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.
Post Modern Waterfall Bench Newly Upholstered in Leopard Velvet c. 1980s
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Perfectly plush Post Modern 1980s waterfall bench fully professionally restored with new cushioning and leopard velvet upholstery piped in black...
Leather, Upholstery, Velvet
Pair of Directional Post Modern Poufs Ottomans in Curly Camel Teddy Bear Fabric
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Timelessly sexy pair of poufs ottomans by Directional professionally reupholstered in soft camel teddy bear fabric rated highly durable. Upholstered pouf rests atop a channeled upholstered...
Upholstery, Faux Fur
Pouf Pill S Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique
By Houtique
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf Pill S Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique Dimensions: H 45 x D 35 cm Materials: Velvet upholstery and 30cm fringes Pill Pouf S Art Deco style pouf...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet
$1,891 / item
Medium Pouf! Leather Stool by Nestor Perkal
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium pouf! leather stool by Nestor Perkal Dimensions: W 83 x D 75.5 x H 35 cm Materials: Leather, poplar plywood, suede. Available in other colors and in 3 sizes. The POUF! collection is made up of three seats made of leather and suede. They look like diamonds, minerals or the footprints of an animal in the soil. They are suitable for home furnishing, in the office or in a public place. Genuine italian vegetable...
Leather, Suede, Poplar, Plywood
$2,373 / item
Django Ottoman by Odditi
Located in Geneve, CH
Django Ottoman by Odditi Dimensions: ⌀ 60 x H 40 cm Materials: Sienna Earth Textured Velvet The Django ottoman is a sculptural living object that bring...
Velvet
$1,313 / item
Punto e Virgola Bouclé Wool Pouf by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Punto e Virgola Bouclé Wool Pouf by Morica Design Dimensions: D 80 x W 80 x H 41 cm. Materials: Cipria bouclé wool, lacquered wood. Available in different wool options. Please conta...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,084 / item
Pouf Charaktere Fred by Lyk Carpet
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf Charaktere Fred by Lyk Carpet Dimensions: Ø 44 x H 52 cm. Materials: 100% tibetan highland-wool, new pure hand-combed and hand-spun wool, natural veg...
Wood
Italian Modern Leather Bench
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Leather Bench. This stunning and sculptural Italian bench is most interesting and comfortable. This great Roche Bobois style benc...
Leather
$1,086 / item
Small Pouf! Leather Stool by Nestor Perkal
Located in Geneve, CH
Small pouf! leather stool by Nestor Perkal Dimensions: W 45 x D 39 x H 40 cm Materials: Leather, poplar plywood, suede. Available in other colors and in ...
Leather, Suede, Poplar, Plywood
$1,879 / item
Grace Maple Red Pouf by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Grace maple red Pouf by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D77 x H 45 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Foam, Wood. Weight: 15.5 kg Also available in different colours and finishes. A lu...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$25,178 / item
Garden Pouf by Yukiko Nagai
Located in Geneve, CH
Garden Pouf by Yukiko Nagai Dimensions: D75 x W90 x H40 cm Material: Venetian color glasses, Natural stones, Antique ceramic tiles, Marble (Biancone, Nero belgio, etc...) Iron bas...
Cement, Marble, Iron
Adrian Pearsall Postmodern Swivel Mushroom Pouf Ottoman Original Comfort Designs
By Adrian Pearsall, Comfort Designs, Inc.
Located in Forest Grove, PA
An Adrian Pearsall Post Modern swiveling ottoman in the original fabric. Often called a mushroom or pouf ottoman, this ottoman was probably made by Weiman Preview. Comfort designs an...
Fabric, Wood
1990s Salotti Post Modern Beige Butter Leather Ottomans, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1990s with this exquisite beige butter leather ottoman set. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The luxurious Salotti s...
Leather, Wood
Ikat Ziggurat Ottomans, Hand-Crafted Maple Wood, USA, 1980s
Located in Round Top, TX
Ziggurat motif, heavy maple wood bases with loomed soft cotton, new upholstery. Soft, canvas-backed hand-crafted vintage 1970s textiles just added over new foam. With references to ...
Textile, Cotton, Maple
$1,313 / item
Punto e Virgola Bouclé Wool Pouf by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Punto e Virgola Bouclé Wool Pouf by Morica Design Dimensions: D 80 x W 80 x H 41 cm. Materials: Caramello bouclé wool, lacquered wood. Available in different wool options. Please co...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Striking Large Patterned Leather & Chrome Base Coffee Ottoman / Table by Minotti
By Minotti
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking large patterned leather and chrome base ottoman / coffee table by Minotti, circa 1990s. This contemporary and large piece has a stylish f...
