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.
$5,960 / item
RUA CHA Sofa by Clementine Caurier
Located in Geneve, CH
RUA CHA Sofa by Clementine Caurier Dimensions: D 95 x W 200 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
$13,813 / 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
Fig Sofa – Contemporary Brass Frame with Brown Upholstery by Misaya
By Masaya
Located in Geneve, CH
Fig Sofa – Contemporary Brass Frame with Brown Upholstery by Misaya Dimensions: W 140 x D 72 x H 68.5 cm Materials: Brass Also available: Different colors (gold, polished brass. bla...
Brass
$6,079 / 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
$27,567 / item
Fabric Brooklyn Sofa 3 Seater by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Fabric Brooklyn Sofa 3 Seater by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 223 x D 95 x H 80 cm Materials: STRUCTURE: Moulded polyurethane foam with metal support, covered with cuoio, leather or fabri...
Metal
$24,581 / item
Segno Leather Sofa 4 Seater by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Segno Leather Sofa 4 Seater by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 265 x D 90 x H 88 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply, with metal support. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts...
Foam, Wood
$19,572 / 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 Leder Couch Zweisitzer Design klappbar
By Brühl
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Design Zweisitzer Sofa vom deutschen Qualitätshersteller Brühl zum Verkauf an. Es handelt sich um das Modell "Moule", das sich durch Klappfunktionen und ...
Leather, Wood
Low Lita Love 10th Anniversary Low Sofa by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Low Lita Love 10th Anniversary Low Sofa by OTTO Studio Unique Piece. Designed by Paola Navone. Dimensions: D 80 x W 118 x H 70 cm. Seat Height: 36 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight...
Other
$6,865 / item
Soft & Creamy 2 Seat Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Soft & Creamy 2 Seat Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 92 x W 150 x H 113 cm. SH: 44 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Midnight Blue, CV17, and Blu...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$13,813 / 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. Royal Blue, CV36, and gloss lacquer. Availab...
Upholstery, Wood, Foam
$10,720 / 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
$13,813 / 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. Red Casino, CV12, and gloss lacquer. Availab...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$13,813 / 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. Purple, CV13, and gloss lacquer. Available i...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$9,482 / item
Fried Egg Sofa Sheepskin Moonlight by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried egg sofa sheepskin moonlight by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D 186 x W 68 x H 68 cm Material: Sheepskin upholstery, Solid oiled teak Weight: 42 kg Also available in different co...
Sheepskin, Teak
$4,152 / item
Pearl Auguste 3 Seats Sofa by HARTO
Located in Geneve, CH
Pearl Auguste 3 Seats Sofa by HARTO Dimensions: W 216 x D 95 x H 79 cm. Materials: Solid pine, plywood, 88% Polyester, 12% Recycled Polyester, Foam type: HR35 / S30 foam. Weight: 45...
Foam, Polyester, Pine, Plywood
$4,152 / item
Cactus Auguste 3 Seats Sofa by HARTO
Located in Geneve, CH
Cactus Auguste 3 Seats Sofa by HARTO Dimensions: W 216 x D 95 x H 79 cm. Materials: Solid pine, plywood, 88% Polyester, 12% Recycled Polyester, Foam type: HR35 / S30 foam. Weight: 4...
Foam, Polyester, Pine, Plywood
$3,593 / item
Cobalt Blue Auguste 2 Seats Sofa by HARTO
Located in Geneve, CH
Cobalt Blue 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. Weig...
Foam, Polyester, Pine, Plywood
$12,933 / item
Nounours Sofa by Studio Uwe Gaertner
Located in Geneve, CH
Nounours Sofa by Studio Uwe Gaertner Dimensions: D 94 x W 236 x H 91 cm. Materials: Brass and Kvadrat Gentle 2 (no. 183 or no. 973) fabric (60% virgin wool, 20% polyester, and 20% ny...
Brass
$3,331 / item
Pumpkin Orange Low Lita Love Low Sofa by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Pumpkin Orange 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. Availa...
Other
$3,616 / item
Miura Seater Sofa 2 by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Miura Seater Sofa 2 by SNOC Dimensions: W 190 x D 82.5 x H 80 cm. Materials: Acrylic Rope, Aluminium. The Miura outdoor collection is an invitation to comfort and elegance. The so...
Aluminum
$14,670 / item
Chocolate Brown Mara Sofa by Lorenza Bozzoli
Located in Geneve, CH
Chocolate Brown Mara Sofa by Lorenza Bozzoli Dimensions: D 94 x W 180 x H 82 cm. Seat Height: 52 cm. Materials: Polyethylene, wadding, rubber, and acrylic. Weight: 60 kg. Available ...
Other
$3,331 / item
Saffron Yellow Low Lita Love Low Sofa by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Saffron Yellow 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: 27 kg. Availa...
