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.
"Hestra" for Ikea Italian Postmodern Design Rattan Bamboo Armchair 1980s
By Tito Agnoli, IKEA
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian post modern design set of two armchairs "Hestra" model produced by Ikea from 1980s, with iron structure and wicker covering, Sweden 1980s. Please note that the armchairs are...
Iron
$2,400 / set
Mario Botta Seconda 602 Chairs by Alias
By Alias, Mario Botta
Located in Highland, IN
Post modern icon, the "Seconda" chair by Mario Botta is a study in geometry as Botta strips down every element of the chair to its leanest, most essential form. This vintage pair f...
Steel
Italian Dining Chairs in Steel and Ocher Yellow Leatherette
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, yellow leatherette, chrome, steel, Italy, 1970s Comfortable Italian dining chairs in yellow leatherette. The eye-catching colored upholstery emphasizes the round sha...
Steel, Chrome
Pair of Italian Architectural Armchairs in Cypress Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of dining chairs, cypress wood, Italy, 1970s These armchairs embrace an impressive architectural design with rounded contours and substantial lines. While it draws inspiration ...
Cypress
Late 1970s Dick Spierenburg Model SDC Armchair, Black Leather, Chrome & Enameled
By Dick Spierenburg, Castelijn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Dutch designer Dick Spierenburg for Castelijn in the late 1970s, the Model SDC armchair stands out for its boldly architectural, raked frame. Flat black enameled steel me...
Enamel, Steel, Chrome
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchair for B&B Italia, 1971 (First Edition)
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini, Armchair model "Le Bambole" first edition for B&B Italia, 1971. The armchair, an authentic icon of Italian design, is the work of Mario Bellini, one of the most i...
Leather, Foam
Postmodern Armchair, Design by Franco Poldaretti Caccia Alla Volpe, Italy 80s
Located in Lucija, SI
Post-Modern side, dining or desk armchair from the Caccia alla volpe furniture series, Italy 80s. Designed by Franco Poldaretti In very good condition.
Velvet, Wood
Modernist Sculptural Oscar Chair by Harri Korhonen in Black Leather, Inno 1990s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A sculptural and highly functional armchair designed by Harri Korhonen for Inno Interiors from the 1990s. The Oscar chair embodies the clarity and quiet confidence of Finnish modern ...
Metal
Mario Bellini Set of Six 'CAB 413' Dining Chairs in Black Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of six armchairs model 'CAB 413', leather, plastic, Italy, 1979 The iconic ‘CAB’ chair was designed by Mario Bellini in 1979. Conceptually new was the...
Leather, Plastic
Set Cocoon & Charel armchairs by Bart van Bekhoven for Artistiek, 1990s NL.
Located in Landgraaf, NL
Set Cocoon & Charel armchairs by Bart van Bekhoven for Artistiek, 1990s The Netherlands. Although the two chairs feature different designs, they were intended by Van Bekhoven to comp...
Leather
Joe Colombo for Comfort Lounge Chair 'Elda' in Black Leather and Fiberglass
By Joe Colombo, Comfort, Italy
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Joe Colombo for Comfort, lounge chair ‘Elda’, fiberglass, leather, Italy, 1963 The ‘Elda’ chair is one of the most well-known designs of Italian designer Joe Colombo. This lounge ch...
Leather, Fiberglass
Artelano Black Leather Arm Side Chair, Italy 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
One Artelano Black Leather Arm Side Chair, Italy 1980s. Steel frame with black finish and black leather. We also have a set of eight available.
Steel
Italian Postmodern Proust Geometrica Armchair Alessandro Mendini by Cappellini
By Alessandro Mendini, Cappellini
Located in Portland, OR
An iconic chair designed by Italian postmodern designer Alessandro Mendini (1931-2019). This wonderful postmodern work of art presented as a chair is in excellent condition and ready to display in your space. Proust was originally created in 1978 for the Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara. It was immediately recognized as an icon of twentieth century design and one of the most renowned and essential reference points in the quest for form and aesthetic perfection. Cappellini inherited the piece in 1993 and today Proust Geometrica...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Foam, Beech, Paint
Italian Post-Modern Set of Six Armchairs in Purple Corduroy and Lacquered Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, corduroy fabric, lacquered steel, Italy, 1980s A Memphis-inspired design defined by an interplay of curved and linear elements, creating a composition that...
Steel
Pr. Italian Brown Leather and Black Metal Postmodern Arm Chairs by Cidue 1970s
By Cidue
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of architecturally designed post modern arm chairs made in Italy by Cidue, circa 1970's. The chairs feature high quality brown leather seat and back rests, and enameled bl...
