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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
Pair of Model 300 Footstools by Gustav Stickley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of Model 300 Footstools by Gustav Stickley Pair of footstools made of oak, leather, and brass nailheads. Each footstool has a red manufacturer’s decal on the stretcher reading ...
Brass
Modern Organic style armchair in Solid Wood, Upholstered Flexible Seating
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." THE ARMCHAIRS The Collana armchairs are a celebration of refined design and unparalleled comfort. Crafted to elev...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood
Modern Organic Style Collana Armchair in Solid Wood, Leather Flexible Seating
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." THE ARMCHAIRS The Collana armchairs are a celebration of refined design and unparalleled comfort. Crafted to elev...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood
Footstool Old Silver Steel & Navy Blue Saddle Leather, Contemporary Style
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-...
Brass, Steel
Modern Shearling Ottoman with Solid Ash Wood Base in Eggplant (deep purple)
Located in Lower Gwynedd, PA
The Muffin Man is a handcrafted stool made in the USA from solid ash wood, designed to bring comfort and quiet character into a space. Resting on four sweetly rounded feet, it’s topp...
Wool, Hardwood, Ash
Modern Shearling Ottoman with Solid Walnut Wood Base by Phillip's Daughter
Located in Lower Gwynedd, PA
The Muffin Man is a handcrafted stool made in the USA from solid walnut wood, designed to bring comfort and quiet character into a space. Resting on four sweetly rounded feet, it’s t...
Wool, Hardwood, Walnut
$953Sale Price / item|20% Off
Organic nature-inspired brushed brass COM Figueroa ottoman by InsidherLand
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
Located in the sunny California, the charming Figueroa Mountain is a magical landscape that led to the creation of the Figueroa stool. The exquisite sto...
Brass
Modern Organic Style Collana Armchair in Solid Wood, Leather Flexible Seating
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." THE ARMCHAIRS The Collana armchairs are a celebration of refined design and unparalleled comfort. Crafted to elev...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood
Modern Shearling Ottoman with Solid Ash Wood Base in Navy by Phillip's Daughter
Located in Lower Gwynedd, PA
The Muffin Man is a handcrafted stool made in the USA from solid ash wood, designed to bring comfort and quiet character into a space. Resting on four sweetly rounded feet, it’s topp...
Wool, Hardwood, Ash
Oro Stool in Curly Shearling with Walnut Veneer Base By Frances Jean
Located in London, GB
The Oro Stool is a versatile upholstered accent piece designed to layer effortlessly into a range of interiors. Compact and sculptural in form, it works equally well as occasional se...
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Walnut
$2,192Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern beige lamb fur hammered brass Tree Branches long bench by InsidherLand
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
The Tree Branches long bench is entirely handcrafted in brass with a hammered technique similar to the irregular details of real branches. The top in Mongolian Lamb fur completes th...
Brass
Mushroom Swivel Top Post Modern Style Ottoman Pouf in Ivory White Bouclé
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post Modern style swivel top Mushroom Ottomans or Poufs freshly upholstered in luxuriously soft ivory white bouclé are the perfect blend of form and function. Sexy Modern sculptural silhouette. Whether used for additional seating or for resting a delicious charcuterie platter, you and your guests will appreciate the swivel top feature. When seated, guests can swivel about and converse more freely. Trays or platters filled with goodies can rest atop and rotate for a more comfortable entertaining experience. Or simply rest your legs over these large and comfortable super soft ottomans after a long day with a good book and a glass of wine. The ivory white bouclé is rated highly durable (over 50k double rubs) and cleans up easily without damaging or compromising the fabric. Its texture breathes and works quite well in both cool and warm climates. Custom sizes made to order. May be upholstered in Customer's Own Material (C.O.M.). Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Photographed along with and currently available in our shop: Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Marilyn Sofa...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Modern Shearling Ottoman with Solid Ash Wood Base in White by Phillip's Daughter
Located in Lower Gwynedd, PA
The Muffin Man is a handcrafted stool made in the USA from solid ash wood, designed to bring comfort and quiet character into a space. Resting on four sweetly rounded feet, it’s topp...
Wool, Hardwood, Ash
$657 / item
DISCO Footstool, Chrome
Located in Isleworth, GB
Channeling 1970s Italian glamour and decadence, our new Disco Footstool is a bold statement piece that blends luxury with clean, architectural geometry. Upholstered in a high-shine,...
Upholstery
Modern Shearling Ottoman with Solid Ash Wood Base in Light Purple
Located in Lower Gwynedd, PA
The Muffin Man is a handcrafted stool made in the USA from solid ash wood, designed to bring comfort and quiet character into a space. Resting on four sweetly rounded feet, it’s topp...
Wool, Hardwood, Ash
Modern Organic Style Armchair and Foot Stool in Solid Wood, Upholstered Seating
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." THE ARMCHAIRS The Collana armchairs are a celebration of refined design and unparalleled comfort. Crafted to elev...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood
Modern Organic style armchair in Solid Wood, Upholstered Flexible Seating
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
THE COLLANA SERIES – WHERE ARTISTRY MEETS COMFORT IN EVERY CURVE." THE ARMCHAIRS The Collana armchairs are a celebration of refined design and unparalleled comfort. Crafted to elev...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Fiberglass, Hardwood
Pair of Low Stools by Arthur Cunningham New Hampshire Craftsman
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of unusual three legged stools by Arthur Cunningham, Manchester, New Hampshire. Vintage circa 1960s with great patina and character.
Ligne Roset Footstool by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec
By Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Ligne Roset
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the ultimate addition to your living space - the Footstool by Ligne Roset. Crafted with the finest materials and exquisite attention to detail, this footstool exudes luxury and sophistication. Its sleek and modern design, combined with its plush cushioning, makes it the perfect piece for both comfort and style. Whether used as a footrest or extra seating, this footstool is a versatile and functional addition to any room. Elevate your home decor with the Footstool by Ligne Roset. Condition Notes: The Ligne Roset Ploum...
Fabric
Modern Shearling Ottoman with Solid Ash Wood Base in Blue by Phillip's Daughter
Located in Lower Gwynedd, PA
The Muffin Man is a handcrafted stool made in the USA from solid ash wood, designed to bring comfort and quiet character into a space. Resting on four sweetly rounded feet, it’s topp...
Wool, Hardwood, Ash
$965 / item
Modern Leather Arch Base Ottoman
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern leather arch base ottoman. Crafted in rich brown leather, this ottoman is accented with small brass nailhead trim. The unique open decorative arched base makes this small st...
Leather
COSETTE OTTOMAN - Modern Leather Ottoman with Tibetan Mongolian Lamb Fur Pelt
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
COSETTE OTTOMAN - Modern Leather Ottoman with Tibetan Mongolian Lamb Fur Pelt The Cosette Ottoman is a one-of-a-kind piece that combines luxurious leather an...
Metal
Exotic Wood and Leather Stool in Argentine Rosewood by Costantini Design, Luzio
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
The Luzio Stool features a solid wood frame and a slung leather seat featuring handmade leather cording to help give the seat its signature shape. Available in several standard matching or contrasting leathers, or the upholstery material of your choice. Shown in Argentine Rosewood finish. Measurements are: 26" W x 18" D x 20" H Other materials available are Argentine Rosewood, Oak, Walnut, Maple, Cherry, Beech, Elm, Okume Teak, Abruzzo Almond, Abruzzo Black, Abruzzo Cappuccino, Abruzzo Chocolate, Abruzzo Chocolate, Abruzzo Concrete, Abruzzo Graphite, Abruzzo Cream, Abruzzo Mocha, Abruzzo Pepper, Abruzzo Terracotta, Abruzzo White, Abruzzo Bone, Bari Cream, Bari Caramel, Bari Chocolate, Bari Cognac, Bari Copper, Parma Flash, Roma Sable, Piemonte Hazelnut, Ischia Gray, Lipari Celeste, Genova Brown, Napoli Camel, Napoli Seal, Mediterranean Marsala, Lipari Sangria, Lipari Pecan, Parma Black, Napoli Smoke, Napoli Creme, Piemonte Red, Roma Brown, Napoli Teal, Piemonte Navy, Parma Bone, Sardinia Maple, Piemonte Autumn, Sardinia Chestnut, Bologna Tobaco, Campania Amaretto, Campania Brown and Piemonte Brandy. About Costantini Design...
Leather, Wood
Set of 2 Footstool Old Silver Steel & Dark Brown Leather Contemporary Style
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-...
Brass, Steel
$1,292Sale Price / set|26% Off
Contemporary set of 2 stools by Studio Tecnico Interna8, Wood Fabric
By Interna8
Located in Pordenone, IT
Stool in solid beech wood. Seat with webbing and plywood frame padded with elastic expanded polyurethane. This listing is for 2 stools.
Wood
Set of 2 Footstool Black Smoke Steel & Natural Tobacco Leather, Modern Style
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-...
Brass, Steel
Footstool Silver Steel and Natural Tobacco Leather, Hug Collection
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary footstool and ottoman is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm i...
Steel, Brass
$5,220 / item
+ 5 moreSling Ottoman in Solid Walnut, Satin Nickel and Leather Designed by Craig Bassam
Located in Ridgefield, CT
A club chair anchors a living space and gives it personality. Seen from across a room, it invites relaxation, contemplation, and introspection while setting the mood. The Sling chair...
Steel
$1,337 / item
Moroso FJORD Small foot stool by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
From a piece of seashell, which has been broken and smoothed by the waves, Patricia Urquiola has designed a collection of seats for both the home and public spaces. As the name sugge...
