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.
Weiman Post Modern Sculptural Chaise Lounge Sofa in Tangerine Wool Upholstery
By Weiman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
There are pieces that furnish a room and there are pieces that alter its atmosphere entirely and this sculptural Weiman chaise created at the height of American postmodernism in the ...
Upholstery, Wool
Steve Chase Style Sectional Sofa
By Steve Chase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-century sectional sofa In the manner of Steve Chase Brand New Upholstery Overstuffed down cushions & pillows In excellent condition Measures: Height: 31" (Back) 3...
Chenille
2 Seater Fitz Chesterfield Sofa in Leather with Walnut and Brass by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
2 Seater Fitz Chesterfield Sofa in Leather with Walnut and Brass by Madheke. Dimensions: W 189 x D 90 x H 71 cm. Materials: Leather upholstery, walnut plinth, and traditional brass f...
Brass
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto Italian Wood Fabric "Artona" Sofa, 1970s
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design two-seater sofa from the “Artona” series designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto in the 1970s with solid wood frame and fabric cushions, made...
Fabric, Wood
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 Weiman Curved Serpentine Sofa and Swivel Chairs, 3 Pieces
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Original rare set of 3, 1980s Iconic serpentine cloud sofa and swivel chairs are packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout the monumental form. The Vintage complete set are beyond stunning. Beautiful colors in ultra suede light...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,838 / 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
$77,390 / item
Verneuil 4 Seats Sofa by Haymann Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Verneuil 4 Seats Sofa by Haymann Editions Dimensions: D 97 x W 648 x H 80 cm (Dimensions may vary). Materials: Lacquered wood, upholstery. 2 x Module A 2 x Module B 2 x Side tables The Verneuil sofa...
Upholstery, Wood
$13,157 / item
Mythos Sectional Sofa by Marioni
Located in Geneve, CH
Mythos Sectional Sofa by Marioni Dimensions: W 227 x D 185 x H 75 cm. Materials: Upholstery: Tessuto/Fabric 8,50 Mt. Pelle/Leather 12,50 Mq. Product code: I0330 Pure shape and line...
Upholstery
Weiman Post Modern Sofa Chaise Lounge in Supple Lux Ivory White Bouclé, c. 1990
By Weiman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
There are pieces that furnish a room and there are pieces that alter its atmosphere entirely and this sculptural Weiman chaise created at the height of American postmodernism in the ...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Thank Three Seater Sofa in Chromed Metal & Upholstery by Quinti Sedute
Located in Geneve, CH
Thank Three Seater Sofa in Chromed Metal & Upholstery by Quinti Sedute Dimensions: D 73 x W 220 x H 67 cm. Materials: Metal, wood, and upholstery. Available in different finishes, s...
Metal
$12,367 / 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
$4,838 / item
Lime Green Kami Yon Sofa by Marc Sadler
Located in Geneve, CH
Lime Green 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 pr...
Other
$21,524 / item
Nira 260 cm Sofa in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Nira 260 cm Sofa in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 260 x D 90 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid oak wood. This listing features our Nira Sofa in its 260 cm width configuration,...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
$13,110 / 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
$37,703 / item
Nira L Shaped Sofa in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Nira L Shaped Sofa in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 380 x D 355 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid oak wood. This listing features our Nira L-Sofa expertly crafted from solid o...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
$13,700 / 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. Pine, CV37, and gloss lacquer. Available in ...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$13,700 / 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. Tangerine Tango, CV11, and gloss lacquer. Av...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$4,236 / item
Cover Black Double Left Modular Sofa by MOWEE
Located in Geneve, CH
Cover Black Double Left Modular Sofa by MOWEE Dimensions: D83 x W148 x H81 cm (seat height 42 cm) Material: Aluminum and upholstery. Weight: 29 kg. Also available in different co...
Aluminum
$5,516 / item
Haven 3 Seater Pearl Grey by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Haven 3 seater pearl grey by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D 220 x W 84 x H 110/40 cm Material: Textile upholstery, foam, spring system, wood Weight: 84 kg Also available in different colours and finishes. Haven is a contemporary sofa with a simple, soft idiom. With its high, embracing back, the sofa creates a sanctuary, where you can sit, gently shielded off from your surroundings, curled up with a book or enjoying an in-depth conversation in your living room. Haven is also ideal for a conference room or lobby, either alone or with two sofas facing each other, thereby expanding the private space. The Haven Lounge Chair and Pouf make the perfect complement. For a perfect holistic impression the Haven range is covered with the exclusive furnishing fabrics, Hero, whose soft, almost felt-like surface complements the sofas organic shape...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$12,969 / item
Mr Jones Sofa by DUISTT
Located in Geneve, CH
Mr Jones Sofa by DUISTT Dimensions: W 222 x D 92 x H 80 cm Materials: Duistt Fabric, Natural Limed Oak, Brass MR. JONES sofa is a piece with classical influence with sleek design a...