Steel
Rare Oversized Italian Black Leather Lounge Chair, circa 1980
Located in Montréal, CA
Striking Italian one-seat lounge chair dating to the 1980s, upholstered in rich black leather and defined by its bold, sculptural silhouette. The generous proportions, deep seating ...
Leather
$2,084Sale Price / set|30% Off
"Stockholm" Armchairs by Tord Björklund for Ikea, 1990s
By IKEA, Tord Bjorklund
Located in Karis, Nyland
Postmodern vintage design aluminum armchairs with a black leather seat and backrest, ca 1990s. Chair model "Stockholm", designed by Tord Björklund. Manufactured by Ikea, Sweden. Not...
Aluminum
Mario Marenco for Poltrona Frau Pair of 'Movie' Armchairs in Saddle Leather
By Poltrona Frau, Mario Marenco
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Marenco for Poltrona Frau, pair of armchairs model 'Movie', lacquered metal, leather, Italy, 1984 Italian furniture designer Mario Marenco drew inspiration from cinema seats, ...
Metal
Set of Two ‘Planula’ Swivel Armchairs by Ettore Sottsass, Italy 1970's
Located in Hellouw, NL
This set of two Planula armchairs was designed during the 1970s by Ettore Sottsass in collaboration with Perry King and produced by Planula di Agliana in Italy. Design Each chair co...
Aluminum
Pair of Frank Gehry for Knoll “Hat Trick” Bentwood Armchairs, USA, 1996
By Knoll
Located in Morristown, NJ
Designed by Frank Gehry for Knoll, these Hat Trick armchairs exemplify Gehry’s radical rethinking of structure, material, and form at the intersection of architecture and furniture design. Executed in laminated bent maple, each chair is composed as a rhythmic assemblage of curving wood ribbons: a vertically slatted, crown-like backrest rises above a generously proportioned seat, while integrated armrests flow seamlessly into an expressive base formed by entwined legs and stretchers. The visual language is unmistakably Gehry—dynamic, deconstructed, and sculptural—yet resolved with ergonomic intelligence and functional clarity. Originally introduced in the mid-1990s, the Hat Trick series emerged from Gehry’s long-standing interest in bending conventional materials to their physical and aesthetic limits. Much like his architectural work, these chairs foreground process and structure, allowing the construction itself to define the final form. The result is furniture that reads as inhabitable sculpture, equally compelling in a domestic interior, architectural setting, or design-forward commercial space. Both chairs retain original Knoll underside branding, including “Made in USA” stamp, printed Gehry signature, and date mark 1/19/96, confirming authenticity and period manufacture. Offered as a matched pair, they present a rare opportunity to acquire an important example of late-20th-century American design by one of the most influential architects of our time. Ideal for a design-forward residential interior, these Frank Gehry for Knoll Hat...
Bentwood
F.A. Porsche Designed Cast Aluminum Armchair / Side Chair for Ycami, Italy 1990
By Ferdinand A. Porsche, Philippe Starck, Driade, Ycami Collection
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Rare Boulevard Armchair designed by Ferdinand A. Porsche (F.A. Porsche) for Ycami Edizioni. Made in Italy in 1990. Cast aluminum construction, it features a maker's marking and desig...
Chrome, Aluminum
$1,145 / item
Quinta chair by Mario Botta for Alias, 1985.
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Athens, Attiki
Quinta chairs by Mario Botta for Alias, 1985.
Metal
$1,023Sale Price|49% Off
Prive Armchair by Paolo Nava for Arflex, Metal & Leather, Italy, 1987
By Paolo Nava, Arflex
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
A Prive armchair with black metal weave and black leather trim in excellent condition. The armchair shows only minimal signs of wear. The metal weave, covered in black plastic, is so...
Metal
$476Sale Price|20% Off
Post Modern Memphis Style Club Lounge Chair by Bernhardt
By Bernhardt
Located in New York, NY
Pure 1980's Postmodern, memphis influence lounge, arm chair. Gutsy tapered legs support the dramatic upholstered seat. Structurally sound and sturdy, unfortunately, the fabric shows ...
Upholstery, Wood
Celeste Armchair in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Celeste Armchair in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 74 x D 74 x H 74 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric is not ...
Foam, Beech
Bridget Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Bridget Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 70 x D 72 x H 86 cm. Materials: Stained rattan, plywood seat, and HR foam. Fabric is not inc...
