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.
Rolf Benz Dono sofa by Christian Werner in white leather, 1990s
By Rolf Benz
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
This Rolf Benz three-seater Dono sofa, designed by Christian Werner in the late 1990s, combines sculptural clarity with exceptional comfort and functionality. The piece is defined b...
Leather, Wood
Vintage Boho Ettore Sottsass for Knoll Postmodern Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Presenting a rare and captivating vintage sofa, a striking example of Postmodern design by the iconic Ettore Sottsass for Knoll. This piece, reminiscent of Sottsass's influential "Ma...
Metal
$8,013 / 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
TMBO Lounge Sofa in Oak and Jennifer Shorto/Kongaline & Seafoam by Mazo Design
Located in Geneve, CH
TMBO Lounge Sofa in Oak and Jennifer Shorto/Kongaline & Seafoam by Mazo Design Dimensions: W 165 x D 68.5 x H 87 cm Materials: Oak Also Available: ROMO...
Other
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
Vintage Josef Hoffmann Style Italian Kubus Sofa, Newly Reupholstered in Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Italian Kubus Sofa, Newly Reupholstered in Holly Hunt Florence Collection "Deep-Turq" Leather A classic example of Hoffmann’s strict geometrical lines, the surface is organi...
Leather
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
$9,931 / 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
Vintage Dutch buffalo leather Rivera sofa by Gijs Papavoine Montis c 1980s / 90s
By Gijs Papavoine, Montis
Located in Hastings, GB
Vintage buffalo leather 'Rivera' sofa by Gijs Papavoine for Montis, Netherlands 1980s/90s. (Papavoine started designing for Montis in 1976) In great condition with nicely patinated t...
Leather, Wood
$35,006 / 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
$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
"Soriana" Sofa in Green Velvet by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
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
Contemporary Extra Long Taupe Leather Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary extra long sofa (11.5' wide) with taupe leather cushions and a polished dark wood frame and matching leather pillows (2 Matching armchair...
Leather, Wood
$15,944 / item
Alice Sofa by Joana Teixeira
Located in Geneve, CH
Alice Sofa by Joana Teixeira Dimensions: D 113 x W 220 x H 66 cm. Materials: Fabric, upholstery, wood, and beech. Finish: White bouclé. Customization is a...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Beech
1980s Vintage Comfortable Brigantin Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset (1/2)
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Izegem, VWV
This deep seat comfortable 2-seater sofa model Brigantin was created by the famous French designer Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1981. All in foam, covered by a super soft grey/...
Cotton, Foam
$3,534 / item
Cloud Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Cloud Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 194 x D 101 x H 87 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Particle board panels, Stainless Steel, Fabric. Frame: Solid beech and particle board panels. Se...
Stainless Steel
$18,921 / item
Large Upholstery Field Sofa by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Upholstery Field Sofa by Madheke Dimensions: D 310 x W 124 x H 82.5 cm. Materials: Curved leather-upholstered ergonomic seat, Metal base with coated finish. Finish options: Fab...
Leather
$15,532 / item
Embryo Sofa by Studio Christinekalia
Located in Geneve, CH
Embryo sofa by Studio Christinekalia Dimensions: W 200 x D 320 x H 78 cm (seat height 43 cm). Materials: Wood, Macro Plush Fabric. Evolved from the s...
Fabric, Wood
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
$13,225 / 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
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
$10,566 / 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
Galore 3 Seater Sprinkles Desert Yellow by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Galore 3 seater sprinkles desert yellow by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D 222 x W 83 x H 76 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Powder coated black steel legs, Wooden frame, foam, spring s...
Steel
Phillipe Starck Sofa from the Clift Hotel, San Francisco
Located in Chicago, IL
Phillipe Starck Sofa from The Clift Hotel, San Francisco Wood frame with chrome feet caps and fluorescent detail on each leg. Reupholstered with cotton-poly fabric and bolster Dimens...
Upholstery, Wood
3er Set Orangebox Away from the desk Sofa Sitzmodul Gerard Taylor
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten drei von insgesamt 14 "Away from the desk" Sitzmodulen vom Qualitätshersteller "Orangebox" zum Verkauf an. Die Module sind neu und in einem unbenutzten Zustand, teils noch...
Fabric
Large Vintage Milo Baughman Style Sectional Sofa
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Large vintage sectional sofa in the style of Milo Baughman.
Fabric
Eastside Sofa by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Italy. Upholstered in original leather and reworked with boucle seats and back rests. Metal base.
Leather, Bouclé
$4,696 / item
Nova Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Nova Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 230 x D 100 x H 64 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Fabric. Details: Frame: Solid beech. Seat springing: Interlaced elastic ...
Fabric, Beech
Radical Italian Sofa Le Stelle by Mario Bellini 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
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois Post-Modern Lounge in Off-White Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, lounge chair, reupholstered fabric, France, late 1970s This substantial lounge chair as part of the 'Croissant' sofa is designed by Hans Hopfer for Ro...
Fabric
Mario Bellini Taupe “Le Bambole” Two-Seater Sofa for B&B Italia, 1976
Located in Vicenza, IT
“Bibambola” sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Original vintage version from 1976, recently reupholstered by the previous owner with a light grey fabric. This comfortab...
Cotton, Foam
Substantial Lounge Chair in Delicate Striped Green Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, fabric, Europe, 1970s/80s A robust and substantial lounge chair, exuding a playful charm through its distinct geometric form. The chair features three back cushions t...
Fabric
Italian modern modular Cannaregio sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina, 1987
By Gaetano Pesce, Cassina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern modular Cannaregio sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina, 1987 Cannaregio model sofa composed of three modules that can be positioned as desired, united or distant. The su...
Fabric, Wood
$2,376Sale Price|20% Off
Post Modern Three Seater Sofa with Vintage Uphosltery
Located in Freehold, NJ
This postmodern three seater sofa features vintage white patterned upholstery with removable cushions and unique oversized armrest. Dimensions: 84.5w 35.25d 30h 26ah 17sh Condition...
Upholstery
Chocolate Brown Happylife Sofa by Bedini, Marzano And Settimelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Chocolate Brown Happylife Sofa by Bedini, Marzano And Settimelli Dimensions: D 90 x W 240 x H 81 cm. Seat Height: 47 cm. Materials: Polyethylene and eco-leather. Weight: 69 kg. Avai...
Other
Geometric Sofa with Grid Framework in Black Lacquered Ash
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, lacquered ash, fabric, Europe, 1980s A visually striking sofa executed in black lacquered ash and newly upholstered brown cushions. Its imposing size and bold graphic aestheti...
Velvet, Ash
$32,876 / item
Printed Nature Econit Wood Seater by Harry Thaler
Located in Geneve, CH
Printed Nature Econit Wood Seater by Harry Thaler Dimensions: D 100 x W 155 x H 80 cm. Materials: Econit wood. "In addition to proposing ecological and sustainable design, which has...
Wood
Sitiera 3-Seater Sofa in Ivory Velvet Upholstery & Aged Brass by Estudio Andean
Located in Geneve, CH
Sitiera 3-Seater Sofa in Ivory Velvet Upholstery & Aged Brass by Estudio Andean Dimensions: D 104,5 x W 206,5 x H 75,5 cm. SH: 44 cm. Materials: Steel, bronze, brass, and velvet. Ve...
Bronze, Steel, Brass
Wood and Upholstered Romeo Sofa by Dainelli Studio Atelier
Located in Geneve, CH
Wood and Upholstered Romeo Sofa by Dainelli Studio Atelier Dimensions: W 230 x D 85 x H 62 cm Materials: Wood, Upholstery. Sofa with a multi-layer wood base finished with a glossy ...
Upholstery, Wood
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 80s Postmodern off White Light Cream bouclé Bolster Sofa
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Vintage 80s Postmodern Bolster sofa. The sofa has a bolstered back and seat and it supports the back very well. Chic and comfortable. Reupholstered ...
Bouclé
$23,525 / item
Levante Sofa by Francesco Zonca
Located in Geneve, CH
Levante Sofa by Francesco Zonca Numbered series signed Dimensions: D 85 x W 230 x H 71.5 cm Materials: Loro Piana Interiors fabric. The elegance of “Loro Piana Interiors” fabrics co...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Cream Boucle Sofa in the Manner of Tobia Scarpa Soriana
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cream boucle sofa in the manner of Tobia Scarpa Soriana. This sofa is low and comfy - it’s like sitting on a cloud. Once you sit down you won’t w...
Bouclé
$11,131 / item
Luke 240 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Luke 240 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 110 x W 240 x H 82 cm. SH: 47 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet. Available in all Munna fabrics except Wild Silk....
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Vintage Boho Pencil Reed Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover the sculptural elegance and organic allure of this stunning vintage pencil reed sofa. A captivating example of 1980s design artistry, this pi...
Fabric, Upholstery, Rattan
$10,566 / 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, ref. Emerald, CV09 upholstery and wild silk,...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$4,118 / item
Moss 1800 Sofa by Artu
Located in Geneve, CH
Moss 1800 sofa by Artu Pavel Vetrov Dimensions: W 180 x D 82 x H 76 cm Materials: Wood, Upholstery Other colors and materials available. Soft, flowin...
Upholstery, Wood
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
$7,207 / item
Postmodern Sculptural Brown Velvet Sofa Amanecer
By Moanne
Located in Almería, ES
The Amanecer Sofa is a sculptural tribute to new beginnings—an ode to the calm strength of dawn. With its bold geometric silhouette, twin-arched backrest, and solid triangular arms, ...
Velvet
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
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
$38,830 / 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
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Armchair for Gavina, Ivory Linen, 1973
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Armchair for Gavina, ivory linen, Italy, 1973 The “Cornaro” armchair, designed by Carlo Scarpa in 1973 for Gavina, distills the essence of architectural think...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
$12,084 / item
Oak and Walnut Bánh Chưng Sofa by ONON DETAILS
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak and Walnut Bánh Chưng Sofa by ONON DETAILS Dimensions: W 85 x D 295 x H 72 cm. Materials: Oak, Walnut, high quality fabric. ONON Details furnitures are chosen by famous design ...
Fabric, Oak, Walnut
$14,437 / 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
$27,159 / item
Fabric Brooklyn Sofa 3 Seater by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Fabric Brooklyn Sofa 3 Seater by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 223 x D 95 x H 80 cm Materials: STRUCTURE: Moulded polyurethane foam with metal support, covered with cuoio, leather or fabri...
Metal
$5,142 / 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
$12,143 / item
Louise 240 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Louise 240 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 110 x W 240 x H 83 cm. SH: 45 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Desert, CV03, and ref. Pale Pink, C...
Brass
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
$2,447 / item
Cover Grey Central Modular Sofa by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Cover Grey Central Modular Sofa by MOWEE. Dimensions: D 83 x W 68 x H 81 cm (seat height 42 cm). Material: Aluminum and upholstery. Weight: 17 kg. Also available in different col...
Aluminum
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