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Italian Post Modern Stools

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Pumpkin Orange Gear Stool by Anastasia Ivanyuk
Pumpkin Orange Gear Stool by Anastasia Ivanyuk

Pumpkin Orange Gear Stool by Anastasia Ivanyuk

Located in Geneve, CH

Pumpkin Orange Gear Stool by Anastasia Ivanyuk Dimensions: D 55 x W 55 x H 43 cm. Seat Height: 43

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Argil Grey Gear Stool by Anastasia Ivanyuk
Argil Grey Gear Stool by Anastasia Ivanyuk

Argil Grey Gear Stool by Anastasia Ivanyuk

Located in Geneve, CH

Argil Grey Gear Stool by Anastasia Ivanyuk Dimensions: D 55 x W 55 x H 43 cm. Seat Height: 43 cm

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Argil Grey Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo
Argil Grey Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Argil Grey Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Located in Geneve, CH

Argil Grey Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo Dimensions: D 47 x W 47 x H 42 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Lime Green Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo
Lime Green Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Lime Green Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Located in Geneve, CH

Lime Green Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo Dimensions: D 47 x W 47 x H 42 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Saffron Yellow Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo
Saffron Yellow Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Saffron Yellow Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Located in Geneve, CH

Saffron Yellow Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo Dimensions: D 47 x W 47 x H 42 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Pumpkin Orange Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo
Pumpkin Orange Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Pumpkin Orange Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Located in Geneve, CH

Pumpkin Orange Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo Dimensions: D 47 x W 47 x H 42 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Sweet Fuchsia Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo
Sweet Fuchsia Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Sweet Fuchsia Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Located in Geneve, CH

Sweet Fuchsia Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo Dimensions: D 47 x W 47 x H 42 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Malva Green Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo
Malva Green Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Malva Green Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Located in Geneve, CH

Malva Green Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo Dimensions: D 47 x W 47 x H 42 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Powder Blue Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo
Powder Blue Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Powder Blue Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Located in Geneve, CH

Powder Blue Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo Dimensions: D 47 x W 47 x H 42 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Milky White Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo
Milky White Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Milky White Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Located in Geneve, CH

Milky White Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo Dimensions: D 47 x W 47 x H 42 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Chocolate Brown Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo
Chocolate Brown Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Chocolate Brown Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Located in Geneve, CH

Chocolate Brown Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo Dimensions: D 47 x W 47 x H 42 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Flame Red Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo
Flame Red Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Flame Red Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Located in Geneve, CH

Flame Red Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo Dimensions: D 47 x W 47 x H 42 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Elephant Grey Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo
Elephant Grey Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Elephant Grey Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Located in Geneve, CH

Elephant Grey Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo Dimensions: D 47 x W 47 x H 42 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Dove Grey Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo
Dove Grey Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Dove Grey Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Located in Geneve, CH

Dove Grey Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo Dimensions: D 47 x W 47 x H 42 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Jet Black Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo
Jet Black Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Jet Black Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo

Located in Geneve, CH

Jet Black Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo Dimensions: D 47 x W 47 x H 42 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

White Soft Cubo Stool by SLIDE Studio
White Soft Cubo Stool by SLIDE Studio

White Soft Cubo Stool by SLIDE Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

White Soft Cubo Stool by SLIDE Studio Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 43 cm. Materials: Polyethylene

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Yellow Soft Cubo Stool by SLIDE Studio
Yellow Soft Cubo Stool by SLIDE Studio

Yellow Soft Cubo Stool by SLIDE Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Yellow Soft Cubo Stool by SLIDE Studio Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 43 cm. Materials: Polyethylene

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Red Soft Cubo Stool by SLIDE Studio
Red Soft Cubo Stool by SLIDE Studio

Red Soft Cubo Stool by SLIDE Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Red Soft Cubo Stool by SLIDE Studio Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 43 cm. Materials: Polyethylene

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Black Soft Cubo Stool by SLIDE Studio
Black Soft Cubo Stool by SLIDE Studio

Black Soft Cubo Stool by SLIDE Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Black Soft Cubo Stool by SLIDE Studio Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 43 cm. Materials: Polyethylene

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Matteo Grassi Bar Stools in Dark Grey Leather
Matteo Grassi Bar Stools in Dark Grey Leather

