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.
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
A Set of 3 POST-MODERN BAR STOOLS, in the style of MEMPHIS, France 1980
Located in PARIS, FR
A set of 3 high bar stools, Post-Modernist, Memphis, Eighties, circular and angular structures in anthracite lacquered square section steel, footrests and low backrests, red and yell...
Metal
Joe Colombo for Zanotta Pair of 'Birillo' Swivel Bar Stools in Stainless Steel
By Zanotta, Joe Colombo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Joe Colombo for Zanotta, pair of 'Birillo' bar stools, stainless steel, leather, plastic, Italy, design 1970 Designed by Joe Colombo for Zanotta in 1970, the Birillo bar stools hav...
Stainless Steel
Bruno Rey for Dietiker Red Barstool
Jonas Bohlin for Magis Pair of Post-Modern "Lyra" Bar Stools
By Jonas Bohlin, Magis
Located in San Diego, CA
An elegant pair of Lyra bar stools designed by Jonas Bohlin for Magis of Italy, showcasing the designer's affinity for sculptural simplicity and functional innovation. Distinguished by their gracefully curved beechwood seats, each stool features Lyra's signature crescent-shaped cutout, creating a striking visual identity while enhancing comfort and ease of movement. #5483 The seats are supported by slender tubular steel bases finished in a sophisticated combination of polished chrome and graphite gray. The gently splayed legs and integrated footrests lend the design a sense of lightness and architectural balance, hallmarks of Bohlin's celebrated work. Produced by Magis, one of Italy's leading contemporary furniture manufacturers, the Lyra stool...
Chrome
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
$7,500 / item
Pierre Chapo Stool 'S13A' in Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, stools, model 'S31A', solid elm, France, circa 1974 This S31A stool is one of the early editions designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his hallmark use of solid elmwood ...
Elm
$1,480 / item
Curule Iron Bench
Located in Houston, TX
Iron curule stool with boxed linen seat cushion. Also available C.O.M.
Iron
Rare ‘Noah’ stool by Nigel Coates for SCP in 1988.
By SCP, Nigel Coates
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rare ‘Noah’ stool designed by British architect and designer Nigel Coates in 1988 for SCP (Sheridan Coakley Products), United Kingdom. The stool captures Coates’ distinctive approa...
Steel
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
Cult Stool, Sculptural Side Table, 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
Joan Casas i Ortinez 'Tema' Bar Stools (set of 10) for Indecasa, Spain 1980s
By Indecasa, Joan Casas Y Ortinez
Located in Hellouw, NL
A refined example of late twentieth-century Spanish design, this rare set of ten 'Tema' bar stools was designed by Joan Casas i Ortinez for Indeca...
Metal
$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
Cult Stool, Sculptural Side Table, 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
Cult Stool, Sculptural Side Table, Mexican Honey 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
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Emilio Nanni Musmé Counter Stool for Fly Line, 1984
By EMILIO NANNI, Fly Line
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
Single Amisco Stool
Located in New York, NY
Single Amisco stool
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
Chainmail Camping Stool, Hand-Linked 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
A Pair of MID-CENTURY-MODERN Hand Crafted BRUTALIST Tripod STOOLS, France 1950
By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles, Charlotte Perriand
Located in PARIS, FR
A Pair of Miniature Tripod Stools – French Modernism, circa 1950 A Pair of tripod stool, Modernist, Brutalist, Rustic-Modern, Forme-Libre, massive circular hand sculpted massive elm...
Wood, 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
Cult Stool, Sculptural Side Table , 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
Cult Stool, Sculptural Side Table, Hand-Carved Mexican Rose Marble, Panorammma
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Cult stool/ side table; a hand sculpted stone from a Mexican marble remits to primal sculptural-architectural language while displaying materials in a modernist manner. The piece all...
Onyx, Marble
Aurora Stool by Simonini: Customizable Walnut Wood & Leather Seat
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
$1,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
Aurora stool, light honey solid wood, natural caning 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
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
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
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
Set of Three Bar Stools by Maurizio Peregalli for Zeus Noto
By Maurizio Peregalli, Ettore Sottsass, Zeus
Located in Dronten, NL
Elegant and minimal, this set of three bar stools by Maurizio Peregalli embodies the refined industrial aesthetic that defines Italian design of the late 20th century. Designed for Z...
Steel
Postmodern Design Set of 3 Philippe Starck Sarapis Bar Stools for Aleph Ubik
By Aleph Ubik, Philippe Starck
Located in San Diego, CA
3 Philippe Starck Sarapis bar Stools for Aleph Ubik made in France in the 1980s. These stools are made of steel and are unique. They have age and wear use a great example of Postmode...
