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.
$12,239 / 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
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Two-seater Sofa for Gavina, Turquoise Velvet, 1973
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa for Gavina, wood and turquoise velvet, 1973. The Cornaro sofa represents a sublime exemplification of the harmon...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
$4,981 / 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
$33,297 / 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
Striped TMBO Lounge Sofa in Oak and Dedar/Linear Upholstery by Mazo Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Striped TMBO Lounge Sofa in Oak and Dedar/Linear Upholstery by Mazo Design Dimensions: W 165 x D 68.5 x H 87 cm Materials: Oak Also available: ROMO/Linara, DAW/Royal, KVADRAT/Remix, KVADRAT/Hallingdal & Fiord, BUTE/Storr, DAW/Mohair & Mcnutt, JENNIFER SHORTO / Kongaline & Seafoam, DEDAR/Artemidor, Sheepskin, please contact us. 1935 is the date on the first draft of this chair by the renowned multitalent and architect Magnus Læssøe Stephensen, which have now been revived under the name TMBO. The TMBO series was designed in a shape that, in the laid back confident attitude, celebrates life with the same dramatic simplicity that Magnus Læssøe Stephensen found in Japanese design tradition. The TMBO Chair...
Other
Original Ligne Roset Zweisitzer Sofa Design Couch Urbani Leder braun
By Ligne Roset
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zwei- bis Dreisitzer Sofa vom französischen Traditionshersteller Ligne Roset zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa stammt aus dem Jahr 2008, trägt die Modellbezeichnu...
Steel, Chrome
$3,193 / item
Vibe Sofa M by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
Vibe Sofa M by DAaZ Dimensions: D 94 x W 220 x H 64.5 cm. Materials: Fabric, albizzia wood. Available in 220cm or 280cm. Please contact us. DAaZ Furniture honors the spirit of adve...
Upholstery, Wood
$12,632Sale Price|32% Off
Soriana Two Seater by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Green Mohair
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
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
Robert Thibier Two Seat Sofa with Gold Painted Metal Frame
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Thibier two-seat sofa, gold-painted steel, fabric, France, 1960s/1970s This exceptional two-seat sofa by Robert Thibier is a rare example of French design from the 1960s and ...
Steel
Perfidia 3-Seater Sofa in Ébano Wood, Leather & Aged Brass by Estudio Andean
Located in Geneve, CH
Perfidia 3-Seater Sofa in Ébano Wood, Leather & Aged Brass by Estudio Andean Dimensions: D 80 x W 194 x H 73 cm. Materials: Steel, bronze, brass, Seike wood, and leather. Available ...
Brass, Bronze, 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
$36,253 / item
Leather Giorgio Sofa by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Leather Giorgio Sofa by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 280 x D 96 x H 74 cm Materials: STRUCTURE: Metal with wooden panels SEAT CUSHION: Polyurethane foam, density 50kg/m³ + Memory Foam SUS...
Metal
$24,049 / item
Davis Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Davis Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 340 x D 100 x H 67 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. REMOVABLE PART...
Foam, Wood
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
$14,420 / item
Hug Green Sofa by Rejo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Hug green sofa by Rejo Studio. Dimensions: D 315 x W 95 x H 76 cm. Materials: wooden structure, with velvet. Also available in different colours. Long comfortable hug. The hug sofa...
Velvet, 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
$5,309 / item
C&B Gold Camaleonda Modules
Located in London, England
Listed price is per module. Three units are available and can be purchased separately. This is a vintage item in its original fabric, showing signs of use, including smoke staining ...
Steel
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
1980s Vintage Comfortable Brigantin Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset (1/2)
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
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
Caleo-Ash Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Two-Seater Modular Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Ash Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Two-Seater Modular Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 100 x W 181 x H 65 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood, rope, and Ethereal fabric. The C...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
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
Early “Bocca” Sofa by Studio65
Located in Chicago, IL
for Gufram c. 1970s, fully restored with original importer’s tag
Fabric
$22,857 / 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
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
Pair of Postmodern Sofas by Directional Furniture, 1980
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Directional furniture model 4760L & 4760R sofas. Opposite swooping backs with big chunky bases. Newly upholstered.
Upholstery
$39,327 / item
Magno American Walnut Sofa by Palena Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Magno American Walnut Sofa by Palena Furniture Dimensions: W 309.88 x D 104.14 x H 78.74 x Seat H 41.91 cm Materials: American Walnut, Black Lacquer, Plush Velvet Upholstery Availab...
Other
$36,837 / 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
$18,198 / 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 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
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
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
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
$5,243 / item
Kuumo Sofa by KUUMO DESIGN
Located in Geneve, CH
Kuumo Sofa by KUUMO DESIGN Dimensions: W 150 x D 87.5 x H 96.6 cm Materials: Acrylic glass structures, Foam cushions and 1460 mm, Mirror stainless steel tubes. Weight: 42 Kg. With...
Stainless Steel
$36,837 / item
Yvy Sofa by Kelly Boukobza
Located in Geneve, CH
Yvy Sofa by Kelly Boukobza Dimensions: W 300 x D 110 x H 75 cm Materials: Natural Wood Base (Walnut) or black. Available Finishes : Dedar and Pierre Frey fabrics. Kelly Boukobza is...
Wood
$22,095 / item
Lapis Sofa by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Lapis Sofa by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 278 x D 106 x H 69 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. SEAT, B...
Foam, 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
$2,764 / 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
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Armchairs for Gavina, Ivory Linen, 1973, Set of 2
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” armchairs for Gavina, ivory linen, Italy, 1973, set of two The “Cornaro” armchair, designed by Carlo Scarpa in 1973 for Gavina, distills the essence of archit...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
$4,800
Thayer Coggin Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Experience the epitome of comfort and refined style with this Thayer Coggin sofa. Its luxurious beige fabric features subtle shimmering speckles that catch the light, adding a touch ...
Fabric
$16,899 / 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
Caleo-Natural Teak, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Two-Seater Modular Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Natural Teak, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Two-Seater Modular Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 100 x W 181 x H 65 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood, rope, and Ethereal fabric. The Ca...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
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
$4,886 / item
Sweet Fuchsia Kami Yon Sofa by Marc Sadler
Located in Geneve, CH
Sweet Fuchsia Kami Yon Sofa by Marc Sadler Dimensions: D 75 x W 174 x H 70 cm. Seat Height: 35 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 33 kg. Available in different color options. This...
Other
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
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
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
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
$45,381 / item
Byron 5012 Sofa by Redeco
Located in Geneve, CH
Byron 5012 Sofa by Redeco Dimensions: W 465/289/174 x D 101 x H 73 cm Materials: Wooden structure padded with polyurethane foam in different densities. Seat cushions padded in polyur...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Arca sofa set by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, 1980s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Rare Arca sofa set designed by Paolo Piva consisting of a two seater and two modular chairs which you can join to make another two seater. The two modular elements have a swiveling ...
Suede
$3,187Sale Price|25% Off
Mid century post modern danish thick orange leather 3 seat pillow sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century post modern danish thick fully upholstered coral tone leather 3 seat sofa clean. Very clean sofa amazing thick orange / tan leather. Fol...
Leather
Grey Curved Upholstery Sofa with Solid Oak Base by Obstacles
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique, Solid Oak Marina Sofa Obstacles Dimensions: W 98 x D 235 x H 70 cm Materials: Solid oak. While most of our designs are recognized for their clea...
Oak
$10,427 / 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
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
Caleo-Ash Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Right Modular Daybed by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Ash 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 Cal...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
Pair of Vico Magistretti Cassina black leather Veranda sofas
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of black leather " Veranda " sofas . Designed by Vico Magistretti produced by Cassina distributed by Atelier International (ai) . Each couch has three soft supple leather seats ...
Steel
$2,031 / item
Black Along Birch Sofa by Storängen Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Along birch sofa by Storängen Design Dimensions: D 52 x W 150 x H 87 x SH 45 cm Materials: birch wood. Also available in other colors and with seat cushion. Along can be ...
Birch
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
Original de Sede DS 47 Dreisitzer Sofa Design Couch Dickleder
By De Sede
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes de Sede DS 47 Dreisitzer Sofa aus dem Jahr 1983 zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel wurde aus robustem Dickleder gefertigt und lässt sich leicht ausziehen, womit e...
Leather
$13,907 / item
Hoof Sofa by Plyus Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Hoof Sofa by Plyus Design Dimensions: D 94 x W 108 x H 75 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. PLYUS Furniture creates p...
Upholstery, Wood
$13,240 / item
Belong Curve Sofa by Memoir Essence
Located in Geneve, CH
Belong Curve Sofa by Memoir Essence Dimensions: D 130 x W 270 x H 75 cm. Materials: Velvet SCSS, satin AB and lacquer. Also available in client's fabric. Please contact us. Belong ...
Satin, Upholstery, Velvet, Lacquer