Matteo Grassi Bar Stools in Dark Grey Leather

By Matteo Grassi

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Matteograssi, bar stools, leather, metal, Italy, 1970s Postmodern set of stools in dark grey

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Lime Green Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini
Lime Green Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Lime Green Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Located in Geneve, CH

Lime Green Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini Dimensions: D 40 x W 46 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Jet Black Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini
Jet Black Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Jet Black Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Located in Geneve, CH

Jet Black Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini Dimensions: D 40 x W 46 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Elephant Grey Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini
Elephant Grey Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Elephant Grey Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Located in Geneve, CH

Elephant Grey Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini Dimensions: D 40 x W 46 x H 43 cm

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Powder Blue Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini
Powder Blue Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Powder Blue Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Located in Geneve, CH

Lime Green Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini Dimensions: D 40 x W 46 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Flame Red Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini
Flame Red Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Flame Red Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Located in Geneve, CH

Flame Red Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini Dimensions: D 40 x W 46 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Pumpkin Orange Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini
Pumpkin Orange Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Pumpkin Orange Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Located in Geneve, CH

Pumpkin Orange Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini Dimensions: D 40 x W 46 x H 43 cm

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Dove Grey Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini
Dove Grey Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Dove Grey Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Located in Geneve, CH

Dove Grey Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini Dimensions: D 40 x W 46 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Safron Yellow Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini
Safron Yellow Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Safron Yellow Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Located in Geneve, CH

Safron Yellow Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini Dimensions: D 40 x W 46 x H 43 cm

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Milky White Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini
Milky White Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Milky White Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Located in Geneve, CH

Milky White Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini Dimensions: D 40 x W 46 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Sweet Fuschia Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini
Sweet Fuschia Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Sweet Fuschia Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Located in Geneve, CH

Sweet Fuschia Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini Dimensions: D 40 x W 46 x H 43 cm

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Chocolate Brown Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini
Chocolate Brown Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Chocolate Brown Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Located in Geneve, CH

Chocolate Brown Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini Dimensions: D 40 x W 46 x H 43 cm

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Argil Grey Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini
Argil Grey Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Argil Grey Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini

Located in Geneve, CH

Argil Grey Amélie Sgabello Stool by Italo Pertichini Dimensions: D 40 x W 46 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Rose Thé Awaiting T Stool by Secondome Edizioni
Rose Thé Awaiting T Stool by Secondome Edizioni

Rose Thé Awaiting T Stool by Secondome Edizioni

Located in Geneve, CH

Rose Thé Awaiting T Stool by Secondome Edizioni Designer: Coralla Maiuri + Giorgia Zanellato

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Rose Thé Awaiting H Stool by Secondome Edizioni
Rose Thé Awaiting H Stool by Secondome Edizioni

Rose Thé Awaiting H Stool by Secondome Edizioni

Located in Geneve, CH

Rose Thé Awaiting H Stool by Secondome Edizioni Designer: Coralla Maiuri + Giorgia Zanellato

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Rose Thé Awaiting L Stool by Secondome Edizioni
Rose Thé Awaiting L Stool by Secondome Edizioni

Rose Thé Awaiting L Stool by Secondome Edizioni

Located in Geneve, CH

Rose Thé Awaiting L Stool by Secondome Edizioni Designer: Coralla Maiuri + Giorgia Zanellato

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Sweet Fuchsia Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto
Sweet Fuchsia Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto

Sweet Fuchsia Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto

Located in Geneve, CH

Sweet Fuchsia Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 58 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Sweet Fuchsia Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio
Sweet Fuchsia Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Sweet Fuchsia Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Sweet Fuchsia Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Flame Red Drink High Stool by Jorge Najera
Flame Red Drink High Stool by Jorge Najera

Flame Red Drink High Stool by Jorge Najera

Located in Geneve, CH

Flame Red Drink High Stool by Jorge Najera Dimensions: Ø 45 x H 75 cm. Materials: Polyethylene

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Argil Grey Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto
Argil Grey Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto

Argil Grey Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto

Located in Geneve, CH

Argil Grey Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 58 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Jet Black Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto
Jet Black Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto

Jet Black Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto

Located in Geneve, CH

Jet Black Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 58 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Saffron Yellow Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio
Saffron Yellow Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Saffron Yellow Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Saffron Yellow Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Flame Red Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto
Flame Red Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto

Flame Red Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto

Located in Geneve, CH

Flame Red Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 58 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Milky White Drink High Stool by Jorge Najera
Milky White Drink High Stool by Jorge Najera

Milky White Drink High Stool by Jorge Najera

Located in Geneve, CH

Milky White Drink High Stool by Jorge Najera Dimensions: Ø 45 x H 75 cm. Materials: Polyethylene

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Chocolate Brown Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio
Chocolate Brown Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Chocolate Brown Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Chocolate Brown Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Dove Grey Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio
Dove Grey Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Dove Grey Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Dove Grey Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Elephant Grey Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio
Elephant Grey Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Elephant Grey Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Elephant Grey Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Malva Green Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio
Malva Green Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Malva Green Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Malva Green Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Argil Grey Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio
Argil Grey Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Argil Grey Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Argil Grey Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Milky White Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio
Milky White Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Milky White Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Milky White Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Elephant Grey Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto
Elephant Grey Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto

Elephant Grey Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto

Located in Geneve, CH

Elephant Grey Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 58 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Lime Green Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto
Lime Green Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto

Lime Green Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto

Located in Geneve, CH

Lime Green Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 58 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Powder Blue Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio
Powder Blue Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Powder Blue Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Powder Blue Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Sweet Fuchsia Drink High Stool by Jorge Najera
Sweet Fuchsia Drink High Stool by Jorge Najera

Sweet Fuchsia Drink High Stool by Jorge Najera

Located in Geneve, CH

Sweet Fuchsia Drink High Stool by Jorge Najera Dimensions: Ø 45 x H 75 cm. Materials: Polyethylene

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Malva Green Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto
Malva Green Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto

Malva Green Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto

Located in Geneve, CH

Malva Green Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 58 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Milky White Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto
Milky White Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto

Milky White Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto

Located in Geneve, CH

Milky White Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 58 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

Pumpkin Orange Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio
Pumpkin Orange Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Pumpkin Orange Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio

Located in Geneve, CH

Pumpkin Orange Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 43 cm. Materials

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Other

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Italian Post Modern Stools For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of Italian post modern stools available on 1stDibs. The range of distinct Italian post modern stools — often made from metal, plastic and fabric — can elevate any home. Italian post modern stools have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made Italian post modern stools over the years, but those made by Bieffeplast, Rodney Kinsman and Philippe Starck are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Italian Post Modern Stools?

Italian post modern stools can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $1,424, while the lowest priced sells for $198 and the highest can go for as much as $15,700.

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 Stools for You

Stools are versatile and a necessary addition to any living room, kitchen area or elsewhere in your home. A sofa or reliable lounge chair might nab all the credit, comfort-wise, but don’t discount the roles that good antique, new and vintage stools can play.

“Stools are jewels and statements in a space, and they can also be investment pieces,” says New York City designer Amy Lau, who adds that these seats provide an excellent choice for setting an interior’s general tone. 

Stools, which are among the oldest forms of wooden furnishings, may also serve as decorative pieces, even if we’re talking about a stool that is far less sculptural than the gracefully curving molded plywood shells that make up Sōri Yanagi’s provocative Butterfly stool

Fawn Galli, a New York interior designer, uses her stools in the same way you would use a throw pillow. “I normally buy several styles and move them around the home where needed,” she says.

Stools are smaller pieces of seating as compared to armchairs or dining chairs and can add depth as well as functionality to a space that you’ve set aside for entertaining. For a splash of color, consider the Stool 60, a pioneering work of bentwood by Finnish architect and furniture maker Alvar Aalto. It’s manufactured by Artek and comes in a variety of colored seats and finishes.

Barstools that date back to the 1970s are now more ubiquitous in kitchens. Vintage barstools have seen renewed interest, be they a meld of chrome and leather or transparent plastic, such as the Lucite and stainless-steel counter stool variety from Indiana-born furniture designer Charles Hollis Jones, who is renowned for his acrylic works. A cluster of barstools — perhaps a set of four brushed-aluminum counter stools by Emeco or Tubby Tube stools by Faye Toogood — can encourage merriment in the kitchen. If you’ve got the room for family and friends to congregate and enjoy cocktails where the cooking is done, consider matching your stools with a tall table.

Whether you need counter stools, drafting stools or another kind, explore an extensive range of antique, new and vintage stools on 1stDibs.