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.
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
$11,815 / 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
Original Wittmann Colli Sofa Zweisitzer Couch klappbar Neubezug
By Wittmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zweisitzer Sofa vom deutschen Qualitätshersteller Wittmann zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa, das den Modellnamen "Colli" trägt, wurde professionell mit einem hoc...
Metal
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
$20,062 / 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
$30,258 / item
Upholstered Queen Sofa with Cast Brass by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Upholstered Queen Sofa with Cast Brass by Madheke. Dimensions: W 365 x D 162 x H 84 cm.. Materials: Fabric upholstered seat, leather finished sofa back and sides, heavily textured ca...
Brass
$12,134 / item
Oak and Walnut Bánh Chưng Sofa by ONON DETAILS
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak and Walnut Bánh Chưng Sofa by ONON DETAILS Dimensions: W 85 x D 295 x H 72 cm. Materials: Oak, Walnut, high quality fabric. ONON Details furnitures are chosen by famous design ...
Fabric, Oak, Walnut
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
Original Ligne Roset Zweisitzer Sofa Design Couch Urbani Leder braun
By Ligne Roset
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zwei- bis Dreisitzer Sofa vom französischen Traditionshersteller Ligne Roset zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa stammt aus dem Jahr 2008, trägt die Modellbezeichnu...
Steel, Chrome
"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
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 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
Dark Muted Purple Four Seater Beech Wood Modular Sofa by Casa Casati
Located in Geneve, CH
Acquabella Club Four Seater Beech Wood Modular Sofa by Casa Casati Dimensions: D 106 x W 372 x H 70 cm. Materials: Beech wood, marine plywood, polyurethane, polyester fibre, foam, c...
Other
Original Zanotta Sofa Italien Design Couch Leder schwarz
By Zanotta
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und äußerst seltenes Ledersofa vom italienischen Premiumhersteller Zanotta zum Verkauf an. Der Dreisitzer besticht durch seine einfache und zeitlose Form...
Leather
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
Original Asko Finnland Sofa Couch Esko Pajamies Dreisitzer Leder
By Asko, Esko Pajamies
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Dreisitzer von finnischen Traditionshersteller Asko aus den 1980er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Esko Pajamies und gilt als wahrer Desi...
Leather, Wood
Lounge Seating Two-seater Sofa by Robert Haussmann for Knoll International
By Trix and Robert Haussmann, Knoll
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
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
$4,135Sale 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
$7,124 / item
Moss Green Leather Level Daybed by Msds Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Moss green leather level daybed by MSDS Studio. Materials: camo leather, foam, oak. Dimensions: D 76.5 x W 190 x H 41 cm. The founders, Mia and...
Leather, Foam, Oak
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
Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional c. 1990s. USA. Reupholstered in white boucle fabric.
Bouclé
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
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
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Two-Seater Outdoor Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Two-Seater Outdoor Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 85,5 x W 195 x H 63 cm. Materials: Aluminium, wicker, and Luminesce fabric. Link-Terra Wh...
Aluminum
$26,052 / item
Floating Bouclé Sofa by Dennis Kaiser
Located in Geneve, CH
Floating Bouclé Sofa by Dennis Kaiser Dimensions: D 110 x W 320 x H 75 cm. Materials: Alpaca wool bouclé fabric. Handcrafted in Tuscany, Italy. Customization is available on request...
Upholstery, Foam
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
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
$10,976 / 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
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
$10,645 / 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
$20,062 / 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
$6,628 / item
Parker 2 Seats Sofa by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Parker 2 Seats Sofa by Domkapa Materials: Polished stainless steel, velvet (Alban 2940). Dimensions: W 230 x D 110 x H 88 cm. Also available in different materials. Please contact us. The most recent addition to Domkapa’s sofa collection, Parker expresses a straightforward aesthetics complemented by generous and welcoming proportions. Resting on slender wood or metal feet, the wide armrest allows great comfort combined with the fully padded double cushions on the back. The back and seat of this sofa have one thing in common: geometric and elegant vertical lines that elongate the design for a contemporary piece. Fitting in residential and contract projects, Parker sofa...
Stainless Steel
Contemporary Extra Long Taupe Leather Sofa with Dark Wood Design
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary extra long sofa (11.5' wide) with taupe leather cushions and a polished dark wood frame and matching leather pillows (2 Matching armchair...
Leather, Wood
$7,797 / item
Sandor Armchair by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Sandor Armchair by Madheke Dimensions: D 80 x W 85 x H 70 cm. Materials: leather, brass. Finish options: Fabric Seat Coli CL 215371 Color 02, Leather Back Classic Soft Olive, Leathe...
