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.
Mid-Century Italian Post Modern Sculptural Chaise Lounge in Art Deco Form
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredibly designed chaise lounge from Italy circa 1990's. It features quality construction with a stacked art deco form.
Fabric
$3,368Sale Price|20% Off
Vico Magistretti Veranda Lounge Chair for Cassina, Italy, 1980s
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Milan, IT
Veranda adjustable lounge chair by Vico Magistretti for Cassina 1980.
Metal
Antonio Citterio Leather Chaise Lounge Or Sofa Baisity by for B&B Italy
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in Vienna, AT
Leather chaise lounge Baisity by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italy, 1982. Elegant chaise lounge featuring a leather upholstered steel-frame and backrest, a black leather cushion and a leather mattress...
Steel, Aluminum
1980s Petite Cow Print Cloud Chaise Lounge
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, rare, chaise you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful chaise is statement piece which ...
Upholstery, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Clam Chaise Lounge in Soft Ivory White Bouclé 1980s
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
All enveloping luxurious comfort best describes this sexy Post Modern Chaise Lounge designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional newly professionally upholstered in highly durable super soft ivory white bouclé. Famous for his use of curves and amorphous shapes in furnishings, this Vladimir Kagan clam form chaise lounge has an inviting profile and shape that beckons. The inner walls of the chaise provide all enveloping comfort with wide upholstered channels angled down towards the foot of the chaise. The channels - along with the texture of the ivory white bouclé - ventilate naturally keeping you cozy in winter and cool in summer. Unlike traditional chaise lounges that allow one to recline but are not typically plush, this Vladimir Kagan chaise is the antithesis. Super comfortable seat back, tall upholstered arm rests, thick cushioned seat, and angled upholstered side. Chic, sexy and luxurious. Works for all activities - naughty or nice - at all hours of the day. Enjoy your morning cup of tea or coffee while catching up on emails or reading the latest headlines. Cozy up with a good book and a glass of wine. Activities will be enjoyed all the more reclined atop this Vladimir Kagan Scallop Chaise...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Post Modern Chaise Lounge by Thayer Coggin att. to Milo Baughman c 1980/90's
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Postmodern, Hollywood Regency style upholstered chaise lounge, made by Thayer Coggin, design attributed to Milo Baughman circa 1980/90's. The chaise features an asymmet...
Upholstery
Tarcisio Colzani for Mobil Girgi 'Periplo' Chaise Longue
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tarcisio Colzani for Mobil Girgi, daybed or chaise longue, model 'Periplo', fabric, leather, walnut, Italy, 1970s Sculptural chaise longue designed by Tarcisio Colzani for Mobil Gir...
Leather, Walnut
De Sede Large Daybed or Lounge Set in Patinated Brown Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, daybed, leather, Switzerland, 1970s This De Sede daybed/lounge set includes two parts: a lounge seat and an additional ottoman-style section, allowing for versatile configu...
Leather
Italian chaise lounge model Wave by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, 1974
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Postmodern chaise longue Wave model designed by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti. A timeless piece, characterized by a steel structure and a minimalist aesthetic in perfect postmodern style. The chair cushion...
Steel
Richard Meier for Knoll International Architectural Rocking Chaise, 1982, Signed
By Richard Meier, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking and exceptionally rare rocking chaise designed by Richard Meier for Knoll International (circa 1982), this sculptural lounge piece beautifully captures Meier’s architectur...
Leather, Wood
B&B italia chaise lounge sofa by Patricia Urquiola
By Patricia Urquiola, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Patricia Urquiola "Bend" sofa chaise lounge. Deep, firm, soft foam wrapped in incredible auto-CAD inspired wool blend fabric with biomorphic cross stitching. D68 W42 H25.5 SH12.5 ...
Fabric, Foam
$2,976Sale Price|20% Off
Danish BoConcept IMOLA Chair By Henrik Pedersen
By BoConcept
Located in Čelinac, BA
BoConcept Imola Chair by Henrik Pedersen
Fabric
Lyora FSC Teak Wood And Ethereal Fabric Upholstery Sun Lounger by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyora FSC Teak Wood And Ethereal Fabric Upholstery Sun Lounger by SNOC Dimensions: D 195 x W 74,5 x H 27 cm. SH: 27 cm. Materials: Teak wood and Ethereal fabric. A delicate mid-cen...
