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Italian Post Modern Sofa

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Royalton Sofa
Royalton Sofa

Royalton Sofa

By Driade, Philippe Starck

Located in Toronto, CA

. Produced by Driade Aleph of Italy, the left arm sofa retains its original white upholstery. The

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Cassina Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa Vico Magistretti Stoff kord grau Couch
Cassina Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa Vico Magistretti Stoff kord grau Couch

Cassina Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa Vico Magistretti Stoff kord grau Couch

By Cassina, Vico Magistretti

Located in Berlin, DE

Wir bieten ein wunderschönes graues Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa in Samt/ Kordstoff von Cassina zum

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Original Ligne Roset Sofa Smala Couch Leder schwarz Design france
Original Ligne Roset Sofa Smala Couch Leder schwarz Design france

Original Ligne Roset Sofa Smala Couch Leder schwarz Design france

By Ligne Roset

Located in Berlin, DE

Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zwei- bis Dreisitzer Sofa vom französischen Premiumhersteller Ligne

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

"Soriana" Sofa in Green Velvet by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1969
"Soriana" Sofa in Green Velvet by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1969

"Soriana" Sofa in Green Velvet by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1969

By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina

Located in Utrecht, NL

leisurely comfort to any home. This post-modern sofa was manufactured by Cassina as part of the eponymous

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Original Living Divani Ile Cube Leder Sofa Couch Zweisitzer Design
Original Living Divani Ile Cube Leder Sofa Couch Zweisitzer Design

Original Living Divani Ile Cube Leder Sofa Couch Zweisitzer Design

By Living Divani

Located in Berlin, DE

Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und sehr hochwertiges Zweisitzer Sofa ("Ile Cube") vom Italienischen

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Italian Modular Sofa in Metal and Patterned Grey Fabric
Italian Modular Sofa in Metal and Patterned Grey Fabric

Italian Modular Sofa in Metal and Patterned Grey Fabric

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Modular sofa, fabric, metal, wood, Italy, 1970s This beautiful Italian sectional sofa showcases

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Metal

Sculptural Tube Sofa by Anna & Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, 1990s Italy
Sculptural Tube Sofa by Anna & Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, 1990s Italy

Sculptural Tube Sofa by Anna & Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, 1990s Italy

By Carlo Bartoli, Rossi di Albizzate

Located in Zagreb, HR

Italian high-end furniture manufacturer Rossi di Albizzate. The sofa features internal tubular metal

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Foam

IPE Cavalli Italian Sectional Sofa in Colorful Striped Fabric
IPE Cavalli Italian Sectional Sofa in Colorful Striped Fabric

IPE Cavalli Italian Sectional Sofa in Colorful Striped Fabric

By Ipe Cavalli

Located in Waalwijk, NL

IPE Cavalli, sectional sofa, fabric, steel, Italy, 1970s This exceptional sectional sofa by IPE

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Steel

Jasper Morrison Super Oblong Modular Sofa Set Design Cappellini Italy
Jasper Morrison Super Oblong Modular Sofa Set Design Cappellini Italy

Jasper Morrison Super Oblong Modular Sofa Set Design Cappellini Italy

By Jasper Morrison

Located in Krefeld, DE

This rare Super Oblong modular sofa set was designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini in Italy and

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Cotton

2x Original B&B Italia Recamiere Charles Sofa Design Couch
2x Original B&B Italia Recamiere Charles Sofa Design Couch

2x Original B&B Italia Recamiere Charles Sofa Design Couch

By B&B Italia

Located in Berlin, DE

Wir bieten zwei wunderschöne Zweisitzer Sofas vom renommierten italienischen Hersteller B&B

Category

Early 2000s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

B&B Italia Sofa Lunar James Irvine Couch Zweisitzer Dreisitzer
B&B Italia Sofa Lunar James Irvine Couch Zweisitzer Dreisitzer

B&B Italia Sofa Lunar James Irvine Couch Zweisitzer Dreisitzer

By B&B Italia, James Irvine

Located in Berlin, DE

. Das umklappbare Sofa gilt als wahrer Designklassiker und besticht durch seine zeitlose und schlichte

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Karl Sofa by Dennis Kaiser
Karl Sofa by Dennis Kaiser

