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.
Post-Modern French Three-Seat Sofa in Brushed Steel & Grey Upholstery 1970s
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, brushed steel, fabric, France, 1970s This sofa is a prime example of the 1970s French design movement, which emphasized modernism and industrial materials, particularly (stain...
Steel
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
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
Paul Evans Inspired Cubist Chrome Loveseat Or Sofa
By Karl Springer, Milo Baughman, R & Y Augousti, Paul Evans, (after) Jean Michel Frank
Located in Houston, TX
Paul Evans Inspired Cubist Chrome Loveseat Or Sofa. Offered is an outstanding Paul Evans style 62 inch loveseat or sofa with a stunning cubist design. This great piece retains the or...
Chrome
$5,500 / set
Post Modern 6 Piece Modular Sofa
By Rolf Benz
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Great 6 piece Post Modern modular sectional sofa attributed to Rolf Benz. A gorgeous sofa that will make a massive statement. Sofa is being...
Fabric
Post modern beautiful beige leather 3 seat sofa by Busnelli
By Busnelli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful soft Beige Leather 3 seat Sofa by Busnelli. Rare time capsule sofa in amazing condition. Great post modern design. circa 1980. Made in Italy. Located in Brooklyn NYC 28” H...
Leather
$7,090Sale 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
De Sede DS-125 Sofa by Gert Lange in cognac Leather, Switzerland, 1980s
By De Sede
Located in amstelveen, NL
Exceptional and highly sculptural DS-125 sofa by Gert Lange for De Sede, Switzerland, circa 1980s. This iconic model exemplifies De Sede’s mastery of leather craftsmanship and arch...
Leather
Original Ligne Roset Sofa Smala Couch Leder schwarz Design france
By Ligne Roset
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zwei- bis Dreisitzer Sofa vom französischen Premiumhersteller Ligne Roset zum Verkauf an. Das Modell ist bekannt unter dem Namen "Smala" und zeichnet sic...
Steel
Giovanna 230 Sofa in Solid Beech, Feathers and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Giovanna 230 Sofa in Solid Beech, Feathers and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 230 x D 105 x H 72 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, feathers, and high-resilience (...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood, Beech, Feathers
Corbeille Leather Sofa by Francesco Binfare for Edra
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A post modern "Corbeille" Sofa by Francesco Binfare for Edra. Eight leather cushions are are held in place by an accordion style tubular metal frame. Original leather upholstery. Sou...
Metal
Baia two seater sofa Antonio Citterio space age postmodern
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio, Paolo Nava
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Baia sofa designed by Paolo Nava and Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia. Designed and sold in the 70s. Reupholstered with light green and yellow wool fabric. Vivid pink zipper. They a...
Fabric
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
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
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
$20,067 / item
Jell Sofa by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa by Alter Ego Studio Dimensions W 260 cm D 120 cm H 85 cm Product features Product options: Upholstery: Available in all Alter Ego Stud...
Stone
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. This product...
Upholstery, Foam, Beech, Wood
Eastside Sofa by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Italy. Upholstered in original leather and reworked with boucle seats and back rests. Metal base.
Leather, Bouclé
$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
$6,250Sale 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
Cini Boeri, Sofa, Plastic, Leather, Gavina Knoll, Italy 1970s
By Cini Boeri, Gavina
Located in High Point, NC
A three-seater black ABS plastic and white / light grey leather sofa, designed by Cini Boeri, and produced by Gavina, Knoll, 1970s. Backside features a built in shelf. 13.5” seat he...
Leather, Plastic
Vladimir Kagan Zoe Sofa for American Leather in Curly Teddy Bear Camel Fabric
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Everyone needs a teddy bear and yours can be this chic Vladimir Kagan Zoe sofa newly upholstered in soft curly camel teddy bear fabric. Modern. In your face ...
Upholstery
Elsie Crawford for Sintoform 'Carousel' Planter Sofa Bench in Fiberglass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Elsie Crawford for Sintoform, 'Carousel' sofa bench, fiberglass, United States, 1969 The Carousel sofa bench, designed by American artist Elsie Crawford for Sintoform, is a distinct...
Fiberglass
Newly Upholstered Ligne Roset 3-Seater TOGO by Michel Ducaroy
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Toronto, CA
A vintage standout with unmistakable charm, this three-seater Togo sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset brings a softer, more romantic twist to the iconic form. Newly upholstered i...