Fabric, Teak
Vladimir Kagan Bilbao Swiveling Chaise Lounge in Luxurious Latte Bouclé
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Sculptural Vladimir Kagan Chaise Lounge perfect for lovers of all things Modern. High Art sensibility. The Chaise Lounge’s lower half rests on casters making it easy to reshape the view. Focus on your curated interior or swivel and change your perspective to admire that incredible outdoor view. This Bilbao Chaise was freshly professionally reupholstered in soft Latte color Bouclé. The fabric is blissful to the touch and ventilates well. Cozy in Winter and cool in Summer. Fresh perspective on a stallion of style. Ready to ship. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Photographed with and also currently available within our shop - Vladimir Kagan Caterpillar Chairs...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Chaise Lounge Sofa Baisity by Antonio Citterio B&B Black Bouclé by Brioni
By Antonio Citterio, B&B Italia
Located in Vienna, AT
Antonio Citterio chaise lounge, circa 1982, custom made black Bouclé corduroy upholstery by Brioni. Chaise lounge Baisity by Antonio Citterio for B&B, Italy, 1982. Elegant settee ...
Steel, Aluminum
Post Modern Chaise Lounge Newly Upholstered in Ivory White Bouclé
By Directional, Weiman Preview Furniture, Preview
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Float away from the worries of the day in this luxurious post modern chaise lounge newly professionally upholstered in super soft ivory white bouclé. Sculptural form exudes a sophisticated look that's gentle and inviting. Ivory white bouclé fabric's texture is breathable and ventilates well. Cozy in winter and cool in summer. Enveloping padded comfort with a thick seat cushion layered over a descending pedestal base. So sexy from all sides, this chaise lounge is beautiful enough to float in a room. Modern. Fresh. Reminiscent of Vladimir Kagan, Milo Baughman and Adrian Pearsall's iconic amorphous designs. Nestle in with your favorite blanket and read for hours, nap, binge watch your favorite series, or shop 1stDibs on your electronic device...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Tubular Steel S 828 Chaise Longue Rocking Chair by Torben Skov for Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hamburg, DE
Chaise longue or rocking lounger from the renowned tubular steel furniture manufacturer Thonet based on a design by the Danish designer Torben Skov from the 80s. The special feature...
Metal
$2,165Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Post-Modern Reclining Lounge Chair, Chaise by Cinova, 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
A Post-Modern lounge chair that in a second transforms into a chaise longue. All you have to do is raise the armrest, a black metal disc bent with the same naturalness as an origami...
Metal, Enamel
Postmodern Leather "Wave" Chaise by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fully restored postmodern leather "Onda" or "Wave" Chaise designed in 1974 by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, (Milan, Italy). The jewel of the Sapor...
Steel
$17,276 / item
Yoishu Daybed by Kana Objects
Located in Geneve, CH
Yoishu Daybed by Kana objects. Dimensions: D 80 x W 220 x H 35 cm. Materials: smoked oak, vintage hemp fabric. Also available in natural oak and swamp oak. Available in different fabrics. Japanese...
Oak, Fabric
Maitland Smith Tesselleted Stone And Brass Chaise Longue
By Robert Marcius, Maitland Smith, Casa Bique, Karl Springer, Enrique Garcel
Located in Houston, TX
Maitland Smith Tessellated Stone And Brass Chaise Longue. Offered is an outstanding two part chaise longue created by Maitland Smith in the 1980's of tessellated marble and brass. Th...
Marble, Brass
Collectible Shell Chaise in Gypsum & Fiberglass by Brent Warr Studios
By Brent Warr
Located in Bainbridge, GA
Crafted by hand, the Shell Chaise is a playful yet demanding presence that explores a new way of thinking in regards turn of the century Victorian furniture. Torn down, re-built, and...
Fabric, Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass, Plaster, Hardwood, Paint, Mohair
$9,468 / item
Emma Chaise Longue by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Emma Chaise Longue by Munna Dimensions: D 96 x W 196 x H 80 cm. SH: 52 cm. Materials: Solid wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Trevira Velvet, ref. Moss, TRV10 upholstery, and Moss ...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Midcentury Post Modern Kidney Shaped Chaise Lounge or Petite Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautiful modern design chaise lounge. It features beige wood legs with it's original upholstery. The fabric will need updating. Padding and foam are excellent.
Fabric, Wood
$64,316 / item
Beige Baba Sofa by Gisbert Pöppler
Located in Geneve, CH
Beige baba sofa by Gisbert Pöppler. Dimensions: H 74 (SH43) x W 303 x D 140.5 cm. Materials: Upholstered wooden frame, teak footings. Like a friend that...
Upholstery, Teak
Vintage black leather chaise longue by Peter Mally for Cor, 1990s
By COR
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Timeless black leather chaise longue designed by Peter Mally and produced by COR. Black metal legs. Adjustable backrest. Very comfortable chaise longue with a timeless design. Ve...
Metal
D36 Armchair, Tecta Germany circa 1980
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
The D36 armchair was designed in the 1980s by Axel Bruchhäuser, a central figure at the German publisher Tecta. Deeply influenced by the great names of modernism, Bruchhäuser drew h...
