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.
$10,354 / item
Ut 01 Cowhide and Walnut Sofa by Sing Chan
Located in Geneve, CH
Ut 01 Sofa by Sing Chan Dimensions: W 76 x D 56 x H 67 cm Materials: Cowhide, North American Black Walnut, waxing. Sing Chan ( Chinese: 陈星宇/Xingyu Chen), the founder of SINGCHAN DE...
Upholstery, Walnut
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
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Marilyn Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post modern Vladimir Kagan Marilyn Sofa by Directional for Vladimir Kagan in new ivory white bouclé upholstery. Whimsical and happy, Kagan's Marilyn line...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Sculptural Tube Sofa by Anna & Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, 1990s Italy
By Rossi di Albizzate, Carlo Bartoli
Located in Zagreb, HR
Rare sculptural postmodern designer sofa model ''Tube'' designed by Anna & Carlo Bartoli for Italian high-end furniture manufacturer Rossi di Albizzate. The sofa features internal t...
Fabric, Foam
Original Rolf Benz Sofa 3000 Zweisitzer Couch Creme Beige Design
By Rolf Benz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eins von insgesamt zwei wunderschönen Rolf Benz Sofas des Modells "3000" zum Verkauf an. Bei diesem Modell handelt es sich um den etwas kürzeren Zweisitzer. In unseren and...
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
La Cividina Guest Sofa Antonio Rodriguez Couch Left Peninsula
By La Cividina
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und äußerst seltenes Design Sofa vom italienischen Premiumhersteller La Cividina zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Antonio Rodriguez und zeichnet si...
Fabric
$24,073 / item
Trave Sofa by Umberto Bellardi Ricci
Located in Geneve, CH
Trave sofa by Umberto Bellardi Ricci Dimensions: D 24" x W 102" x H 16 in Materials: Dedar Boucle fabic, l-beam, brass Umbert...
Brass
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
Postmodern Sofa "Comete" designed by Vladimir Kagan for Roche Bobois, France
By Roche Bobois, Vladimir Kagan
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
$19,978 / item
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Gentle Fabric by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Gentle 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 an...
Fabric
Italian Modern Curved Sculptural Loveseat or Sofa
By ISA Bergamo, Federico Munari, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Ico Parisi
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern curved sculptural loveseat or sofa. This stunning Italian Federico Munari inspired postmodern sofa, chaise or loveseat has interesti...
Stainless Steel
$49,332 / 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
Hans Hollein Mitzi Sofa in Poplar and Wool Cloth by Poltronova 1981
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Mitzi sofa presents a poplar plywood base with erable finish, semi-gloss water–based varnish, iron inner structure, polyurethane cushions, wool cloth uphol...
Iron
$19,179 / 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
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
$4,918 / 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
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
$4,941 / 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
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
Jules Heumann Sofa for Metropolitan Furniture
By Metropolitan, Jules Heumann
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sofa by California native Jules Heumann for the San Francisco based company, Metropolitan Furniture, c.1970's. The sofa features a lacquered white frame and newly upholstered cushion...
Mohair, Upholstery
Fried Egg Sofa Sprinkles Dark Blue Eggplant Sage by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried Egg Sofa Sprinkles Dark Blue Eggplant Sage by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D186 x W68 x H 68 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Solid oiled teak Weight: 42 kg Also available in di...
Upholstery, Teak
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
$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
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
Two-Seater "Korium" Sofa by Tito Agnoli for Matteo Grassi. Italy, 1970s/1980s
Located in Nashville, TN
Item Details: Two-Seater Green leather sofa. The leather cushions are embossed with “Matteo Grassi” and are held together by zippers. Frame is leather Creator: Tito Agnoli for Matteo...
Leather
$12,330 / 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
$40,149 / item
Meilleur Nom Polished Bronze Sofa by Palena Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Meilleur Nom Polished Bronze Sofa by Palena Furniture Dimensions: W 317.5 x D 104.14 x H 77.47 x Seat H 43.18 cm Materials: Polished Bronze, American Walnut, Black Lacquer, Plush Vel...
Other, Bronze
$56,477Sale Price|20% 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
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
"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
$5,040Sale Price|30% Off
Two Seater Sofa by Michael Graves in Birdseye Maple and Black Fabric 1980s
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Small, faceted sofa/settee designed by Michael Graves composed of a stained Birdseye Maple frame with ebony inlaid triangles and applied ebonized cylindrical decorations at the feet....
