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
CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
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 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.
Iconic Knoll Hat Trick Table & Chairs Dining Set by Frank Gehry Stamped & Dated
By Knoll, Frank Gehry
Located in San Diego, CA
Iconic Knoll Hat Trick Table & Chairs Dining Set by Frank Gehry Stamped & Dated, circa 1992. An exquisite and collectible Frank Gehry sculptural design...
Wood, Maple, Bentwood
70s Gae Aulenti Knoll Black Orsay Square Mod 54 Table + 4 Blk Leather Chairs SET
By Knoll, Gae Aulenti
Located in Basel, BS
The listing includes an exceptionally rare complete dining set consisting of a black square table and four matching black leather armchairs designed in 1969 for Knoll International. ...
Aluminum
Frank Gehry Knoll Int. Dinette Featuring 2 Cross Check Chairs and Dining Table
By Frank Gehry
Located in Highclere, Newbury
A Frank Gehry compact dining set featuring 2 bentwood maple ply Cross Check chairs matched to a maple and glass Face Off dining table manufactured by Knoll International. Originally designed in the late 80’s Gehry’s Cross Check chairs...
Glass, Beech
Post Modern Picnik Dining Table Seating by Xavier Lust Dirk Wynants for Extremis
By Xavier Lust, Extremis
Located in Portland, OR
The iconic post-modern Indoor/Outdoor ‘Picnik’ table and seating designed by Dirk Wynants & Xavier Lust, 2002. Two seater 'Picnik' table in a white powder coated aluminum. Cut an...
Steel, Aluminum
Set of Iconic Gerd Lange 'Flex 2000' Chairs and Table for Thonet 1973
By Gerd Lange, Thonet
Located in Tilburg, NL
Set Iconic Gerd Lange 'Flex 2000' Chairs and table in Beech and Plastic for Thonet 1973. This is a set of highly sculptural and avant garde quality by designer Gerd Lange for Thonet...
Plastic, Beech
$43,561Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jean Prouve by G-Star Raw for Vitra S.A.M. Tropique Table with matching chairs
By Jean Prouvé
Located in amstelveen, NL
2011 Jean Prouvé by G-Star Raw for Vitra S.A.M. Tropique table with matching standard chairs. This limited edition table was only produced in this version for one year in 2011. Other...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Post-Modern Willem Noyons Dining Room Set with Table and Chairs in Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Willem Noyons dining room set, birch, plywood, The Netherlands, 1982/1983 This Dutch dining set by Willem Noyons, reflects a distinctly architectural approach to furniture making. C...
Birch, Plywood
$1,400Sale Price / set|42% Off
Kitchen Table Set, Dining Table and 4 Chairs Set
Located in Miami, FL
Kitchen Table Set, Modern dining table and 4 chair set attributed to Driade & Chairs by Ycami. The sleek and stylish post modern table attributed to the renowned Italian company Driade boasts a round frosted glass top poised atop three legs crafted from cast aluminum. The sloping legs, with their elegantly tapered bodies, serve as a defining characteristic of design aesthetic, giving the table a blend of sophistication and refinement. The legs are similar in design to those of the "M" table by designer Philippe Starck. Included are uniquely designed set of 4 dining chairs by Ycami having gorgeous sculptural case...
Aluminum
Unique custom fabricated post modern blonde birch Plywood dining set
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Very unique custom designed and fabricated post modern blonde birch dining set. (1) dining table and (6) dining chairs. Each chair is numbered (1-6) underneath. Dining table is made ...
Aluminum
Memphis Postmodern Cloud-Design Table with Two Matching Chairs, Circa 1990
Located in Berlin, DE
This playful Memphis-style set, created around 1990, consists of two sculptural chairs and a matching table in a charming cloud-inspired design. The chairs feature bold red lacquered...
