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.
$48,169 / item
HAHA Sofa in Suede Leather by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON
Located in Geneve, CH
HAHA Sofa in Suede Leather by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON. Dimensions: W 240 x D 120 x H 75 cm. Materials: Suede leather. Manufactured in France. Biography Christophe Perichon came to des...
Leather, Upholstery
Rare Indigo Blue Leather ‘ISU’ Sofa by Shigeru Uchida for Pastoe, 1995
By Pastoe
Located in Dronten, NL
A rare and important example of late 20th-century Japanese design, this indigo blue leather ‘ISU’ sofa was designed by Shigeru Uchida in 1995 and produced by Dutch manufacturer Pastoe. Uchida’s minimalist sensibility is beautifully paired with Pastoe’s craftsmanship in a piece that is both sculptural and understated. The sofa features its original indigo blue leather upholstery—a highly uncommon and sought-after colorway—paired with a distinctive black anodized aluminum frame. The monumental aluminum legs emphasize the sofa’s clean lines and low, elegant profile, while the gently curved arms and generous seating reflect Uchida’s refined approach to comfort and proportion. The piece retains its original Pastoe label, confirming authenticity. It is well-preserved with appropriate patina and excellent structural integrity. Works from Uchida’s ISU series seldom surface on the market, especially in this condition, finish, and color. An exceptional acquisition for collectors of Japanese modernism and notable 20th-century furniture, this Uchida for Pastoe ISU...
Aluminum
Original Rolf Benz Ecksofa Dono 6100 Couch Design Sofa Leder rot
By Rolf Benz, DONÓ Design
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Rolf Benz Dono 6100 Ecksofa mit rotem Lederbezug zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa zeichnet sich aus durch seine moderne und praktis...
Leather, Wood
"Keflavik" Sculptural Sofa by Sigurdur Gustafsson for Källemo AB, 2000s
By Källemo
Located in Rīga, LV
"Keflavik" sofa by Sigurdur Gustafsson for Källemo AB, 2000s. Signed and numbered 6/99. Solid mahogany, dark blue leather upholstery, black/blue steel back. An architectural central piece...
Metal
Jay Spectre Channeled Postmodern Sofa Loveseat
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jay Spectre Channeled Postmodern Sofa Loveseat This loveseat measures: 67 wide x 40 deep x 27.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 26.75 inches Good Vintage Co...
Upholstery
"Nudity" Sculptural Sofa, designed and assembled in Italy by Dario Nasuti
Located in Parma, IT
The Nudity sofa, designed by Dario Nasuti, represents a challenge to the classical canons of upholstered furniture. The name itself, "Nudity," reveals the designer's core intention: ...
Aluminum
Vintage Postmodern Three-seater Sofa in Red Wool and Black Metal, 1980s Italy
Located in Zagreb, HR
Vintage postmodern three-seater sofa in red wool upholstery with a black metal frame. Features a playful design and dismountable construction. Produced in Italy in the 1980s. Overa...
Metal
$19,998 / item
Frank Sofa 160 by Haymann Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Frank Sofa by Haymann Editions Dimensions: D 89.4 x W 160 x H 72 cm. Materials: Upholstery, wood. Available in different fabrics and leathers. Available in 160 cm or 140 cm. With «...
Upholstery, Wood
$30,758 / item
Naksathra 210 cm Sofa in Solid Teak Wood by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Naksathra 210 cm Sofa in Solid Teak Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 210 x D 100 x H 65 cm. Materials: Solid Teak Wood. This listing features our Naksathra Sofa in its 210 cm width c...
Wood, Hardwood, Teak
Studio 65 Bocca or Marilyn Sofa in Red Fabric by Gufram 1970s
By Gufram Furniture, Studio 65
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Bocca or Marilyn sofa with structure in expanded polyurethane foam covered with red fabric, the cover is completely removable. This sofa was designed by Studio 65 and produced by Guf...
Fabric, Foam
Giovanna 230 Sofa in Solid Beech, Feathers and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Giovanna 230 Sofa in Solid Beech, Feathers and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 230 x D 105 x H 72 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, feathers, and high-resilience (...
