Modern Building and Garden Elements
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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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
The Gerherty: A Modern Stone Fireplace with a Bevel Detail
Located in Chicago, IL
The Gerherty stone fireplace is a modern design that is simple enough to blend well in many different decors. Its overall form is rectangular, with a raised section following through...
Category
2010s American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
'Handkerchief' Concrete Planter by Willy Guhl for Eternit, c. 1968
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful 'Handkerchief' concrete planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968 Switzerland has beautiful patina including fine moss and lichens.
Origami, clam...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Concrete
Set Of 2 T3 Sculptural Door Handles by Okurayama
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 T3 Sculptural Door Handles by Okurayama
One Of A Kind.
Dimensions: D 9 x W 4 x H 80 cm.
Materials: Daté Kan Stone and iron.
The iron refined by craftsman Jun Tanaka is pre...
Category
2010s Japanese Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone, Iron
Outdoor Sofa with Acrylic and Gold Plated Details
By Myface
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Houdini Sofa
Relaxing in the outdoor space with a touch of magic and sophistication, it’s what the Houdini sofa provides.
The whole design of this contemporary outdoor sofa was d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stainless Steel
'Handkerchief' Concrete Planter in Red by Willy Guhl for Eternit, c. 1968
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful 'Handkerchief' concrete planter in a lovely red color by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968 Switzerland has beautiful patina including fine moss and li...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Sized Tilted Spindle Concrete Planter, circa 1968
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large sized (18" tall and 25" wide) tilted spindle concrete planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968, Switzerland. This special 'tilted' hourglass shaped concr...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl for Eternit Tilted Spindle Concrete Planter, circa 1968
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful tilted spindle concrete planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968, Switzerland. This special 'tilted' hourglass shaped concrete spindel planter has a ...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl for Eternit Tilted Spindle Concrete Planter, circa 1968, Signed
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful tilted spindle concrete planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968, Switzerland. This special 'tilted' hourglass shaped concrete spindel planter has a ...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl for Eternit Tilted Spindle Concrete Planter, circa 1968
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful tilted spindle concrete planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968, Switzerland. This special 'tilted' hourglass shaped concrete spindel planter has a ...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Concrete
Old Built-In Wardrobe Front, Germany, circa 1920
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Original old built-in wardrobe front with doors from Germany, circa 1920. Original color patina and really special fittings in star shape.
Dimension...
Category
Early 20th Century German Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood
Studio Stoneware Planters Bob Kinzie
By Bob Kinzie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome pair of 'Affiliated Craftsman' California design planters.
Wheel thrown natural clay on the outside with hand tooled pattern design, and glazed on the inside.
No drain holes...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Steel Fire Pit Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace by Koby Knoll Click
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Not your normal chiminea or fireplace. This high design, raw steel sculptural piece will make a statement in any outdoor space. Functionally, it is perfect on that cold evening, but ...
Category
2010s American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Steel
Pair of Custom Modernist Polished Brass Cylindrical Form Andirons
Located in New York, NY
These stunning custom andirons feature a polished brass cylindrical form, rectangular base and black enamel supports. Please ask about the very many available finish options. These c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Pendulum Door Knocker in Stainless Steel
By DESU DESIGN
Located in Bondville, VT
The sculptural Pendulum door knocker brings old world craftsmanship and unadorned utility together to create minimalist art. This clean-lined modern hardware for your entryway makes ...
Category
2010s American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stainless Steel
Black Basketball Backboard, Rim and Chain
Located in Portland, OR
Solid blackened oak backboard with powder coated hoop and chain. Regulation size, though can be made to custom dimensions or with other wood species. Comes with wall mounting bracket...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Oak
Patio Furniture Chair Cover
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This ships free in the Continental US!
This patio furniture chair cover is a perfect fit for our Suelo outdoor arm chair or side chair. Our furniture is...
