Post Modern Blue Leather Barrel Lounge Chairs, 1980
By Leon Rosen
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern pair of blue leather Barrel lounge chairs, 1980. Original leather
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather
Post Modern Barrel Chair
Post Modern Barrel Leather Chairs by Leolux, 1970
By Leolux
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern Barrel Leather Chairs by Leolux, 1970. Original leather with beautiful patina. Sofa is
Category
Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather
Post Modern Asymmetrical Velvet Barrel Back Swivel Chairs on Bronze Base - Pair
$1,475 / set
H 32 in W 32 in D 32 in
Post Modern Asymmetrical Velvet Barrel Back Swivel Chairs on Bronze Base - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Post Modern Asymmetrical Barrel Back Swivel Chairs Newly Reupholstered in Grey Velvet on a Bronze
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Swivel Chairs
Materials
Bronze
1990s Post Modern Colorful Upholstered Three Legged Barrel Chairs, Set of 2
$2,750 / set
H 34 in W 28 in D 26 in
1990s Post Modern Colorful Upholstered Three Legged Barrel Chairs, Set of 2
By Carter Furniture 1
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s with this exquisite barrel chairs in a
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Club Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of Sculptural Mid Century Post Modern Barrel Back Swivel Lounge Chairs
$4,200 / set
H 33.5 in W 33 in D 35 in
Pair of Sculptural Mid Century Post Modern Barrel Back Swivel Lounge Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural pair of swiveling lounge chairs circa 1980's. These very well made chairs feature a
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Fine Custom Post Modern Design Club Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of Post Modern Style barrel back chairs with sculptured frame, slightly flared arms and
Category
20th Century Post-Modern Club Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair Leather Barrel Chairs, 1980
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair leather barrel chair, 1980. Original leather.
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather
Weiman Barrel Lounge Swivel Chair + Swivel Ottoman
By Weiman
Located in Dallas, TX
A stylish Vladimir Kagan-inspired Weiman barrel lounge swivel chair and ottoman from the 1980s
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wool, Cotton
1980's Postmodern Art Deco Barrel Club Lounge Chair
By Jaymar, Massimo Vignelli
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage post-modern art deco barrel chair for sale. Very comfortable and well made. Has a great
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Club Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1980s Barrel Back Club Chair by Rowe
Located in Freehold, NJ
This vintage 1980s club chair by Rowe Furniture features original patterned upholstery, removable
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Club Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
1980s Milo Baughman Orange Brown Faux Leather Woven Barrel Chairs, Set of 2
$2,475 / set
H 34 in W 26 in D 28 in
1980s Milo Baughman Orange Brown Faux Leather Woven Barrel Chairs, Set of 2
By Milo Baughman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s with this exquisite barrel chairs in a
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
1990s Weiman Asymmetrical Channeled Barrel Chairs, Set of 2
By Weiman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
some of the best designs of the Post Modern era from one of the most iconic designers of the 20th
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Club Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
1980s Natuzzi Beige Leather Barrel Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Natuzzi Salotti
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
exhibited throughout. Post modern Natuzzi Salotti Swivel Chairs are beyond stunning. Luxurious top grain
Category
1990s Italian Post-Modern Swivel Chairs
Materials
Metal
Newly Upholstetered Barrel Back Chairs - 6 Available - Weiman Style
$944Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 25 in D 25 in
Newly Upholstetered Barrel Back Chairs - 6 Available - Weiman Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
We have six remaining. Priced individually. Post-Modern tri-leg armchairs in the style of
Category
2010s American Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Cotton
1990s Thayer Coggin Sculptural Abstract Barrel Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
$7,950 / set
H 29 in W 30 in D 30 in
1990s Thayer Coggin Sculptural Abstract Barrel Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Ransom Culler, Thayer Coggin
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Ransom Culler. The chairs feature a comfortable sculpted barrel back design on a swivel wood base. Bold
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Swivel Chairs
Materials
Textile, Upholstery, Wood
1980s Barrel Steel Wood Leather Giorgetti Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
$9,450 / set
H 32 in W 30 in D 30 in
1980s Barrel Steel Wood Leather Giorgetti Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Giorgetti S.p.A.