Rattan, Foam, Plywood
Babylone Armchair in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Babylone Armchair in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 79 x D 86 x H 72 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric is not...
Foam, Beech
Philippe Starck Miss Dorn Model Armchair for Disform, c. 1982, France.
Located in Brussels, BE
Philippe Starck Miss Dorn model armchair for Disform 1982. Black metal structure, original black fabric round seat. Dimensions: 70 cm H, 54 cm W, 44 c...
Metal
Luna Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Luna Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 74 x D 72 x H 74 cm. Materials: Stained rattan, plywood seat, and HR foam. Fabric is not includ...
Rattan, Foam, Plywood
$1,477 / item
Grace Bench in Rattan and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Grace Bench in Rattan and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 100 x D 40 x H 52 cm. Materials: Rattan, Upholstery and HR foam. Fabric is not included. Please contact us for fur...
Rattan, Foam
Ali Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Ali Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 81 x D 77 x H 77 cm. Materials: Stained rattan, plywood seat, and HR foam. Fabric is not include...
Rattan, Foam, Plywood
Pair of AEO Lounge Chairs by Paolo Deganello for Cassina in Cognac Leather, 70's
Located in LYON, FR
A rare pair of AEO armchairs designed by Paolo Deganello for Cassina in Italy around the 1970s. These are the earliest versions. These iconic armchairs have recently been reupholste...
Steel
1 of 3 Vermelha Chairs by Fernando and Humberto Campana for Edra, Italy 1993
By Fernando and Humberto Campana, Edra
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find 3 Vermelha chairs designed by Brazilian brothers Fernando and Humberto Campana for the Italian furniture company Edra. The chair is an iconic piece of c...
Steel
Postmodern Soleil Armchair in Walnut and Dark Emperador Marble by Mavo Atelier
By Mavo Atelier
Located in Trofa, PT
Showcasing artistic brilliance and impeccable craftsmanship, the Soleil Armchair is a statement piece that easily commands attention. An inviting, generously contoured seat anchors t...
Marble
$10,746 / item
Jell Armchair by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Armchair by Alter Ego Studio Dimensions W 155 cm D 120 cm H 80 cm Product features Product options: Upholstery: Available in all Alter Ego...
Stone
Yrjö Kukkapuro Postmodern "Cloud" Chair in Pink, Yellow & Green, Avarte 1980s
By Yrjö Kukkapuro, Avarte, Finland 1
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of Yrjö Kukkapuro's iconic chairs and one of the earliest creations in his Post-Modern style that started in the 1980s with his experiment chairs. This chair, named Pilvi (Cloud)...
Metal
Gigi Armchair in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Gigi Armchair in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 60 x D 75 x H 83 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric is not inc...
Foam, Beech
Ross Littell for Matteo Grassi Armchairs in Red Leather and Steel
By Ross Littell, Matteo Grassi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ross Littell for Matteo Grassi, armchairs, leather, steel, Italy, 1980s These two red leather chairs are designed by the American desig...
Steel
Postmodern Soleil Armchair in Velvet Jacquard and Black Ashwood by Mavo Atelier
By Mavo Atelier
Located in Trofa, PT
Showcasing artistic brilliance and impeccable craftsmanship, the Soleil Armchair is a statement piece that easily commands attention. An inviting, generously contoured seat anchors t...
Marble
Kartell Louis Ghost Armchair by Philippe Starck, Clear Polycarbonate
Located in San Carlos, CA
A genuine example of one of the most recognized furniture designs of the 21st century — the Kartell Louis Ghost Armchair by Philippe Starck. Authenticity confirmed via molded maker's...
Lucite
Original Shadow Armchair by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Postmodern Icon
By Meritalia, Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Shadow armchair by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia is a highly collectible iconic masterpiece of Post Modern Design. The chair "deconstructed". Designed a...
Leather, Upholstery, Latex, Resin
Mario Botta, 4 'Seconda' Black Metal Chairs, Alias Mod. 602, 1980s
By Mario Botta
Located in Argelato, BO
Three 'Seconda' chairs designed by the famous architect Mario Botta for the Italian firm Alias, model 602. All 4 are painted black both in the structure and in the seat, they bear ...
Steel
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
Pair Seconda Postmodern armchairs by Mario Botta for Alias, 1980s, Set of 2
By Shiro Kuramata, Michele de Lucchi, Mario Botta, Alias, Philippe Starck
Located in Brussels, Brussels
The Seconda Armchair, designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta and crafted by Alias, is a bold icon of postmodern design. Launched in 1982, it showcases Botta’s architectural backgro...
