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Modern Sofas

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Price: $3,000 to $4,999
Style: Modern
Raft London Manhattan Corner Sofa
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the stunning Manhattan Corner Sofa by Raft London, a must-have piece for any modern living space. Crafted with the highest quality materials, this luxurious sofa boasts a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Beige Large Sofa by Edward Wormley
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the ultimate in luxury and sophistication - the Beige Large Sofa by renowned designer Edward Wormley. Crafted with the highest quality materials, this stunning sofa featu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Pixel Light Indoor Sofa in Extra Kami A1 Upholstery by Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pixel Light, the new seating system design by Sergio Bicego, stems from the desire to expand on the concept of form flexibility to reach a more sophisticated one of fluidity of space...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Ligne Roset L-Shaped Sofa with Alcantara Upholstery
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Ligne Roset L-Shaped Sofa, a stunning addition to any modern living space. This sleek and stylish sofa features a unique shape and is upholstered in luxurious alcanta...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Papillonne Two Seater Sofa
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Standing out in every field with its eye-catching modern design approach and material variety, the PAPILLONNE series brings a brand new face to spaces with its minimal appearance. PA...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Faux Leather

Vintage “Balmain” Outdoor Teak Sofa After RH
Located in west palm beach, FL
Add a refined touch of modern elegance to your space with this vintage “Balmain” sofa After RH blending coastal Boho vibes with Restoration Hardware’s signature luxe minimalism. The ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sofas

Materials

Linen, Upholstery, Teak

Denmark Three-seater sofa 3303 Airport by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 1993
Located in MIlano, IT
Denmark Three-seater sofa 3303 Airport by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 1993 Three-seater sofa mod. 3303 Airport with square seat and backrest, padded and covered in red fabric. Sq...
Category

1990s Danish Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

2006 Herman Miller Compact Sofa by Ray and Charles Eames with New Yellow Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Compact Sofa, Model S-473, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1954. This particular example dates to 2006 and has been freshly reuphols...
Category

Early 2000s North American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Serge Haelterman Functional Pop Art Modular Seating Jzuz Living Elements Belgian
By JZUZ Livingelements, Serge Haelterman & Steven Brouns
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Unique and out of production functional seating elements by Belgian designers Serge Haelterman and Steven Brouns. These elements are made of high end foam covered with an elastic coated fabric that can be cleaned easily and feels like a latex rubber. This seating elements can be turned into a sofa, bed or seating island with your own imagination. NIKE purchased several of these JZUZ Elements for their shops in Europe Measures: Green element 82.67inch/210cm x 27.55inch/70cm x Height 27.55inch/70cm Orange element 55.12inch/140cm x 55.12inch/140cm x Height 27.55inch/70cm Orange block element 27.55inch/70cm x 27.55inch/70cm x Height 27.55inch/70cm I taken this text from Serge Haelterman's website: Right after I graduated as an Industrial designer back in 1999 I started a furniture brand together with my friend Steven Brouns. We felt there was a need for a new type of furniture that was able to adjust itself to the ever changing life situations. Hence the name Livingelements. The name JZUZ was conceived because we believed we had to spread the message of this new kind of living. The first elements were a u and a square shaped seating element. They were in fact a deconstruction of a regular sofa. This deconstruction led to a whole range of new possibilities. When combining both elements you could construct all kinds of different 'living' setups. After this followed the room devider...
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Latex, Rubber

Arflex Cloud Small Sofa in Black Straps by Carlo Colombo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Cloud collection, developed to find a lifestyle more in line with nature and the visual cheerfulness, with soft and comfortable shapes. Materials: Upholstered Fabric (Black Strap)...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Italian Modern Lc2 Sofa, Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Perriand for Cassina, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Lc2 two-seater sofa, with black tubular structure with satin finish and completely removable cover in white cotton fabric. Designed by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Perriand for Cassi...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

2006 Herman Miller Eames Sofa Compact with New Brown Fabric Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Sofa Compact, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1954. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the USA C. 2006. The sofa's design features brow...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Rare Cognac Colored Leather Sofa by Klaus Wettergren
Located in Kastrup, DK
This rare prototype sofa by Klaus Wettergren is upholstered with a cognac colored leather. A rare sofa as it was only made in limited quantity by orders...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