Leather
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
$10,373 / item
Oscar Sofa by DUISTT
Located in Geneve, CH
Oscar Sofa by DUISTT Dimensions: W 210 x D 85 x H 76 cm Materials: Duistt Fabric Oscar sofa, crafted with great attention to detail, is part of Oscar collection inspired by the cur...
Fabric
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
$2,014 / 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
$36,520 / item
Yvy Sofa by Kelly Boukobza
Located in Geneve, CH
Yvy Sofa by Kelly Boukobza Dimensions: W 300 x D 110 x H 75 cm Materials: Natural Wood Base (Walnut) or black. Available Finishes : Dedar and Pierre Frey fabrics. Kelly Boukobza is...
Wood
Pink Baba Sofa by Gisbert Pöppler, Upholstered Teak Frame, Germany
Located in Geneve, CH
Pink 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 wan...
Upholstery, Teak
$15,276 / item
Lambert 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Lambert 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini Dimensions: W 290 x D 103 x H 63 cm Materials: Solid wood and plywood structure padded with polyurethane foam in different densities. Pre-upholste...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Cassina Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa Vico Magistretti Stoff kord grau Couch
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes graues Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa in Samt/ Kordstoff von Cassina zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt von Vico Magistretti und gilt bis heute als wahrer Desi...
Velvet
$26,146 / item
Tau Leather Sofa 4 Seater by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Tau Leather Sofa 4 Seater by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 285 x D 90 x H 75 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. REMOVABLE PARTS: ful...
Foam, Wood
Egon Three-Seater Sofa in Lamberto & Avion Fabrics by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Egon Three-Seater Sofa in Lamberto & Avion Fabrics by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 102 x W 300 x H 63 cm. Materials: Horn, fabric, polyurethane foam, and goose down. Cushions are not inc...
Other
$38,989 / item
Magno Eucalyptus Sofa by Palena Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Magno Eucalyptus Sofa by Palena Furniture Dimensions: W 309.88 x D 104.14 x H 78.74 x Seat H 41.91 cm Materials: Eucalyptus, Black Lacquer, Plush Velvet Upholstery Available in cust...
Other
Zeus Grey Sofa by Emilie Lemardeley, Limited Edition, France
Located in Geneve, CH
Zeus Grey Sofa by Emilie Lemardeley Limited Edition of 8 pieces. Dimensions: D 150 x W 280 x H 110 cm Materials: Wood, foam and Giant fabric. Designed as jewellery for the interior,...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$3,308 / item
Sweet Fuchsia Low Lita Love Low Sofa by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Sweet Fuchsia Low Lita Love Low Sofa by OTTO Studio Designed by Paola Navone. Dimensions: D 80 x W 118 x H 70 cm. Seat Height: 36 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 22 kg. Availab...
Other
$3,166 / 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
$6,510 / 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
Original Koinor Epos 2 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 2" verfügt über zwei Sitze, die sich durch F...
Leather, Oak
$12,382 / 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
$20,180 / 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
Original Rolf Benz Sofa Leder Design Couch dunkelgrün Zweisitzer
By Rolf Benz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen und äuzßerst seltenen Zweisitzer vom deutschen Premiumhersteler Rolf Benz zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa besticht durch seine erstklassige Verarbeitung hochw...
Leather
$7,124 / item
Black Cognac Leather Level Daybed by Msds Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Black cognac leather level daybed by Msds Studio. Materials: Camo leather, foam, oak. Dimensions: D 76.5 x W 190 x H 41 cm. The founders, Mia and Torben Koed, decided to put the...
Leather, Foam, Oak
$4,844 / item
Pumpkin Orange Kami Yon Sofa by Marc Sadler
Located in Geneve, CH
Pumpkin Orange Kami Yon Sofa by Marc Sadler Dimensions: D 75 x W 174 x H 70 cm. Seat Height: 35 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 33 kg. Available in different color options. Thi...
Other
$9,818 / item
Oak and Walnut XL Sofa by ONON DETAILS
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak and Walnut XL Sofa by ONON DETAILS Dimensions: W 85 x D 265 x H 70 cm. Materials: Oak, Walnut, high quality fabric. ONON Details furnitures are chosen by famous design brand, d...
Oak, Walnut, Fabric
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
$12,583 / 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
$37,784 / item
DS-1025 Sofa by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-1025 Sofa by De Sede Design: Ubald Klug Dimensions: D 91 x W 156 x H 70 cm Materials: SEDEX upholstery with wadding cushion. Stable, compact frame made of beech and board mater...
Leather, Foam, Beech