Skip to main content

Modern Decorative Objects

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.

41
9,733
3,972
866
to
1,340
8,161
4,732
14,571
7,577
10,765
23,306
14,571
8,130
4,992
3,812
2,946
2,080
1,570
1,235
1,232
1,145
1,049
933
906
792
622
618
586
11
32
3,929
10,599
156
836
2,180
1
5
22
43
46
133
305
561
588
379
Height
to
Width
to
4,660
4,459
3,080
2,298
1,429
9,844
5,350
2,495
1,831
1,030
472
304
260
237
150
Style: Modern
Dali as an Idol, Sculptural Construction W / Mirror, Painting and Found Objects
Located in Chicago, IL
Self-taught artist John Seubert, AKA John Dolly, uses objects he uncovers as he rehabs older homes in Chicago. This piece is constructed with a small framed mirror...
Category

2010s American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Reclaimed Wood, Paint

Peter Voulkos Studio Vase
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Peter Voulkos (1924-2002) - Black Studio pot, circa 1953-1955. Signed “Voulkos” on the base. Voulkos, an American artist of Greek descent, was known for his Abstract Expressionist ceramic...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Travertine Angled Wine Cooler
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
This travertine angled wine cooler is designed by us and hand crafted by the artisans within the fair-trade principles. The natural properties of travertine will keep your wine chilled...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Dalla Valentina, Master in Murano, Calcedonia and Reticello Murrina, Magnificent
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Here a beautiful bowl signed by Adriano dalla Valentina, Muranese master specialized in self made murrinas objects and sculptures. The bowl lip has two bands of amber and amethyst wi...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine

Wes Hunting Signed “Colorfield” Art Glass Amphora
Located in Indianapolis, IN
An art glass amphora vessel by the American glass artist Wes Hunting (born 1958). From his Colorfield series, this vessel stands 35" tall is made from purp...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Maitland Smith Brown Penshell Cube Decorative Box
Located in Stamford, CT
1980s decorative pen shell cube box attributed to Maitland Smith. Medium brown pen shell with dark gray tessellated stone accents. Wood lined box. No ma...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell, Wood

Textured Medium Vase, Cream, White, Brown and Black Lava Glaze and Porcelain
Located in London, GB
This medium heavily textured volcanic bottle shaped vessel with black and white glaze and markings. Made from black textured stoneware clay and porcelain engobe with the addition of ...
Category

2010s British Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Pietro Consagra Limited Edition “Cassetta Sottilissime” Steel Sculpture
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A limited edition Cassetta Sottilissime laser cut steel sculpture by Italian sculptor Pietro Consagra (1920-2005). Signed "consagra” to the front...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Baccarat French Art Glass Zodiac Paperweight Gemini Twins Sulfide On Cobalt Blue
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, faceted French art glass paperweight. From the Zodiac series. By Baccarat. With a white sulphide depicting the Gemini twins Castor & Pollux on a blue ground. Marked wit...
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Soap Holder in White and Black Marble, by Matteo Cibic, Italy in Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Soap holder in white Michelangelo and black Marquinia marble. Size: 20 x 9.8 x 3 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Domenico, Homage Collection by the Italian Designer Matteo Ci...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Fleur Peters Glass Object Modern Netherlands Studio Fleur Peters 21st century
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Each object from the Shape Series Collection by Studio Fleur Peters is unique. This yellow version is immediately catching the eye with its mixture of och...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

1980s Tavola Oggetti Rectangular Marble Jewelry Box
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a vintage, sleek, pair of polished stone bookends, circa the 1970s. This set is constructed of solid, heavy-weight marble and skillfully hand-cut and ha...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

After Alberto Giacometti Sculpture "The Walking Man" 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
After Alberto Giacometti Sculpture "The Walking Man" Italy Height 80cm good condition
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster

Contemporary Apple w/ Worm Sculpture in Antique Copper and Brass by Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Apple with worm sculpture Antique copper Brass Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammer...
Category

2010s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Copper

Bitossi Italian Piume Feather Bird Box
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A box in the Piume pattern produced by Bitossi. Made in Italy, this box is in the shape of a bird with a rainbow feather design throughout. The lower part of the box is teardrop-shap...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Raspberry Glass Candleholders by Anne Nilsson for Orrefors, Set of 5
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A set of 5 first series tea light candleholders designed by Anne Nilsson in 1992. These dates from the 1990s and was manufactured by orrefors in Sweden. M...
Category

1990s Swedish Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Bob Kinzie Studio Stoneware Planters
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome pair of 'Affiliated Craftsman' California design planters. Wheel thrown natural clay on the outside with hand tooled pattern design, and glazed on the inside. No drain holes...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Magnificent Italian Torso Carrara Marble, Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Magnificent Italian Torso Carrara Marble Early 20th Century H: 48cm The height is including the base Good conditions.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Carrara Marble

Silver Travertine Narrow Bowl
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Stunning, aesthetic, timeless are words that can be used to describe this elegant and modern travertine bowl from Kiwano. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our travertine bowls ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Pink Marble Narrow Bowl
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Stunning, aesthetic, timeless are words that can be used to describe this elegant and modern pink marble narrow bowl from Kiwano. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our traverti...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Andrew Hague Studio Pottery Vase with Trailing Foliage
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large quality stoneware studio pottery vase hand decorated with trailing foliage designs by renowned potter Andrew Hague (British, born 1948) and probably dating from the 1970’s. Andrew Hague worked for a number of years as an apprentice to Marianne de Trey...
Category

1970s English Vintage Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

1295 Murano Artglass Abstract "Jellyfish" Sculptures, Sommerso Technique
Located in Venice, VE
Our aim is the emotion, through glass, lighten by the spirit of art. 1295 MURANO is a furnace, a design lab and an interior point of view regarding to the most exclusive productions of Murano glass. Our glass is original, made with the antique techniques of historical glassmaking and realized by the most precious masters of Murano glass. Hand made in Venice, original Murano glass, "Jellyfish...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Bust of Santa Costanza, Costantina, Daughter of Constantine Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Bust of Santa Costanza, Costantina, daughter of Constantine in Terracotta early 20th century Santa Costanza or Costantina (about 318 - Bithynia, 354), daughter of Constantine. Bust ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Brazilian Leather Baskets
Located in Boston, MA
Leather organizer baskets. Natural color.
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Large A RectangularTray - Monochrome Collection Handmade in Brazil
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a un...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Leather Tray, Large B Square Tray - Monochrome Collection, Handmade in Brazil
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Monochrome Collection Trays For different uses, the line of Monochrome Trays can be used separately or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so use your creativity to build a un...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Modern Onyx Cube Pink Side Table Pedestal Sculpture Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Onyx Cube, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. Onyx Cube in Pink Onyx, a decorative piece that draws the eye with it's beautiful color and texture. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx

Silver Travertine Bowl XL
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
A substantial silver travertine bowl with unique structure rests atop a pedestal for a grand presentation of fruits and vegetables. Due to the nature of the material, each piece ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Travertine Eclipse Bowl
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Stunning, aesthetic, timeless are words that can be used to describe this elegant and modern travertine Eclipse bowl from Kiwano. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our travertin...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Italian Photo Frame Handmade Wood, Double Heart
Located in Sarezzo, IT
Double Heart is a unique arge Italian hand crafted wood double photo frame by sculptor Massimo Pasini. Wood is a very warm material and it is very m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Hofu Raku Ceramic Vase - Smoked Raku - Handmade Pottery Home Decor Gift
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Hofu - ( 豊富 ) Abundance The Hofu vase is a decorative wide lipped vessel. The organic curves and traditional silhouette gives it a modest but impactful pre...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Chinese Citron Baluster Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
Defined by its rounded body, high shoulders and domed lid, the time-honoured look of the Chinese baluster jar is streamlined as a monochrome. This artisan...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Zen Raku Pottery Vase - Smoked Raku - Handmade Ceramic Home Decor Gift
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Zen (禅) Our Zen Vase is aptly named for its wide circular shape, exuding a sense of ease and peace. Its soothing curves evokes the shape of planet earth. Lo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

German Desk Lamp After Cristian Del 60ies
Located in Berlin, DE
This lamp is very solid, but its colour and the "spine" make it in a certain way very decent.
Category

Mid-20th Century German Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Raaquu Hoseki Raku Pottery Vase, Obvara, Handmade Ceramic, Malaysia
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Hoseki (宝石) ~ (n) gem The Hoseki Vase is named “gem” in Japanese for its slightly angular shape. Wide-mouthed with a textured finish and soft edges, it adds a classy touch to any dé...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Raaquu Hikari Raku Pottery Vase - Full Copper Matte - Handmade Ceramic, Malaysia
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Hikari (光) ~ (n) light This Hikari Vase is a circular thrown vase with a wide uneven mouth and small round base. Its miniature shape exudes a sense of flow, making it easy to blend ...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Koban Raku Pottery Vase with Water Tube - Smoked Raku - Handmade Ceramic
Located in Petaling Jaya, MY
Koban ( 小判 ) - (n) oval NEW AND IMPROVED : This vase comes with a waterproof tube insert for fresh flowers and cuttings. Insert width is 2cm/0.8 inches wide The Koban vase is a cla...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

XL Footed Resin Bowl Centerpiece in White and Pearl by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
An elegant XL round bowl that is supported by four half spheres that make a fun, bold and unique piece great for holding fruit, plants and specially everyone's attention. You can hav...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Large Italian 1980s round red travertine stone vase
Located in Milan, IT
Large Italian 1980s round red travertine stone vase
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Travertine

Oval Pedestal Resin Bowl, White and Pearl by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our oval pedestal bowl is great for holding fruit, plants, decorative objects, faux succulents and specially everyone's attention. You can have it on display on a kitchen counter or ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Yellow Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. Our Se...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

Handmade Spikes White Round Ceramic Vase
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Beautiful white round ceramic vase, perfect for displaying your favorite flower arrangements. Offering a unique view from every angle, this round ceramic vase crosses the line between functionality and ornament. Use it as a fully functional flower vase or as an adornment for your home. All vases...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Clay

Handmade Ceramic Spikes White Decorative Flower Vase III
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Beautiful decorative flower vase, perfect for showcasing your cherished blooms. Providing a unique perspective from every angle, this handmade ceramic vase blurs the line between fun...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Clay

1990s Studio Art Glass Bowl Sculptural Pedestal Dish
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1990s Studio Art Glass Bowl Sculptural Pedestal Dish 3 h x 9.13 x 9.75 Preowned original condition unaltered Refer to images.
Category

1990s Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Small Murano glass vase Marcello Furlan made in italy 1990s
Located in Milano, IT
Small Murano glass vase signed on acid Marcello Furlan - 1990 In Great Condition
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Small Murano glass vase Marcello Furlan made in italy 1990s
Located in Milano, IT
Small Murano glass vase signed on acid Marcello Furlan - 1990 In Great Condition
Category

1990s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Costantini Modern Crystal Pulegoso Made Murano Glass Vase with Butterflies, 2022
Located in Murano, Venezia
Handmade Crystal Pulegoso Murano glass blown vase with 16 multicolored butterflies attached with magnet. Modern vase ideal for a modern and rustic classic environment, for everyone...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Set/5 Vases, Ceramic Vases, White, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Steele & Hardy Vases, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes five waterproof ceramic vases, perfect to be display...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Pink Marble Pedestal Bowl Large
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
A substantial pink marble bowl with unique white veining rests atop a pedestal for a grand presentation of fruits and vegetables. Exposure to the ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Maria Vessel, Handmade in Portugal
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Maria Vessel in Midnight Blue Designed by Project 213A in 2020 Handmade Stoneware This vase is inspired by the Greco-Roman period, having a timeless appearance and finished with a contemporary textured shiny glaze. Each piece develops its own distinctive character with shades of black as it goes through the firing process. No two pieces will look alike...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Ornamental by Lameice Abu Aker Mouth-Blown Cups " Eye Candy"
Located in Jerusalem, IL
This piece is designed by Lameice Abu Aker a Palestinian designer based in Jerusalem. mouth-blown, lampworked, and shaped, in Jaba' a small village in the Palestinian Territories. pr...
Category

2010s Palestinian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Handmade Rock Decorative Ceramic Vase I - Black & White
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Beautiful decorative ceramic vase, perfect for displaying your favorite blooms. With its simple lines and contemporary aesthetics, this handmade pottery vase crosses the line between...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Clay

21st Century Demetra Round Laundry Basket Handwoven with Leather in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Strictly hand woven with meticulous care, Pinetti baskets are made with eco-friendly, washable, and resistant material. Part of the Demetra collections, our short basket comes in a ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Modern Martin Pedestal Sculpture Black Gold Leaf Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Martin Pedestal Stand, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. Martin is the perfect standing piece of art to enhance any interior. A unique design with co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Travertine, Marble, Carrara Marble, Gold Leaf

Hermes - Rose - Design Sculpture Paolo Giordano Concrete Cement Cast
Located in MILANO, ML
Contemporary Paolo Giordano Hermes abstract sculpture concrete cement cast grey Hermes is concrete sculpture. It's part of a large work that is also photographic: 'Digital Journey i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete, Cement

Set/3 Vases, Ceramic Vases, White, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Nebula Vases, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes three waterproof ceramic vases, perfect to be displayed to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Set/2 Pots, Ceramic Pots, Green, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Chaucer Pots, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. This beautiful set includes two waterproof ceramic pots with lid, perfect to be displayed together and enrich your room decor. Each piece has its own elegant silhouette in mint-green glazed ceramic with gloss finish plus hand turned beech wood base and lid lacquered in bronze gold-powder. Set of 2 Ceramic Pots Chaucer...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf, Brass

Contemporary White Cream Ceramic Watering Can for Vases and Garden
Located in Milano, IT
Altea is a handmade ceramic watering can. It has to be filled with water from the head and poured from both horns. With her proud feminine bearing...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern decorative objects 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 decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Venini, RAAQUU, VG-VGnewtrend, and Mosche Bianche. 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 decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $15 and tops out at $6,718,000 while the average work can sell for $1,174.

Recently Viewed

View All