Metal
$244,827 / item
Burnin Lounger by Christian Friedl
Located in Geneve, CH
Burnin Lounger by Christian Friedl Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 81 x W 350 x H 74 cm. Materials: Oak, leather. Burnin tells his story... My body is made of solid oak. My surface is ...
Leather, Oak
Marilyn Chaise by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1990s. Reupholstered in green jacquard fabric. Tagged. Has unique feet which are not on any other models online.
Fabric
Wood and beige fabric chaise longue, 1970
By White Pop Design
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This iconic piece exudes the vibrant spirit of the era channeling both comfort and style. The wooden frame adds a touch of warmth and sophistication, while the fabric upholstery enha...
Textile
Midcentury Italian Postmodern Sculptural Asymmetrical Sofa in Black Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A chic asymmetrical sofa design made in Italy in the 1980s. This high quality made piece was just recovered in new jet black upholstery.
Fabric
Postmodern Wave Chaise by Carson’s
By Carsons
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980. Brass column with ebonized wood base. Reupholstered in green patterned fabric.
Fabric
Petite Preview 80s Sculptural Modern Chaise Lounge Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Petite Preview Weiman 80s sculptural modern chaise lounge. The fabric looks original and is worn and date-reupholstery is recommended. This piece measures 30"t x 54"l x 28"d with a...
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan for Directional "Marilyn" Chaise Lounge, Circa Early 1990s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Peabody, MA
A post modern sculptural chaise longue by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, the "Marilyn", circa early 1990s. Needs to be recovered; ready for you to add your personal touch.
Upholstery
Postmodern Organic Rattan Lounge Chair by Udom Udomsrianan & Planet 2001
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredibly unique design in organic rattan by Udom Udomsrianan and produced by Planet 2001. Consists of woven jungle vines with stainless steel leg...
Stainless Steel
80’s Rubber Tread Chaise Lounge by Dema Italia, Italy
By Dema
Located in Chicago, IL
80’s rubber Tread Chaise Lounge by Dema Italia, Italy. Original Measures 24.75” tall 27” wide 71” long, seat 10” tall 43” deep
Stainless Steel
$1,300Sale Price|27% Off
Postmodern Red Upholstered Chaise Longue
Located in Astoria, NY
Postmodern Red Vinyl Upholstered Chaise Longue, with chrome details. 26.5" H x 29" W x 70" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Chrome
Antonio Citterio " Klismos " lounge leather chair . Compagnia delle Filippine
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an amazing design by the well known Italian Artis/designer Antonio Citterio . This is part of the Series Compagnia Delle Filippine . This chair is out of production , and it ...
Leather
$3,801Sale Price|20% Off
Rob Eckhardt Karel Doorman chaise longue white leather tubular steel
By Rob Eckhardt, Dutch Originals
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Chaise Longue “Karel Doorman” by Rob Eckhardt, The Netherlands, 1980 Dimensions: H83 × W175 × D79 cm A striking and versatile chaise longue designed by Rob Eckhardt. This piece all...
Stainless Steel
$64,316 / item
Pink Baba Sofa by Gisbert Pöppler
Located in Geneve, CH
Pink Baba Sofa by Gisbert Pöppler Dimensions: H 74 (SH43) x W 303 x D 140.5 cm Materials: Upholstered wooden frame, teak footings Like a friend that wan...
Upholstery, Teak
Vintage Mod Flip-Futon Lounge By Spherical Furniture Company
By Spherical Concepts, Inc.
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mod Flip-Futon Lounge by Spherical Furniture Company This stylish flip futon was designed by Frank Petersilie for Spherical Furniture Co a...
Upholstery
Cassina 'Soriana' Cognac Leather Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
Scarpa; Cassina; Tobia Scarpa; Afra Scarpa; Minimalist; Italian Design; Hollywood Regency; Post-modern; Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Soriana, reupholstered in aniline leather....
Chrome
$20,969 / item
Levante Chaise Longue by Francesco Zonca
Located in Geneve, CH
Levante Chaise Longue by Francesco Zonca Numbered series signed Dimensions: D 90 x W 190 x H 71.5 cm Materials: Loro Piana Interiors fabric. The elegance of “Loro Piana Interiors” f...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Gufram Capitello Chair by Studio 65
By Gufram Furniture, Studio 65
Located in Toronto, ON
The CAPITELLO seat, designed by Studio 65, is born from the “deconstruction” of a traditional Greek column, giving life to a unique series that emulates the various parts of it. Each...
Foam
Lay Down Chaise Longue in Pele de Tigre Marble by MANTA Handmade Stone Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Lay Down Chaise Longue in Pele de Tigre Marble by MANTA Handmade Stone Design Limited Edition of 5 Pieces. Dimensions: D 70 x W 160 x H 120 cm. Materials: Pele de Tigre marble. MAN...
