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.
$18,927 / 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
"Soriana" Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Utrecht, NL
The iconic “Soriana” three-seater sofa was designed by the Italian designer duo, Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1969. Besides its innovative manufacturing, visually, Soriana brings sophist...
Metal
$7,116 / item
Postmodern Sculptural Brown Velvet Sofa Amanecer
By Moanne
Located in Almería, ES
The Amanecer Sofa is a sculptural tribute to new beginnings—an ode to the calm strength of dawn. With its bold geometric silhouette, twin-arched backrest, and solid triangular arms, ...
Velvet
Cassina 'Soriana' Four Seater Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in Bouclé, 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
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
$11,537 / 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
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto Italian Solid Wood Velvet Fabric "Artona" Sofa
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design sofa from the “Artona” series designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto in the 1970s, with a wooden frame featuring decorative bands created by...
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
$43,640 / item
Arizona 5004 Sofa by Redeco
Located in Geneve, CH
Arizona 5004 Sofa by Redeco Dimensions: W 444/284/160 x D 105 x H 79 cm Materials: Wooden structure padded with polyurethane foam in different densities. Seat cushions padded in poly...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Vladimir Kagan “Arc” Sofa for Directional, 1990s
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan “Arc” Sofa for Directional, 1990s, fully restored in a wool velvet. Very good condition
Velvet
$8,307 / 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
$33,880 / item
Tau Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Tau Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 406 x D 90 x H 75 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. REMOVABLE PARTS: ...
Foam, Wood
$10,549 / item
Object 085 Sofa by NG Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 085 Sofa by NG Design Dimensions: W 290 x D 110 x H 60 cm Materials: Velveteen Also Available: All of objects available in different materials and colors on demand. Our firs...
Other
Hans Hollein Mitzi Sofa in Poplar and Wool Cloth by Poltronova 1981
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Mitzi sofa presents a poplar plywood base with erable finish, semi-gloss water–based varnish, iron inner structure, polyurethane cushions, wool cloth uphol...
Iron
$13,489 / item
Roy 290 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Roy 290 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 115 x W 290 x H 83 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Pine, CV37, and gloss lacquer. Available in ...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Original Walter Knoll Sofa Jason 391 Wildleder beige Design
By Walter Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zwei- bis Dreisitzer Sofa vom deutschen Qualitätshersteller Walter Knoll zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa, das den Modellnamen "Jason 391" trägt, ist mit hochwer...
Leather
$18,241 / item
Seduire Sofa by Memoir Essence
Located in Geneve, CH
Seduire Sofa by Memoir Essence Dimensions: D 125 x W 280 x H 80 cm. Materials: Brass and velvet upholstery. Seduire sofa is Memoir´s New launch, characterized by an organic and opul...
Brass
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood Frame, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Two-Seater Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood Frame, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Two-Seater Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 100 x W 195 x H 65 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood, rope, and Ethereal fabric. The...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
$7,500 / item
1970’s, French Leather Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern French leather sofa. 4 Matching sofas available.
Leather
Le Bambole Leather pouf foot rest Design Mario Bellini 1978 for B&B Italia
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Le Bambole leather pouf or foot rest, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Price for the foot rest only ! The Le Bambole Sofas are availab...
Leather, Foam
$4,368 / item
Vibe Sofa L by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
Vibe Sofa L by DAaZ Dimensions: D 94 x W 280 x H 64.5 cm. Materials: Fabric, albizzia wood. Available in 220cm or 280cm. Please contact us. DAaZ Furniture hon...
Upholstery, Wood
La Cividina Guest Sofa Antonio Rodriguez Couch Left Peninsula
By La Cividina
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und äußerst seltenes Design Sofa vom italienischen Premiumhersteller La Cividina zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Antonio Rodriguez und zeichnet si...
Fabric
$4,096Sale Price|20% Off
Brick & Mortar Sofa, Gray, Rich Woods & Seb Wrong, Established & Sons, UK, 2009
By Established & Sons, Sebastian Wrong, Richard Woods
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gray Brick & Mortar Sofa, Rich Woods & Seb Wrong, Established & Sons, UK, 2009. Iconic Postmodern design. Produced for a short period in 2009-2010. Made in ...
Textile
Original WK Wohnen Sofa Zweisitzer Design Couch klappbar Möbel
By WK Wohnen
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zweisitzer Sofa vom deutschen Premiumhersteller WK Wohnen zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa lässt sich mit seinen Armlehnen auf eine Gesamtlänge von bis zu 300cm ...
Fabric
Luciano Frigerio 'Norman' 3 Seat Sofa in Custom Missoni Upholstery, Italy, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Matching Loveseat available, sold separately. Custom designed by Luciano Frigerio in the 1970s for the Missoni family, the 'Norman' sofa is a rare example of Italian craft meeting fa...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
$17,428 / item
Large Baixo Sofa by Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Baixo Sofa by Wentz Dimensions: D 115 x W 300 x H 58 cm Materials: Wood, Upholstery. 4 cushions included The Baixo sofa proposes a different way of sitting. An invitation to c...