Steel
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
Jamaica Bar Stool Pepe Cortes for Amat-3 Aluminum Post-Modern
By Amat-3, Pepe Cortés
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair of Jamaica Bar Stool, an iconic piece of contemporary Spanish furniture designed by Pepe Cortés in 1991. Created by Barcelona-based interior designer...
Aluminum, Chrome
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
$2,831 / item
L'ecorce Stool in Solid Teak Wood by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
L'ecorce Stool in Solid Teak Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 50 x D 46 x H 52 cm. Materials: Solid Teak Wood, fabric. This listing features our L'ecorce Stool expertly crafted from ...
Wood, Hardwood, Teak
Set of Milo Baughman Mid-Century Modern Bar Counter Stools in Chrome & White
By Design Institute America, Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A well made matching set of four stools made by Design Institute & designed by Milo Baughman. These feature heavy chromed steel construction with white enameled curved slat wood seat...
Chrome, Enamel
Single Jamaica Swivel Bar Stool by Pepe Cortes for Amat Spain
By Pepe Cortés, Amat-3, Knoll
Located in San Diego, CA
The Jamaica Swivel Stool from Amat brings an ultra-modern aesthetic to your living space. It was designed by Pepe Cortes. This stool boasts swivel capabilities that allow you to rest...
Chrome
Sculptural Solid Wood Stool by Le Tenon & la Mortaise - STOP
Located in Saint-André-de-Kamouraska, CA
The Stop Stool is a sculptural solid wood stool distinguished by its bold geometric form and quiet architectural presence. Designed to function as seating, a side table or an accent ...
Wood
Side Table & Stool, Solid Wood & Resin, Sculptural Post-Modern, Panorammma
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Night Log Formed from a reclaimed tree trunk, Night Log preserves the natural silhouette of the wood its knots, cracks, and irregular contours that trace the memory of growth. After ...
Resin, Wood
Neolithic Thinker Sculptural Stool Tezontle Volcanic Stone, Red
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Neolithic Thinker is a stool hand sculpted from red tezontle stone, a highly oxidized and porous volcanic rock endemic to Mexico. Its design draws from different historical reference...
Stone
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
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
Contemporary Red Bean Lacquer Low Empire Drumstool by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low Empire drumstool Red Bean Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dyna...
Lacquer
$1,089 / 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
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
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
Danish Designer, Stools, Metal, Leather, Denmark, 1980s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brown leather and metal stools designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1980s. Seat Height (inches) stool 1: 13.88" Seat Height (inches) stool 2: 15.88"
Steel
$680Sale Price|20% Off
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
2 Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast Italian Postmodern Tokyo Bar Counter Stools 35"
By Bieffeplast, Rodney Kinsman
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of circa 1980's Italian postmodern Bauhaus style "Tokyo" chairs / counter bar stools, designed by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast of Padova, Italy. Gray metal tubular frame with ...
Metal
$871Sale Price|20% Off
Post-Modern Stool in Solid Pine by Pierre Chapo, Germany, 1990s Design
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Den Haag, NL
Post Modern Era Herbstb Solid Pine wood stool. 1990 s Germany.
Pine
$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, 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
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
Set of Jamaica Swivel Bar Stools by Pepe Cortès for BD Barcelona, 1990s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 4 'Jamaica' bar stools designed by Pepe Cortes for BD Barcelona in the 1990s. Beechwood seats and elegant chrome bases. Very good condition 1990s - Spain Very good condit...
Chrome
1 of 5 Minimalist LEM bar stools by LaPalma in steel and wood seats
By LaPalma, SHIN AZUMI
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
$760Sale Price|20% Off
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
$3,600 / set
Set of 3 Postmodern 1980s Bar Stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These sturdy stools feature powder-coated steel frames for durability and composite wood seats for comfort. Their cool minimalist design makes these stools a stylish choice for any m...
Metal
Fringes Stool in Light Grey Cotton Velvet Upholstery by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Fringes Stool in Light Grey Cotton Velvet Upholstery by Munna Dimensions: D 50 x W 50 x H 50 cm. SH: 50 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish:...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$1,501 / item
Object 01 Vert Seating by Volta
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 01 Vert Seating by Volta Dimensions: D 45 x W 40 x H 50 cm Materials: Cork and Velvet Also available in diffentent colours. Please contact us. MEÏ COLLECTION The Meï co...
Velvet, Cork