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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Moooi Sofa So Good Chaise Longue Right with Elements in Abbracci, Oyster Foam
By MARCEL WANDERS, Moooi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sofa So Good by Marcel Wanders studio is a modular sofa system made of generous proportions and feather-like softness. It’s made from the highest quality materials and combines smart...
Upholstery
$28,611 / set
Set of DS-5 Sofa and Cushions by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of DS-5 sofa and 2 cushions by De Sede Designer: Antonella Scarpitta Dimensions: Sofa: D 98 x W 143 x H 60/84 cm Cushion: 12 x 52 x 25 cm Materials: frame in solid beech, belted suspension...
Leather, Beech
$26,977 / item
Red Couch by Marc Dibeh
By Marc Dibeh
Located in Geneve, CH
Red couch by Marc Dibeh Materials: Fabric Dimensions: W 290 x D90 x H65 cm Beirut based designer Marc Dibeh narrates his cultural environment through compelling interiors and p...
Fabric
GILD Contemporary Modular Sofa Featuring Brushed Antique Brass
Located in Frazão, Porto
The GILD sofa embodies the refined beauty of organic shapes and luxurious comfort. With its generous proportions and soft, textured upholstery in a serene neutral tone, GILD brings a...
Brass
Modern Four Seaters Sofa Frame Made in Wood Back Frame Leather Customisable
By sicis
Located in London, GB
Comfortable and welcoming, the Botero is a modular monocoque sofa with soft lines and a comfortable seat. The cover, completely removable and washable, can be in fabric or leather. T...
Leather, Wood
$9,596 / item
Puffy Modular Sofa, 4-Seater, Vidar Taupe
By Formiing
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Puffy Modular Sofa by Formiing, Vidar Taupe Fabric: Vidar 146 Customization: Available in wide range of fabrics and colors. Connectable for multiple units. CAT 1: Remix CAT 2: Ste...
Wool
$9,597 / item
Form Modular Sofa, Setup 1, Harald Blush
By Formiing
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Form Modular Sofa by Formiing, Setup 1 (1x Center, 1x Open-Ended, 1x Armrest) Fabric: Harald 212 Modular Sofa: Assemble different modules for your own composition. Available in wide...
Cotton
$4,798 / item
Puffy Modular Sofa, 2-Seater, Vidar Brown
By Formiing
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Puffy Modular Sofa by Formiing, Vidar Brown Fabric: Vidar 333 Customization: Available in wide range of fabrics and colors. Connectable for multiple units. CAT 1: Remix CAT 2: Ste...
Wool
$4,798 / item
Puffy Modular Sofa, 2-Seater, Vidar Taupe
By Formiing
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Puffy Modular Sofa by Formiing, Vidar Taupe Fabric: Vidar 146 Customization: Available in wide range of fabrics and colors. Connectable for multiple units. CAT 1: Remix CAT 2: Ste...
Wool
Contemporary Modern Celeste Curved Sofa in Yellow Wool Felt and Black Metal Base
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Celeste is a contemporary and sleek yet functional sofa with sinuous curves and plump bolsters in light yellow wool that offers comfort and support without sacrificing form or ex...
Steel
$23,688 / item
Alastair Sofa by Marta Sala Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Alastair sofa by Marta Sala Editions Dimensions: W 230 x D 96 x H 78 cm Materials: Mohair velvet, polyurethane foam Variations of Material and Dimension are available. Collect...
Velvet, Foam
Price Upon Request
Coco Wolf Outdoor Milbrook Modular Sofa
By Coco Wolf
Located in Boston, MA
Modular Sectional for outdoor use made by Coco Wolf in London. Completely handmade product and may configurations available. A sculptural work of ar...
Rope
Price Upon Request
Outdoor Cherkley Sectional by Coco Wolf
By Coco Wolf
Located in Boston, MA
Outdoor-Indoor Coco Wolf cherkley sectional Internal construction: WPB mortice and tenon joined hard wood frame. Galvanised spring base. Marine grade webbing. All exposed wood is ...
Fabric