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.
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
Postmodern Curved Back Queen Sleeper Retro Patterned Upholstered Sectional Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern Sculptural Curved Back Queen Sleeper Retro Patterned Upholstered Sectional Sofa by Carson's Original Wrapped Queen Pull Out Mattress Dimensions: 119"W x 58.25"D x 36"H ...
Upholstery
$6,489 / 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
$6,360 / item
Flora Middle Module 90 by Yonoh
Located in Geneve, CH
Flora middle module 90 by Yonoh Materials: Plywood, Foam, Webbing, Wood, fabric (Kvadrat Vidar 0323) Dimensions: D 90 x W 90 x H 70 cm Also available in different colours and mate...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Plywood
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
$11,955 / item
Disruption Sofa by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Disruption sofa by Domkapa Materials: Fabric (Logone 01). Dimensions: W 444.5 x D 180 x H 80 cm. Also available in different materials. Disruption is a modular sofa, fully upho...
Fabric, Upholstery
$8,468 / 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
$4,266 / 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
$5,029 / 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
$3,415 / item
Nakki Bench by Mika Tolvanen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nakki bench by Mika Tolvanen. Materials: Foam, Plywood, Elastic Belts, fabric (Harald 3, 0143). Dimensions: D 45 x W 120 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
$12,455 / 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
$10,741 / 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
$10,989 / item
Nakki Seater 2 by Mika Tolvanen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nakki seater 2 by Mika Tolvanen. Materials: Foam, plywood, elastic belts, memory foam, fabric (Harald 3, 0182). Dimensions: D 78 x W 180 x H 83 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
$7,243 / item
Nakki Seater 1 by Mika Tolvanen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nakki seater 1 by Mika Tolvanen. Materials: Foam, Plywood, Elastic Belts, Memory Foam, Fabric (Harald 3, 0182). Dimensions: D 78 x W 97 x H 83 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
$6,749 / item
Nakki Lobby Corner Module by Mika Tolvanen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nakki lobby corner module by Mika Tolvanen. Materials: foam, plywood, elastic belts, memory foam, fabric (Harald 3). Dimensions: D 78 x W 78 x H 82 cm. Also available in different...
Metal
$3,721 / 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
$2,928 / item
Natural Stand by Me Pouf by Storängen Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural Stand By Me pouf by Storängen Design Dimensions: D 74 x W 74 x H 42 cm Materials: birch wood, fabric. Available in other colors and fabrics. Available to convine with Sta...
Fabric, Birch
Natural and Orange Stand by Me Sofa with Pillows by Storängen Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural and orange 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. A...
Fabric, Birch
$5,264 / item
Shinto Module with Back by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Shinto module with back by Domkapa. Materials: Fabric (Helmand 02), black texturized steel, gold brushed stainless steel. Dimensions: W 100 x D 102 x H 82 cm. Also available in d...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$3,474 / item
Flora Pouf by Yonoh
Located in Geneve, CH
Flora Pouf by Yonoh. Materials: Plywood, foam, webbing, wood, fabric (Kvadrat Vidar 0323). Dimensions: D 66 x W 70 x H 43 cm. Also available in different colours and materials. ...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Plywood
$9,740 / 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
$16,101 / 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
$7,337 / 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
$7,337 / 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
$11,220 / 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
$12,178 / item
Natural and Orange Stand by Me Sofa by Storängen Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural and Orange 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. With fixed...
Fabric, Birch
$2,555 / item
Disruption Module with Back by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Disruption Module with Back by Domkapa Materials: Velvet (Aldan 2928). Dimensions: W 100 x D 100 x H 80 cm. Also available in different materials. Please contact us. Disruptio...
Upholstery, Velvet
$2,685 / 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
$2,709 / item
Bob Mod 3 Seating by Dovain Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Bob Mod 3 seating by Dovain Studio Dimensions: H 39 x W 80 x D 100 x SH 39 cm Materials: Velvet, Wood Dovain Studio Creative direction by Sergio Prieto, a Spanish artist-design...
Velvet, Wood
$4,251 / item
Bob Mod 1 Seating by Dovain Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Bob Mod 1 seating by Dovain Studio Dimensions: H 65 x W 80 x D 100 x SH 39 cm Materials: velvet, wood Dovain Studio Creative direction by Sergio Prieto, a Spanish artist-design...
Velvet, Wood
$8,468 / 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
$19,151 / item
Collar 2 Seater Pine by Meike Harde
Located in Geneve, CH
Collar 2 seater pine by Meike Harde. Materials: plywood, metal, foam, elastic belts, fabric (nevotex icon, 1375 pine). Dimensions: D 110 x W 210 x H 74 c...
Metal
$5,194 / item
Collar Ottoman Pine by Meike Harde
Located in Geneve, CH
Collar ottoman pine by Meike Harde Materials: Plywood, metal, foam, elastic belts, fabric (Nevotex Icon, 1375 Pine) Dimensions: D 87.5 x W 106.5 x H 40 c...
Metal
$16,101 / 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
$5,111 / item
Flora Middle Module 66 by Yonoh
Located in Geneve, CH
Flora middle module 66 by Yonoh Materials: plywood, foam, webbing, wood, fabric (Kvadrat Vidar 0323) Dimensions: D 90 x W 66 x H 70 cm Also available in different colours and mate...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Plywood
$1,507 / set
Set of 2 Flora Armrest Cushion by Yonoh
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 flora armrest cushion by Yonoh Materials: Foam, Fabric (Kvadrat Vidar 0323) Dimensions: D 16 x H 41 cm Also available in different colours and materials. The founders...
Fabric, Foam