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.
Natural and Orange Stand by Me Sofa with Pillows by Storängen Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural and orange stand by Me sofa with pillows by Storängen Design Dimensions: D 222 x W 74 x H 73 x SH 42 cm. Materials: birch wood, fabric. A...
Fabric, Birch
$5,478 / item
Copacabana Sofa with 1 Arm Left by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Copacabana sofa with 1 Arm Left 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 mat...
Stainless Steel
$10,693 / item
Chloe Chaise Sofa by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Chloe chaise sofa by Domkapa Materials: Bouclé (Columbia Taupe), black ash. Dimensions: W 350 x D 180 x H 75.5 cm. Also available in different materia...
Bouclé, Ash
$5,920 / item
Brass Hand-Sculpted Sofa Misaya
By Misaya
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass hand-sculpted sofa - Misaya Dimensions: H 75 x W 124 x L 69 cm Hand-sculpted brass sofa. Made to order dimensions are possible.
Brass
$7,212 / item
Oak Cognac Leather Level Daybed by Msds Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak 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 their 30 years of experience into a new project. It was time for a change and a new challenge. The challenge was to build an ambitious design brand from the ground up with high-quality materials and great attention to the little details. With a drive to create new originals, the WOUD collection is founded upon the idea to look ahead instead of looking back and share the love for honest design. Therefore, we are eager to discover and develop new ideas whether it being in form, function or choice of material. MSDS STUDIO is a successful Canadian design studio that works in interior, furniture and lighting design. The designers behind the studio are Jessica Nakanishi and Jonathan Sabine. A couple who have mastered to get their name established at numerous of the world’s leading design brands in a few years. We are proud to be able to have three of their designs in our collection. The studio is dedicated to material exploration, rigour and resourcefulness. With a modern approach to design, they create innovative design that engages contemporary culture while staying true to the inheritance of craftsmanship. Their work synthesises very meticulous considerations of color, form and space, which results in simple designs. The Annular pendant was the product that started the collaboration of MSDS and WOUD. The design sparked a love at first sight reaction at the Stockholm Furniture Fair in 2015 and since then, our collaboration has evolved. With great chemistry and appreciation, the Study lamp...
Leather, Foam, Oak
$7,212 / 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
Mocha Brown ARCH Two-Seater Sofa in Oak and Sahara Sheepskin by Mazo Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mocha Brown ARCH Two-Seater Sofa in Oak and Sahara Sheepskin by Mazo Design Dimensions: W 128 x D 79 x H 76 cm Materials: Oak, Sheepskin Also Available: 2 Seater Configuration, ROMO/...
Other
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
$20,309 / 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
Brühl Alba Sessel system/m neuwertig Design Armlehnstuhl
By Brühl
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen sehr gut erhaltenen und nicht/ kaum benutzten original Brühl Alba Sessel in einem modernen dunkelgrau zum Verkauf an. In unseren weiteren Anzeigen bieten wir zudem p...
Fabric
Steve Chase Style Sectional Sofa
By Steve Chase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-century sectional sofa In the manner of Steve Chase Brand New Upholstery Overstuffed down cushions & pillows In excellent condition Measures: Height: 31" (Back) 3...
Chenille
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
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
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
$7,500 / item
1970’s, French Leather Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern French leather sofa. 4 Matching sofas available.
Leather
Lyora Teak Wood And Ethereal Fabric Two-Seater Left Modular Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyora Teak Wood And Ethereal Fabric Two-Seater Left Modular Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 88 x W 170 x H 66 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood and Ethereal fabric. A delicate mid-cen...
Fabric, Teak
Éclat-Bisque Rope, Luminesce Fabric And Aluminum Two-Seater Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Éclat-Bisque Rope, Luminesce Fabric And Aluminum Two-Seater Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 93,5 x W 190 x H 67 cm. SH: 39 cm. Materials: Aluminium, rope, and Luminesce fabric. Anthony ...
Aluminum
Éclat-Nightfall Rope, Luminesce Fabric And Aluminum Three-Seater Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Éclat-Nightfall 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. Ant...
Aluminum
Éclat-Nightfall Rope, Luminesce Fabric And Aluminum Two-Seater Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Éclat-Nightfall Rope, Luminesce Fabric And Aluminum Two-Seater Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 93,5 x W 190 x H 67 cm. SH: 39 cm. Materials: Aluminium, rope, and Luminesce fabric. Antho...
