lavastone finish and chrome hardware by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This is a solid block of granite and it has been impeccably fini...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Granite, Chrome

Karl Springer Artisan Hand-Blown Glass Vase with Antiqued Gold Leaf 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Unique large artisan hand-blown glass vase with applied antiqued Italian gold leaf by Seguso (Murano Italy) for Karl Springer, American 1980'...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

In Stock - Solid Spalted Maple Dining Table - 12 Ft - Cove Base
Located in Calgary, CA
Cove table in vividly spalted Eastern Maple. Crafted from a book-matched pair of slabs, this one-of-a-kind table is covered in organic details and artfully 'patched' with over a hund...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood, Maple

Karl Springer Pair of Large Tessellated Penshell End Tables 1980s (Signed)
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted pair of large 2 tier end tables with curved ends in tessellated penshell by Karl Springer, American 1980's (shown with original Karl Springer label on bottom). ...
Category

1980s Philippine Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Shell, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Round Side Table Contemporary Urban Art Print Wood Marquetry
Located in Porto, PT
Folk Side Table is a modern side table that will add a vibrant accent to a contemporary living room. This side table is an attractive addition to a contemporary living room, where it...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood, Ash, Maple, Walnut

Karl Springer Pair of Hand-Blown Black Glass Candle Holders 1980s (Signed)
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of hand-blown black glass candle holders with scavo (rough) finish by Seguso Vetri d'Arte (Murano) for Karl Springer, American 1980's (Signed on bottom “Karl Springer”). T...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Karl Springer "Round Leg Etagere" in Solid Lucite and Steel 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional "Round Leg Etagere" in solid lucite and brushed and polished steel with 5 customized glass shelves by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The craftsmanship of this ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Round Side Table Abstract Cubist Pattern White Wood Marquetry
Located in Porto, PT
Malaga Side table is a modern wood side table that celebrates art and craftsmanship through modern marquetry. This modern side table is a must-have addition to a bold or minimalist i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood, Ash, Maple, Walnut

Contemporary Round Nightstand Bedside Table Abstract Marquetry Black White Wood
Located in Porto, PT
Granada Bedside Table is a modern wood side table that celebrates art and craftsmanship through modern marquetry. This modern side table is a must-have addition to a bold or minimalist interior design project. The wooden center table...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Nighstand Bedside Table Contemporary Design Black Wood
Located in Porto, PT
Tribal Bedside Table brings an unmistakable design style. This modern black bedside is a bold furniture piece that will boost the look of any contemporary bedroom decor. Its dynamic ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Birdseye Maple

Modern Nightstand Bedside Table Minimal Cubist Print White Wood Marquetry
Located in Porto, PT
Malaga bedside table is the perfect cubist bedside table for a minimal bedroom project. Its dynamic silhouette features three drawers resting on four legs of wooden spheres. The striking geometric design of this modern nightstand allows it to become a must-have piece for your contemporary or maximalist...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Birdseye Maple

Karl Springer Unique Hinged Box in Polished Sodalite Stone 1980s 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
Stunning one-of-a-kind hinged box in polished blue sodalite stone by Karl Springer, American 1980's (shown with original showroom tag from the 1980’s). Blue sodalite is a rare minera...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Stone, Brass

Roberto Estevez Incredible Large Unicorn Sculpture 1979 'Signed and Numbered'
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite large unicorn bust sculpture in cast resin with inlaid bronze mane, solid engraved brass alicorn, and gold leaf ears on a sculptural solid brass base by Roberto Estevez, Am...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Gold Leaf

Contemporary Round Center Coffee Table Modern Abstract Lines Wood Marquetry
Located in Porto, PT
The folk center table is refined, and a modern center table will add a vibrant accent to a contemporary living room. The three-legged table features an eye-catching top with marquetry details, a collecter furniture piece that enlivens any interior design project. The marquetry wood coffee table reflects...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood, Birdseye Maple

Karl Springer Rare Pair of "Onyx Tables" with Beveled Bronze Glass, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of "Onyx Tables" in polished gold-tinted brass with beveled bronze glass tops by Karl Springer, American 1980's. All elements of the metal base curve and thus cannot be mad...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Curved Sofa in Linen Beige Velvet
Located in New York, NY
Olympia projects pure haute couture from this two-piece suite, with its sensuous feminine outline and voluptuous shape. Each exquisitely curved design features detailed seaming to th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Karl Springer Pair of "Mandarin Table Lamps" in Deep Blue Glaze, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of artisan “Mandarin Table Lamps”, ceramic double gourd forms with deep blue mirror glaze, with polished brass bases and hardware by Karl Springer ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

René Herbst Set of Six 'Sandows' Dining Chairs in Steel and Cord
Located in Waalwijk, NL
René Herbst, set of six 'Sandows' chairs, model '101', chrome-plated steel, elastic rope, France, design 1928, produced, 1970s. The 'Sandows' chair epitomizes the industrial advance...
Category

