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.
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
"Soriana" Sofa 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
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto Italian Solid Wood Velvet Fabric "Artona" Sofa
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design sofa from the “Artona” series designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto in the 1970s, with a wooden frame featuring decorative bands created by...
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
$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
Cobra/Pipeline sofa by P. Hjort-Lorenzen & Johannes Foersom for Erik Jørgensen
By Erik Jørgensen, Johannes Foersom, 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
$7,992 / 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
$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
Original Living Divani Ile Cube Leder Sofa Couch Zweisitzer Design
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und sehr hochwertiges Zweisitzer Sofa ("Ile Cube") vom Italienischen Qualitätshersteller Living Divani zum Verkauf an. Living Divani zeichnet sich durch ...
Leather
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
$14,292 / item
Medium Baixo Sofa by Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Baixo Sofa by Wentz Dimensions: D 110 x W 250 x H 58 cm Materials: Wood, Upholstery. 3 cushions included The Baixo sofa proposes a different way of sitting. An invitation to ...
Upholstery, Wood
Egon Three-Seater Sofa in Lamberto & Avion Fabrics by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Egon Three-Seater Sofa in Lamberto & Avion Fabrics by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 102 x W 300 x H 63 cm. Materials: Horn, fabric, polyurethane foam, and goose down. Cushions are not inc...
Other
$40,246 / item
Lignum Novum Sofa by Justus Knut Schomann
Located in Geneve, CH
Lignum Novum Sofa by Justus Knut Schomann Dimensions: W 150 x D 90 x H 75 cm Materials: Econit Wood, FSC wood, Sanded. Weight: 100 Kg. Justus Kn...
Wood
$19,414 / 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
$7,973 / item
Ernest Sofa by Dare Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ernest sofa by Dare Studio Dimensions: W 180 x D 90 x H 70 x seat H 40 cm Materials: fabric, oak Also available in 3-seat sofa The Ernest sofa is a...
Fabric, Oak
Josephine 230 Sofa by Munna in Customizable Color Cotton Velvet
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
$12,542 / 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
$12,119Sale Price|32% Off
Soriana Two Seater by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Green Mohair
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
Scarpa; Afra & Tobia Scarpa; Soriana Sofa; Cassina; 1970s; Italian Design; Italy; Two Seater; Post-Modern; Green; Fabric; Mohair; This Soriana two-seater ...
Chrome
$9,998 / 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
$2,652 / 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
$7,386 / 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
$7,386 / 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
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
$16,453 / 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
$20,946 / 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
$17,150 / 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
Sculptural Postmodern 3-Seater Sofa "Fantasy Island" designed by Kurt Bayer
By Kurt Bayer
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a very rare magnificent postmodern 3-seater sofa "Fantasy Island" designed by Kurt Bayer. The sofa is done in teak, buffalo leather and steel, creating ...
Steel
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
$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
$17,024 / 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
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
$46,443 / item
Rialto Sofa by Laurameroni
Located in Geneve, CH
Rialto Sofa by Laurameroni Dimensions: W 264 x D 86 x H 75 cm Materials: Cachemire Loro Piana Altai 037 Paprika, gray travertine stone legs. Upholstered sofa featuring four legs in ...
Travertine
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
$33,340 / 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
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
$34,943 / item
Sofa 3 Seat EX, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio
Located in Geneve, CH
Sofa 3 Seat EX, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio Dimensions: W 346.8 x D 106.8 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid Sungkai wood, About: Sebastiano Zilio Italy, 1969 Italian designer and art...
Wood
$25,154 / item
Sofa 2 Seat EX, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio
Located in Geneve, CH
Sofa 2 Seat EX, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio Dimensions: W 250.8 x D 106.8 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid Sungkai wood, About: Sebastiano Zilio Italy, 1969 Italian designer and art...
Wood
$23,141 / item
Sofa 2 Seat, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio
Located in Geneve, CH
Sofa 2 Seat, Solid Wood by Sebastiano Zilio Dimensions: W 231.6 x D 106.8 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid Sungkai wood, About: Sebastiano Zilio Italy, 1969 Italian designer and artist...
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
$6,094 / 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
$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
$4,299 / item
Vibe Sofa L by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
Vibe Sofa L by DAaZ Dimensions: D 94 x W 280 x H 64.5 cm. Materials: Fabric, albizzia wood. Available in 220cm or 280cm. Please contact us. DAaZ Furniture hon...