Pine, Paint
$3,250Sale Price|50% Off
Post modern custom tan with maroon stripe dining table by Pace
By Pace Collection, Memphis Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Post modern Gem 10’ long curved oval dining table with (2) leaves. High gloss acrylic top with a beautiful taupe tan color with 2 dark red maroon stripes. Very nice arched base with ...
Acrylic, Plexiglass, Wood
Pierre Chapo Seating Set with Rare 'T21A' Table and 'S13A' Stools
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, dining table, model 'T21A', solid elm, France, 1970s This table is one of the early editions designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his hallmark use of solid elmwood and ...
Elm
$12,100Sale Price|20% Off
Locus Solus, Gae Aulenti, Orange Set with 4 Chairs
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Made of steel and fabrics with original and unprecedented patterns, Locus Solus is a reissue of a collection designed by the unpredictable flair of Gae Aulenti in 1964. The retro des...
Aluminum
$28,000 / set
Marc Held French Dining Set IBM Office
By Marc Held
Located in New York, NY
The great French dining set was designed for the IBM office in Montpellier , France . Marc Held created the interiors and furniture for the building . This table was used in the exe...
Iron
$3,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Industrial Post-Modern Design Bar Height Table and Stools by Robert Josten
Located in San Diego, CA
Industrial post-modern design bar height table and two stools by Robert Josten, circa 1970s. The table and the stool frames are made of cast aluminum with solid maple seats. The bistro table measures 28"W x 27.5"D x 41.5"H and the stools are 18.5"W x 18.5"D x 47.5"H with a seat height of 30.5". This very hard to find set is in good vintage condition with some minor discoloration to the top of the table (please see pictures). A really cool bar...
Aluminum
$1,150Sale Price / set|34% Off
Postmoden Rare Dinette Set by Randy Castellan for Makea Studio Signed
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice 3-legged table and chairs deigned by Randy castellan 1994, for Makea Studio, signed at the bottom great industrial design, in plywood good origina...
Plywood
$1,688 / set
Post Modern Dining Room Set, 1980s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage custom made dining chairs with armrests and dining table with a clear glass top. The chairs have a wooden seat. Beautifully man...
Metal
Postmodern Sculptural Plaster and Glass Dining Table and 4 Lacquer Chairs Italy
By Willy Rizzo
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Fantastic post-modern dining table and 4 lacquer and leather dining chairs made in Italy. 2 tapered geometric V shaped base legs. Thick beveled glass top. Chairs have gentle sloping ...
Leather, Glass, Plaster, Lacquer
Bruno Mathsson & Piet Hein Super-Ellipse Table with Fabiaan Van Severen Chairs
By Fritz Hansen, Piet Hein, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Conference or dining room set consisting of Fabiaan Van Severen dining chairs with Bruno Mathsson and Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen Super-Ellipse table Fabiaan Van Severen, dining ch...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Italian Dining Set in Black Coated Wood and Patterned Orange Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining room set with table and chairs, lacquered wood, fabric, Italy, 1970s A lovely dining set made in Italy in the 1970s. This Post-modern set stands as an exquisite centerpiece, ...
Fabric, Wood
$3,850Sale Price / set|30% Off
Post modern 6 Black Spaghetti dining chairs & table set by Giandomenico Belotti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Spaghetti Patio chairs and matching rectangular table with reversible top in all Black by Giandomenico Belotti for Alias Made in Italy. Gorgeous Minimalist Italian design fr...
Steel
$9,765Sale Price / set|30% Off
1990s Multi-Colored Sculptural Memphis Style Dining Table & 6 Chairs
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The extremely rare Memphis style sculptural dining set is statement piece which is also comfortable and packed with personality! Just look at the lines and sculptural shape on this beauty! Just stunning, but then your eyes are immediately drawn to the stunning colors oval table top by Benjamin Le. Influenced by the mid 20th century designs. This mid century modern race track table...
Metal
Sculptural set of 8 chairs and table in the manner of Totem
By TOTEM
Located in PARIS, FR
Studio Totem (in the manner of) Set of a table and 8 chairs, Ca. 1983 Made for the Saint-Étienne Cultural Center in France Gray lacquered metal and yellow and gray laminated wood H. ...
Laminate, Wood
1990s Colorful Memphis Style Abstract Dining Set and Swivel Stools, Set of 8
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, dining set you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it being a most spectacular and beautifully-presented chairs. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. Memphis style sculptural dining set...
Metal
Set of 2 Belenus and La Luna Tables by Gisbert Pöppler
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Belenus and La Luna tables by Gisbert Pöppler Dimensions: D L 240 x W 101 x H 73 cm (Belenus) / D 167 x W 101 x H 73 cm (La Luna) Materials: High gloss lacquered wood, smoked oak A Referencing the Latin Moon and the Celtic Sun, this extendable dining table duet comes in two connecting pieces of smoked oak coated in high gloss lacquer. Like perfectly paired lovers, each piece can stand on its own, while also fitting harmoniously together with its partner. The Belenus table stands on solid rounded legs and connecting oval shaped feet that are a contemporary take on outré Nordic design, complete with a playful Viking feel. Its oxblood red tabletop offers a gently curved shape that, when locked up with its extension, creates a noticeable “waistline” where the two pieces meet. In contrasting petrol blue La Luna, with its folding half-moon shape, functions as an abstract sideboard...
Oak
Barbera 'Bronze' Square Dining Table, Modern Solid Bronze Base with Stone Top
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Designed by Daniel Barbera, the 'Bronze' square table is a Minimalist table consisting of Classic geometry on the exterior merged with organic flowing underside. The four legged cast...
Granite, Marble, Metal, Aluminum, Bronze
Postmodern Stainless Steel Dining Table, c.1980
Located in Surbiton, GB
An unattributed postmodern stainless steel dining table with a sheet steel table top supported by oversized perforated tubular steel legs. Reminiscent of designs by Matteo Thun and M...
Stainless Steel
Post-Modern Italian Sculptural Dining Table Set Six Chairs Italy
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Postmodern Italian Dining Table Set with 6 chairs. New Blue Velvet upholstery. In the style of Pietro Costantini. Set includes Six (6) Dining Chairs and D...
Fabric, Wood
Bespoke Italian 1980s Carved Elm & Red Leather Card Table Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A truly distinctive and masterfully conceived bespoke Italian card table set from the 1980s, this collection combines hand-carved elm with bold red leather upholstery. Comprising a striking drum-shaped table and six accompanying chairs, it embodies an expressive approach to design from the era. The six chairs are a surrealistic marvel, featuring thick, undulating, totem-like back posts adorned with curved, carved branches that evoke a whimsical, forest-like quality. Each is hand-carved with a primitive style and fitted with matching red leather seating...
Chrome
$4,800 / set
McGuire Style Rattan Dining Table & Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Odd rattan bases with woven faux leather seats with high backs. Table has rattan base with oval glass top. 2 arm chairs measure 49" H x 26 1/4" W x 26" D. Seat height 18 1/2". 6 ...
Rattan
5 pc. Post Modern Dinette Set by Euro Style Glass Top Table with Metal Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Chic architectural style dinette set by Euro Style of California, having a round glass top table with four stacking metal chairs. The table and chairs are constructed of perforated ...
Metal
Golden Oak Modernist Dining Table and 6 Chairs
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Golden Oak Modernist Dining Table and 6 Chairs This is a superb quality heavy golden oak table it comes with a matching set of 6 leather dining chairs The table and chairs are in v...
Oak
Pair of Flo Chairs and Side Table by Patricia Urquiola for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Spanish-born, Milan-based architect and designer Patricia Urquiola’s design for the Flo line for Driade relies on steel structures covered in cane, giving the pieces a durability and...
Steel
1980s Memphis Style Steel Chairs and Round Entending Dining Table
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, dining set you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful cabinet is statement piec...
Steel
$2,950Sale Price / set|45% Off
Willy Rizzo Style Dining Set Table and Chairs
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Wilton, CT
Made in Italy, circa !980"s chrome breakfast/dining set in the style of Willy Rizzo. Four Cantilevered chairs with a plinth based round table and a round glass top. The lime green ba...
Metal
1980s Artistic Kidney Bar Pub Dining Table and Chairs, Set of 3
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning table set you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it ...
Upholstery, Wood
Saucer Dining Set, Includes Four Chairs and 48" Table by Brent Warr Studios
By Brent Warr
Located in Bainbridge, GA
The Saucer Dining Set by Brent Warr unites sculptural expression with refined functionality. Featuring the signature stacked-ball motif, both the table and chairs strike a bold yet b...
Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass, Plaster, Hardwood, Paint
Industrial Esstisch Set inkl 2 Bänke Design Sitzbank Vintage
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Esstisch Set bestehend aus einem Esstisch und zwei Sitzbänken. Die Möbel zeichnen sich durch ihr minimalistisches Design und dank der Stahlkonstruktionen...
Steel
Norman Foster Black Aluminium and Glass Nomos Round Table for Tecno, 1988
Located in Vicenza, IT
Nomos round table, designed in 1986 by Sir Norman Foster and produced in 1988 by Tecno. Its gleaming glass tabletop, supported by a black lacquered aluminum structure, offers an unp...
Aluminum
$23,281 / set
Dining Set by Goons
Located in Geneve, CH
Dining Set by Goons Dimensions: Table: W 130 x D 50 x H 74 cm Chair: 35 x 40 x 95 cm Materials: Wood. Goons is located in Paris, France. All of their designs are made out of wood.
Wood
Ettore Sottsass Mandarin Dining Set in Carrara Marble, Red & Black, 1986 Italy
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Icon of the Memphis Milano Movement. A set of four Ettore Sottsass Mandarin chairs for Knoll. Black Alcantara upholstery. Arms in red lacquer. Additionally, a Carrara marble round pe...
Metal, Steel
$4,695 / item
Straight White Lacquered Classe Bar by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Straight white lacquered classe bar by Mowee Dimensions: D 140 x W 68 x H 115 cm Material: Polyethylene, stainless Steel Weight: 45 kg Also available in different colours, wheel ...
Stainless Steel, Other
Barbera 'Molecule' Table, Modern Solid Bronze Base with Stone Top
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Designed by Daniel Barbera, the 'Molecule' table is pedestal table base, that has a range of sizes for different types of usage. The single solid bronze base is sandcast and worked t...
Granite, Marble, Metal, Aluminum, Bronze
Deconstructive Steel Table by Pierre Abadie with Pierced Glass Top
By Pierre Abadie
Located in New York, NY
Rare deconstructive folded steel dining table or breakfast table supporting a piece of round glass (not shown) which is pierced by four metal supports and clamps to hold it in place....
Glass
Barbera 'Molecule' Table, Modern Solid Bronze Base with Stone Top
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Designed by Daniel Barbera, the 'Molecule' table is pedestal table base, that has a range of sizes for different types of usage. The single solid bronze base is sand-cast and worked ...
Granite, Marble, Metal, Aluminum, Bronze
$10,527 / item
260 Volta Rectangular Dining Table by Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
260 Volta Rectangular Dining Table by Wentz Dimensions: D 110 x W 260 x H 75 cm Materials: Wood, Plywood, MDF, Natural Wood Veneer, Steel. Also available in different colors: Oak, Wa...
Steel
$38,334 / item
Belenus Dining Table by Gisbert Pöppler
Located in Geneve, CH
Belenus dining table by Gisbert Pöppler Dimensions: D 240 x W 101 x H 73 cm Materials: High gloss lacquered wood, smoked oak La Luna extension side table also available. The Be...