Chrome
$2,500 / set
Postmodern Vintage Waterfall Ottomans, a Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful waterfall ottomans in excellent condition. Can be used as it or reupholstered to your favorite fabric.
Fabric
Pair of Weiman “Soufflé” Poufs/ Ottomans, Manner of Karl Springer
By Karl Springer, Weiman
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Wonderful pair of iconic ottomans by Weiman, circa 1980s. Very much in the style of Karl Springer’s soufflé ottomans. These are nicely made and would work well in a variety of interi...
Chrome
Iridescent purple bean bag by Ligne Roset, early 21st century
By Ligne Roset
Located in View Park, CA
An iridescent eggplant purple vinyl beanbag chair by Ligne Roset, made in France early 21st century. Of amorphous cube shape with textured gripping underside. With tag. Pick up in ce...
Faux Leather
$4,927 / item
Circus 5020 Pouf by Redeco
Located in Geneve, CH
Circus 5020 Pouf by Redeco Dimensions: W 130 x D 130 x H 45 cm Materials: Plywood seat padded with polyurethane foam in different densities. Pre-upholstery in polyester wadding, upho...
Fabric, Upholstery, Plywood
1980s Thayer Coggin Post Modern Violet Pleated Ottomans, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s with this exquisite purple chenille ottoman set. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The luxurious pleased set is...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,121 / item
El Topo Ottoman by Odditi
Located in Geneve, CH
El Topo Ottoman by Odditi Dimensions: ⌀ 60 x H 40 cm Materials: Acacia Base, Sheepskin A tactile piece of domestic fantasy, the El Topo ottoman is a social object, featuring a carve...
Sheepskin, Wood
$6,107 / item
Mythos Pouf by Marioni
Located in Geneve, CH
Mythos Pouf by Marioni Dimensions: W 145 x D 120 x H 45 cm. Materials: Upholstery: Tessuto/Fabric 4 Mt. Pelle/Leather 6 Mq. Product code: I0332 Pure shape and lines, an independent...
Upholstery
$2,144Sale Price / set|20% Off
1980s Art Deco Revival Upholstered Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Thayer Coggin
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1980s Postmodern / Art Deco Revival /Upholstered Lounge Chair With a matching Waterfall Ottoman by Thayer Coggin. Circa 1980s This set features the original cream color upho...
Upholstery
French Modern Parchment Bench by R & Y Augousti
Located in Houston, TX
French modern parchment bench by R&Y Augousti. This stunning bench has beautiful saber legs. This lovely postmodern French bench can also be used as a ...
Parchment Paper
Gray Leather Lounge Chairs and Ottoman by Steve Leonard for Brayton Intl, 1980
By Steve Leonard, Brayton International
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair gray leather lounge chairs and ottoman by Steve Leonard for Brayton International. 1980. Original leather great patina.
Leather
1980s Safari Tapestry Attributed to Donghia Luciano Chair and Ottoman Set of 2
By Donghia
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
This extremely rare chair and ottoman set is packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. You rarely see this popular chair style with a matching ottoman, much less in this customized stunning safari tapestry...
Tapestry, Upholstery, Wood
Karl Springer Style Ivory Bouclé Soufflé Pouf
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post modern Karl Springer style Soufflé pouf ottoman aptly named for its similarity in form to a French Soufflé. Brass square base with rounded corner...
Brass
$13,800 / set
Streamlined Modern Living Room Set with Sofas and Ottoman in Green-Blue Patterned Upholstery and Chromed Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, chromed metal, Italy, 1970s A striking and generously proportioned living room set from the 1970s, this set embodies the sleek elegance characteristic of the era. Desi...
Metal, Chrome
$1,770 / item
Ruff Low Pouf by Gandia Blasco
Located in Geneve, CH
Ruff Low Pouf by Gandia Blasco Design by Romero&Vallejo Dimensions: W 100 x H 30 cm. Materials: Fiber composition: 100% wool (felt). Weight: 10,5 kg Passion for life outdoors, a d...
Wool
$4,252 / item
Circus 5021 Pouf by Redeco
Located in Geneve, CH
Circus 5021 Pouf by Redeco Dimensions: W 130 x D 130 x H 45 cm Materials: Plywood seat padded with polyurethane foam in different densities. Pre-upholstery in polyester wadding, upho...
