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.
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
$4,843 / 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
$20,058 / item
Jell Sofa in Blue Fabric by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa in Blue 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
$7,123 / 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
$5,457 / item
Renner Carver Chair by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Renner Carver Chair by Madheke Dimensions: D 54.9 x W 58.8 x H 75.9 cm. Materials: Leather-clad body with leather lacing detail at back, Stitched highlights on leather-clad body, Fab...
Brass
Two seater sofa – Spain 1970
Located in Girona, Girona
Two-seater sofa, stripped and waxed solid pine wood, original canvas back system, new ‘Astrakhan’ wool cushions. Spain circa 1970
Fabric, Pine
$27,146 / item
Wavy Sofa with Sphere Accents by Melis Tatlicibasi
Located in Geneve, CH
Wavy Sofa with Sphere Accents by Melis Tatlicibasi. Dimensions: W 250 x D 90 x H 75 cm. Materials: Natural wood base painted, Upholstery, detailed with spher...
Upholstery, Wood
$12,580 / 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
$37,778 / 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
Superonda sofa, Archizoom & Associati, Poltronova 1970s
By Poltronova, Archizoom Associati
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Superonda sofa, Archizoom & Associati, Poltronova 1970s. Superonda is distinguished by its bold absence of a body. At the center of its design are two sinuous waves, precisely sculpt...
Faux Leather, Foam
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
Psyche Everis 900 Fabric Upholstery Meridien Sofa by Casa Casati
Located in Geneve, CH
Psyche Everis 900 Fabric Upholstery Meridien Sofa by Casa Casati Dimensions: D 100 x W 240 x H 70 cm. Materials: Beech wood, marine plywood, polyurethane, polyester fibre, foam, cot...
Other
$3,543 / item
Pigalle 2 Seater Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Pigalle 2 Seater Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: W 190 x D 81 x H 70 cm. Materials: Acrylic Rope, Aluminium. Pigalle Collection highlights the feeling of lightness and solidity with its ...
Aluminum
$7,796 / 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
$26,508 / item
Loom Sofa by De Castelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Loom Sofa by De Castelli Dimensions: W 228 x D 106 x H 74 cm Materials: Orbitale DeLabré Brass, Fabric Other versions are available, please contact us for any request. The Loom coll...
Brass
$4,677 / item
MV Demio Side Chair by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
MV Demio Side Chair by Madheke Dimensions: D 54.3 x W 63.3 x H 82.2 cm. Materials: Solid walnut frame, Supple leather upholstered seat and back, Slender harness leather strap armrest...
Brass
$9,332 / item
Rosie 280 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Rosie 280 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 98 x W 280 x H 100 cm. SH: 48 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Green Duck Egg, CV19. Available in all Mun...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Narco Teak Collection Short Divan by AMBER x IÑIGO CALLEJA
Located in Geneve, CH
Narco Teak Collection Short Divan by AMBER x IÑIGO CALLEJA Dimensions: W 110 x D 90 x H 80 cm. Materials: Dry Teak Trunks Base, charred and stained pitch black. Iñigo Calleja is an...
Teak
$11,269 / item
Oscar Curve Modular Sofa by DUISTT
Located in Geneve, CH
Oscar Curve Modular Sofa by DUISTT Dimensions: W 265 x D 125 x H 84 cm Materials: Duistt Fabric Inspired by the curved lines poetry of Oscar Niemeyer’s architecture, OSCAR modular ...
Fabric
$10,336 / item
Mustard Timber 3 Seater Sofa by Kann Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mustard Timber 3 Seater Sofa by Kann Design Dimensions: D 104.5 x W 200 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid wood, elastic belts, HR foam, fabric upholstery Kvadrat Vidar 472 (94% wool, 6% ny...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
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
$6,615 / 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 Rolf Benz Plura Sofa Design Couch Leder Zweisitzer grau
By Rolf Benz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Rolf Benz Plura Zweisitzer Sofa in dunkelgrauem Leder zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa besticht durch seine vielfältige Verstellba...
Steel
$4,642 / item
Moss 1800 Sofa by Artu
Located in Geneve, CH
Moss 1800 sofa by Artu Pavel Vetrov Dimensions: W 180 x D 82 x H 76 cm Materials: Wood, Upholstery Other colors and materials available. Soft, flowin...