"Flag" Couch and Chaise Longue in Knit Fabric and Wood Feet
Located in Centro, RS
The Flag Couch is a smart and multifunctional piece. The couch has a cushion built into the seat that makes the piece with dual functionality: when is closed, it works as a comfortab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Hickory Chair Curtis Sofa in J Robert Scott Ivory Fabric
Located in Countryside, IL
Hickory Chair Curtis Sofa in J. Robert Scott Ivory Fabric This sofa measures: 78 wide x 34 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 20 and arm height of 22 inches About Photos:...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Rendez-Vous Sofa Compound in Extra A1 Upholstery with Black Metal, Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rendez-vous is the new seating system envisaged not only for the home environment, but also for public spaces. The aim of the project is to allow upmost flexibility in configurations...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Danish Hans J. Wegner Three-Seat GE-285 Jubilee Sofa in Oak and Fabric by GETAMA
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Hans J. Wegner three-seat sofa in oak and fabric by GETAMA The model GE-285 sofa was designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1985. The simple yet very elegant Wegner design feature a ...
Category

Early 2000s Danish Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

New York Soleil Sofa with Hemp Rope Frame & White Legs by Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The New York outdoor collection expands with a line of exclusive woven seating made entirely by hand. New York Sofa Soleil is the product of careful r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Rope

Walnut and Fabric Sofa
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful 1970s sofa with a walnut leg frame. The sofa has been newly recovered, the frame is in original condition and it has minor chips on the back legs (see detail photos). Me...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Contemporary Italian Sofa Bed by Spinzi, Green Fabric Upholstery, Bolts Details
Located in Milano, IT
Spinzi is a Milano based creative atelier specialised in furniture design as well as sourcing and trading relevant mid-century collectible design. Check out our storefront and websit...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood

Modern style sofa, smoked bronze PMMA panels by MW DESIGNER FURNITURE
Located in Beaumont-Louestault, FR
Panels made of cast PMMA, an extremely durable acrylic glass, bean-shaped cushions, customizable seating in 13 colors, available in vegan leather or fabric. The KUUMO sofa is a rema...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

‘Fantasy Island’ 2-seater sofa by Kurt Bayer, 1980's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
A magnificent "Fantasy Island" 2-seat sofa by Kurt Bayer, Germany 1980's. This sculptural sofa is made of wood, steel and leather, a beautiful combination. ...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Essentiel 3-Seat 220 Sofa in Braided Pink Upholstery & Grey Legs, Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Essentiel sofa presents itself with a clear purpose. A design without excess and friendly ergonomics, it represents a mix of Italian elegance and northern traits, merging harmoni...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Italian modern green leather sofa by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Green leather sofa by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, 1970s Three-seater sofa fully padded and covered in dark green leather...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

1999 Zanotta Alfa Grey Leather Sectional Modular Sofa by Emaf Progetti 2x Avail
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (two are available, but they are sold separately) "Alfa" sectional/modular sofa, designed by Emaf Progetti. The sofa is beautifully constructed and uphols...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Gervasoni Open 3 Large Modular Bed Sofa in Munch Upholstery by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
When it comes to furniture that transforms, Open is undoubtedly the perfect product. Collection of sofa beds with headboard and backrests available in different solutions, thanks to the foldaway bed with wooden slatted base, easily removable through a servo-assisted movement mechanism, which adds an extra single bed. Reception furniture par excellence is suitable for a number of different rooms in your house. Modular bed...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

2006 Herman Miller Compact Sofa by Ray and Charles Eames with New Blue Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Compact Sofa, Model S-473, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1954. This particular example dates to 2006 and has been freshly reuphols...
Category

Early 2000s North American Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Cloverleaf in and Outdoor Sofa, Right Unit in White by Verner Panton
Located in Horsens, DK
Cloverleaf right unit sofa in-and-outdoor in white by Verner Panton. Charging unit can be added - for indoor use only. Modular sofa system consisting of r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Sofas

