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.
Mario Bellini for Cassina Set of Twelve 'CAB 413' Dining Chairs in Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of twelve armchairs model 'CAB 413', leather, Italy, 1979 The iconic ‘CAB’ chair was designed by Mario Bellini in 1979. Conceptually new was the way B...
Leather, Plastic
Post-Modern Slatted High Back Dining Room Chairs by Pietro Costantini, 1980s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant set of six Post-Modern slatted high back dining room chairs. Design by Pietro Costantini. Striking Italian design from the 1980s. The clear lacquered maple frame...
Leather, Maple
$2,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Intl 'Handkerchief' Set w Unique Provenance, Signed
By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli, Massimo and Lella Vignelli, David Law
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic Post-Modern design by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Knoll International is called the 'Handkerchief' stacking chair, labelled underneath with early production (original) year labels. Great for stacking when you need more open space in the room and easy to unstack when you have guests. Perfect for those who require versatility in their space. Priced as a set of five (5). Unique provenance on this set - as it was ordered by David Law who worked with Vignelli Associates and participated in many of the designs they created for Knoll and Acerbis including the Serenissimo Table...
Steel
Guido Faleschini for I4 Mariani Set of Eight 'Dilos' Dining Chairs Rose Velvet
By Guido Faleschini, i4 Mariani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, set of eight 'Dilos' dining chairs, part of the 'Pace Collection', beech, velvet, Italy, circa 1975 These 'Dilos' chairs are designed by the creativ...
Velvet, Beech
Mario Bellini for Cassina Set of Sixteen 'Cab' Chairs in Red Brown Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of sixteen 'cab' dining chairs, model '412', leather, plastic, Italy, design 1976 Beautiful set of 'Cab' dining chairs chairs in luxurious reddish bro...
Leather, Plastic
Postmodern Design "Alice" Dining Chairs by Cidue, Italy 1980's
By Cidue
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Design "Alice" Dining Chairs by Cidue. Made in the 1980's in Italy. Slender black lacquered metal frame with grey stained rush woven seats. They all shows signs of...
Metal
$559Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 2 Purple La Marie Chairs By Philippe Starck For Kartell, Made In Italy
Located in San Carlos, CA
For Sale: Iconic La Marie Chairs by Philippe Starck for Kartell Elevate your interior with this stunning set of 2 clear purple La Marie chairs. Designed by the renowned Philippe Sta...
Plastic
$720Sale Price / item|40% Off
Hans Ullrich Bitsch Set of 10 Red Blue Metal Chairs Series 8600
By Kusch+Co, Hans Ullrich Bitsch
Located in Vienna, AT
Set of ten/10 Hans Ullrich Bitsch chairs Series 8600, circa 1980 -Sold as individual pieces. 5 are red and 5 blue. Please combine. Wonderful dining room set of 10 red and blue metal chairs...
Metal, Chrome
$2,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Post Modern Cantilever Swing Chairs by Herbert and Jutta Ohl for Rosenthal Linie
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Rare set of 4 1980s Post-Modern Cantilever Swing Chairs. Designed in 1982 by Herbert and Jutta Ohl for German Manufacturer Rosenthal Studio Lini...
Metal
Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 6
By Paolo Piva
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 6 Arcadia dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B& B italia's Arcadia series. Upholstered in black leather. They are very comfortable. Good condition 1980s - Italy ...
Leather
6 Post-Modern Arrben Italy 'Canasta' Armchairs Leather Enameled Tubular Steel
By Arrben
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Post-Modern set of six (6) 'Canasta' armchairs by Arrben of Italy, in stitched thick saddle-leather mounted on enameled tubular steel frames. N...
Steel
Mario Bellini Set of Six 'Lira e Liuto' Dining Chairs in Cognac Leather
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of six ‘Lira e Liuto’ dining chairs, cognac leather, Italy, 1989 This set of six ‘Lira e Liuto’ dining chairs has beautiful cognac colored leather tha...
Leather
$2,383 / item
Miki Natural Rattan Dining Chair by Heaps & Woods
Located in Geneve, CH
Miki Natural Rattan Dining Chair by Heaps & Woods Dimensions: W 52 x D 60 x H 82 x Seat H 43 cm Materials: Natural rattan This chair brings a sense of timelessness to the dining exp...
Other
Ettore Sottsass Greek Chairs One of Seven Grey Bieffeplast, Italy, 1980
By Bieffeplast, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Vienna, AT
One of Seven Ettore Sottsass Greek Chairs Grey Bieffeplast, Italy, 1980. Sold and priced per piece. Very rare light grey chairs made from lacquered ...
Steel
$495Sale Price / item|23% Off
Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Intl 'Handkerchief' Stacking Chairs, Signed, 19 Avail
By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic Post-Modern design by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Knoll International is called the 'Handkerchief' stacking chair, labelled underneath with early production (original...
Steel
Angelo Mangiarotti for Agapecasa Oak Leather Dining Chairs 3T Model, Italy 2000s
By AgapeCasa, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of eight Italian post modern dining chairs model 3T designed by Angelo mangiarotti from 1978 with oak frame and leather seat. Produced by Agapecasa with the designer’s and manufa...
Leather, Oak
Set of Midcentury Italian Postmodern Black and Chrome Mesh Dining Chairs Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A handsome set of four dining chairs made in Italy circa 1980s. They feature chrome frames, enameled mesh backs, and leather seats. Marked: ITALY.
Steel, Chrome
Set of 4 Post Modern 1970s Italian Chrome & Wood Dining Chairs - DIA Style
By Design Institute America, Milo Baughman
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic Post Modern Italian design, set of four hi-back chrome frame dining chairs, with concentric designed oak seats. Unknown designer, often attributed to DIA or Design Insutute o...
Chrome
Lella and Massimo Vignelli Handkerchief Chairs for Knoll, Set of Four
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Black high-gloss lacquered Handkerchief chairs on black lacquered frames by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. In 1968 Vignelli was contracted by Knoll to re-envision the corpo...
Steel
Handkerchief Chairs in White by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Post Modern a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Iconic design by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. These ethereal chairs, seeming floating in air are fully labeled with an embossed Knoll, Vignelli design and a paper Knoll Label. This...
Fiberglass
Aurora stool, walnut solid wood finish, solid back, camel leather seating
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the award-winning Aurora Collection, also known as Dawn — a transformative milestone in our esteemed design legacy that has earned the pr...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
$720Sale Price / item|20% Off
Aurora stool, walnut solid wood finish, solid back, off white textiles seating
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the award-winning Aurora Collection, also known as Dawn — a transformative milestone in our esteemed design legacy that has earned the pr...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
Pair Vintage Italian Bronze Faux-Bamboo Side Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Side chairs cast in bronze to simulate natural bamboo construction, retaining irregular nodes and crossed branch stretchers beneath a ladder back. The naturalistic modeling reflects ...
Bronze
Vintage Hill-Rom Dining Chairs (Sold As Set)
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful Hill-Rom dining chairs made of oak with a green faux leather upholstery for the seat. Hill-Rom is known for making the most unique furniture with comfortability and care in...
Faux Leather, Oak
$720Sale Price / item|20% Off
Aurora stool, walnut solid wood finish, solid back black natural leather seating
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the award-winning Aurora Collection, also known as Dawn — a transformative milestone in our esteemed design legacy that has earned the pr...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
$4,127Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern 1980s Design Icon "Alice" Chairs by Giorgio Cattelan for Cattelan Ita
By Cattelan Italia, Giorgio Cattelan
Located in Basel, BS
Fabulous set of Rare "Alice" chairs by Giorgio Cattelan for Cattelan Italia, Postmodern 1980s. Made of Stitched red leather. Designed in 1984, iconic design by Cattelan Italia. Feat...
Metal
Mario Bellini for Cassina Set of Eight 'Cab' Dining Chairs in Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of eight 'cab' dining chairs, model '412', leather, plastic, Italy, design 1976 Beautiful set of eight 'Cab' dining chairs chairs in luxurious brown l...
Leather, Plastic
$1,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern Style Aurora Chair Sculpted in Walnut Finish Arms, leather seating, cane
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The Aurora collection aka Dawn marks a new exiting moment in our design history, in where we dove deep in to the creativity unknown, to create a collection that would be able to hold...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
Set of 6 Birch Bentwood Stacking Chairs by Thonet, Made in Germany
By Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of six stackable chairs, made of birch bentwood, will make a unique and comfortable set of dining chairs. German engineering meets design. Rare to have such a large set in...
