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.
$2,398Sale Price / set|20% Off
Postmodern Clou sofa by Cor, 1990s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Striking postmodern design sofa model 'Clou' by Cor and designed by Wulf Schneider. Well designed and upholstered with high quality blue leather on chrome bases. The three seater ...
Leather
Original COR Conseta Dreisitzer Sofa Design Couch Leder schwarz
By COR
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes COR Conseta Dreisitzer Sofa aus schwarzem Leder zum Verkauf an. In unseren anderen Anzeigen bieten wir zudem einen passenden Z...
Steel, Chrome
Studio 65 Bocca or Marilyn Sofa in Red Fabric by Gufram 1970s
By Gufram Furniture, Studio 65
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Bocca or Marilyn sofa with structure in expanded polyurethane foam covered with red fabric, the cover is completely removable. This sofa was designed by Studio 65 and produced by Guf...
Fabric, Foam
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
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
1970s Curved Modular Sofa, Postmodern Design, Linen Upholstery
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Striking modular curved sofa from the late 1970s, with a strong postmodern character and a playful, almost sculptural silhouette. The design is composed of multiple rounded seating e...
Linen
$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
Ligne Roset Kashima 3-Seater Sofa in Velvet by Michel Ducaroy
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
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
$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
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood Frame, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Two-Seater Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood Frame, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Two-Seater Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 100 x W 195 x H 65 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood, rope, and Ethereal fabric. The...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
"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
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
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
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
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
Original Koinor Free Motion 2 Edit Sofa Couch Eiche Leder rot
By Koinor
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Koinor Free Motion 2 Edit mit roten Ledersitzen zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa ist rund fünd Jahre alt und zeichnet sich durch seine vielfältigen Verstellmecha...
Leather, Oak
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
$2,304Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Carson's Sofa, Cream Upholstered Fabric, Post-Modern Design
By Carsons
Located in Charleston, SC
Ooooh this sofa is soooo good! The legs are very reminiscent of Vladamir Kagan’s “Marilyn sofa”. Except this one has 3 cushions instead of one and a really excellent shelled bac...
Metal
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
Canapé Modèle 54 par Gae Aulenti pour Knoll – Restauration Bonjour Gallery
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in Rouen, FR
Canapé deux places Modèle 54, conçu par Gae Aulenti dans les années 1970 pour Knoll International. Icône du design post-moderniste italien, ce modèle se distingue par sa structure tu...
Metal
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
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
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
$7,746 / 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, ref. Antique pink, CV28 upholstery, and Ant...
Upholstery, 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
Contemporary Art Sofa - Nandì Verà by Carla Tolomeo
Located in Pistoia, IT
Sculpture. Unique piece hand made by the artist. 20th century sofa from the De Curtis home in Lugano. Decorations and velvet in Pontoglio silk, exclusive design by the Author. Gold,...
Silk
$4,480Sale Price|20% Off
1970's Channeled Leather Sofa by Metropolitan
By Metropolitan
Located in Dallas, TX
Handsome channeled leather sofa with chrome base by San Francisco, CA-based Metropolitan Furniture, c.1970s. The sofa features a polished...
Chrome
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
$15,637 / 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
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
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
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
$32,377Sale Price|55% Off
1973 "Cornaro" Sofa & Armchair Set by Carlo Scarpa for Gavina
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
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
$27,628
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
2x Original de Sede Sofa DS 17 Zweisitzer Couch Leder Design
By De Sede
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten insgesamt zwei wunderschöne Zweisitzer Sofas vom Schweizer Traditionshersteller de Sede zum Verkauf an. Bei dem Modell handelt es sich um das bekannte DS 17, das derzeit e...
Leather
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Two-seater Sofa for Gavina, Turquoise Velvet, 1973
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
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
Postmodern Serpentine Cloud Sofa
By Weiman Preview Furniture, Vladimir Kagan
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
$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
Éclat-Nightfall Rope, Luminesce Fabric And Aluminum Two-Seater Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Éclat-Nightfall Rope, Luminesce Fabric And Aluminum Two-Seater Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 93,5 x W 190 x H 67 cm. SH: 39 cm. Materials: Aluminium, rope, and Luminesce fabric. Antho...
Aluminum
$11,308 / 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
Tan & Black Nicoletti Salotti Post Modern Italian Leather Low Loveseat Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tan & Black 2 tone Nicoletti Salotti Post Modern Italian Leather Loveseat Sofa. Very fun Beautiful pop art leather sofa. Has unique back supports and legs upholstered in leather....
Leather
$3,000Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Black Leather Postmodern Loveseat by i4 Mariani for the Pace Collection
By Pace Collection, i4 Mariani
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
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
Turquoise Post Modern Cubic Settee, 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Turquoise Postmodern Cubic settee, 1970 Newly reupholstered in turquoise velvet.
Velvet
$6,115Sale 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
$14,006 / 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
Original Ligne Roset Sofa Prado Couch Christian Werner Stoff grau
By Ligne Roset
Located in Berlin, DE
nkissen und die damit einfache Verwandlung in ein Daybed. In unseren anderen Anzeigen bieten wir zudem einen passenden Ottoman und zwei speziell für das Modell entworfene Couchtische...
Steel
$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
Postmodern Sofa "Comete" designed by Vladimir Kagan for Roche Bobois, France
By Vladimir Kagan, Roche Bobois
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a spectacular and rare modular sofa "Comete" designed by Vladimir Kagan for French Luxury Furniture manufacturer Roche Bobois. Kagan created this curved...
Ostrich Leather, Wood
$2,782Sale Price|20% Off
Convertible Postmodern Design Sofa by Bonaldo, Red Fabric, Italy circa 1980
By Bonaldo
Located in Regensburg, DE
Extraordinary Postmodern two-seater design sofa "Arnold" by Bonaldo in red fabric. Large curved back cushion and 2 seat cushions on a stainless steel frame with wooden feet. The or...
Stainless Steel
$13,742 / 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
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
$21,968 / 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
$7,890 / 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
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
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
$20,577 / 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
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
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
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