Wingback sofa designed by Sean Dare
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Contemporary styled classic wingback, generous proportion solid timber frame and oak edition Dare Studio
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Gervasoni Open 5 Large Modular Bed Sofa in Munch Upholstery by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
When it comes to furniture that transforms, Open is undoubtedly the perfect product. Collection of sofa beds with headboard and backrests available in different solutions, thanks to the foldaway bed with wooden slatted base, easily removable through a servo-assisted movement mechanism, which adds an extra single bed. Reception furniture par excellence is suitable for a number of different rooms in your house. Modular bed...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Outdoor Lounge Sofa Featuring Leather Accents
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
Céline Two-seat Sofa The Celine sofa features a minimalist design enriched with subtle details that convey the essence of the brand, making it a versatile piece that integrates per...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

Dolce Armchair Ivory with Plush Boucle Fabric by Matteo Cibic
Located in Kolkata, IN
Dolce armchair ivory is an exquisite single-seater sofa, which can be used on its own or with the Dolce Sofa. It is upholstered in plush ivory boucle fabri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Foam, Wood

Weatherproof Outdoor Couch with Leather and Acrylic Textiles
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
The Flow series was designed to complement any space. With a minimal design, it's guaranteed to bring a high level of comfort and usability to different areas like patios, gardens, p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric

1976 Nicos Zographos Saronis Leather & Oak Sofa from Hugh Stubbins Library
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a leather and oak Nicos Zographos Saronis sofa from 1976, which came directly from a Hugh Stubbins (Architect) designed library at a notable ivy-league institution...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

Cape 3-Seat Stitch Sofa, by Charlotte Høncke from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
An elegant sofa with an organic design inspired by the puffed sleeves and layered designs of haute couture. Its soft lines and chic details make the Cape sofa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam

Cubiq 2 Seat Sofa - Fully Upholstered Modular Sofa in White Fabric
Located in London, GB
Embraced by its tall sides, the Cubiq collection creates a comfortable area within it that invites its users to private conversations, allowing them to configure the surrounding spac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Lotus 2 Seat Sofa - Modern Handcrafted Brown Leather Sofa with Steel Legs
Located in London, GB
The Lotus collection was created as a reference of elegance and etiquette, imbuing its design of a magnetic personality with its geometrical beauty. Its structure is shaped from curv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

Indoor Pigalle Loveseat by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Indoor Pigalle loveseat by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Abaca, nylon, steel. Also available in other colors and for outdoors. Prices for upholstery and fabric upon request. Dimen...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Audo Copenhagen Menu Offset Three Seater Sofa by Norm Architects
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Audo Copenhagen Menu Offset Sofa, a stunning addition to any modern living space. Crafted with the highest quality materials, this sofa boasts a sleek and contemporar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Papillonne Three Seater Sofa
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Standing out in every field with its eye-catching modern design approach and material variety, the PAPILLONNE series brings a brand new face to spaces with its minimal appearance. PA...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Faux Leather

Robust Garden Sofa with Weather-Resistant Black Foam Upholstery
Located in Santo Tirso, PT
The Flow series was designed to complement any space. With a minimal design, it's guaranteed to bring a high level of comfort and usability to different areas like patios, gardens, p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric

"Flag" Couch and Chaise Longue in Dark Brown Linen and Wood Feet
Located in Centro, RS
The Flag Couch is a smart and multifunctional piece. The couch has a cushion built into the seat that makes the piece with dual functionality: when is close...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

2020 Knoll Barber Osgerby Compact Two Seater Sofa in Green Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Barber Osgerby Compact Two Seater Sofa, designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby and produced by Knoll. This example was produced in 2020. The fabric looks and feels simil...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

1980s Tentazione Two-Seater Sofa / Settee by Mario Bellini for Cassina Model 685
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Tentazione two-seater sofa, model 685, originally designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1973. Its frame is made of steel, and the seat and back are formed from pliant mo...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

