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.
Preview Post Modern Kidney Shape Sofa
By Preview
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Preview Post Modern Kidney Shape Sofa This sofa measures: 90 wide x 44 deep x 33 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm height of 27 inches Excellent Vintage Condition. W...
Upholstery
$9,000 / set
9 Piece Modular Scoop Swan Sofa by Henning Korch
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Great 9 piece Italian Post Modern modular sectional Swan sofa by Henning Korch. Comprised of 9 identical chair pieces that can be used individually or together. The arrangements ar...
Velvet
1980s 3-Piece Biomorphic Curved Sofa By Preview
By Preview
Located in Bensalem, PA
This is one unique sofa, very comfortable. The shape is amazing would be the center focus point of any room Made by Preview Furniture
Upholstery
Sloane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1990
Located in Chicago, IL
Sloane sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1990. Original upholstery
Velvet
$6,091 / item
Ut 01 Cowhide and Walnut Sofa by Sing Chan
Located in Geneve, CH
Ut 01 Sofa by Sing Chan Dimensions: W 76 x D 56 x H 67 cm Materials: Cowhide, North American Black Walnut, waxing. Sing Chan ( Chinese: 陈星宇/Xingyu Chen), the founder of SINGCHAN DE...
Upholstery, Walnut
Kurt Beier "Fantasy" Sofa in Longhair, Germany 1980s
By Kurt Beier
Located in Utrecht, NL
This “Fantasy” sofa, designed by Kurt Beier, epitomises the avant-garde and experimental nature of postmodern design. Created during a period marked by a break from traditional creat...
Steel
Le Bambole Leather Sofa Design Mario Bellini 1978 for B&B Italia
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Le Bambole two-seater Sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. The Bambole series today is an icon of 1970s design furniture and won Mario Bellini the "Compasso d'Oro" awa...
Leather, Foam
Two-Seater "Korium" Sofa by Tito Agnoli for Matteo Grassi. Italy, 1970s/1980s
Located in Nashville, TN
Item Details: Two-Seater Green leather sofa. The leather cushions are embossed with “Matteo Grassi” and are held together by zippers. Frame is leather Creator: Tito Agnoli for Matteo...
Leather
Cannaregio Modular Sofa with Footrest by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina, Italy 1986
By Gaetano Pesce, Cassina
Located in Halle, DE
Rare modular Cannaregio sofa by Gaetano Pesce. Postmodern / Memphis Design from 1986, manufactured by Cassina, Italy. Comes with original footrest in b...
Fabric
1980s Postmodern Spindle-back Solid Oak Sofa, Howard Furniture, Pair Available
By Howard Furniture Manufacturing
Located in Miami, FL
1980s Postmodern Spindle-back Solid Oak Howard Co Sofa Offered for sale individually are two 1980s solid oak spindle-back Postmodern sofas from Howard Furniture company. The sofas h...
Oak, Fabric, Foam
Post-Modern Sofa by Raphael Raffel, Cowhide, France, Circa 1970
Located in TOURS, FR
Raphael Raffel sofa, France, 1970's
Cowhide
Italian Post-Modern Sectional Corner Sofa in Cognac Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular corner sofa, leather, Italy, 1970s A spacious L-shaped modular Italian corner sofa, upholstered in firm cognac leather. The cushions are generously padded with a rounded, pl...
Leather
1970s Orange Christensen & Larsen Sofa or Chairs
Located in Vienna, AT
Lacquered wood with cushions upholstered in soft orange fabric. Manufactured in Denmark in the 1970s by the company Christensen & Larsen. Use marks on the frame and upholstery fabric
Upholstery, Plywood
Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate 'Blop' Lounge Set in Original Fabric
By Rossi di Albizzate, Carlo Bartoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, pair of two-seat sofa with coffee table, model 'Blop', original velvet, lacquered wood, Italy, 1972 A postmodern design by Italian master of a...
Velvet
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobios Post-Modern Croissant Sofa in Off-White Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, sofa, reupholstered fabric, France, late 1970s The Croissant sofa, designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, epitomizes the organic and fluid design ...