Foam, Wood, Beech, Feathers
2 Seater Fitz Chesterfield Sofa in Leather with Walnut and Brass by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
2 Seater Fitz Chesterfield Sofa in Leather with Walnut and Brass by Madheke. Dimensions: W 189 x D 90 x H 71 cm. Materials: Leather upholstery, walnut plinth, and traditional brass f...
Brass
$23,182 / item
Yeti Sofa by Vladimir Naumov
By Missana
Located in Geneve, CH
Yeti Sofa by Vladimir Naumov Dimensions: Width 202 - depth 110 - height 82 - seat 44 cm. Materials: Pine wood structure, plywood and tab...
Foam, Pine, Plywood
$11,041 / item
Josephine 280 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Josephine 280 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 103 x W 280 x H 83 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery and wild silk. Available in all M...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$3,102 / 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
Pair of Vico Magistretti Cassina black leather Veranda sofas
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of black leather " Veranda " sofas . Designed by Vico Magistretti produced by Cassina distributed by Atelier International (ai) . Each couch has three soft supple leather seats ...
Steel
Original Brühl Roro Sofa Eckcouch Leder small Design grau
By Brühl
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Design Ecksofa vom deutschen Premiumhersteller Brühl zum Verkauf an. Das Modell ist bekannt unter der Modellbezeichnung "Roro" und steht hier in der bege...
Leather
Postmodern Canyon Sofa in Bouclé and Brass by Mavo Atelier, Handmade in Portugal
By Mavo Atelier
Located in Trofa, PT
The Canyon Sofa is defined by bold contours, softened edges, and thoughtful asymmetry. Its composition is inspired by the fluidity and depth of natural landforms, translated into a s...
Brass
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Razzle Dazzle Fabric by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Razzle Dazzle Fabric by Alter Ego Studio Dimensions W 260 cm D 120 cm H 85 cm Product features Product options: Upholstery: Available in all Alter Ego leat...
Fabric
Postmodern Italian Living Room in the Style of Gerrit Rietveld, 1980s
Located in NAPOLI, NP
An important Italian living room set from the 1980s, consisting of a three-seater sofa and two matching armchairs, designed in the style of Gerrit Rietveld’s Neoplastic movement. Th...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Mauro Lipparini KRISTALL Collection Italian Loveseat Sofa for i4 Mariani
By Mauro Lipparini, i4 Mariani
Located in North Miami, FL
This exceptional heavy chrome, two-seat sofa is deep and comfortable with original fabric and leather straps - original label. The leather straps wrapped around the steel frame of t...
Chrome
$12,270 / item
Fringes 280 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Fringes 280 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 100 x W 280 x H 91 cm. SH: 47 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery and fringes. Available in all Munna...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Robert Venturi Grandma Sofa in the Original Tan / Taupe Leather for Knoll.
By Knoll, Robert Venturi
Located in Kansas City, MO
A single Robert Venturi matching leather Grandma Sofa manufactured by Knoll, 1980s. Very good original condition. No tears or scuffs to the leather. Light signs of use. Minimal hone...
Leather
Baalbek, Trapezoidal Sofa Daybed by Toad Gallery, bespoke edition
By Toad Gallery
Located in London, GB
A decadent three-seat sofa daybed of sculptural trapezoidal form inspired by the fallen architectural ruins of the ancient city of Baalbek, a Levantine outpost on the Roman frontier....
Ash
$2,716 / item
Slay Sofa by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
Slay Sofa by DAaZ Dimensions: D 105 x W 338 x H 66 cm. Materials: Wood, fabric. 1 x Module A 1 x Module C Available in other modules combinations. Please contact us. DAaZ Furnitur...
Fabric, Wood
$11,708 / item
Small Baixo Sofa by Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Baixo Sofa by Wentz Dimensions: D 105 x W 200 x H 58 cm Materials: Wood, Upholstery. 2 cushions included The Baixo sofa proposes a different way of sitting. An invitation to c...
Upholstery, Wood
$62,921 / item
Verneuil 3 Seats Sofa by Haymann Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Verneuil 3 Seats Sofa by Haymann Editions Dimensions: D 97 x W 518 x H 80 cm (Dimensions may vary). Materials: Lacquered wood, upholstery. 2 x Module A 1 x Module B 2 x Side tables The Verneuil sofa...
Upholstery, Wood
$8,371 / item
Josephine 230 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Josephine 230 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 103 x W 230 x H 83 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery and wild silk. Available in all M...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$19,260 / item
Ferdinand 350 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Ferdinand 350 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 185 x W 350 x H 80 cm. SH: 41 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet and brushed brass. Available in all M...
Brass
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Three-Seater Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Three-Seater Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 100 x W 235 x H 65 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood, rope, and Ethereal fabric. The Cal...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
$37,408 / item
Nira L Shaped Sofa in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Nira L Shaped Sofa in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 380 x D 355 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid oak wood. This listing features our Nira L-Sofa expertly crafted from solid o...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
$38,638 / item
Magno American Walnut Sofa by Palena Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Magno American Walnut Sofa by Palena Furniture Dimensions: W 309.88 x D 104.14 x H 78.74 x Seat H 41.91 cm Materials: American Walnut, Black Lacquer, Plush Velvet Upholstery Availab...
Other
$19,881 / item
Jell Sofa Black Fabric by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa by Alter Ego Studio Dimensions W 260 cm D 120 cm H 85 cm Product features Product options: Upholstery: Available in all Alter Ego Studio leathers and fabrics. Availab...
Stone
$3,137 / item
Vibe Sofa M by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
Vibe Sofa M by DAaZ Dimensions: D 94 x W 220 x H 64.5 cm. Materials: Fabric, albizzia wood. Available in 220cm or 280cm. Please contact us. DAaZ Furniture honors the spirit of adve...
Upholstery, Wood
$5,983 / item
Object 083 Sofa by NG Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 083 Sofa by NG Design Dimensions: W 210 x D 100 x H 69 cm Materials: Bouclé Fabric Also Available: All of objects available in different materials and colors on demand. The ...
Bouclé
$7,294 / 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
TEND Sofa in Boucle Fabric, Wood and Steel by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON
Located in Geneve, CH
TEND Sofa in Boucle Fabric, Wood and Steel by CHRISTOPHE PERICHON. Dimensions: W 200 x D 100 × H 70 cm. Materials: Pierre Frey water-repellent bouclé fabric, wood structure, and brus...
Metal, Steel
2x Original Vitra Alcove Highback Zweisitzer Sessel blau Bürosofa
By Vitra
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eins von insgesamt zwei wunderschönen Bürosofas vom deutschen Traditionshersteller Vitra zum Verkauf an. Das Modell nennt sich "Alcove" und steht hier in der begehrten "Hi...
Steel
$9,507 / item
Newman 230 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Newman 230 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 93 x W 230 x H 75 cm. SH: 43 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Steel Blue, CV27 upholstery, and bru...
Brass
Original Leolux Tango Sofa Design Couch Leder schwarz Italy
By Leolux
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zwei-/ Dreisitzer Sofa vom italienischen Premiumhersteller Leolux zum Verkauf an. Das Modell ist bekannt unter der Modellbezeichnung "Tango", besticht du...
Metal
Plywood and Upholstered Cheope Sofa by Dainelli Studio Atelier
Located in Geneve, CH
Plywood and Upholstered Cheope Sofa by Dainelli Studio Atelier Dimensions: W 180 x D 80 x H 67 cm Materials: Plywood, Wood, Upholstery. Sofa with a plywood base finished with a glo...
Upholstery, Wood, Plywood
Wood and Upholstered Meganta Sofa by Dainelli Studio Atelier
Located in Geneve, CH
Wood and Upholstered Meganta Sofa by Dainelli Studio Atelier Dimensions: W 110 x D 290 x H 98 cm Materials: Plywood, Wood, Upholstery. Sofa with a multi-layer wood base finished wi...
Upholstery, Wood, Plywood
$10,549 / item
Hughes 240 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Hughes 240 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 95 x W 240 x H 95 cm. SH: 44 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery, gloss ebony wood veneer upper ...
Brass
$15,455 / item
Embryo Sofa by Studio Christinekalia
Located in Geneve, CH
Embryo sofa by Studio Christinekalia Dimensions: W 200 x D 320 x H 78 cm (seat height 43 cm). Materials: Wood, Macro Plush Fabric. Evolved from the s...
