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.
$4,952 / item
Lighted RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Lighted 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 product i...
Other
$5,073 / item
Panther Sofa by The Cult
Located in Geneve, CH
Panther Sofa by The Cult Dimensions: W 90 x D 90 x H 80 cm Materials: Upholstery, Leather The Cult STUDIO Generates Emotional Solutions And Experiences I...
Leather, Upholstery
$7,790 / 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
$2,488 / item
Ribbons Cream Central Modular Sofa by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Ribbons cream central modular sofa by MOWEE Dimensions: D83 x W68 x H81 cm. Material: Aluminium and upholstery. Weight: 17 kg. Also available in different colors and finishes. ...
Aluminum
$13,129 / item
Cream Timber 4 Seater Sofa by Kann Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Cream Timber 4 Seater Sofa by Kann Design Dimensions: D 104.5 x W 260 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid wood, elastic belts, HR foam, fabric upholstery Kvadrat Vidar 1511 (94% wool, 6% nyl...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$5,979 / item
Small Dobra Sofa by Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Dobra Sofa by Wentz Dimensions: D 110 x W 78 x H 70 cm Materials: Upholstered sofa/armchair module with wooden structure, elastic straps, hypersoft foam and WE–KNIT covering (7...
Upholstery
Sublime Fully Restored Art Modern Curved Back Brown Leather Sofa Part of Suite
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning fully restored vintage hand dyed Cigar brown leather Art modern two-seat sofa which is part of a large suite As mentioned this is ...
Leather
$5,483 / 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
$19,748 / set
Snow Modular Sofa by Note Design Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Snow modular sofa by Note Design Studio Dimensions: D 100 x W 358 x H 74 cm. Materials: Upholstery. Seat and feet different fabrics. This modular sofa is composed of: 1 x Module 02 : curve 30° 1 x Module 01 : straight 1 x Module 02 : curve 30° Prices may vary according to the fabric choice. Please contact us. 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
$44,196 / item
Chocolate MRS 3 Sofa by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Chocolate MRS 3 Sofa by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 160 x W 310 x H 80 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. “MRS 3” sofa. With love to my favorite d...
Upholstery, Wood
$7,392 / item
Black Pierre Chair by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Pierre Chair by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 63 x W 69 x H 88 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. PLYUS Furnitur...
Upholstery, Wood
$9,832 / item
White One Seater Nube Sofa by Siete Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Nube Sofa One Seater White by Siete Studio Dimensions: D150 x W100 x H60 cm. Materials: Walnut, cushions, upholstery. Characterised by its round edges and soft white cushions, Nube ...
Other
$3,430 / item
Oscar Backless Modular Sofa by DUISTT
Located in Geneve, CH
Oscar Backless Modular Sofa by DUISTT Dimensions: W 95 x D 101 x H 40 cm Materials: Duistt Fabric Inspired by the curved lines poetry of Oscar Niemeyer’s architecture, OSCAR modula...
Fabric
$31,960 / 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
$7,392 / item
Brown Pierre Chair by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Brown Pierre Chair by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 63 x W 69 x H 88 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. PLYUS Furniture creates pieces in collecti...
Upholstery, Wood
$7,525 / 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
$7,525 / 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
$13,576 / item
Chocolate Memory Chair by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Chocolate Memory Chair by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 90 x W 110 x H 80 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery “Memory” chair. Collection "Memory" insp...
Upholstery, Wood
$10,713 / item
Ida Sofa by Duistt
Located in Geneve, CH
Ida Sofa by Duistt Dimensions: W 230 x D 80 x H 78 cm Materials: Duistt Fabrics, Black Lacquered Sand brushed Oak, Cast Bronze Details The IDA sofa, crafted with great attention to ...
Other
$10,194 / 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
$3,019 / item
Tuttu Sofa by Artu
Located in Geneve, CH
Tuttu sofa by Artu Pavel Vetrov Dimensions: W 134 x D 84 x H 78 cm Materials: metal, upholstery Other colors and materials available. Collection Tuttu Monteur takes its name f...
Metal
$14,023 / 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, Lacquer, Velvet, Upholstery
$4,952 / 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
$2,766 / item
Ash Whale Single Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Ash Whale Single Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: W 86 x D 84 x H 66 cm. Materials: Teak Wood. The Whale-ash Collection features an elegant and robust design style inspired by the form of...
Teak
$6,764 / 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
$4,952 / item
Dove Grey Blossy Rocking Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Dove Grey 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 i...
Other
$3,961 / item
Ribbons White Double Central Modular Sofa by MOWEE
Located in Geneve, CH
Ribbons White Double Central Modular sofa by MOWEE Dimensions: D83 x W136 x H81 cm Material: Aluminum, and upholstery. Weight: 27 kg. Also available in different colors and finis...
Aluminum
$13,419 / 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, Lacquer, Velvet, Upholstery
$58,461 / item
Zeus Grey Sofa by Emilie Lemardeley
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
$10,109 / 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
$14,893 / 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
$3,019 / item
Noche Whale Single Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Noche Whale Single Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: W 86 x D 84 x H 66 cm. Materials: Teak Wood. The Whale-ash Collection features an elegant and robust design style inspired by the form ...