Karl Sofa by Dennis Kaiser

Located in Geneve, CH

Karl Sofa by Dennis Kaiser Dimensions: D 110 x W 300 x H 70 cm. Materials: Linen, foam

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Foam

Rialto Sofa by Laurameroni
Rialto Sofa by Laurameroni

Rialto Sofa by Laurameroni

Located in Geneve, CH

Rialto Sofa by Laurameroni Dimensions: W 264 x D 86 x H 75 cm Materials: Cachemire Loro Piana Altai

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Travertine

Custom Italian Postmodern Vico Magistretti Style Large 2-Piece Sectional Sofa
Custom Italian Postmodern Vico Magistretti Style Large 2-Piece Sectional Sofa

Custom Italian Postmodern Vico Magistretti Style Large 2-Piece Sectional Sofa

By Vico Magistretti

Located in Chicago, IL

Custom Italian Postmodern Vico Magistretti Style Large 2-Piece Sectional Sofa Striking custom

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Mythos Sectional Sofa by Marioni
Mythos Sectional Sofa by Marioni

Mythos Sectional Sofa by Marioni

Located in Geneve, CH

Mythos Sectional Sofa by Marioni Dimensions: W 227 x D 185 x H 75 cm. Materials: Upholstery

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Mythos Sectional Sofa by Marioni
Mythos Sectional Sofa by Marioni

Mythos Sectional Sofa by Marioni

Located in Geneve, CH

Mythos Sectional Sofa by Marioni Dimensions: W 200 x D 95 x H 75 cm. Materials: Upholstery

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

B&B Italia Sofa Diesis Leder weiß Couch Antonio Citterio Paolo Nava
B&B Italia Sofa Diesis Leder weiß Couch Antonio Citterio Paolo Nava

B&B Italia Sofa Diesis Leder weiß Couch Antonio Citterio Paolo Nava

By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio, Paolo Nava

Located in Berlin, DE

Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und äußerst hochwertiges Zweisitzer Sofa vom italienischen

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Floating Bouclé Sofa by Dennis Kaiser
Floating Bouclé Sofa by Dennis Kaiser

Floating Bouclé Sofa by Dennis Kaiser

Located in Geneve, CH

Floating Bouclé Sofa by Dennis Kaiser Dimensions: D 110 x W 320 x H 75 cm. Materials: Alpaca wool

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Foam

Levante Sofa by Francesco Zonca
Levante Sofa by Francesco Zonca

Levante Sofa by Francesco Zonca

Located in Geneve, CH

Levante Sofa by Francesco Zonca Numbered series signed Dimensions: D 85 x W 230 x H 71.5 cm

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood

Lapis Sofa by Amura Lab
Lapis Sofa by Amura Lab

Lapis Sofa by Amura Lab

Located in Geneve, CH

Lapis Sofa by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 278 x D 106 x H 69 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam, Wood

Postmodern Italian Sectional Sofa in Blue and Off-White Dots Upholstery
Postmodern Italian Sectional Sofa in Blue and Off-White Dots Upholstery

Postmodern Italian Sectional Sofa in Blue and Off-White Dots Upholstery

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Modular sofa, fabric, brushed metal, Italy, 1970s A postmodern design of Italian origin with an

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Metal

VIntage velvet sofa by Saporiti Italia, 1980s
VIntage velvet sofa by Saporiti Italia, 1980s

VIntage velvet sofa by Saporiti Italia, 1980s

By Saporiti

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Vintage velvet two seater sofa by Saporiti italia. Very comfy two seater sofa, which has a cool

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Early “Bocca” Sofa by Studio65
Early “Bocca” Sofa by Studio65

Early “Bocca” Sofa by Studio65

By Gufram Furniture

Located in Chicago, IL

for Gufram c. 1970s, fully restored with original importer’s tag

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Quiete Sofa by Dale Italia
Quiete Sofa by Dale Italia

Quiete Sofa by Dale Italia

Located in Geneve, CH

Quiete Sofa by Dale Italia Dimensions: D 85 x W 130 x H 77 cm. Materials: Walnut and upholstery

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Arizona 5000 Sofa by Redeco
Arizona 5000 Sofa by Redeco