Category
2010s American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Polyester
Spectacular Italian Screen beginning of the 20th century "Rome"
Located in Madrid, ES
Spectacular Italian Screen beginning of the 20th century "Rome"
Made of wood with engravings with views of Rome.
Period: 20th century
Measurements: 161 x 150 cm
good conditions
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood
Large Fireplace Grate for Andirons, Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, NL
Made of 1.4 cm (0.55") thick steel bars.
All sizes of the fire grate of fireplace rack are outside sizes. Distance between the beams is 26.5 cm (10.44...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Steel
Large Fireplace Grate for Andirons, Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, NL
Made of 1.4 cm (0.55") thick steel bars.
All sizes of the fire grate of fireplace rack are outside sizes. Distance between the beams is 26.5 cm (10.44...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Steel
Large Fireplace Grate for Andirons, Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, NL
Made of 1.4 cm (0.55") thick steel bars.
All sizes of the fire grate of fireplace rack are outside sizes. Distance between the beams is 26.5 cm (10.44...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Steel
Fireplace Grate for Andirons, Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, NL
Made of 1.4 cm (0.55") thick steel bars.
All sizes of the fire grate of fireplace rack are outside sizes. Distance between the beams is 26.5 cm (10.44...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Steel
Small Fireplace Grate for Andirons, Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, NL
Made of 1.4 cm (0.55") thick steel bars.
All sizes of the fire grate of fireplace rack are outside sizes. Distance between the beams is 26.5 cm (10.44...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Steel
Suelo Modern Outdoor Sofa
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Suelo modern outdoor sofa is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. This sofa's silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek w...
Category
2010s American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Mahogany
Deca Planter in Antique Brass, Medium, by Force/Collide, 2023
Located in Seattle, WA
Force/Collide's award-winning signature planter is an ongoing production available in multiple colors and sizes. This original design is a nod to playful perspectives and spatial rel...
Category
2010s American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Cut Steel, Sheet Metal, Steel, Brass
Opinion Ciatti Fermaporte Cylindrical Doorstop
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fermaporte by Lapo Ciatti are ready made simple yet sophisticated objects. Essential in shape but refined in materials. A marble cylinder mounted on a shiny 24-karat gold-plated stee...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Concrete Echelon Planter by OPIARY (D44", H48")
By Robert Remer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opiary is a Brooklyn-based biophilic design and production studio. We integrate nature in each of our designs, incorporating live greenery and organic shapes into bespoke furniture, planters, and sculpture. Through the ethos of biophilia, our work reflects the shifting, yet timeless relationship between humans and nature.
This modern, lightweight concrete planter features an organic silhouette and earthy aesthetic that compliments the live plants inside it. The Echelon is handmade in our Brooklyn studio and can be produced in the color or finish of your choice.
Opiary planters...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Cement
Curvy Planter by Pieces, Fiberglass Planters
By Pieces
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fiberglass planters suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Made by hand in Vietnam.
Available in:
Sky
Pesto
Ash
Dimensions: Base 22”, opening 9”, height 20”.
Category
2010s Vietnamese Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Fiberglass
Four Panel Folding Fireplace Screen Spark Gard
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional quality folding fire place screen, having four panels, two with handles, and blackened metal screens.
This example is very well crafted with top quality workmanship and m...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Steel
Steps Planter by Pieces, Green Fiberglass Planters
By Pieces
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fiberglass planters suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Made by hand in Vietnam. Lead time eight weeks unless in stock.
Dimensions: Base 22”, opening 9”, height 20”.
Category
2010s Vietnamese Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Fiberglass
Tetris Planter, Rose Pink Fiberglass Planters
By Pieces
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fiberglass planters suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Made by hand in Vietnam. Lead time 8 weeks unless in stock.
Dimensions: H 18 in. x D 9 in. x W 18 in.
Category
2010s Vietnamese Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Fiberglass
Cone Planter by Pieces, Yellow Fiberglass Planters
By Pieces
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fiberglass planters suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Made by hand in Vietnam. Lead time 8 weeks unless in stock.
