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.
Mah-Jong Sofa Set by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, 12 Pieces
By Kenzo Takada, Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Seattle, WA
A 12-piece Mah-Jong sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, in a mix of Kenzo Takada Fabric and Missoni Fabric. The set is in good condition, with light fabric wear on a few p...
Fabric, Foam
Mah-Jong Sectional Sofa Set by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, 18 Pieces
By Kenzo Takada, Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Seattle, WA
A substantial 18 pieces Mah-Jong sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, in a mix of Kenzo Takada Fabric and Missoni Fabric. The set is in good condition, with light fabric we...
Fabric, Foam
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
Pascal Mourge "Calin" Ottomans for Ligne Roset, 1990s
Located in Coronado, CA
A large pillowy pair of "Calin" ottomans by French designer Pascal Mourge, manufactured by Ligne Roset in the 1990s. The ottomans have been freshly re-upholstered in a thick, distres...
Aluminum
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
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
$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
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
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
Narrow European Natural Linen Ottoman on Antique Brass Casters
Located in Malibu, CA
A lovely bench/ottoman upholstered in durable imported Belgian linen with shapely ball-and-ring turned legs. The frame is made of hardwood with the hand painted in the same shade as ...
Linen, Hardwood
$3,062 / 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
$1,878 / 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
$263,187 / 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
$1,079 / 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
$1,303 / 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
Curulis, Custos Aluminium Ottoman by Bureau of Entropy
Located in Geneve, CH
Curulis, Custos Aluminium Ottoman by Bureau of Entropy. Limited edition, numbered & signed. Dimensions: W 55 x D 55 x H 63 cm. Materials: Aluminium. Curulis · Custos is a seat of v...
Aluminum
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
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
$6,065 / 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
$4,892 / 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
$2,356 / 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
Percival Lafer Ottoman in Olive Green Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Percival Lafer, ottoman or stool, wood, leather, Brazil, 1970s Bulky and voluptuous pouf designed by Percival Lafer in the 1970s. The seat is upholstered in olive green tufted leath...
Leather, Wood
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
Pair of Weiman “Soufflé” Poufs/ Ottomans, Manner of Karl Springer
By Weiman, Karl Springer
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
$14,989 / item
Max Ottoman in Kvadrat Hero 2 Fabric by Julien Lestrille
Located in Geneve, CH
Max Ottoman in Kvadrat Hero 2 Fabric by Julien Lestrille. Dimensions: W 80 x D 80 x H 38 cm. Materials: Wood, Kvadrat Hero 2 Fabric. The upholstery is available in several color choices of Kvadrat Hero 2, allowing for a personalized finish that perfectly complements your interior. Inspired by cartoon characters, the Max collection brings out the child within us. Its design reflects a bold spirit — one that explores volume, plays with balance, and transforms an everyday object into a showcase of craftsmanship. Its solidity, strong presence, and playful touch make it a unique piece that draws the eye while remaining fully functional. Composed of upholstered panels, Max celebrates the meticulous work of master upholsterers. It is designed to highlight textiles and showcase their texture and richness, turning the piece into a true stage for materials. Julien Lestrille is a designer. A graduate of the Strate School of Design, he has developed expertise in furniture design through collaborations with prestigious studios such as Gilles & Boissier, Bruno Moinard...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,062 / 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
$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
$2,237 / 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
$1,224Sale 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
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
$1,866 / 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
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
$16,712 / item
Les Incroyables Ottoman by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Les Incroyables Ottoman by Pietro Franceschini Dimensions: W 101 x D 79 x H 55 cm Materials: Ash, Upholstery Pietro Franceschini Architect // designer Pietro Franceschini is an arc...
Upholstery, Ash
Black Leather Patchwork Ottoman, 1980
By De Sede
Located in Chicago, IL
Black Leather Patchwork Ottoman, 1980’s. Original with natural patina Measures 16.5” tall 30.5” x 30.5”
Leather
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
Olivia Pouf in Lario Velvet, Horn Inlay & Wood with Satin Finish by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Olivia Pouf in Lario Velvet, Horn Inlay & Wood with Satin Finish by Arcahorn Dimensions: Ø 40 x H 45 cm. Materials: Horn, velvet, and wood with a satin finish. Different fabrics are...
Other
$4,222 / 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
$1,866 / 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
$1,303 / 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
Gray Leather Lounge Chairs and Ottoman by Steve Leonard for Brayton Intl, 1980
By Brayton International, Steve Leonard
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair gray leather lounge chairs and ottoman by Steve Leonard for Brayton International. 1980. Original leather great patina.
Leather
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
Amphibious Outdoor & Indoor Pouf in Light Blue Paint by Jacob Egeberg
Located in Geneve, CH
Amphibious Outdoor & Indoor Pouf in Light Blue Paint by Jacob Egeberg Dimensions: D 60 x W 110 x H 50 cm. Materials: Styrofoam & soft PU foam, hard & elastic pigmented polyurethane c...
Other
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
$25,002 / 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
$10,898 / 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
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
$1,208 / item
Striped Ottoman by Studio Kallang
Located in Geneve, CH
Striped Ottoman by Studio Kallang Dimensions: W 56 x D 40 x H 47 cm Materials: Solid Teak, Upholstered Cushion. Finish: Natural, Matte Black, Striped Fabric. STUDIO KALLANG IS A SI...
Upholstery, Teak
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
$4,892 / item
Circus 5019 Pouf by Redeco
Located in Geneve, CH
Circus 5019 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
Italian post-modern pouf by Fabrizio Bertero and Andrea Panto for Zanotta 1990s
By Zanotta
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian post-modern pouf by Fabrizio Bertero and Andrea Panto for Zanotta 1990s Round pouf model Globulo in red and light yellow plastic. The structure has soft and curved lines. Und...
Plastic
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
Pillow Computer Ottoman by Schimmel & Schweikle, Faux Fur & Foam, 2019
By alfa.brussels
Located in Antwerp, BE
Pillow computer (prototype) Sizes: width 137 cm, depth 109 cm, height 37 cm material: wood, PU-foam, faux fur, car paint, computer edition: prototype,...
Faux Fur, Foam
$1,303 / 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
$15,611 / 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
$1,303 / 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
$3,062 / item
Pouf Charaktere Massimiliano by Lyk Carpet
Located in Geneve, CH
Pouf Charaktere Massimiliano by Lyk Carpet Dimensions: Ø 53 x H 47 cm. Materials: 100% tibetan highland-wool, new pure hand-combed and hand-spun wool, nat...
Wool
$1,208 / 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
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
$3,433 / item
Rachel S Pouf by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Rachel S pouf by Domkapa. Materials: fabric, upholstery, Fumé stained beech. Dimensions: W 50 x D 50 x H 45 cm. Also available in different materials. Rachel pouf and its de...
Fabric, Upholstery, Beech