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.
$6,171 / item
Zinka Stool by Kamil Hajji
Located in Geneve, CH
Zinka Stool by Kamil Hajji Dimensions: W 48 × D 40 × H 47 cm Materials: Wood. Kamil Hajji is a Swiss-Moroccan artist, designer, and researcher. Drawing from a deeply cosmopolitan ba...
Wood
Stool and light Elephant -Dutch Design Richard Hutten for Gispen- 2008
By Richard Hutten, Gispen
Located in The Hague, NL
The Low-res Elephant is both a stool, a lamp and a playful decoration object at the same time. Designed by Richard Hutten in 2008 for the renowned Dutch manufacturer Gispen in the Ne...
Acrylic
$12,963 / item
Barri Stool by Le Berre Vevaud
Located in Geneve, CH
Barri Stool by Le Berre Vevaud Dimensions: D 39.5 x H 45 cm. Materials: Brushed Natural Oak Ring in Brown Emperador. For over 15 years, Raphaël Le Berre and Thomas Vevaud have been...
Oak
Pair of Bar Stools "Dania" in green leather by Salvati & Tresoldi for Saporiti
By Saporiti, Salvati & Tresoldi
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of striking swivel Postmodern Bar Stools designed by Salvati & Tresoldi for Saporiti Italia. They feature a leather upholstered in forest gre...
Stainless Steel
Candy Columns by Sabine Marcelis, various sizes and colours
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Multi use Candy Column by Sabine Marcelis TYPE Freestanding table ENVIRONMENT Indoor MATERIAL Polyester resin FINISH mat / polished DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT PRICE (excl. VAT & shipping...
Resin
$800Sale Price|27% Off
Stool ASHIGARU-4 by POPCORN
By POPCORN
Located in 加須市, 11
Stools, display stands, and interior design elements ASHIGARU means "a common foot soldier" in Japanese, so named because it looks like a common foot soldier. It weighs 13 kg.
Steel
$2,524 / item
Olympia Counter Stool by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Olympia Counter Stool by Munna Dimensions: D 55 x W 58 x H 90 cm. SH: 70 cm. Materials: Solid wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Upholstery: Cotton Velvet, ref. Emerald, CV09...
Brass
$1,531 / item
Object 01 Beige Seating by Volta
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 01 Beige 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 c...
Velvet, Cork
Set Of 5 Sissi Stackable Totem Seats in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 5 Sissi Stackable Totem Seats in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme Limited Edition Dimensions: D 45 x W 45 x H 45 cm. Materials: Powder-coated aluminum. Totem or piece of ...
Aluminum
Sissi Stackable Totem Seat in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme
Located in Geneve, CH
Sissi Stackable Totem Seat in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme Limited Edition Dimensions: D 45 x W 45 x H 45 cm. Materials: Powder-coated aluminum. Totem or piece of furniture?...
Aluminum
Postmodern Leather Bar Stools designed by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Poltrona Frau
By Poltrona Frau, Massimo Iosa Ghini
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find stunning postmodern swivel bar stools, model "Alo", designed by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Poltrona Frau. Each chair is stamped by the manufacturer beneath ...
Steel
Italian 20th Century Modernist Magis Condor Andries and Hiroko Van Onck Stools
By Andries & Hiroko van Onck, Magis
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
This set of four stools were designed by Andries and Hiroko Van Onck for Magis, blending unique style from the 20th century modernist movement. The stools feature a metal frame with ...
Metal
“Florada” Stool in Wool and Wood by Inês Schertel, Brazil, 2021
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
“Florada” Stool in Wool and Wood by Inês Schertel, Brazil, 2021 Ines Schertel's primary material is sheep's wool. As a practitioner of Slow Design, the artist takes a holistic appro...
Wool, Wood
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Pine
$3,214 / item
Gaia Black Stool by KV Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Gaia Black Stool by KV Design Dimensions: D 45 x W 45 x H 45 cm. Materials: Ash Wood, Stainless Steel. Limited Edition of 12. KV Design is a team of professionals, and we believe th...
Stainless Steel
$7,040Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary "Bullet Proof" Bench by Brazilian designer Alê Jordão, Brazil 2017
By Alê Jordão
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
The 2017 "Bullet Proof" Bench by the contemporary Brazilian designer Alê Jordão is structured in welded steel and armoured glass, featuring the unique shots...
Steel
Karl Springer Style Ivory Bouclé Soufflé Pouf
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post modern Karl Springer style Soufflé pouf ottoman aptly named for its similarity in form to a French Soufflé. Brass square base with rounded corner...
Brass
$1,437 / item
Milky White Koncord High Stool by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Milky White Koncord High Stool by Karim Rashid Dimensions: D 40 x W 43 x H 76 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 5 kg. Available in different color options. Available in standard,...
Other
$3,214 / item
Gaia Natural Oak Stool by KV Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Gaia Natural Oak Stool by KV Design Dimensions: D 45 x W 45 x H 45 cm. Materials: Mulberry Wood, Epoxy Resin, Metal. Limited Edition of 12. KV Design is a team of professionals, an...
Stainless Steel
$800Sale Price|27% Off
Stool ASHIGARU-5 by POPCORN
By POPCORN
Located in 加須市, 11
Stools, display stands, and interior design elements ASHIGARU means "a common foot soldier" in Japanese, so named because it looks like a common foot soldier. It weighs 13 kg.
Steel
Set of Three 1980s Postmodern "Alice" Bar Stools by Claudio Nardi for Zeus
Located in Sacramento, CA
Set of three 1980s postmodern bar stools manufactured by Zeus Noto in Italy and designed by Claudio Nardi. The stools have gray powder-coated steel bases and black molded polyurethan...
Steel
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Stool ASHIGARU-6 by POPCORN
By POPCORN
Located in 加須市, 11
Stools, display stands, and interior design elements ASHIGARU means "a common foot soldier" in Japanese, so named because it looks like a common foot soldier. It weighs 13 kg.
Steel
$1,133 / item
Memento, Barstool by Jesse Sanderson
Located in Geneve, CH
Memento barstool - Jesse Sanderson, WDSTCK Studio Original signed chair by Jesse Sanderson. Dimensions: 106 x 40 x 45 cm. Seat height: 70 cm. With a sturdy oak school chair...
Leather
Plain Texture Pagoda Stool in Oak Wood and Green Cushion by Heilig Objects
Located in Geneve, CH
Pagode Stool in Oak Wood And Melange Wool Fabric by Heilig Objects Dimensions: D 36 x W 36 x H 47 cm. Materials: Oak wood and wool fabric. Daniel Heilig. A young Hungarian-German de...
Wool, Oak
Picasso Green Contemporary Honed Marble Stool by Angelo Alinea
Located in Geneve, CH
Picasso Green Contemporary Honed Marble Stool by Angelo Alinea Dimensions: D 35 x H 47 cm Materials: Marble Available in: GRAFITE / TRAVERTINO ROSSO / GREY SAINT LAURENT / PICASSO GREEN / PORT SAINT LAURENT / TRAVERTINO SILVER / ROSSO LEPANTO / BIANCO STATUARIETTO. Custom materials and sizes available upon request. Please contact us. The Angelo M stools are inspired by the base of the Angelo M table...
Marble
4er Set Vitra HAL RE Barhocker Küchenvariante Jasper Morrison
By Vitra, Jasper Morrison
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eins von insgesamt vier 4er Sets Barhockern vom deutschen Premiumhersteller Vitra zum Verkauf an. Bei den Stühlen handelt es sich um die niedrigere Küchenvariante mit rund...
Steel, Chrome
Modern Vintage Red Folding Chair Ulisse by Ivan Loss, 1980s
By Ivan Loss
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern vintage folding chair walking stick, which was made of red lacquered metal and light plastic seat with backrest. Designed by Ivan Loss, 1980s The vintage condition is very goo...
Plastic
Unique, Plywood, Oak and Paper Summit Stool Joanne Odisho
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique, Plywood, Oak and Paper Summit Stool Joanne Odisho Dimensions: W 30 x D 45 x H 45 cm Materials: Plywood, American Oak, Paper Pump. Joanne Odisho is a designer committed to s...
Paper, Oak, Plywood
$7,200 / item
White Magic Stool by Lucile Gracile
Located in Geneve, CH
White Magic Stool by Lucile Gracile Dimensions: D 65 x W 48 x H 35 cm Materials: Glazed ceramic, platinum. Born in 1988, lives and works in Paris. Ceramic artist using traditional ...
Platinum
Nestle Foot Stool Gypsum & Fiberglass by Brent Warr Studios
By Brent Warr
Located in Bainbridge, GA
The Nestle Foot Stool by Brent Warr is a tactile blend of whimsy and sculptural sophistication. Its exaggerated legs and rounded silhouette are crafted from a wood core and shaped us...
Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass, Plaster, Hardwood, Paint
$2,162 / item
A Stool by Jaclyn Pappalardo
Located in Geneve, CH
A Stool by Jaclyn Pappalardo Dimensions: W 53 x D 41 x H 43 cm Materials: Stainless Steel. Jaclyn is a designer and maker based in London. Her background in set design informs her creative work as a designer. Colour and texture play an important role in developing each and every project. With a particular interest in the use of seating, Jaclyn looks at chairs not only as a functional object but rather as a study of body, shape and language. Her work incorporates unconventional design techniques that stretch far from traditional craftsmanship. Exploring new techniques and material driven processes such as metal forming and non-traditional upholstery, she builds on similar profiles and repetitive patterns in the aim of creating something timeless. Jaclyn’s work has been published in Arcipelago, Modern House, Dezeen, Vogue and Luncheon magazine. Represented by The Radford Gallery & Fels World gallery in London UK. Caselli 11-12 Gallery in Milan IT...
Stainless Steel
$2,080 / item
Charlotte Teak Wood Stool by Heaps & Woods
Located in Geneve, CH
Charlotte Teak Wood Stool by Heaps & Woods Dimensions: W 30 x D 30 x H 40 cm Materials: Teak wood A solid block of teak wood featuring an organic rippled texture hand-carved acr...
Other
$5,716 / set
Set of 3 Pouf! Leather Stools by Nestor Perkal
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Pouf! leather stools by Nestor Perkal Dimensions: W 45 cm x D 39 cm x H 40 cm (Small) W 83 cm x D 75.5 cm x H 35 cm (Medium) W 101 cm x D 85 cm x H 35 cm (Large) 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
Anodized Green and Flax Webbing Wicker Stool by Tino Seubert
Located in Geneve, CH
Anodized green and flax webbing wicker stool by Tino Seubert Dimensions: D 41.2 x W 34.9 x H 45 cm. Materials: Color anodized aluminum extrusions, flax webbing. Tino Seubert Wh...
Aluminum
$14,506 / item
Adolesence Stool by Ella Bulley
Located in Geneve, CH
Adolesence Stool by Ella Bulley Limited Edition Of 15 Pieces Dimensions: D 40 x W 49 x H 106 cm. Materials: Walnut and red wood. Ella Bulley is a Material Design Studio based in Lon...
Wood, Walnut
$1,028 / item
White Stool 01 by Iranzo
Located in Geneve, CH
White Stool 01 by Iranzo Dimensions: D 68 x H 48 cm. Material: Epoxy resin & polypropylene Also available in: Black - at the same price Light pink / Blue / Pastel green / Signa...
Epoxy Resin
Glenn Thinking Stool in Gypsum & Fiberglass by Brent Warr Studios
By Brent Warr
Located in Bainbridge, GA
Blurring the lines of art and purpose, the Glenn Thinking Stool is a tribute to the artistry and uniqueness of handcraftsmanship. Perfect as an accent for a living room, the Glenn ...
Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass, Plaster, Paint, Hardwood
$3,424 / item
Temple Oak and Leather Stool by Luis Gimeno
Located in Geneve, CH
Temple Oak and Leather Stool by Luis Gimeno Dimensions: D 35 x W 45 x H 45 cm Materials: Oak, leather. Made out of four hexagonal prisma legs, this stool is a throw back to classic ...
Oak, Leather
$1,204 / item
Lean Stone Grey Lounge Chair by Nur Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Lean stone grey lounge chair by Nur Design Materials: Plywood, fibre and foam Dimensions: D 66 x W 64 x H 72 cm Also available in different colors...
Metal
$1,080 / item
Burnt Oak Stool by Daniel Elkayam
Located in Geneve, CH
Burnt oak stool by Daniel Elkayam Edition of 3 Dimensions: D 30 x W 30 x H 45 cm Materials: Oak Wood The Charred Collection A collection of handmade wo...
Oak
Vintage Glazed Ceramic Tall Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Command attention with this monumental vintage glazed ceramic piece, a masterclass in Postmodern elegance and classical form. Finished in a rich, deep oxblood red glaze, the high-lus...
Ceramic
$9,374 / item
Brazilian Ottoman by Tino Seubert
Located in Geneve, CH
Brazilian ottoman by Tino Seubert Dimensions: D 140 x W 70 x H 38 cm. Materials: Oiled Sapele wood, Alpaca bouclé upholstered mattress. Tino Seubert When he first made his now ...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
$6,429 / item
Sgabello Rombi Antique Wood Stool by Yukiko Nagai
Located in Geneve, CH
Sgabello Rombi antique wood stool by Yukiko Nagai Dimensions: D 40 x W 53 x H 40 cm Material: Antique wood stool, Marble, Natural stone, Styrofoa...
