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.
Marble Onyx Soap Dish
Located in New York, NY
A rectangular footed marble and onyx soap dish, Postmodern design period, circa late-20th century. Vessel is rectangular, footed, with an oval 'bowl', with square marble and onyx pat...
Onyx, Marble
Chrome and Brass Hollywood Regency Fireplace Mantle by Danny Alessandro
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional glamorous chrome and brass fireplace mantle, by Danny Alessandro. The mantle features a half round bright chrome frame, with a geometric brass keystone. Classic 1970/80'...
Brass, Chrome
Vintage Tamiami Garden Patio Poolside Lounge Chair att. to Brown Jordan c 1980s
By Brown Jordan
Located in New York, NY
Stylish lawn, garden, patio, poolside \lounge chair attributed to Brown Jordan, as part of the Classic Tamiami series, circa 1980s. This example is structurally sound and sturdy, it ...
Aluminum
Loic Beuchet Trompe L'Oeil Plaster Fire Surround 1980s
Located in CA, CA
A plaster fire surround with a delicate tromp l’oeil drapery by Loic Beuchet, circa 1980. Dimensions: Width 145cm x Height 22cm x Depth 30cm Hearth opening: Height 24.41 in (62 c...
Plaster
Artist Tom Torrens Modernist Memphis Sculpture Bird Bath Garden Art
By Tom Torrens
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare, artist Tom Torrens sculpted bird bath. Iron base with attached patinated verdigris copper bowl. Signed "TT" on base. Stands 29-1/2" tall X 17" wide. Perfect size for adding a t...
Copper, Iron
Set of 2 Sway Knobs in Blown Glass and Silver Mirror by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Sway Knobs in Blown Glass and Silver Mirror by Homa. Dimensions: D 5 x H 5 cm. Materials: Blown Glass, Silver Mirror. This product is also available in a larger version (5....
Blown Glass, Mirror
$191,702 / item
Coulée Bois Déchiré Sculptural Bathtub by Meubles Thouret
Located in Geneve, CH
Coulée Bois Déchiré Sculptural Bathtub by Meubles Thouret. Numbered and signed by the artists. Delivered with a Certificate of Authenticity. Dimensions: W 81 x D 173 cm x H 66 cm. Ma...
Resin, Oak
$1,370 / item
Kala Kamal Pot by Deetee Home
Located in Geneve, CH
Kala Kamal Pot by Deetee Home Dimensions: W 53.34 x D 53.34 x H 45.72 cm Materials: Stoneware Sculpted in a bold black finish with wave-like contours, is more than a pot — it’s a st...
Stoneware
Pr. Vintage Brown Jordan Lounge Chairs c 1970/1980's
By Brown Jordan
Located in New York, NY
Pair of stylish lounge chairs by top quality maker, Brown Jordan. This pair of chic vintage lounge chairs are in very good, clean, ready to use condition, showing only light cosmeti...
Aluminum
BLOQUE 6, Pedestal with Ettore Sottsass Veneer by Bonne Choice
Located in Toronto, ON
Designed By Bonne Choice Using Ettore Sottsass Veneer. The veneer created by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s – utilized for the first time in the Memphis collection – now becomes part ...
Wood, Plywood
Paolo Soleri , brutalist bronze wind chime bell sculpture , for Arcosanti .
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful verdigris patina in this Paolo Soleri wind chime bell .Marked with the square design .
Bronze
BLOQUE 3, Pedestal with Ettore Sottsass Veneer by Bonne Choice
Located in Toronto, ON
Designed By Bonne Choice Using Ettore Sottsass Veneer. The veneer created by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s – utilized for the first time in the Memphis collection – now becomes part ...
Wood, Plywood
BARBERA Cyrus Cabinet Handle Medium Solid Bronze
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
The CYRUS Cabinet Handle makes a bold and timeless addition to interior spaces. Sand cast in solid bronze and finished by hand, they are luxurious and enduring. CYRUS Cabinet h...
Bronze
Karim Rashid Lava Bench for Vondom in Pistachio Green; Spain
By Karim Rashid, Vondom
Located in Round Top, TX
Listing is for one bench; two identical benches are available. We have included Mr. Rashid's conceptual sketches as well as marketing images from the original release. We only have t...
