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.
$7,425 / item
Fried Egg Sofa Dark Ochre, Pale Rose by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried egg sofa dark ochre pale rose by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D 186 x W 68 x H 68 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Solid oiled teak Weight: 42 kg Also available in different col...
Upholstery, Teak
Fried Egg Sofa Nabuk Dark Blue Cappuccino Brown Cloudy Grey by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried egg sofa nabuk dark blue Cappuccino brown Cloudy Grey by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D186 x W68 x H 68 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Solid oiled...
Upholstery, Teak
$22,724 / 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
$1,480 / item
Lace Black Sofa with Cushion by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Lace black sofs 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
Galore Seater Module Left Forest Green by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Galore seater module left forest green by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D 82 x W 83 x H 76 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Powder coated black steel legs, Wooden frame, foam, spring sys...
Steel
Galore Seater Module Right Forest Green by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Galore Seater Module Right Forest Green by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D82 x W83 x H 76 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Powder coated black steel legs, Wooden frame, foam, spring syst...
Steel
$10,932 / 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
$12,094 / 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
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
$82,690 / 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
$3,075 / 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
$5,864 / 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
$6,427 / item
Large Dobra Sofa by Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Dobra Sofa by Wentz Dimensions: D 110 x W 110 x H 70 cm Materials: Modular sofa with wood structure, elastic straps, hyper-soft foam and WE—KNIT covering (70% Recycled PET + 30...
Upholstery
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
Vintage Postmodern Bentwood Sofa & Pair of Lounge Chairs, 3-Piece Suite
Located in High Point, NC
An extraordinary vintage lounge suite with the warmth of sculptural bentwood and the inviting softness of cloud-like upholstery. This exceptional three-piece set includes a generousl...
Metal
$6,243 / item
RUA CHA Sofa by Clementine Caurier
Located in Geneve, CH
RUA CHA Sofa by Clementine Caurier Dimensions: D 95 x W 240 x H 74 cm. Materials: Ash, wool, and linen. RUA CHA sofa is based on a light, crossed structure in solid wood. The genero...
Wool, Linen, Ash
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Uniform Melange Fabric by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Uniform Melange 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 le...
Fabric
Nira L Shaped Sofa in Solid Teak Wood with Integrated Side Table by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Nira L Shaped Sofa in Solid Teak Wood with Integrated Side Table by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 420 x D 195 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid teak wood, fabric. This listing features our Nira...
Wood, Hardwood, Teak
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
$20,933 / item
Nira 260 cm Sofa in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Nira 260 cm Sofa in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 260 x D 90 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid oak wood. This listing features our Nira Sofa in its 260 cm width configuration,...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
"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
1980 Turquoise Leather Sofa Natuzzi style, made in Italy
Located in Staten Island, NY
1980 Turquoise Leather Sofa Natuzzi style, made in Italy. Check out other two listings with a matching loveseat and a club chair
Leather
Postmodern Flared Arm Tuxedo Sofa in Textured Velvet
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
This sofa is a strong example of late 20th-century American design, defined by its radiating, segmented channel back, which fans outward into a curved, architectural silhouette. It ...
Leather, Textile, Reed, Hardwood
$3,041 / 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
Giovanna 230 Sofa in Solid Beech and Bright Yellow Fabric by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Giovanna 230 Sofa in Solid Beech and Bright Yellow Fabric by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 230 x D 105 x H 72 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, feathers, and high-resilienc...
Foam, Wood, Beech, Feathers
Ducaroy Ligne Roset Sofa Set in Brown Perspex with Black Leather
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Berlin, BE
A modular suite designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France. The set, consisting of a sofa and two lounge chairs, is made of a brown perspex frame with black leather upholster...
Leather, Lucite
Original Koinor Epos 3 Sofa Balkeneiche Design Couch Zweisitzer
By Koinor
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen sehr hochwertigen Zweisitzer aus Eiche und Leder vom deutschen Premiumhersteller Koinor zum Verkauf an. Das Modell "Epos 3" verfügt über zwei Sitze, die sich durch F...