Teak
$31,960 / item
Chocolate Memory Sofa by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Chocolate Memory Sofa 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" inspir...
Upholstery, Wood
$15,098 / 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
$3,382 / 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
$3,382 / item
Elephant Grey Low Lita Love Low Sofa by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Elephant 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. Availab...
Other
$7,295 / item
Noche Ralph Seater 3 Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Noche Ralph Seater 3 Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: W 232 x D 80 x H 65 cm. Materials: Teak Wood, Acrylic Rope, Sunbrella Fabric. Ralph-ash Collection consists of a lounge set, dining t...
Fabric, Acrylic, Teak
$3,382 / 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
$11,728 / item
Colette Sofa by Memoir Essence
Located in Geneve, CH
Colette Sofa by Memoir Essence Dimensions: D 80 x W 220 x H 75 cm. Materials: Velvet PRS, satin ZNC and lacquer. Also available in client's fabric. Ple...
Satin, Lacquer, Velvet, Upholstery
$3,382 / 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
$3,623 / 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
$11,003 / item
Eagle 3 Seat Sofa by InsidherLand
Located in Geneve, CH
Eagle 3 Seat Sofa by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 95 x W 235 x H 93 cm. Materials: Wooden base, ebony veneer, InsidherLand Grid Ref. 6 fabric. 60 kg. Available in different fabrics. Inspired by the story of the Kazakh Eagle Hunters, the profile of the Eagle sofa...
Upholstery, Wood
$6,546 / item
Figueroa 2 Seat Sofa by InsidherLand
Located in Geneve, CH
Figueroa 2 Seat Sofa by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 90 x W 180 x H 90 cm. Materials: Brushed brass, InsidherLand Bright Velvet Ref. Onyx fabric. 70 kg. Available in different fabrics....
Brass
$5,387 / item
Ash Whale Seater Sofa 3 by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Noche Whale Seater Sofa 3 by SNOC Dimensions: W 230 x D 84 x H 66 cm. Materials: Teak Wood. The Whale-ash Collection features an elegant and robust design style inspired by the fo...
Teak
$4,940 / item
Noche Whale Seater Sofa 2 by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Noche Whale Seater Sofa 2 by SNOC Dimensions: W 190 x D 84 x H 66 cm. Materials: Teak Wood. The Whale-ash Collection features an elegant and robust design style inspired by the fo...
Teak
$5,646 / item
Haven 3 Seater Coral by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Haven 3 seater coral by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D 220 x W 84 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
$5,737 / item
Pelican Sofa by The Cult
Located in Geneve, CH
Pelican Sofa by The Cult Dimensions: W 90 x D 90 x H 80 cm Materials: Upholstery, Leather/Automotive Vinyl Other colors are available. Please contact us f...
Other
$4,952 / item
Argil Grey Kami Yon Sofa by Marc Sadler
Located in Geneve, CH
Argil Grey 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 pr...
Other
Fried Egg Sofa Sheepskin Scandinavian Grey by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried egg sofa sheepskin Scandinavian grey by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D186 x W68 x H 68 cm. Material: Sheepskin upholstery, solid oiled teak. Weight: 42 kg Also available in diff...
Sheepskin, Teak
Milky White Kami Yon Sofa With Cushion by Marc Sadler
Located in Geneve, CH
Milky White Kami Yon Sofa With Cushion by Marc Sadler Dimensions: Sofa: D 75 x W 174 x H 70 cm. Seat Height: 35 cm. Cushion: D 95 x W 150 x H 3 cm. Materials: Polyethylene, upholster...
Other
$4,952 / item
Sweet Fuchsia Kami Yon Sofa by Marc Sadler
Located in Geneve, CH
Sweet Fuchsia 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...
Other
$4,952 / item
Saffron Yellow Kami Yon Sofa by Marc Sadler
Located in Geneve, CH
Saffron Yellow 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
$4,952 / item
Dove Grey Kami Yon Sofa by Marc Sadler
Located in Geneve, CH
Dove Grey 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
$4,952 / 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
$6,401 / item
Juliet 2 Seats Sofa by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Juliet 2 seats sofa by Domkapa Materials: black texturized steel, fabric (Logone 01). Dimensions: W 202 x D 86 x H 73 cm. Also available in different materials. Inspired by a...
Steel
$4,952 / item
Elephant Grey Blossy Rocking Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Elephant Grey 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. Availab...
Other
$4,952 / item
Lime Green Blossy Rocking Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Lime 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 ...
Other
$4,952 / 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
$10,568 / 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
Kolho Two Seater Natural, Cognac Leather by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Kolho two seater natural, cognac leather by Made by Choice with Matthew Day Jackson Kolho Collection Dimensions: 130 x 60 x 70 cm Materials: Plywood (Upholstery Category 1) Al...
Birch, Plywood