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.
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
$2,950 / item
Sectional Sofa Elements in Leatherette
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sectional sofa elements or lounge chairs, leatherette, beech, Europe, 1980s. A set of modular sofa elements in a beige leatherette. Their geometrical shape contributes to the striki...
Faux Leather, Beech
Vintage Maralunga Style Modular Beige Leather Sofa, 1987
By De Sede, Lane Furniture, Cassina, B&B Italia
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
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
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
Mah Jong Roche Bobois 8-piece sofa by H. Hopfer fine Missoni fabrics
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer, Missoni
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
Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte Castell Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather
By Hans Hopfer, Wiener Werkstätte
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
$19,600 / item
De Sede 'Pagoda' DS-19 Sectional Sofa in Black Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, sofa, model 'Pagoda' DS-19, leather, Switzerland, 1973-1979 A three-seater sofa with exceptional quality designed by De Sede in the 1970s. Upholstered in black leather, it...
Leather
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’Urb...
Fabric
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
$21,217Sale Price / set|25% 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
$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
Vintage Thayer Coggin for Milo Baughman Semi-Circular 3-Piece Sectional Sofa
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Make a bold statement with this exceptional vintage Thayer Coggin for Milo Baughman three-piece sectional sofa. Featuring an impressive curved, semi-circular design, this iconic sect...
Upholstery
Monumental Postmodern 4-Piece Sectional Sofa in Chenille Jacquard, 9-Seat
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
Monumental Postmodern Four-Piece Sectional Sofa in Textured Maze Jacquard A monumental late-20th-century Postmodern four-piece sectional sofa, custom-crafted for expansive luxury in...
Chenille, Foam, Hardwood
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
'Veranda' 3-Seater Fabric Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1980s
Located in Almelo, NL
This multicolored and adjustable sofa was designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, circa 1980s. This smart and highly desirable Italian design features seats that are upholstered wi...
Steel
1980s Roche Bobois Yellow Leather Down Navy Blue Sectional Sofa
By Roche Bobois
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s with this exquisite yellow calf leather and navy stripe corduroys cushions. This design truly resembles the ethos of the ...
Chrome
$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
Vintage "T.O." Modular White Sofa by Tecnosalotto, Italy, 1970s, Set of 3
Located in Quarrata, IT
A rare "T.O." model modular sectional sofa, designed and manufactured by Tecnosalotto in Mantua, Italy, circa 1970. The design showcases a remarkable ability to blend organic, cloud-...
Fabric, Chenille
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
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
$13,927Sale Price / set|30% Off
Sofa "Pianura" M.Bellini for Cassina 70s 4 seats wood and green velvet
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Milano, Lombardia
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
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
Postmodern Serpentine Sectional Sofa By Weiman Newly Reupholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern Vladimir Kagan Style Serpentine 3 Piece Sectional Sofa by Weimann Newly Reupholstered in a Charcoal Alpaca Mohair Velvet Striking postmodern serpentine 3-piece sectional...
Mohair, Velvet
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
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
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
Original De Sede DS 165 Ecksofa Modular Design Couch Leder Creme
By De Sede
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Design Ecksofa vom Schweizer Premiumhersteller de Sede zum Verkauf an. Das traditionsreiche Modell, das hier im äußerst seltenen creme-beige Leder zum Ve...
Steel
$2,614 / 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
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
$15,541 / item
Arm Left Collar Open End 2 Seater Right by Meike Harde
Located in Geneve, CH
Arm left collar open end 2 seater right by Meike Harde Materials: Plywood, Metal, Foam, Elastic Belts, Fabric (Nevotex Icon, 1375 Pine) Dimensions: D 110 x W 177 x H 74 cm Also av...
Metal
$10,812 / 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
$7,083 / 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
1970s Post-Modern Lounge Chair in Beige Patterned Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular lounge chair, fabric, wood, Belgium, 1970s This superb modular lounge chair originates from 1970s Belgium and beautifully capture the post-modern spirit of the era, marked ...
Fabric
$15,541 / item
Arm Right Collar Open End 2-Seater by Meike Harde
Located in Geneve, CH
Arm right collar open end 2-seater by Meike Harde Materials: Plywood, metal, foam, elastic belts, fabric (Nevotex Icon, 1375 Pine) Dimensions: D 110 x W 177 x H 74 cm Also availab...
Metal
1980s Postmodern Curvy Kidney Sofa
Located in Staten Island, NY
Postmodern kidney sofa with unique textile patterns. Custom Made in 1980 in fantastic condition.
Fabric
$8,686 / item
Nakki Lobby Chaise Longue Right by Mika Tolvanen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nakki Lobby Chaise Longue right by Mika Tolvanen. Materials: foam, plywood, elastic belts, memory foam, fabric (Harald 3). Dimensions: D 78 x W 1...
Metal
$6,264 / 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
Kurt Beier Fantasy Island Sofa 3-teilig sectional Couch Design
By Kurt Beier
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und äußerst seltenes Design-Sofa aus den 1980er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das 3-teilige Möbel wurde von Kurt Beier entworfen, trägt den Modellnamen "Fantasy...
Metal
1970 Modular Serpentine Camel Sectional by Thayer Coggin
Located in Staten Island, NY
970 Modular Serpentine Sectional in beautiful camel color, by Thayer Coggin Total length: 160 Total depth: 50 Total height: 30 Seat height: 16 Individual piece, estimated measureme...
Fabric
$10,830 / 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
$11,981 / 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
$8,686 / item
Nakki Lobby Chaise Longue Left by Mika Tolvanen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nakki lobby chaise longue Left by Mika Tolvanen Materials: foam, plywood, elastic belts, memory foam, fabric (Harald 3) Dimensions: D 78 x W 150 x...
Metal
Original Koinor Phoenix Ecksofa Design Couch Anilinleder Braun
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Design Ecksofa vom deutschen Premiumhersteller Koinor zum Verkauf an. Die Polster sind mit hochwertigem Anilinleder bezogen und bieten zusätzlichen Komfo...
Leather, Wood
$6,778Sale Price / set|25% 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
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
$3,012 / 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
$4,888 / 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
1980 Adrian Pearsall style white patterned sectional
Located in Staten Island, NY
2 pieces curvy L-shaped white sectional. They were made with a swirl pattern, custom made in 1980. It can sit 5-6 people comfortably.
Fabric
$18,497 / 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
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
$7,083 / 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
$10,573 / 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
$1,500 / 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
$11,293 / 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
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
Serpentine Custom Made Cloud Sectional by Weiman
By Steve Chase
Located in Staten Island, NY
This sectional is custom made by Weiman (See the label in the last photo) in the style of Vladimir Kagan The sectional has 3 pieces. One of the most unique features of this sectio...
Fabric
$3,604 / item
Nakki Ottoman by Mika Tolvanen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nakki ottoman by Mika Tolvanen Materials: Foam, Plywood, Elastic Belts, Memory Foam, Fabric (Harald 3, 0182) Dimensions: D 80 x W 80 x H 46 cm Also available in different colours ...
Metal
$2,342 / 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
$5,002 / item
Nakki Long Ottoman by Mika Tolvanen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nakki long ottoman by Mika Tolvanen Materials: Foam, plywood, elastic belts, memory foam, fabric (Harald 3, 0182) Dimensions: D 80 x W 150 x H 46 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