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.
$2,444 / item
Cover Grey Central Modular Sofa by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Cover Grey Central Modular Sofa by MOWEE. Dimensions: D 83 x W 68 x H 81 cm (seat height 42 cm). Material: Aluminum and upholstery. Weight: 17 kg. Also available in different col...
Aluminum
$16,126 / item
Arizona 5000 Sofa by Redeco
Located in Geneve, CH
Arizona 5000 Sofa by Redeco Dimensions: W 290 x D 105 x H 79 cm Materials: Wooden structure padded with polyurethane foam in different densities. Seat cushions padded in polyurethane...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
$4,807 / item
Noche Whale Seater Sofa 2 by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Noche Whale Seater Sofa 2 by SNOC Dimensions: W 190 x D 84 x H 66 cm. Materials: Teak Wood. The Whale-ash Collection features an elegant and robust design style inspired by the fo...
Teak
Fried Egg Sofa Sprinkles Caramel Grey Spicy Brown by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried egg sofa sprinkles caramel grey spicy brown by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D186 x W68 x H 68 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Solid oiled teak Weight: 42 kg Also available in d...
Upholstery, Teak
$3,530 / item
Cloud Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Cloud Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 194 x D 101 x H 87 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Particle board panels, Stainless Steel, Fabric. Details: Frame: Solid beech and particle board ...
Stainless Steel
$17,102 / 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
$41,373 / item
Ambassador Chaise Lounge by Gisbert Pöppler
Located in Geneve, CH
Ambassador chaise longue by Gisbert Pöppler Dimensions: H62 (SH40) x W226 x D89 cm Materials: Coil springs upholstered with padding and down, forged steel feet Couched in the tr...
Steel
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
Original Ligne Roset Sofa Prado Couch Christian Werner Stoff grau
By Ligne Roset
Located in Berlin, DE
nkissen und die damit einfache Verwandlung in ein Daybed. In unseren anderen Anzeigen bieten wir zudem einen passenden Ottoman und zwei speziell für das Modell entworfene Couchtische...
Steel
$3,771 / 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
$31,100 / item
Beige Memory Sofa by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Beige Memory Sofa by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 90 x W 240 x H 85 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery “Memory” sofa. Collection "Memory" inspired b...
Upholstery, Wood
Fried Egg Sofa Sprinkles Dark Blue Eggplant Sage by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried Egg Sofa Sprinkles Dark Blue Eggplant Sage by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D186 x W68 x H 68 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Solid oiled teak Weight: 42 kg Also available in di...
Upholstery, Teak
TMBO Lounge Sofa in Oak and Jennifer Shorto/Kongaline & Seafoam by Mazo Design
Located in Geneve, CH
TMBO Lounge Sofa in Oak and Jennifer Shorto/Kongaline & Seafoam by Mazo Design Dimensions: W 165 x D 68.5 x H 87 cm Materials: Oak Also Available: ROMO...
Other
$22,555 / 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
$13,399 / 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
$9,567 / item
White One Seater Nube Sofa by Siete Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Nube Sofa One Seater White by Siete Studio Dimensions: D150 x W100 x H60 cm. Materials: Walnut, cushions, upholstery. Characterised by its round edges and soft white cushions, Nube ...
Other
$14,281 / item
Foz 3 Seat Sofa by InsidherLand
Located in Geneve, CH
Foz 3 Seat Sofa by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 96 x W 230 x H 87 cm. Materials: Oxidized brushed brass, InsidherLand Woollen Ref. 6 fabric. 75 kg. Available in different fabrics. Five...
Brass
$5,218 / item
Xaloc Burgundy Sofa by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Xaloc Burgundy sofa by MOWEE Dimensions: D100 x W200 x H81 cm (Seat Height 42 cm) Material: Aluminum, Textile Weight: 46 kg Also Available in different colors and finishes. ...
Aluminum
$2,004 / item
Natural Along Birch Sofa by Storängen Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural 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 b...
Birch
$5,818 / 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
$4,572 / item
Moss 2400 Sofa by Artu
Located in Geneve, CH
Moss 2400 Sofa by Artu Pavel Vetrov Dimensions: W 240 x D 82 x H 76 cm Materials: Wood, Upholstery Other colors and materials available. Please contact us. Soft, flowing, tact...
Upholstery, Wood
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
$7,796 / 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
$11,178 / item
Bob Sofa by Dovain Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Bob Sofa by Dovain Studio Dimensions: H 76 x W 240 x D 100 x SH 39 cm Materials: Velvet, Wood Dovain Studio Creative direction by Sergio Prieto, a Spanish artist-designer who w...
Velvet, Wood
$11,675 / 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
White TMBO Lounge Sofa in Oak and Moonlight Sheepskin Upholstery by Mazo Design
Located in Geneve, CH
White TMBO Lounge Sofa in Oak and Moonlight Sheepskin Upholstery by Mazo Design Dimensions: W 165 x D 68.5 x H 87 cm Materials: Oak, Sheepskin. Also availa...
