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.
De Sede DS-600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa in Brown Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ueli Berger, Eleonora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt for De Sede, 'Snake' sectional sofa, model 'DS-600', leather, Switzerland, 1970 Designed by Ueli Berger, Eleonora Ped...
Leather
Italian Bulky Low-Slung Modular Sofa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Avilla, modular sofa, fabric, beech, Italy, 1980s This bulky, low-slung sectional sofa captures the relaxed confidence of Italian design in the 1980s. Rather than appearing light, r...
Fabric, Beech
Large-Scaled Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois Modular 'Mah Jong' Sofa in Wool
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, 'Mah Jong' modular sofa, wool, France, designed in 1971 The Mah Jong sofa, designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in 1971, is one of the most recogni...
Wool
Wiener Werkstätten 1970s Modular Organic Sofa in Colorful Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wiener Werkstätten, modular sofa, fabric, plastic, Austria, 1970s This modular sofa by Wiener Werkstätten captures something of the freedom and optimism of the 1970s. Its low, gener...
Fabric, Plastic
Hans Hopfer for Neue Wiener Werkstätte 'Castell' Sectional Sofa
By Hans Hopfer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Neue Wiener Werkstätte 'Castell' modular sofa, fabric, plastic, Austria, design 1972 Stunning modular sofa designed by Hans Hopfer for Neue Wiener Werkstätte. This s...
Fabric, Plastic
Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti Confidential Corner Sofa in Burgundy Leather
By Saporiti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti, sectional sofa, model 'Confidential', leather, Italy, 1972 In 1972, Italian architect and furniture designer Alberto Rosselli designed a distinctive s...
Leather
Mario Marenco for Arflex Modular 'Marechiaro' Three-Seat Sofa in Wool
By Mario Marenco, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Marenco for Arflex, modular three-seater sofa, model 'Marechiaro', wool, plastic, metal, Italy, circa 1976. This well-designed sofa by Mario Marenco for Arflex is fully execut...
Metal
Rare Large-Scale De Sede DS 11 Modular Sofa Consisting of Sixteen Elements
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, modular 'DS-11' sofa, leather, beech, Switzerland, 1970s Monumental DS-11 modular sofa by De Sede, produced in Switzerland during the 1970s. This exceptionally large compos...
Leather, Beech
1970s 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
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois Croissant Sofa with Lounge Chair Off-White Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, sofa with lounge chair reupholstered fabric, France, late 1970s The Croissant sofa with lounge chair, designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, epito...
Fabric
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
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
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
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
Bernhardt Design Flair Modular Sofa or Lounge Chairs, pair in Boucle Upholstery
Located in Chicago, IL
Bernhardt Design "Flair" sofa, or pair of lounge chairs. Sold as a two-piece set. Made in USA, circa late 1950's with updated upholstery Bouclé upholstery, wood feet Condtion: Ove...
Bouclé
Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate 'Down' Sectional Sofa
By Rossi di Albizzate, Carlo Bartoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, sectional sofa model 'Down', fabric, lacquered wood, Italy, 1973 This design truly resembles the ethos of the seventies – a bright and bold era...
Fabric, Wood
Rimo Maturi for Mimo Padova Sofa Model ´Nuvolone´ in Brown Leather
By Mimo Padova
Located in Waalwijk, NL
RImo Maturi for Mimo Padova, ´Nuvolone´ sofa, leather, Italy, 1970s Stunning modular sofa by Italian designer Rimo Maturii for manufacturer Mimo Padova. The 'Nuvulone', meaning 'cl...
Leather
Modular sectional “Lowseat” sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso, circa 2000
Located in View Park, CA
The « Lowseat » sectional modular sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso, Italy circa 2000. In four parts; featuring tubular stainless steel frame and fabric in varying shades of gray....
Steel
$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 sold as found, reupholstery is needed b...
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 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
$18,000
DESIGN STUDIO Sectional
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking postmodern sectional sofa by Design Studio, upholstered in a rich ochre bouclé that brings warmth and texture to its bold, architectural silhouette. The generously proport...
Bouclé
Large Rolls Modular Sectional Sofa by Missoni for Chateau d'Ax, Italy
Located in Izegem, VWV
This incredible ten piece Rolls sofa was created by Chateau d'Ax, Brianza, Italy and offers ultimate flexibility and customization. The set exists of 3 corner elements (90x90cm), 4 ...
Mohair
$396Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
$3,160Sale Price / set|20% Off
1980s Weiman Customized Curved Serpentine Sectional
By Weiman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s with this exquisite Weiman three pieces sectional sofa. The ultra rare sectional exudes an air of luxury and refinement. ...
Upholstery, Wood
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
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
$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
Cassina Veranda 3 seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti
Located in Bern, BE
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...
Steel, Metal
Swany Sofa by Hugues Steiner for Steiner
Located in Chicago, IL
c 1970s. France. Modular 6 piece sectional sofa, reupholstered in brown wool. New veg tanned leather straps. Tagged Single Pieces: 26L 36W 26H Inside Corner Pieces: 36L 36W 26H Out...
Wool
Monumental Postmodern Curved Gray Leather Sectional Sofa by Capitol for Rowe
Located in Rochester, NY
A monumental postmodern curved leather sectional sofa by Capitel Leathers, a division of Rowe Furniture Corp., dating to the late 20th century. Upholstered in supple gray leather wi...
Leather
$800Sale Price / set|76% 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
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
1990s Salotti Post Modern Two Toned Black Graphite Leather 3 Pieces Sectional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1990s with this exquisite two toned blavk and graphite leather three pieces sectional sofa. The ultra rare floating style secti...
Leather, Wood
$11,182Sale Price|20% Off
1980s B&B Italia Antonio Citterio Sity Sofa Sectional in Maroon and Eggshell
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in Basel, BS
Magnificent and very comfortable vintage Antonio Citterio 1980s Sity Sofa for B&B Italia. The Manufacturer's mark is present. The sofa is completely made of a very high quality eggsh...
Metal
Postmodern Italian Sectional Sofa in Blue and Off-White Dots Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sofa, fabric, brushed metal, Italy, 1970s A postmodern design of Italian origin with an ingenious construction comprised of three seating elements and five/six loose backres...
Metal
$16,400 / set
IPE Cavalli Italian Sectional Sofa in Red Upholstery
By Ipe Cavalli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
IPE Cavalli, sectional sofa, fabric, metal, Italy, 1970s This exceptional sectional sofa by IPE Cavalli, crafted in Italy during the 1970s, is a true masterpiece of design and comfo...
Metal
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
Modular sofa in tweed by Strafor, France - 1980s
Located in Uccle, Bruxelles
Stunning Strafor modular sofa from the 1980s. This sofa consists of 6 interchangeable modules. It is upholstered in a beautiful beige tweed fabric that is in very good condition. I...
Fabric
Large Howard Keith Custom 'Cloud' Sofa 440cm/173in
By Howard Keith
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Howard Keith for HK Furniture, special order custom 'Cloud' sofa, velvet, United Kingdom, 1970s Stunning Howard Keith for HK Furniture “Cloud” modular sofa, made in the 1970s. This ...
Fabric
"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
1980s Postmodern Preview Cloud Sectional Sofa
By Preview
Located in Bensalem, PA
Stunning 3 piece PREVIEW sectional sofa
Upholstery
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
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
$8,365Sale Price|30% Off
1990s Preview Weiman Curved Serpentine Sectional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning three pieces sectional you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of ...
Metal
TAWARAYA "Boxing Ring" Seating Pod by Masanori Umed, Memphis Design, Japan, 1983
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
$22,456Sale Price|20% Off
Roche Bobois Mah Jong Sectional Sofa by Hans Hopfer, Multicolor
By Roche Bobois
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Roche Bobois "Mah Jong" – Modular corner sofa, designed by Hans Hopfer, 2000s A modular arrangement consisting of 12 seats and 6 backrests, configured in a corner layout. Designed by...
Cotton, Satin, Velvet
1970s Post-Modern Lounge Chairs in Beige Patterned Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular lounge chairs, fabric, wood, Belgium, 1970s These superb modular lounge chairs originate from 1970s Belgium and beautifully capture the post-modern spirit of the era, marked...
Fabric
Kwok Hoi Chan for Steiner ´Chromatic´ Modular Elements
By Kwok Hoi Chan, Gilbert Steiner
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kwok Hoi Chan for Steiner, elements, model ´chromatic´, fabric, France, 1970 A postmodern design by Kwok Hoi Chan created in 1970 for Steiner. Design in the seventies was all about ...
Fabric
Mah Jong Sofa in ‘Kenzo Takada’ Fabric by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois France
By Hans Hopfer
Located in Wien, AT
Designed by Hans Hopfer in 1971 for Roche Bobois, the Mah Jong sofa remains one of the most influential and recognizable seating systems of the 20th century. Conceived as a collectio...
Fabric
Mah Jong 4-seater corner sofa, 12-piece set - velvet and cotton by Roche Bobois
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The "Mah Jong" modular sofa, designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, is a French design icon that debuted in 1971 and has been in continuous production ever since. A low, fully mod...
Cotton, Velvet
Custom Italian Postmodern Vico Magistretti Style Large 2-Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Custom Italian Postmodern Vico Magistretti Style Large 2-Piece Sectional Sofa Striking custom Italian Postmodern two-piece sectional in the style of Vico Magistretti, featuring a bo...
Fabric
Monumental Stacked Modular Sectional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Reupholstered and refoamed completely. Armless section: 34.5L 41.5W 29.25H 15.5SH Corner se...
Fabric
Vintage Kreiss Boucle Chenille Sectional Sofa
By Kreiss
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Experience the ultimate in relaxed luxury with this monumental U-shaped sectional sofa by the renowned manufacturer Kreiss. Embodying the iconic "California Look," this piece feature...
Fabric, Bouclé, Chenille, 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
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
HABANA Sectional Sofa by Stanley Jay Friedman for Brueton, 1980
By Brueton
Located in Chicago, IL
HABANA Sectional Sofa by Stanley Jay Friedman for Brueton, 1980 Reupholstered Each section measures 35" deep, 26" wide 27" tall 17" seat height. That is the 4 sections and 2 ottomans
Upholstery, Velvet
Italian Modular Sofa in Metal and Patterned Grey Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sofa, fabric, metal, wood, Italy, 1970s This beautiful Italian sectional sofa showcases the bold and eccentric design choices of the 1970s, highlighted by its striking uphol...
Metal
Channelled Sectional Sofa by Bernhardt Flair
By Bernhardt
Located in Hanover, MA
4-Piece channeled modular sofa in the manner of Steve Chase by Bernhardt Flair having off white original upholstery with pale grey swooshes throughout. The cushions are soft yet buoy...
Upholstery
Vintage Maralunga Style Modular Beige Leather Sofa, 1987
By Lane Furniture, Cassina, B&B Italia, De Sede
Located in Lutz, FL
Lane HTB custom ordered 4 piece modular Post Modern Sectional Sofa. Single owner, custom ordered in cream/beige leather in 1987 and rarely used. Great lines and silhouette similar It...
Leather, Fabric