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.
Ligne Roset Multy Sofa Schlafcouch Wildleder grün mit Armlehnen
By Ligne Roset, Claude Brisson
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes ausziehbares Design Schlafsofa vom französischen Premiumhersteller Ligne Roset zum Verkauf an. Das Modell wurde von Claude Brisson entworfen, gilt seit J...
Fabric
$75,265 / item
Verneuil 4 Seats Sofa by Haymann Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Verneuil 4 Seats Sofa by Haymann Editions Dimensions: D 97 x W 648 x H 80 cm (Dimensions may vary). Materials: Lacquered wood, upholstery. 2 x Module A 2 x Module B 2 x Side tables The Verneuil sofa...
Upholstery, Wood
1980s Vintage Curved Cloud Sofa by Preview, Upholstered in Ochre Bouclé
By Preview
Located in Chicago, IL
A sculptural three-seat sofa by Preview. This iconic piece features Kagan’s signature sweeping curve and exaggerated, rounded arms that flow seamlessly into the form. Upholstered in ...
Bouclé
$12,027 / 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, ref. Antique Pink, CV28 upholstery, and antiqu...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
1980s Weiman Curved Serpentine Sofa and Swivel Chairs, 3 Pieces
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Original rare set of 3, 1980s Iconic serpentine cloud sofa and swivel chairs are packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout the monumental form. The Vintage complete set are beyond stunning. Beautiful colors in ultra suede light...
Upholstery, Wood
$10,999 / item
Josephine 230 Sofa by Munna in Deep Green Fabric
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
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Three-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 between Japanese minimalism and Ultraration...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
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
Jay Spectre Postmodern Channeled Sofa
By Jay Spectre
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jay Spectre Postmodern Channeled Sofa This sofa measures: 77 wide x 39 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 16 inches We take our photos in a...
Upholstery, Wood
Cassina 'Soriana' Cognac Leather Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
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
Preview Post Modern Kidney Shape Sofa
By Preview
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Preview Post Modern Kidney Shape Sofa This sofa measures: 90 wide x 44 deep x 33 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm height of 27 inches Excellent Vintage Condition. W...
Upholstery
Mario Bellini Radical Italian Cotton Fabric Le Stelle Sofa for B&B Italia 1970
Located in Conversano, IT
Designed by Mario Bellini and produced by B&B Italia in the late 1970s, Le Stelle is one of the most emblematic creations of Italian design from that decade, an expression of the formal and technological research that defined the celebrated partnership between Bellini and the Novedrate-based company. The sofa stands out for its fluid and enveloping silhouette, built on a supporting structure in iron and steel that holds a cold-moulded polyurethane foam and Dacron® fibre padding—cutting-edge materials developed by B&B Italia in collaboration with its internal research centre during the golden age of Italian industrial design. Its profile, both soft and architectural, opens in a visual embrace: the inclined armrests unfold outward like wings, while the curved backrest and generous cushions define a deep, informal comfort. The name Le Stelle evokes a cosmic dimension, typical of Bellini’s poetic and experimental language, who at the time conceived the sofa as a microcosm of form, function and material. The upholstery is the original period fabric, an elasticised textile with diagonal stripes in shades of pink and salmon—a rare and refined chromatic combination that has preserved its authenticity. The original B&B Italia label, still present beneath the seat, certifies its provenance and the patented materials (Lycra®, Polysoft®, Dacron®), offering direct testimony to the company’s technological philosophy. Beyond its aesthetic value, Le Stelle represents a historical document of Italian radical design, where comfort and experimentation coexist in perfect balance. This example, preserved in its original integrity, is a true collector’s piece for enthusiasts and connoisseurs of 20th-century design, as well as a sculptural and poetic presence in any contemporary interior. It shows minimal signs of age, such as a few lateral marks, documented in the photographs and removable with a specific treatment, but is generally in excellent vintage condition. Product Name: Le Stelle Sofa...
Iron
Odysseus Fully Upholstered Sofa in White Linen Fabric by OZA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Odysseus Fully Upholstered Sofa in White Linen Fabric by OZA Design Dimensions: D 112 x W 260 x H 67 cm. SH: 38 cm. Materials: Linen. Available in different material options and fi...
Linen
$31,269 / item
Sofa 3 Seat, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio
Located in Geneve, CH
Sofa 3 Seat, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio Dimensions: W 308.4 x D 106.8 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid Sungkai wood, About: Sebastiano Zilio Italy, 1969 Italian designer and artist...
