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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Style: Modern
Two-Seat ‘DS-47’ Sofa in Buffalo Leather by De Sede, Switzerland 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
‘DS-47’ Two-Seat Sofa in Buffalo Leather by De Sede, Switzerland 1970s DIMENSIONS: 69"W x 33"D x 29"H; 16"Seat Height CONDITION: Great vintage condition.
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Upholstery

Rue de Babylone Angled Sofa by Christophe Delcourt
Located in Toronto, ON
Framed by 19th century Parisian architecture, the Rue de Babylone guides both locals and tourists alike through the most celebrated and unassumed segments of Paris. Referencing the a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Dottie Modular Corner Sofa
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
With its sporty form, clean workmanship and understated design that will suit any space, DOTTIE MODULAR L SOFA suits your home very well with its functi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood, Foam, Faux Leather, Upholstery, Cotton, Bouclé

Cini Boeri, Bengodi, A Velvet Sofa, Arflex, 1974
Located in Paris, FR
Cini Boeri (1924-2020) Bengodi A rectangular three-seater sofa covered with velvet upholstery, the seat with one large cushion, the back with two cushions, on six feet. Original ed...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Clichy Linen Slipcover Sofa, Custom made in Spain
Located in Amsterdam, NL
With its rounded curves and comfortable back cushions, the Clichy sofa is both timeless and elegant. The sofa is customizable, made to order, and we offer a variety of sizes and fa...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Sofas

Materials

Linen, Hemp

Maharaja Sofa by Kunaal Kyhaan
Located in Pune, IN
The Maharaja sofa is Crafted by the skilled hands of artisans, layers of plush upholstery are meticulously sculpted into a regal silhouette, embellished with embossed floral fleece, ...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Black Leather Sofa Model Ge-299 by Takashi Okamura & Erik Marquardsen for GETAMA
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Three-seater sofa with maple frame, upholstered with black leather. Model GE 299. Manufactured and marked by Getama.
Category

1980s Danish Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Maple

Modular Sofa Mah Jong by Missoni for Roche Bobois, set of 13 pieces, 2000s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Indulge in the epitome of luxury with the original Mah Jong sofa, adorned with high-quality fabrics designed by Missoni Home exclusively for Roche Bobois. This set has been maintain...
Category

2010s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile

1950's Style Curved Velvet Sofa in Custom Velvet Colors
Located in New York, NY
The Sofa inspires itself nature where green is the predominant element and where valleys and hills prevail. The item’s details allow it to be the perfect statement piece for any cont...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

"Pietra" Organic Couch Upholstered in Bouclé Fabric and Leather Arms 1.8m
Located in Centro, RS
The inspiration for the design features comes from the Italian name Pietra: The translation Stone, an element of organic nature that brings a feeling of biophilia and well-being to t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé

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 Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

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 Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

"Flag" Couch and Chaise Longue in Natural 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 close...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Extra Deep Sectional Sofa in Custom Velvet Color
Located in New York, NY
Tailor made and fully upholstered sectional sofa offered in a selection of luxurious, velvet fabrics. Shown with taupe cotton velvet. All hardwood frame with advanced comfort spring...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Foam, Wood

Extra Deep Curved Sofa Offered In Performance Velvet and Metal Base
Located in New York, NY
Made to order sofa with deep curved chaise offered in a selection of luxurious performance soft velvets. The velvet is stain resistant, and water repellent. The base is offered in me...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

Contemporary Three-Seater Sofa by Hessentia Upholstered in Grey Bouclé Fabric
Located in Carate, Brianza (MB)
Gio sofa is the result of a long design process and a synergistic collaboration between the architect Luca Erba and company Cornelio Cappellini. This sofa amazes for its soft and def...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé

Hand-Tailored Curved Sectional Sofa in Light Grey Velvet
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern inspired sectional sofa featuring curved design with luxurious light grey velvet fabric. Supported by walnut stained wood base. The velvet suggested on this sofa i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Hand-Tailored Curved Sectional Sofa in Deep Blue Velvet
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern inspired sectional sofa featuring curved design with luxurious blueberry blue cotton velvet fabric. Supported by smoked eucalyptus wood base. Standard dimensions: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Hand Tailored Fringes 2-Seat Sofa in Antique Pink Velvet
Located in New York, NY
The handmade sofa draws on the signature Franjas fashion theme, ruffling the scene and inviting guests with its fun and flirtatious feel. Featuring three layers of fringes that run a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Silk, Trimming