Oak
$14,218 / item
320 Volta Rectangular Dining Table by Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
320 Volta Rectangular Dining Table by Wentz Dimensions: D 120 x W 320 x H 75 cm Materials: Wood, Plywood, MDF, Natural Wood Veneer, Steel. Also available in different colors: Oak, Wa...
Steel
$20,691 / item
400 Volta Rectangular Dining Table by Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
400 Volta Rectangular Dining Table by Wentz Dimensions: D 120 x W 400 x H 75 cm Materials: Wood, Plywood, MDF, Natural Wood Veneer, Steel. Also available in different colors: Oak, Wa...
Steel
$4,368 / item
Curved Burgundy Lacquered Classe Bar by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Curved burgundy lacquered classe bar by MOWEE Dimensions: D100 x W100 x H115 cm Material: Polyethylene and stainless steel. Weight: 31 kg Also available in different colors, whee...
Stainless Steel, Other
Barbera 'OSSO' Oval Dining Table, Modern Solid Bronze Base with Stone Top
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Designed by Daniel Barbera, the 'OSSO' oval table is a minimal yet organism life inspired form. The four-legged cast solid bronze base is rough cast and lightly worked to show the honesty of the process, but this can also be hand finished to a smooth mirror polish with the option of a satin or blackened bronze. This table base is mated to a Baltic brown granite stone top with a texture finish. Other varieties of stone and timber are also available. The size of this bronze square table...
Granite, Marble, Metal, Aluminum, Bronze
Set of 2 Evermore Extensions Walnut 160 by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Evermore extensions walnut 160 by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D46 x W5 x H85 cm Material: Oiled solid walnut and veneer Weight: 11.5 kg Also available in different colors an...
Wood, Walnut
$4,368 / item
Curved White Lacquered Classe Bar by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Curved white Lacquered classe bar by Mowee Dimensions: D 100 x W 100 x H 115 cm Material: Polyethylene and stainless steel. Weight: 31 kg Also availabl...
Stainless Steel, Other
$4,695 / item
Straight Chocolate Lacquered Classe Bar by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Straight chocolate lacquered classe bar by Mowee Dimensions: D 140 x W 68 x H 115 cm Material: Polyethylene, stainless Steel Weight: 45 kg Also available in different colours, wh...
Stainless Steel, Other
$4,695 / item
Straight Grey Lacquered Classe Bar by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Straight grey lacquered classe bar by MOWEE Dimensions: D140 x W68 x H115 cm Material: Polyethylene, stainless Steel Weight: 45 kg Also available in different colours, wheel kit ...
Stainless Steel, Other
$4,368 / item
Curved Black Lacquered Classe Bar by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Curved black lacquered classe bar by MOWEE Dimensions: D100 x W100 x H115 cm Material: Polyethylene and stainless steel. Weight: 31 kg Also available in different colors, wheel k...
Stainless Steel, Other
$4,695 / item
Straight Black Lacquered Classe Bar by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Straight black lacquered classe bar by MOWEE Dimensions: D140 x W68 x H115 cm Material: Polyethylene, stainless Steel Weight: 45 kg Also available in different colours, wheel kit...
Stainless Steel, Other
Set Of 5 Corian Steel Dining Table And Seating by Pol Quadens
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 5 Corian Steel Dining Table And Seating by Pol Quadens Limited Edition Of 8+4 Pieces. Dimensions: D 76 x W 250 x H 74 cm. Materials: Lacquered steel. Pol Quadens was born in...
Steel
$4,695 / item
Straight Burgundy Lacquered Classe Bar by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Straight burgundy lacquered classe bar by MOWEE Dimensions: D140 x W68 x H115 cm Material: Polyethylene, stainless Steel Weight: 45 kg Also available in different colours, wheel ...
Stainless Steel, Other
$4,368 / item
Curved Cream Lacquered Classe Bar by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Curved cream lacquered classe bar by MOWEE Dimensions: D100 x W100 x H115 cm Material: Polyethylene and stainless steel. Weight: 31 kg Also available in different colors, wheel k...
Stainless Steel, Other