Other
$4,878 / item
Sweet Fuchsia RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Sweet Fuchsia RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid Dimensions: D 80 x W 170 x H 75 cm. Seat Height: 36 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 35 kg. Available in different color options. This pro...
Other
$9,958 / item
Dusty Green Cut Sofa by Kann Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Dusty Green Cut Sofa by Kann Design Dimensions: D 80 x W 230 x H 72 cm. Materials: Solid wood, steel, wood veneer, HR foam, fabric upholstery Kvadrat Canvas 936 (90% wool, 10% nylon)...
Steel
$7,674 / item
Dobra Module Corner Sofa by Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
Dobra Module Corner 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 ...
Upholstery
$3,331 / item
Milky White Low Lita Love Low Sofa by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Milky White 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. Available...
Other
$24,010 / item
Fabric Panis Deep Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Fabric Panis Deep Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 236 x D 152 x H 70 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. SEATS: pol...
Foam, Wood
$4,878 / item
Milky White RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Milky White RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid Dimensions: D 80 x W 170 x H 75 cm. Seat Height: 36 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 35 kg. Available in different color options. This produ...
Other
$3,331 / item
Powder Blue Low Lita Love Low Sofa by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Powder Blue 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. Available...
Other
$4,878 / item
Sweet Fuchsia Big Kroko Sofa by Marcantonio
Located in Geneve, CH
Sweet Fuchsia Big Kroko Sofa by Marcantonio Dimensions: D 63 x W 167 x H 75 cm. Seat Height: 43 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 22 kg. Also available in biobased polyethylene o...
Other
$30,649 / item
Fabric and Cuoio Stilt Sofa 3 Seater by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Fabric and Cuoio Stilt Sofa 3 Seater by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 224 x D 96 x H 75 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and cuoio. SUSPENSIONS: rub la plume ber and polypropylene belts SEA...
Wood
$3,402 / item
Hembra Sofa by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
Hembra Sofa by DAaZ Dimensions: D 107 x W 245 x H 69 cm. Materials: Wood, fabric. DAaZ Furniture honors the spirit of adventure. We embrace the escape of the ordinary and revel in ...
Wood, Upholstery
$5,294 / item
Oscar Middle Modular Sofa by DUISTT
Located in Geneve, CH
Oscar Middle Modular Sofa by DUISTT Dimensions: W 95 x D 105 x H 84 cm Materials: Duistt Fabric Inspired by the curved lines poetry of Oscar Niemeyer’s architecture, OSCAR modular ...
Fabric
$3,331 / item
Flame Red Low Lita Love Low Sofa by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Flame Red 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. Available i...
Other
$14,670 / item
Mahogany Leather Mara Sofa by Lorenza Bozzoli
Located in Geneve, CH
Mahogany Leather Mara Sofa by Lorenza Bozzoli Dimensions: D 94 x W 180 x H 82 cm. Seat Height: 52 cm. Materials: Polyethylene, wadding, rubber, and acrylic. Weight: 60 kg. Available...
Other
$2,986 / item
Nature Black Left Modular Sofa by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Nature Black Left Modular sofa by MOWEE Dimensions: D85 x W76 x H81 cm (seat height 42 cm). Material: Aluminium, upholstery and Iroko Wood. Weight: 19 kg. Also available in diffe...
Aluminum
$7,400 / item
Grey and Brick Red Mid Sofa by Kann Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Grey and Brick Red Mid Sofa by Kann Design Dimensions: D 70 x W 200 x H 74 cm. Materials: Solid wood, steel, wood veneer, HR foam, fabric upholstery - seating...
Steel
$9,149 / item
Burgundy Mid Sofa by Kann Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Burgundy Mid Sofa by Kann Design Dimensions: D 70 x W 200 x H 74 cm. Materials: Solid wood, steel, wood veneer, HR foam, fabric upholstery Kvadrat Sunniva 373...
Steel
$11,243 / item
Ochre Cut Sofa by Kann Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ochre Cut Sofa by Kann Design Dimensions: D 80 x W 230 x H 72 cm. Materials: Solid wood, steel, wood veneer, HR foam, fabric upholstery Kvadrat Baru 450 (90% wool, 10% nylon). Availa...
Steel
$4,473 / item
Ribbons Salmon Sofa by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Ribbons salmon sofa by Mowee. Dimensions: D83 x W160 x H81 cm. Material: Aluminium, Upholstery Weight: 32 kg Also available in different colors and finishes. An unmistakable ...
Aluminum
$17,311 / item
Seduire II Sofa by Memoir Essence
Located in Geneve, CH
Seduire II Sofa by Memoir Essence Dimensions: D 125 x W 280 x H 76 cm. Materials: Knurled and polished brass and velvet upholstery. Immerse in Memoir´s world with our new piece Sedu...