Plastic
PAIR of BARBERA Fermat Cabinet Handle MEDIUM and LARGE Solid Bronze
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
This asymmetrical PAIR of Fermat Cabinet Handles are cast from solid bronze. The Fermat range provides a tactile and beautiful addition to interior spaces. Designed to be applied...
Bronze
PAIR of BARBERA Fermat Cabinet Handle SMALL and LARGE Solid Bronze
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
This asymmetrical PAIR of Fermat Cabinet Handles is cast from solid bronze. The Fermat range provides a tactile and beautiful addition to interior spaces. Designed to be applied ...
Bronze
$1,382 / item
BARBERA Fermat Entrance Handle SMALL Solid Bronze
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
The solid bronze Fermat Entrance Handles are bold and beautiful statement pieces designed to grace doors and entranceways. They provide tactile and interesting architectural elemen...
Bronze
$1,593 / item
BARBERA Fermat Entrance Handle MEDIUM Solid Bronze
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
The solid bronze Fermat Entrance Handles are bold and beautiful statement pieces designed to grace doors and entranceways. They provide tactile and interesting architectural elemen...
Bronze
$1,882 / item
BARBERA Fermat Entrance Handle LARGE Solid Bronze
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
The solid bronze Fermat Entrance Handles are bold and beautiful statement pieces designed to grace doors and entranceways. They provide tactile and interesting architectural eleme...
Bronze
PAIR of BARBERA Fermat Cabinet Handle SMALL and MEDIUM Solid Bronze
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
This asymmetrical PAIR of Fermat Cabinet Handles are cast from solid bronze. The Fermat range provides a tactile and beautiful addition to interior spaces. Designed to be applied...
Bronze
Belgian Wall-Mounted Modern Fire Place in Sheet Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Fire place, sheet steel, Belgium, 1980s. A well-designed fire place executed in sheet steel fits perfectly in the focal point of the room or can be ...
Steel, Sheet Metal
BARBERA Unaipon Mini Cabinet Handle Solid Bronze
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
The Uniapon Mini Cabinet Handle provides a tactile and beautiful addition to interior spaces. Designed to be applied to cabinets and light interior doors, these considered forms ar...
Bronze
BARBERA Fermat Joinery Pull MEDIUM Solid Bronze
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
The Fermat Joinery range provides a tactile and beautiful addition to interior spaces. Designed to be applied to cabinets and internal doors, these soft forms are a pleasure to ha...
Bronze
BARBERA Unaipon Medium Cabinet Handle Solid Bronze
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
The Uniapon Cabinet Handle provides a tactile and beautiful addition to interior spaces. Designed to be applied to cabinets and doors, these considered forms are a pleasure to hand...
Bronze
BARBERA Fermat Cabinet Handle SMALL Solid Bronze
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
The Fermat Cabinet Handle range provides a tactile and beautiful addition to interior spaces. Designed to be applied to cabinets and internal doors, these soft forms are a pleasur...
Bronze
BARBERA Fermat Cabinet Handle LARGE Solid Bronze
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
The Fermat Cabinet Handle range provides a tactile and beautiful addition to interior spaces. Designed to be applied to cabinets and internal doors, these soft forms are a pleasur...
Bronze
BARBERA Fermat Solid Bronze Shower Door Handle
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
The Fermat shower handle has been designed specifically for application on glass shower doors. It can also be applied to cabinets and light interior doors. The fermat range prov...
Bronze
$85,935 / item
Écho Bois Déchiré Sculptural Screen by Meubles Thouret
Located in Geneve, CH
Écho Bois Déchiré Sculptural Screen by Meubles Thouret. Numbered and signed by the artists. Delivered with a Certificate of Authenticity. Dimensions: W 180 x D 5 x H 119 cm. Material...
Resin, Wood
Three Mid Century Spun Fiberglass Cube Tables by Russell Woodard circa 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Three spun fiberglass cube table bases by Russell Woodard circa 1970's in original yellow finish. The cube bases originally had glass tops, we have sh...
