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.
$8,291 / 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
$7,450 / set
1990s Weiman Curved Abstract Sofas, Set of 2
By Weiman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, curved sofas you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best,...
Upholstery, Wood
Sirino Sofa by Walter Knoll for Brayton International
By Walter Knoll, Brayton International
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Cream leather upholstery with distinct monumental frame.
Leather
Mario Bellini Radical Italian Cotton Fabric Le Stelle Sofa for B&B Italia 1970
Located in Conversano, IT
Designed by Mario Bellini and produced by B&B Italia in the late 1970s, Le Stelle is one of the most emblematic creations of Italian design from that decade, an expression of the formal and technological research that defined the celebrated partnership between Bellini and the Novedrate-based company. The sofa stands out for its fluid and enveloping silhouette, built on a supporting structure in iron and steel that holds a cold-moulded polyurethane foam and Dacron® fibre padding—cutting-edge materials developed by B&B Italia in collaboration with its internal research centre during the golden age of Italian industrial design. Its profile, both soft and architectural, opens in a visual embrace: the inclined armrests unfold outward like wings, while the curved backrest and generous cushions define a deep, informal comfort. The name Le Stelle evokes a cosmic dimension, typical of Bellini’s poetic and experimental language, who at the time conceived the sofa as a microcosm of form, function and material. The upholstery is the original period fabric, an elasticised textile with diagonal stripes in shades of pink and salmon—a rare and refined chromatic combination that has preserved its authenticity. The original B&B Italia label, still present beneath the seat, certifies its provenance and the patented materials (Lycra®, Polysoft®, Dacron®), offering direct testimony to the company’s technological philosophy. Beyond its aesthetic value, Le Stelle represents a historical document of Italian radical design, where comfort and experimentation coexist in perfect balance. This example, preserved in its original integrity, is a true collector’s piece for enthusiasts and connoisseurs of 20th-century design, as well as a sculptural and poetic presence in any contemporary interior. It shows minimal signs of age, such as a few lateral marks, documented in the photographs and removable with a specific treatment, but is generally in excellent vintage condition. Product Name: Le Stelle Sofa...
Iron
Doublet sofa by Rob Parry for Gelderland, circa 1960
By Rob Parry
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Doublet bench designed by Dutch designer Rob Parry in the 1950s. This versatile sofa effortlessly transforms into a single bed, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetic appea...
Metal
Tan Leather Cloud Style Sofa with Lucite Leg by Weiman, c 1980s, Signed
By Weiman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful curvy and fluid Post-Modern sofa by Weiman is in soft and luxurious tan colored leather, features a single lucite leg and is signed underneath with a Weiman label. Designed by Robert L. Ebel and produced by Wieman in the 1980s and 90s, this curvaceous sofa was inspired by Vladimir Kagan's designs such as the 'Cloud' sofa by Directional, the 'Serpentine' sofa by Kagan...
Leather, Lucite
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Outdoor Meditation Bed by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Outdoor Meditation Bed by SNOC Dimensions: Ø 200 x H 63 cm. Materials: Aluminium, wicker, and Luminesce fabric. Link-Terra When designi...
Aluminum
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Two-seater Sofa for Gavina, Turquoise Velvet, 1973
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa for Gavina, wood and turquoise velvet, 1973. The Cornaro sofa represents a sublime exemplification of the harmon...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Three-seater Sofa for Gavina, Ivory Velvet, 1973
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa for Gavina, wood and ivory velvet, 1973. The Cornaro sofa represents a sublime exemplification of the harmony between Japanese minimalism and Ultraration...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
Jay Spectre Postmodern Channeled Sofa
By Jay Spectre
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jay Spectre Postmodern Channeled Sofa This sofa measures: 77 wide x 39 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 16 inches We take our photos in a...
Upholstery, Wood
Postmodern 3-Seater Sofa "Newtone" by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Moroso, Italy 1989
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a magnificent postmodern sofa "Newtone" designed by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Moroso. Sofa has beautiful shape with down-dropping backrest which gives it e...