Arizona 5000 Sofa by Redeco

Located in Geneve, CH

Arizona 5000 Sofa by Redeco Dimensions: W 290 x D 105 x H 79 cm Materials: Wooden structure padded

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Byron 5010 Sofa by Redeco
Byron 5010 Sofa by Redeco

Byron 5010 Sofa by Redeco

Located in Geneve, CH

Byron 5010 Sofa by Redeco Dimensions: W 260 x D 101 x H 73 cm Materials: Wooden structure padded

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Byron 5012 Sofa by Redeco
Byron 5012 Sofa by Redeco

Byron 5012 Sofa by Redeco

Located in Geneve, CH

Byron 5012 Sofa by Redeco Dimensions: W 465/289/174 x D 101 x H 73 cm Materials: Wooden structure

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Arizona 5004 Sofa by Redeco
Arizona 5004 Sofa by Redeco

Arizona 5004 Sofa by Redeco

Located in Geneve, CH

Arizona 5004 Sofa by Redeco Dimensions: W 444/284/160 x D 105 x H 79 cm Materials: Wooden structure

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Caravan Sofa by De Castelli
Caravan Sofa by De Castelli

Caravan Sofa by De Castelli

Located in Geneve, CH

Caravan Sofa by De Castelli Dimensions: W 160 x D 85 x H 70 cm Materials: Brushed Copper, Anica

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Copper

Caravan Sofa by De Castelli
Caravan Sofa by De Castelli

Caravan Sofa by De Castelli

Located in Geneve, CH

Caravan Sofa by De Castelli Dimensions: W 240 x D 85 x H 70 cm Materials: Brushed Copper, Anica

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Copper

Loom Sofa by De Castelli
Loom Sofa by De Castelli

Loom Sofa by De Castelli

Located in Geneve, CH

Loom Sofa by De Castelli Dimensions: W 228 x D 106 x H 74 cm Materials: Orbitale DeLabré Brass

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Wood Labirint Sofa by Andrea Giomi
Wood Labirint Sofa by Andrea Giomi

Wood Labirint Sofa by Andrea Giomi

Located in Geneve, CH

Wood Labirint sofa by Andrea Giomi Dimensions: D 80 x W 60 x H 84 cm Materials: painted wood

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood

Leather Giorgio Sofa by Amura Lab
Leather Giorgio Sofa by Amura Lab

Leather Giorgio Sofa by Amura Lab

Located in Geneve, CH

Leather Giorgio Sofa by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 280 x D 96 x H 74 cm Materials: STRUCTURE: Metal

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Giorgetti “Maharaja” Settee by Antonello Mosca, Italian Modern
Giorgetti “Maharaja” Settee by Antonello Mosca, Italian Modern

Giorgetti “Maharaja” Settee by Antonello Mosca, Italian Modern

By Giorgetti S.p.A.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

collectors of iconic Italian modern design, and an elegant, timeless addition for interior designers seeking

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Corbeille Leather Sofa by Francesco Binfare for Edra
Corbeille Leather Sofa by Francesco Binfare for Edra

Corbeille Leather Sofa by Francesco Binfare for Edra

By Francesco Binfaré, Edra

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A post modern "Corbeille" Sofa by Francesco Binfare for Edra. Eight leather cushions are are held

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

1990s Salotti Post Modern Two Toned Black Graphite Leather 3 Pieces Sectional
1990s Salotti Post Modern Two Toned Black Graphite Leather 3 Pieces Sectional

1990s Salotti Post Modern Two Toned Black Graphite Leather 3 Pieces Sectional

By Nicoletti Salotti

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

and graphite leather three pieces sectional sofa. The ultra rare floating style sectional exudes an

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Lambert 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini
Lambert 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini

Lambert 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini

Located in Geneve, CH

Lambert 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini Dimensions: W 290 x D 103 x H 63 cm Materials: Solid wood and

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Lambert 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini
Lambert 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini

Lambert 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini

Located in Geneve, CH

Lambert 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini Dimensions: W 290 x D 103 x H 63 cm Materials: Solid wood and

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Morrison 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini
Morrison 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini

Morrison 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini

Located in Geneve, CH

Morrison 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini Dimensions: W 290 x D 109 x H 55 cm Materials: Solid wood and

