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.
White Leather Barocco Sofa Model 1320 by Zanotta, Italy 1980
By Zanotta, Emaf Progetti
Located in Chicago, IL
White Leather Barocco Sofa Model 1320 by Zanotta, Italy 1980’s. Designed by Emaf Progetti. Original beautiful condition. Measures 26.5” tall 78” long 39” deep, seat height 16” seat...
Chrome
Mustard Yellow Velvet Fabric, Stainless Metal ButterMelt Sofa By OMER OZTURK
Located in Geneve, CH
Mustard Yellow Velvet Fabric, Stainless Metal ButterMelt Sofa By OMER OZTURK Dimensions: W 310 x D 99.3 x H 102.4 cm. Materials: Mustard Yellow Velvet Fabric, Stainless Metal. About...
Metal
1980s Directional Five-Piece Chrome Frame Modular Sofa in Élitis Cotton Velvet
Located in Miami, FL
A stunning 1980s five-piece modular designer sofa by Directional, newly restored from the inside out. Each module is encased in polished chrome that defines the piece’s bold silhouet...
Chrome
Eastside Sofa by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Italy. Upholstered in original leather and reworked with boucle seats and back rests. Metal base.
Leather, Bouclé
$27,610
Sofa by Guillermo Santoma
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Commissioned by Etage Projects for Salon Art and Design, 2017. Lush cream sofa made of rubber EVA, by Guillermo Santoma.
Rubber
Original Cassina Maralunga Sessel Vico Magistretti Stoff türkis
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen türkis farbenen Maralunga Sessel von Cassina zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt von Vico Magistretti und gilt bis heute als wahrer Designklassiker. Vico...
Fabric
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
Post modern Italian black leather sofa in the style of Nicoletti Salotti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Italian black leather 3 seat long sofa in the manner of Nicoletti Salotti. Very clean sofa high quality leather and very comfortable modern design. Located in Brooklyn NYC 11...
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
$10,733 / item
Josephine 280 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Josephine 280 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 103 x W 280 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
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
1980s Americans of Martinsville Peach Postmodern Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Elkton, MD
Postmodern three-seat sofa by Americans of Martinsville, produced in the 1980s. The piece features a softly structured silhouette with gently rounded arms, a fully upholstered base, ...
Upholstery
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
$3,800Sale Price|40% 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
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
$3,000Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Black Leather Postmodern Loveseat by i4 Mariani for the Pace Collection
By i4 Mariani, Pace Collection
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice black leather Postmodern loveseat by I4 Mariani for the Pace Collection, circa late 1980s. The piece is in great condition with super h...
Leather
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
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
$5,750Sale Price / set|34% Off
1980s Sculptural Weiman Red Cloud Sofa Loveseat, Set of 2
By Weiman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, cloud sofa set you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire Outstanding design is exhibited throughout....
Upholstery, Wood
Turquoise Post Modern Cubic Settee, 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Turquoise Postmodern Cubic settee, 1970 Newly reupholstered in turquoise velvet.
Velvet
Postmodern Mint Green Sofa inspired by Vico Magistretti, Italy 1980s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a Postmodern Sofa in pale mint green velvet. Design of the sofa is inspired by the iconic Maralunga and Portovenere Sofas, both designed by Vico Magistr...
Velvet, Wood
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Corner Modular Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Corner Modular Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 123 x W 123 x H 65 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood, rope, and Ethereal fabric. The C...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
$21,954 / item
Linamore Davis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Linamore Davis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 432 x D 100 x H 67 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. REMOVA...
Foam, Wood
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
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
$12,741 / item
Kiki 260 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Kiki 260 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 132 x W 260 x H 114 cm. SH: 47 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Milkshake Pink, CV29. Available in all Mun...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Eastside Sofa by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll, 1980s, All Original, Ready to Use
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
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
Cassina 'Soriana' Cognac Leather Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
Scarpa; Cassina; Tobia Scarpa; Afra Scarpa; Minimalist; Italian Design; Hollywood Regency; Post-modern; Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Soriana, reupholstered in aniline leather....
Chrome
"Soriana" Sofa in Green Velvet 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
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Left Modular Daybed by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Left Modular Daybed by SNOC Dimensions: D 150 x W 125 x H 65 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood, rope, and Ethereal fabric. The C...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
$18,764 / item
Seduire Sofa by Memoir Essence
Located in Geneve, CH
Seduire Sofa by Memoir Essence Dimensions: D 125 x W 280 x H 80 cm. Materials: Brass and velvet upholstery. Seduire sofa is Memoir´s New launch, characterized by an organic and opul...
Brass
Afrodite Three-Seater Sofa in Belsuede Fabric, Horn & Wood by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Afrodite Three-Seater Sofa in Belsuede Fabric, Horn & Wood by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 95 x W 270 x H 86 cm. Materials: Horn, fabric, and wood with satin brass effect. Cushions are no...