Brass
Mr Olsen 3 Seater Oak Sprinkles Eggplant by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Mr Olsen 3 seater oak sprinkles egplant by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D201 x W79 x H 78/46 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Foam, Spring system, Solid oiled oak legs, Solid smoked oak...
Upholstery, Foam, Oak
Fried Egg Sofa Pale Rose Dark Ochre Green by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried egg sofa pale rose dark ochre green by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D186 x W68 x H 68 cm. Material: textile upholstery, solid oiled teak. Weight: 42 kg Also available in differe...
Upholstery, Teak
Fried Egg Sofa Light Green Petrol Pale Peach by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried Egg sofa light green petrol pale peach by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D 186 x W 68 x H 68 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Solid oiled teak Weight: 42...
Upholstery, Teak
Fried Egg Sofa Nabuk Dark Blue Cappuccino Brown Cloudy Grey by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried egg sofa nabuk dark blue Cappuccino brown Cloudy Grey by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D186 x W68 x H 68 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Solid oiled...
Upholstery, Teak
$7,635 / item
Fried Egg Sofa Dark Ochre, Pale Rose by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried egg sofa dark ochre pale rose by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D 186 x W 68 x H 68 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Solid oiled teak Weight: 42 kg Also available in different col...
Upholstery, Teak
$4,578 / item
Cover Navy Sofa by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Cover navy sofa by MOWEE Dimensions: D 83 x W 160 x H 81 cm (seat height 42 cm). Material: Aluminum and upholstery. Weight: 32 kg. Also available in diff...
Aluminum
1990s Weiman Royal Blue Cloud Serpentine Sofa
By Weiman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, cloud sofa you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful sofa is statement piece which is a...
Chrome
Postmodern Gluon Sofa by Marc Newson for Moroso, 1990s
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Object: Three-Seat Sofa Designer: Marc Newson (born 1963) Manufacturer: Moroso, Italy Model: Gluon Period: 1990s Design Year: 1993 Production: Period production, 1990s Materials: Met...
Metal, Aluminum
$1,522 / item
Lace Black Sofa with Cushion by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Lace black sofs with cushion by MOWEE Dimensions: D66 x W135 x H75.5 cm Material: polyethylene, stainless steel Weight: 21 kg Also Available in different colours and finishes. ...
Stainless Steel, Other
Galore Seater Module Right Forest Green by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Galore Seater Module Right Forest Green by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D82 x W83 x H 76 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Powder coated black steel legs, Wooden frame, foam, spring syst...
Steel
Galore Seater Module Left Forest Green by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Galore seater module left forest green by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D 82 x W 83 x H 76 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Powder coated black steel legs, Wooden frame, foam, spring sys...
Steel
$11,241 / item
Blue Stand by Me Sofa with Pillows by Storängen Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue stand by me sofa with pillows by Storängen Design. Dimensions: D 222 x W 74 x H 73 x SH 42 cm Materials: birch wood, fabric. Available in ot...
Fabric, Birch
$12,435 / item
Blue Stand by Me Sofa by Storängen Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue stand by Me sofa by Storängen Design Dimensions: D 222 x W 74 x H 73 x SH 42 cm Materials: birch wood, fabric. Available in other colors and fabrics...
Fabric, Birch
$7,245 / item
Chloe 2 Seats Sofa by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Chloe 2 seats sofa by Domkapa Materials: Rose gold brushed, fabric (Tarn 24). Dimensions: W 220 x D 100 x H 75.5 cm. Also available in different materials. Please contact us. Chloe is an outstanding design piece with striking aesthetic balance and refined materials. Available in two-seater, three-seater, and chaise-longue versions, it stars a wooden or metallic base and upholstered seat and backrest that can elevate any room. A stitched line is dividing the piece for easy assembling and transport while double-top stitching is seen across the sofa for a luxury touch. The soft curves prevail throughout every element of Chloe sofa...
Steel
Pair of Weiman Post Modern Chaise Lounge Sofas in Tangerine Wool Upholstery
By Weiman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
There are pieces that furnish a room and there are pieces that alter its atmosphere entirely and this sculptural pair of Weiman chaises created at the height of American postmodernis...
Wool, Upholstery
Weiman Post Modern Sculptural Chaise Lounge Sofa in Tangerine Wool Upholstery
By Weiman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
There are pieces that furnish a room and there are pieces that alter its atmosphere entirely and this sculptural Weiman chaise created at the height of American postmodernism in the ...
Wool, Upholstery
Jay Spectre Channeled Postmodern Sofa Loveseat
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jay Spectre Channeled Postmodern Sofa Loveseat This loveseat measures: 67 wide x 40 deep x 27.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 26.75 inches Good Vintage Co...
Upholstery
Postmodern Flared Arm Tuxedo Sofa in Textured Velvet
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
This sofa is a strong example of late 20th-century American design, defined by its radiating, segmented channel back, which fans outward into a curved, architectural silhouette. It ...
Leather, Textile, Reed, Hardwood
Original Leolux Tango Sofa Design Couch Leder schwarz Italy
By Leolux
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zwei-/ Dreisitzer Sofa vom italienischen Premiumhersteller Leolux zum Verkauf an. Das Modell ist bekannt unter der Modellbezeichnung "Tango", besticht du...
Metal
Robert Venturi Grandma Sofa in the Original Tan / Taupe Leather for Knoll.
By Robert Venturi, Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
A single Robert Venturi matching leather Grandma Sofa manufactured by Knoll, 1980s. Very good original condition. No tears or scuffs to the leather. Light signs of use. Minimal hone...
Leather
$3,127 / item
Disruption Module Corner by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Disruption Module Corner by Domkapa Materials: Velvet (Aldan 2928). Dimensions: W 100 x D 100 x H 80 cm. Also available in different materials. Please contact us. Disruption i...
Velvet
$11,128 / 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
$29,455 / item
Max Sofa 275 by Haymann Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Max Sofa by Haymann Editions Dimensions: D 95 x W 275 x H 76 cm. Materials: Upholstery, wood. Available in 275 cm or 220 cm. We’re all a bit like Max! We often want to lay but we a...
Upholstery, Wood
Giovanna 230 Sofa in Solid Beech, Feathers and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Giovanna 230 Sofa in Solid Beech, Feathers and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 230 x D 105 x H 72 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, feathers, and high-resilience (...
Foam, Wood, Beech, Feathers
Studio 65 Bocca or Marilyn Sofa in Red Fabric by Gufram 1970s
By Studio 65, Gufram Furniture
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Bocca or Marilyn sofa with structure in expanded polyurethane foam covered with red fabric, the cover is completely removable. This sofa was designed by Studio 65 and produced by Guf...
Fabric, Foam
$31,000 / item
Naksathra 210 cm Sofa in Solid Teak Wood by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Naksathra 210 cm Sofa in Solid Teak Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 210 x D 100 x H 65 cm. Materials: Solid Teak Wood. This listing features our Naksathra Sofa in its 210 cm width c...
Wood, Hardwood, Teak
$36,582 / item
Nira Curved Sofa in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Nira Curved Sofa in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 342 x D 100 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid oak wood, fabric. This listing features our Nira Curved Sofa expertly crafted f...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
$35,898 / 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
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
$2,376Sale Price|20% Off
Post Modern Three Seater Sofa with Vintage Uphosltery
Located in Freehold, NJ
This postmodern three seater sofa features vintage white patterned upholstery with removable cushions and unique oversized armrest. Dimensions: 84.5w 35.25d 30h 26ah 17sh Condition...
Upholstery
$41,539 / 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
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
Nira L Shaped Sofa in Solid Teak Wood with Integrated Side Table by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Nira L Shaped Sofa in Solid Teak Wood with Integrated Side Table by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 420 x D 195 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid teak wood, fabric. This listing features our Nira...
Wood, Hardwood, Teak
$11,800 / 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
Cassina Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa Vico Magistretti Stoff kord braun-grau
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes braun-graues Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa in Samt/ Kordstoff von Cassina zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt von Vico Magistretti und gilt bis heute als wahre...
Velvet
$63,417 / item
Verneuil 3 Seats Sofa by Haymann Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Verneuil 3 Seats Sofa by Haymann Editions Dimensions: D 97 x W 518 x H 80 cm (Dimensions may vary). Materials: Lacquered wood, upholstery. 2 x Module A 1 x Module B 2 x Side tables The Verneuil sofa...
Upholstery, 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
Original Ligne Roset Sofa Ted Design Couch Peter Maly Dreisitzer
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Design Sofa von Ligne Roset zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Peter Maly, wurde bekannt unter dem Namen Ted und gilt als Neuinterpretation des Desig...
Metal
Ecksofa Brühl Alba Design Sofa Couch mit Recammiere grau
By Brühl
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes dunkelgraues Ecksofa von Brühl zum Verkauf an. Das Modell "Alba" zeichnet sich durch zahlreiche Verstellmöglichkeiten aus. So lassen sich Liegeflächen ve...
Fabric