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.
Carsons 5 Piece Post Modern Modular Sectional Sofa
By Carsons
Located in Lutz, FL
Being offered AS-IS for reupholstery. 5 piece Carsons of High Point post modern modular sectional in white wave upholstery. Frames are solid and in great condition, upholster to your...
Fabric, Wood
Monumental 1980s 3 Piece Sofa by Steve Chase
By Steve Chase, A. Rudin, Martin Brattrud
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This MASSIVE 3 piece sofa by Steve Chase is a sight to behold. Measuring in at just under 15 feet across, it is a real statement maker. The slightly asym...
Fabric
M. Fillmore Harty, Preview Super Sculptural Signed 3 Part Sectional Sofa 1990s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Available right now is this stunning M. Fillmore Harty for Preview, tagged, 3 piece sectional. A sculpture that happens to be a sofa! It is upholstered in the original white fabric. ...
Upholstery
Cassina Veranda 3 seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti
Located in Bern, CH
Cassina Veranda 3 seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina, Italy in the late 1980's. Based on the Maralunga Sofa with fold down back rest. Adjustable three seater des...
Metal, Steel
De Sede DS-600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa in Reddish-Brown Patinated Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, ‘Snake’ DS-600 sectional sofa, leather, felt, Switzerland, 1972. A design by Ueli Berger, Elenora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt for De Sede, Switzerland. This D...
Leather, Felt
$9,000 / set
9 Piece Modular Scoop Swan Sofa by Henning Korch
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Great 9 piece Italian Post Modern modular sectional Swan sofa by Henning Korch. Comprised of 9 identical chair pieces that can be used individually or together. The arrangements ar...
Velvet
Vintage Modular Leather Sofa, de Sede, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in San Francisco, CA
Classic, luxurious de Sede sectional sofa featuring five modular components—three central pieces and two corner units—upholstered in the original rich burnt-orange leather. The geome...
Leather
Vintage Bernhardt 4 Piece Sectional, for Custom Reupholstery
By Bernhardt
Located in Denver, CO
1980s sectional by Bernhardt. Custom reupholstery labor of sectional included in the price (labor and materials, except for fabric). COM or MENO can advise and order fabrics. Fabric...
Fabric, Upholstery
$495 / item
Postmodern Sectional Sofa Bench by Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in New York, NY
Phenomenal sectional sofa, bench, or single chair set made by Steelcase, circa 2002. The pieces have tubular chrome feet, which support a thick and heavy board, to which a thick upho...
Chrome
Sven Larsson, Large Sectional Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
By Sven Larsson
Located in High Point, NC
A large pine and beige fabric sectional sofa designed by Sven Larsson and produced by Sven Larsson Möbelshop, Sweden, 1970s. Seat height 16.5”
Fabric, Pine
Jasper Morrison Super Oblong Modular Sofa Set Design Cappellini Italy
Located in Krefeld, DE
This rare Super Oblong modular sofa set was designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini in Italy and exemplifies Morrison’s philosophy of understated, intelligent design. Composed of ...
Cotton
Post Modern Italian Leather Alanda Sofa by Paolo Piva
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Las Vegas, NV
SUPER RARE. These Paolo Piva Alanda sofas are rarely available in the US and NEVER IN THIS COLOR. This sofa is vintage patinated leather perf...
Leather
Postmodern Serpentine Sectional With Stacked Base
By Directional, Milo Baughman, Adrian Pearsall
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Interesting postmodern style sofa with a serpentine like shape. Great organic L shape sofa with an overall foot print of 106” x 106”. Back height is 29” and seat height is 17.5”. Sof...
Upholstery
$21,296Sale Price / item|20% Off
New Collection: ORBITA Pink Semicircular Sofa, Fuori Salone 2024
Located in Milano, IT
The modular sofa ORBITA, fully customizable in modules, represents an extremely versatile and refined furnishing solution. In exhibition preview at the Salone del Mobile 2024 at the...
Metal
1970s Guido Fareschini /Mariani Modular Lounge Set for Pace
By Guido Faleschini, Pace Collection
Located in Buffalo, NY
1970s Guido Fareschini /Mariani Modular Lounge Set for Pace - 4 chairs Elevate your living space with this iconic 1970s lounge set, designed by Guido Fareschini for Mariani. Compris...
Leather, Wood
Vintage Post-Modern Bernhardt Flair Channel 4-Piece Modular Sectional Sofa 1980s
By Steve Chase, Bernhardt
Located in Southampton, NJ
4-Piece channeled modular sofa in the manner of Steve Chase by Bernhardt Flair having beautifully pattered original upholstery that features wind swooshes throughout. In very good vi...
Steel
De Sede ‘DS-15’ Modular Sofa in Patinated Brown Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, sectional sofa with ottoman, model 'DS-15', leather, Switzerland, 1970s. This high-quality sectional sofa designed by De Sede in the 1970s contains six modular elements. It...
Leather
"Todo Modo" by Jean-Michel Wilmotte for Tecno Italy Reversible Chair
By Jean-Michel Wilmotte, Tecno
Located in Hanover, MA
Original vintage (not a re-edition) Todo Modo single slipper chair with completely reversible rotating cylindrical back. Designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte and...
Steel
De Sede ‘DS-15’ Modular Sofa in Patinated Brown Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, sectional sofa, model 'DS-15', leather, Switzerland, 1970s. This high-quality sectional sofa designed by De Sede in the 1970s contains eight modular elements. Its flexible ...
Leather
MEMPHIS "TAWARAYA" Boxing Ring Installation Seating Pod / Masanori Umeda (Japan)
Located in Tinton Falls, NJ
The TAWARAYA Ring by Masanori Umeda for MEMPHIS srl is one of that design movements most famous & critically-discussed pieces from the inaugural MEMP...
Laminate, Wood
Original COR Jalis Ecksofa Design Couch Sofa Module Podest
By COR
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Ecksofa vom deutschen Traditionshersteller COR aus dem Jahr 2017 zum Verkauf an. Es handelt sich um das Modell "Jalis", bei dem die Sitzmodule hier auf z...
Fabric, Wood
B&B Italia "Bend" sectional sofa by Patricia Urquiola
By Patricia Urquiola, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia, the iconic “Bend-Sofa” is celebrated for its sculptural curves, irregular modularity, and striking presence in contemporary interiors. I...
Fabric
Giorgio Montani for Souplina Rare Composition Sectional Sofa in Stainless Steel
By Giorgio Montani, Souplina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giorgio Montani for Souplina, large sectional sofa, reupholstered suede, stainless steel, France, 1970s Rarely does a composition of this scale by Giorgio Montani for Souplina becom...
Stainless Steel
$3,500 / item
Post Modern Modular Seating Group
Located in Raleigh, NC
This is a vintage seating group fully restored in a sturdy woven fabric. These have a unique curved structure with a sculptural look that seem to float...
Upholstery
Organically Shaped Post-Modern Sectional Sofa in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sofa, leather, Europe, 1980s This sofa is fully executed in a black leather that contributes to a unified look. The construction consists of four elements. The sofa embraces...
Leather
Mario Marenco for Arflex Marius&Marius Sofa in Brownish Red Leather
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Marenco for Arflex, 'Marius&Marius' sofa, leather, plastic, lacquered wood, Italy, 1970s The Marius&Marius sofa, designed by Mario Marenco for Arflex in the 1970s, is ...
Leather, Plastic, Wood
$1,125Sale Price / set|75% Off
Custom Three-Piece Sectional Sofa with Brass Base, 1980s Post-Modern
By Craft Associates, Preview, Weiman Preview Furniture, Milo Baughman, Weiman
Located in Round Top, TX
Custom three-piece sectional sofa acquired from a Houston, TX mansion filled with Milo Baughman pieces, from chrome framed dining chairs, coffee tables, a Parsons burl wood dining table...
Brass
$5,370Sale Price|40% Off
1980s Preview Biomorphic Modular Sectional
By Preview
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning modular sectional you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the b...
Upholstery, Wood
IPE Cavalli Italian Sectional Sofa in Colorful Striped Fabric
By Ipe Cavalli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
IPE Cavalli, sectional sofa, fabric, steel, Italy, 1970s This exceptional sectional sofa by IPE Cavalli, crafted in Italy during the 1970s, is a true masterpiece of design and comfo...
Steel
Curved Serpentine Sofa by Directional Furniture
By Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is beyond stunning! Circa 1994, this white sofa features a gorgeous flame stitch upholstery and is equal parts comfortable and beautiful. The sofa features 3 pieces and a w...
