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.
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, Particle Board and HR Foam 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 is not included. ...
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. Fabric is not included. ...
Foam, Wood, Hardwood
Disco Pouf in Tinted Rattan and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Disco Pouf in Tinted Rattan and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 37 x H 49 cm. Materials: tinted rattan and HR foam. Fabric is not included. Please contact us for further i...
Rattan, 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
$4,525 / 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
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. Fabric is not included. Please contact us for further information and...
Rattan, Foam
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 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
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
Zveva Round Pouf in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam 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 is not includ...
Foam, Wood, Hardwood
Ham Pouf in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam 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 is not included. Plea...
Foam, Wood, Hardwood
$2,073 / 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
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
$1,151 / 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
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
$1,375 / 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
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
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
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...
Marble, Cement, Stone, Iron
$2,527 / 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
$1,281 / 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
$1,833 / 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
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
$3,009 / 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
$3,561 / 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
$6,053 / 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
$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
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
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 ...
Maple, Cotton, Textile
$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
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
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
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
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
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
$1,281 / 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
$1,269 / 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 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
Adrian Pearsall Postmodern Swivel Mushroom Pouf Ottoman Original Comfort Designs
By Comfort Designs, Inc., Adrian Pearsall
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
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
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
$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
$2,315 / 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
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
$4,325 / item
Ostrica Velvet Kyl Short Pouf by Dalmoto
Located in Geneve, CH
Ostrica Velvet Kyl Short Pouf by Dalmoto Dimensions: D 51 x W 55 x H 40 cm. SH: 40 cm. Materials: Metal and velvet. Available in different upholstery options and finishes. Available in two sizes. Please contact us. Kyl is a fabric pouf inspired by the lines of the Kylíndo armchair. The modular pouf...
Metal
$10,602 / 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
$16,290 / 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
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
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
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
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
$4,807 / 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
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
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
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
$24,565 / 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
$4,149 / 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
$14,727 / 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