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.
Pair of Paperclip Model 'K700' Bar Stools by Kinetics, 20th century
By Kinetics
Located in View Park, CA
A pair of Kinetics k700 polished chrome «paperclip» barstools, designed in 1969 by Canadian designers Hugh Hamilton and Philip Salmon, manufactured in To...
Chrome
Ibisco Italian Pair of Stools in Green Saddle Leather and Black Lacquered Wood
By Ibisco Sedie
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ibisco Sedie, pair of stools, saddle leather, lacquered wood, Italy, 1970s This design perfectly embodies the postmodern spirit of the 1970s. Thick green saddle leather envelops th...
Leather, Wood
Post-Modern Italian Bar Unit with Cabinets and Bar Stools
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bar unit, chrome, metal, glass, mirror, fabric, wood, Italy, 1970s This Italian bar from the 1970s combines several materials typical of the period, including chrome, metal, wood, g...
Metal, Chrome
Vintage Stool, Charlotte Perriand for les Arcs France
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Rare solid pine stool with a square seat and quadripod base. It was designed for the ski resort of les Arcs, in the French Alps, station to which Charlotte Perriand dedicated 20 year...
Pine
Bruno Rey for Dietiker Red Barstool
Side Table & Stool, Hand-Carved Mexican White Onyx Marble, Panorammma, Mexico
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Cult stool / side table; a hand sculpted stone from an incredibly particular stone; Mexican White Onyx, remits to primal sculptural-architectural language while displaying materials ...
Onyx
Set of 4 Postmodern German Kreuzschwinger Bar Stools by Till Behrens, 1980s
By Till Behrens
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant design classic by Prof. Till Behrens in the Bar stool version. The further development of the free wing. The stools are made entirely of steel rods, which have been mounted ...
Metal
Bar Stools in Metal and Red Corduroy Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bar stools, metal, velvet, Europe, 1970s. Exquisite barstools in red velvet upholstery. Due to the soft seat and back, these chairs provide a very pleasant seating comfort. The five...
Metal
Cult Stool, Sculptural Side Table, Mexican Onyx Marble Conglomerate
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Cult stool/ side table; a hand sculpted stone from a Mexican marble and Mexican onyx conglomerate, remits to primal sculptural-architectural language while displaying materials in a ...
Onyx, Marble
Pair of Alias Italy Black Chrome spaghetti stools by Giandomenico Belotti
By Alias, Giandomenico Belotti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Alias Italy Black Chrome spaghetti stools by Giandomenico Belotti. Black rubber woven seat and back with a chrome tube frame. Made in Italy circa 1980. Located in Brooklyn NY...
Chrome
Sculptural Side Table & Stool, Hand-Carved Green Onyx Marble Conglomerate
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Cult stool/ side table; a hand sculpted stone from a Mexican marble and Mexican onyx conglomerate, remits to primal sculptural-architectural language while displaying materials in a ...
Onyx
Single Amisco Stool
Located in New York, NY
Single Amisco stool
Metal
Emilio Nanni Musmé Counter Stool for Fly Line, 1984
By Fly Line, EMILIO NANNI
Located in Miami, FL
Considered one of his first chair designs, the Musmé counter stool was designed by Emilio Nanni for Fly Line. The stool consists of a steel cantilevered frame...
Steel
Jonas Bohlin for Magis "Lyra" Sculptural Beech and Chrome Stool, Italy
By Jonas Bohlin, Magis
Located in San Diego, CA
Designed by renowned Swedish architect Jonas Bohlin, the Lyra stool represents the playful sophistication of late twentieth-century Scandinavian design exec...
Chrome
Warren Platner for Knoll Nickel Finish and Fabric Stool, circa 1980s
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Oakland, CA
Architect Warren Platner designed stool constructed of nickel-plated steel and fabric for Knoll. Hand crafted by Matricola of Italy for Knoll, the frame is resist welded and the plat...