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, leather, steel and wood arm chairs
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Swivel Chairs
Materials
Steel
1980s Abstract Barrel Swivel Chairs Attributed to Milo Baughman - Set of 2
$6,495 / item
H 30 in W 29 in D 30 in
1980s Abstract Barrel Swivel Chairs Attributed to Milo Baughman - Set of 2
By Milo Baughman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
design is exhibited throughout the monumental form. Post modern Memphis Style Swivel Chairs are beyond
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Swivel Chairs
Materials
Textile, Upholstery, Wood
Barrel Chair Counter Stools Post Modern Preview, 1990
By Preview
Located in Chicago, IL
Barrell chair counter stools post modern preview, 1990. Newly upholstered in black and white woven
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Stools
Materials
Stainless Steel
1980s Milo Baughman Barrel Swivel Cream Beige Chenille Castors Chairs, Set of 2
$6,500 / set
H 36 in W 40 in D 34 in
1980s Milo Baughman Barrel Swivel Cream Beige Chenille Castors Chairs, Set of 2
By Milo Baughman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
chairs. The ultra rare barrel tub style chairs exudes an air of luxury and refinement. Outstanding design
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chenille, Upholstery, Wood
Matteo Grassi Cream Leather Barrel Back Dining Arm Chairs - Set of Four
$3,200 / set
H 28 in W 21.25 in D 23 in
Matteo Grassi Cream Leather Barrel Back Dining Arm Chairs - Set of Four
By Matteo Grassi
Located in Miami, FL
Set of four original cream color leather barrel back dining chairs by Matteo Grassi, 1980s.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather
Recent Sales
Post Modern Boucle Barrel Chair with Blonde Wood Sculpted Detail
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural post modern barrel chair. Back rest wraps around to form 2 front feet giving the chair a
Category
Late 20th Century North American Post-Modern Side Chairs
Materials
Wool, Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
Post-Modern Bespoke French Barrel Chairs
By Ico Parisi
Located in Wilton, CT
Purchased at a vintage market outside of Paris, these chairs were brought back to a Connecticut
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Slipper Chairs
Materials
Textile, Walnut
Post Modern Smoked curved sculpted Lucite Pink Barrel Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Post Modern Smoked curved Lucite Pink Barrel Chair. Made Circa 1980. Located in Brooklyn NYC
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Lucite
Post Modern Open Arm Barrel Chairs, 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Post modern open arm barrel chairs, 1970. All original.
Category
Vintage 1970s Central American Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Post Modern Asymmetrical Barrel Back Swivel Chairs Newly Reupholstered, Pair
Sold
H 32 in W 31 in D 32 in
Post Modern Asymmetrical Barrel Back Swivel Chairs Newly Reupholstered, Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Post Modern Asymmetrical Barrel Back Swivel Chairs Newly Reupholsterd in Cream bouclé on a Bronze
Category
1990s Unknown Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Bronze
Post-Modern Pair Barrel-Form Pink Upholstered Swivel Lounge Chairs 1980s
By Weiman Preview Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
lounge chairs in very good vintage and original condition. Classic barrel form lounge chair with tailored
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Postmodern Barrel Swivel Chairs, 1980
By Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern barrel swivel chairs, 1980's. Original upholstery.
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Swivel Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
Barrel Back Lounge Chairs, 1970
By Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Barrel back lounge chairs, circa 1970. Fully restored with all new foam and low pile velvet
Category
Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Barrel Back Lounge Chairs, 1980
By Preview
Located in Chicago, IL
Barrel Back Lounge Chairs, 1980. Original fabric shows minor wear.
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
Postmodern Barrel Back Lounge Chairs
By Drexel
Located in Chicago, IL
1980s Postmodern barrel back lounge chairs. Fully restored. Reupholstered in dual tone mohair: pink
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Mohair
Brayton International Barrel Lounge Chairs, 1980
By Brayton International
Located in Chicago, IL
Brayton International Barrel Lounge Chairs, 1980. Reupholstery recommended.
