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.
Ligne Roset Inspired 1980s Tan Leather Loveseat w/ Slanted Profile
By Ligne Roset
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Striking Ligne Roset inspired loveseat from the 1980s showcases the era's bold approach to leather furniture design. The slanted profile creates an eye-catching silhouette that defin...
Leather
$1,000Sale Price / item|50% Off
Mid century modern neon pink wild 1980s upholstered loveseat sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century post modern 2 seat sofa with neon pink ultrasuede and wild funky 1980’s print upholstery. Sofas are made by Thayer Coggin. Very clean sofas. Ready for use. Located in Wil...
Upholstery, Ultrasuede
Paolo Gucci White Leather Curved Sofa & Table Set, Formitalia 1991
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural curved sofa and matching side table showcase Paolo Gucci's sophisticated approach to luxury furniture design. Created for Formitalia's inaugural Boutique collection in 199...
Chrome
Modernist T 2403 Loveseat By Viliam Chlebo For Kodreta Myjava, Czechoslovakia
Located in Zohor, SK
A stylish & iconic two-seater loveseat from the T 2403 series, designed by Viliam Chlebo and produced by Kodreta Myjava in 1980s Czechoslovakia. This model reflects the era’s innovat...
Chrome
Mid-Century Post Modern Loveseat or Sofa Produced by Preview Furniture
By Preview
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural base with floating front sofa made by Preview circa 1992. It features the original tweed fabric in good condition. Could use cleaning before use.
Fabric
$1,760Sale Price|60% Off
Midcentury Post Modern De Sede Gray Leather Loveseat 2 Seat Curved Sofa
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Midcentury post modern De Sede gray leather loveseat 2 seat curved back sofa. Very unique half moon shaped designer loveseat with very high end thic...
Leather, Foam, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Newly and professionally reupholstered Post Modern Nautilus sofa in ivory white bouclé by acclaimed designer Vladimir Kagan and made by Directional circa 1990. Known for his love of ...
Bouclé, Upholstery
$2,920Sale Price|20% Off
Vico Magistretti Navy / Black 2-Seater Loveseat Maralunga Sofa Cassina Italy 80s
Located in Basel, BS
Original Loveseat sofa "Maralunga," designed by Vico Magistretti and manufactured by Cassina in Italy during the late circa late 1970s/1980s. This e...
Fabric
Vintage Diamond Pattern Parsons Loveseat
By Carsons
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage Post Modern Yellow-Beige Diamond Print corduroy textured loveseat circa late 1970’s/early 1980’s. Wrap around back cushions and parsons legs with matching throw pillows. Comf...
Fabric
$2,920Sale Price|20% Off
Vico Magistretti Black 2-Seater Loveseat Maralunga Sofa Cassina, Italy, 80s
Located in Basel, BS
Original Loveseat sofa "Maralunga," designed by Vico Magistretti and manufactured by Cassina in Italy during the late circa late 1970s/1980s. This e...
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan Zoe Sofa for American Leather in Curly Teddy Bear Camel Fabric
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Everyone needs a teddy bear and yours can be this chic Vladimir Kagan Zoe sofa newly upholstered in soft curly camel teddy bear fabric. Modern. In your face ...
Upholstery
$3,800Sale Price|40% Off
Tan Leather Cloud Style Sofa with Lucite Leg by Weiman, c 1980s, Signed
By Weiman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful curvy and fluid Post-Modern sofa by Weiman is in soft and luxurious tan colored leather, features a single lucite leg and is signed underneath with a Weiman label. Designed by Robert L. Ebel and produced by Wieman in the 1980s and 90s, this curvaceous sofa was inspired by Vladimir Kagan's designs such as the 'Cloud' sofa by Directional, the 'Serpentine' sofa by Kagan...
Leather, Lucite
Rolf Sachs Lounge Chair Limited Edition 1/11, Germany, 1990
By Rolf Sachs
Located in Munich, DE
Rolf Sachs lounge chair was made in black painted steel, padded cushions with pear violet upholstery in Germany 1990, it is a limited edition of 11 pieces, and this is the model Nr.1. Rolf Sachs (born 1955) - Swiss artist and stage designer and son of the famous Playboy Gunter Sachs...