Fabric, Upholstery, Plywood
$4,604 / item
Grace Ottoman by Memoir Essence
Located in Geneve, CH
Grace Ottoman by Memoir Essence Dimensions: D 45 x W 45 x H 50 cm. Materials: Brushed brass, bouclette fabric M TP Olympie 71396/00 1 and satin fabric D...
Brass
Ottoman in Multicolored Velvet Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ottoman or footrest, steel, fabric, Europe, 1970s This comfortable ottoman is made in Europe in the 1970s. The colorful velvet upholstery catches the ...
Metal
Contemporary Art Pouf - Saudade by Carla Tolomeo
Located in Pistoia, IT
Sculpture. Unique piece hand made by the artist. Semi-circular pouff designed by Gabriel. Vintage chenille Pontoglio cotton velvets, silk and cotton trimmings, designer decorations
Cotton, Silk
$1,313 / item
Punto e Virgola Bouclé Wool Pouf by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Punto e Virgola Bouclé Wool Pouf by Morica Design Dimensions: D 80 x W 80 x H 41 cm. Materials: Blue bouclé wool, lacquered wood. Available in different wool options. Please contact...
Upholstery, Wood
$265,036 / item
Pouf Floreale by Yukiko Nagai
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf Floreale by Yukiko Nagai Dimensions: D100 x W100 x H40 cm Material: Venetian color glasses, Natural stones, Antique ceramic tiles, Marble (Nero Belgio, etc) Iron base, Struct...
Stone, Cement, Marble, Iron
$10,974 / item
Ottoman by Le Berre Vevaud
Located in Geneve, CH
Ottoman by Le Berre Vevaud Dimensions: W 65 x D 71 x H 85 cm. Materials: Solid wood SIPO legs upholstered in Misia fabric Les Hautes Cimes For over 15 years, Raphaël Le Berre and T...
Upholstery, Wood
Contemporary Art Pouf - Rose of Saint Petersbourg by Carla Tolomeo
Located in Pistoia, IT
Sculpture. Unique piece hand made by the artist. Vintage rectangular ottoman decorated by the Author. Pontoglio silk and cotton velvets- Trimmings
Silk, Cotton
Contemporary Art Pouf - Kenzo Hand by Carla Tolomeo
Located in Pistoia, IT
Sculpture. Unique piece hand made by the artist. Kenzo silk velvet Exclusive for the author and Pontoglio velvets - Trimmings Cylindrical base design Gabriel for tolomeo
Silk
Castagno Large Pouf in Italian Vegetable Tanned Woven Leather by Oscar Maschera
Located in Geneve, CH
Castagno Large Pouf in Italian Vegetable Tanned Woven Leather by Oscar Maschera Dimensions: D 100 x W 100 x H 45 cm. Materials: Vegetable leather. Available in different sizes and c...
Faux Leather
$3,084 / item
Pouf Charaktere Hilma by Lyk Carpet
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf Charaktere Hilma by Lyk Carpet Dimensions: Ø 53 x H 48 cm. Materials: 100% tibetan highland-wool, new pure hand-combed and hand-spun wool, natural ve...
Wool
$1,217 / item
Onigiri Wool and Walnut Pouf by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Onigiri Pouf by Morica Design Dimensions: D 40 x W 52 x H 43 cm. Materials: Canaletto walnut, Cipria bouclé wool, Cognac leather. Available in Canaletto Walnut, Laguna Oak, or Oak w...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,313 / item
Punto e Virgola Bouclé Wool Pouf by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Punto e Virgola Bouclé Wool Pouf by Morica Design Dimensions: D 80 x W 80 x H 41 cm. Materials: Violet bouclé wool, lacquered wood. Available in different wool options. Please conta...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,060 / item
Sumo Bouclé Wool and Leather Pouf by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Sumo Bouclé Wool and Leather Pouf by Morica Design Dimensions: D 88 x W 88 x H 46 cm. Materials: Cipria bouclé wool, Anthracite leather. Available in different wool options. Please ...
Upholstery, Leather
Ottoman in Chromed Metal and Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ottoman, footrest, leather, chromed metal, Europe, 1970s This sleek ottoman from the 1970s combines comfort with a timeless appearance. Made in Europe, it features a generously cush...