Steel, Nickel
Bridget Barstool in Stained Rattan and Plywood by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Bridget Barstool in Stained Rattan and Plywood by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 45 x D 55 x H 104 cm. Materials: Stained rattan, plywood seat. Fabric is not included. Please contact...
Rattan, Plywood
A set of three postmodern bar stools by Martin, late 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A set of three vintage postmodern bar or counter stool featuring gilt metal frames and faux leather seating, probably circa late 1970s. The statement geometry of these pieces will a ...
Brass
Pair of Italian Post Modern Leather Stools by Chateau D'ax
By Chateau d'Ax
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition These Italian Post Modern leather stools by Chateau d’Ax, c.1980’s, bring that unmistakable “sink-in” comfort with a clean, architectural silho...
Leather
Matteo Grassi Bar Stools in Dark Grey Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Matteograssi, bar stools, leather, metal, Italy, 1970s Postmodern set of stools in dark grey leather, designed by Matteo Grassi. The stools are completely covered in leather, which ...
Metal
$300Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Italian Chrome Pipping Single Stool by Effezeta
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice cantilever tubular chrome single stool by Ezzefeta Italy , great condition all original circa 1980s.
Chrome
Niels Gammelgaard "Gasell" Child's Stool or High Chair for Ikea
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern Memphis style children's high chair or stool with red plastic seat and footrest on gray powder-coated steel frame designed by Niels Gammelgaard for Ikea, circa 1990s.
Steel
Pair of post modern Black leather Chrome Bar stools style of Mart Stam
By Mart Stam
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of post modern Black leather and Chrome bar or Counter stools in the style of Mart Stam. Black leather seat and back with a chrome tube frame with footrest. Made in Italy circa ...
Chrome
Design Institute of America, chrome and leather barstools
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Postmodern swivel chrome and faux leather cantilever barstools by Design Institute of America . all original in very good condition. The seat back and seats are black… Height 39 inch...
Steel
$1,350 / set
Matteo Grassi Bar Stools in Grey Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Matteograssi, bar stools, leather, metal, Italy, 1970s Postmodern set of stools in grey leather, designed by Matteo Grassi. The stools are completely covered in leather, which is st...
Metal
$3,850 / item
Scandinavian Organic Shaped Stool in Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Stool, elm, Scandinavia, 1970s This lovely stool reflects the organic and tactile design language of 1970s Scandinavia. Crafted in solid elm, it features a uniquely contoured seat t...
Elm
Aurora stool, walnut solid wood finish, solid back, camel leather seating
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the award-winning Aurora Collection, also known as Dawn — a transformative milestone in our esteemed design legacy that has earned the pr...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
$860 / item
Kawung Wood & Metal Counter Stool in Walnut
Located in New York, US
The Kawung is an homage to Indonesian traditional batik pattern that dates centuries, crafted with a solid wood frame and adorned with a touch of Javanese elegance. The luxurious cre...
Metal
Aurora stool, light honey solid wood, natural caning back, cream textile seating
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the award-winning Aurora Collection, also known as Dawn — a transformative milestone in our esteemed design legacy that has earned the pr...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
Aurora stool, walnut solid wood finish, solid back, off white textiles seating
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the award-winning Aurora Collection, also known as Dawn — a transformative milestone in our esteemed design legacy that has earned the pr...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
$1,104 / item
Light Pink Stool 01 by Iranzo
Located in Geneve, CH
Light Pink Stool 01 by Iranzo Dimensions: D 68 x H 48 cm. Material: Epoxy resin & polypropylene Available in: White / Black - at a lower price Light pink / Blue / Pastel green ...
Epoxy Resin
Sculptural Stool, Hand-Linked Chainmail Mesh, Nickel-Plated Steel, Panorammma
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
This foldable camping stool exemplifies the fusion of utility and artistry within collectible design. Its unique seat, crafted from intricately woven chainmail, brings an unexpected ...
