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.
Mid-Century Post Modern Loveseat or Sofa Produced by Preview Furniture
By Preview
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural base with floating front sofa made by Preview circa 1992. It features the original tweed fabric in good condition. Could use cleaning before use.
Fabric
Weiman Post Modern Sofa Chaise Lounge in Supple Lux Ivory White Bouclé, c. 1990
By Weiman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
There are pieces that furnish a room and there are pieces that alter its atmosphere entirely and this sculptural Weiman chaise created at the height of American postmodernism in the ...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Original Ligne Roset Multy Sofa Schlafcouch Wildleder beige
By Ligne Roset, Claude Brisson
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes ausziehbares Design Schlafsofa vom französischen Premiumhersteller Ligne Roset zum Verkauf an. Das Modell wurde von Claude Brisson entworfen, gilt seit J...
Leather
Vintage Dutch buffalo leather Rivera sofa by Gijs Papavoine Montis c 1980s / 90s
By Gijs Papavoine, Montis
Located in Hastings, GB
Vintage buffalo leather 'Rivera' sofa by Gijs Papavoine for Montis, Netherlands 1980s/90s. (Papavoine started designing for Montis in 1976) In great condition with nicely patinated t...
Leather, Wood
Mario Bellini Vintage "Camaleonda" Sofa, Lambskin Black Leather, 1970 B&B Italia
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa in Custom Black Lambskin Leather, Italy, 1970s An iconic example of Italian design, this vintage Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini embodies the sculptur...
Chrome
$55,773Sale Price|20% Off
1973 "Cornaro" Sofa & Armchair Set by Carlo Scarpa for Gavina
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Manzano, IT
1973 "Cornaro" Sofa & Armchair Set by Carlo Scarpa for Gavina - Iconic Italian Modernist Design Designed by Carlo Scarpa in 1973, the Cornaro seating set for Gavina epitomizes timel...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
Symbol sofa by William Sawaya for Sawaya and Moroni, Italian Design 1985
By Sawaya & Moroni, William Sawaya
Located in Milano, IT
An elegant expression of 1980s Italian design, the Symbol sofa designed by William Sawaya in 1985 represents a perfect balance between architectural rigor and contemporary comfort. I...
Fabric, Wood
$6,971Sale Price|20% Off
Tito Agnoli Black Leather Sofa for Poltrona Frau
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing Timeless Luxury: Tito Agnoli's 1980s Italian Two-Seater Black Leather Sofa by Poltrona Frau Experience the epitome of sophistication with this Italian two-seater black l...
Leather
Divano Anfibio, Alessandro Becchi, Giovannetti, 1970
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Il Divano Anfibio, ideato da Alessandro Becchi per Giovannetti intorno al 1971, è un’icona del design che incarna l’essenza innovativa e la versatilità degli arredi degli anni ’70. Q...
Velvet
Weiman Post Modern Sofa Chaise Lounge in Supple Lux Ivory White Bouclé, c. 1990
By Weiman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
There are pieces that furnish a room and there are pieces that alter its atmosphere entirely and this sculptural Weiman chaise created at the height of American postmodernism in the ...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Ligne Roset Newly Upholstered 2-Seater Blue Floral TOGO by Michel Ducaroy
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Toronto, CA
This two-seater Togo by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset pairs the sofa’s signature slouchy comfort with a striking and unexpected romantic blue floral fabric. The plush quilting and s...
Fabric, Foam
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
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Newly and professionally reupholstered Post Modern Nautilus sofa in ivory white bouclé by acclaimed designer Vladimir Kagan and made by Directional circa 1990. Known for his love of ...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Camaleonda Sofa Set by Mario Bellini Customised in Light Sand Boucle 1970s
Located in PARIS, FR
Mario Bellini brought the discipline of post-war Italian rationalism into dialogue with the looser, more sensual currents of the late 1960s. His work for Olivetti, Cassina and B&...
Leather, Foam, Wood
1990s Vintage Leather Sofa
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Lovely 90s vintage Leather sofa. Interesting shape and style. Leather is a nice terracotta color. Sofa is heavy and solid. Shows some wear to...
Leather
Vintage Modular Leather Sofa by Eilersen, Denmark
By Eilersen 1
Located in Raleigh, NC
intage large modular sectional sofa in black leather. Manufactured by Eilersen, Denmark. This sofa is pure perfection in our book. If we could fit it in our home, we would absolutely...
Metal, Chrome
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
Glass Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Walnut end caps with glass legs. Reupholstered in Designtex floral.