Plastic, Birch, Bentwood
$1,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
Post Modern Stool in Walnut Finish, Cane Back Leather Seat Counter or Bar Height
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The Aurora collection aka Dawn marks a new exiting moment in our design history, in where we dove deep in to the creativity unknown, to create a collection that would be able to hold...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
$720Sale Price / item|20% Off
Aurora stool, light honey solid wood, natural caning back, cream textile seating
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the award-winning Aurora Collection, also known as Dawn — a transformative milestone in our esteemed design legacy that has earned the pr...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
$1,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
Post-Modern Style Aurora Chair in Black Ebonized with Cane Back and Leather
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The Aurora collection aka Dawn marks a new exiting moment in our design history, in where we dove deep in to the creativity unknown, to create a collection that would be able to hold...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
Set of 6 Modern Italian Dining Chairs by Fasem Fasem International, 1980s
Located in Almelo, NL
Set of 6 Modern Black Leather and Steel Armchairs by Fasem International, Italy, 1980s Striking and sculptural, this rare set of six dining chairs by Fasem International was produce...
Steel
Peter Danko Bodyform Stacking Bentwood Barstools, set of 3
By Peter Danko
Located in Mckinney, TX
The simplicity of form and function reveals itself in this curvy creation by Peter Danko. With a list as long as your arm of museum acquisitions and permanent collections as well as ...
Maple
$2,500 / set
Peter Danko Bodyform Stacking Chairs, Set of 5
By Peter Danko
Located in Mckinney, TX
The simplicity of form and function reveals itself in this curvy creation by Peter Danko. With a list as long as your arm of museum acquisitions and permanent collections, as well as...
Maple
Five pairs availabel Marco Maran Max Design ten dining chairs
By Knoll, Marco Maran
Located in Ferndale, MI
Sold by the pair five pairs are available "X3" chairs by Marco Maran for dining room or office. Manufactured by Max Design in Italy . I believe distributed by Knoll but not sure of...
Chrome
$2,667 / item
Curvy Teak Wood Dining Chair by Heaps & Woods
Located in Geneve, CH
Curvy Teak Wood Dining Chair by Heaps & Woods Dimensions: W 45 x D 48 x H 94 cm Materials: Teak wood, upholstery The Curvy Dining Chair features an organic geometric shape on the ba...
Other
$1,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
Post Modern Stool in Solid Wood, Caning Back and Seat, Counter or Bar Height
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The Aurora collection aka Dawn marks a new exiting moment in our design history, in where we dove deep in to the creativity unknown, to create a collection that would be able to hold...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
Italian Dining Chairs in Red Saddle Leather and Stained Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, saddle leather, stained beech, Italy, 1970s This lovely pair of dining chairs embodies an austere aesthetic, yet the meticulous choice of materials and exceptional cr...
Leather, Beech
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Set of 4 Midcentury Post Modern Black Dining Chairs by Pietro Costantini Italy
By Ello Furniture, Pietro Costantini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Amazing Set of 4 midcentury Post Modern Dining Chairs by Italian Designer Pietro Costantini. Very delicate Post Modern Designed Black Lacquer dining chairs with upholstered Seats. Al...
Wood, Lacquer
Black leather dining chairs by Arper italy, 1980s - set of 4
By Arper
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage black leather dining chairs with chrome rings by Arper italy. High quality dining chairs with a timeless design from the 1980s. 1980s - italy Very good condition Dimensio...
Chrome
$796Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern Style Aurora Chair Sculpted in Walnut Finish No Arms, Upholstered Seat
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The Aurora collection aka Dawn marks a new exiting moment in our design history, in where we dove deep in to the creativity unknown, to create a collection that would be able to hold...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
$1,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
Post-Modern Style Aurora Chair in Sculpted Walnut Finish with Cane and Leather
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The Aurora collection aka Dawn marks a new exiting moment in our design history, in where we dove deep in to the creativity unknown, to create a collection that would be able to hold...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
Pair of Postmodern Leather Chairs by Giancarlo Vegni for Fasem, Italy 1984
By Giancarlo Vegni, Fasem International
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of Postmodern Dining Chairs designed by Giancarlo Vegni for Fasem. The chairs are done in cognac saddle leather featuring minimal design and slee...
Steel
Kwok Hoi Chan for Steiner Dining Chair in Red Leather
By Gilbert Steiner, Kwok Hoi Chan
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kwok Hoi Chan for Steiner, dining chair, leather, lacquered steel, France, circa 1970 A postmodern design by Chinese designer Kwok Hoi Chan known for his works that are immediately ...