Upholstery, Wood
Original Koinor Free Motion 2 Edit Sofa Couch Eiche Leder rot
By Koinor
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Koinor Free Motion 2 Edit mit roten Ledersitzen zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa ist rund fünd Jahre alt und zeichnet sich durch seine vielfältigen Verstellmecha...
Leather, Oak
$27,757 / item
Linamore Lapis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Linamore Lapis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 338 x D 199 x H 70 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. SEAT, ...
Foam, 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
$11,537 / 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, ref. Blue Grey, CV07. Available in all Munna fab...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$12,176 / 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
$4,856 / item
BC Sofa by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
BC Sofa by DAaZ Dimensions: D 110 x W 200 x H 76 cm. Materials: Albizzia wood, fabric. DAaZ Furniture honors the spirit of adventure. We embrace the escape of the ordinary and reve...
Wood, Upholstery
$27,466 / item
Alfie Sofa by Melis Tatlicibasi
Located in Geneve, CH
Alfie Sofa by Melis Tatlicibasi. Dimensions: W 300 x D 100 x H 80 cm. Materials: Natural wood base painted, Upholstery. Natural wood base painted in Brass, Silver, Gold, or lacquere...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional c. 1990s. USA. Reupholstered in white boucle fabric.
Bouclé
$44,244 / item
Byron 5012 Sofa by Redeco
Located in Geneve, CH
Byron 5012 Sofa by Redeco Dimensions: W 465/289/174 x D 101 x H 73 cm Materials: Wooden structure padded with polyurethane foam in different densities. Seat cushions padded in polyur...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
$26,769
Sofa by Guillermo Santoma
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Commissioned by Etage Projects for Salon Art and Design, 2017. Lush cream sofa made of rubber EVA, by Guillermo Santoma.
Rubber
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
Sculptural Tube Sofa by Anna & Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, 1990s Italy
By Carlo Bartoli, Rossi di Albizzate
Located in Zagreb, HR
Rare sculptural postmodern designer sofa model ''Tube'' designed by Anna & Carlo Bartoli for Italian high-end furniture manufacturer Rossi di Albizzate. The sofa features internal t...
Fabric, Foam
$29,314 / item
Blue Lapis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue Lapis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 279 x D 292 x H 70 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. SEAT, BACK...
Foam, Wood
Postmodern Canyon Sofa in Velvet 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
$12,908 / item
Belong Curve Sofa by Memoir Essence
Located in Geneve, CH
Belong Curve Sofa by Memoir Essence Dimensions: D 130 x W 270 x H 75 cm. Materials: Velvet SCSS, satin AB and lacquer. Also available in client's fabric. Please contact us. Belong ...
Satin, Upholstery, Velvet, Lacquer
$7,947 / item
Chloe 3 Seats Sofa by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Chloe 3 seats sofa by Domkapa Materials: Rose gold brushed, fabric (Logone 09). Dimensions: W 300 x D 100 x H 75.5 cm. Also available in different materials. Please contact us. Chloe is an outstanding design piece with striking aesthetic balance and refined materials. Available in two-seater, three-seater, and chaise-longue versions, it stars a wooden or metallic base and upholstered seat and backrest that can elevate any room. A stitched line is dividing the piece for easy assembling and transport while double-top stitching is seen across the sofa for a luxury touch. The soft curves prevail throughout every element of Chloe sofa...
Steel
$22,238 / item
Large Upholstery Field Sofa by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Upholstery Field Sofa by Madheke Dimensions: D 310 x W 124 x H 82.5 cm. Materials: Curved leather-upholstered ergonomic seat, Metal base with coated finish. Finish options: Fab...
Leather
$9,120 / item
Eduarda Sofa by Duistt
Located in Geneve, CH
Eduarda Sofa by Duistt Dimensions: W 220 x D 95 x H 72 cm Materials: Duistt Fabric, Bronze Renaissance decorative nails Cushion not included. Please contact us for any request. EDUA...
Bronze, Other
Weiman Post Modern Sculptural Chaise Lounge Sofa in Tangerine Wool Upholstery
By Weiman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
There are pieces that furnish a room and there are pieces that alter its atmosphere entirely and this sculptural Weiman chaise created at the height of American postmodernism in the ...
Upholstery, Wool
$21,285 / item
Linamore Davis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Linamore Davis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 432 x D 100 x H 67 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. REMOVA...
Foam, Wood
$34,751 / item
Fabric Palmo Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Fabric Palmo Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 417 x D 118 x H 80 cm Materials: FRAME: poplar multiply SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. SEAT: polyurethane foam,...
Foam, Poplar
$8,040 / item
Sophia 210 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Sophia 210 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 88 x W 210 x H 94 cm. SH: 45 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Pure White, CV01 upholstery, and pol...
Brass
Mustard Yellow Velvet Fabric, Stainless Metal ButterMelt Sofa By OMER OZTURK
Located in Geneve, CH
Mustard Yellow Velvet Fabric, Stainless Metal ButterMelt Sofa By OMER OZTURK Dimensions: W 310 x D 99.3 x H 102.4 cm. Materials: Mustard Yellow Velvet Fabric, Stainless Metal. About...
Metal
1x Original de Sede Sofa DS 17 Zweisitzer Couch Leder Design
By De Sede
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönen Zweisitzer Sofas vom Schweizer Traditionshersteller de Sede zum Verkauf an. Bei dem Modell handelt es sich um das bekannte DS 17, das derzeit einen Neupr...
Leather
$8,500 / item
Orbital Plane Loveseat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Orbital Plane Loveseat in matte black lacquered steel is paired with a lush wide wale corduroy cushion and lustrous striped bolster. The steelwork is evocative of the atomic era...
Steel
Lounge Seating Two-seater Sofa by Robert Haussmann for Knoll International
By Knoll, Trix and Robert Haussmann
Located in VENLO, NL
This rare two-seater sofa from ‘The Lounge Seating’ series, was designed by Trix & Robert Haussmann in 1988 and manufactured by Knoll International. It has its original light red...
Fabric
$7,412 / item
Snow Straight Sofa by Note Design Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Snow straight sofa by Note Design Studio Dimensions: D 100 x W 100 x H 74 cm. Materials: upholstery. Prices may vary according to the fabric choice. Snow is a modular sofa concept created by Note Design Studio. Note is based in Stockholm where snow is abundant and changes drastically the landscape during a large portion of the year. Even the most brutalist building morph into blurry and puffy shapes. This contrast between a solid and steady structure anchored in the ground and the welcoming layer of soft snow on top is the inspiration for the Snow sofa. The snow system is composed of 2 elements – a straight module and a rounded 30° module – that can be combined to create an infinity of shapes. The sofa is complemented by low modules that can be used as ottomans or can be combined to create straight or curved padded benches...
Upholstery
$5,065 / item
Moss 2400 Sofa by Artu
Located in Geneve, CH
Moss 2400 Sofa by Artu Pavel Vetrov Dimensions: W 240 x D 82 x H 76 cm Materials: Wood, Upholstery Other colors and materials available. Please contact us. Soft, flowing, tact...
Upholstery, Wood
1980s Wittmanns Leather Sofa Chair
By Wittmann
Located in Marbella, ES
Anthracite color original Wittmann designer sofa chair in a minimalistic and modern design. Very good condition.
Leather, Wood
Vintage Nicoletti Italia Gray Leather Postmodern Loveseat, Italy, 1980s
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Vintage Italian Nicoletti Italia loveseat in its original soft gray leather upholstery, featuring the relaxed sculptural lines and oversized cushion design associated with high-end E...
Leather
$35,913 / item
Yvy Asy Sofa by Kelly Boukobza
Located in Geneve, CH
Yvy Asy Sofa by Kelly Boukobza Dimensions: W 300 x D 110 x H 75 cm Materials: Natural Wood Base (Walnut) black. Available Finishes : Dedar and Pierre Frey fabrics. Kelly Boukobza i...
Wood
$47,195 / item
Rialto Sofa by Laurameroni
Located in Geneve, CH
Rialto Sofa by Laurameroni Dimensions: W 264 x D 86 x H 75 cm Materials: Cachemire Loro Piana Altai 037 Paprika, gray travertine stone legs. Upholstered sofa featuring four legs in ...
Travertine
Beige Baba Sofa by Gisbert Pöppler, Upholstered Teak Frame, Germany
Located in Geneve, CH
Beige baba sofa by Gisbert Pöppler. Dimensions: H 74 (SH43) x W 303 x D 140.5 cm. Materials: Upholstered wooden frame, teak footings. Like a friend that...
Upholstery, Teak
Cupido 180 Glossy Lacquer Base And Beech Wood Sofa by Casa Casati
Located in Geneve, CH
Cupido 180 Glossy Lacquer Base And Beech Wood Sofa by Casa Casati Dimensions: D 86 x W 180 x H 70 cm. Materials: Beech wood, marine plywood, lacquer, polyurethane, polyester fibre, ...
Other
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto Italian Wood Fabric "Artona" Sofa, 1970s
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design two-seater sofa from the “Artona” series designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto in the 1970s with solid wood frame and fabric cushions, made...
Fabric, Wood
Link-Bisque Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Outdoor Meditation Bed by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Link-Bisque Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Outdoor Meditation Bed by SNOC Dimensions: Ø 200 x H 63 cm. Materials: Aluminium, wicker, and Luminesce fabric. Link-Bisque When desig...
Aluminum