Fabric
Andre Arbus Style Robert Couturier Peach Velvet Post Modern Sofa
Located in Sharon, CT
Custom made by Robert Couturier, peach velvet with classic ionic volute referenced arm treatments. Incredibly comfortable down pillow seat. White painted Louis XVI inspired structur...
Velvet
Canapé Modèle 54 par Gae Aulenti pour Knoll – Restauration Bonjour Gallery
By Knoll, Gae Aulenti
Located in Rouen, FR
Canapé deux places Modèle 54, conçu par Gae Aulenti dans les années 1970 pour Knoll International. Icône du design post-moderniste italien, ce modèle se distingue par sa structure tu...
Metal
$39,872 / item
Meilleur Nom Polished Bronze Sofa by Palena Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Meilleur Nom Polished Bronze Sofa by Palena Furniture Dimensions: W 317.5 x D 104.14 x H 77.47 x Seat H 43.18 cm Materials: Polished Bronze, American Walnut, Black Lacquer, Plush Vel...
Other, Bronze
$3,850Sale Price|39% Off
Tan Leather Cloud Style Sofa with Lucite Leg by Weiman, c 1980s, Signed
By Weiman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful curvy and fluid Post-Modern sofa by Weiman is in soft and luxurious tan colored leather, features a single lucite leg and is signed underneath with a Weiman label. Designed by Robert L. Ebel and produced by Wieman in the 1980s and 90s, this curvaceous sofa was inspired by Vladimir Kagan's designs such as the 'Cloud' sofa by Directional, the 'Serpentine' sofa by Kagan...
Leather, Lucite
Custom Scalloped Tuxedo Sofa in Olive Green Pierre Frey Fabric, 1990
Located in Hudson, NY
A luxurious custom scalloped tuxedo sofa in olive green. Seat back is diamond tufted with a scalloped crest rail. New upholstery invokes a seventies feel with Pierre Frey's Yeti fabr...
Wool, Alpaca, Mohair, Wood
Italian Sectional Sofa in Red Orange Patterned Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sectional sofa, fabric, beech, Italy, 1970s. This Italian modular sofa is designed in the seventies and contains six elements. Therefore, the sofa becomes very versatile as it allow...
Fabric, Beech
Characteristic Italian Modular Sofa in Brown and Beige Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sofa, fabric, Italy, 1970s This charming Italian sofa is made in a characteristic patterned upholstery in brown and beige tones with cord like stitching along the backrests...
Fabric, Wood
Mario Botta for Alias 'Obliqua' Sofa in Zebra Print Upholstery
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Botta for Alias, sofa, model ´Obliqua´, fabric, black lacquered wood, Italy, circa 1983. 'Obliqua' sofa designed by Mario Botta for Italian manufacturer Alias in the 1980s. U...
Fabric, Wood
John Mascheroni Curved Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
This 1980s sofa designed by John Mascheroni epitomizes the era's sleek, minimalist aesthetic with its elegantly curved silhouette. Upholstered in a rich ochre boucle fabric, the sofa...
Bouclé
Zoe Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. The Zoe sofa was one of Vladimir Kagan’s last designs. Made by American Leather /Room and Board. Upholstered in original micro suede. The biomorphic shape similar to Kagan’...
Fabric
1980s Postmodern 5-Piece Sectional Sofa by Flair, Bernhardt with Chaise & Corner
Made in the United States, this sofa was designed by the ultra-specialized design team at Flair, which was owned and operated by Bernhardt at the time. Featuring 5 sections, it has a...
Upholstery, Wood
Original WK Wohnen Sofa Zweisitzer Design Couch klappbar Möbel
By WK Wohnen
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zweisitzer Sofa vom deutschen Premiumhersteller WK Wohnen zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa lässt sich mit seinen Armlehnen auf eine Gesamtlänge von bis zu 300cm ...
Fabric
1990s Salotti Post Modern Top Grain Two Toned Beige Leather Sofa
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1990s with this exquisite two toned beige leather sofa. The ultra rare three seaters sofa exudes an air of luxury and refinemen...
Leather, Wood
Postmodern French Sofa in Stainless Steel and Burgundy Velvet Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, stainless steel, velvet, France, late 1960s This sofa grabs attention with its modern substantial design, combining a sturdy stainless steel frame with decorative velvet cushi...
Stainless Steel
Giorgetti “Maharaja” Settee by Antonello Mosca, Italian Modern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined “Maharaja” settee designed by Antonello Mosca and masterfully crafted in Italy by Giorgetti, one of the world’s premier luxury furniture houses. This sculptural two-seat so...
Fabric, Wood
Original BoConcept Amsterdam Sofa Cord Couch Recamiere beige
By BoConcept
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes, ca. 5 Jahre altes und sehr gut erhaltenes Sofamodul von BoConcept zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel war unter dem Modellnamen "Amsterdam" im Handel und ist hier...
Fabric
Odysseus Fully Upholstered Sofa in White Linen Fabric by OZA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Odysseus Fully Upholstered Sofa in White Linen Fabric by OZA Design Dimensions: D 112 x W 260 x H 67 cm. SH: 38 cm. Materials: Linen. Available in different material options and fi...
Linen
Vigo Magistretti for Cassina Sofa in Dark Grey Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for Cassina, two-seater sofa, model 'Veranda', fabric, aluminum, Italy, 1983. Beautiful esthetically balanced two-seater sofa designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassi...
Aluminum
Italian Wood Fabric "Artona" Sofa Design Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 1970s
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design three-seater sofa from the “Artona” series designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto in the 1970s with solid wood frame and layers in different...
Fabric, Wood
Lorenzo F. Davanzati for The Pace Collection 'Bounty' Sofa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lorenzo Forges Davanzati for The Pace Collection, sofa, model 'Bounty', brown alcantara, lacquered wood, United States, 1980s. The Italian designer, Lorenzo ...
Ultrasuede, Wood, Lacquer
Original Rolf Benz Sofa 3000 Zweisitzer Couch Creme Beige Design
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 kürzeren Zweisitzer. In unseren and...
Fabric
Luciano Frigerio 'Norman' 3 Seat Sofa in Custom Missoni Upholstery, Italy, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Matching Loveseat available, sold separately. Custom designed by Luciano Frigerio in the 1970s for the Missoni family, the 'Norman' sofa is a rare example of Italian craft meeting fa...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Italian Modern Curved Sculptural Loveseat or Sofa
By Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Federico Munari, Ico Parisi, ISA Bergamo
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern curved sculptural loveseat or sofa. This stunning Italian Federico Munari inspired postmodern sofa, chaise or loveseat has interesti...
Stainless Steel
Vladimir Kagan “Matinee” Sofa in 100% Alpaca
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage, signed - excellent restored condition. This piece has been fully reupholstered in a 100% alpaca fabric
Fabric
"Soriana" Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Utrecht, NL
The iconic “Soriana” three-seater sofa was designed by the Italian designer duo, Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1969. Besides its innovative manufacturing, visually, Soriana brings sophist...
Metal
$7,962 / 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 upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery and wild silk. Available in all M...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Ligne Roset Kashima 3-Seater Sofa in Velvet by Michel Ducaroy
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Toronto, CA
Designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, the Kashima 3-seater offers a softer take on modular lounge seating. Its all-foam construction and sculpted silhouette deliver plush comfo...
Velvet, Foam
$11,119 / item
Fringes 280 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Fringes 280 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 100 x W 280 x H 91 cm. SH: 47 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Antique Pink, CV28 upholstery, and antiqu...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$6,091 / item
Ut 01 Cowhide and Walnut Sofa by Sing Chan
Located in Geneve, CH
Ut 01 Sofa by Sing Chan Dimensions: W 76 x D 56 x H 67 cm Materials: Cowhide, North American Black Walnut, waxing. Sing Chan ( Chinese: 陈星宇/Xingyu Chen), the founder of SINGCHAN DE...
Upholstery, Walnut
$42,187 / item
Lamb Sofa by Vladimir Naumov
Located in Geneve, CH
Lamb Sofa by Vladimir Naumov Dimensions: D 284 x W 164 x H 84 cm Materials: Faux Lamb Fur, Wood Customizable Size. Please contact us. Vladimir Naumov is a ...
Faux Fur, Wood
$12,031 / item
Ut 02 Cowhide and Walnut Sofa by Sing Chan
Located in Geneve, CH
Ut 02 Sofa by Sing Chan Dimensions: W 76 x D 135 x H 67 cm Materials: Cowhide, North American Black Walnut, waxing. Sing Chan ( Chinese: 陈星宇/Xingyu Chen), the founder of SINGCHAN D...
Upholstery, Walnut
Contemporary Art The Perfect Big Half-Moon Silk Velvet Sofa by Carla Tolomeo
Located in Pistoia, IT
Sculpture. Unique piece hand made by the artist. The silk velvet fabric and the embroideries are made expressly for the artist, Carla Tolomeo.
Silk
$7,962 / item
Object 085 Sofa by NG Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 085 Sofa by NG Design Dimensions: W 220 x D 110 x H 60 cm Materials: Velveteen Also Available: All of objects available in different materials and colors on demand. Our firs...
Other
1970s Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Toronto, CA
Like sitting on a cloud... Historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evoke feelings of warmth and sensuality, ...
Steel
$57,785 / item
Ecume Sofa by Guillaume Chevalier
Located in Geneve, CH
Ecume Sofa by Guillaume Chevalier Dimensions: D 100 x W 256 x H 80 cm. Materials: Solid American walnut and fabric. Handcrafted in France by Ateliers de Brimbois. Copies signed and ...
Fabric, Walnut
$4,425Sale Price|25% Off
B&B Italia “Balillo” Postmodern Sofa, White Bone Leather, Sculptural Curved Arms
Located in Mckinney, TX
A sculptural statement piece by B&B Italia, the Balillo sofa embodies the bold elegance of postmodern design. Upholstered in a supple, creamy bone-colored leather, its striking s...
Leather
$33,067 / item
Tabacco Croissant Sofa by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Tabacco Croissant Sofa by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 120 x W 240 x H 80 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. “Croissant” Sofa. Of course, for the d...
Upholstery, Wood
Vladimir Kagan For Directional Serpentine Sofa
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Houston, TX
Vladimir Kagan For Directional Serpentine Sofa. Offered is a stunning curvaceous sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional Furniture Company in the 1980's. We offer this gorgeo...
Fabric, Wood
Substantial Sofa in Delicate Striped Green Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, Europe, 1970s/80s A robust and substantial sofa, exuding a playful charm through its distinct geometric form. The sofa's three back cushions seamlessly integrate into...
Fabric
$15,247 / item
Upholstery Hendon Sofa by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Upholstery Hendon Sofa by Madheke Dimensions: D 101 x W 180 x H 80 cm. Materials: Veneered raised base with slender brass-accented legs, Tapered arms with integrated dual-level canti...
Leather, Upholstery
$12,031 / item
Ut 02 Cowhide and Walnut Sofa by Sing Chan
Located in Geneve, CH
Ut 02 Sofa by Sing Chan Dimensions: W 76 x D 135 x H 67 cm Materials: Cowhide, North American Black Walnut, waxing. Sing Chan ( Chinese: 陈星宇/Xingyu Chen), the founder of SINGCHAN D...
Upholstery, Walnut
"Le Stelle" Loveseat Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Le Stelle" loveseat sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, circa 1970s. Newly reupholstered in white Knoll boucle, the sofa features angled arm rests and Bellini's signatu...
Bouclé
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Classic Ripple Wave Bench by Laurinda Spear for Brayton International Ca. 1970's
By Laurinda Spear, Brayton International
Located in New York, NY
Pure post modern style, executed with top quality craftsmanship. The wave , or ripple bench was designed by Laurinda Spear, and made by Brayton Industries, circa 1970's. This example...
Upholstery
Turquoise Post Modern Cubic Settee, 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Turquoise Postmodern Cubic settee, 1970 Newly reupholstered in turquoise velvet.
Velvet
Kazuhide Takahama, Mantilla Sofa for Gavina, Italy 1974 (Big Size)
Located in Argelato, BO
Kazuhide Takahama (Japan, 1930 - Bologna, 2010) "MANTILLA" SOFA wooden frame, padded and covered in velvet in shades of white Production Simon Gavina, Italy, 1974 Bibliography: Ac...
Velvet, Wood