Brass
$4,473 / item
Ribbons Bronze Sofa by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Ribbons bronze sofa by Mowee. Dimensions: D83 x W160 x H81 cm Material: Aluminium, upholstery. Weight: 32 kg Also available in different colors and finishes. An unmistakable ...
Aluminum
$8,173 / item
Fernandine II Seat Sofa by InsidherLand
Located in Geneve, CH
Fernandina II Seat Sofa by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 85 x W 170 x H 80 cm. Materials: Brushed brass, InsidherLand Cotton Velvet Ref. CV 0470 fabric. 48 kg. Available in different fa...
Brass
$5,401 / item
Donut Sofa by The Cult
Located in Geneve, CH
Donut Sofa by The Cult Dimensions: W 126 x D 95 x H 83 cm Materials: Upholstery, Velvet The Cult STUDIO Generates Emotional Solutions And Experiences In Different Scales Of Projects...
Upholstery, Velvet
$35,027 / item
Caravan Sofa by De Castelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Caravan Sofa by De Castelli Dimensions: W 240 x D 85 x H 70 cm Materials: Brushed Copper, Anica Leather Other versions are available, please contact us for any request. Modular sofa...
Copper
$5,562 / item
Haven 3 Seater Cream by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Haven 3 seater cream by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D220 x W84 x H 110/40 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Foam, Spring system, Wood Weight: 84 kg Also available in different colours and finishes. Haven is a contemporary sofa with a simple, soft idiom. With its high, embracing back, the sofa creates a sanctuary, where you can sit, gently shielded off from your surroundings, curled up with a book or enjoying an in-depth conversation in your living room. Haven is also ideal for a conference room or lobby, either alone or with two sofas facing each other, thereby expanding the private space. The Haven Lounge Chair and Pouf make the perfect complement. For a perfect holistic impression the Haven range is covered with the exclusive furnishing fabrics, Hero, whose soft, almost felt-like surface complements the sofas organic shape...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$4,878 / item
Pumpkin Orange RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Pumpkin Orange RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid Dimensions: D 80 x W 170 x H 75 cm. Seat Height: 36 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 35 kg. Available in different color options. This pr...
Other
$27,650 / item
Caravan Sofa by De Castelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Caravan Sofa by De Castelli Dimensions: W 160 x D 85 x H 70 cm Materials: Brushed Copper, Anica Leather Other versions are available, please contact us for any request. Modular sofa...
Copper
Milky White RAP Sofa With Cotton White Cushion by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Milky White RAP Sofa With Cotton White Cushion by Karim Rashid Dimensions: Sofa: D 80 x W 170 x H 75 cm. Seat Height: 36 cm. Cushion: D 65 x W 130 x H 3 cm. Materials: Polyethylene, ...
Other
Elephant Grey Low Lita Love Low Sofa With Cushion by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Elephant Grey Low Lita Love Low Sofa With Cushion by OTTO Studio Designed by Paola Navone. Dimensions: D 80 x W 118 x H 70 cm. Seat Height: 36 cm. Materials: Polyethylene, rubber and...
Other
$3,331 / item
Argil Grey Low Lita Love Low Sofa by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Argil Grey 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. Available ...
Other
$3,331 / item
Lime Green Low Lita Love Low Sofa by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Lime Green 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. Available ...
Other
$7,174 / item
Black Leather Level Daybed by Msds Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Black leather level daybed by Msds Studio Materials: Camo leather, foam, oak. Dimensions: D 76.5 x W 190 x H 41 cm Also available in different materials. The founders, Mia and...
Leather, Foam, Oak
Jet Black Happylife Sofa by Bedini, Marzano And Settimelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Jet Black Happylife Sofa by Bedini, Marzano And Settimelli Dimensions: D 90 x W 240 x H 81 cm. Seat Height: 47 cm. Materials: Polyethylene and eco-leather. Weight: 69 kg. Available ...
Other
$13,075 / item
Mr Jones Sofa by DUISTT
Located in Geneve, CH
Mr Jones Sofa by DUISTT Dimensions: W 222 x D 92 x H 80 cm Materials: Duistt Fabric, Natural Limed Oak, Brass MR. JONES sofa is a piece with classical influence with sleek design a...
Brass
$6,091 / item
Galore 3 Seater Fresh Peach by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Galore 3 Seater Fresh Peach by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D222 x W83 x H 76 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Powder coated black steel legs, Wooden frame, foam, spring system. Weight...
Steel
$1,534 / item
Lace Grey Sofa with Cushion by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Lace grey 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
$4,878 / item
Flame Red Kami Yon Sofa by Marc Sadler
Located in Geneve, CH
Flame Red 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. This pro...
Other
$4,878 / item
Malva Green Blossy Rocking Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Malva Green Blossy Rocking Sofa by Karim Rashid Dimensions: D 85 x W 159 x H 75 cm. Seat Height: 34 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 38 kg. Available in different color options....
Other