Leather, Oak
Original Giorgio Soressi Sofa Design Couch 1990 Leder Ottoman
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und sehr seltenes Zwei-/ Dreisitzer Sofa aus den 1990er Jahren an. Der Entwurf stammt von Giorgio Soressi, dessen Werke sich international einer großen N...
Leather, Fabric
$47,215 / 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
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
$19,613 / item
Fabric Panis Deep Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Fabric Panis Deep Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 297 x D 97 x H 70 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. SEATS: poly...
Foam, Wood
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
$19,487 / 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
Original Brühl Moule Sofa Couch Schwarz Zweisitzer Design schwarz
By Brühl
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Brühl Moule Zweisitzer in schwarz zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel besticht durch seine vielseitige Nutzungs- und Verstellmöglichkeiten, durch drehbare Sitze ...
Steel, Chrome
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
$19,602 / 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
$30,149 / 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
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
"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
Original Walter Knoll Jason Sofa Couch Design Zweisitzer Leder li
By Walter Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen von insgesamt zwei wunderschönen Walter Knoll Design Sofas zum Verkauf an. Das Modell ist bekannt unter der Modellbezeichnung Jason und steht hier in der begehrten A...
Metal
$12,027 / 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
$7,574 / item
Sketch Chair by John Vieweg
Located in Geneve, CH
The Sketch chair by John Vieweg Dimensions: D 102 x W 61 x H 92 cm. Materials: acrylic, metal screws. Thehighkey is a design studio that creates ra...
Metal
Wood and Upholstered Romeo Sofa by Dainelli Studio Atelier
Located in Geneve, CH
Wood and Upholstered Romeo Sofa by Dainelli Studio Atelier Dimensions: W 230 x D 85 x H 62 cm Materials: Wood, Upholstery. Sofa with a multi-layer wood base finished with a glossy ...
Upholstery, Wood
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
$4,016Sale 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
$10,661 / item
Natú Sofa by Frau Caze
Located in Geneve, CH
Natú Sofa by Frau Caze Dimensions: D 74 x W 182 x H 84 cm. Materials: Oiled walnut, Kvadrat, leather. Sofa Natú was inspired by the cool, stony landscapes of Bolivia and Argentina. ...
Leather, Upholstery, Walnut
$40,432 / item
Tau Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Tau Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 551 x D 90 x H 75 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. REMOVABLE PARTS: ...
Foam, Wood
$18,672 / 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
1980s Postmodern Serpentine Curved Two-Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
Striking late 1980s–early 1990s two-piece sectional sofa with an expansive serpentine silhouette, dramatic rolled arms, and tailored dressmaker detailing. The sweeping crescent form ...
Textile, Hardwood
Mauro Lipparini KRISTALL Collection Italian Loveseat Sofa for i4 Mariani
By i4 Mariani, Mauro Lipparini
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
$61,676 / 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
$10,340 / 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
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
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
$2,376Sale Price|20% Off
Post Modern Three Seater Sofa with Vintage Uphosltery
Located in Freehold, NJ
This postmodern three seater sofa features vintage white patterned upholstery with removable cushions and unique oversized armrest. Dimensions: 84.5w 35.25d 30h 26ah 17sh Condition...
Upholstery
$36,668 / 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
Glenda Settee in Welded Mirror-Polished Stainless Steel by Julian Mayor
Located in Geneve, CH
Glenda Settee in Welded Mirror-Polished Stainless Steel by Julian Mayor Limited Edition of 8 + 4AP. Dimensions: D 78 x W 173 x H 72 cm. Materials: Mirror-polished stainless steel. ...
Stainless Steel
$1,956 / item
Black Along Birch Sofa by Storängen Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Along birch sofa by Storängen Design Dimensions: D 52 x W 150 x H 87 x SH 45 cm Materials: birch wood. Also available in other colors and with seat cushion. Along can be ...
Birch
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
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