Steel
$2,080Sale Price / item|20% Off
Post Modern Dutch Cognac Brown Leather Sofa Loveseat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Post Modern Dutch Cognac Brown Leather Sofa Loveseat with back support triangle cushions. Sofa sits on 4 black legs. Great European Post Modern design. Good vintage condition shows l...
Leather
Set of Six Memphis Tripod Dining Chairs in the Manner of Michele De Lucchi
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A set of six Memphis dining chairs in the manner of Michele de Lucchi. The steel frame is powder coated black and the seat and back are white pick...
Steel
Vintage Postmodern Black Leather & Brushed Steel Loveseat Sofa, 1980s
Located in Detroit, MI
This incredible vintage postmodern black leather loveseat couch in the style of Poul Kjaerholm is circa 1980. The unique two-seat loveseat sofa is well-built and sturdy with a clean,...
Steel
1986 Antonio Citterio "Sity" Corner Chairs for B&B Italia in Black Leather, Pair
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Extremely chic and versatile. This pair of fully leather-wrapped Italian corner chairs / armchairs by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia can be positioned in a myriad of arrangements, i...
Steel
$4,550Sale Price|30% Off
Alberto Rosselli Saporiti Italia Post Modern Confidential Lounge Sofa Couch MCM
Located in Dayton, OH
Iconic Fratelli Saporiti Italian Confidential lounge, library or club sofa / couch by Alberto Rosselli, circa 1970s. One of the first modular club chairs with a puzzle like cushion c...
Cotton
Post Modern Molded Fiberglass Molar Sofa by Wendell Castle
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Postmodern Molar sofa, by Wendell Castle, executed in saturated red molded fiberglass. This example is in good condition, however does have a repaired flaw at the front of one...
Fiberglass
"Le Stelle" Loveseat Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Le Stelle" loveseat sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, circa 1970s. Newly reupholstered in white Knoll boucle, the sofa features angled arm rests and Bellini's signatu...
Bouclé
$7,799 / item
Zelig Love Seat by Somaschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Zelig Love Seat by Somaschini Dimensions: W 184 x D 80 x H 65 cm Materials: Plywood structure padded with polyurethane foam. Back pillow and roller padded with feather. Pre-upholster...
Fabric, Upholstery, Plywood
Italian Modern Curved Sculptural Loveseat or Sofa
By Federico Munari, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Ico Parisi, ISA Bergamo
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern curved sculptural loveseat or sofa. This stunning Italian Federico Munari inspired postmodern sofa, chaise or loveseat has interesti...
Stainless Steel
Modern Oak Wood Seating Cane Weaving Cross My Heart Loveseat Bench, Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Modern Oak Wood Seating Cane Weaving Cross My Heart Loveseat Bench, Carla Baz Dimensions: W 160 X D 70 X H 82 CM Weight: 55 kg Material: French Oak, Ent...
Oak
$3,700Sale Price|42% Off
'Negresco' Post-Modern Adjustable Leather Loveseat by Bernard Massot, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful red leather Post-Modern loveseat sofa designed by Bernard Massot and produced by Massot, France in circa 1980s/90s. Featuring gorgeou...
Chrome
'Brigadier' Loveseats by Cini Boeri for Knoll, Italy, 1980s
By Knoll, Cini Boeri
Located in Antwerp, BE
Two exceptional sofas from the award-winning Brigadier Series by renowned Italian architect and designer, Cini Boeri (1924–2020). Crafted in the 1980s for Knoll, these sofas feature ...
Leather, Lacquer
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
Mid Century Italian Modern Black Leather sofa pillow arm Loveseat Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Italian Modern Black Leather sofa Loveseat. Comfortable design and shape 2 seat sofa with pillow arm cushions that sits on 4 large round...
Leather
$2,600Sale Price|50% Off
'Bounty' Leather Loveseat by L. Davanzati for The Pace Collection, 1980s
By Elam, Pace Collection, Lorenzo Forges Davanzati
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A lovely example of the 'Bounty' series two-seat loveseat / settee by The Pace Collection in the early 1980s, this deep seated channel-tufted loveseat sofa was designed by L. Davantazi produced by Elam and retailed by The Pace Collection. Perfect for a cigar, whiskey or wine lounge or any space that can use something a bit modern yet still refined and classy. *Note, we have the matching club lounge chair and three-seater couch in another listing. Last two photos show the entire set. See our other listings or contact us for more details if you wish to create a living room or office / hotel lobby set. This channel-tufted leather love seat retains its original supple leather upholstery in an intriguing deep burgundy-brown color, almost like dark-cognac with beautiful lightly aged leather patina. The sumptuous seats are encased in a dark colored lacquer, providing an attractive modern contrast with the rich and elegant leather. This two-seater sofa has casters for ease of relocation according to occasion and mood or to better suit a view. The back is finished with tufted leather making this loveseat look incredible when floating in a room with the back exposed. Curved Art Deco styled arms lend 1980s juxtaposition and character to any room. Similar in style to the Saratoga Sofa by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 1970s, but at a fraction of the price. Plus something you don't get with the Saratoga sofa is the refined style of the elegant channel-tufted leather cushions on this Bounty loveseat sofa by The Pace Collection. The Pace Collection also offered the highly sought after collection by Guido Faleschini such as the Tucroma chair which is an interior designer and 20th century Modern design collector's favorite go to chair. Another example is the wild 1970s bed that featured interior design magazine covers when Lenny Kravitz home was featured with the Mariani bed...
Leather, Lacquer
"Keflavik" Sculptural Sofa by Sigurdur Gustafsson for Källemo AB, 2000s
By Källemo
Located in Rīga, LV
"Keflavik" sofa by Sigurdur Gustafsson for Källemo AB, 2000s. Signed and numbered 6/99. Solid mahogany, dark blue leather upholstery, black/blue steel back. An architectural central piece...
Metal
Cannaregio Modular Loveseat by Gaetano Pesce
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, CA
'Cannaregio' modular sofa exudes playfulness, adaptability, and a burst of colour. Composed of modular sections which can be placed together or arrange...
Fabric, Foam
$3,288Sale Price|20% Off
Post Modern Vis à Vis Sofa by Nico Devito in Hand-Woven, Leather Wood and Bamboo
By Bonacina
Located in Roma, IT
Post Modern Sofa Model "Giano", designed by Nico Devito between the late 80s and the beginning of the 90s and produced by Bonacina. This Vis à Vis has the shape of a letter "S" so t...
Leather, Cotton, Bamboo
Postmodern Bench with High Back by Alan Siegel, 1986. Signed. #2 in the Edition
By Alan Siegel
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare Postmodern bench, settee or loveseat with back in black, green, and orange. Signed "A Siegel 1986 #2." This is bench #2 from the limited edition....
Wood
$3,295
Post Modern Loveseat
Located in Raleigh, NC
Vintage Post-Modern loveseats newly upholstered in a luxurious textured abstract velvet. Priced individually.
Upholstery
Brick & Mortar Sofa, Gray, Rich Woods & Seb Wrong, Established & Sons, UK, 2009
By Richard Woods, Established & Sons, Sebastian Wrong
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gray Brick & Mortar Sofa, Rich Woods & Seb Wrong, Established & Sons, UK, 2009. Iconic Postmodern design. Produced for a short period in 2009-2010. Made in ...
Textile
Toi & Moi Loveseat In Polished Brass Resin Over Inox by Atelier Ellery
Located in Geneve, CH
Toi & Moi Loveseat In Polished Brass Resin Over Inox by Atelier Ellery Limited Edition Of 8 Pieces. Dimensions: D 127 x W 160 x H 120 cm. Materials: Inox stainless steel and polished...
Brass, Stainless Steel
1980s Vintage Comfortable Brigantin Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset (1/2)
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Izegem, VWV
This deep seat comfortable 2-seater sofa model Brigantin was created by the famous French designer Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1981. All in foam, covered by a super soft grey/...
Cotton, Foam
Blonde Wood Sofa with Clothespin Shaped Accents In The Style of Stickley
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage blonde wood Mission style sofa with clothespin shaped accents along the armrests and back and wicker cane seat in the style of Stickley. Com...
Oak
Jules Heumann Loveseat for Metropolitan Furniture
By Jules Heumann, Metropolitan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Loveseat by California native Jules Heumann for the San Francisco based company, Metropolitan Furniture, c.1970's. The sofa features a lacquered white frame and newly upholstered cus...
