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.
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois Mah-Jong 18 pieces Modular Sectional Sofa
Located in Seattle, WA
A substantial 18 pieces Mah-Jong sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, in a mix of Missoni Home Fabric and Kenzo. The set is in really good condition, with light fabric wear...
Fabric, Foam
$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
Roche Bobois Leather Ottomans or Footstools
By Roche Bobois
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Matching pair of postmodern leather ottomans by Roche Bobois. In good even condition, presenting nicely as a pair. Versatile enough to be used as seating, footstool, or combined toge...
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
Tortona Pouf in Solid Beech and Strawberry Pink Fabric by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Tortona Pouf in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 42 x H 50 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric on primary image: ...
Foam, Wood, Hardwood
Ludmila Pouf in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Ludmila Pouf in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 60 x H 42 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam and upholstery. Fabric opt...
Wood, Hardwood, Foam
Ligne Roset Newly Upholstered Ottoman Green Floral TOGO by Michel Ducaroy
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Toronto, CA
This Togo Footstool ottoman by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset pairs the brand's signature slouchy comfort with a striking and unexpected romantic green ...
Fabric, Foam
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
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
Pouf Pill S Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique
$1,224Sale Price / set|54% 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
$1,331 / 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
Meritalia Gli Amici, Canarino Pouf by Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Sculptural, fantastical and functional objects (creatures?) by Gaetano Pesce, suitable for a carefree interior. Unforgettable in any space. This is a new, unused piece. Manufacturer'...
Fabric, Foam
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
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
$2,003 / 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
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
Ham Pouf in Solid Beech ans Stylized Geometric Yellow Fabric by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Ham Pouf in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 38 x H 42 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric on primary image: Le M...
Foam, Wood, Hardwood
$1,775 / item
Grace Amber Pouf by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Grace Amber 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 luxuri...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
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
$2,447 / item
Large Pouf! Leather Stool by Nestor Perkal
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Pouf! leather stool by Nestor Perkal Dimensiones: W 101 x D 85 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
$1,115 / 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
Post Modern Directional Pouf Ottoman in Teddy Bear Camel Bouclé
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Timelessly sexy and oh so versatile pouf ottoman by Directional professionally reupholstered in super soft camel color teddy bear bouclé with a high durability rating (over 50k doubl...
Bouclé, Upholstery
$3,448 / item
Pouf Charaktere Colette by Lyk Carpet
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf Charaktere colette by Lyk Carpet Dimensions: Ø 62 x H 47 cm. Materials: 100% tibetan highland-wool,new pure hand-combed and hand-spun wool, natural vegetable-dyed wool, 100 knot...
Wood
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
$2,304 / 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
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
$5,861 / item
Rachel M Pouf by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Rachel M Pouf by Domkapa Materials: Velvet, Upholstery, Black Ash. Dimensions: W 92 x D 92 x H 45 cm. Also available in different materials. Please conta...
Upholstery, Velvet, Ash
Fidji Pouf in Rattan and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Fidji Pouf in Rattan and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 43 x H 50 cm. Materials: rattan and HR foam. Also available in COM. Please contact us for further information and ...
Rattan, Foam
Ligne Roset Newly Upholstered Ottoman Blue Floral TOGO by Michel Ducaroy
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Toronto, CA
This Togo Footstool ottoman by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset pairs the brand's signature slouchy comfort with a striking and unexpected romantic blue f...
Fabric, Foam
Pair Of Karl Springer Inspired Waterfall Ottomans
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Karl Springer Inspired Waterfall Ottomans. Stunning pair of Karl Springer style waterfall benches, ottomans or poofs with brass bases. These beautiful Hollywood Regency bench...
Brass
Omera Pouf in Solid Beech and Floral Pattern Fabric by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Omera Pouf in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 60 x D 40 x H 45 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabrics on primary i...
Foam, Wood, Hardwood
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
Pair Maple Ottomans, Hand-Crafted Wood Ziggurat Design New Ikat Blue Upholstery
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
Small Pouf in Vegetable Leather, Suede & Poplar Plywood by Oscar Maschera
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Pouf in Vegetable Leather, Suede & Poplar Plywood by Oscar Maschera Dimensions: D 39 x W 45 x H 40 cm. Materials: Vegetable leather, suede, and poplar plywood. Our work is...
Faux Leather, Suede, Poplar, Plywood
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
Big Pouf in Vegetable Leather, Suede & Poplar Plywood by Oscar Maschera
Located in Geneve, CH
Big Pouf in Vegetable Leather, Suede & Poplar Plywood by Oscar Maschera Dimensions: D 85 x W 101 x H 35 cm. Materials: Vegetable leather, suede, and poplar plywood. Our work is ...
Suede, Faux Leather, Poplar, Plywood
$10,516 / item
Lamb Ottoman by Vladimir Naumov
Located in Geneve, CH
Lamb Ottoman by Vladimir Naumov Dimensions: D 166 x W 60 x H 53 cm Materials: Faux Lamb Fur, Wood Customizable Size. Please contact us. Vladimir Naumov is a professional architect,...
Faux Fur, 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
$4,807 / item
Trono Pill Black Chair by Umberto Bellardi Ricci
Located in Geneve, CH
Trono pill black chair by Umberto Bellardi Ricci Dimensions: Diameter 16" x height 18.5 in Materials: l-beam and Dedar upholstery. Umberto Bellar...
