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.
$3,247 / item
Dove Grey Low Lita Love Low Sofa by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Dove 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 i...
Other
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
ARCH 2 Seater Sofa in Oak and DAW/Mohair & Mcnutt Upholstery by Mazo Design
Located in Geneve, CH
ARCH 2 Seater Sofa in Oak and DAW/Mohair & Mcnutt Upholstery by Mazo Design Dimensions: W 128 x D 79 x H 76 cm Materials: Oak, textile Also available: 2 seater configuration, ROMO/L...
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
Milky White Low Lita Love Low Sofa With Cushion by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Milky White 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 a...
Other
$3,247 / 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
$3,247 / 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
$3,247 / 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
$3,247 / 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
$3,247 / item
Jet Black Low Lita Love Low Sofa by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Jet Black 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
$3,247 / item
Malva Green Low Lita Love Low Sofa by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Malva 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
$11,261 / 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, Upholstery, Velvet, Lacquer
$6,993 / 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
$4,754 / item
Flame Red Blossy Rocking Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Flame Red 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
$7,596 / item
Taís 2 Seats Sofa by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Taís 2 seats sofa by Domkapa Materials: Natural leather (Desna Polvere), polished stainless steel. Dimensions: W 190 x D 95 x H 88 cm. Also available in different materials. wi...
Steel
$4,754 / 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
$4,754 / 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
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
$4,754 / item
Savannah Land Big Kroko Sofa by Marcantonio
Located in Geneve, CH
Savannah Land 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
$2,435 / item
Amélie Duetto Sofa by Italo Pertichini
Located in Geneve, CH
Amélie Duetto Sofa by Italo Pertichini Dimensions: D 59 x W 120 x H 87 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 18 kg. Available in a standard version an...
Other
$4,754 / 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
$7,932 / item
Chloe 3 Seats Sofa by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Chloe 3 seats sofa by Domkapa Materials: Rose gold brushed, fabric (Logone 09). Dimensions: W 300 x D 100 x H 75.5 cm. Also available in different materials. Please contact us. Chloe is an outstanding design piece with striking aesthetic balance and refined materials. Available in two-seater, three-seater, and chaise-longue versions, it stars a wooden or metallic base and upholstered seat and backrest that can elevate any room. A stitched line is dividing the piece for easy assembling and transport while double-top stitching is seen across the sofa for a luxury touch. The soft curves prevail throughout every element of Chloe sofa...
Steel
$4,186 / item
Bob Mod 2 Seating by Dovain Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Bob Mod 2 Seating by Dovain Studio. Dimensions: H 76 x W 80 x D 100 x SH 39 cm. Materials: Velvet, Wood. Dovain Studio Creative direction by Sergio Prieto, a Spanish artist-des...
Velvet, Wood
$7,503 / item
Fried Egg Sofa Dark Ochre by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried egg sofa dark ochre 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 colours and f...
Upholstery, Teak
$30,617 / item
Dimanche 6, Couch Vase by Marc Dibeh
By Marc Dibeh
Located in Geneve, CH
Dimanche 6, couch vase by Marc Dibeh 2018 Materials: Fabric. Dimensions: W180 x H70 x D180 cm. Beirut based designer Marc Dibeh narrates his cultural environment through compel...
Fabric
Brown ARCH 3 Seater Sofa in Oak and DAW/Mcnutt Upholstery by Mazo Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brown ARCH 3 Seater Sofa in Oak and DAW/Mcnutt Upholstery by Mazo Design Dimensions: W 200 x D 79 x H 76 cm Materials: Oak, Textile Also Available: 2 Seater Configuration, ROMO/Linar...
Other
$5,821 / item
Na Pali 2 Seat Sofa by InsidherLand
Located in Geneve, CH
Na Pali 2 Seat Sofa by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 82 x W 190 x H 95 cm. Materials: Walnut, InsidherLand Bright Velvet Ref. Gold fabric. 45 kg. Available in different fabrics. The Na Pali sofa was designed as the original armchair, evoking the breathtaking landscape of Na Pali coast located on Kaua'i Island. The wooden sides extend as cliffs from the bottom to the top and the front feet get the form of the numerous sculpted needles across the landscape. Created by Architect Joana Santos Barbosa in 2012, InsidherLand is a Portuguese brand...
Upholstery, Wood
Post-Modern Black & White Two-Seater Sofa, Italy, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Italian postmodern black and white two-seater sofa, a beautiful piece of furniture that seamlessly combines the timeless elegance of the 1970s design era with a contemporary twist. R...
Wood, Bouclé, Fabric
$5,937 / item
Galore 3 Seater Light Steel Blue by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Galore 3 Seater Light Steel Blue by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D222 x W83 x H 76 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Powder coated black steel legs, Wooden frame, foam, spring system. W...
Steel
$5,937 / item
Galore 3 Seater Maple Red by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Galore 3 seater maple red 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
$10,321 / item
Niemeyer II 2 Seat Sofa by InsidherLand
Located in Geneve, CH
Niemeyer II 2 Seat Sofa by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 92 x W 180 x H 86 cm. Materials: Oak, InsidherLand Dalai Ref. 1 fabric. 68 kg. Available in different fabrics. The Niemeyer II ...
Upholstery, Wood
$6,506 / 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
$11,771 / 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
$7,654 / item
Figueroa 3 Seat Sofa by InsidherLand
Located in Geneve, CH
Figueroa 3 Seat Sofa by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 90 x W 230 x H 90 cm. Materials: Brushed stainless steel, InsidherLand Blend Ref. 5 fabric. 95 kg. Available in different fabrics. ...