Steel
Aurora stool, black solid wood, black caning back, black natural leather
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the award-winning Aurora Collection, also known as Dawn — a transformative milestone in our esteemed design legacy that has earned the pr...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
Postmodern Italian Bar Stools, 1980s - Set of Three
Located in Miami, FL
Set of three postmodern Italian barstools with black Naugahyde seats and silver lacquered frames with footrests.
Steel
Efebo Stacking Stool by Stacy Dukes for Artemide, Italy post modern, 4 avail
By Stacy Dukes, Artemide
Located in Chicago, IL
Efebo Seats designed by Stacy Duke for Artemide. Italy, 1960's Golden plastic. Priced individually. Four available. These sculptural white molded plastic stools were designed as c...
Plastic
3 Sturdy Swiss Made Heavy Quality Black Leather & Steel High Bar Stools, 1980s
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
3 Sculptural Swiss post modern bar stools. Top quality Swiss Made in the 1980s. Black Leather seat with a diameter of 34cm (13.38inch) on...
Steel
Calligaris Lacquered Wood Upholstered Bar Stools Made in Italy, Set of 3
By Calligaris
Located in Miami, FL
Calligaris lacquered wood upholstered bar stools made in Italy, (3) Offered for sale is a set of three Calligaris lacquered wood and leather upholstered bar stools in a post-moderni...
Wood
Vertebrae High Bar Stool in Mild Steel by Metalmorphosis Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Vertebrae High Bar Stool in Mild Steel by Metalmorphosis Studio Unique Piece Dimensions: D 40 x W 45 x H 85 cm. Materials: Mild steel. Vertebrae_ Barstool explores the structural lo...
Steel
Set of 4 Design Institute of America Brass Stools in the Style of Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Design Institute America
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Elegant and luxurious set of four cantilevered brass stools in the style of Milo Baughman made by Design Institute of America ("DIA") newly professionally reupholstered in super soft...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Seat height: 17”
Pine
$1,480 / item
Curule Iron Bench
Located in Houston, TX
Iron curule stool with boxed linen seat cushion. Also available C.O.M.
Iron
Three Postmodern Counter Height Stools by Jorge Pensi for Mobles 114
By Jorge Pensi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Three "Gimlet Stools" by Jorge Pensi ( Born 1946, Buenos Aires, Argentina) for Mobles 114 ( Barcelona, Spain) "Postmodern Counter Height Stools w...
Steel, Chrome
$780 / item
Chair D
Located in Mérida, MX
The handwoven technique of the 'Petatillo' in Yucatan has been practiced for more than 50 years. Usually, it is woven with natural cane. This is one hundred percent artisan work, whi...
Nylon, Wood
$175 / item
Postmodern stools by Samo, 1980s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Postmodern red tubular metal stools by Samo. Attractive design. 1980s - France Plywood seats. Salvaged from a school, used as laboratory stools Dimensions: Height: 70cm Width: 4...
Metal
Nobu Tanigawa "Nardis" Chrome Bar Stools for Fasem Italy, Set of Two
By Fasem International, Nobu Tanigawa
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Nardis bar height stools with rubber like seats on a polished chrome frame designed by Nobu Tanigawa for Fasem Italy.
Chrome
Postmodern Italian Folding Stool Chair from Enolinea, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Foldable stool by the Italian manufacturer Enolinea. A functional design with postmodern styling. The support is made of wood. The seat is coated with plastic and framed by black ru...
Plastic, Rubber, Wood
$3,881 / item
Leather Tella Bar Stool by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Leather Tella Bar Stool by Madheke Dimensions: D 47.1 x W 41.1 x H 92.8 cm. Materials: Sculptural retro-inspired design, Double-cushioned leather seat with curved backrest, Sleek met...
Metal
1 of 5 Minimalist LEM bar stools by LaPalma in steel and wood seats
By SHIN AZUMI, LaPalma
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find 5 minimalist barstools, model LEM, manufactured by LaPalma, in two different heights. The LEM bar stools were designed by...
