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.
$5,885 / item
Nicole 3 Seats Sofa by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Nicole 3 Seats Sofa by Domkapa Materials: Velvet (Neva 2206), black texturized steel. Dimensions: W 230 x D 105 x H 90 cm. Also available in different materials. Please contact u...
Steel
$11,376 / 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
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
Original Giorgio Soressi Sofa Design Couch 1990 Leder Ottoman
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und sehr seltenes Zwei-/ Dreisitzer Sofa aus den 1990er Jahren an. Der Entwurf stammt von Giorgio Soressi, dessen Werke sich international einer großen N...
Leather, Fabric
Leather Pouf by Lowie Vermeersch for Durlet, Belgium 1999
By Durlet
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A rare and sculptural leather pouf designed by Lowie Vermeersch for the Belgian manufacturer Durlet in 1999. This piece reflects the innovative spirit of late‑20th‑century Belgian de...
Leather
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
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
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
Original Rolf Benz Sofa Leder Design Couch dunkelgrün Zweisitzer
By Rolf Benz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen und äuzßerst seltenen Zweisitzer vom deutschen Premiumhersteler Rolf Benz zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa besticht durch seine erstklassige Verarbeitung hochw...
Leather
La Nuova Casa Italia Dreisitzer Who's Perfect Sofa Couch Galileo
By La Nuova Casa (Who's Perfect)
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Design Sofa aus hochwertigem, weißen Leder von Who's Perfect zum Verkauf an. Das Modell nennt sich "Galileo" und wurde von La Nuova Casa Italia im Jahr 2...
Leather
2x Original de Sede Sofa DS 17 Zweisitzer Couch Leder Design
By De Sede
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten insgesamt zwei wunderschöne Zweisitzer Sofas vom Schweizer Traditionshersteller de Sede zum Verkauf an. Bei dem Modell handelt es sich um das bekannte DS 17, das derzeit e...
Leather
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
"Soriana" Sofa in Green Velvet by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Italy 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Utrecht, NL
The iconic “Soriana” three-seater sofa was designed by the Italian designer duo, Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1969. Besides its innovative manufacturing, visually, Soriana brings sophist...
Metal
Caleo-Ash Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Corner Modular Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Ash Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Corner Modular Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 123 x W 123 x H 65 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood, rope, and Ethereal fabric. The Caleo...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Marilyn Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post modern Vladimir Kagan Marilyn Sofa by Directional for Vladimir Kagan in new ivory white bouclé upholstery. Whimsical and happy, Kagan's Marilyn line...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Zeus Sofa in Carmen Leather, Dark Horn & Lacquered Black Wood by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Zeus Sofa in Carmen Leather, Dark Horn & Lacquered Black Wood by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 100 x W 300 x H 88 cm. Materials: Horn, leather, and wood lacque...
Other
$5,479 / 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
$33,187 / 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
Low Lita Love 10th Anniversary Low Sofa by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Low Lita Love 10th Anniversary Low Sofa by OTTO Studio Unique Piece. Designed by Paola Navone. Dimensions: D 80 x W 118 x H 70 cm. Seat Height: 36 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight...
Other
$2,512 / item
Amélie Duetto Sofa by Italo Pertichini
Located in Geneve, CH
Amélie Duetto Sofa by Italo Pertichini Dimensions: D 59 x W 120 x H 87 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 18 kg. Available in a standard version an...
Other
Vintage Postmodern Sectional Sofa with 2 Side Tables, Set of 3
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Postmodern Curved Sectional Sofa with 2 Side Tables - Set of 3 The frame of this curvilinear sofa is crafted fully from wood. The postmodern original upholstery is in a very...
Upholstery
Vintage Dutch buffalo leather Rivera sofa by Gijs Papavoine Montis c 1980s / 90s
By Montis, Gijs Papavoine
Located in Hastings, GB
Vintage buffalo leather 'Rivera' sofa by Gijs Papavoine for Montis, Netherlands 1980s/90s. (Papavoine started designing for Montis in 1976) In great condition with nicely patinated t...