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
Brueton Barrel Lounge Chairs in Black Mohair
By Brueton
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of curvaceous barrel back lounge chairs by Brueton. Original black Mohair is in excellent
Category
20th Century American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Mohair
Set of Three Mid Century Modern Floating Upholstered Barrel Back Chairs
Located in West Hartford, CT
Set of three matching mid or post modern barrel back upholstered chairs. Elegant neutral fabric
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Textile, Wood
Postmodern Foliage Pattern Fabric Swivel Barrel Lounge Chairs
Located in Delray Beach, FL
comfortable barrel design and convenient swivel base make them perfect for modern living areas, home offices
Category
1990s Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Pair of Tacchini Italian Barrel Back Swivel Chairs
By Tacchini
Located in West Hartford, CT
Pair of Tacchini streamlined swivel chairs boasts a barrel silhouette and is a versatile addition
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Swivel Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of Postmodern Angular Barrel Back Lounge Chairs
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of sculptural Postmodern lounge chairs. Angular barrel back form in newly reupholstered
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Cotton, Velvet
Mid Century Oak Barrel Chairs on Casters
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in La Mesa, CA
Set of 4 barrel dining chairs in casters. Circa 1970s. Chairs feature an oak frame and original
Category
Vintage 1970s North American Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Pair of Barrel-Back Chairs on Swivel Mechanism, USA 1990's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing a timeless duo of sophistication and comfort, the Pair of Barrel-Back Chairs on Swivel
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Swivel Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Stunning Pair of Split Back Postmodern Barrel Chairs in Excellent Upholstery
Sold
H 30 in W 33.5 in D 30 in
Stunning Pair of Split Back Postmodern Barrel Chairs in Excellent Upholstery
By Milo Baughman
Located in Hudson, NY
This unique pair of highly styled postmodern accent chairs are covered in a richly toned durable
Category
Mid-20th Century American Post-Modern Club Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
Vintage Postmodern Set of 4 Barrel Dining Chair MCM Minimalist Retro
Sold
H 30.75 in W 24 in D 24.75 in
Vintage Postmodern Set of 4 Barrel Dining Chair MCM Minimalist Retro
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Vintage 80s Set of 4 Dining Chairs. Newly upholstered vintage chairs in a soft jacquard velvety
Category
Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Chenille
Preview Postmodern Tripod Chair Gray Mohair, 1980
By Preview
Located in Chicago, IL
Post modern barrel tripod chair gray mohair, 1980.
Category
Vintage 1980s Lounge Chairs
Materials
Mohair
Post Mid-Century Modern Pair of 1970s Swivel Barrel Chairs
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful pair of 1970s post Mid-Century Modern barrel chairs and they even swivel. The pair are in
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Swivel Chairs
Set of 5 Italian Post-Modern Barrel-Back Dining Chairs
By Luigi Massoni, Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous set of 5 Italian Post-Modern barrel-back dining chairs, in the style of Luigi Massoni or
Category
Mid-20th Century Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Mohair, Velvet
Barrel Back Lounge Chairs, 1970
By Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Barrel back lounge chairs, circa 1970. Fully restored with all new foam and low pile velvet
Category
Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Postmodern Barrel Back Lounge Chairs, 1980
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern pair of barrel back lounge chairs in brown velvet, 1980. Original upholstery.
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Velvet
1970s Italian Chrome Barrel-Back Lounge Chair
Located in Las Vegas, NV
One of a kind vintage Italian lounge chair with chrome frame and psychedelic crushed velvet
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chrome
1980s Milo Baughman Pleaded Gray Barrel Swivel Chair
By Milo Baughman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, swivel chair you could hope to find. This is
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Swivel Chairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Wood
1990s Art Cut Chenille Barrel Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Milo Baughman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The beautiful rare swivel chair set is statement piece which is also extremely comfortable and
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Swivel Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Studio-Crafted Postmodern Barrel Chairs with Inlaid Details
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Barrel chairs with inlaid wood detail. Vinyl cushion seats.