Fiberglass
Mid-Century Modernist Danny Alessandro Steel Chrome Fireplace Tool Set
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning set of Post-Modern fireplace tools by Danny Alessandro. Bold, elegantly refined minimalist taste, artistic very fine quality cast fire tools with ring handles in chromed nickeled steel, comprising four implements each with a circular "ring" handle that slides over and registers securely into a notch on the integral floor stand. The scarce, exceptionally executed original matching set including a broom, tong, shovel, poker and rack finished in rich, lustrous polished chrome. The tools do not look to have ever been used. American Modernist Alessandro sold his works through William H...
Steel, Chrome
BLOQUE 2, Pedestal with Ettore Sottsass Veneer by Bonne Choice
Located in Toronto, ON
Designed By Bonne Choice Using Ettore Sottsass Veneer. The veneer created by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s – utilized for the first time in the Memphis...
Wood, Plywood
Set of 4 Sway Knobs in Blown Glass and Silver Mirror by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 Sway Knobs in Blown Glass and Silver Mirror by Homa. Dimensions: D 5 x H 5 cm. Materials: Blown Glass, Silver Mirror. This product is also available in a larger version (5....
Blown Glass, Mirror
Postmodern Architectural Trompe l'oeil Tessellated Stone Pedestal
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern Architectural Trompe l'oeil Tessellated Stone Pedestal Offered for sale is an elegant vintage postmodern tessellated stone pedestal with trompe l'oeil architectural motif...
Stone, Marble
$2,165 / set
Pair of English Rose Garden Obelisks
Located in Faversham, GB
A commanding pair of hand forged wrought iron garden obelisk. Cylindrical in form with with the top having a curved outline with a ball finial. This pair was salvaged from the rose...
Iron, Wrought Iron
$4,891 / item
Pebble Small Grey Planter by Indigenus
Located in Geneve, CH
Pebble Small Grey Planter by Indigenus Designed by Yabu Pushelberg Dimensions: Ø 85 x H 60 cm. Materials: Stone. Weight: 65 kg. Different colors and sizes are available. Please cont...
Stone
1980s Don-Bar Model 5005 Wall-Mounted Fireplace, Black Enameled Steel
By Don-Bar Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Don-Bar Model 5005 wall-mounted fireplace commands attention with its bold geometric form and dramatic black enameled steel construction. Manufactured in the 1980s, this sculptural p...
Steel
$4,098 / item
Clay Sink by Studio Loho
Located in Geneve, CH
Clay sink by Studio Loho Dimensions: D 40 x H 15 cm Materials: clay5 Available in 3 models: round sink, oval sink and sink on structure. Due to the production process every piece is unique in size and form. Studio LoHo is a Belgian design office located in Bruges, Belgium. Founded in the autumn of 2017 by Karel Loontiens and Jo Hoeven, the studio focused from the beginning on high-end bespoke interior projects which forms an ideal matrix for product - and material design that is both innovative and durable. In current times there’s no more room for influx of disposable products, it is our studio’s goal to strive for design that will last and will be cherished for multiple generations. The introduction of the first collection “clay series” fully articulated the DNA of the newborn Studio and led to their international breakthrough. The appreciation of materials reflects their unique view on interior design with a strong and recognizable signature. Soon after, the collection was expanded on request by other architects and designers with new sinks...
Clay
$5,552 / item
Steen Large Grey Stone Planter by Indigenus
Located in Geneve, CH
Steen Large Grey Stone Planter by Indigenus Designed by Stefan Antoni and Greg Truen of SAOTA Dimensions: D 88 x W 140 x H 49,6 cm. Materials: Stone. Weight: 75 kg. Different colors...
Stone
Set of Palissade Lounge Chairs & Ottoman Olive by Ronan/Erwan Bouroullec for Hay
Located in Dubai, AE
Designed by French brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Palissade is a collection of outdoor furniture for HAY in powder coated or hot galvanized steel. United by a common principle ...
Steel
Minimalist Outdoor Chair in Stainless Steel "Haruka" by Samuel Lamas
By Samuel Lamas
Located in Brasilia, DF
Haruka Armchair by Samuel Lamas, 2022 Elevate your outdoor spaces with the award-winning Haruka Armchair, a timeless seating solution designed with architectural and geometric precision. Crafted from premium stainless steel, this chair features a square mesh frame that suggests fluidity and continuity, with every element meticulously integrated to ensure both function and aesthetic appeal. The Haruka Armchair promotes a light and simple design ethos, making it an ideal piece for terraces, poolside lounges, or any outdoor setting. Its low seat is designed for relaxed use, offering a perfect blend of comfort and style. This minimalist outdoor lounge seating...
Stainless Steel
$298,792 / item
Branched Iconic Master Bathtub by Dainte
Located in Geneve, CH
Branched Iconic Master Bathtub by Dainte Dimensions: D 140 x W 280 x H 75 cm. Materials: Mixed crystal. Reconnect with the unbridled beauty and power of nature as the Branched Iconi...
Crystal
Vintage Boho Carved Coquina Pedestal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your interior with the raw, organic beauty of this vintage coquina stone pedestal. Masterfully carved, this piece showcases the unique texture of coquina—a natural limestone ...
Stone
$781 / item
Medium Trika Planter by Deetee Home
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Trika Planter by Deetee Home Dimensions: D 30.48 x H 48.26 cm Materials: Stoneware The Trika Collection is a harmonious blend of traditional Indian pottery and Kolam-inspired...
Stoneware
$18,425 / item
Extra Large High Clay Bathtub by Studio Loho
Located in Geneve, CH
Extra large high clay bathtub by Studio Loho Dimensions: D 90 x W 190 x H 53 cm Materials: clay Other colors and raw or smooth exterior available. Available in 4 sizes: W 160 x H 42(large), W 160 x H 53(large high), W 180 x H 42(x-large), W 190 x H 53(x-large high) The baths are entirely made of clay and are available in a wide range of colours or can be produced bespoke. The exterior of the clay can be raw or smooth according to preference, the interior of the baths is finished with a layer of smooth, silky lime plaster for maximum comfort. Due to the production process every piece is unique in size and form. Studio LoHo is a Belgian design office located in Bruges, Belgium. Founded in the autumn of 2017 by Karel Loontiens and Jo Hoeven, the studio focused from the beginning on high-end bespoke interior projects which forms an ideal matrix for product - and material design that is both innovative and durable. In current times there’s no more room for influx of disposable products, it is our studio’s goal to strive for design that will last and will be cherished for multiple generations. The introduction of the first collection “clay series” fully articulated the DNA of the newborn Studio and led to their international breakthrough. The appreciation of materials reflects their unique view on interior design with a strong and recognizable signature. Soon after, the collection was expanded on request by other architects and designers with new sinks...
Clay
Modernist Bird Bath BY Tom Torrens Ca. 1980-1990's
By Tom Torrens, Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in Buffalo, NY
Post Modern bird bath having a copper basin, which rests in a wrought iron frame, supported by a weathered wood center pedestal, on a stepped cast Po...
Copper, Iron
Terra Tall Black Planter With Oiled Wood Base by Indigenus
Located in Geneve, CH
Terra Tall Black Planter With Oiled Wood Base by Indigenus Designed by Laurie Wiid van Heerden Dimensions: W 60,2 x H 130 cm. Materials: Stone and wood. Weight: 82 kg. Different col...
Stone
Light Red Love Table Lamp by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Geneve, CH
Light Red Love Table Lamp by Stefano Giovannoni Dimensions: D 27 x W 40 x H 38 cm. Materials: Polyethylene and metal. Available in different color options. Prices may vary. This pro...
Other, Metal
$4,098 / item
Clay Sink by Studio Loho
Located in Geneve, CH
Clay sink by Studio Loho Dimensions: D 40 x H 15 cm Materials: clay. Available in 3 models: round sink, oval sink and sink on structure. Due to the producti...
Clay
$1,442 / item
Large Trika Planter by Deetee Home
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Trika Planter by Deetee Home Dimensions: D 17.78 x H 96.52 cm Materials: Stoneware The Trika Collection is a harmonious blend of traditional Indian pottery and Kolam-inspired ...