Leather, Wood
1980s Cloud Sofa, attributed to Weiman
By Weiman
Located in Houston, TX
Offered is a stunning curvaceous sofa, circa 1980s, attributed to the Weiman company (though label no longer present). We offer this gorgeous sofa in the original fabric but could be...
Fabric, Wood
Cannareggio Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Italy. Matching ottoman available. Reupholstered in orange/grey felt wool. Very rare piece of Italian deaign
Wool
Heli 3-Seater Leather Sofa by Otto Zapf for Knoll, 1980s
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Right Modular Daybed by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Natural 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...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
Midcentury Italian Postmodern Sculptural Asymmetrical Sofa in Black Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A chic asymmetrical sofa design made in Italy in the 1980s. This high quality made piece was just recovered in new jet black upholstery.
Fabric
$8,380 / item
Upholstery Gentle Bed End by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Upholstery Gentle Bed End by Madheke Dimensions: D 50 x W 180 x H 60 cm. Materials: leather, brass. Finish options: Leather Naturalle Whisky, Fabric Cushions Rust Plain 04 & Medium ...
Leather, Upholstery
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
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
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
Cream Boucle Sofa in the Manner of Tobia Scarpa Soriana
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cream boucle sofa in the manner of Tobia Scarpa Soriana. This sofa is low and comfy - it’s like sitting on a cloud. Once you sit down you won’t w...
Bouclé
$2,930 / item
Koda Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Koda Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: Module M: W 92 x D 115 x H 82 cm. Module L: W 92 x D 160 x H 82 cm. Medium Arm: W 20 x D 115 x H 82 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Fabric. Details: Fr...
Fabric, Beech
$6,117 / item
Object 083 Sofa by NG Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 083 Sofa by NG Design Dimensions: W 210 x D 100 x H 69 cm Materials: Bouclé Fabric Also Available: All of objects available in different materials and colors on demand. The ...
Bouclé
$3,349 / item
Saffron Yellow Low Lita Love Low Sofa by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Saffron Yellow Low Lita Love Low Sofa by OTTO Studio Designed by Paola Navone. Dimensions: D 80 x W 118 x H 70 cm. Seat Height: 36 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 27 kg. Availa...
Other
$43,807 / item
Chocolate MRS 3 Sofa by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Chocolate MRS 3 Sofa by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 160 x W 310 x H 80 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. “MRS 3” sofa. With love to my favorite d...
Upholstery, Wood
2x Original B&B Italia Recamiere Charles Sofa Design Couch
By B&B Italia
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten zwei wunderschöne Zweisitzer Sofas vom renommierten italienischen Hersteller B&B Italia zum Verkauf an. Bei den Sofas handelt es sich um das Modell "Charles", das durc...
Metal
Le Bambole Leather pouf foot rest Design Mario Bellini 1978 for B&B Italia
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Le Bambole leather pouf or foot rest, designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia. Price for the foot rest only ! The Le Bambole Sofas are available i...
Leather, Foam
Sculptural Postmodern 3-Seater Sofa "Fantasy Island" designed by Kurt Bayer
By Kurt Bayer
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a very rare magnificent postmodern 3-seater sofa "Fantasy Island" designed by Kurt Bayer. The sofa is done in teak, buffalo leather and steel, creating ...
Steel
$5,024 / item
Panther Sofa by The Cult
Located in Geneve, CH
Panther Sofa by The Cult Dimensions: W 90 x D 90 x H 80 cm Materials: Upholstery, Leather The Cult STUDIO Generates Emotional Solutions And Experiences I...
Leather, Upholstery
Unique Dama Sofa - Wood Frame and Fabric Upholstery by Megarisiotis
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Dama Sofa - Wood Frame and Fabric Upholstery by Megarisiotis Dimensions: D 96 x W 240 x H 96 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and fabric. Bespoke fabric and length are available up...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$31,678 / item
White Memory Sofa by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
White Beige Memory Chair 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" ins...