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Plywood

Cannareggio Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina
Cannareggio Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina

Cannareggio Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina

By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce

Located in Chicago, IL

c. 1980s. Italy. Matching ottoman available. Reupholstered in orange/grey felt wool. Very rare

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool

Large Gaetano Pesce for Cassina 'Cannaregio' Modular Sofa
Large Gaetano Pesce for Cassina 'Cannaregio' Modular Sofa

Large Gaetano Pesce for Cassina 'Cannaregio' Modular Sofa

By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Gaetano Pesce for Cassina, sofa, model ‘Cannaregio’, multicolored upholstery, Italy, 1987 Large

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Lighted RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid
Lighted RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid

Lighted RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid

Located in Geneve, CH

Lighted RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid Dimensions: D 80 x W 170 x H 75 cm. Seat Height: 36 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Other

Davis Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Davis Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab

Davis Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab

Located in Geneve, CH

Davis Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 340 x D 100 x H 67 cm Materials: FRAME

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam, Wood

Tau Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Tau Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab

Tau Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab

Located in Geneve, CH

Tau Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 406 x D 90 x H 75 cm Materials: FRAME

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam, Wood

Tau Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Tau Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab

Tau Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab

Located in Geneve, CH

Tau Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 551 x D 90 x H 75 cm Materials: FRAME

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam, Wood

Amélie Duetto Sofa by Italo Pertichini
Amélie Duetto Sofa by Italo Pertichini

Amélie Duetto Sofa by Italo Pertichini

Located in Geneve, CH

Amélie Duetto Sofa by Italo Pertichini Dimensions: D 59 x W 120 x H 87 cm. Materials: Polyethylene

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Other

Amélie Duetto Sofa by Italo Pertichini
Amélie Duetto Sofa by Italo Pertichini

Amélie Duetto Sofa by Italo Pertichini

Located in Geneve, CH

Amélie Duetto Sofa by Italo Pertichini Dimensions: D 59 x W 120 x H 87 cm. Materials: Polyethylene

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Other

Fabric Palmo Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Fabric Palmo Sofa Composition by Amura Lab

Fabric Palmo Sofa Composition by Amura Lab

Located in Geneve, CH

Fabric Palmo Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 417 x D 118 x H 80 cm Materials: FRAME

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam, Poplar

Leather Palmo Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Leather Palmo Sofa Composition by Amura Lab

Leather Palmo Sofa Composition by Amura Lab

Located in Geneve, CH

Leather Palmo Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 417 x D 176 x H 80 cm Materials: FRAME

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam, Poplar

Fabric Panis Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Fabric Panis Sofa Composition by Amura Lab

Fabric Panis Sofa Composition by Amura Lab

Located in Geneve, CH

Fabric Panis Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 389 x D 147 x H 70 cm Materials: FRAME

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam, Wood

Liquid Steel Labirint Sofa by Andrea Giomi
Liquid Steel Labirint Sofa by Andrea Giomi

Liquid Steel Labirint Sofa by Andrea Giomi

Located in Geneve, CH

Liquid Steel Labirint sofa by Andrea Giomi Dimensions: D 80 x W 60 x H 84 cm Materials: liquid

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Reef Sofa by Piero Lissoni for Cassina
Reef Sofa by Piero Lissoni for Cassina

Reef Sofa by Piero Lissoni for Cassina

By Piero Lissoni, Cassina

Located in Chicago, IL

c. 1990s. Italy. Yellow alcantara fabric with metal base. One side turns into backrest.

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Wood Labirint Free Sofa by Andrea Giomi
Wood Labirint Free Sofa by Andrea Giomi

Wood Labirint Free Sofa by Andrea Giomi

Located in Geneve, CH

Wood Labirint Free Sofa by Andrea Giomi. Dimensions: D 80 x W 60 x H 84 cm. Materials: Various

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood

Lapis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Lapis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab

Lapis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab

Located in Geneve, CH

Lapis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 264 x D 180 x H 70 cm Materials: FRAME

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Foam, Wood

Fabric Frank Sofa Bed by Amura Lab
Fabric Frank Sofa Bed by Amura Lab

Fabric Frank Sofa Bed by Amura Lab

Located in Geneve, CH

Fabric Frank Sofa Bed by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 247 x D 95 x H 80 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

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Italian Post Modern Sofa For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the Italian post modern sofa you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each Italian post modern sofa for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using fabric, metal and animal skin. There are 544 variations of the antique or vintage Italian post modern sofa you’re looking for, while we also have 148 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the Italian post modern sofa you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. An Italian post modern sofa is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in mid-century modern and modern styles are sought with frequency. Many designers have produced at least one well-made Italian post modern sofa over the years, but those crafted by B&B Italia, Cassina and Mario Bellini are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is an Italian Post Modern Sofa?