Fabric
$17,932Sale Price / set|35% Off
Mah Jong Roche Bobois 11-element sofa by H. Hopfer fabrics Missoni
By Roche Bobois, Missoni, Hans Hopfer
Located in Milano, MI
gorgeous Mah Jong model modular seating set from Roche Bobois. This set produced in the early 2000s comes from prestigious residence and has never been used. the fabrics used are of ...
Cotton, Satin, Velvet
$18,700 / set
Verner Panton for Fritz Hansen 'Pantonova' Sofa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Verner Panton for Fritz Hansen, modular sofa model 'Pantonova' with side tables, metal, fabric, walnut, Denmark, 1970s This sectional sofa, composed of four elements and two side ta...
Metal
French Postmodern Steiner 'Swany' Modular Sofa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sofa 'Swany' by Hugues Steiner and Sylvain Joly for Steiner, polyurethane, foam, France, design 1969 An eye-catching modular sofa in an unconvent...
Foam
Characteristic Italian Modular Sofa in Brown and Beige Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sofa, fabric, Italy, 1970s This charming Italian sofa is made in a characteristic patterned upholstery in brown and beige tones with cord like stitching along the backrests...
Fabric, Wood
Oblong sectional sofa designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Oblong sectional Sofa designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini, Italy. Jasper Morrison creates his furniture with a light touch and yet perfectionally functional. He counts they’...
Fabric, Polystyrene, Foam, Plywood
Vintage De Sede 600 “Non-Stop” Sectional Sofa, Taupe Suede
By De Sede, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger
Located in Toronto, CA
A true icon of 1970s design, the DS-600 “Non-Stop” sofa by De Sede is celebrated for its endlessly modular, serpentine silhouette. This vintage configuration features plush taupe sue...
Suede, Felt, Wood
Postmodern 80s Sectional Sofa, Pink Floral Upholstery, USA, c. 1980s
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A distinctive sectional sofa in the postmodern tradition, crafted with plush upholstery and showcasing a bold curved silhouette with pink floral fabric. This piece blends playful 198...
Upholstery, Foam
Mah Jong Roche Bobois 8-piece sofa by H. Hopfer fine Missoni fabrics
By Roche Bobois, Missoni, Hans Hopfer
Located in Milano, MI
gorgeous Mah Jong model modular seating set from Roche Bobois. This set produced in the early 2000s comes from prestigious residence and has never been used. the fabrics used are of ...
Cotton, Satin, Velvet
Post Modern 1990s Preview Sectional Sofa in Plush Ivory White Bouclé
By Preview
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Large Post Modern Sectional Sofa by Preview professionally reupholstered in highly durable super soft ivory white bouclé. If there was a ever a d...
Bouclé, Upholstery
$2,613Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Rondell Round Sofa in Velvet Fabric for Entrée, 1980
Located in Berlin, DE
The Postmodern Rondell Round Sofa in luxurious velvet fabric, designed in the vibrant 1980s, is an iconic masterpiece of modern design. Its generous, circular shape embraces spontane...
Metal
Antonio Citterio B&B Italia Michel Club Blue Leather Two Piece Modular Sofa 2016
By B&B Italia
Located in Forest Grove, PA
Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia Michel Club modular two modular sofa. Deep blue leather and gray aluminum frame. Included are four, slightly rectangular leather pillows with supp...
Metal
Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte Castell Sectional Sofa in Cognac Leather
By Wiener Werkstätte, Hans Hopfer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte 'Castell' modular sofa, leather, Austria, design 1972 Stunning and sizable modular sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte. This grand ...
Leather
Postmodern Sectional Sofa in Deep Green Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sofa, fabric, Europe, 1970s This beautiful modular sofa, made in Europe in the 1970s, exudes comfort and charm. Wrapped in soft, rich green fabric, it invites you to sink in...
Fabric, Pine
$8,640Sale Price|20% Off
Monumental Vintage 12 Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
They don’t make them like this anymore! This spectacular monumental modular sofa consists of six regular and four rounded corner pieces, plus two rolling ottomans. Designed to form a...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
1980s Postmodern Preview Cloud Sectional Sofa
By Preview
Located in Bensalem, PA
Stunning 3 piece PREVIEW sectional sofa
Upholstery
$14,823Sale Price / set|30% Off
Sofa 4 modules "Pianura" M.Bellini for Cassina - Italian design 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, MI
Modular sofa model Pianura made in 1975 by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Light Walnut Wood frame and green velvet upholstery. A sofa with elegant lines and the most natural materials, P...