Plastic
Modern Shearling Ottoman with Solid Ash Wood Base in Black by Phillip's Daughter
Located in Lower Gwynedd, PA
The Muffin Man is a handcrafted stool made in the USA from solid ash wood, designed to bring comfort and quiet character into a space. Resting on four sweetly rounded feet, it’s topp...
Wool, Hardwood, Ash
Drova 4 Ottoman by Dmytro Kozinenko — Upholstered Pouf Inspired by Firewood
Located in Kyiv, UA
Drova means firewood — and this pouf is exactly that: four soft upholstered logs, stacked the way firewood is stacked near a fireplace, waiting to warm somebody. Designer Dmytro Kozi...
Foam, Fabric, Plywood
$850 / item
Tulipan Ottoman in Black Leather
By Jose Gomez
Located in Saint Louis, US
The Tulip ottoman in fiery red leather is a modern take on a beloved classic. With its metal frame and solid black leather cushion top it is the perfect accent piece.
Metal
$1,073 / item
High Natural Oak DOM Stool by Marcos Zanuso Jr
Located in Geneve, CH
High natural oak DOM stool by Marcos Zanuso Jr Materials: High stool, structure, and seat in solid oak, natural varnished or black stained. Technique: Lacquered metal. Natural or sta...
Oak
Modern Shearling Ottoman with Solid Ash Wood Base in Dark Green
Located in Lower Gwynedd, PA
The Muffin Man is a handcrafted stool made in the USA from solid ash wood, designed to bring comfort and quiet character into a space. Resting on four sweetly rounded feet, it’s topp...
Wool, Hardwood, Ash
Set of Four Slung Leather Piero Bar Stools from Costantini
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Costantini prides itself in using the hardest and most beautiful hardwoods in the construction of its line of seating. The Piero stool features a solid wood frame with a slung leathe...
Wood
Modern Shearling Ottoman with Solid Walnut Wood Base by Phillip's Daughter
Located in Lower Gwynedd, PA
The Muffin Man (Tall) is a handcrafted stool made in the USA from solid ash wood or walnut, designed to bring comfort and quiet character into a space. Resting on four sweetly rounde...
Sheepskin, Walnut
$1,524Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern white lamb fur bronzed brushed brass Tree Branches bench by InsidherLand
By InsidherLand, Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
The original tree branches bench is entirely handcrafted in brass with a hammered technique similar to the irregular details of real branches. This bench...
Brass, Metal
1960s Wrought Iron Patio Ottoman by Mario Papperzini
By Mario Papperzini, Salterini
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful pair of wrought iron outdoor ottomans designed by Mario Papperzini for John Salterini. They are originally from the 1960’s. They have a beautiful patina wonderful Verdigri...
Wrought Iron
Swivel Mushroom Top Post Modern Style Ottoman Pouf in Ivory White Bouclé
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post Modern style swivel top Mushroom Ottomans or Poufs freshly upholstered in luxuriously soft ivory white bouclé are the perfect blend of form and function. Sexy Modern sculptural silhouette. Whether used for additional seating or for resting a delicious charcuterie platter, you and your guests will appreciate the swivel top feature. When seated, guests can swivel about and converse more freely. Trays or platters filled with goodies can rest atop and rotate for a more comfortable entertaining experience. Or simply rest your legs over these large and comfortable super soft ottomans after a long day with a good book and a glass of wine. The ivory white bouclé is rated highly durable (over 50k double rubs) and cleans up easily without damaging or compromising the fabric. Its texture breathes and works quite well in both cool and warm climates. Adjustable sizes. May be upholstered in Customer's Own Material (C.O.M.). Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Photographed along with and currently available in our shop: Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Marilyn Sofa...
Bouclé, Upholstery
$1,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ottoman Tufted Footstool Stool Bench Cy Mann 2 Available
By Cy Mann
Located in Wayne, NJ
Ottoman footstool stool bench by Cy Mann
Chrome
Ottoman pouf DROVA 4 Designer Upholstered Accent Seating for Bedroom
Located in Kyiv, UA
Ottoman pouf Drova 4, a versatile and stylish addition to your living space. Handcrafted with precision in Ukraine, this cube pouf embodies the perfect fu...
Steel
Modern Shearling Ottoman with Solid Ash Wood Base by Phillip's Daughter
Located in Lower Gwynedd, PA
The Muffin Man is a handcrafted stool made in the USA from solid ash wood, designed to bring comfort and quiet character into a space. Resting on four sweetly rounded feet, it’s topp...
Wool, Hardwood, Ash
$2,591 / item
Carlotta Ottoman, Olive
Located in Isleworth, GB
Our Carlotta ottoman is part of Pome by Ceraudo, our first collection designed in-house. Carlotta is a great alternative to the classic coffee table but will be equally at home at t...