Wood
$39,023 / item
Sofa 4 Seat, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio
Located in Geneve, CH
Sofa 4 Seat, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio Dimensions: W 382.8 x D 106.8 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid Sungkai wood, About: Sebastiano Zilio Italy, 1969 Italian designer and artist...
Wood
$19,487 / item
Jell Sofa in Red Fabric by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa in Red Fabric by Alter Ego Studio Dimensions W 260 cm D 120 cm H 85 cm Product features Product options: Upholstery: Available in all Alter Ego leathers and fabrics. ...
Stone
$17,215 / item
Large Baixo Sofa by Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Baixo Sofa by Wentz Dimensions: D 115 x W 300 x H 58 cm Materials: Wood, Upholstery. 4 cushions included The Baixo sofa proposes a different way of sitting. An invitation to c...
Upholstery, Wood
$20,681 / item
Selene Curved Sofa in Natural Oak Veneer by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Selene Curved Sofa in Natural Oak Veneer by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 250 x D 127.5 x H 75 cm. Materials: Natural oak veneer, fabric. This listing features our Selene Curved Sofa in i...
Oak
$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
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
$28,646 / item
Max Sofa 275 by Haymann Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Max Sofa by Haymann Editions Dimensions: D 95 x W 275 x H 76 cm. Materials: Upholstery, wood. Available in 275 cm or 220 cm. We’re all a bit like Max! We often want to lay but we a...
Upholstery, Wood
$48,087 / item
Verneuil 2 Seats Sofa by Haymann Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Verneuil 2 Seater Sofa by Haymann Editions Dimensions: D 97 x W 371 x H 80 cm (Dimensions may vary). Materials: Lacquered wood, upholstery. 1 x Module A 1 x Module B 2 x Side tables The Verneuil sofa...
Upholstery, Wood
$35,578 / item
Nira Curved Sofa in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Nira Curved Sofa in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 342 x D 100 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid oak wood, fabric. This listing features our Nira Curved Sofa expertly crafted f...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
Vintage Contemporary Custom Built Biomorphic Boucle Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Indulge in luxury and sophistication with this vintage contemporary custom-built biomorphic boucle sofa. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it exudes American style with a ...
Bouclé, Upholstery, 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
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
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
Sirino Sofa by Walter Knoll for Brayton International
By Walter Knoll, Brayton International
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Cream leather upholstery with distinct monumental frame.
Leather
Contemporary Bronze and Mohair Velvet Curved Sofa by Pierre Salagnac, France
Located in London, GB
Élan Curved Sofa by Pierre Salagnac Material: 24K gold-plated bronze, mohair velvet Dimensions: 240 x 120 cm – H 85 cm Year: 2025 Designed for the Creation Grant awarded by the Gran...
Gold, Bronze
$10,340 / item
Hughes 240 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Hughes 240 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 95 x W 240 x H 95 cm. SH: 44 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery, gloss ebony wood veneer upper ...
Brass
$4,820 / item
Panther Sofa by The Cult
Located in Geneve, CH
Panther Sofa by The Cult Dimensions: W 90 x D 90 x H 80 cm Materials: Upholstery, Leather The Cult STUDIO Generates Emotional Solutions And Experiences I...
Leather, Upholstery
$8,022 / item
Duma Lounge Chair by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Duma Lounge Chair by Madheke Dimensions: D 69 x W 90 x H 70 cm. Materials: leather, brass. Finish options: Fabric Seat Neutrals Twine 10, Leather Base Naturalle Whisky & Black Coate...
Leather, Upholstery
$8,022 / item
Yes No Maybe So Conversation Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Yes No Maybe So Conversation Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 70 x W 146 x H 76 cm. SH: 45 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Lilac CV15, and Lilac glo...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$18,523 / item
Shinto Sofa by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Shinto sofa by Domkapa Materials: Fabric (Helmand 53), black texturized steel, gold brushed stainless steel. Dimensions: W 302 x D 162 x H 82 cm. Also available in different mate...
Steel, Stainless Steel
B&B Italia Sofa Lunar James Irvine Couch Zweisitzer Dreisitzer
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Zwei-/ Dreisitzer von B&B Italia (Modell: Lunar) zum Verkauf an. Das umklappbare Sofa gilt als wahrer Designklassiker und besticht durch seine zeit...
Steel
$16,515 / item
Copacabana Sofa by Duistt
Located in Geneve, CH
Copacabana Sofa by Duistt Dimensions: W 250 x D 98 x H 84 cm Materials: Zinc and Clayton Ivory. With a bohemian look, the Copacabana sofa is the perfect blend of unique style and c...
Fabric, Oak
$7,414 / 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
$33,466 / item
Tau Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Tau Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 406 x D 90 x H 75 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. REMOVABLE PARTS: ...