Fabric, Foam
$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
Vintage Dutch buffalo leather Rivera sofa by Gijs Papavoine Montis c 1980s / 90s
By Montis, Gijs Papavoine
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
Heli 3-Seater Leather Sofa by Otto Zapf for Knoll, 1980s
Zoe Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
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
Bucefalo Sofa by Daniele Canova, Black Minimalist Multifunction Design, 2010s
By Zaha Hadid, Ron Arad, Marc Newson, Karim Rashid
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
$9,974 / 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
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Classic Ripple Wave Bench by Laurinda Spear for Brayton International Ca. 1970's
By Brayton International, Laurinda Spear
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
Postmodern Italian 1980s Sofa, Two-Seat
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage 1980s Postmodern two-seat sofa. Sculpted beech frame with aluminum accents. Original warm yellow cream leather cushions. Very good condition, comfortable seat. Dimensions: 1...
Leather, Plywood
Sloane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1990
Located in Chicago, IL
Sloane sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1990. Original upholstery
Velvet
Arca sofa set by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Rare Arca sofa set designed by Paolo Piva consisting of a two seater and two modular chairs which you can join to make another two seater. The two modular elements have a swiveling ...
Suede
Glass Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Walnut end caps with glass legs. Reupholstered in Designtex floral.
Fabric
$19,499 / 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
Monumental 1980s 3 Piece Sofa by Steve Chase
By Martin Brattrud, Steve Chase, A. Rudin
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This MASSIVE 3 piece sofa by Steve Chase is a sight to behold. Measuring in at just under 15 feet across, it is a real statement maker. The slightly asym...
Fabric
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
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
"Soriana" Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
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
$14,400Sale Price / item|20% Off
Pair of 1980's Designer Sofas by Baker Furniture
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in Las Vegas, NV
TWO AVAILABLE Absolutely stunning Pagoda style sofas by Baker Furniture Company. If you are looking for a gorgeous pair of installation ready sofas, look no further. This truly d...
Velvet, Wood
Pair Post Modern Sculptural Sofa, 1980
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Post Modern Sculptural Sofa’s 1980’s. Sofas are in original upholstery which are in great vintage condition.
Upholstery
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
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
Eastside Sofa by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll, 1980s, All Original, Ready to Use
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Eastside Sofa by Ettore Sottsass and manufactured by Knoll, 1980s. Original black leather and gray and black patterned fabric. Aluminum and steel base co...
Leather, Upholstery
$7,450 / set
1990s Weiman Curved Abstract Sofas, Set of 2
By Weiman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, curved sofas you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best,...
Upholstery, Wood
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
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
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
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
Large Vintage Milo Baughman Style Sectional Sofa
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Large vintage sectional sofa in the style of Milo Baughman.
Fabric
Hans Hollein Mitzi Sofa in Poplar and Wool Cloth by Poltronova 1981
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Mitzi sofa presents a poplar plywood base with erable finish, semi-gloss water–based varnish, iron inner structure, polyurethane cushions, wool cloth uphol...
Iron
$2,895 / item
Koda Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Koda Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: Module M: W 92 x D 115 x H 82 cm. Module L: W 92 x D 160 x H 82 cm. Medium Arm: W 20 x D 115 x H 82 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Fabric. Details: Fr...
Fabric, Beech
$8,449 / 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
Vintage Postmodern Sofa by Preview, Reupholstered in Kelly Wearstler Velvet
By Preview
Located in Miami, FL
1980s Designer Preview sofa, masterfully reupholstered to keep the visual symmetry of the bold diagonal stripes in Sereno velvet fabric by Kelly Wearstler.
Velvet
Ligne Roset Sofa Couch Multy Claude Brisson weiß Zweisitzer
By Claude Brisson, Ligne Roset
Located in Berlin, DE
Mit dem Zweisitzer von Ligne Roset (Modell: Multy) bieten wir einen wahren Designklassiker zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa verfügt über einen weißen/ sehr hellen Bezug und lässt sich ebenfa...
Fabric
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
Ecume Sofa by Guillaume Chevalier: Solid Walnut & Fabric, Post-Modern
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
Postmodern Serpentine Cloud Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, Weiman Preview Furniture
Located in Raleigh, NC
1980s serpentine cloud sofa produced by Weiman. The seat has rounded ends and dramatic curves. The backrest curves with the sofa and continues the rounded m...
Fabric, Foam
$4,450 / item
Vibe Sofa L by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
Vibe Sofa L by DAaZ Dimensions: D 94 x W 280 x H 64.5 cm. Materials: Fabric, albizzia wood. Available in 220cm or 280cm. Please contact us. DAaZ Furniture hon...
Upholstery, Wood