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.
$5,372 / 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
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
$9,872 / 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
Baia two seater sofa Antonio Citterio space age postmodern
By Paolo Nava, Antonio Citterio, B&B Italia
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Baia sofa designed by Paolo Nava and Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia. Designed and sold in the 70s. Reupholstered with light green and yellow wool fabric. Vivid pink zipper. They a...
Fabric
Jet Black Happylife Sofa by Bedini, Marzano And Settimelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Jet Black Happylife Sofa by Bedini, Marzano And Settimelli Dimensions: D 90 x W 240 x H 81 cm. Seat Height: 47 cm. Materials: Polyethylene and eco-leather. Weight: 69 kg. Available ...
Other
$41,321 / 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
$5,775 / 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
$84,580 / item
Rocksofa Signed Rock Shaped Sofa by Rockstool Paris
Located in Geneve, CH
Rocksofa Signed Rock Shaped Sofa by Rockstool Paris Limited edition of 3 + 1 AP per colors (two Color) Dimensions: W 185 x D 115 x H 75 cm Materials: Stoneware Available in differen...
Stone, Other
$11,163 / 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
$7,231 / item
Wood Labirint Free Sofa by Andrea Giomi
Located in Geneve, CH
Wood Labirint Free Sofa by Andrea Giomi. Dimensions: D 80 x W 60 x H 84 cm. Materials: Various types off recycled wood or material on request. Andrea G...
Wood
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
$7,019 / item
Dwell 2 Seater Sheepskin Moonlight by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Dwell 2 seater sheepskin moonlight by Warm Nordic. Dimensions: D137 x W66 x H 73 cm. Material: sheepskin upholstery, solid smoked or white oiled oak legs, wooden frame, foam, sprin...
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Foam, Wood, Oak
$7,207 / 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
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
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
Steve Chase “Amphibious” Style Sofa
By Steve Chase
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s, fully restored in 100% alpaca. One seat is firmer than the rest
Alpaca
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
Glass Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Walnut end caps with glass legs. Reupholstered in Designtex floral.
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
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 Asko Finnland Sofa Couch Esko Pajamies Dreisitzer Leder
By Esko Pajamies, Asko
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Dreisitzer von finnischen Traditionshersteller Asko aus den 1980er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Esko Pajamies und gilt als wahrer Desi...
Leather, Wood
Koinor Free Motion Edit Sofa Design Couch Leder braun Balkeneiche
By Koinor
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zweisitzer Sofa "Edit - Free Motion" von Koinor zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa besteht aus einem Holzpodest in der Optik "Balkeneiche" und zwei elektrisch vers...
Leather, Oak
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
Original Wittmann Kubus Sofa Josef Hoffmann Couch Leder braun
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Wittmann Kubus Sofa als Zweisitzer in braunem Leder zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Josef Hoffmann und gilt heute al...
Leather
Post-Modern Italian Two Seat Sofa in Wood and Creme Colored Velvet Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, beech, fabric, Italy, 1970s This two-seat sofa dates from Italy in the 1970s and is designed in the style of Afra and Tobia Scarpa. The design is defined by clear proportions ...
Fabric, Beech
$12,760 / item
Nounours Sofa by Studio Uwe Gaertner
Located in Geneve, CH
Nounours Sofa by Studio Uwe Gaertner Dimensions: D 94 x W 236 x H 91 cm. Materials: Brass and Kvadrat Gentle 2 (no. 183 or no. 973) fabric (60% virgin wool, 20% polyester, and 20% ny...
Brass
$26,976 / 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
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
1980s Cassina Maralunga Style Black and Butter Beige Leather Sofa
By Cassina
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1990s with this exquisite two toned beige butter and black leather sofa. The ultra rare three seaters sofa exudes an air of lux...
Leather, Wood
$19,181 / 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
$19,181 / 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, ref. Light Grey, CV16, and brushed br...
Brass
$32,540 / 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 Rolf Benz Sofa 3000 Dreisitzer Design Couch creme beige
By Rolf Benz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eins von insgesamt zwei wunderschönen Rolf Benz Sofas des Modells "3000" zum Verkauf an. Bei diesem Modell handelt es sich um den etwas längeren Dreisitzer. In unseren and...
Fabric
$2,465 / 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
$4,813 / item
Powder Blue Blossy Rocking Sofa by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Powder Blue Blossy Rocking Sofa by Karim Rashid Dimensions: D 85 x W 159 x H 75 cm. Seat Height: 34 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 38 kg. Available in different color options....
Other
Vintage Dutch buffalo leather Rivera sofa by Gijs Papavoine Montis c 1980s / 90s
By Gijs Papavoine, Montis
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
Original COR Conseta Dreisitzer Sofa Design Couch Leder schwarz
By COR
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes COR Conseta Dreisitzer Sofa aus schwarzem Leder zum Verkauf an. In unseren anderen Anzeigen bieten wir zudem einen passenden Z...