Stoneware
BLOQUE 4, Pedestal with Ettore Sottsass Veneer by Bonne Choice
Located in Toronto, ON
Designed By Bonne Choice Using Ettore Sottsass Veneer. The veneer created by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s – utilized for the first time in the Memphis collection – now becomes part ...
Wood, Plywood
Set of Palissade Table & Chairs, Anthracite by Ronan/Erwan Bouroullec for Hay
Located in Dubai, AE
Designed by French brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Palissade is a collection of outdoor furniture for HAY in powder coated or hot galvanized steel. United by a common principle ...
Steel
Sculptural Chimney in Burgundy Red Steel with Integrated Lights
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chimney with integrated lights, lacquered steel, iron, Europe, 1980s This ceiling-mounted chimney exhibits a sculptural aesthetic that emphasizes its ornamental qualities over its f...
Steel, Iron
Postmodern Glass Sundial from Royal Leerdam Crystal
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Glass Sundial from Royal Leerdam Crystal, in None conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. Additional information: Materials: Glass Styles: Postmodern Item Type: Vintage, Antiq...
Glass
Danny Alessandro Post Modern Fireplace Andirons, 1980
Located in Chicago, IL
Danny Alessandro Post Modern Fireplace Andirons. Beautiful condition Measure 15.5" tall 20" deep base 4" wide
Stainless Steel
$620 / set
Brutalist Bronze Door Furniture Set
Located in London, GB
A set of bronze door furniture comprising letterbox, bell-push surround and keyhole plate. Second half 20th century, found in Germany. The pieces are made of cast bronze, with the d...
Bronze
Unique Round and Oval Shape Grey Quarry Stone Fire Table by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Prometheo Uno fire table by Andres Monnier Dimensions: D 160 x W 100 x H 40 H cm. Materials: Grey Quarry stone. Prometeo fire table is a piece inspired by ...
Stone
$2,250 / set
Modern Steel Fireplace Tool Set
By Erik Johnson, Argosy Designs
Located in Treadwell, NY
A unique contemporary steel fireplace tool set fabricated from patinated hot-rolled steel with forged stainless steel handles. This one-of-a-kind set would make an elegant addition t...
Stainless Steel, Steel
$17,499 / item
Large Clay Bathtub by Studio Loho
Located in Geneve, CH
Large clay bathtub by Studio Loho Dimensions: D 90 x W 160-165 x H 42 cm Materials: clay Other colors and raw or smooth exterior available. Available in 4 sizes: W 160 x H 42(Large), W 160 x H 53(Large High), W 180 x H 42(X-Large), W 190 x H 53(X-Large High) The baths are entirely made of clay and are available in a wide range of colours or can be produced bespoke. The exterior of the clay can be raw or smooth according to preference, the interior of the baths is finished with a layer of smooth, silky lime plaster for maximum comfort. Due to the production process every piece is unique in size and form. Studio LoHo is a Belgian design office located in Bruges, Belgium. Founded in the autumn of 2017 by Karel Loontiens and Jo Hoeven, the studio focused from the beginning on high-end bespoke interior projects which forms an ideal matrix for product - and material design that is both innovative and durable. In current times there’s no more room for influx of disposable products, it is our studio’s goal to strive for design that will last and will be cherished for multiple generations. The introduction of the first collection “clay series” fully articulated the DNA of the newborn Studio and led to their international breakthrough. The appreciation of materials reflects their unique view on interior design with a strong and recognizable signature. Soon after, the collection was expanded on request by other architects and designers with new sinks...
Clay
David Mazel Tov LifeGuard Chair, Handcrafted Maple Coastal Inspiration Seating
Located in Montreal, Quebec
This chair is named in honor of the famous lifeguard. David Mazel Tov is a design focused on perspectives and it allows two people to co-exist in a spa...
Rattan, Maple
Vintage Patio Poolside Garden Brown Jordan Reclining Chaise Lounge
By Brown Jordan
Located in New York, NY
Chic architectural reclining chaise lounge by top shelf maker, Brown Jordan. This voguish chaise features a reclining back rest allowing you to sit up, or lay down while you sunbath ...
Aluminum