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.
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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
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
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
Postmodern Sofa by Nicoletti Salotti
Located in Neuss, NW
Postmodern sofa by Nicoletti Salotti from the 1980s. The organic lines correspond with the distinctive, fully upholstered block feet and the subtly integrated armrest cushions. The h...
Leather
$7,064Sale 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
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
Post Modern 1990s Preview Sectional Sofa in Plush Ivory White Bouclé
By Preview
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Large Post Modern Sectional Sofa by Preview professionally reupholstered in highly durable super soft ivory white bouclé. If there was a ever a d...
Bouclé, Upholstery
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
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
$19,992 / 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
$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
$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
$6,122Sale Price|20% Off
Diesis sofa for B&B by Paolo Nava and Citterio in white leather
By Paolo Nava, Antonio Citterio, B&B Italia
Located in Milano, IT
"Diesis" Two-Seater Sofa by B&B Italia - White Leather, Designed by Antonio Citterio and Paolo Nava, c. 2001 An icon of modern furniture design, this "Diesis" two-seater sofa by B&B ...
Metal, Steel
Cini Boeri, Sofa, Plastic, Leather, Gavina Knoll, Italy 1970s
By Gavina, Cini Boeri
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
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
Leather Pouf by Lowie Vermeersch for Durlet, Belgium 1999
By Durlet
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A rare and sculptural leather pouf designed by Lowie Vermeersch for the Belgian manufacturer Durlet in 1999. This piece reflects the innovative spirit of late‑20th‑century Belgian de...
Leather
$32,025Sale Price / set|20% Off
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto Italian Solid Wood Fabric "Artona" Sofas
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of two Italian midcentury modern design three-seater sofa and two-seater sofa from the “Artona” series designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto in the 1970s with solid woo...
Fabric, Wood
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
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
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
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 Large 8-Seat 'Carousel' Sofa in Fiberglass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Elsie Crawford for Sintoform, 'Carousel' sofa, fiberglass, United States, 1969 The Carousel sofa bench, designed by American artist Elsie Crawford for Sintoform, is a distinctive ei...
Fiberglass
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
Sofa Le Bambole by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
Located in PARIS, FR
Mario Bellini — eight Compasso d'Oro awards, 25 works in MoMA's permanent collection, chief design consultant to Olivetti for thirty years — was among the most rigorous minds in post...
Leather, Foam
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
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
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
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
$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
Postmodern Leather Sofa in the style of Nicoletti Salotti Italian 3 Seat Sofa
Located in Rochester, NY
Iconic postmodern rich red leather 3 person sofa. These are probably the Natuzzi version of the Nicoletti Salotti Italian leather sof...
Leather
Lena 230 Sofa in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Lena 230 Sofa in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 230 x D 95 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric is not in...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood, Beech
1980s Post Modern Italian Leather Sofa
By Chateau d'Ax
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Lovely Italian Post Modern Leather sofa. Literally looks like it was never sat on. Off white color. Perfect condition.
Leather
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. The mo...
Aluminum
Luna Sofa in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Luna Sofa in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 160 x D 78 x H 76 cm. Materials: Stained rattan base frame, plywood seat, and high-resilience (HR) f...
Upholstery, Plywood, Foam, Rattan
I4 Mariani Postmodern Italian Molto + Di Maroon Leather Sofa Ammannati -Vitelli
By i4 Mariani, Titina Ammannati and Giampiero Vitelli
Located in Topeka, KS
Spectacular postmodern Italian Molto + Di maroon leather sofa by Tittina Ammannati & Vitelli Giampiero for I4 Mariani. Beautiful condition, keeping...
Leather, Foam, Wood
Yoko 3-Seater Sofa, Leather by Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
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
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
Vladimir Kagan “Matinee” Sofa
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
this piece is in excellent, restored condition. It has been fully reupholstered in Maharam “Pace” leather
Lead
Heli 3-Seater Leather Sofa by Otto Zapf for Knoll, 1980s
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
Victoria 180 Sofa in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Victoria 180 Sofa in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 180 x D 95 x H 70 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and high-resilience (HR) f...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood, Beech
Sloane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1990
Located in Chicago, IL
Sloane sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1990. Original upholstery
Velvet
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
Jay Spectre Channeled Postmodern Sofa
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jay Spectre Channeled Postmodern Sofa This sofa measures: 88 wide x 39.5 deep x 26.25 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 26.25 inches Good Vintage Condition. ...
Upholstery
Giovannetti Anfibio Sofa Bed by Alessandro Becchi
By Alessandro Becchi, Giovannetti
Located in Toronto, CA
An iconic shapeshifter, The Anfibio Sofa by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti (1970) is equal parts pop art and precision engineering, transforming from loungey leather nest to full-...
Metal
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
Post Modern “Mayan” Sofa Designed By Harvey Probber, 1980s
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Original 1983 Harvey Probber “Mayan” Sofa. This iconic design epitomizes the expressiveness of postmodernism in the 1980s. The original black...
Mohair, Foam, Wood
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois Post-Modern Lounge in Off-White Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, lounge chair, reupholstered fabric, France, late 1970s This substantial lounge chair as part of the 'Croissant' sofa is designed by Hans Hopfer for Ro...
Fabric
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
Rare Paolo Gucci for Formitalia Black Leather Two-Seat Sofa, Italy, circa 1991
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
A rare and highly distinctive two-seat sofa designed by Paolo Gucci for Formitalia, Italy, circa 1991. The design translates the visual language of luxury leather goods into furnitu...
Brass
Set of 4 Victoria Modular Sofa Pieces by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 Victoria Modular Sofa Pieces by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Left/Right/Corner Modules: W 90 x D 95 x H 70 cm each Simple Module: W 70 x D 95 x H 70 cm. Materials: Solid bee...
Upholstery, Beech, Wood, Foam
Newly Upholstered Ligne Roset 3-Seater TOGO by Michel Ducaroy
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
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
21st Century Conde Sofa in Bouclé by Mavo Atelier, Handmade in Portugal
By Mavo Atelier
Located in Trofa, PT
Evoking a bold and charismatic presence, the Conde Sofa showcases a robust, geometric profile, softened by gentle curves that add architectural lightness to the sofa’s visual weight....
Brass
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
$13,233 / item
Beige Memory Chair by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Beige Memory Chair by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 90 x W 110 x H 80 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery “Memory” chair. Collection "Memory" inspired...
Upholstery, Wood
$7,605 / item
Fringes 2 Seat Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Fringes 2 Seat Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 100 x W 165 x H 91 cm. SH: 47 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery and fringes. Available in all Mu...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
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
$20,204 / item
Lamb Chair by Vladimir Naumov
Located in Geneve, CH
Lamb Chair by Vladimir Naumov Dimensions: D 116 x W 119 x H 84 cm Materials: Faux Lamb Fur, Wood Customizable Size. Please contact us. Vladimir Naumov is a professional architect, ...
Faux Fur, 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
$8,418 / 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