Steel, Chrome
$33,198 / item
Cayenne Croissant Sofa by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Cayenne Croissant Sofa by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 120 x W 240 x H 80 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery. “Croissant” Sofa. Of course, for the d...
Upholstery, 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
$5,189 / item
Latitude Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Latitude Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 260 x D 90 x H 89 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Particle boards panels, Fabric. Details: Frame: Solid beech and particle boards panels. Seat s...
Fabric, Beech
$27,892 / item
Karl Sofa by Dennis Kaiser
Located in Geneve, CH
Karl Sofa by Dennis Kaiser Dimensions: D 110 x W 300 x H 70 cm. Materials: Linen, foam. Handcrafted in Tuscany, Italy. Customization is available on request. Please contact us. The...
Upholstery, Foam
$3,371Sale Price / item|25% Off
Contemporary Hush High Wingback Sofa Naughtone for Herman Miller Yellow & Black
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous Contemporary NaughtOne for Herman Miller Hush high wing back sofa or settee with yellow & black fabric and polyester powder coated yellow metal wire sled base, 3 available selling separately. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. They have been professionally cleaned. No outstanding flaws have been detected. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Early 21st Century. Do you know where a Bee sits??? On it’s BEE-HIND!!! LOL! Ok, just a little fun about the beautiful black & yellow fabric that we think is the bees-knees!!! It’s striking! We have three (selling separately) NaughtOne for Herman Miller Hush high wing back sofas or settees comprised of molded plywood inner frames with distinctive profiles and a metal wire sled base finished in a hard-wearing polyester bright yellow powder coat to match the fabulous horizontal channeled, high quality foam seat & back cushions. The wing style sides, and inner frame is covered in a wonderful black & white tweed, some call it the “bumblebee look.” Aren’t they AWESOME??? We certainly think they are something to BUZZ about!!!! Ha ha! NaughtOne is owned and sold by Herman Miller and the Hush high wing back sofa is available with two or three seat capacity, ours are the two-seater sofas. The Hush sofa...
Metal
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
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
$7,923 / 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
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
$27,751 / item
Alfie Sofa by Melis Tatlicibasi
Located in Geneve, CH
Alfie Sofa by Melis Tatlicibasi. Dimensions: W 300 x D 100 x H 80 cm. Materials: Natural wood base painted, Upholstery. Natural wood base painted in Brass, Silver, Gold, or lacquere...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
$8,217 / 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
Kyokusen Fully Upholstered Monolithic Sofa by Quinti Sedute
Located in Geneve, CH
Kyokusen Fully Upholstered Monolithic Sofa by Quinti Sedute Dimensions: D 134 x W 250 x H 77 cm. Materials: Metal, wood, and upholstery. Available in different finishes, sizes, and ...
Metal
Original Wittmann Sofa Design Couch Leder Hell Creme Beige
By Wittmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Wittmann Design Sofa in hellem Leder zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel besticht durch seinen außerordentlich hohen Sitzkomfort und seine hochwertige Qualität & V...
Leather
Cassina 2-Seater Bull Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Toronto, CA
The Bull Sofa stands as Gianfranco Frattini’s final project for Cassina, created in the mid-1980s as a bold conclusion to his long collaboration with the Italian manufacturer. The ni...
Fabric, Rubber, Wood
Original Sofa de Sede DS-0040 Leder Design Zweisitzer schwarz
By De Sede
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Design Zweisitzer von de Sede zum Verkauf an. Das Modell nennt sich DS-0040 und besticht durch seine hochwertige Verarbeitung und seinen äußerst hohen ...
Chrome
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
Mario Botta for Alias Pair of 'Obliqua' Sofas in Zebra Print Upholstery
By Alias, Mario Botta
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Botta for Alias, pair of sofas, model ´Obliqua´, fabric, black lacquered wood, Italy, circa 1983. Bold pair of 'Obliqua' sofas designed by Mario Botta for Alias. Upholstered ...
Fabric, Wood
$25,884 / 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 Brickfield Furniture Company, Ward Bennett
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
B&B Italia Sofa Lunar James Irvine Couch Zweisitzer Dreisitzer
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Zwei-/ Dreisitzer von B&B Italia (Modell: Lunar) zum Verkauf an. Das umklappbare Sofa gilt als wahrer Designklassiker und besticht durch seine zeitlose...
Steel
$3,995 / item
Fidji Sofa by RALPH M
Located in Geneve, CH
Fidji Sofa by RALPH M Dimensions: W 210 x D 92 x H 86-107 cm. Materials: Solid beech, Fabric, Plywood. Details: Frame: Plywood panels and solid beech supports. Seat springing: Int...
Fabric, Beech, Plywood
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
Doublet sofa by Rob Parry for Gelderland, circa 1960
By Rob Parry
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Doublet bench designed by Dutch designer Rob Parry in the 1950s. This versatile sofa effortlessly transforms into a single bed, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetic appea...
Metal