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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Sipario Solid Wood Sideboard, Ash in Brown Finish, 2 Doors, Contemporary
By Dale Italia
Located in Cadeglioppi de Oppeano, VR
With the 2023 collection we introduce contemporary furniture in line with the current interior trends. Our artisan knowledge meets the point of view of the young designers from Cono ...
Ash
Modern Handpainted Hardwood Cupboard Storage Dilmos Colourful Geometric Graphic
By Monica Taverniti, Dilmos Edizioni
Located in Milan, IT
Low cabinet with four doors and internal shelves. Handpainted hardwood structure embellished with hand-drawn graphic details designed by the author, protected with a clear matte scra...
Acrylic, Hardwood, Paint
Modern Annibale Oste for Dilmos Cabinet Storage Resin Mother Pearl Effect
Located in Milan, IT
Double door cabinet in birch dyed black structure with applications of details in resin and mother of pearl effect on the front for Dilmos Milano. Inside with multiple shelves. Size...
Resin, Birch
Sipario Solid Wood Sideboard, Ash in Black Finish, 3 Doors, Contemporary
By Dale Italia
Located in Cadeglioppi de Oppeano, VR
With the 2023 collection we introduce contemporary furniture in line with the current interior trends. Our artisan knowledge meets the point of view of the young designers from Cono ...
Ash
Orum Mobler Denmark Contemporary Solid Ashwood Sideboard Cupboard with Drawers
By Ørum Møbler
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this original Orum Mobler solid Ash sideboard with drawers Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it co...
Ash, Wood
$32,094 / item
Ritual Cabinet by Jude Di Leo
Located in Geneve, CH
Ritual cabinet by Jude Di Leo Dimensions: W 102 x D 51 x H 183 cm Materials: Ink dyed Hemlock, Blackened Steel & Bronze Mirror Ritual Cabinet is an exploration in contrast. Utilizing humble materials and high aesthetics it presents a dichotomy of rough and refined. Designed during the American coronavirus shutdown of 2020, material supplies dried up, human interaction became extremely limited, and the world filled with a sense of uncertainty. It was a time to reflect and recalibrate. Spending many mornings in meditation, going inward to move beyond fear and welcome in growth became a mantra. The concept came to use the basic construction materails available and treat them as precious. Primarily composed of Hemlock, tradionally used as framing material, the cabinet opens to an Oak interior, blackened steel details, and a bronze mirror at the back, giving both the sense of retreat and reflection. There is also a drawer below. The materials are unified with a coating of black ink, leaving only the texture of the materials visible. Jude Heslin Di Leo...
Walnut
Pair of Italian Decorative Cup began 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of Italian Decorative Cup began 20th Century of gilded and marbled metal. with lid topped with pineapple. Measurements: 35 cm each Good condition
Metal
Very Rare 1950s Rawl Plug Sales Cabinet with till Drawers and Display Section
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this original 1950s shop display counter advertising rawl plugs A very good looking and well-made piece, i...
Oak