Category
Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Armchairs
Materials
Maple
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Gorgeous Pair of Green Milo Baughman Tilt and Swivel Lounge Brass Chairs
$16,500 / set
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By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
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This pair of modern chairs designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin from the 1980s. These chairs are reminiscent of open scallop shells, the seats are deep and comfortable. Chairs...
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Leather Meander Flexible Wall Sconce
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Leather wrapped flexible arm wall light you can pose and adjust as you wish. This is our updated Meander Reader light with larger cone shade and new upward angled arm. Lamping: Singl...
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Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
$4,900 / item
H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
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Django • Sienna Earth • Sculptural Textured Velvet Ottoman by Odditi
$1,190 / item
H 17.33 in Dm 24.41 in
Django • Sienna Earth • Sculptural Textured Velvet Ottoman by Odditi
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$15,439 / item
H 32.68 in W 110.24 in D 40.56 in
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By Munna Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This sofa features a wonderfully elegant fan-shaped motif, with its accentuated curvy lines with decadent and lavish finish. The feminine curves are ravishingly enhanced by the diffe...
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Sasco Semi-Flush Mount Brass Light Fixture, Custom Finishes
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
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'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
$1,155Sale Price / item|30% Off
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By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
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21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Textile
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Located in Philadelphia, PA
A six piece modular sofa circa 1970's. These feature their original burnt orange wool fabric. In usable condition but would look great with updated fabric. We have 2 matching sof...
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Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
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Milo Baughman Chesterfield Style Tufted Sofa
By Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
Milo Baughman Chesterfield style tufted sofa with wood plinth base. In good vintage condition, circa 1980s Dimension: 84" long 32" deep 26" tall seat height 14".
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Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
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Pair of Dorothy Draper Style Hollywood Regency Scalloped Fringe Swivel Chairs
$6,400 / set
H 33 in W 34 in D 32 in
Pair of Dorothy Draper Style Hollywood Regency Scalloped Fringe Swivel Chairs
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Hollywood Regency style is all about joie de vivre with silhouettes that are glamorous and luxurious and this pair of scallop channeled green fringed swivel chairs embody all of it. ...
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Pair of Contemporary Modern Scalloped Swivel Lounge Chairs
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This pair of unique modern lounge chairs make an elegant addition to any living room or office setting. Swivel bases and scalloped rounded seat backs add to the charm of this plush m...
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LU Louis Sconce AS
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Coffee Table by Mario Marenco for Mobilgirgi, Italy 1970s
By Mario Marenco
Located in Roma, IT
Coffee Table by Mario Marenco for Mobilgirgi, Italy 1970s. Cm 32,00 x 87,00 x 87,00. Walnut Wood. Good conditions!
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"Perf" Sideboard in Varnished Steel by Moroso for Diesel
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H 25.6 in W 59 in D 13.8 in
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By Moroso, Diesel Creative Team 1
Located in Brooklyn, NY
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Get Updated with New Arrivals
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Post Modern Barrel Chair For Sale on 1stDibs
Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the post modern barrel chair you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of fabric, upholstery and wood, every post modern barrel chair was constructed with great care. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect post modern barrel chair — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A post modern barrel chair, designed in the mid-century modern, Art Deco or industrial style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. You’ll likely find more than one post modern barrel chair that is appealing in its simplicity, but Preview, Ransom Culler and Thayer Coggin produced versions that are worth a look.
How Much is a Post Modern Barrel Chair?
A post modern barrel chair can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $6,348, while the lowest priced sells for $2,261 and the highest can go for as much as $22,500.
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
- Ettore Sottsass
- Robert Venturi
- Alessandro Mendini
- Michele de Lucchi
- Michael Graves
- Nathalie du Pasquier
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 Mendini — a 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.
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Pattern Swivel Chair
Postmodern Barrel Chairs
Rowe Chair
Vladimir Kagan Barrel Chairs
Salotti Natuzzi
Dining Chairs Casters Fabric
Luigi Massoni Chairs
Postmodern Cotton Velvet
Francisque Joseph Duret
Frank Holl
French Bakery Cabinet
French Bread Box
French Bread Cabinets
French Cast Iron Legs
French Champagne Coupe
French Champagne Table
French Chicken Wire
French Chocolate Pot