Aluminum
1980s Cassina Maralunga Style Black and Butter Beige Leather Sofa
By Cassina
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1990s with this exquisite two toned beige butter and black leather sofa. The ultra rare three seaters sofa exudes an air of lux...
Leather, Wood
$23,291 / item
Levante Sofa by Francesco Zonca
Located in Geneve, CH
Levante Sofa by Francesco Zonca Numbered series signed Dimensions: D 85 x W 230 x H 71.5 cm Materials: Loro Piana Interiors fabric. The elegance of “Loro Piana Interiors” fabrics co...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$12,152 / item
Fabric Frank Sofa Bed by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Fabric Frank Sofa Bed by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 247 x D 95 x H 80 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply SUSPENSIONS: Elastic belts in rubber and polypropylene SEATS: Polyuret...
Metal
Odysseus Fully Upholstered Sofa in White Linen Fabric by OZA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Odysseus Fully Upholstered Sofa in White Linen Fabric by OZA Design Dimensions: D 112 x W 260 x H 67 cm. SH: 38 cm. Materials: Linen. Available in different material options and fi...
Linen
$6,366 / item
Ut 01 Cowhide and Walnut Sofa by Sing Chan
Located in Geneve, CH
Ut 01 Sofa by Sing Chan Dimensions: W 76 x D 56 x H 67 cm Materials: Cowhide, North American Black Walnut, waxing. Sing Chan ( Chinese: 陈星宇/Xingyu Chen), the founder of SINGCHAN DE...
Upholstery, Walnut
Waterfall Arm Sofa by Interior Crafts
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Made in Chicago by Interior Crafts. Reupholstered in blue lamb chop fabric by Kramer
Fabric
$17,266 / item
Madeleine Round Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Madeleine Round Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 180 x W 180 x H 97 cm. SH: 43 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Satin, ref. Desert, CTS02 upholstery and piping, a...
Foam, Wood, Upholstery
Canapé Modèle 54 par Gae Aulenti pour Knoll – Restauration Bonjour Gallery
By Knoll, Gae Aulenti
Located in Rouen, FR
Canapé deux places Modèle 54, conçu par Gae Aulenti dans les années 1970 pour Knoll International. Icône du design post-moderniste italien, ce modèle se distingue par sa structure tu...
Metal
Post Modern “Mayan” Sofa Designed By Harvey Probber, 1980s
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Original 1983 Harvey Probber “Mayan” Sofa. This iconic design epitomizes the expressiveness of postmodernism in the 1980s. The original black...
Mohair, Foam, Wood
$3,900 / set
Post Modern Pair of Settee's, 1980
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern pair of Sette's, 1980. Original upholstery in great condition.
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Marilyn Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post modern Vladimir Kagan Marilyn Sofa by Directional for Vladimir Kagan in new ivory white bouclé upholstery. Whimsical and happy, Kagan's Marilyn line...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Contemporary Bronze and Mohair Velvet Curved Sofa by Pierre Salagnac, France
Located in London, GB
Élan Curved Sofa by Pierre Salagnac Material: 24K gold-plated bronze, mohair velvet Dimensions: 240 x 120 cm – H 85 cm Year: 2025 Designed for the Creation Grant awarded by the Gran...
Gold, Bronze
$19,690 / item
Jell Sofa in Red Fabric by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa in Red 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 and fabrics. ...
Stone
$17,707 / item
Segno Fabric Sofa 3 Seater by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Segno Fabric Sofa 3 Seater by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 225 x D 90 x H 88 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply, with metal support. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts ...
Foam, Wood
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
1980s Vintage Comfortable Brigantin Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset (1/2)
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Izegem, VWV
This deep seat comfortable 2-seater sofa model Brigantin was created by the famous French designer Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1981. All in foam, covered by a super soft grey/...
Cotton, Foam
$8,144Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dudley II Sofa Handmade in Portugal By Wood Tailors Club Wood Velvet Leather
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
The English cricketer who played as a right-handed batsman, Dudley Long North, represented Worcestershire in first-class cricket during the early 20th century. While North didn't ha...