Upholstery, Wood
Egon Three-Seater Sofa in Lamberto & Avion Fabrics by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Egon Three-Seater Sofa in Lamberto & Avion Fabrics by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 102 x W 300 x H 63 cm. Materials: Horn, fabric, polyurethane foam, and goose down. Cushions are not inc...
Other
Vintage Boho Pencil Reed Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover the sculptural elegance and organic allure of this stunning vintage pencil reed sofa. A captivating example of 1980s design artistry, this pi...
Fabric, Upholstery, Rattan
$20,281 / 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
Ducaroy Ligne Roset Sofa Set in Brown Perspex with Black Leather
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
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
$21,294 / item
Aniston 3 Seats Sofa by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Aniston 3 Seats Sofa by Domkapa Materials: Fiber, Black Texturized Steel. Dimensions: W 230 x D 97 x H 83 cm. Also available in different materials. Please contact us. Aniston...
Steel
Post Modern “Mayan” Sofa Designed By Harvey Probber, 1980s
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Original 1983 Harvey Probber “Mayan” Sofa. This iconic design epitomizes the expressiveness of postmodernism in the 1980s. The original black...
Mohair, Foam, Wood
Phillipe Starck Sofa from the Clift Hotel, San Francisco
Located in Chicago, IL
Phillipe Starck Sofa from The Clift Hotel, San Francisco Wood frame with chrome feet caps and fluorescent detail on each leg. Reupholstered with cotton-poly fabric and bolster Dimens...
Upholstery, Wood
$13,456 / item
Chocolate Memory Chair by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Chocolate 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" insp...
Upholstery, Wood
$26,399 / item
Floating Bouclé Sofa by Dennis Kaiser
Located in Geneve, CH
Floating Bouclé Sofa by Dennis Kaiser Dimensions: D 110 x W 320 x H 75 cm. Materials: Alpaca wool bouclé fabric. Handcrafted in Tuscany, Italy. Customization is available on request...
Upholstery, Foam
Ward Bennett for Brickel Sofa
By Ward Bennett, Brickfield Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Ward Bennett for Brickel Sofa This sofa measures: 69 wide x 31 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height of 22 inches About Photos: We take our photos in a con...
Upholstery, Wood
$20,329 / item
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Mizmaze Fabric by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Mizmaze 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 leathers a...
Fabric
Sculptural Tube Sofa by Anna & Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, 1990s Italy
By Rossi di Albizzate, Carlo Bartoli
Located in Zagreb, HR
Rare sculptural postmodern designer sofa model ''Tube'' designed by Anna & Carlo Bartoli for Italian high-end furniture manufacturer Rossi di Albizzate. The sofa features internal t...
Fabric, Foam
$13,899 / item
Belong Sofa by Memoir Essence
Located in Geneve, CH
Belong Sofa by Memoir Essence Dimensions: D 90 x W 220 x H 75 cm. Materials: Velvet SFY, satin AB and lacquer. Also available in client's fabric. Pleas...
Satin, Upholstery, Velvet, Lacquer
$6,053 / item
Marshmallow Sofa by Rejo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Marshmallow sofa by Rejo Studio Dimensions: D 200 x W 85 x H 40 cm Materials: Chenille upholstery, wood structure. REJO is a design studio based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Ist...
Upholstery, Wood
$11,317 / 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. Available in all Munna fabrics except Wild Silk....
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$11,385 / 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
$27,512 / item
Wavy Sofa with Sphere Accents by Melis Tatlicibasi
Located in Geneve, CH
Wavy Sofa with Sphere Accents by Melis Tatlicibasi. Dimensions: W 250 x D 90 x H 75 cm. Materials: Natural wood base painted, Upholstery, detailed with spher...
Upholstery, Wood
Original Koinor Free Motion 2 Edit Sofa Couch Eiche Leder rot
By Koinor
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Koinor Free Motion 2 Edit mit roten Ledersitzen zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa ist rund fünd Jahre alt und zeichnet sich durch seine vielfältigen Verstellmecha...
Leather, Oak