Upholstery, Wood
$11,139 / 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
$19,432 / 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
Original Brühl Moule Sofa Couch Schwarz Zweisitzer Design
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 u...
Steel, Chrome
$14,766 / item
Medium Baixo Sofa by Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Baixo Sofa by Wentz Dimensions: D 110 x W 250 x H 58 cm Materials: Wood, Upholstery. 3 cushions included The Baixo sofa proposes a different way of sitting. An invitation to ...
Upholstery, Wood
$9,084 / item
Mid Corner Sofa by Kann Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mid Corner Sofa by Kann Design Dimensions: D 70 x W 170 x H 74 cm. Materials: Solid wood, steel, wood veneer, HR foam, fabric upholstery - seating: Sahco Ellis 4 - back: Sahco Ellis ...
Steel
$6,910 / item
Snow Sofa by Note Design Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Snow sofa straight by Note Design Studio Dimensions: D 100 x W 100 x H 74 cm. Materials: upholstery. This modular sofa is composed of: 1 x Module 01 : straight 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
$17,589 / 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
$10,643 / 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
Beige Baba Daybed by Gisbert Pöppler, Upholstered Teak Frame, Germany
Located in Geneve, CH
Beige Baba daybed by Gisbert Pöppler Dimensions: H 82 (43) x W 250 x D 170 cm Materials: Upholstered wooden frame, teak footings Like a friend that wants to cuddle, Baba is an upholstered sofa series for lounging in complete comfort. The asymmetrical forms cater to a playful choice of sitting positions from formal to downright lounging while confidently inhabiting their environment and providing cozy sophistication. The low seating height and fluffy padded body make you want to sink into this chair and relish the moment. All of their upholstery pieces are COM prices. The prices do not include any fabric. Gisbert Pöppler studied architecture at California College of Arts and Crafts, San Francisco and Technische Universität, Berlin, graduating in 1996 with a Diplom Ingenieur. After completing his studies he spent several years working for various firms in Berlin, developing new architecture after the German re-unification. In 1999 Gisbert Pöppler founded Prinz–Pöppler, a partnership with architect Ilona Prinz – together creating office environments for start-up organizations filling the dynamic Berlin landscape...
Upholstery, Teak
Acer 180 Sofa in European Oak & Burgundy Wool by Mokko Amsterdam
Located in Geneve, CH
Acer 180 Sofa in European Oak & Burgundy Wool by Mokko Amsterdam Dimensions: D 70 x W 180 x H 32 cm. Materials: European oak and wool. Available in different material options and d...
Wool, Oak
$10,643 / 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
$8,753 / item
BC Leather Sofa by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
BC Leather Sofa by DAaZ Dimensions: D 110 x W 200 x H 76 cm. Materials: Albizzia wood, semi-nobuk leather, fabric. DAaZ Furniture honors the spirit of adventure. We embrace the esc...
Upholstery, Wood, Leather
$7,359 / item
Mustard Lupin Sofa by Nelson Araujo
Located in Geneve, CH
Mustard 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 colors...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Amphibious Outdoor & Indoor Sofa in Concrete Gray Paint by Jacob Egeberg
Located in Geneve, CH
Amphibious Outdoor & Indoor Sofa in Concrete Gray Paint by Jacob Egeberg Dimensions: D 220 x W 75 x H 85 cm. Materials: Styrofoam & soft PU foam, hard & elastic pigmented polyurethan...
Other
$10,395 / item
Dune Two Seater Nube Sofa by Siete Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Nube sofa two seaters dune by Siete Studio Dimensions: D200 x W100 x H60 cm. Materials: Walnut, cushions, upholstery. Characterised by its round edges and soft white cushions, N...
Other
$7,359 / 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
$1,523 / 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
Original Rolf Benz Sofa 3000 Dreisitzer Design Couch creme beige
By Rolf Benz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eins von insgesamt zwei wunderschönen Rolf Benz Sofas des Modells "3000" zum Verkauf an. Bei diesem Modell handelt es sich um den etwas längeren Dreisitzer. In unseren and...