Steel, Sheet Metal
Archi Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset Post Modern Leather & Chrome.
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an Archi Armchair, designed by the legendary French designer Pierre Paulin and manufactured by Ligne Roset.This eye-catching piece features a hot pink leather...
Stainless Steel
Rima Armchair in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Rima Armchair in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 80 x D 85 x H 70 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric is not inc...
Foam, Beech
$870Sale Price|20% Off
Pastoe Kubus Armchair FM62 designed by Radboud van Beekum, The Netherlands, 1981
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Pastoe Kubus Armchair FM62 designed by Radboud van Beekum The Netherlands, 1981 Cube-shaped metal frame with new harness canvas upholstery. This cube-shaped chair from the eighties...
Metal
Miss Lo Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Miss Lo Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 73 x D 68 x H 82 cm. Materials: Stained rattan, plywood seat, and HR foam. Fabric is not inc...
Rattan, Foam, Plywood
Modern Progetti Armchair by Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti, Italy, 1980s – Bouclé
Located in Almelo, NL
Modern Progetti Armchair by Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti, Italy, 1980s – Bouclé Upholstery A refined expression of Italian modernism, this exquisite Progetti armchair by Umberto Asn...
Metal
Postmodern Soleil Armchair in Cotton Velvet, Lacquer and Marble by Mavo Atelier
By Mavo Atelier
Located in Trofa, PT
Showcasing artistic brilliance and impeccable craftsmanship, the Soleil Armchair is a statement piece that easily commands attention. An inviting, generously contoured seat anchors t...
Marble
Postmodern Soleil Armchair in Yellow Velvet, Wood and Travertine by Mavo Atelier
By Mavo Atelier
Located in Trofa, PT
Showcasing artistic brilliance and impeccable craftsmanship, the Soleil Armchair is a statement piece that easily commands attention. An inviting, generously contoured seat anchors t...
Stone, Travertine
$11,909Sale Price|20% Off
Ettore Sottsass Flying Carpet Armchair by Bedding Brevetti 1970s Italy
Located in Cascina, Pisa
The Flying Carpet or Tappeto Volante armchair is an iconic seat with a base and an armrest in beech wood, the seat, and the back are made with polyuret...
Fabric, Wood, Velvet
Memphis First Chair by Michele de Lucchi circa 1983
Located in Oakland, CA
Early production Memphis First chair designed by Michele de Lucchi this chair that was purchased by the original owner who was working at the de Lucchi design studio in the 1980s in ...
Metal
Pair of Leather Swivel Armchairs by Poltrona Frau, Italy, 1990s
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
A refined pair of swivel armchairs by Poltrona Frau, expertly crafted in Italy. Defined by their clean architectural lines and generous proportions, the chairs reflect the timeless e...
Aluminum
Original Model 'SDC' Chairs by Dick Spierenburg for Castelijn, 1978
By Dick Spierenburg, Castelijn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Model 'SDC' chairs, designed by Dick Spierenburg for innovative Dutch furniture maker Castelijn, 1978. The chairs' visually striking, leaning metal frames still hold the original up...
Metal, Steel
The Mandarin armchair by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll, 1986
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Athens, Attiki
The Mandarin chair by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll, 1986. The Mandarin Chair was a particular favorite for corporate interiors, restaurants and libraries. Its flowing, sculptural arm in...
Metal
$7,855 / item
Eso Stainless Steel Armchair by Mingardo
Located in Geneve, CH
Eso Stainless Steel Armchair by Mingardo Dimensions: D 86 x W 81 x H 77 cm Materials: Satin stainless-steel structure with natural full-grain Variations in material and size are av...
Stainless Steel
$4,396Sale Price|30% Off
Pair of Art Deco Style Leather and Chrome/Aviator Lounge Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
PAIR of Industrial Art Deco style round back lounge chairs with chrome frame and black leather upholstery.
Chrome
Mario Botta Latonda Chair
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Barcelona, ES
The 'Latonda' chair was designed by the famous Swiss architect Mario Botta in 1987 for the Italian company Alias. This chair has become an icon of contemporary design and is characte...
Steel, Sheet Metal
Magis Proust Italian Postmodern Outdoor Armchair by Alessandro Mendini, Black
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Alessandro Mendini, the Proust Armchair is one of the most celebrated icons of Italian Postmodern design. Originally created in 1978, this extraordinary armchair reinterp...
Plastic