Steel
Sculptural Side Table & Stool, Hand-Carved Blue Calacite Marble, Panorammma
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Cult stool/ side table; a hand sculpted stone from a Mexican Blue Calacite, remits to primal sculptural-architectural language while displaying materials in a modernist manner. The p...
Stone
$2,400 / set
Set of 3 Matteo Grassi Leather Counter Stools
Located in Dallas, TX
A sophisticated set of three Italian leather counter stools by Matteo Grassi, celebrated for the company's exceptional craftsmanship and mastery of fine leather upholstery. Executed ...
Steel
$780 / item
Chair D
Located in Mérida, MX
The handwoven technique of the 'Petatillo' in Yucatan has been practiced for more than 50 years. Usually, it is woven with natural cane. This is one hundred percent artisan work, whi...
Nylon, Wood
Postmodern Memphis Style Bar Stool, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Single bar stool in the style of Memphis Milano circa 1980s. Teal fabric cover is easily replaceable. Gray tubular steel frame.
Steel
$1,400 / item
Single Block Wood Batan Stool by Taller Batán
Located in Geneve, CH
Single Block Wood Batan Stool by Taller Batán Dimensions: W 30 x D 30 x H 40 cm Materials: Single block wood. Finishes: White cedar, blackened cedar (yakisugi), encino (mexican oak...
Wood
Set of 3 Postmodern Upholstered Barstools by Minson Enterprise. Circa 1980s
By Minson Corp.
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 3 Postmodern Vinyl Upholstered Barstools by Minson Ent. Circa 1980s Features metal frames, The original pink and teal vinyl upholstered back and seat...
Metal
$560Sale Price / set|20% Off
Philippe Starck Post Modern Italian Steel Gray Stools for Driade 1980
Located in Conversano, IT
Iconic and sculptural, these Sarapis model stools are among the most emblematic creations by Philippe Starck for Driade, produced in the 1980s. Designed with the unmistakable postmod...
Steel
$968 / item
Organic Postmodern Cow Furry Stool Ritmo
By Moanne
Located in Almería, ES
Playful. Perceptive. Percussive. Ritmo Stool. The Ritmo Stool takes its name from rhythm—not just as a beat, but as a way of being. With four bold cylindrical legs echoing in perfec...
Velvet
$3,080 / item
Single Block Wood Batan Seat by Taller Batán
Located in Geneve, CH
Single Block Wood Batan Seat by Taller Batán Dimensions: W 46 x D 46 x H 51 cm Materials: Single block wood. Finishes: White cedar, blackened cedar (yakisugi), encino (mexican oak)...
Wood
A set of Black Post Modern barstools by Cali-Style, circa 1980s
Located in Houston, TX
A set of Post Modern barstools by Cali-Style, circa 1980s. These feature black powder coat frames with newly reupholstered seat cushions. They ha...
Metal
$1,983 / item
Brass Sculpted Brass Chair, Misaya
By Misaya
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass sculpted brass chair, Misaya. Dimensions: W 54 x L 58 x H 79 cm (seating: 63). Hand-sculpted chair in brass.
Brass
$2,231 / item
Medium Pouf! Leather Stool by Nestor Perkal
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium pouf! leather stool by Nestor Perkal Dimensions: W 83 x D 75.5 x H 35 cm Materials: Leather, poplar plywood, suede. Available in other colors and in 3 sizes. The POUF! collection is made up of three seats made of leather and suede. They look like diamonds, minerals or the footprints of an animal in the soil. They are suitable for home furnishing, in the office or in a public place. Genuine italian vegetable...
Leather, Suede, Poplar, Plywood
Rodney Kinsman Tokyo Stool for Bieffelplast, Italy 1980s
By Rodney Kinsman, Bieffeplast
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern Tokyo counter stool made of a satin black steel frame, curved black polyurethane backrest and a red naugahyde cushioned seat. The footrest maintains the plastic tube...
Steel