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.
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Three-seater Sofa for Gavina, Ivory Linen, 1973
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
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
$20,005 / 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
$13,103 / 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
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
VIntage velvet sofa by Saporiti Italia, 1980s
By Saporiti
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage velvet two seater sofa by Saporiti italia. Very comfy two seater sofa, which has a cool pattern running troughout the upholstery. Good condition, has been cleaned. 1980s -...
Velvet
B&B Italia Sofa Diesis Leder weiß Couch Antonio Citterio Paolo Nava
By Antonio Citterio, Paolo Nava, B&B Italia
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und äußerst hochwertiges Zweisitzer Sofa vom italienischen Traditionshersteller B&B Italia zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Antonio Citterio un...
Aluminum, Steel
$4,873 / 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
$6,213 / item
Postmodern Sculptural White Bouclé Sofa Amanecer
By Moanne
Located in Almería, ES
Sofa in White Bouclé. The Amanecer Sofa is a tribute to new beginnings. Its sculptural silhouette, soft yet structured, recalls the gentle rise of two hills catching the first lig...
Bouclé
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
$9,839 / item
N2v Bench by Aaron Scott
Located in Geneve, CH
N2V Bench by Aaron Scott Dimensions: D 34.5 x W 122 x H 41 cm Materials: bleached cherry. Also available in other woods: lacquered cherry, bleached walnut, walnut. Brooklyn-...
Cherry
Adriano Three-Seater Sofa in Splendido Velvet, Matte Horn & Metal by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Adriano Three-Seater Sofa in Splendido Velvet, Matte Horn & Metal by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 100 x W 300 x H 88 cm. Materials: Horn, velvet, foam, and burnished metal. Cushions are ...
Other, Metal
$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
Link-Bisque Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Outdoor Meditation Bed by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Link-Bisque Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Outdoor Meditation Bed by SNOC Dimensions: Ø 200 x H 63 cm. Materials: Aluminium, wicker, and Luminesce fabric. Link-Bisque When desig...
Aluminum
White Leather Barocco Sofa Model 1320 by Zanotta, Italy 1980
By Emaf Progetti, Zanotta
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
Felicerossi Italian Post-Modern Sectional Sofa, 1970s
By Felicerossi
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rare Felicerossi Italian post-modern sectional sofa in brown and beige fabric upholstery, produced in the 1970s. This organically shaped modular model consists of three units that ...
Metal
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 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
Sculptural Post-Modern Steel Sofa, France 1980s
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Very unique and unusual sofa. Inspired by the Maria Pergay, Michel Boyer era. Sourced in the south of France. Postmodernism. The bench is made of multiple materials, creating a beautiful composition. The base of the sofa is made of steel and has a beautifully patinated leather seat. The back of the sofa is made of resin. Due to the green strokes, it is multi-dimensional. Even if it's a functional sofa, it merely looks like a piece of art. It can both be used as a stand-alone sofa or bench and could be the perfect addition to any residential project, but would also look great in any gallery or high-end retail shop. The minimalist design of this French sofa is perfect for any clientele that wants to create a unique kind of atmosphere. It has a very industrial, apocalyptic, and postmodern feel to it. It is for sure an eye-catcher! Please note that it is a heavy object. Check out Daddy Deco...
Steel
$32,969 / item
Tabacco Croissant Sofa by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Tabacco Croissant Sofa by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 120 x W 240 x H 80 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. “Croissant” Sofa. Of course, for the d...
Upholstery, Wood
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
$23,701 / item
Niemeyer II Round Sofa by InsidherLand
Located in Geneve, CH
Niemeyer II Round Sofa by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 165 x W 350 x H 86 cm. Materials: Dark oak, InsidherLand Lama Ref. 1 fabric. 120 kg. Available in dif...
Upholstery, Wood
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Outdoor Meditation Bed by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Outdoor Meditation Bed by SNOC Dimensions: Ø 200 x H 63 cm. Materials: Aluminium, wicker, and Luminesce fabric. Link-Terra When designi...
Aluminum
$34,683 / item
White MRS 1 Sofa by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
White MRS 1 Sofa by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 160 x W 310 x H 80 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. “MRS 1” sofa. With love to my favorite desig...
Upholstery, 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
$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
$38,472 / item
Magno Eucalyptus Sofa by Palena Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Magno Eucalyptus Sofa by Palena Furniture Dimensions: W 309.88 x D 104.14 x H 78.74 x Seat H 41.91 cm Materials: Eucalyptus, Black Lacquer, Plush Velvet Upholstery Available in cust...
Other
Pair of Mauro Lipparini for Saporiti Italia Avedon Sofas 1980s Post Modern
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A pair of Avedon sofas by Mauro Lipparini for Saporiti Italia. This is a super cool set of post modern, very 80s, set of modular sofas. Each one of these sofas features a bright and ...
Fabric
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
$29,413 / 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
$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
Mah Jong Modular 3-Piece Sofa Suite by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois
Located in Basel, BS
An iconic three-piece Mah Jong lounge suite, by Roche Bobois, groundbreaking modular seating concept designed by Hans Hopfer in 1971. This set embraces the "ground-level living" revo...
Foam
$22,360 / item
Nobilis Lapis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Nobilis Lapis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 338 x D 199 x H 70 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. SEAT, B...
Foam, Wood
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
Vladimir Kagan “Matinee” Sofa in 100% Alpaca
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage, signed - excellent restored condition. This piece has been fully reupholstered in a 100% alpaca fabric
Fabric
$18,991 / 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
$12,217 / 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
$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
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Three-Seater Outdoor Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Three-Seater Outdoor Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 85,5 x W 230 x H 63 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Aluminium, wicker, and Luminesce fabric. ...
Aluminum
$27,700 / item
Karl Sofa by Dennis Kaiser
Located in Geneve, CH
Karl Sofa by Dennis Kaiser Dimensions: D 110 x W 300 x H 70 cm. Materials: Linen, foam. Handcrafted in Tuscany, Italy. Customization is available on request. Please contact us. The...
Upholstery, Foam
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Right Modular Daybed by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Right Modular Daybed by SNOC Dimensions: D 180 x W 97,5 x H 65 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood, rope, and Ethereal fabric. The...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
Egon Three-Seater Sofa in Leather, Horn, Wood & Upholstery by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Egon Three-Seater Sofa in Leather, Horn, Wood & Upholstery by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 102 x W 335 x H 72 cm. Materials: Horn, upholstery, leather, polyurethane foam, and goose dow...
Other
Wood and Upholstered Meganta Sofa by Dainelli Studio Atelier
Located in Geneve, CH
Wood and Upholstered Meganta Sofa by Dainelli Studio Atelier Dimensions: W 110 x D 290 x H 98 cm Materials: Plywood, Wood, Upholstery. Sofa with a multi-layer wood base finished wi...
Upholstery, Wood, Plywood
$34,683 / item
Beige MRS 1 Sofa by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Beige MRS 1 Sofa by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 160 x W 310 x H 80 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. “MRS 1” sofa. With love to my favorite desig...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Italian Modular Sofa by Piero Lissoni for Knoll Avio System with Marble Base
By Knoll, Piero Lissoni
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Designed by Piero Lissoni for Knoll, this rare configuration of the Avio modular sofa was produced in the 1980s and reflects the elegance of Italian modernism. Upholstered in soft iv...
Marble, 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
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
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
$12,952 / item
Leather Tora Sofa by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Leather Tora Sofa by Madheke Dimensions: D 260 x W 101 x H 95 cm. Materials: Sofa back and arms upholstered in leather, Soft-edged walnut base and surround with a central arc and sli...
Leather
"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
$13,360 / 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
Memphis 'Lido' Sofa by Michele De Lucchi, Colorful Design, 1982
Located in Tinton Falls, NJ
Designed by Michele De Lucchi in 1982, this superb object of functional decor will offer a comfortable seat to an eclectic interior, while also being a magnificent colorful accent to...
Steel
$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
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
Early “Bocca” Sofa by Studio65
Located in Chicago, IL
for Gufram c. 1970s, fully restored with original importer’s tag
Fabric
$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 sold as found, reupholstery is needed b...
Fabric
$7,531 / 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
Hub Three-Seater Sofa in Stainless Steel & Upholstery by Quinti Sedute
Located in Geneve, CH
Hub Three-Seater Sofa in Stainless Steel & Upholstery by Quinti Sedute Dimensions: D 70 x W 210 x H 68 cm. Materials: Stainless steel, wood, and upholstery. Available in different f...
Stainless Steel
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
$27,560 / item
Alfie Sofa by Melis Tatlicibasi
Located in Geneve, CH
Alfie Sofa by Melis Tatlicibasi. Dimensions: W 300 x D 100 x H 80 cm. Materials: Natural wood base painted, Upholstery. Natural wood base painted in Brass, Silver, Gold, or lacquere...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood