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 Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Zanotta 'Settebello' Sectional Sofa
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Zanotta
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gionathan de Pas, Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi for Zanotta, 'settebello' modular sofa, fabric, polyurethane, Italy, 1974 A postmodern design by Gionathan de Pas, Donato D’Urbino ...
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
Mah Jong Roche Bobois 8-piece sofa by H. Hopfer fine Missoni fabrics
By Roche Bobois, Missoni, Hans Hopfer
Located in Milano, Lombardia
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
1970s Guido Fareschini /Mariani Modular Lounge Set for Pace
By Pace Collection, Guido Faleschini
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
Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte Castell Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather
By Wiener Werkstätte, Hans Hopfer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte 'Castell' lounge chair, leather, Austria, design 1972 Stunning and sizable lounge chair designed by Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte. This grand ...
Leather
Corner Sofa "Cardigan" designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, red leather
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a spectacular and exceptionally rare sofa designed by Vico Magistretti. Apart from a stanning tone of red leather this sofa is upholstered with, what ma...
Leather
Vintage Postmodern Beige Leather 6 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa
Located in Lutz, FL
Lane HTB custom ordered 6 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
$2,524Sale 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
1980s B&b Italia Antonio Citterio Sity Sofa Sectional in Green and Eggshell-- 2
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 e...
Metal
$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
Sectional Anthracite Gray Leather Sofa DS-18 by De Sede, Switzerland 1980s
By De Sede
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a gorgeous Sectional Leather Sofa, model DS-18, designed and manufactured by De Sede Switzerland. Crafted with the utmost attention to detail, this leat...
Faux Leather, Wood
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
Felicerossi Italian Post-Modern Sectional Sofa, 1970s
By Felicerossi
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rare Felicerossi Italian post-modern sectional sofa in brown and beige fabric upholstery, produced in the 1970s. This organically shaped modular model consists of three units that ...
Metal
Muller Van Severen x KASSL Edition Rare "Pillow Sofa"
By BD Barcelona Design, Muller Van Severen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a extremely rare KASSL edition "pillow sofa" by the Belgian design duo Muller Van Severen. This set is comprised of a two seat sofa with an addition third chair that can att...
Cotton, Upholstery, Wood, Coating
$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
$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
$22,632Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
1980s Thayer Coggin Chenille Modular Curved Sectional Slipper Chairs
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare postmodern three pieces curved modular sectional attributed to Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. This beautiful colorful sectional is stat...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Postmodern Sofas by Directional Furniture, 1980
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Directional furniture model 4760L & 4760R sofas. Opposite swooping backs with big chunky bases. Newly upholstered.
Upholstery
Postmodern Upholstered L-Shaped Chaise Lounge Metal Leg Sectional by Carsons
By Carsons
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern Retro Upholstered L-Shaped Chaise Lounge Metal Leg Carsons Sectional Sofa - 2 Piece Set Dimensions: 110"L x 84.25"D x 26"H Chaise: 26"H x 34.5"D x 84.25"L SH: 15.5"H AH...
Upholstery
$7,431Sale Price / set|20% Off
Optical velvet modular sofa mod. Calida Arch. Judges for COIMA 1970s
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Gorgeous 1970s multicolored velvet modular sofa. Designed by Architect Giudici for Coima. the sofa is characterized by a beautiful shape with rounded edges. The upholstery in a bea...
Velvet
Camaleonda Three-Seater in Boucle Wool with 2 Armrests by Mario Bellini, 1970's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda, Mario Bellini, vintage; modular camaleonda, newly reupholstered in bouclé wool; white; Postmodern; Lounge chair; Sofa; Seating element; Italian design classics; Postm...
Wool, Foam
$7,280 / item
Misty Beige Lupin Sofa by Nelson Araujo
Located in Geneve, CH
Misty Beige Lupin Chair by Nelson Araujo Dimensions: D 89 x W 89 x H 56 cm Materials: Wood, foam, Kvadrat Gentle 2 fabric. Available in Misty Beige, Chestnut, Mustard, and Forest co...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$4,801Sale Price|25% Off
Gaetano Pesce, 'Cannaregio' Armchair, Cassina Italy 1987, Large Pink and Purple
By Gaetano Pesce, Cassina
Located in London, GB
Gaetano Pesce (designer), Italy Cassina (manufacturer), Italy ‘Cannaregio’ armchair with single armrest from the ‘Unequal Suite’, 1986-88 Pink and purple stitched-back fabric on...
Fabric
Preview Sectional Designed by M. Fillmore Harty
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover a blend of comfort and style with this L-shaped sectional sofa designed by M. Fillmore Harty for Preview Furniture. With its three distinct sections, the sofa accommodates up to five people with ease, making it a versatile choice for various settings. Newly re-upholstered in plush foam, it promises a cushioned seating experience. The sofa shines with its sophisticated eggplant-colored mohair upholstery, adding a touch of elegance to any living space. A unique feature is its geometrically curved...
Mohair
Camaleonda Sofa Set in Boucle Wool with Armrests by Mario Bellini, 1970's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda, Mario Bellini, vintage; modular camaleonda, newly reupholstered in bouclé wool; white; Postmodern; Lounge chair; Sofa; Seating element; Italian design classics; Postmod...
Wool, Foam
Camaleonda Sectional Sofa by Mario Bellini, Bouclé Wool, Italy, 1972
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mario Bellini, 'Cameleonda' sectional sofa in bouclé wool, Italy, 1972. Re-upholstered Camaleonda piece by Mario Bellini. The listing includes two seating cushions, two back cush...
Wool, Foam
$2,687 / item
BC Sofa by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
BC Sofa by DAaZ Dimensions: D 80 x W 110 x H 76 cm. Materials: Albizzia wood, fabric. DAaZ Furniture honors the spirit of adventure. We embrace the escape of the ordinary and revel...
Upholstery, Wood
Camaleonda Lounge Chair in Boucle Wool by Mario Bellini, Sectional Sofa, 1970's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda, Mario Bellini, vintage; modular camaleonda, newly reupholstered in bouclé wool; white; Postmodern; Lounge chair; Sofa; Seating element; Italian design classics; Postm...
Wool, Foam
$11,112 / item
Bob Sofa by Dovain Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Bob Sofa by Dovain Studio Dimensions: H 76 x W 240 x D 100 x SH 39 cm Materials: Velvet, Wood Dovain Studio Creative direction by Sergio Prieto, a Spanish artist-designer who w...
Velvet, Wood
$11,607 / item
Yellow Moreto Sofa by Dovain Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Yellow Moreto Sofa by Dovain Studio. Dimensions: H 84 x W 240 x D 96 x SH 39 cm. Materials: Fabric, Wood. Dovain Studio Creative direction by Sergio Prieto, a Spanish artist-de...
Fabric, Wood
1980s Post-Modern Sectional Sofa in Light Mauve Leather
Located in Lancaster, PA
This is a Post-Modern Leather Sectional Sofa, consisting of three parts. There are two outer sections, and a curved center section. The design is reminiscent of Roche Bobois, but no ...
Steel
$11,607 / item
White Moreto Sofa by Dovain Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
White Moreto ssofa by Dovain Studio Dimensions: H 84 x W 240 x D 96 x SH 39 cm Materials: fabric, wood Dovain Studio Creative direction by Sergio Prieto, a Spanish artist-desig...
Fabric, Wood
$4,907 / item
Nakki Long Bench by Mika Tolvanen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nakki tall bench by Mika Tolvane. Materials: foam, plywood, elastic belts, fabric (Harald 3, 0143). Dimensions: D 45 x W 200 x H 51 cm. Also available in different colours and materials. The founders, Mia and Torben Koed, decided to put their 30 years of experience into a new project. It was time for a change and a new challenge. The challenge was to build an ambitious design brand from the ground up with high-quality materials and great attention to the little details. With a drive to create new originals, the WOUD collection is founded upon the idea to look ahead instead of looking back and share the love for honest design. Therefore, we are eager to discover and develop new ideas whether it being in form, function or choice of material. Studio Tolvanen...
Metal
$3,365 / item
Nakki Tall Bench by Mika Tolvanen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nakki tall bench by Mika Tolvane Materials: Foam, plywood, elastic belts, fabric (Harald 3, 0143) Dimensions: D 45 x W 120 x H 51 cm Also available in different colors and materials. The founders, Mia and Torben Koed, decided to put their 30 years of experience into a new project. It was time for a change and a new challenge. The challenge was to build an ambitious design brand from the ground up with high-quality materials and great attention to the little details. With a drive to create new originals, the WOUD collection is founded upon the idea to look ahead instead of looking back and share the love for honest design. Therefore, we are eager to discover and develop new ideas whether it being in form, function or choice of material. Studio Tolvanen...
Metal
Original Koinor Marylin Ecksofa Leder Sofa Designer Couch grün
By Koinor
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Design Ecksofa vom deutschen Premiumhersteller "Koinor" zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa rund drei Jahre junge Sofa wurde professionell neu aufbereitet und besti...
Leather, Wood
$11,131 / item
Blue Stand by Me Sofa with Pillows by Storängen Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue stand by me sofa with pillows by Storängen Design. Dimensions: D 222 x W 74 x H 73 x SH 42 cm Materials: birch wood, fabric. Available in ot...
Fabric, Birch
$12,314 / item
Blue Stand by Me Sofa by Storängen Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue stand by Me sofa by Storängen Design Dimensions: D 222 x W 74 x H 73 x SH 42 cm Materials: birch wood, fabric. Available in other colors and fabrics...
Fabric, Birch
$4,826 / item
Nakki Lobby Seater 1 by Mika Tolvanen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nakki Lobby seater 1 by Mika Tolvanen. Materials: Foam, Plywood, Elastic Belts, Memory Foam, Fabric (Harald 3). Dimensions: D 78 x W 68 x H 82 cm. Also a...
Metal
$8,700Sale Price / set|40% Off
1990s Beige American Leather Curved Sectional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Extremely rare and one of kind postmodern three pieces sculptural sectional for American Leather. American Leather Studio metal button; American Leather Studio tag. This beautiful Butter color...
Leather, Wood
Original Brühl Moule Ecksofa Design Couch Leder weiß klappbar
By Brühl
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Design Ecksofa vom deutschen Traditionshersteller Brühl zum Verkauf an. Es handelt sich um das Modell "Moule", das sich durch Klappfunktionen und die Rot...
Steel, Chrome
1980s Attributed to Milo Baughman Slippers Modular Tweed Sectional
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
Kave Home Ecksofa Design Couch Blok Stoff grau Spanien
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Ecksofa vom spanischen Qualitätshersteller Kave Home zum Verkauf an. Der Neupreis des Sofas liegt bei ca. 2.200€. Zustand: Guter gebrauchter Zustand mit...
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
$9,663 / item
Collar 2 Seater Alpine by Meike Harde
Located in Geneve, CH
Collar 2 seater Alpine by Meike Harde. Materials: Plywood, Metal, Foam, Elastic Belts, Fabric (Textaafoam Alpine, Ivory) Dimensions: D 110 x W 210 x H 74...
Metal
$7,280 / item
Mustard Lupin Sofa by Nelson Araujo
Located in Geneve, CH
Mustard Lupin Chair by Nelson Araujo Dimensions: D 89 x W 89 x H 56 cm Materials: Wood, foam, Kvadrat Gentle 2 fabric. Available in Misty Beige, Chestnut, Mustard, and Forest colors...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$7,280 / item
Chestnut Lupin Sofa by Nelson Araujo
Located in Geneve, CH
Chestnut Lupin Chair by Nelson Araujo Dimensions: D 89 x W 89 x H 56 cm Materials: Wood, foam, Kvadrat Gentle 2 fabric. Available in Misty Beige, Chestnut, Mustard, and Forest color...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$7,280 / item
Forest Lupin Sofa by Nelson Araujo
Located in Geneve, CH
Forest Lupin Chair by Nelson Araujo Dimensions: D 89 x W 89 x H 56 cm Materials: Wood, foam, Kvadrat Gentle 2 fabric. Available in Misty Beige, Chestnut, Mustard, and Forest colors....
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$2,410 / item
Disruption Module Pouf by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Disruption module pouf by Domkapa Materials: velvet (Aldan 2928). Dimensions: W 100 x D 100 x H 40 cm. Also available in different materials. Disruption is a modular sofa, fu...
Upholstery, Velvet
$2,664 / item
Disruption Module Corner by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Disruption Module Corner by Domkapa Materials: Velvet (Aldan 2928). Dimensions: W 100 x D 100 x H 80 cm. Also available in different materials. Please contact us. Disruption i...
Velvet
$6,438 / item
Shinto Module Chaise by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Shinto Module chaise by Domkapa Materials: Fabric (Helmand 02), black texturized steel, gold brushed stainless steel. Dimensions: W 100 x D 162 x H 82 cm. Also available in diffe...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Camaleonda Lounge Chair in Boucle Wool by Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mario Bellini, 'Cameleonda' lounge chair in bouclé wool, Italy 1972. Re-upholstered Camaleonda piece by Mario Bellini. We can supply several pieces. This design became famous al...
Wool, Foam
$27,285 / item
Collar 3 Seater by Meike Harde
Located in Geneve, CH
Collar 3 seater by Meike Harde Materials: Plywood, metal, foam, elastic belts, fabric (Nevotex Icon, 1375 Pine) Dimensions: D 110 x W 281.5 x H 74 cm Al...
Metal
Walter Knoll Ecksofa Modul Couch Living Landscape 730 Leder
By Walter Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eine wunderschöne dreiteilige Leder Sitzgarnitur vom renommierten deutschen Hersteller Walter Knoll zum Verkauf an. Die Module lassen sich individuell stellen, womit das S...
Leather
$19,012 / item
Satin Sofa by Guillaume Alan
Located in Geneve, CH
Satin sofa by Guillaume Alan Dimensions: D 105 x W 350 cm x H 65 cm Materials: Fabric from Guillaume Alan collection French interior design has taken ...
Fabric
$1,542 / item
Black Oak Nakki Lobby Table by Mika Tolvanen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nakki Lobby table by Mika Tolvanen Materials: metal, oak. Dimensions: D 36 x H 65 cm Also available in different colors. The founders, Mia and Torben Koed, decided to put their 30 years of experience into a new project. It was time for a change and a new challenge. The challenge was to build an ambitious design brand from the ground up with high-quality materials and great attention to the little details. With a drive to create new originals, the WOUD collection is founded upon the idea to look ahead instead of looking back and share the love for honest design. Therefore, we are eager to discover and develop new ideas whether it being in form, function or choice of material. Studio Tolvanen...
Metal
Disruption Module with Armrest Right / Left by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Disruption Module with Armrest Right / Left by Domkapa Materials: Velvet (Aldan 2928). Dimensions: W 144.5 x D 100 x H 80 cm. Also available in different materials. Please contac...
Upholstery, Velvet
$7,794 / item
Flora Corner Module by Yonoh
Located in Geneve, CH
Flora corner module by Yonoh. Materials: Plywood, Foam, Webbing, fabric (Kvadrat Vidar 0323). Dimensions: D 90 x W 90 x H 70 cm. Also available in different colors and materials. ...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Plywood
$10,657 / item
Nakki Small Seater 2 by Mika Tolvanen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nakki small seater 2 by Mika Tolvanen Materials: Foam, Plywood, Elastic Belts, Memory Foam, Fabric (Harald 3, 0182) Dimensions: D 75 x W 160 x H 83 cm Al...
Metal
$4,218 / item
Bob Mod 2 Seating by Dovain Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Bob Mod 2 Seating by Dovain Studio. Dimensions: H 76 x W 80 x D 100 x SH 39 cm. Materials: Velvet, Wood. Dovain Studio Creative direction by Sergio Prieto, a Spanish artist-des...
Velvet, Wood