Marble
1970s Cleopatra Chaise by Geoffrey Harcourt
By Geoffrey D. Harcourt, Artifort
Located in Toronto, CA
Geoffrey Harcourt's 1970s interpretation of the chaise longue is a monument to the modern interior. Also known as Cleopatra, she commands attention and proves that red theory through...
Fabric, Foam
$7,435 / item
Reclining Nude Chaise Lounge by Odditi
Located in Geneve, CH
Reclining Nude Chaise Lounge by Odditi Dimensions: W 200 x D 65 x H 105 cm Materials: Teak Wood, Icelandic Sheepskin The phrase 'Reclining Nude' conjures a voluptuous feminine visio...
Sheepskin, Teak
Vladimir Kagan A-Symmetric Settee in Ivory Bouclé by Directional, c. 1991
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Asymmetrical and chic Directional Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Settee professionally reupholstered in soft ivory white bouclé. All new cushioning and u...
Bouclé, Upholstery
$18,744 / item
Vis à Vis Chaise Longue by Kreoo
Located in Geneve, CH
Vis à Vis Chaise Longue by Kreoo Designed by Enzo Berti Dimensions: D 80 x W 163 x H 78 cm. Materials: Bianco Carrara marble, natural linen, and natural wicker. Available in differ...
Marble
$178,657 / set
Run through Me Trio by the Async
Located in Geneve, CH
Run Through Me Trio by The Async Chaise Lounge Dimensions: 114 x 65 x H 140 cm Ottoman Dimensions: 78 x 33 x H 55 cm Stool Dimensions: 47 x 30 x...
Stainless Steel
$13,294 / item
Yoishu Daybed by Kana Objects
Located in Geneve, CH
Yoishu Daybed by Kana Objects Dimensions: D 80 x W 220x H 35 cm Materials: Smoked oak. Also available in natural oak and swamp oak. Available with mattress and cushion in different fabrics. Japanese Daybed...
Oak
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Chaise Longue
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italia, chaise longue, chrome-plated metal, textured multicolored fabric, Italy, 1970s This exquisite lounge chair, designed by Giovanni Offredi for th...
Chrome, Metal
Tom Dixon Bolide Iron Woven Seagrass Rocking Chaise London 1991
By Tom Dixon
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
One of the most special chairs we have ever had is this one designed by Tom Dixon. A steel frame as a skeleton and woven seagrass as a skin make it a true sculpture. Not only does ...
Iron
Una, Articolo Indeterminativo Chaise Longue by Secondome Edizioni
Located in Geneve, CH
Una, Articolo Indeterminativo Chaise Longue by Secondome Edizioni Limited Edition Of 9 Pieces + 3 A.P. Designer: Stefano Marolla. Dimensions: D 86 x W 225 x H 85 cm. Materials: Santo...
Wood
$27,502 / item
Vis à Vis Double Chaise Longue by Kreoo
Located in Geneve, CH
Vis à Vis Double Chaise Longue by Kreoo Designed by Enzo Berti Dimensions: D 147 x W 184 x H 78 cm. Materials: Bianco Carrara marble, natural linen, and natural wicker. Available i...
Marble
$11,357 / item
Olympia Chaise Longue by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Olympia Chaise Longue by Munna Dimensions: D 118 x W 217 x H 94 cm. SH: 43 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Emerald, CV09 upholstery, and...
Brass
Austrian post modern black chaise longue S 828 by Torben Skov for Thonet, 1980s
By Thonet
Located in MIlano, IT
Austrian post modern black chaise longue S 828 by Torben Skov for Thonet, 1980s Chaise longue mod. S 828 convertible into a rocking armchair. The body is made of black plastic with a...
Metal
Mid-Century Italian Post Modern Sculptural Chaise Lounge in Red Velvet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible designed and constructed chaise lounge from Italy circa 1990's. It features a heavy steel internal frame, red velvet upholstery and polished stainless legs. Fabric is o...
Stainless Steel
Egon Chaise Longue with Armrests in Leather, Wood, Fabric & Horn by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Egon Chaise Longue with Armrests in Leather, Wood, Fabric & Horn by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 90 x W 250 x H 60 cm. Materials: Horn, fabric, wood, pebbled leather, polyurethane foam, an...
Other
Egon Chaise Longue in Pebbled Leather, Wood, Fabric & Horn by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Egon Chaise Longue in Pebbled Leather, Wood, Fabric & Horn by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 90 x W 220 x H 60 cm. Materials: Horn, fabric, pebbled leather, polyurethane foam, and goose down...
Other