Fabric, Wood
Zeus Sofa in Carmen Leather, Dark Horn & Lacquered Black Wood by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Zeus Sofa in Carmen Leather, Dark Horn & Lacquered Black Wood by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 100 x W 300 x H 88 cm. Materials: Horn, leather, and wood lacque...
Other
Egon Three-Seater Sofa in Leather, Horn, Wood & Upholstery by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Egon Three-Seater Sofa in Leather, Horn, Wood & Upholstery by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 102 x W 335 x H 72 cm. Materials: Horn, upholstery, leather, polyurethane foam, and goose dow...
Other
Mario Bellini Taupe “Le Bambole” Two-Seater Sofa for B&B Italia, 1976
Located in Vicenza, IT
“Bibambola” sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Original vintage version from 1976, recently reupholstered by the previous owner with a light grey fabric. This comfortab...
Cotton, Foam
Original Koinor Schwof Ecksofa Design Couch Bison 69 blau Leder
By Koinor
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Ecksofa vom deutschen Premiumhersteller Koinor aus dem Jahr 2020 zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel besticht durch seine außergewöhnliche Qualität und Funktionali...
Wood
Heracles Sofa in Dark Brown Oak, Patinated Bronze & Linen Fabric by OZA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Heracles Sofa in Dark Brown Oak, Patinated Bronze & Linen Fabric by OZA Design Dimensions: D 90 x W 200 x H 65 cm. SH: 38 cm. Materials: Dark brown oak, bronze, and linen. Availabl...
Bronze
$12,270 / item
Fringes 280 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Fringes 280 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 100 x W 280 x H 91 cm. SH: 47 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery and fringes. Available in all Munna...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$12,270 / item
Fringes 280 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Fringes 280 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 100 x W 280 x H 91 cm. SH: 47 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery and fringes. Available in all Munna...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Ecksofa Brühl Alba Design Sofa Couch mit Recammiere grau
By Brühl
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes dunkelgraues Ecksofa von Brühl zum Verkauf an. Das Modell "Alba" zeichnet sich durch zahlreiche Verstellmöglichkeiten aus. So lassen sich Liegeflächen ve...
Fabric
Rea Three-Seater Sofa in Splendido Velvet Upholstery, Horn & Wood by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Rea Three-Seater Sofa in Splendido Velvet Upholstery, Horn & Wood by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 95 x W 270 x H 86 cm. Materials: Horn, velvet, and wood. Cushions are not included. Pleas...
Other
Cassina Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa Vico Magistretti Stoff kord braun-grau
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes braun-graues Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa in Samt/ Kordstoff von Cassina zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt von Vico Magistretti und gilt bis heute als wahre...
Velvet
$41,214 / item
Lignum Novum Sofa by Justus Knut Schomann
Located in Geneve, CH
Lignum Novum Sofa by Justus Knut Schomann Dimensions: W 150 x D 90 x H 75 cm Materials: Econit Wood, FSC wood, Sanded. Weight: 100 Kg. Justus Kn...
Wood
Kafka Sofa, Solid Oak, and Leather by Cezar Moldovan x Arbore
Located in Geneve, CH
Kafka Sofa, Solid Oak, and Leather by Cezar Moldovan x Arbore Dimensions: W 200 x D 95 x H 70 cm. Material: solid wood, leather upholstery, stainless steel. Wood finishes: Arctic, We...
Stainless Steel
$19,881 / item
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Mizmaze Fabric by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Mizmaze Fabric by Alter Ego Studio Dimensions W 260 cm D 120 cm H 85 cm Product features Product options: Upholstery: Available in all Alter Ego leathers a...
Fabric
$1,510 / item
Lace Cream Sofa with Cushion by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Lace cream sofa with cushion by Mowee. Dimensions: D66 x W135 x H75.5 cm Material: Polyethylene, Stainless Steel Weight: 21 kg Also Available in different colours and finishes. ...
Stainless Steel, Other
$4,098Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Rectangular Red Architectural Sofa, Belgian Design, Prototype, 2000's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Postmodern Rectangular Red Architectural Sofa, Belgian design, unique prototype, early 21st century, faux-leather This postmodern architectural prototype...
Metal
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Sprinkles Fabric by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Sprinkles Fabric by Alter Ego Studio Dimensions W 260 cm D 120 cm H 85 cm Product features Product options: Upholstery: Available in all Alter Ego leathers...
Fabric