Steel
$1,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
Post-Modern Style Aurora Chair in Sculpted Black Ebonized Solid Wood
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The Aurora collection aka Dawn marks a new exiting moment in our design history, in where we dove deep in to the creativity unknown, to create a collection that would be able to hold...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
$720Sale Price / item|20% Off
Post-Modern Style stool, black solid wood, cane back, camel leather seating
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the award-winning Aurora Collection, also known as Dawn — a transformative milestone in our esteemed design legacy that has earned the pr...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
Mario Bellini for Cassina 'CAB 413' Dining Chair in Dark Grey Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, armchair, model 'CAB 413', leather, Italy, 1979 The iconic ‘CAB’ chair was designed by Mario Bellini in 1979. Conceptually new was the way Bellini uses le...
Leather
$1,400 / set
Matteo Grassi Dining Chairs in Leather and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Matteo Grassi, set of four dining chairs, leather and steel, Italy, 1980s. Sophisticated set of four dining chairs designed by Italian designer Matteo Grassi in the 1980s. These cha...
Steel
$2,253Sale Price / set|20% Off
Postmodern Design "SANDOWS" Chairs by Rene Herbst
By René Herbst, Ecart International
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Modernism Design "SANDOWS" Cord Chairs by Rene Herbst for Ecart International. Made in France in the 1980's period. These are classic modernist 1930's German Bauha...
Steel
Vintage dining chairs by Pietro costantini, 1980s, set of 6
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Very chic italian high back dining chairs designed by Pietro Costantini. Elegant curved lacquered wood backrests and upholstered with black leather. Stamped under thea seat with '...
Leather, Lacquer
$2,994Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rennie Dining Chair Set by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina, Italy, 1980's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Design 'RENNIE' Dining Chair set of 8 by Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina, made in Italy 1980's. Architectural design dining chairs in dark brown. The seat and b...
Faux Leather, Wood
$931Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Anton Lorenz for Thonet "Ss33" Armchair in White + Chrome
By Thonet, Anton Lorenz
Located in Basel, BS
Stunning Anton Lorenz for Thonet Cantilevered Armchair in white. This is the Perfect opportunity to purchase just one as an accent chair! Anton Lorenz (1891–1966) was a design pio...
Chrome
Postmodern Italian Pietro Costantini for Ello Klismos Dining Chairs
By Ello Furniture, Pietro Costantini
Located in Stafford, TX
1990s Italian Pietro Costantini for Ello “Klismos” Dining Chairs — Set of Eight This elegant set of eight 1990s Italian Klismos dining chairs, designed by Pietro Costantini for Ello...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
$1,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern Style Aurora Chair Sculpted in Walnut Finish Arms, leather back & seating
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The Aurora collection aka Dawn marks a new exiting moment in our design history, in where we dove deep in to the creativity unknown, to create a collection that would be able to hold...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
Set of Four 1980s Castelijn SLA Dining Chairs, Black Leather & Wood
By Castelijn, Gijs Bakker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of Four postmodern dining chairs by Dutch manufacturer Castelijn, attributed to acclaimed designer Gijs Bakker, circa 1980s. These distinctive pieces showcase the harmonious blen...
Metal
Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Africa’ Chairs for Maxalto, Walnut & Leather, Italy 1975
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Almelo, NL
Rare early-production set of four ‘Africa’ dining chairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, Italy, 1975. Beautifully crafted in solid walnut with engraved sculptural backrests, orig...
Brass
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni Set of Twelve 'Monk' Dining Chairs
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, set of twelve 'Monk' dining chairs, walnut, leather, Italy, 1974. Set of ‘Monk’ chairs by renowned Italian designers Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Th...
Leather, Walnut
Set of 4 Postmodern Dining Chairs, 1980s
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
This eye-catching set of four dining chairs from the 1980s captures the bold spirit of postmodern design. Featuring a vivid red circular seat and sculptural black tubular frame, the ...
Metal
Dr. Glob Dining Chair Set by Philippe Starck for Kartell, Italy 1980's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Design Dr. Glob Dining Chair Set by Philippe Starck for Kartell. Made in Italy, 1980's / 90's period. Marked on the bottom. All black edition. Stackable. Black pla...
Metal