Stainless Steel
$10,147 / 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
$5,311 / item
Copacabana Sofa with 1 Arm Right by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Copacabana sofa with 1 arm right by Domkapa Materials: black texturized steel, bamboo wood, fabric (Rhine Ice). Dimensions: W 165 x D 105 x H 75 cm. Also available in different ma...
Stainless Steel
$3,270 / item
Xaloc Central 90 Gold Modular Sofa by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Xaloc Central 90 Gold Modular sofa by MOWEE Dimensions: D100 x W90 x H81 cm (Seat Height 42cm) Material: Aluminum, Textile Weight: 24 kg Also Available in different colors and fi...
Aluminum
$7,503 / item
Fried Egg Sofa Petrol by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried egg sofa petrol 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 colours and finis...
Upholstery, Teak
$5,149 / item
Xaloc Salmon Sofa by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Xaloc Salmon sofa by Mowee Dimensions: D 100 x W 200 x H 81 cm (Seat height 42 cm) Material: Aluminium, Textile Weight: 46 kg Also available in different colours and finishes. ...
Aluminum
$5,421 / item
Haven 3 Seater Jade by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Haven 3 seater jade 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 colour...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$8,350 / item
Up Sofa by Lagu
Located in Geneve, CH
Up sofa by Lagu Designed by Ufuk Ceylan Dimensions: W 160 x D 80 x H 80 cm. Materials: Faux Leather, Foam, Hardwood, Metal, Upholstery. Designed to maximize both form and comfort, t...
Metal
$12,606 / 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
$7,503 / item
Fried Egg Sofa Grey Melange by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried egg sofa grey Melange by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D186 x W68 x H 68 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Solid oiled teak Weight: 42 kg Also available i...
Upholstery, Teak
$4,163 / item
Cover White Double Left Modular Sofa by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Cover White Double Left Modular Sofa by MOWEE Dimensions: D83 x W148 x H81 cm (seat height 42 cm) Material: Aluminum and upholstery. Weight: 29 kg. Also available in different co...
Aluminum
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
$11,064 / item
Aniston 2 Seats Sofa by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Aniston 2 seats sofa by Domkapa. Materials: fiber, black texturized steel. Dimensions: W 180 x D 97 x H 83 cm. Also available in different materials. Aniston sofa is a modern...
Steel
$1,496 / item
Lace White Sofa with Cushion by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Lace white sofa with cushion by Mowee Dimensions: D 66 x W 135 x H 75.5 cm Material: Polyethylene, stainless steel Weight: 21 kg Also available in different colours and finishes....
Stainless Steel, Other
$11,991 / item
Natural and Orange Stand by Me Sofa by Storängen Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural and Orange 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. With fixed...
Fabric, Birch
$2,412 / item
Cover Burgundy Central Modular Sofa by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Cover Burgundy Central modular sofa by MOWEE Dimensions: D83 x W68 x H81 cm (seat height 42 cm). Material: Aluminum and upholstery. Weight: 17...
Aluminum
$7,097 / item
Mr Olsen 3 Seater Oak Fresh Peach by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Mr Olsen 3 Seater Oak Fresh Peach by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D201 x W79 x H 78/46 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Foam, Spring system, Solid oiled oak legs, Solid smoked oak legs ...
Upholstery, Foam, Oak
$6,598 / item
Dwell 2 Seater Blush by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Dwell 2 Seater Blush by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D137 x W66 x H 73 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Solid smoked or white oiled oak legs, Wooden frame, foam, spring system. Weight:...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood, Oak
$6,146 / 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
$3,444 / item
Galore Seater Module Left Amber by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Galore Seater Module Left Amber by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D82 x W83 x H 76 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Powder coated black steel legs, Wooden frame, foam, spring system. Wei...
Steel
$6,100 / item
Caper 3 Seater Minty Grey by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Caper 3 Seater Minty Grey by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D206 x W84 x H 63 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Wooden frame, Powder coated black steel legs. Weight: 55.5 kg Also availab...
Steel
$4,615 / item
Xaloc Left 160 Salmon Modular Sofa by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Xaloc Left 160 Salmon Modular sofa by MOWEE Dimensions: D100 x W160 x H81 cm (Seat Height 42cm) Material: Aluminium, Textile Weight: 37 kg Also Available in different colors and ...
Aluminum
$6,100 / item
Caper 3 Seater Petrol by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Caper 3 seater olive by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D 206 x W 84 x H 63 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Wooden frame, Powder coated black steel legs. Weight: 55.5 kg Also available ...
Steel
$19,692 / item
Jell Sofa in Dark Green Fabric by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa in Dark Green 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 fa...
Stone
$2,655 / item
Ribbons Navy Right Modular Sofa by MOWEE
Located in Geneve, CH
Ribbons Navy Right Modular sofa by MOWEE Dimensions: D83 x W80 x H81 cm (seat height 42 cm) Material: Aluminum and upholstery Weight: 19 kg Also...
Aluminum
$6,100 / item
Caper 3 Seater Terracotta by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Caper 3 seater terracotta by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D206 x W84 x H 63 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Wooden frame, Powder coated black steel legs. Weight: 55.5 kg Also availab...
Steel
$4,360 / item
Ribbons White Sofa by MOWEE
Located in Geneve, CH
Ribbons white sofa by MOWEE Dimensions: D83 x W160 x H81 cm Material: Aluminum, Upholstery Weight: 32 kg Also available in different colors and finishes. An unmistakable coll...
Aluminum