Steel
$1,229 / item
Object 049 Pearl Pouf by NG Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 049 Pearl Pouf by NG Design Dimensions: D64 x W51 x H41 cm Materials: Boucle upholstery, Solid Oak Also Available: All of objects available in different materials and col...
Upholstery, Oak
Pouf Floreale by Yukiko Nagai, Handmade Italian Mosaic Pouf, 100 cm
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
$1,126 / 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
Sculptural Postmodern Stacked Ottoman in Pale Green Channel Tufted Upholstery
Located in Oceanside, US
Sculptural Postmodern ottoman formed as a playful stack of three oversized cushions, upholstered in a pale green ribbed fabric with a softly rounded, button-tufted top. Bold yet invi...
Satin
$3,004 / item
Face Pouf in Fur by Hermhaus
Located in Geneve, CH
Face Pouf in Fur by Hermhaus Dimensions: D 40 x W 40 x H 45 cm Materials: Upholstered product on a wooden frame. The Face pouf is a contemporary and versatile piece of furniture tha...
Bouclé, Fur
Zveva Round Pouf in Solid Beech and Fuschia Pink Fabric by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Zveva Round Pouf in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 40 x H 42 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric on primary ima...
Foam, Wood, Hardwood
Meritalia Gli Amici, Pecora Pouff by Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Sculptural, fantastical and functional object (creatures) by Gaetano Pesce, suitable for a carefree interior. Unforgettable in any space. This is a new item. Manufacturer's Certifi...
Fabric, Foam
Post Modern Directional Pouf Ottoman in Ivory White Boucle
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Timelessly sexy and oh so versatile pouf ottoman by Directional professionally reupholstered in soft ivory white boucle with a high durability rating (over 50k double rubs). Plush and comfortable, the poufs can be easily incorporated as ottomans with other designer pieces or stand on their own for that extra seat. Pair available. 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 in our shop- Pair of Preview Tri Leg Post Modern Armchairs...
Bouclé, Upholstery
$15,774 / 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
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Pix 95 2 Seat Modular Ottoman by Ichiro Iwasaki for Arper
By Arper
Located in Basel, BS
Two seat pouf. Upholstery in leather, faux leather, fabric or customer's own material. Fitted with glides. Gorgeous Mint Condition EUC Ottomans by Arper. These ottomans fit beautifu...
Upholstery
$4,381 / item
Shift Salmon Pouf by Hermhaus
Located in Geneve, CH
Shift Salmon Pouf by Hermhaus Dimensions: Ø 50 x H 45 cm Materials: Upholstered product on a wooden frame. With its layered form and soft lines, Shift adds a flexible and functiona...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,240 / 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
$11,768 / item
Medium Ottoman, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Ottoman, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio Dimensions: W 154.8 x D 97.2 x H 40 cm. Materials: Solid Sungkai wood, About: Sebastiano Zilio Italy, 1969 Italian designer and arti...
Wood
Vintage Cube Upholstered Stools Moroccan Ottomans, Poufs, a Pair
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pair of gold cube upholstery ottomans, Poufs. Upholstered stools, use them as extra seats, ottomans, stools. Light and easy to move around. Moroccan hassock, upholstered footstool or...
Fabric
Pair of Custom Post Modern Karl Springer Style Ottomans in Ivory White Bouclé
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Curvy and soft Post Modern style sculptural ottomans freshly upholstered in plush highly durable ivory bouclé fabric. Reminiscent of Karl Springer's iconic Waterfall Ottomans or Benches, the ottomans' sides curve in a similar waterfall fashion sloping down to ground level. Kick your feet up in complete comfort with an inviting texture that's breathable and cool in summer but warm and cozy in winter. Uniquely larger, the 2 foot wide seat makes these Post Modern style ottomans a great choice for additional seating. A perfect merger of form and function. 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 currently available in our shop: Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge...
Bouclé, Upholstery
$18,028 / item
Large Ottoman, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Ottoman, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio Dimensions: W 154.8 x D 154.8 x H 40 cm. Materials: Solid Sungkai wood, About: Sebastiano Zilio Italy, 1969 Italian designer and arti...
Wood
Pair of Postmodern Italian Round Bamboo Stools in the style of Agnoli
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s - 1970s. These rare stools feature a bamboo frame. They are vintage, therefore they might show slight traces of use, but they can be considered in mint condition...
Bamboo
$7,261 / item
Olla Stool III by Brera Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Olla Stool III by Brera Studio. One of a kind. Dimensions: D 40 x W 40 x H 50 cm. Materials: pinewood and paint. Made from endemic pine wood in the region of Chihuahua, and han...
Wood, Pine, Paint
$3,607 / item
Swan Ottoman in Fabric and Cast Brass by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Swan Ottoman in Fabric and Cast Brass by Madheke. Dimensions: W 77 x D 77 x H 40 cm. Materials: Fabric upholstered seat with single leather button and piping detail, heavily textured...
Metal, Brass
MDF and Upholstered Bitta Pouf by Dainelli Studio Atelier
Located in Geneve, CH
MDF and Upholstered Bitta Pouf by Dainelli Studio Atelier Dimensions: W 70 x D 36 x H 40 cm Materials: MDF structure, padded and upholstered in fabric or leather. Pouf with an MDF s...
Upholstery, Plywood