Foam, Wood
Postmodern 3-Seater Sofa "Newtone" by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Moroso, Italy 1989
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a magnificent postmodern sofa "Newtone" designed by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Moroso. Sofa has beautiful shape with down-dropping backrest which gives it e...
Aluminum
$10,111 / item
Looïs Bench by Studio Uwe Gaertner
Located in Geneve, CH
Looïs Bench by Studio Uwe Gaertner Dimensions: D 60 x W 210 x H 47 cm. Materials: Solid oak. DESIGN BY STUDIO UWE GAERTNER The furniture collection from Studio Uwe Gaertner is a ha...
Oak
$12,590 / 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
$4,797 / item
BC Sofa by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
BC Sofa by DAaZ Dimensions: D 110 x W 200 x H 76 cm. Materials: Albizzia wood, fabric. DAaZ Furniture honors the spirit of adventure. We embrace the escape of the ordinary and reve...
Wood, Upholstery
$3,900 / set
Post Modern Pair of Settee's, 1980
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern pair of Sette's, 1980. Original upholstery in great condition.
Upholstery
$17,525 / item
Segno Fabric Sofa 3 Seater by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Segno Fabric Sofa 3 Seater by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 225 x D 90 x H 88 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply, with metal support. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts ...
Foam, Wood
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
$7,920Sale Price|20% Off
Curved Velvet Hollywood Regency Sofa, Italy, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Italian glam couch in luxurious blue velvet, attributed to Marzio Cecchi. A striking detail is the round brass feet, which complement the deep, elegant tones...
Brass
Vladimir Kagan "Matinee" Sofa and Daybed, c. 1990s
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Round Rock, TX
Vladimir Kagan “Matinee” sofa for American Leather in dark brown and ivory. Beautifully functional as a traditional sofa, or remove the back bar...
Leather
Le Bambole Leather pouf foot rest Design Mario Bellini 1978 for B&B Italia
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Le Bambole leather pouf or foot rest, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Price for the foot rest only ! The Le Bambole Sofas are availab...
Leather, Foam
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
$8,144Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dudley II Sofa Handmade in Portugal By Wood Tailors Club Wood Velvet Leather
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
The English cricketer who played as a right-handed batsman, Dudley Long North, represented Worcestershire in first-class cricket during the early 20th century. While North didn't ha...
Leather, Velvet, Wood
$8,500 / item
Orbital Plane Loveseat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Orbital Plane Loveseat in matte black lacquered steel is paired with a lush wide wale corduroy cushion and lustrous striped bolster. The steelwork is evocative of the atomic era...
Steel
$28,956 / item
Blue Lapis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue Lapis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 279 x D 292 x H 70 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. SEAT, BACK...
Foam, Wood
Contemporary Art Sofa - Consuetudine by Roberto Barni
By Mirabili, Roberto Barni
Located in Pistoia, IT
Sofa - wood, bronze sculptures 99 numbered and signed copies "The blindfold man is a metaphor of life and art: in “CONSUETUDINE” he represents the caryatids that support and delimit...
Bronze
$18,695 / item
Morrison 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Morrison 3-Seater Sofa by Somaschini Dimensions: W 290 x D 109 x H 55 cm Materials: Solid wood and plywood structure padded with polyurethane foam in different densities. Seat cushio...
Fabric, Upholstery, Plywood
$1,589Sale Price|30% Off
Blonde Wood Sofa with Clothespin Shaped Accents In The Style of Stickley
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage blonde wood Mission style sofa with clothespin shaped accents along the armrests and back and wicker cane seat in the style of Stickley. Com...
Oak
$17,089 / item
Madeleine Round Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Madeleine Round Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 180 x W 180 x H 97 cm. SH: 43 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Satin, ref. Desert, CTS02 upholstery and piping, a...
Foam, Wood, Upholstery
Cobra/Pipeline sofa by P. Hjort-Lorenzen & Johannes Foersom for Erik Jørgensen
By Johannes Foersom, Erik Jørgensen, Peter Hiort-Lorenzen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The sofa refers to early modernist forms of the Bauhaus period (Perriand), as well as mid-century Scandinavian designs (Nanna Ditzel), adding bold pop era concepts and unexpected fabrics. This Cobra/Pipeline...
Stainless Steel
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
$12,027 / item
Fabric Frank Sofa Bed by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Fabric Frank Sofa Bed by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 247 x D 95 x H 80 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply SUSPENSIONS: Elastic belts in rubber and polypropylene SEATS: Polyuret...
Metal