Aluminum
Link-Bisque Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Two-Seater Outdoor Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Link-Bisque 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-Bisque ...
Aluminum
Acquabella Three Seater Beech Wood And Bronze Feet Sofa by Casa Casati
Located in Geneve, CH
Acquabella Three Seater Beech Wood And Bronze Feet Sofa by Casa Casati Dimensions: D 106 x W 252 x H 80 cm. SH: 74 cm. Materials: Beech wood, marine plywood, polyurethane, polyester ...
Other
$4,389 / item
Yin Yang Module 2 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Yin Yang Module 2 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 101 x W 101 x H 83 cm. SH: 83 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery and brushed brass. Ava...
Brass
$3,516 / item
Yin Yang Module 1 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Yin Yang Module 1 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 101 x W 101 x H 57 cm. SH: 57 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery and brushed brass. Ava...
Brass
$6,566 / 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 Blue gl...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$7,882 / item
Sophia 210 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Sophia 210 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 88 x W 210 x H 94 cm. SH: 45 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Pure White, CV01 upholstery, and pol...
Brass
$12,690 / item
Gran Torino 280 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Gran Torino 280 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 96 x W 280 x H 85 cm. SH: 47 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Bouclé Wool, COM upholstery, and polished brass foo...
Brass
$12,690 / item
Gran Torino 280 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Gran Torino 280 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 96 x W 280 x H 85 cm. SH: 47 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Bouclé Wool, COM upholstery, and polished brass foo...
Brass
$13,133 / item
Josephine 230 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Josephine 230 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 103 x W 230 x H 83 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and leather. Finish: Leather, ref. Light grey, L17 upholstery and piping. Availab...
Foam, Wood, Leather
$11,913 / 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
$11,949 / item
Roy 220 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Roy 220 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 115 x W 220 x H 83 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Amethyst, CV32, and gloss lacquer. Available...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$13,228 / 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
$13,228 / 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
$13,228 / 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. Milkshake Pink, CV29, and gloss lacquer. Ava...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$13,228 / 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. Lime, CV24, and gloss lacquer. Available in ...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$13,228 / 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. Green Duck Egg, CV19, and gloss lacquer. Ava...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$13,228 / 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. Emerald, CV09, and gloss lacquer. Available ...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$13,228 / 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. Antique Pink, CV28, and gloss lacquer. Avail...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$13,228 / 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, Foam, Wood
$13,228 / 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. Pine, CV37, and gloss lacquer. Available in ...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$13,228 / 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. Chalk, CV33, and gloss lacquer. Available in...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$19,544 / 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
$19,544 / 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
$19,544 / 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
$4,174 / 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
$9,724 / item
Cécile Bench by Studio Uwe Gaertner
Located in Geneve, CH
Cécile Bench by Studio Uwe Gaertner Dimensions: D 80 x W 245 x H 37 cm. Materials: Solid oak and Kvadrat Zero (no.001) fabric (65% cotton, 20% acrylic, 15% polyester). An elegant pi...
Fabric, Oak
$26,529 / 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
$5,048 / item
Jabba Arm Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Jabba Arm Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 200 x D 120 x H 80 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Particle boards panels, Fabric. Details: Frame: Solid beech and particle boards panels. Seat...
Fabric, Beech
Milky White RAP Sofa With Mineral Grey Cushion by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Milky White RAP Sofa With Mineral Grey 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
$4,904 / item
Malva Green RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Malva Green 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
$4,904 / item
Powder Blue RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Powder Blue 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
$4,904 / item
Dove Grey RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Dove Grey 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...
Other
$4,904 / item
Flame Red RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Flame Red 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...
Other
$4,904 / item
Elephant Grey RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Elephant Grey 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
$4,904 / item
Chocolate Brown RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Chocolate Brown 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 p...
Other
$4,904 / item
Jet Black RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Jet Black 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...
Other
$4,904 / item
Argil Grey RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Argil Grey 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 produc...
Other
$14,747 / item
Milky White Mara Sofa by Lorenza Bozzoli
Located in Geneve, CH
Milky White 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 in d...
Other
$3,349 / 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
$3,349 / 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
Chocolate Brown Low Lita Love Low Sofa by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Chocolate Brown 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. Avail...
Other