Other
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
$62,366 / item
Leather Palmo Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Leather Palmo Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 417 x D 176 x H 80 cm Materials: FRAME: poplar multiply SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. SEAT: polyurethane foam...
Foam, Poplar
$13,997 / item
Fjord Chair by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Fjord Chair by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 85 x W 110 x H 80 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. PLYUS Furniture creates pieces in collectible de...
Upholstery, Wood
$15,626 / 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
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Two-seater Sofa for Gavina, Ivory Velvet, 1973
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa for Gavina, wood and ivory velvet, 1973. The Cornaro sofa represents a sublime exemplification of the harmony be...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
$7,494 / item
Margaret 210 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Margaret 210 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 92 x W 210 x H 95 cm. SH: 48 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Lilac CV15. Available in all Munna fabri...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
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
$14,704 / item
Stone Chair by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Stone Chair by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 81 x W 115 x H 88 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. PLYUS Furniture creates pieces in collectible de...
Upholstery, Wood
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
RARE Pair of Curved Omnibus Sofas by Vladimir Kagan
Located in Las Vegas, NV
These curved Omnibus Sofas by Vladimir Kagan are RARELY seen and we just happen to have a pair. A gorgeous duet, each with 3 lucite support legs and gorgeous Joseph Noble Mohair. T...
Mohair, Lucite
Sirino Sofa by Walter Knoll for Brayton International
By Brayton International, Walter Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Cream leather upholstery with distinct monumental frame.
Leather
$10,733 / item
Josephine 280 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Josephine 280 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 103 x W 280 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
$7,370 / 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
Midcentury Italian Postmodern Sculptural Asymmetrical Sofa in Black Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A chic asymmetrical sofa design made in Italy in the 1980s. This high quality made piece was just recovered in new jet black upholstery.
Fabric
Post modern Italian black leather loveseat sofa style of Nicoletti Salotti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Italian black leather loveseat two-seater 6 foot long sofa in the manner of Nicoletti Salotti. Very clean sofa high quality leather and very comfortable modern design. Locate...
Leather
Caleo-Natural Teak, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Half Backrest Modular Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Natural Teak, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Half Backrest Modular Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 100 x W 181 x H 65 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood, rope, and Ethereal fabric. The...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
Doublet sofa by Rob Parry for Gelderland, circa 1960
By Rob Parry
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Doublet bench designed by Dutch designer Rob Parry in the 1950s. This versatile sofa effortlessly transforms into a single bed, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetic appea...
Metal
Contemporary Hush High Wingback Sofa Naughtone for Herman Miller Yellow & Black
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous Contemporary NaughtOne for Herman Miller Hush high wing back sofa or settee with yellow & black fabric and polyester powder coated yellow metal wire sled base, 3 available selling separately. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. They have been professionally cleaned. No outstanding flaws have been detected. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Early 21st Century. Do you know where a Bee sits??? On it’s BEE-HIND!!! LOL! Ok, just a little fun about the beautiful black & yellow fabric that we think is the bees-knees!!! It’s striking! We have three (selling separately) NaughtOne for Herman Miller Hush high wing back sofas or settees comprised of molded plywood inner frames with distinctive profiles and a metal wire sled base finished in a hard-wearing polyester bright yellow powder coat to match the fabulous horizontal channeled, high quality foam seat & back cushions. The wing style sides, and inner frame is covered in a wonderful black & white tweed, some call it the “bumblebee look.” Aren’t they AWESOME??? We certainly think they are something to BUZZ about!!!! Ha ha! NaughtOne is owned and sold by Herman Miller and the Hush high wing back sofa is available with two or three seat capacity, ours are the two-seater sofas. The Hush sofa...
Metal
1990s Weiman Royal Blue Cloud Serpentine Sofa
By Weiman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, cloud sofa you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful sofa is statement piece which is a...
Chrome
$6,111Sale Price|25% Off
70s leather sofa Piumino model by Lomazzi De Pas D'Urbino
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Milano, MI
Piumino sofa designed by Milanese architects De Pas, D'Urbino, Lomazzi who were part of the Radical Design movement that marked the Italian avant-garde design scene in the late 1960...
Leather
Le Bambole Leather Sofa Design Mario Bellini 1978 for B&B Italia
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
cognac leather Le Bambole-seater Sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in 1978. Price is per sofa ! The Bambole series today is a true icon amongst the 1970s design f...
Leather, Foam
$20,564 / 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
$64,065 / item
Pink Baba Sofa by Gisbert Pöppler
Located in Geneve, CH
Pink 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 wan...
Upholstery, Teak
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
'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
$8,161 / 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
$12,298 / 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
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Three-seater Sofa for Gavina, Ivory Linen, 1973
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa for Gavina, wood and ivory linen, Italy, 1973. The Cornaro sofa represents a sublime exemplification of the harmony between...
Velvet, Foam, Wood