Upholstery, Wood
Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional c. 1990s. USA. Reupholstered in white boucle fabric.
Bouclé
Rolf Benz Curved Two-Tone Suede and Leather Upholstered Sofa
By Rolf Benz
Located in Astoria, NY
Rolf Benz Curved Two-Tone Three-Seat Sofa, in red suede and tan leather upholstery. 32" H x 108" W x 36" D; seat: 16" H. Provenance: From a Fort Lauderdale, Florida Estate.
Leather, Suede
1980s Wittmanns Leather Sofa Chair
By Wittmann
Located in Marbella, ES
Anthracite color original Wittmann designer sofa chair in a minimalistic and modern design. Very good condition.
Leather, Wood
$27,315 / item
Linamore Lapis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Linamore 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, ...
Foam, Wood
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Armchair for Gavina, Ivory Linen, 1973
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
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
$3,171Sale Price / item|20% Off
21st Century Simone Modular Armchair Cotton Velvet by Ottiu
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
Nina Simone left an indelible mark on 20th-century music, renowned for her unparalleled interpretations across jazz, blues, soul, folk, and pop genres. Beyond her musical prowess, Si...
Velvet
Thank Two Seater Sofa in Chromed Metal & Upholstery by Quinti Sedute
Located in Geneve, CH
Thank Two Seater Sofa in Chromed Metal & Upholstery by Quinti Sedute Dimensions: D 73 x W 150 x H 67 cm. Materials: Metal, wood, and upholstery. Available in different finishes, siz...
Metal
$7,003 / 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
$18,808 / item
Ferdinand 350 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Ferdinand 350 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 185 x W 350 x H 80 cm. SH: 41 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet and brushed brass. Available in all M...
Brass
Leather Palmo Sofa by Amura Lab, Post-Modern Design, Italy
Located in Geneve, CH
Leather Palmo Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 417 x D 176 x H 80 cm Materials: FRAME: poplar multiply SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. SEAT: polyurethane foam...
Foam, Poplar
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
Robert Thibier Four Seat Sofa with Gold Painted Metal Frame
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Thibier four seat sofa, gold painted steel, fabric, France, 1960s/1970s This exceptional four-seat sofa by Robert Thibier is a rare example of French design from the 1960s an...
Steel
$9,050 / item
Upholstery Gentle Bed End by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Upholstery Gentle Bed End by Madheke Dimensions: D 50 x W 180 x H 60 cm. Materials: leather, brass. Finish options: Leather Naturalle Whisky, Fabric Cushions Rust Plain 04 & Medium ...
Leather, Upholstery
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Two-Seater Outdoor Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Two-Seater Outdoor Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 85,5 x W 195 x H 63 cm. Materials: Aluminium, wicker, and Luminesce fabric. Link-Terra Wh...
Aluminum
$18,694 / set
Snow Modular Sofa by Note Design Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Snow modular sofa by Note Design Studio Dimensions: D 100 x W 358 x H 74 cm. Materials: Upholstery. Seat and feet different fabrics. This modular sofa is composed of: 1 x Module 02 : curve 30° 1 x Module 01 : straight 1 x Module 02 : curve 30° Prices may vary according to the fabric choice. Please contact us. Snow is a modular sofa concept created by Note Design Studio. Note is based in Stockholm where snow is abundant and changes drastically the landscape during a large portion of the year. Even the most brutalist building morph into blurry and puffy shapes. This contrast between a solid and steady structure anchored in the ground and the welcoming layer of soft snow on top is the inspiration for the Snow sofa. The snow system is composed of 2 elements – a straight module and a rounded 30° module – that can be combined to create an infinity of shapes. The sofa is complemented by low modules that can be used as ottomans or can be combined to create straight or curved padded benches...
Upholstery
$11,319 / 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
Luciano Frigerio 'Norman' 3 Seat Sofa in Custom Missoni Upholstery, Italy, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Matching Loveseat available, sold separately. Custom designed by Luciano Frigerio in the 1970s for the Missoni family, the 'Norman' sofa is a rare example of Italian craft meeting fa...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Vintage Postmodern White Leather Sofa, circa 1970s–1980s
Located in Montréal, CA
Striking vintage postmodern sofa upholstered in luxurious white leather. Featuring a generous, low-profile silhouette with generously padded cushions, sculptural rounded arms, and di...
Leather