Other
$5,500 / set
Post Modern 6 Piece Modular Sofa
By Rolf Benz
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Great 6 piece Post Modern modular sectional sofa attributed to Rolf Benz. A gorgeous sofa that will make a massive statement. Sofa is being sold as found, reupholstery is needed b...
Fabric
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
Original Koinor Epos 2 Sofa Balkeneiche Design Couch Zweisitzer
By Koinor
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen sehr hochwertigen Zweisitzer aus Eiche und Leder vom deutschen Premiumhersteller Koinor zum Verkauf an. Das Modell "Epos 2" verfügt über zwei Sitze, die sich durch F...
Leather, Oak
Cassina Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa Vico Magistretti Stoff kord grau Couch
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes graues Maralunga Zweisitzer Sofa in Samt/ Kordstoff von Cassina zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt von Vico Magistretti und gilt bis heute als wahrer Desi...
Velvet
Original Koinor Schwof Ecksofa Design Couch Bison 69 blau Leder
By Koinor
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Ecksofa vom deutschen Premiumhersteller Koinor aus dem Jahr 2020 zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel besticht durch seine außergewöhnliche Qualität und Funktionali...
Wood
Original Koinor Epos 3 Sofa Balkeneiche Design Couch Zweisitzer
By Koinor
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen sehr hochwertigen Zweisitzer aus Eiche und Leder vom deutschen Premiumhersteller Koinor zum Verkauf an. Das Modell "Epos 3" verfügt über zwei Sitze, die sich durch F...
Leather, Oak
$13,105 / 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
10x Brühl Alba Zweisitzer Sofa 55/70 neuwertig Design Couch 185cm
By Brühl
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten insgesamt 10 sehr gut erhaltene und nicht/ kaum benutzte original Brühl Alba Zweisitzer Sofas in einem modernen dunkelgrau zum Verkauf an. In dieser Anzeige handelt es sic...
Fabric
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
$4,819 / 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
$8,133 / item
Sophia 210 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Sophia 210 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 88 x W 210 x H 94 cm. SH: 45 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Pure White, CV01 upholstery, and pol...
Brass
$13,646 / 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
$19,335 / 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
$13,058 / 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
$14,492 / item
Saddle Leather Mara Sofa by Lorenza Bozzoli
Located in Geneve, CH
Saddle Leather Mara Sofa by Lorenza Bozzoli Dimensions: D 94 x W 180 x H 82 cm. Seat Height: 52 cm. Materials: Polyethylene, wadding, rubber, and acrylic. Weight: 60 kg. Available i...
Other
$3,561 / item
Yin Yang Module 1 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Yin Yang Module 1 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 101 x W 101 x H 57 cm. SH: 57 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery and brushed brass. Ava...
Brass
$13,646 / 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
$13,646 / 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. Amethyst, CV32, and gloss lacquer. Available...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$4,819 / item
Flame Red RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Flame Red RAP Sofa by Karim Rashid Dimensions: D 80 x W 170 x H 75 cm. Seat Height: 36 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 35 kg. Available in different color options. This product...
Other
Ducaroy Ligne Roset Sofa Set in Brown Perspex with Black Leather
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Berlin, BE
A modular suite designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France. The set, consisting of a sofa and two lounge chairs, is made of a brown perspex frame with black leather upholster...
Leather, Lucite
$32,581 / item
Caravan Sofa by De Castelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Caravan Sofa by De Castelli Dimensions: W 240 x D 85 x H 70 cm Materials: Brushed Copper, Anica Leather Other versions are available, please contact us for any request. Modular sofa...
Copper
Original Walter Knoll Sofa Jason 391 Wildleder beige Design
By Walter Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zwei- bis Dreisitzer Sofa vom deutschen Qualitätshersteller Walter Knoll zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa, das den Modellnamen "Jason 391" trägt, ist mit hochwer...
Leather
$11,196 / 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
$12,386 / 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
$9,885 / item
Yin & Yang Chairs by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Yin & Yang Chairs by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 75 x W 72 x H 84 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. PLYUS Furniture creates pieces in collectib...
Upholstery, Wood
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
$7,216 / 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
$1,516 / 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
nudity three-seater leather/aluminum sofa designed and produced by Dario Nasuti
Located in Parma, IT
The Nudity sofa, designed by Dario Nasuti, represents a challenge to the classical canons of upholstered furniture. The name itself, "Nudity," reveals the designer's core intention: ...
Aluminum
White ARCH 2 Seater Sofa in Oak and Moonlight Sheepskin by Mazo Design
Located in Geneve, CH
White ARCH 2 Seater Sofa in Oak and Moonlight Sheepskin by Mazo Design Dimensions: W 128 x D 79 x H 76 cm Materials: Oak, Sheepskin Also Available: 2 Seater Configuration, ROMO/Linar...
Other
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
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
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” Three-seater Sofa for Gavina, Ivory Velvet, 1973
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Carlo Scarpa “Cornaro” sofa for Gavina, wood and ivory velvet, 1973. The Cornaro sofa represents a sublime exemplification of the harmony between Japanese minimalism and Ultraration...
Velvet, Foam, Wood