Velvet, Wood
Italian Sectional Sofa in Red Orange Patterned Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sectional sofa, fabric, beech, Italy, 1970s. This Italian modular sofa is designed in the seventies and contains six elements. Therefore, the sofa becomes very versatile as it allow...
Fabric, Beech
$5,493Sale Price|34% Off
Vintage Large Two-Piece Postmodern Curved Sectional
Located in Medina, OH
Beautiful vintage two-piece Postmodern Curved Sectional in its original unique fabric - An off-white performance fabric with a textured swirl design. In great condition but it is vin...
Fabric
Seven Salotti Modular Sofa in Cognac Colored Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Seven Salotti modular sofa, plastic, leather, Italy, 1970s This modular sofa by Italian maker Seven Salotti dates from the 1970s and showcases the era’s relaxed and sculptural appro...
Leather, Plastic
Postmodern 'Sity' Modular Sectional Sofa, Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, 1972
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in Zagreb, HR
An amazing, rare and early production, three-piece modular Sity sofa designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia. Original upholstery, leather pole armrests, loose back and seat cushions, pink upholstered frames. Original B&B Italia labels. This sculptural Memphis sofa...
Leather, Fabric
$2,400Sale Price / set|29% Off
Weiman Sculptural Post Modern Sectional - 5 Pieces
By Weiman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A five piece post modern sectional attributed to Weiman. Sculptural silhouette, with four single modules and one corner piece. Original upholstery as found. Reupholstery recommended....
Upholstery
1980s Italian Salotti Natuzzi Post Modern Beige Modular 3Pieces Sectional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1990s with this exquisite beige leather modular three pieces sectional. The ultra rare sectional exudes an air of luxury and re...
Leather, Wood
$5,500 / set
Post Modern 6 Piece Modular Sofa
By Rolf Benz
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Great 6 piece Post Modern modular sectional sofa attributed to Rolf Benz. A gorgeous sofa that will make a massive statement. Sofa is being...
Fabric
Roy McMackin Postmodern Romanesque Sectional Sofa, Domestic Furniture, 1990s, US
By Roy McMakin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Roy McMackin Postmodern Romanesque Sectional Sofa, Domestic Furniture, 1990s, USA. Provenance: Commission directly from the artist by the current consignor Sofa: 32.75" H x 83" W...
Textile, Wood
Postmodern Serpentine 3 Piece Sectional Sofa By Weiman
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern Serpentine 3 Piece Sectional Sofa by Weiman Fantastic serpentine 3 piece sectional sofa was manufactured by The Weiman Company of Virginia. The sofa is all original has g...
Upholstery
DS12 Modular Sofa, De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Nashville, TN
DS12 De Sede two-piece modular sofa in an orange-hued colorway. The seats can be attached underneath with a locking mechanism or situated separately as two chairs. In excellent vinta...
Leather
Large Modular "U" Sofa Light Blue Cassina Fiandra - Magistretti 80s
By Cassina
Located in Milano, MI
Large modular 8-module sofa model "Fiandra" designed in 1975 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. wooden frame with shaped polyurethane foam padding. This specimen was produced in the ea...
Velvet, Wood
Mario Bellini Reupholstered 'Camaleonda' Modular Sofa in White Boucle
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, reupholstered 'Camaleonda' sectional sofa, boucle, metal, Italy, design 1970 The iconic Camaleonda sofa is designed by Italian master Mario Bellini for...
Metal
Antonio Citterio B&B Italia Blue Leather Michel Club Modular 2 Piece Corner Sofa
By B&B Italia
Located in Forest Grove, PA
Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia Michel Club modular two piece corner sofa. Deep blue leather and gray aluminum frame. Included are two, slightly rectangular leather pillows with supp...
Metal
$5,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
1990s Maurice Villency Serpentine Sectional Sofas- Set of 2
Located in Charleston, SC
Wowzers! This is one sexy and funky set of sofas. Designed by Maurice Villency in the early 1990’s. I personally love the upholstery but if python is too wild for you, these will...
Metal