Available in:
Sky
Mustard
White
Dimensions: Base 22”, opening 9”...
Category
2010s Vietnamese Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Fiberglass
FLOS Ipnos Outdoor Floor Lamp in Natural by Nicoletta Rossi & Guido Bianchi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created by the dynamic team of Rossi and Bianchi, IPNOS mixes illusion with function—and the result is nothing short of magical. LED lights line the top of its skeletal frame, protec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Aluminum
Cast Resin 'Pebble' Low Table, Coal Stone Finish by Zachary A. Design
Located in Chicago, IL
Like a stone from a stream, smoothed for millennia by the passing currents. The fluid potential of natural power emanates from its presence.
Dimensions: Diameter 48 in. (122 cm). He...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Resin, Fiberglass
Modernist Four-Piece Polished Nickel Fire Tool Set with Polished Brass Handles
Located in New York, NY
This elegant modernist four-piece fire tool set in polished nickel and polished brass was custom crafted by artisans in New York State exclusively for us. It features rectangular sol...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Nickel
Jean White Bronze Lost Wax Cast Butterfly Indoor or Outdoor Side Table
By Fred&Juul
Located in Fiesole, Florence
A swarm of butterflies as delicate as a lace table cloth forms an everlasting tabletop in white bronze, lost wax cast by Italian master craftsmen. A s...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Vintage Unfinished Mahogany Door & Two Sidelights with Beveled and Jeweled Glass
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Unfinished Mahogany Door & Two Sidelights with Beveled and Jeweled Glass Exterior/Interior
Enhance the charm of your home with this exquisite vintage unfinished mahogany do...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal
Esperanza Outdoor Lounge Chair in White
By Foley & Cox
Located in Hudson, NY
Our Esperanza outdoor lounge chairs are made for style, comfort and durability. Inspired by the classic Willy Guhl Loop chair, the Esper...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal
Esperanza Outdoor Lounge Chair in Blue and White Stripe
By Foley & Cox
Located in Hudson, NY
Our Esperanza outdoor lounge chairs are made for style, comfort and durability. Inspired by the classic Willy Guhl Loop chair, the Esper...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal
Custom Modernist Four-Piece Fire Tool Set in Polished Brass
Located in New York, NY
This refined and elegant Modernist four piece fire tool set was custom realized by artisans in New York State, exclusively for us. It features a shovel, brush, log holder and poker s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Tulum Outdoor Woven Dining Chair WHITE
By Foley & Cox
Located in Hudson, NY
Custom woven dining chair inspired by the classic Miller Fong Chair and updated for outdoor comfort. Available in black, natural and white polyprop...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Aluminum
Esperanza Outdoor Lounge Chair in Natural
By Foley & Cox
Located in Hudson, NY
Our Esperanza outdoor lounge chairs are made for style, comfort and durability. Inspired by the classic Willy Guhl Loop chair, the Esper...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal
Cabo Outdoor Woven Chaise in Natural
By Foley & Cox
Located in Hudson, NY
Woven chaise with hooped back and open sides updated for the outdoors. Available in natural or white-colored polypropylene on a brushed aluminum frame.
Measurements:
length: 60"
wid...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Aluminum
Cabo Outdoor Woven Chaise in White
By Foley & Cox
Located in Hudson, NY
Woven chaise with hooped back and open sides updated for the outdoors. Available in natural or white-colored polypropylene on a brushed aluminum frame.
Measurements:
length: 60"
wid...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Aluminum
Cabo Outdoor Woven Chaise in Blue and White Stripe
By Foley & Cox
Located in Hudson, NY
Woven chaise with hooped back and open sides updated for the outdoors. Available in natural or white-colored polypropylene on a brushed aluminum frame.