Fabric
$3,900Sale Price|35% Off
1970s Ray Wilkes Chiclet Sofa with Side Tables in Blue Wool
By Ray Wilkes
Located in Seattle, WA
3 seater chiclet sofa with black leather-top side tables, designed by Ray Wilkes for Herman Miller, circa 1970s. Sofa is in original blue & black wool fa...
Wool
3-Seater Sandra Sofa, Newly Upholstered Tapestry by Annie Hiéronimus for Cinna
Located in Toronto, CA
Designed by Annie Hiéronimus in the 1970s for Cinna, the Sandra sofa captures a moment when French seating shifted away from rigid structure toward softness and ease. Its low, envelo...
Fabric, Foam
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
$6,250Sale Price|50% Off
1980s Weiman Pucci Style Curved Tufted Channel Biomorphic Kidney Sofa
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The beautiful rare sofa is statement piece which is also extremely comfortable and packed with personality! Just look at the gorgeous curves on this beauty! Bright and vibrant Pucci ...
Upholstery, Wood
1990s Rare Poltromec Italia Leather Sculptural Space Age Sofa Loveseat, Set of 2
By Poltromec
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1990s with this exquisite deep purple, navy blue and lime green leather sofa and love seat. The ultra rare pieces exudes an air...
Steel
$2,550Sale Price|40% Off
Mid century post modern danish thick coral leather 3 seat pillow sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century post modern danish thick fully upholstered coral tone leather 3 seat sofa clean. Very clean sofa amazing thick coral color leather. Fold...
Leather
Weiman Furniture Serpentine Sofa
By Weiman
Located in Houston, TX
Weiman Furniture Company Serpentine Sofa. Offered is a stunning curvaceous sofa by Weiman Furniture Company in the 1980's. We offer this gorgeous sofa in the original fabric but coul...
Fabric, Wood
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
Italian 1970s Erasmo Sofa Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Manner Living Room
Located in London, GB
This stunning and amazingly comfortable sofa in the manner of the iconic Erasmo sofa from Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia , is a beautiful example of 1970s Italian design. Curren...
Wood, Fabric
Pukka Sofa by Yabu + Pushelberg for Ligne Roset
By Ligne Roset, Yabu Pushelberg
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2020s. France. Upholstered in white stretchy Ligne Roset fabric.
Fabric
De Sede DS-2011 Two-seat Sofa in Black Leather, Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
With its fluid, curved shapes, the DS-2011 appears powerful and dynamic. The visual lightness and modern, casual elegance underline the timeless look that makes the DS-2011 a sofa th...
Leather
Danny Ho Fong for Tropi-Cal Basket Weave Rattan Sofa
Located in Lutz, FL
Uncommon Tanganika model basket weave rattan sofa designed by Danny Ho Fong for Tropi-Cal circa 1970’s. Three seat hand woven rattan sofa in an open basket weave pattern which extend...
Fabric, Rattan
$7,975Sale Price|20% Off
Curved Harry Sofa by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia
Located in Hamburg, DE
Designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, the Curved Harry sofa is a refined example of contemporary Italian design, combining elegant proportions with exceptional comfort. Th...
Aluminum
Robert Thibier Four Seat Sofa with Gold Painted Metal Frame
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Thibier four seat sofa, gold painted steel, fabric, France, 1960s/1970s This exceptional four-seat sofa by Robert Thibier is a rare example of French design from the 1960s an...
Steel
Original Rolf Benz Ecksofa Dono 6100 Couch Design Leder braun
By Rolf Benz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Rolf Benz Dono 6100 Ecksofa mit braunem Lederbezug zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa zeichnet sich durch seine moderne und praktisch...
Leather, Wood
Organic Shaped Wavy Sofa in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Organic shaped sofa, pine, fabric, Europe, 1970s This sculptural sofa, crafted in Europe during the 1970s, embodies the organic spirit of its era through its fluid, curvilinear form...
Fabric, Pine
Yoko 3-Seater Sofa, Leather by Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Toronto, CA
Exceptional YOKO 3-seater in new, extremely soft caramel leather. Designed by Michel Ducaroy, famous for producing the TOGO for Ligne Roset, and produced only for a few years from 1...
Leather, Foam
Vintage 1970’s Otto Zapf for Knoll International Follow Me Black Leather Sofa
B&B Italia Moon sofa by Zaha Hadid, Customised in Rubelli, 2007
Located in PARIS, FR
The first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize (2004). Born in Baghdad, trained at the Architectural Association in London, Zaha Hadid built a practice grounded in the re...
Steel
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
Bucefalo Sofa by Daniele Canova, Black Minimalist Multifunction Design, 2010s
By Ron Arad, Marc Newson, Karim Rashid, Zaha Hadid
Located in Paris, FR
Bucefalo Sofa by Daniele Canova Rare Italian Minimalist Design – Sculptural Multifunction Sofa Inspired by Bucephalus, the legendary black horse tamed only by Alexander the Great, t...
Metal
$5,875Sale Price|50% Off
Custom George Smith Espresso Tufted Leather Sofa
By George Smith
Located in New York, NY
An original custom made soft mottled dark espresso leather tufted with brass tacks and mahogany wood legs by famed bespoke British furniture maker, George Smith. Original label. Exc...
Leather, Hardwood
$6,646 / 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
$4,625Sale Price / set|50% Off
1980s Modular Green Sculptural Curved Sofa Chaise Lounge, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s with this exquisite modular two piece chaise lounge sofa. The ultra rare lounger exudes an air of luxury and refinement. ...
Upholstery, Wood
Rive Droite Sculptural Sofa by Tam Sachs, Post-Modern Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Rive Droite Sculptural Sofa by Tam Sachs Numbered edition Dimensions: W 300 x D 120 x H 85 cm Materials: Stoneware Available in different colors and sizes, please contact us. It's ...
Stone, Other
Amphibious Sofa by Steve Chase in Mohair
By Steve Chase
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Reupholstered in grey/taupe mohair.
Mohair
$8,307 / 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
Italian Modern Curved Sculptural Loveseat or Sofa
By Ico Parisi, Federico Munari, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, 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
$5,960Sale Price|20% Off
1980s Preview Purple Sculptural Biomorphic Cloud Sofa
By Preview
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, purple microfiber cloud sofa you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful sofa is statemen...
Upholstery, Wood
Postmodern Italian Sectional Sofa in Blue and Off-White Dots Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sofa, fabric, brushed metal, Italy, 1970s A postmodern design of Italian origin with an ingenious construction comprised of three seating elements and five/six loose backres...
Metal
Auguste Piece 03 White Onyx Limited Edition Sofa by Tristan Montabord-Marc
Located in Geneve, CH
Auguste Piece 03 White Onyx Limited Edition Sofa by Tristan Montabord-Marc Limited Edition Of 12 Pieces Dimensions: D 80,5 x W 250 x H 74 cm. Materials: Onyx. Also available in Zer...
Onyx
Italian modern modular Cannaregio sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina, 1987
By Gaetano Pesce, Cassina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern modular Cannaregio sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina, 1987 Cannaregio model sofa composed of three modules that can be positioned as desired, united or distant. The su...
Fabric, Wood
Rolf Benz Dono sofa by Christian Werner in white leather, 1990s
By Rolf Benz
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
This Rolf Benz three-seater Dono sofa, designed by Christian Werner in the late 1990s, combines sculptural clarity with exceptional comfort and functionality. The piece is defined b...
Leather, Wood
$3,323 / 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
Babylone 230 Sofa in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Babylone 230 Sofa in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 230 x D 93 x H 70 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric is no...
Foam, Beech, Wood
$15,900
Biomorphic Postmodern Sofa
Located in Culver City, CA
An absolutely stunning Postmodern sofa designed and created in the mid-1990s. This stunning 1990's vintage biomorphic sofa would look incredible in any Mid-Century Modern and postmodern styling. This contemporary cloud style sofa...
Chenille
Original Bretz Gaudi Sofa Design Couch Recamiere rot samt
By Bretz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eine wunderschöne Bretz Gaudi Recamiere in rotem Samt Stoff zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel bietet Sitzmöglichkeiten für bis zu drei Personen und ist ein wahrer Blickfang in jed...
Wood, Fabric
Vintage Leolux “Bora” / “Bora Bora” Leather Sofa
By Leolux
Located in North Charleston, SC
A sculptural vintage leather sofa by Dutch design house Leolux, model Bora (often referred to as Bora Bora), originally designed by Axel Enthoven in 1983. Celebrated as one of the br...
Leather
Amorphous Post Modern Serpentine Sofa in Terra Cotta Velvet for Weiman
By Weiman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
There's not a single straight line in this sexy Post Modern Serpentine Sofa upholstered in a rich terracotta velvet and made by Weiman. The...
Upholstery, Velvet, Lucite
$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
$15,023 / item
Lambert 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Lambert 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini Dimensions: W 290 x D 103 x H 63 cm Materials: Solid wood and plywood structure padded with polyurethane foam in different densities. Pre-upholste...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
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