Fabric, Birdseye Maple
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
La Nuova Casa Italia Dreisitzer Who's Perfect Sofa Couch Galileo
By La Nuova Casa (Who's Perfect)
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Design Sofa aus hochwertigem, weißen Leder von Who's Perfect zum Verkauf an. Das Modell nennt sich "Galileo" und wurde von La Nuova Casa Italia im Jahr 2...
Leather
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 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
$2,731 / item
Slay Sofa by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
Slay Sofa by DAaZ Dimensions: D 105 x W 338 x H 66 cm. Materials: Wood, fabric. 1 x Module A 1 x Module C Available in other modules combinations. Please contact us. DAaZ Furnitur...
Fabric, Wood
$4,865Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Curved Sofas with Sculptural Arms by Carsons
By Carsons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This striking pair of Mid-Century Modern sofas showcases a bold architectural silhouette defined by their gracefully curved form. Designed to create an intimate conversational arrang...
Upholstery
$17,966 / 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
Post-Modern Italian Two Seat Sofa in Wood and Creme Colored Velvet Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, beech, fabric, Italy, 1970s This two-seat sofa dates from Italy in the 1970s and is designed in the style of Afra and Tobia Scarpa. The design is defined by clear proportions ...
Fabric, Beech
Brühl Alba Sessel system/m neuwertig Design Armlehnstuhl
By Brühl
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen sehr gut erhaltenen und nicht/ kaum benutzten original Brühl Alba Sessel in einem modernen dunkelgrau zum Verkauf an. In unseren weiteren Anzeigen bieten wir zudem p...
Fabric
$22,535 / 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
Jules Heumann Loveseat for Metropolitan Furniture
By Jules Heumann, Metropolitan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Loveseat by California native Jules Heumann for the San Francisco based company, Metropolitan Furniture, c.1970's. The sofa features a lacquered white frame and newly upholstered cus...
Mohair, Upholstery
$3,849Sale Price / set|45% Off
1980, Fabrizio Ballardini for Arflex, 2 Couches Ribalta in Original Soft Fabric
By Arflex, Fabricio Ballardini
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Metal
$36,369 / item
Yvy Asy Sofa by Kelly Boukobza
Located in Geneve, CH
Yvy Asy Sofa by Kelly Boukobza Dimensions: W 300 x D 110 x H 75 cm Materials: Natural Wood Base (Walnut) black. Available Finishes : Dedar and Pierre Frey fabrics. Kelly Boukobza i...
Wood
$16,931 / 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
Fried Egg Sofa Sprinkles Caramel Grey Spicy Brown by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried egg sofa sprinkles caramel grey spicy brown by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D186 x W68 x H 68 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Solid oiled teak Weight: 42 kg Also available in d...
Upholstery, Teak
$18,472 / 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
$4,965 / item
Houston 2 Seat Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Houston 2 Seat Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 75 x W 150 x H 73 cm. SH: 45 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Emerald, CV09, and Emerald gloss lacque...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$12,330 / 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
$27,833 / 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
Baalbek, Trapezoidal Sofa Daybed by Toad Gallery, bespoke edition
By Toad Gallery
Located in London, GB
A decadent three-seat sofa daybed of sculptural trapezoidal form inspired by the fallen architectural ruins of the ancient city of Baalbek, a Levantine outpost on the Roman frontier....
Ash
$9,930 / item
Ut 01 Cowhide and Walnut Sofa by Sing Chan
Located in Geneve, CH
Ut 01 Sofa by Sing Chan Dimensions: W 76 x D 56 x H 67 cm Materials: Cowhide, North American Black Walnut, waxing. Sing Chan ( Chinese: 陈星宇/Xingyu Chen), the founder of SINGCHAN DE...
Upholstery, Walnut
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
$17,649 / 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
$84,774 / item
Rocksofa Signed Rock Shaped Sofa by Rockstool Paris
Located in Geneve, CH
Rocksofa Signed Rock Shaped Sofa by Rockstool Paris Limited edition of 3 + 1 AP per colors (two Color) Dimensions: W 185 x D 115 x H 75 cm Materials: Stoneware Available in differen...
Stone, Other
$17,543 / 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
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Razzle Dazzle Fabric by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Razzle Dazzle 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 leat...
Fabric
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
$13,483 / 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