Linen
$1,800 / item
Teddy Pouf
By Pieces
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Teddy Pouf is the accompanying ottoman to the Teddy chair, and part of our first collection of upholstered designs. Upholstered in fabric by a company ...
Faux Fur
Drova 4 Pouf in Woolland Fabric by Dmytro Kozinenko — Firewood-Inspired Ottoman
Located in Kyiv, UA
The structure of the Drova pouf is a story told in four upholstered logs, stacked on top of each other the way firewood is stacked near a fireplace. Designer Dmytro Kozinenko borrowe...
Steel
Foot Stool in Red Offered by Vladimir Kagan Design Group
Located in Clifton, NJ
Vladimir Kagan Foot Stool in Red. Pairs with Multi-position Reclining chair. Vladimir Kagan (1927-2016) emigrated to the United States from Germany ...
Leather
Dimitri Omersa & Co Pig in Leather for Abercrombie, England, 1980
Located in Paris, IDF
Very nice Pig by Dimitri Omersa & Co in leather for Abercrombie England 1980 Good condition.
Leather
$1,524Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern beige lamb fur brushed brass Tree Branches bench by InsidherLand
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
The original tree branches bench is entirely handcrafted in brass with a hammered technique similar to the irregular details of real branches. Th...
Brass
"Il Pezzo 1 Pouf" ottoman upholstered in fine leather with a gold brass base
Located in Firenze, IT
An alternation of rounded shapes and geometrical lines, reassuming discipline and freedom, a composite, multiethnic plan where every element and material harmoniously contributes to ...
Gold, Brass
Moooi Bart Footstool in The Menagerie of Extinct Animals Velvet Ivory Upholstery
By Moooi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The indispensable items in a sitting room: poufs and footstools. The Bart Pouf and Footstool bring a cosy comfort in your home, combined with the Bart Sofa or Armchair, or as stand-a...
Upholstery
Charlotte Perriand Berger Low Stool, Aged Oak, Modern Design, 1960
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautiful example of Charlotte Perriand's Berger stool--her famous modernist interpretation of the classic tripod wood milking stool. This particular stool shows beautifully aged ...
Oak
$637Sale Price|60% Off
Nino Pouf with Brass Plinth, Available Now
Located in Frazão, Porto
NINO stool: STOCK UNIT - Available for immediate delivery The Nino Pouf is full of luxurious details, such as the buttons and skirting board in brushed brass, the piping in a contra...
Brass
"Il Pezzo 1 Bench" upholstered pouf in fine leather with a gold plated base
Located in Firenze, IT
An alternation of rounded shapes and geometrical lines, reassuming discipline and freedom, a composite, multiethnic plan where every element and material harmoniously contributes to ...
Gold Plate, Brass
$6,240 / item
Limed & Oiled Oak Stool, 319, by Fritz Baumann
Located in Geneve, CH
Limed & Oiled Oak Stool, 319, by Fritz Baumann Handmade Dimensions: D 27 x W 60 x H 47 cm Materials: Oak Handmade from solid pieces of wood, free-cut following the natural grain, ma...
Oak
Modern Shearling Ottoman with Solid Ash Wood Base in Pink by Phillip's Daughter
Located in Lower Gwynedd, PA
The Muffin Man is a handcrafted stool made in the USA from solid ash wood, designed to bring comfort and quiet character into a space. Resting on four sweetly rounded feet, it’s topp...
Wool, Hardwood, Ash
Arena Steel With Rope Weave Footstool
By Cotidiano
Located in Mexico City, MX
The Arena Footstool appears as a creative challenge of turning an elemental object into a design piece. Composed of a steel structure in electrostatic black paint and handcrafted wov...
Steel
Contemporary Multicolour Floral-patterned Fabric and Brass Italian Circular Pouf
Located in Madrid, ES
Circular pouf upholstered in floral-patterned fabric with base made of brass. Italian. Measurements: Diameter 37 cm x H 38 cm This circular stool combine a brass base with floral-pa...
Brass
Modern Shearling Ottoman with Solid Ash Wood Base in Light Blue
Located in Lower Gwynedd, PA
The Muffin Man is a handcrafted stool made in the USA from solid ash wood, designed to bring comfort and quiet character into a space. Resting on four sweetly rounded feet, it’s topp...
Wool, Hardwood, Ash
Late 1940's Moderne / Deco Footstool or Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
French, late 1940’s Jacques Adnet stool in Cerused white oak purchased from Miguel Saco Inc. in New York City. Upholstered in Ashbury calf hide leather in a warm off white with sligh...
Leather, Upholstery, Oak
Italian Modern Armchair in Aqua-Green Leather, Wood and Metal, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Armchair in aqua-green leather, wood and metal, 1980s Armchair upholstered in aqua-green leather. The seat is extendable thanks to a manual mechanism. The backrest is...
Metal