"Flag" Couch Chaise Longue in Dark Brown Linen and Wood Feet, Small Size
Located in Centro, RS
The Flag Couch is a smart and multifunctional piece. The couch has a cushion built into the seat that makes the piece with dual functionality: when is closed, it works as a comfortab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Lotus 2 Seat Sofa - Modern Handcrafted Black Leather Sofa with Steel Legs
Located in London, GB
The Lotus collection was created as a reference of elegance and etiquette, imbuing its design of a magnetic personality with its geometrical beauty. Its structure is shaped from curv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

Italian Modern Grey Fabric and Black Iron Foliage Sofa by Kartell, 2000s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Grey fabric and black iron Foliage sofa by Kartell, 2000s Two seater Foliage sofa with tubular structure in black painted iron. The seat and back are padded with poly...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Iron

Vittorio Introini for Saporiti leather sofa, 1970s, Italy
Located in Budapest, HU
A compact leather sofa within a lucite frame, designed by Vittorio Introini around 1970. This charming two-seater sofa remains in its original condition, showcasing flawless leather...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Cédric Ragot for Roche Bobois Brown Nautil 3 Seat Sofa
Located in Basildon, London
Originally designed by Cédric Ragot for Roche Bobois in 2013, the Nautil sofa gives a contemporary update to the iconic styles of the 1970s. Constructed from a solid wood frame, t...
Category

2010s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

2008 Gaia Three Seat Sofa by Arik Levy for Bernhardt Design in Red Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a ‘Gaia’ sofa, designed by Arik Levy for Bernhardt Design in 2008. Its frame is composed of polished aluminum, and it has a molded-foam seat and back. The upholstery is done ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum

Mr. Olsen 3-Seat Sofa with Smoked Oak Legs, by Hans Olsen from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
A Classic, sophisticated designer sofa designed in the 1950s by the highly acclaimed Danish architect, Hans Olsen. The Mr. Olsen sofa is an original design that is a perfect match for a gentleman’s room or a feminine sofa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam

Ron Arad MT2 Sofa in Polyethylene for Driade
Located in Milan, IT
Innovation, experimentation of the materials and forms. This sofa is an iconic sculptural polyethylene monobloc sofa, designed by Ron Arad and manufactured by Driade, sand white colo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Plastic

Maple Lowback Suzy Wong Loveseat by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Maple lowback suzy wong loveseat by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Abaca, rattan, maple. Also available in walnut. Dimensions: 83 cm x 162 cm x H 64 cm ...
Category

2010s Philippine Modern Sofas

Materials

Rattan, Maple

Antonio Citterio Atoll Sofa for B&B Italia, Italy, 2018
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning left arm right facing sofa chaise lounge with two seat cushions and twelve back cushions for extra comfort that can be arranged in numerous combinations. Rendered in blue tw...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Pewter, Steel, Aluminum

Mw05 "Blue" design sofa, handmade in France, designed by Olivier Santini
Located in Beaumont-Louestault, FR
Winner of the DNA Paris Design Awards 2023. No. MW052203 This MW05 "Blue" sofa is a unique piece, signed and handcrafted in France. The glass sides of the sofa are crafted by a Frenc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas

Materials

Other, Stainless Steel

1970s Modernist Sculptural Two Seat Settee Sofa in Orange Hopsack Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Custom Two-Seat Love Seat Sofa in Dark Orange Hopsack Fabric, dating to the 1970s. It came to us from a home in Ithaca, New York. The silhouette echoes the designs of Pierr...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

2022 Jasper Morrison for Cappellini Orla Two-Seater Small Sofa in Sahco Green
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an Orla Small Sofa made with a metal frame and green woven fabric. The sofa was designed by Jasper Morrison and produced by Cappellini in Italy. It dates to circa...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Dwell 2-Seat Sofa, by Hans Olsen from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
The Dwell Sofa is recognizable for its light, accommodating design, which has a timeless appeal. The sofa features an eternal 1950s design with armrests that invite you simply to rem...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam

Modern sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern sofas 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 sofas created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern sofas made in a specific country, there are Europe, Portugal, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sofas, popular names associated with this style include De Sede, Finn Juhl, Stephen Kenn, and Moooi. 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 sofas differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $72 and tops out at $497,965 while the average work can sell for $9,554.

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