Stone, Cement, Marble
$2,108 / item
Brass Sculptural Log Stool - Small Size by Misaya
By Masaya
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass Sculptural Log Stool - Small size by Misaya Dimensions: W 22 x D 27 x H 44 cm Materials: Brass Also available: Different colors (gold, polished brass. black, painted brass) an...
Brass
Bleached Ash and Orange Leather ASSY Stool by Mademoiselle Jo
Located in Geneve, CH
Bleached Ash and Orange Leather Stool by Mademoiselle Jo Dimensions: Ø 35 x H 46 cm. Materials: Bleached ash and orange leather. Available in two wood colors and several designs. P...
Ash, Leather
$1,204 / item
Object 093 Stool by NG Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 093 Stool by NG Design Dimensions: W 53 x D 51 x H 103 cm Materials: Powder Coated Steel, Bouclé Fabric Also Available: All of objects available in different materials and co...
Steel
$5,271 / item
Wave Stool & Side Table VIII by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Wave Stool & Side Table VIII by Homa. Dimensions: D 25 x H 54 cm. Materials: Blown Glass, Smoke Mirror. Colour: Smoke. Formed through an experimental glassblowing process, each Wave...
Blown Glass, Mirror
$6,849 / item
Tata Stool by Studio Uwe Gaertner
Located in Geneve, CH
Tata Stool by Studio Uwe Gaertner Dimensions: D 36 x W 40 x H 42 cm. Materials: Brass and Kvadrat Vidar 4 (no. 972) fabric (94% new wool, and 6% nylon). Despite its small size, the ...
Brass
$3,810 / item
Newman Counter Stool by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Newman Counter Stool by Munna Dimensions: D 50 x W 40 x H 92 cm. SH: 70 cm. Materials: Solid wood, foam, brass, and leather. Finish: Upholstery: Leather, ref. Cream, L02. Legs: Cream...
Brass
Rino III TM Side Table in Polished Brass by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Rino III TM Side Table in Polished Brass by Studio Orth Dimensions: D 48 x W 64 x H 48 cm. Materials: Polished brass. Available in polished brass and polished aluminum finishes. Pr...
Brass
$4,652 / item
Large Bolota Capture Stool by A. Jacob Marks
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Bolota Capture Stool by A. Jacob Marks Dimensions: W 61 x D 32 x H 46 cm. Materials: high density black cork, blackened aluminum. BC2 BOLOTA is a limited series of seating an...
Aluminum
Marlene Stool in Epoxy Resin & Leather Fragments by WeDO
Located in Geneve, CH
Marlene Stool in Epoxy Resin & Leather Fragments by WeDO Dimensions: D 43 x W 45 x H 45 cm. Materials: Epoxy resin and leather. Customizations are available upon request. Prices ma...
Leather, Epoxy Resin
$1,531 / item
Object 01 Noir Seating by Volta
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 01 noir 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
$5,271 / item
Wave Stool & Side Table II by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Wave Stool & Side Table II by Homa. Dimensions: W 30 x D 30 x H 36 cm . Materials: Blown Glass, Silver Mirror. Colour: Silver. Formed through an experimental glassblowing process,...
Blown Glass, Mirror
$689 / item
Black Prop Stool by OxDenmarq
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Prop Stool by OxDenmarq Dimensions: D 41 x W 41 x H 70 cm Materials: Leather, Black Powder Coated Steel Also Available: Different colors available. OX DENMARQ is a Danish...
Steel
Black Painted Brass Sculpted Chair with Seat Upholstered by Misaya
By Misaya
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Painted Brass Sculpted Chair with Seat Upholstered by Misaya Dimensions: W 54 x L 58 x H 79 cm (seating: 63) Hand-sculpted chair in brass. The translation of Art Nouveau’s whi...
Brass
$2,934 / item
Brass Trator Stool by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass Trator Stool by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 46 x D 44 x H 52 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum. About: Studio Orth is a multidis...
Metal
$1,437 / item
Mellow 50 Stool by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Mellow 50 Stool by Munna Dimensions: D 50 x W 50 x H 50 cm. SH: 50 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery. Available in all Munna fabrics except...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Rare French Modern Craftsman Stool / Chair Attr. to Garouste and Bonetti, 1988
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in New York, NY
A rare and unique stool or bench attributed to the French design team of Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti. Garouste and Bonetti are known for their original creations that are bold and dramatic and feature exquisite materials and craftsmanship. This rare creation demonstration is an exciting work of imagination and sensuosity while displaying beautiful materials and finishing. This post-modern object...
Brass, Wrought Iron