Mohair, Upholstery
$13,390 / item
N2 Loveseat by Aaron Scott
Located in Geneve, CH
N2 loveseat by Aaron Scott Dimensions: D 53.5 x W 122 x H 66.5 cm Materials: bleached cherry. Also available in other woods: bleached walnut. Brooklyn-based designer Aaron S...
Cherry
1980s Preview Furniture Pencil Reed Rattan Designer Loveseat
By Preview
Located in Miami, FL
This 1988 pencil reed rattan loveseat by Preview Furniture captures the relaxed confidence that defined the brand’s late 1980s work. Substantial in scale yet visually light, the tigh...
Velvet, Rattan
Ettore Sottsass Knoll Eastside 80s Memphis Sofa Black, Beige + Red (2 Avail)
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Basel, BS
Here for sale is one breathtaking Eastside Club Sofa loveseat two seater designed by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll, a quintessential piece of 1980s postmodern design from the founder of ...
Metal, Aluminum
Lido Sofa by Michele De Lucchi For Memphis Milano, 1982.
By Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi
Located in Kansas City, MO
"Lido" sofa / loveseat / settee designed by Michele De Lucchi For Memphis Milano, 1982. This early example retains the original fabric and finish in very good condition. An icon of...
Metal
Ettore Sottsass Eastside Knoll 80s Memphis Sofa Black, Blue + Red (2 Avail)
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Basel, BS
Here for sale is one breathtaking Eastside Club Sofa loveseat two seater designed by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll, a quintessential piece of 1980s postmodern design from the founder of ...
Metal, Aluminum
Onda Loveseat by De Pas, D’Urbino, and Lomazzi
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Zanotta
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s produced by Zanotta, Italy - excellent vintage condition
Chrome
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Marilyn Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post modern Vladimir Kagan Marilyn Sofa by Directional for Vladimir Kagan in new ivory white bouclé upholstery. Whimsical and happy, Kagan's Marilyn line...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Vintage Regency Judith Norman Printed Floral Loveseat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This elegant Judith Norman loveseat is a masterful distillation of 1980s Postmodernism and romantic "Grandmillennial" flair. Fully upholstered in a premium chintz-style fabric, the s...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
$5,215Sale Price|20% Off
Blue "Scheletro" Two-Seater by Kari Asikainen, P. O. Korhonen Oy, Finland, 1980s
Located in Karis, Nyland
This “Scheletro” two-seater chair/loveseat by Finnish designer Kari Asikainen could not be mistaken for any other model thanks to their unique, anthropo...
Iron
$15,904 / item
Gunmetal Steel Altai Loveseat, Sofa by A. Jacob Marks
Located in Geneve, CH
Gunmetal Steel Altai Loveseat, Sofa by A. Jacob Marks Dimensions: W 244 x D 69 x H 74 cm. Materials: Gunmetal Steel. A42 Also available in different materials. The altai seating i...
Steel
Modern Postmodern Channeled Sectional Loveseat Lounge Chairs Style Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful modern to postmodern channeled sectional loveseat or lounge chairs in the style of Jay Spectre. Comprised of foam seats, feather down back ...
Fabric, Foam, Feathers
$11,500 / item
2 American Post-War Rosewood Loveseat
Located in Queens, NY
2 American Post-War design rosewood loveseats with chrome trim on cylindrical feet having light beige upholstery in the style of Milo Baughman (PRICED EACH)
Chrome
Vintage Boho Pencil Reed Loveseat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace the iconic style of 1980s design with this exceptionally chic vintage pencil reed loveseat. Showcasing the highly sought-after waterfall silhouette, this piece is defined by ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Rattan, Reed
Italian Postmodern Loveseat in Style of Giancarlo Piretti, 1970s
Located in Zagreb, HR
Eye-catching 1970s Italian vintage loveseats. In the style of GIancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli. Consist of two individual armachairs, not connected, one with an armrest on each...
Upholstery, Plastic
$5,473 / item
Be Mine Love Seat by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Be Mine Love Seat by Munna Dimensions: D 93 x W 145 x H 80 cm. SH: 45 cm. Materials: Rosewood lacquer, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Velvet, ref. Purple, CV13, and rosewood veneer, g...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Italian Modern Solid Wood and Leather Multicolor Armchair with Armrests 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian post modern black solid wood and leather multicolor armchair with curved armrests, 1980s Armchair with curved armrests, with structure in solid wood with dark color, conical ...
Leather, Wood