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.
$2,864 / 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
$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
Extra-Large Postmodern Animal Print Sofa, Germany, 1990s
By Bretz
Located in Rīga, LV
Striking postmodern sofa with a biomorphic silhouette and bold tiger-stripe patterned velour upholstery. The spring legs of the sofa create a gentle, bouncy feel when you sit on it. ...
Metal
$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 upholstery and fringes. Available in all Munna...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Sofas for Gavina, Turquoise Velvet, 1973, Set of 2
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofas for Gavina, wood and turquoise velvet, 1973, set of two. The Cornaro sofa represents a sublime exemplification of the harmony between Japanese minimalis...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
Raphael Raffel “Croissant” Sofa, 1970s
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Raphael Raffel “Croissant” sofa, black leather, France 1970s. This exceptional "Croissant" lounge sofa, designed by the avant-gardist Ra...
Leather
Raphael Raffel “Croissant” Sofa, 1970
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Raphael Raffel “Croissant” sofa, leather, France, 1970. This exceptional "Croissant" lounge sofa, designed by the avant-gardist Raphael ...
Leather
$10,617 / item
Object 085 Sofa by NG Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 085 Sofa by NG Design Dimensions: W 290 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
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
Dark Muted Purple Four Seater Beech Wood Modular Sofa by Casa Casati
Located in Geneve, CH
Acquabella Club Four Seater Beech Wood Modular Sofa by Casa Casati Dimensions: D 106 x W 372 x H 70 cm. Materials: Beech wood, marine plywood, polyurethane, polyester fibre, foam, c...
Other
Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate 'Down' Sectional Sofa
By Rossi di Albizzate, Carlo Bartoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, sectional sofa model 'Down', fabric, lacquered wood, Italy, 1973 This design truly resembles the ethos of the seventies – a bright and bold era...
Fabric, Wood, Lacquer
$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
$62,536 / item
Beige Baba Sofa by Gisbert Pöppler
Located in Geneve, CH
Beige baba sofa by Gisbert Pöppler. Dimensions: H 74 (SH43) x W 303 x D 140.5 cm. Materials: Upholstered wooden frame, teak footings. Like a friend that...
Upholstery, Teak
Original Koinor Avanti Sofa Couch Anilin-Leder cognac Design
Waterfall Arm Sofa by Interior Crafts in Mohair
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Made in Chicago by Interior Crafts. Reupholstered in blue mohair.
Mohair
$4,206 / item
Fragance Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Fragance Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 220 x D 92 x H 88 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Particle boards panels, Fabric. Details: Frame: Solid beech and particle boards panels. Seat s...
Fabric, Beech
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Living Room Set for Gavina, Ivory Linen, 1973, Set of 3
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” living room set for Gavina, ivory linen, Italy, 1973, set of three Designed in 1973 for Gavina, the “Cornaro” series by Carlo Scarpa distills architectural th...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
$15,183 / item
Gothic Sofa by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
Gothic Sofa by DAaZ Dimensions: D 123 x W 292 x H 101 cm. Materials: Wood, leather. DAaZ Furniture honors the spirit of adventure. We embrace the escape...
Leather, Wood
$15,675Sale Price|34% Off
Cassina 'Soriana' Four-Seater Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in Bouclé, 1970's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Cassina; Scarpa; Mid-Century Modern; Boucle Wool; Afra & Tobia Scarpa; Post-Modern; Postmodern Design; 1970s Design; Italy; Italian Design; Manufactured by Cassina in the 1970s, ...
Chrome
Original De Sede DS 10/23 Sofa Couch Zweisitzer leder schwarz
By De Sede
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes De Sede DS 10/23 Zweisitzer Sofa aus schwarzem Leder zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa ist mit hochwertigem Echtleder bezogen und zeic...
Leather
$5,023 / item
Jaipur Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Jaipur Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 220 x D 92 x H 88 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Particle boards panels, Fabric. Details: Frame: Solid beech and particle boards panels. Seat spr...
Fabric, Beech
Cassina Soriana Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
Sofa; Afra; Tobia; Scarpa; Cassina; Soriana; Settee; Couch; Italy; 1970's; Hollywood Regency; Minimalist; Italian Design; Soriana sofa in original upholstery, designed by Afra &...
Wool
$4,583 / 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
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
Rolf Benz Sofa Couch Onda Fabric Corner Sofa/ Corner Couch Design
By Rolf Benz
Located in Berlin, DE
We are offering a beautiful “Onda” corner sofa from Rolf Benz for sale. The design comes from the renowned manufacturer Rolf Benz and is characterized by its timeless elegance and hi...
Fabric
Original Vitra Mariposa Dreisitzer Sofa türkis Design couch Büro
By Vitra
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Dreisitzer Vitra Sofa aus dem Jahr 2019 zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa, das unter dem Namen "Mariposa" bekannt ist, ist mit einem modernen, türkisen Stoff bezo...
Fabric
Original GAO Sofa Couch Ligne Roset Cinna Jean Paul Laloy
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein cooles ausklappbares Zweisitzer Schlafsofa von Ligne Roset / Cinna zum Verkauf an. Das Modell heißt "GAO", wurde von Jean Paul Laloy ent...
Fabric
$5,045 / item
Massai Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Massai Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 200 x D 103 x H 85 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Particle board panels, Fabric. Details: Frame: Solid beech and particle board panels. Seat spri...
Fabric, Beech
$6,400Sale Price|50% Off
Custom George Smith 2000s Black Tufted Leather Sofa
By George Smith
Located in New York, NY
An original custom made soft mottled black leather tufted with brass tacks and mahogany wood legs by famed bespoke British furniture maker, George Smith. Original label. Excellent co...
Leather, Hardwood
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
'Veranda' 3-Seater Fabric Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1980s
Located in Almelo, NL
This multicolored and adjustable sofa was designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, circa 1980s. This smart and highly desirable Italian design features seats that are upholstered wi...
Steel
Who's Perfect Sofa State Couch Guiseppe Viganò Recamiere Leder
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eine wunderschöne Liege/ Recamiere vom Premium Hersteller Who's Perfect zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel wurde von Guiseppe Viganò entworfen und ist hier in der begehrten Ausführ...
Leather
$28,694 / item
Hot Dog Sofa by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Hot Dog Sofa by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 110 x W 240 x H 73 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. “HotDog” Sofa. Of course...
Upholstery, Wood
$12,399Sale Price|32% Off
Soriana Two Seater by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Green Mohair
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
Scarpa; Afra & Tobia Scarpa; Soriana Sofa; Cassina; 1970s; Italian Design; Italy; Two Seater; Post-Modern; Green; Fabric; Mohair; This Soriana two-seater ...
Chrome
Custom Three-Seat Sofa in Terracotta and Indigo Art Deco Revival Pattern
Located in Elkton, MD
Exceptional custom sofa, commissioned and crafted in NYC. The construction is substantial and exacting, with a hardwood frame and masterful upholstery work throughout. Upholstered in...
Upholstery
$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
Vladimir Kagan Matinee Sofa for American Leather
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Matinee sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather, c.2000s, USA. Vladimir Kagan (1927-2016) designed this sofa which converts into a daybed when the back rest is removed. His desig...
Leather, Upholstery
Original Rolf Benz Ecksofa Couch Onda beige creme Design Sofa
By Rolf Benz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes dreiteiliges Rolf Benz Design Ecksofa inkl. Ottomane zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa ist mit hochwertigem hellen Stoff bezogen und besticht durch seine moderne ...
Fabric
Zanotta Onda Sofa by De Pas, D’Urbino, Lomazzi, Italy, 1985
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Toronto, CA
Onda means “wave,” and this one’s best caught in your living room. Dreamed up in 1985 by De Pas, D’Urbino, and Lomazzi for Zanotta, it captures the bold spirit of Italian postmodern ...
Steel
Plywood and Upholstered Divani Sofa by Dainelli Studio Atelier
Located in Geneve, CH
Plywood and Upholstered Divani Sofa by Dainelli Studio Atelier Dimensions: W 280 x D 110 x H 68 cm Materials: Plywood, Wood, Upholstery. Sofa with a plywood base finished with a gl...
Wood, Upholstery, Plywood
$3,900Sale Price|35% Off
3 Seater Chiclet Sofa with Side Tables
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
$13,405 / item
Camurça Rocco Sofa by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Camurça Rocco Sofa by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 162 x D 98 x H 62 cm Materials: Suede. About: Studio Orth is a multidisciplinary furniture and interior design firm, founded in 2018...
Suede
Original Rolf Benz Ecksofa Dono 6100 Couch Design Sofa Stoff
By Rolf Benz, DONÓ Design
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes, komplett neu bezogenes Rolf Benz Dono 6100 Ecksofa zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa zeichnet sich aus durch seine moderne und prak...
Fabric, Wood
$12,862 / item
Little Lamb Chair by Vladimir Naumov
Located in Geneve, CH
Little Lamb Chair by Vladimir Naumov Dimensions: D 124 x W 94 x H 66 cm Materials: Faux Lamb Fur, Wood Customizable Size. Please contact us. Vladimir Naumov is a professional archi...
Faux Fur, Wood
Postmodern Canyon Sofa in Velvet and Brass by Mavo Atelier, Handmade in Portugal
By Mavo Atelier
Located in Trofa, PT
The Canyon Sofa is defined by bold contours, softened edges, and thoughtful asymmetry. Its composition is inspired by the fluidity and depth of natural landforms, translated into a s...
Brass
$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
Ligne Roset Sofa Couch Multy Claude Brisson weiß Zweisitzer
By Ligne Roset, Claude Brisson
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
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Two-seater Sofa for Gavina, Turquoise Velvet, 1973
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa for Gavina, wood and turquoise velvet, 1973. The Cornaro sofa represents a sublime exemplification of the harmon...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
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
$5,040Sale Price|30% Off
Two Seater Sofa by Michael Graves in Birdseye Maple and Black Fabric 1980s
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Small, faceted sofa/settee designed by Michael Graves composed of a stained Birdseye Maple frame with ebony inlaid triangles and applied ebonized cylindrical decorations at the feet....
Fabric, Birdseye Maple
Two-Seater "Fantasy" Sofa in Longhair by Kurt Beier, 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 creati...
Steel
Patricia Urquiola for B&b Italia “Bend” Sofa – Long Section
By B&B Italia, Patricia Urquiola
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia Bend sectional sofa. A sculptural, biomorphic design that balances comfort with architectural form. Upholstered in soft grey fabric with signature ir...
Fabric, Foam
Biomorphic Postmodern Sofa in the Style of Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
An absolutely stunning Postmodern sofa designed and created in the mid-1990s. This stunning sofa is evocative of Vladimir Kagan custom designs and would lend itself nicely to Mid-Century Modern and postmodern styling. This contemporary cloud style sofa...
Chenille
$10,720Sale Price|20% Off
'Cannaregio' Modular Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina, Italy, 1980s
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Antwerp, BE
'Cannaregio' sofa, a vibrant and versatile creation by Italian designer Gaetano Pesce for Cassina. Originally conceived in 1987, this sofa exudes playfulness, adaptability, and a bur...
Fabric
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
Interprofil Design Liege Beo Zweisitzer Leder schwarz Couch Sofa
By Interprofil
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eine wunderschöne verstellbare Liege aus schwarzem Leder vom deutschen Qualitätshersteller Interprofil aus Bielefeld zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel lässt sich dank seiner zwei ...
Steel
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
$42,783 / item
White MRS 3 Sofa by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
White MRS 3 Sofa by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 160 x W 310 x H 80 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. “MRS 3” sofa. With love to my favorite desig...
Upholstery, Wood
$6,094 / 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
$23,933 / item
Trave Sofa by Umberto Bellardi Ricci
Located in Geneve, CH
Trave sofa by Umberto Bellardi Ricci Dimensions: D 24" x W 102" x H 16 in Materials: Dedar Boucle fabic, l-beam, brass Umbert...
Brass