Measurements:
length: 60"
wid...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Aluminum
Tulum Outdoor Woven Dining Chair BLACK
By Foley & Cox
Located in Hudson, NY
Custom woven dining chair inspired by the classic Miller Fong Chair and updated for outdoor comfort. Available in black, natural and white polyprop...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Aluminum
20th Century French Modernist 'Rural Scene' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
20th century French modernist fireback with a rural scene.
The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter at no extra c...
Category
20th Century French Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Galerie Maison et Jardin (éditeur) Ecran de cheminée, vers 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
Galerie Maison et Jardin (design et édition)
Ecran de cheminée, vers 1970
composé d’une plaque de verre montée sur deux pieds en acier chromé. Un éclat de verre sous la base.
Haut. :...
Category
20th Century French Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Steel
French Vintage Iron Plant Stand
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A vintage iron plant stand made in France. This round plant stand has a wrought iron wired basket and base ending on three scroll legs. Be sure to vi...
Category
20th Century French Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Modernist Hand-Forged Faux Bois Fire Tool Set in Wrought & Polished Iron
Located in New York, NY
This unique and beautifully formed Modernist Hand-Forged Faux Bois Fire Tool Set in Wrought & Polished Iron originates from the United States during the latter half of the 20th Centu...
Category
20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Custom Modernist Black Powdercoat & Tempered Glass Firescreen by High Style Deco
Located in New York, NY
This custom modernist fire screen was custom made by artisans in New York State exclusively for High Style Deco. It features a frameless pane of ½" thi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Steel
Confetti, Small Contemporary Indoor/Outdoor Terrazzo Side Table by Laun
By LAUN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Confetti renders the classic shapes of midcentury poolside furniture in an unexpected material. This product is suitable for indoor or outdoor use and is handmade in Los Angeles....
Category
2010s American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Donald Deskey Style Nickel Plated Fireplace Tool Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modernist fireplace tool set in the style of Donald Deskey. The nickel plated set features a minimal design with a curved front footing and two tools; a poker and a shovel.
Dimensio...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron, Nickel
Patterned Waterproof Outdoor Pillow in Bege Dedar Milano Fabric
By Myface
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Pillow Big I
Modern outdoor pillow made with Dedar Milano fabrics.
The pillow's customizable design allows you to choose from a range of premium fabrics and colors to create the pe...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Fabric
Donald Deskey Style Nickel Plated Andirons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of modernist fireplace andirons in the style of Donald Deskey. The set features a minimal curved front design with a center circular disc. Each andiron sits a a curved front f...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron, Nickel
Monumental Architectural Pottery Marilyn Kay Austin Pot
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A satin black monumental Marilyn Kay Austin wide mouth high fired clay designer pot / planter. These pots came in a wide range of related shapes and sizes often used by designers, la...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Pottery
Set of 3 Steles, White Marble Columns, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 3 steles, white marble columns, 20th century.
Set of 3 white marble columns, 20th century.
1st: H: 70cm, W: 30cm, D: 30cm
2nd: H: 60cm, W: 30cm, D: 30cm
3rd: H: 50cm, W: 30cm...
Category
20th Century French Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Set of 2 Steles, Grey Marble Columns, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 2 steles, grey marble columns, 20th century.
Set of 2 grey marble columns, 20th century.
1st: H: 100cm, W: 25cm, D: 25cm
2nd: H: 90cm, W: 25cm, D: 25cm
Category
20th Century French Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Set of 3 Steles, Black Marble Columns, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 3 steles, black marble columns, 20th century.
Set of 3 columns, black marble steles, 20th century.
1st: H: 70cm, W: 30cm, D: 30cm
2nd: H: 60cm, W: 30...
Category
20th Century French Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Modern building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern building and garden elements 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 building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, seating, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern building and garden elements 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 building and garden elements, popular names associated with this style include Myface, Aimee Wilder, sicis, and Bari Ziperstein. 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 building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $10 and tops out at $375,000 while the average work can sell for $2,919.
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