Fabric
$13,714 / 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. Brunswick Green, CV18, and gloss lacquer. Av...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$7,359 / item
Forest Lupin Sofa by Nelson Araujo
Located in Geneve, CH
Forest 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 colors....
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$12,344 / item
Maverick 280 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Maverick 280 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 120 x W 280 x H 90 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Trevira Velvet, ref. Light Grey, TRV19. Available in all Mu...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Perfidia 3-Seater Sofa in Ébano Wood, Leather & Aged Brass by Estudio Andean
Located in Geneve, CH
Perfidia 3-Seater Sofa in Ébano Wood, Leather & Aged Brass by Estudio Andean Dimensions: D 80 x W 194 x H 73 cm. Materials: Steel, bronze, brass, Seike wood, and leather. Availa...
Brass, Bronze, Steel
Caleo-Ash Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Corner Modular Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Ash Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Corner Modular Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 123 x W 123 x H 65 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood, rope, and Ethereal fabric. The Caleo...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
Lyora Teak Wood Frame And Ethereal Fabric Corner Modular Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyora Teak Wood Frame And Ethereal Fabric Corner Modular Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 125 x W 125 x H 66 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood and Ethereal fabric. A delicate mid-centu...
Fabric, Teak
Caleo-Ash Teak Wood Frame, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Two-Seater Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Ash 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 Cal...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
$13,714 / 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. Sky, CV23, and gloss lacquer. Available in a...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$14,033 / item
Mythos Sectional Sofa by Marioni
Located in Geneve, CH
Mythos Sectional Sofa by Marioni Dimensions: W 200 x D 95 x H 75 cm. Materials: Upholstery: Tessuto/Fabric 7,50 Mt. Pelle/Leather 11,50 Mq Product code: I0331 Pure shape and lines,...
Upholstery
Éclat-Bisque Rope, Luminesce Fabric And Aluminum Three-Seater Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Éclat-Bisque Rope, Luminesce Fabric And Aluminum Three-Seater Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 93,5 x W 240 x H 67 cm. SH: 39 cm. Materials: Aluminium, rope, and Luminesce fabric. Anthon...
Aluminum
$11,824 / item
Onigiri Sofa by Luis Gimeno
Located in Geneve, CH
Onigiri Sofa by Luis Gimeno Dimensions: W 100 x D 100 x H 83 cm Materials: Upholstery, metal and cushion. Taking inspiration from day to day shapes and objects I come up with this ...
Metal
$6,426 / 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
Caleo-Ash Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Left Modular Daybed by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Ash Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Left Modular Daybed by SNOC Dimensions: D 150 x W 125 x H 65 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood, rope, and Ethereal fabric. The Caleo...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
$13,714 / item
Belong Sofa by Memoir Essence
Located in Geneve, CH
Belong Sofa by Memoir Essence Dimensions: D 90 x W 220 x H 75 cm. Materials: Velvet SFY, satin AB and lacquer. Also available in client's fabric. Pleas...
Satin, Upholstery, Velvet, Lacquer
$3,567 / item
Pearl Auguste 2 Seats Sofa by HARTO
Located in Geneve, CH
Pearl Auguste 2 Seats Sofa by HARTO Dimensions: W 176 x D 95 x H 79 cm. Materials: Solid pine, plywood, 88% Polyester, 12% Recycled Polyester, Foam type: HR35 / S30 foam. Weight: 43...
Foam, Polyester, Pine, Plywood
$41,581 / item
Ambassador Chaise Lounge by Gisbert Pöppler
Located in Geneve, CH
Ambassador chaise longue by Gisbert Pöppler Dimensions: H62 (SH40) x W226 x D89 cm Materials: Coil springs upholstered with padding and down, forged steel feet Couched in the tr...
Steel
$31,257 / item
White Memory Sofa by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
White Beige Memory Chair by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 90 x W 240 x H 85 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery “Memory” sofa. Collection "Memory" ins...
Upholstery, Wood
Link-Bisque Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Three-Seater Outdoor Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Link-Bisque Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Three-Seater Outdoor Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 85,5 x W 230 x H 63 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Aluminium, wicker, and Luminesce fabric. ...
Aluminum