An Italian post modern sofa can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $6,015, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $90,000.

A Close Look at Post-modern Furniture

Postmodern design was a short-lived movement that manifested itself chiefly in Italy and the United States in the early 1980s. The characteristics of vintage postmodern furniture and other postmodern objects and decor for the home included loud-patterned, usually plastic surfaces; strange proportions, vibrant colors and weird angles; and a vague-at-best relationship between form and function.

ORIGINS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Emerges during the 1960s; popularity explodes during the ’80s
  • A reaction to prevailing conventions of modernism by mainly American architects
  • Architect Robert Venturi critiques modern architecture in his Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture (1966)
  • Theorist Charles Jencks, who championed architecture filled with allusions and cultural references, writes The Language of Post-Modern Architecture (1977)
  • Italian design collective the Memphis Group, also known as Memphis Milano, meets for the first time (1980) 
  • Memphis collective debuts more than 50 objects and furnishings at Salone del Milano (1981)
  • Interest in style declines, minimalism gains steam

CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Dizzying graphic patterns and an emphasis on loud, off-the-wall colors
  • Use of plastic and laminates, glass, metal and marble; lacquered and painted wood 
  • Unconventional proportions and abundant ornamentation
  • Playful nods to Art Deco and Pop art

POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

VINTAGE POSTMODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

Critics derided postmodern design as a grandstanding bid for attention and nothing of consequence. Decades later, the fact that postmodernism still has the power to provoke thoughts, along with other reactions, proves they were not entirely correct.

Postmodern design began as an architectural critique. Starting in the 1960s, a small cadre of mainly American architects began to argue that modernism, once high-minded and even noble in its goals, had become stale, stagnant and blandly corporate. Later, in Milan, a cohort of creators led by Ettore Sottsass and Alessandro Mendinia onetime mentor to Sottsass and a key figure in the Italian Radical movement — brought the discussion to bear on design.

Sottsass, an industrial designer, philosopher and provocateur, gathered a core group of young designers into a collective in 1980 they called Memphis. Members of the Memphis Group,  which would come to include Martine Bedin, Michael Graves, Marco Zanini, Shiro Kuramata, Michele de Lucchi and Matteo Thun, saw design as a means of communication, and they wanted it to shout. That it did: The first Memphis collection appeared in 1981 in Milan and broke all the modernist taboos, embracing irony, kitsch, wild ornamentation and bad taste.

Memphis works remain icons of postmodernism: the Sottsass Casablanca bookcase, with its leopard-print plastic veneer; de Lucchi’s First chair, which has been described as having the look of an electronics component; Martine Bedin’s Super lamp: a pull-toy puppy on a power-cord leash. Even though it preceded the Memphis Group’s formal launch, Sottsass’s iconic Ultrafragola mirror — in its conspicuously curved plastic shell with radical pops of pink neon — proves striking in any space and embodies many of the collective’s postmodern ideals. 

After the initial Memphis show caused an uproar, the postmodern movement within furniture and interior design quickly took off in America. (Memphis fell out of fashion when the Reagan era gave way to cool 1990’s minimalism.) The architect Robert Venturi had by then already begun a series of plywood chairs for Knoll Inc., with beefy, exaggerated silhouettes of traditional styles such as Queen Anne and Chippendale. In 1982, the new firm Swid Powell enlisted a group of top American architects, including Frank Gehry, Richard Meier, Stanley Tigerman and Venturi to create postmodern tableware in silver, ceramic and glass.

On 1stDibs, the vintage postmodern furniture collection includes chairs, coffee tables, sofas, decorative objects, table lamps and more.

Finding the Right Seating for You

With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.

Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.

Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.

The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.

Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.

With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.

Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.

No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.