Ananta Class 23 Medium Sofa in Lusso Upholstery & Black Nickel by Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ananta Class is an informal and versatile modular range that allows endless combinations of the independent backrests and bases available in 80, 120, 160, 200 and 240 cm lengths. The...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Les Femmes Small Sofa in Lario Red & White Upholstery by Giuseppe Viganò
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Les Femmes is an innovative modular couch with a high backrest and a comfortable seat, characterized by its soft, enveloping shape. Using just three elements, its original design per...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood

Voyage Large Sofa in Natural Leather Upholstery & Black Nickel by Sergio Bicego
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This sofa offers clean lines and an unique flexible design gives a feeling of momentum towards a larger journey. The upholstery options are essential and contemporary, eclectic and g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

De Sede Ds-247 Three-Seat Sofa in Olive Upholstery by Gordon Guillaumier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-247 is a new sofa system that can not only be adjusted to different positions, but also to your life – with all its facets. Do you want to relax, read or simply do nothing? Have a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-276/23 Two-Seat Sofa in Natural Umbra Upholstery by Christian Werner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Generously curved, taut surfaces in a very soft implementation are the basic ideas of Christian Werner, as he designs the image of the DS-276 slowly in front of his inner eye; what a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

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 Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mario Bellini, Le Bambole, Sofa, B&B Italia, 1970s
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Introducing the Le Bambole sofa by renowned designer Mario Bellini, upholstered in luxurious bouclé fabric, an exquisite addition to elevate any interior space. With its sleek lines ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé

Henredon Ralph Lauren Saddle Leather Sofa
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning Ralph Lauren sofa in thick, buttery, luxurious saddle leather. Lovely light patina. Sink in comfort with the softest down filled cushions. L...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pumpkin 3-seater sofa by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset 2010
Located in Stavenisse, NL
Modernist design by Pierre Paulin, the Pumpkin was designed by Paulin in the 70s to represent an organic interpretation to furniture. In line with many other Paulin designs, its insp...
Category

2010s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Plastic, Foam

Togo Sofa in Velvet by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset
Located in Porto, PT
Togo sofa in velvet by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset The designer was inspired by the tooth paste tube Three seater sofa, upholstered in soft and smooth vetvet. The colour and and p...
Category

1990s French Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Roche Bobois by Gabriele Assmann & Alfred Kleene Leather Digital Curved Sofa
Located in London, GB
Designed by Gabriele Assmann & Alfred Kleene for Roche Bobois, the Digital sofa perfectly balances comfort with elegant modern design. These comfortable sofas have a very unique sha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Sosa Two Seater Brown Teddy Sofa
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
With its monolithic structure and its perfect integration with the floor it is on, the Sosa sofa offers an image that is different from the usual form and appearance that includes yo...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam, Hardwood, Bouclé, Upholstery

"Flag" Couch and Chaise Longue in Off-white Sheepskin 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

"Flag" Couch and Chaise Longue in Grey Sheepskin 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

Walter Knoll Vintage Modular Grey Buffallo Leather Lounge Sofa, Germany, 1970
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This stunning Modular sectional leather sofa was manufactured by Walter Knoll in Germany. It is a pure 70ties design with timeless modern shape. The seating shape is likely round for...
Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Plastic, Wood

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional in Tan Mohair
Located in Culver City, CA
Step into the realm of luxury and design with this iconic Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa! Crafted with the finesse of a sculptor, this masterpiece is not just a piece of furniture; it's ...
Category

1990s Modern Sofas

Materials

Mohair

21th century Contemporary Sofa with Cross Banded Back in Bordeaux Corduroy
Located in Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia
Indulge in the warmth of comfort and style with our Full Upholstered Sofa in Bordeaux. This sofa isn’t just a piece of furniture; it’s an invitation to unwind in a haven of softness ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet

Late 20th Century Modern Cognac Leather Sofa With Scroll Arm and Nailhead Trim
Located in Elkton, MD
A luxurious cognac leather sofa with elegant scroll arms tastefully embellished with nailhead trim.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Vladimir Kagan, Attributed Serpentine Cloud Sofa, in Suede
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vladimir Kagan, Attributed Serpentine Cloud Sofa, in Suede USA, Circa 1990s A stunning Vladimir Kagan (attributed) Serpentine Cloud Sofa, made in the USA circa 1990s. This large-sc...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Sofas

Materials

Suede, Upholstery

Modern Minho Day Bed, DEDAR Bouclé, Oak Root, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Minho Day Bed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Minho day bed with a wooden sid...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Modern Minho Nubuck Chaise Lounge, Day Bed, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Minho Chaise Longue, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Minho leather chaise loun...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Marble

The Marshmallow Lounge -Swivel Lounge Chair in Black Leather with Aluminum Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
There is something magical about dropping into an array of soft, supple marshmallow like pillows, that hug your body in all the right places and allow you to rest comfortably while s...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum

Modular Rounded Bulky Sofa With Upholstered Footer
Located in New York, NY
This new addition to the collection of modular sofas includes six unique modules. It stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it is entirely upholstered, including the footer, ensuri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Foam, Velvet

Modern Margem Sofa made with Dark Brown Oak, Leather, Black Epoxy and Fabric
Located in Seroa, PT
When sleek lines intertwined with curved edges wonders are created. Margem Sofa represents everything one seeks in a luxurious living room – comfort, sophistication, and personality....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

XL Convertible Sofa Bed In Customer's Own Material "COM"
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a new sofa bed that effortlessly combines elegant simplicity with practical functionality. Its standout feature is the single-motion opening system, an innovative mechani...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Italian modern Three-seater sofa Cornaro by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Three-seater sofa Cornaro by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 1980s Three-seater sofa mod. Cornaro with round section structure in black painted solid wood. The seat is ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Italian modern Three-seater sofa Cornaro by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Three-seater sofa Cornaro by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 1980s Three-seater sofa mod. Cornaro with round section structure in black painted solid wood. The seat is ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Italian modern Three-seater sofas Cornaro Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Three-seater sofas Cornaro by Carlo Scarpa for Simon Gavina, 1980s Pair of three-seater sofa mod. Cornaro with round section structure in black painted solid wood. The...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Marenco sofa and 2 armchairs set, Mario Marenco for Arflex, 1970
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Mario Marenco's "Marenco" for Arflex is an iconic armchair designed in 1970. It is famous for its distinctive and innovative design that stands out for its soft and enveloping shapes...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Synchronicity GardenThree-Seater Sofa by Lara Bohinc, Pink, Cork , Outdoor
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
This is a three seater sofa comprising of three seating sections, its voluminous and expanding curves balloon, as if wanting to float away from the ground. There are two pink sofas f...
Category

2010s English Modern Sofas

Materials

Cork

Sculptural Vintage Cloud Sofa
Located in Denton, TX
Cloud freeform sofa in black microfiber fabric.
Category

20th Century North American Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Cambridge Sofa, Love Seat Sofa, Brass Velvet, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Cambridge Sofa, Love Seat Sofa, Brass Velvet, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple With an elegant design inspired by the eternal surroundings of bohemian life, Cambridge exudes a stylis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Modular Sofa Model 9000 by Tito Agnoli for Artflex, 1970s
Located in Budapest, HU
The Model 9000 was designed by Tito Agnoli for Artflex during the 1970s. A true masterpiece in modular sofa design. With its sleek and contemporary aesthetic, this set allows for end...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

DS101 3 Seater Sofa, De Sede, 1970s
Located in Budapest, HU
"High quality comfort 3 seater, with extendable individual seats for lounge sitting. The hand-stitched seams and black leather upholstery make the DS101 model truly unique. Designed ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Roche Bobois by Gabriele Assmann & Alfred Kleene Leather Digital Curved Sofa
Located in London, GB
Designed by Gabriele Assmann & Alfred Kleene for Roche Bobois, the Digital sofa perfectly balances comfort with elegant modern design. These comfortable sofas have a very unique sha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Vico Magistretti White Cotton Hovercraft Two-Seater Sofa for De Padova, 1996
Located in Vicenza, IT
Hovercraft is a two-seater sofa with a wooden frame and internal padding made of polyurethane foam. The down cushions are reinforced with polyurethane foam, and the upholstery is ful...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Cotton, Foam

Frau Italian leather sofa by Tito Agnoli, Poppy model
Located in Milano, IT
Imagine entering a living room adorned with the epitome of sophistication and style. At the center of this refined environment is the exclusive Poppy seating set, a masterpiece designed by Tito Agnoli and made by Poltrona Frau. With its classic design and vintage charm, the Poppy sofa...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Layton Curve Sofa, Velvet & Natural Wood Sofa by Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order velvet and wood curved sofa designed by Christian Siriano. Fabric: Ivory Velvet Base: Natural Maple.   Available in custom fabrics and finishes. Dimensions: Overall ...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Maple, Velvet

Curved Split back Afgan Sofa in Watermelon Red by Kunaal Kyhaan
Located in Pune, IN
The Afgan Sofa by Kunaal Kyhaan is a meticulously crafted marvel that dances gracefully between the realms of intimacy and spatial adaptability, a harmonious response to the ever-cha...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

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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