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.
$10,585 / item
Object 085 Sofa by NG Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 085 Sofa by NG Design Dimensions: W 290 x D 110 x H 60 cm Materials: Velveteen Also Available: All of objects available in different materials and colors on demand. Our firs...
Other
Original Jori Glove Sofa Zweisitzer klappbar Design Couch Leder
By JORI
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zweisitzer Sofa vom belgischen Hersteller JORI zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa ist mit hochwertigem Leder bezogen und die Armlehnen lassen sich umklappen, womit...
Steel, Chrome
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Post modern Italian black leather sofa in the style of Nicoletti Salotti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Italian black leather 3 seat long sofa in the manner of Nicoletti Salotti. Very clean sofa high quality leather and very comfortable modern design. Located in Brooklyn NYC 11...
Leather
Afrodite Three-Seater Sofa in Belsuede Fabric, Horn & Wood by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Afrodite Three-Seater Sofa in Belsuede Fabric, Horn & Wood by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 95 x W 270 x H 86 cm. Materials: Horn, fabric, and wood with satin brass effect. Cushions are no...
Other
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
Cobra/Pipeline sofa by P. Hjort-Lorenzen & Johannes Foersom for Erik Jørgensen
By Johannes Foersom, Peter Hiort-Lorenzen, Erik Jørgensen
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
$26,860
Sofa by Guillermo Santoma
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Commissioned by Etage Projects for Salon Art and Design, 2017. Lush cream sofa made of rubber EVA, by Guillermo Santoma.
Rubber
1970s Italian Minotti 3-Seater Sofa, Newly Upholstered
By Minotti
Located in Toronto, CA
Newly reupholstered Minotti sofa, its bold geometry complemented by the intricate design of the new textile. Roomy seating area makes way for creative lounging, while the open space ...
Steel
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
$2,304Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Carson's Sofa, Cream Upholstered Fabric, Post-Modern Design
By Carsons
Located in Charleston, SC
Ooooh this sofa is soooo good! The legs are very reminiscent of Vladamir Kagan’s “Marilyn sofa”. Except this one has 3 cushions instead of one and a really excellent shelled bac...
Metal
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
$19,749 / item
Zond Chair by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Zond Chair by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 101 x W 76 x H 94 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. PLYUS Furniture creates pieces in collectible des...
Upholstery, Wood
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
$11,658 / item
Small Baixo Sofa by Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Baixo Sofa by Wentz Dimensions: D 105 x W 200 x H 58 cm Materials: Wood, Upholstery. 2 cushions included The Baixo sofa proposes a different way of sitting. An invitation to c...
Upholstery, Wood
$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
$21,614 / 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
Rea Three-Seater Sofa in Splendido Velvet Upholstery, Horn & Wood by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Rea Three-Seater Sofa in Splendido Velvet Upholstery, Horn & Wood by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 95 x W 270 x H 86 cm. Materials: Horn, velvet, and wood. Cushions are not included. Pleas...
Other
$11,576 / 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, ref. Blue Grey, CV07. Available in all Munna fab...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$4,507 / item
Large Scar Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Scar Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 220 x D 92 x H 88 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Fabric. Details: Frame: Solid beech and particle boards panels. Seat springing: Interlaced e...
Fabric, Beech
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
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
$13,045 / item
Kiki 260 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Kiki 260 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 132 x W 260 x H 114 cm. SH: 47 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Milkshake Pink, CV29. Available in all Mun...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$4,880 / item
Batignolles Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Batignolles Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 200 x D 92 x H 88 cm. Materials: Solid oak, Fabric. Details: Frame: Solid oak. Joinery: Mortise and tenon. Seat springing: Interlaced lat...
Oak, Fabric
Lyora Teak Wood And Ethereal Fabric Two-Seater Modular Sofa With Table by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyora Teak Wood And Ethereal Fabric Two-Seater Modular Sofa With Table by SNOC Dimensions: D 88 x W 195 x H 66 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood and Ethereal fabric. A delicate m...
Fabric, Teak
Italian Organic Sofa in Khaki Green Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, velvet, plastic, Italy, 1970s Eccentric sofa of Italian origin. The design reminds of the anatomy of the flower with its inward-facing tufted lines and a stuffed middle sectio...
Velvet, Plastic
$17,843 / 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
$3,131 / 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
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
$4,779 / 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
$13,616 / item
Fjord Chair by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Fjord Chair by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 85 x W 110 x H 80 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. PLYUS Furniture creates pieces in collectible de...