1920s French Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Karl Springer Exceptional Game Table in Embossed Lizard 1986 'Signed and Dated'
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional "Parsons Style Game Table" in dark gray embossed lizard leather by Karl Springer, American 1986 (signed and dated on bottom “Karl Springer 1986”). The craftsmanship of th...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Stunning Table Lamp in Chinese Red Lacquer and Gold Leaf 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Stunning unique table lamp, ceramic double gourd in Chinese red lacquer with gold leaf overlay, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This lamp was in the Springer lighting line, but this variation is unique. Brass has been polished and lacquered. Newly rewired with new sockets and silk cord. This lamp is a work of art. Reference: Karl Springer Red Binder Catalog, published in the 1980’s, section “lighting”, a page shows this model titled “KARL SPRINGER LTD MANDARIN TABLE...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Karl Springer Chic Side Table in Embossed Crocodile Leather, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully made side table in two tone chocolate brown embossed crocodile leather by Karl Springer, American 1980s. We can customize it to a lower height if desired. The artisanship...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Classic Waterfall Coffee Table in Lacquered Goatskin, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Iconic petit coffee table with waterfall design in lacquered goatskin by Karl Springer, American 1980s. The quality of the materials and craftsmanship are superb. Expect nothing else...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Impressive Chest of Drawers in Lacquered Goatskin, circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional chest of drawers in lacquered goatskin, top drawers with artisan brass pulls, by Karl Springer, American 1980s. This is one of the only known Karl Springer chest...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

DOT CREDENZA - Modern Bleached White Oak Body and Base
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
DOT CREDENZA - Modern Bleached White Oak Body and Base The Dot Credenza is a contemporary piece of furniture with a unique design element - a sculpted wo...
Category

2010s American Modern Furniture

Materials

Oak

Karl Springer Set of 4 Candleholders in Gunmetal and Brass, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 candle holders in polished gunmetal with brass accents by Karl Springer, American 1980s. These iconic Springer candle holders are the epitome of chic. Reference Karl Sp...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Karl Springer "Ming Coffee Table" in Canary Python, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
"Ming Coffee Table" covered in canary python skin by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The design flourishes and the stunning material make for a wonderful Springer table. Referenc...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint, Python

Karl Springer Exceptional 2 Tier Tessellated Penshell Table 1980s 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted 2 tier side table with curved ends in tessellated penshell with brass inlays by Karl Springer, American 1980's (shown with original Karl Springer label on botto...
Category

1980s Philippine Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Stunning "Kyoto Box" in Tessellated Penshell 1980s 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted "Kyoto Box" in tessellated penshell with brass inlays on top and trim around base by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Sprin...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer "J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in Tessellated Fossilized Coral 1980s
Located in New York, NY
"J.M.F. Floor Lamp" with gently twisting shaft in tessellated fossilized coral with polished brass base and fittings by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This lamp showcases the meticu...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Coral, Brass

Karl Springer Pair of Exceptional Chrome and Brass Swing-Arm Floor Lamps 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of meticulously crafted swing-arm floor lamps in polished chrome and brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The quality of construction of these lamps is superb. These have be...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome, Metal

Minimal Style, Solid Wood Chair, Leather or Textile Seating, Caning Backboard
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The wing chair solid wood collection, flexibility, modern aesthetics, comfort and softness are the keywords for this collection. The concept is inspired by the B-52 plane design, thi...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Furniture

Materials

Textile, Cane, Hardwood, Leather

Contemporary Alice Sofa in White Upholstery
Located in London, GB
ALICE is a new way of looking at the sofa as a leisure and resting space. Its ergonomic shape, works like a cloud that becomes part of the body. With an ever-changing society, smalle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Karl Springer Octagonal Mirror with Superb Artisan Marble Lacquer, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Octagonal wall hanging mirror in superb artisan marble lacquer with bronze accents and beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1980s. Springer worked with artists who could accompl...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Karl Springer Rare "Goatskin Free Form Desk" 1988
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional "Goatskin Free Form Desk" in lacquered goatskin with drawer by Karl Springer, American 1988 (date stamped on bottom). Springer’s Free Form...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

Plisse Basin Made of Marble
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Plisse basin is made of carved White Carrara Marble. It can come in different dimensions and stone.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Furniture

Materials

Marble

Contemporary Shelving Room Divider "30/30 L" in Walnut by Casey Lurie Studio
Located in Chicago, IL
Part room divider, part bookcase, part screen, the "30/30" series is an extremely versatile shelving system. Named for the degrees of the alternately angled dividers which give the ...
Category

2010s North American Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Wood

Karl Springer Large Artisan Hand Etched Glass Vase 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Large artisan glass vase with abstract etched design by artist Joseph Spohr for Karl Springer, American 1980's. Spohr was a master glass etcher, not only engraving glass but giving i...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Runner Rug in Natural Fiber for Boho Home Decor La Fibre Artisanale
Located in LES BERGES DU LAC, TN
This runner rug, through its irregular shape, reflects a new way of assembling mats in 2 staggered bands, and reflects the contribution of design crafts in the art of weaving mats in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tunisian Modern Furniture

Materials

Natural Fiber, Seagrass, Rush

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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