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.
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
Cubic Seat Module in Marine Leather by Studio Christinekalia
Located in Geneve, CH
Cubit seat Module in Marine leather by Studio Christinekalia Dimensions: W 90 x D 90 x H 75 cm (seat height 45 cm). Materials: Plush Fabric, Marine Leather, wood. Christine Kali...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
$12,944 / item
Roy 290 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Roy 290 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 115 x W 290 x H 83 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Sky, CV23, and gloss lacquer. Available in a...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$20,083 / item
Lamb Chair by Vladimir Naumov
Located in Geneve, CH
Lamb Chair by Vladimir Naumov Dimensions: D 116 x W 119 x H 84 cm Materials: Faux Lamb Fur, Wood Customizable Size. Please contact us. Vladimir Naumov is a professional architect, ...
Faux Fur, Wood
$9,327 / item
Newman 230 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Newman 230 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 93 x W 230 x H 75 cm. SH: 43 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Steel Blue, CV27 upholstery, and bru...
Brass
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
Rolf Benz Postmodern Sofa & Loveseat, A Set of Two (Pair)
By Karl Springer, BMP Rolf Benz, Nicoletti Salotti, Rolf Benz, Freistil Rolf Benz
Located in Round Top, TX
A Rolf Benz set of "345" lounge Postmodern sofas with comfortable, wide arms and inset plinth bases. The set features a longer three person sofa and a two person loveseat. Both are i...
Textile, Wood
$13,670 / 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
$11,688 / item
White Moreto Sofa by Dovain Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
White Moreto ssofa by Dovain Studio Dimensions: H 84 x W 240 x D 96 x SH 39 cm Materials: fabric, wood Dovain Studio Creative direction by Sergio Prieto, a Spanish artist-desig...
Fabric, Wood
$13,155 / 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
$17,321 / item
Byron 5010 Sofa by Redeco
Located in Geneve, CH
Byron 5010 Sofa by Redeco Dimensions: W 260 x D 101 x H 73 cm Materials: Wooden structure padded with polyurethane foam in different densities. Seat cushions padded in polyurethane f...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Lyora Teak Wood Frame And Ethereal Fabric Corner Modular Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyora Teak Wood Frame And Ethereal Fabric Corner Modular Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 125 x W 125 x H 66 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood and Ethereal fabric. A delicate mid-centu...
Fabric, Teak
$43,713 / item
Yin Yang Modular Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Ying Yang Modular Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 202 x W 455 x H 123 cm. SH: 57 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery and brushed brass. Th...
Brass
Éclat-Bisque Rope, Luminesce Fabric And Aluminum Three-Seater Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Éclat-Bisque Rope, Luminesce Fabric And Aluminum Three-Seater Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 93,5 x W 240 x H 67 cm. SH: 39 cm. Materials: Aluminium, rope, and Luminesce fabric. Anthon...
Aluminum
$3,800
Royalton Sofa
Located in Toronto, CA
This whimsical sofa with its sweeping and dramatic high back was designed by French Designer Philippe Starck - one of many pieces originally designed fo...
Steel
$4,084 / item
Cobalt Blue Auguste 3 Seats Sofa by HARTO
Located in Geneve, CH
Cobalt Blue Auguste 3 Seats Sofa by HARTO Dimensions: W 216 x D 95 x H 79 cm. Materials: Solid pine, plywood, 88% Polyester, 12% Recycled Polyester, Foam type: HR35 / S30 foam. Weig...
Foam, Polyester, Pine, Plywood
$5,025 / 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
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
$13,330 / item
Margot 280 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Margot 280 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 137 x W 280 x H 93 cm. SH: 46 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, feathers, and velvet. Finish: Trevira Velvet, ref. Steel Blue, TRV05 upholstery...
Brass
$11,060 / item
Ochre Cut Sofa by Kann Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ochre Cut Sofa by Kann Design Dimensions: D 80 x W 230 x H 72 cm. Materials: Solid wood, steel, wood veneer, HR foam, fabric upholstery Kvadrat Baru 450 (90% wool, 10% nylon). Availa...
Steel
$13,342 / item
N2 Loveseat by Aaron Scott
Located in Geneve, CH
N2 loveseat by Aaron Scott Dimensions: D 53.5 x W 122 x H 66.5 cm Materials: bleached cherry. Also available in other woods: bleached walnut. Brooklyn-based designer Aaron S...
Cherry
Caleo-Ash Teak Wood Frame, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Three-Seater Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Ash Teak Wood Frame, 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 C...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
Original Rolf Benz Plura Sofa Couch Leder Zweisitzer hell beige
By Rolf Benz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Rolf Benz Plura Zweisitzer Sofa in hellem Leder zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa besticht durch seine vielfältige Verstellbarkeit ...
Steel
Vintage Leolux “Bora” / “Bora Bora” Leather Sofa
By Leolux
Located in North Charleston, SC
A sculptural vintage leather sofa by Dutch design house Leolux, model Bora (often referred to as Bora Bora), originally designed by Axel Enthoven in 1983. Celebrated as one of the br...
Leather
$11,071 / 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
$19,124 / 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
$6,413 / item
Newman 2 Seat Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Newman 2 Seat Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 93 x W 150 x H 75 cm. SH: 43 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Emerald, CV09 upholstery, and bru...
Brass
$24,109 / item
Victoria Sofa by Le Berre Vevaud
Located in Geneve, CH
Victoria Sofa by Le Berre Vevaud Dimensions: W 142 x D 67 x H 81 cm. Materials: Solid wood SIPO legs upholstered in Misia fabric Rayon de Lune For over 15 years, Raphaël Le Berre a...
Wood, Upholstery
$19,124 / 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
$21,956 / item
Segno Leather Sofa 3 Seater by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Segno Leather 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
$3,755 / item
Large Cloud Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Cloud Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 237 x D 101 x H 87 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Particle board panels, Stainless Steel, Fabric. Details: Frame: Solid beech and particle ...
Stainless Steel
$10,240 / item
Hughes 240 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Hughes 240 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 95 x W 240 x H 95 cm. SH: 44 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery, gloss ebony wood veneer upper ...
Brass
$4,667 / item
Concept Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Concept Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 250 x D 90 x H 84 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Fabric. Details: Frame: Solid beech and particle board panels. Seat springing: Steel springs se...
Beech, Fabric
$9,292 / item
Grey Cut Sofa by Kann Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Grey Cut Sofa by Kann Design Dimensions: D 80 x W 230 x H 72 cm. Materials: Solid wood, steel, wood veneer, HR foam, fabric upholstery Kvadrat Remix 126 (90% wool, 10% nylon). Availa...
Steel
$6,366 / item
RUA CHA Sofa by Clementine Caurier
Located in Geneve, CH
RUA CHA Sofa by Clementine Caurier Dimensions: D 95 x W 240 x H 74 cm. Materials: Ash, wool, and linen. RUA CHA sofa is based on a light, crossed structure in solid wood. The genero...
Wool, Linen, Ash
$10,240 / item
Hughes 240 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Hughes 240 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 95 x W 240 x H 95 cm. SH: 44 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery, gloss ebony wood veneer upper ...
Brass
$10,240 / item
Hughes 240 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Hughes 240 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 95 x W 240 x H 95 cm. SH: 44 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery, gloss ebony wood veneer upper ...
Brass
$26,357 / item
Fabric Panis Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Fabric Panis Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 389 x D 147 x H 70 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. SEATS: polyuret...
Foam, Wood
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
$5,356 / item
Large Massai Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Massai Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 230 x D 103 x H 85 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Particle board panels, Fabric. Details: Frame: Solid beech and particle board panels. Sea...
Fabric, Beech
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
$5,149 / 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
$11,539 / item
Grey Timber 4 Seater Sofa by Kann Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Grey Timber 4 Seater Sofa by Kann Design Dimensions: D 104.5 x W 260 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid wood, elastic belts, HR foam, fabric upholstery Kvadrat Remix 126 (90% wool, 10% nylo...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$7,771 / item
Chocolate Madina Chair by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Chocolate Madina Chair by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 64 x W 68 x H 90 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. “Madina” cha...
Upholstery, Wood
$24,765 / item
Lapis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Lapis Fabric Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 264 x D 180 x H 70 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. SEAT, BACK AND ...
Foam, 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
$9,515 / item
Oscar Sofa by DUISTT
Located in Geneve, CH
Oscar Sofa by DUISTT Dimensions: W 210 x D 85 x H 76 cm Materials: Duistt Fabric Oscar sofa, crafted with great attention to detail, is part of Oscar collection inspired by the cur...
Fabric
$4,156 / item
Large Dune Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Dune Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 237 x D 110 x H 92 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Fabric, Wood. Details: Frame: Solid beech and particle board pane...
Fabric, Beech, Wood
$14,161 / item
Hug Brown Sofa by Rejo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Hug Brown 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 co...
Velvet, Wood
$7,291 / item
Misty Beige Lupin Sofa by Nelson Araujo
Located in Geneve, CH
Misty Beige Lupin Chair by Nelson Araujo Dimensions: D 89 x W 89 x H 56 cm Materials: Wood, foam, Kvadrat Gentle 2 fabric. Available in Misty Beige, Chestnut, Mustard, and Forest co...
Fabric, Foam, 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
$4,412 / item
Oscar Middle Modular Sofa by DUISTT
Located in Geneve, CH
Oscar Middle Modular Sofa by DUISTT Dimensions: W 95 x D 105 x H 84 cm Materials: Duistt Fabric Inspired by the curved lines poetry of Oscar Niemeyer’s architecture, OSCAR modular ...
Fabric
$11,329 / item
Unique Cassette Sofa by Collector
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Cassette sofa by Collector Dimensions: W 235 x D 95 x H 77 cm Materials: Fabric, Wood Other materials available. The Collector brand aims to...
Fabric, Wood
$5,793 / item
Small Dobra Sofa by Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Dobra Sofa by Wentz Dimensions: D 110 x W 78 x H 70 cm Materials: Upholstered sofa/armchair module with wooden structure, elastic straps, hypersoft foam and WE–KNIT covering (7...
Upholstery
Rare Indigo Blue Leather ‘ISU’ Sofa by Shigeru Uchida for Pastoe, 1995
By Pastoe
Located in Dronten, NL
A rare and important example of late 20th-century Japanese design, this indigo blue leather ‘ISU’ sofa was designed by Shigeru Uchida in 1995 and produced by Dutch manufacturer Pastoe. Uchida’s minimalist sensibility is beautifully paired with Pastoe’s craftsmanship in a piece that is both sculptural and understated. The sofa features its original indigo blue leather upholstery—a highly uncommon and sought-after colorway—paired with a distinctive black anodized aluminum frame. The monumental aluminum legs emphasize the sofa’s clean lines and low, elegant profile, while the gently curved arms and generous seating reflect Uchida’s refined approach to comfort and proportion. The piece retains its original Pastoe label, confirming authenticity. It is well-preserved with appropriate patina and excellent structural integrity. Works from Uchida’s ISU series seldom surface on the market, especially in this condition, finish, and color. An exceptional acquisition for collectors of Japanese modernism and notable 20th-century furniture, this Uchida for Pastoe ISU...
Aluminum
$14,237 / item
Hug Grey Sofa by Rejo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Hug grey 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
$22,459 / item
Jell Sofa by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Jell Sofa by Alter Ego Studio Dimensions: D 120 x W 260 x H 85 cm. Materials: Wooden frame, high resistance foam, upholstery fabric Byram by Kvadrat ...
Stone
$7,763 / item
Grand Storängen Sofa by Storängen Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Grand Storängen sofa by Storängen Design Dimensions: D 120 x W 240 x H 130 x SH 45 cm Materials: birch wood, fabric. Also available in other colors...
Birch
$5,356 / item
Large Massai Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Massai Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 230 x D 103 x H 85 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Particle board panels, Fabric. Details: Frame: Solid beech and particle board panels. Sea...
Fabric, Beech
$17,029 / item
Seduire II Sofa by Memoir Essence
Located in Geneve, CH
Seduire II Sofa by Memoir Essence Dimensions: D 125 x W 280 x H 76 cm. Materials: Knurled and polished brass and velvet upholstery. Immerse in Memoir´s world with our new piece Sedu...
Brass