Upholstery, Wood
$19,061 / 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
$9,688 / item
Oak and Walnut XL Sofa by ONON DETAILS
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak and Walnut XL Sofa by ONON DETAILS Dimensions: W 85 x D 265 x H 70 cm. Materials: Oak, Walnut, high quality fabric. ONON Details furnitures are chosen by famous design brand, d...
Oak, Walnut, Fabric
$32,573 / 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
$15,237 / 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
$2,704 / 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
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
$7,437 / item
Snow Straight Sofa by Note Design Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Snow straight sofa by Note Design Studio Dimensions: D 100 x W 100 x H 74 cm. Materials: upholstery. Prices may vary according to the fabric choice. 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
$14,456 / item
Gothic Sofa by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
Gothic Sofa by DAaZ Dimensions: D 123 x W 292 x H 101 cm. Materials: Wood, leather. DAaZ Furniture honors the spirit of adventure. We embrace the escape...
Leather, Wood
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
$44,394 / 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
$7,869 / 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
$5,006 / item
Jaipur Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Jaipur Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 220 x D 92 x H 88 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Particle boards panels, Fabric. Details: Frame: Solid beech and particle boards panels. Seat spr...
Fabric, Beech
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
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
$12,544 / item
Célestine Sofa by Studio Uwe Gaertner
Located in Geneve, CH
Célestine Sofa by Studio Uwe Gaertner Dimensions: D 80 x W 225 x H 90 cm. Materials: Solid oak and Kvadrat Zero (no.001) fabric (65% cotton, 20% acrylic, 15% polyester). DESIGN BY S...
Fabric, Oak
$15,295 / 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
1x Original Walter Knoll Zweisitzer Sofa Design Couch Jason Leder
By Walter Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eins von zwei wunderschönen Zweisitzer Sofas vom deutschen Qualitätshersteller Walter Knoll zum Verkauf an. Insgesamt stehen zwei baugleiche Sofas in einem sehr ähnlichen ...
Leather
$4,231 / item
Pigalle 3 Seater Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Pigalle 3 Seater Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: W 232 x D 81 x H 70 cm. Materials: Acrylic Rope, Aluminium. Pigalle Collection highlights the feeling of lightness and solidity with its ...
Aluminum
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
$3,614 / item
Sandor Armchair by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Sandor Armchair by Madheke Dimensions: D 80 x W 85 x H 70 cm. Materials: leather, brass. Finish options: Fabric Seat Coli CL 215371 Color 02, Leather Back Classic Soft Olive, Leathe...
Leather
Postmodern Leather Sofa in the style of Nicoletti Salotti Italian 2 Seat Sofa
Located in Rochester, NY
Iconic postmodern rich red leather 2 person sofa. Likely a Natuzzi version of the Nicoletti Salotti Italian leather sofa and chair line. A statement piece in your living room or anyw...
Leather
$6,482 / item
Flame Sofa by Memoir Essence
Located in Geneve, CH
Flame Sofa by Memoir Essence Dimensions: D 80 x W 220 x H 100 cm. Materials: Velvet TT, satin STN and lacquer. Also available in client's fabric. Please co...
Satin, Upholstery, Velvet, Lacquer
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Three-Seater Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Three-Seater Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 100 x W 235 x H 65 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood, rope, and Ethereal fabric. The Cal...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
$33,995 / 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
$13,103 / item
White Memory Chair by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
White 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
Divano Anfibio, Alessandro Becchi, Giovannetti, 1970
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Il Divano Anfibio, ideato da Alessandro Becchi per Giovannetti intorno al 1971, è un’icona del design che incarna l’essenza innovativa e la versatilità degli arredi degli anni ’70. Q...
Velvet
$16,827 / item
Dyoni Sofa by Moure Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Dyoni sofa by Moure Studio Dimensions: D 250x W 95 x H 76 cm Materials: cotton, linen, velvet, felt, Wood. Wide range of colors of feet and fabrics a...
Textile, Cotton, Linen, Velvet, Wood
$4,192 / item
Fragance Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Fragance Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 220 x D 92 x H 88 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Particle boards panels, Fabric. Details: Frame: Solid beech and particle boards panels. Seat s...
Fabric, Beech
$23,908 / 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
Caleo-Ash Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Left Modular Daybed by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Ash 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 Caleo...
Fabric, Rope, Teak