Leather, Velvet, Wood
Adriano Three-Seater Sofa in Splendido Velvet, Matte Horn & Metal by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Adriano Three-Seater Sofa in Splendido Velvet, Matte Horn & Metal by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 100 x W 300 x H 88 cm. Materials: Horn, velvet, foam, and burnished metal. Cushions are ...
Other, Metal
$2,690 / 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
Contemporary Art Sofa - Consuetudine by Roberto Barni
By Mirabili, Roberto Barni
Located in Pistoia, IT
Sofa - wood, bronze sculptures 99 numbered and signed copies "The blindfold man is a metaphor of life and art: in “CONSUETUDINE” he represents the caryatids that support and delimit...
Bronze
Tacchini Montevideo Sofa Zweisitzer Design Couch Leder braun
By Claesson Koivisto Rune, Tacchini
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zweisitzer Design Sofa vom italienischen Premiumhersteller Tacchini zum Verkauf an. Bekannt unter der Modellbezeichnung "Montevideo" wurde das Möbel von ...
Leather
$16,687 / item
Copacabana Sofa by Duistt
Located in Geneve, CH
Copacabana Sofa by Duistt Dimensions: W 250 x D 98 x H 84 cm Materials: Zinc and Clayton Ivory. With a bohemian look, the Copacabana sofa is the perfect blend of unique style and c...
Fabric, Oak
$1,589Sale Price|30% Off
Blonde Wood Sofa with Clothespin Shaped Accents In The Style of Stickley
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage blonde wood Mission style sofa with clothespin shaped accents along the armrests and back and wicker cane seat in the style of Stickley. Com...
Oak
$3,171Sale Price / item|20% Off
21st Century Simone Modular Armchair Cotton Velvet by Ottiu
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
Nina Simone left an indelible mark on 20th-century music, renowned for her unparalleled interpretations across jazz, blues, soul, folk, and pop genres. Beyond her musical prowess, Si...
Velvet
Cobra/Pipeline sofa by P. Hjort-Lorenzen & Johannes Foersom for Erik Jørgensen
By Johannes Foersom, Erik Jørgensen, Peter Hiort-Lorenzen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The sofa refers to early modernist forms of the Bauhaus period (Perriand), as well as mid-century Scandinavian designs (Nanna Ditzel), adding bold pop era concepts and unexpected fabrics. This Cobra/Pipeline...
Stainless Steel
'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
$10,154 / item
Looïs Bench by Studio Uwe Gaertner
Located in Geneve, CH
Looïs Bench by Studio Uwe Gaertner Dimensions: D 60 x W 210 x H 47 cm. Materials: Solid oak. DESIGN BY STUDIO UWE GAERTNER The furniture collection from Studio Uwe Gaertner is a ha...
Oak
$4,480Sale Price|20% Off
1970's Channeled Leather Sofa by Metropolitan
By Metropolitan
Located in Dallas, TX
Handsome channeled leather sofa with chrome base by San Francisco, CA-based Metropolitan Furniture, c.1970s. The sofa features a polished...
Chrome
$19,690 / item
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Gentle Fabric by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Gentle 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 an...
Fabric
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Armchair for Gavina, Ivory Linen, 1973
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Armchair for Gavina, ivory linen, Italy, 1973 The “Cornaro” armchair, designed by Carlo Scarpa in 1973 for Gavina, distills the essence of architectural think...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
$5,867 / item
Marshmallow Sofa by Rejo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Marshmallow sofa by Rejo Studio Dimensions: D 200 x W 85 x H 40 cm Materials: Chenille upholstery, wood structure. REJO is a design studio based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Ist...
Upholstery, Wood
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Two-seater Sofa for Gavina, Ivory Velvet, 1973
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa for Gavina, wood and ivory velvet, 1973. The Cornaro sofa represents a sublime exemplification of the harmony be...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
Italian Modular Daybeds in Faux Shearling, Mario Bellini Style, 1975
Located in Wien, AT
A striking pair of Italian modular daybeds inspired by the iconic Camaleonda design by Mario Bellini. Combining sculptural presence with everyday functionality, these versatile piece...
Faux Fur
$83,551 / item
Rocksofa Signed Rock Shaped Sofa by Rockstool Paris
Located in Geneve, CH
Rocksofa Signed Rock Shaped Sofa by Rockstool Paris Limited edition of 3 + 1 AP per colors (two Color) Dimensions: W 185 x D 115 x H 75 cm Materials: Stoneware Available in differen...
Stone, Other
$11,480 / 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
Two-Seater "Fantasy" Sofa in Longhair by Kurt Beier, Germany 1980s
By Kurt Beier
Located in Utrecht, NL
This “Fantasy” sofa, designed by Kurt Beier epitomises the avant-garde and experimental nature of postmodern design. Created during a period marked by a break from traditional creati...
Steel
Sculptural Postmodern 3-Seater Sofa "Fantasy Island" designed by Kurt Bayer
By Kurt Bayer
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a very rare magnificent postmodern 3-seater sofa "Fantasy Island" designed by Kurt Bayer. The sofa is done in teak, buffalo leather and steel, creating ...
Steel
$7,491 / item
Fringes 2 Seat Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Fringes 2 Seat Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 100 x W 165 x H 91 cm. SH: 47 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Antique pink, CV28 upholstery, and Ant...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Cassina 'Soriana' Four Seater Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in Bouclé, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
Afra and Tobia Scarpa, soriana, Cassina, Italy 1970s, bouclé wool Manufactured by Cassina in the 1970s, the Soriana collection was meant to express beauty and comfort by using a w...
Chrome
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Right Modular Daybed by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Right Modular Daybed by SNOC Dimensions: D 180 x W 97,5 x H 65 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood, rope, and Ethereal fabric. The...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
Ligne Roset Multy Sofa Schlafcouch Wildleder grün mit Armlehnen
By Claude Brisson, Ligne Roset
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes ausziehbares Design Schlafsofa vom französischen Premiumhersteller Ligne Roset zum Verkauf an. Das Modell wurde von Claude Brisson entworfen, gilt seit J...
Fabric
$8,087 / item
Ernest Sofa by Dare Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ernest sofa by Dare Studio Dimensions: W 180 x D 90 x H 70 x seat H 40 cm Materials: fabric, oak Also available in 3-seat sofa The Ernest sofa is a...
Fabric, Oak
$11,515 / item
Luke 240 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Luke 240 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 110 x W 240 x H 82 cm. SH: 47 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet. Available in all Munna fabrics except Wild Silk....
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$8,350
1970s Mohair Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
this piece is in excellent, restored condition but there is a small flaw in the mohair - see photos for reference
Mohair
$18,904 / item
Morrison 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Morrison 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini Dimensions: W 290 x D 109 x H 55 cm Materials: Solid wood and plywood structure padded with polyurethane foam in different densities. Seat cushio...
Fabric, Upholstery, Plywood
$35,461 / item
Sofa 3 Seat EX, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio
Located in Geneve, CH
Sofa 3 Seat EX, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio Dimensions: W 346.8 x D 106.8 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid Sungkai wood, About: Sebastiano Zilio Italy, 1969 Italian designer and art...
Wood
$6,180 / item
Postmodern Sculptural White Bouclé Sofa Amanecer
By Moanne
Located in Almería, ES
Sofa in White Bouclé. The Amanecer Sofa is a tribute to new beginnings. Its sculptural silhouette, soft yet structured, recalls the gentle rise of two hills catching the first lig...
Bouclé
$25,511 / item
Sofa 2 Seat EX, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio
Located in Geneve, CH
Sofa 2 Seat EX, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio Dimensions: W 250.8 x D 106.8 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid Sungkai wood, About: Sebastiano Zilio Italy, 1969 Italian designer and art...
Wood
$23,470 / item
Sofa 2 Seat, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio
Located in Geneve, CH
Sofa 2 Seat, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio Dimensions: W 231.6 x D 106.8 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid Sungkai wood, About: Sebastiano Zilio Italy, 1969 Italian designer and artist...
Wood