Leather
$11,138 / item
Olla Stool I by Brera Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Olla Stool I by Brera Studio One of a kind. Dimensions: D 75 x W 75 x H 45 cm. Materials: pinewood, paint, linen. Made from endemic pine wood in the region of Chihuahua, and ha...
Linen, Wood, Pine, Paint
$11,757 / item
Plato Pouf No 2 by Yasemin Toygar
Located in Geneve, CH
Plato pouf no 2 by Yasemin Toygar Dimensions: W 40 x D 40 x H 46 cm Materials: satin brass, marble and onyx, blue velvet fabric Plato Collection ...
Marble, Onyx, Brass
$1,192 / item
Onigiri Wool and Oak Pouf by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Onigiri Pouf by Morica Design Dimensions: D 40 x W 52 x H 43 cm. Materials: Oak, Caramello bouclé wool, Cognac leather. Available in Canaletto Walnut, Laguna Oak, or Oak wood. Pleas...
Upholstery, Wood
$9,896 / item
Plato Pouf No 1 by Yasemin Toygar
Located in Geneve, CH
Plato Pouf No 1 by Yasemin Toygar Dimensions: D 40 x H 46 cm Materials: Satin Brass, Marble, White Boucle Fabric Plato Collection Inspired by ...
Marble, Brass
Set of 3 Poufs Charaktere Fred, Massimiliano and Colette by Lyk Carpet
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Poufs Charaktere Fred, Massimiliano and Colette by Lyk Carpet Dimensions: Fred: Ø 44 x H 52 cm Massimiliano: Ø 53 x H 47 cm Colette: Ø 62 x H 4...
Wool
$3,843 / item
Il Pezzo 1 Pouf by Il Pezzo Mancante
Located in Geneve, CH
Il Pezzo 1 Pouf by Il Pezzo Mancante Dimensions: W 65 x D 65 x H 46 cm Materials: Upholstery: fine quality leather or velvet. Brass casting base: satin brass / bronze / gold / nicke...
Leather, Satin, Velvet
Post Modern Waterfall Stools in New Palomino Butter Cream Sheepskin Upholstery
Located in Saint Louis, MO
With an iconic waterfall silhouette that is timeless and always feels fresh and modern our shop newly dressed this sexy pair of Post Modern waterfall ottomans in plush hand sewn butt...
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Wood
$2,483 / item
Disruption Module Pouf by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Disruption module pouf by Domkapa Materials: velvet (Aldan 2928). Dimensions: W 100 x D 100 x H 40 cm. Also available in different materials. Disruption is a modular sofa, fu...
Upholstery, Velvet
$1,289 / item
Dainty Pouf Blush, Coral by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Dainty pouf blush Coral by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D55 x H 39 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Wooden frame, foam. Weight: 9.5 kg Also available in different colours and finishes...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$15,731 / item
Ori Pouf by De Castelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Ori Pouf by De Castelli Dimensions: W 90 x D 90 x H 40 cm Materials: Orbitale DeLabré Brass, Fabric Other versions are available, please contact us for any request. Ori is a pouf-ge...
Brass
Sweet Fuchsia Little Prince Of Love Pouf by Moro, Pigatti
Located in Geneve, CH
Sweet Fuchsia Little Prince Of Love Pouf by Moro, Pigatti Dimensions: D 55 x W 55 x H 44 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Available in different color and finish options. This product ...
Other
$3,180 / item
Burraco Pouf by De Castelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Burraco Pouf by De Castelli Dimensions: W 37 x D 34 x H 44 cm Materials: Brushed Copper, Other This games table is a throwback to yesteryear with a refined allure, which takes on a ...
Copper, Other
$1,470 / item
Bol Pouf by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
Bol Pouf by Doimo Brasil Dimensions: D 50 x H 45 cm Materials: Leather. Also available in D 90 x H 34 cm, D 110 x H 34 cm, D 130 x H 34 cm. With the intention of providing good ta...
Leather
$10,866 / item
Large Ostrich Fluff Ottoman by Egg Designs
Located in Geneve, CH
Large ostrich fluff ottoman by Egg Designs Dimensions: 100 L x 100 D x 40 H cm Materials: Ostrich feather trim, velvet upholstery Founded by South Africans and life partners, Gr...
Velvet, Feathers
$1,879 / item
Grace Light Steel Blue Pouf by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Grace Light Steel Blue Pouf by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D77 x H 45 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Foam, Wood. Weight: 15.5 kg Also available in different colours and finishes. P...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood