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.
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
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Rodney Kinsman Tokyo Stool for Bieffelplast, Italy 1980s
By Bieffeplast, Rodney Kinsman
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
$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
$5,042 / item
Layered Steel Seat XVII by Hyungshin Hwang
Located in Geneve, CH
Layered steel seat XVII by Hyungshin Hwang Dimensions: D 30 x W 51 x H 108 cm Materials: stainless steel Layered Series is the main theme and concept of work of Hwang, who conti...
Stainless Steel
$3,025 / 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
$2,017 / 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
Contemporary Gold Arch Stool with Brass Finish by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Contemporary Gold Arch Stool with Brass Finish by Pietro Franceschini. Dimensions: W 54 x L 31.5 x H 43 cm. Materials: steel with brass finish. This listing features the Gold Arch S...
Brass, Steel
$2,017 / item
Object 02 Violet Seating by Volta
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 02 Violet Seating by Volta Dimensions: D 45 x W 40 x H 95 cm Materials: Cork and Velvet Also available in diffentent colours. Please contact us. MEÏ COLLECTION The Meï ...
Velvet, Cork
$1,501 / item
Object 01 Marron Seating by Volta
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 01 marron 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 ...
Velvet, Cork
$1,123 / item
Small Pouf! Leather Stool by Nestor Perkal
Located in Geneve, CH
Small pouf! leather stool by Nestor Perkal Dimensions: W 45 x D 39 x H 40 cm Materials: Leather, poplar plywood, suede. Available in other colors and in ...
Leather, Suede, Poplar, Plywood
$1,375 / 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
Fringes Stool in Light Blue Cotton Velvet Upholstery by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Fringes Stool in Light Blue 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
Airisto Side Table, Stained Black by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Airisto side table, black by Made By Choice with Joanna Laajisto Dimensions: D35 x H45 cm Materials: solid ash. Finishes: natural ash / painted black Also available: natural & custom order. The Airisto collection’s furnishings are multifunctional – they can be used as a side table, stool and a bench. The natural ash accents the beautiful features of the wood. In addition to the light wood, the other colour option is stained black, which highlights the shape of the product, representative to Laajisto’s work. ”A good product has to fit in different environments from the modern and minimalist to rich and classical,” explains Laajisto. The simple and modest design language of the Airisto furniture emphasizes the asymmetric shape of the foot structure. About Made by Choice: Nordic Happiness. Nordic Happiness is our grand theme and guiding star. Studies show that Nordic people are among the happiest on Earth. Nordic happiness is composed of authentic values and sustainable choices. The vision of Choice is based on the added value of collective creation while promoting sustainable Nordic values through authentic design. Rooted in the traditions of Finnish woodworks, Made by Choice is a creative powerhouse of collaborative thinkers, believers and makers, establishing a global brand for the 21st century. Committed to producing durable, bold and innovative designs, we combine contemporary woodworking methods and modern technology. Halikko is home to our 4000 square metre campus where we turn abstract concepts into tangible objects. Our team in our office in Helsinki coordinates all operations and installations. Made by Choice's agile, purpose driven approach means all new products are developed on demand, for a specific project and need, and carries the authentic story of it's reason of existence. Our products are developed and manufactured at our own factory in south-western Finland by some of the best craftsmen in the world. Choice is inspired by heritage and Nordic urban...
Wood, Ash
Set of Four Vintage Postmodern Swiveling Bar Stools in Oak and Tawny Bouclé
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Durable, functional, and stylish set of four bar stools in oak with tawny bouclé seats and back rests (ca. 1980s, USA). Rectangular, boxy frame with sled base for added stability and...
Bouclé, Oak
Rare set of Three Michael C. Graves Bent Wood and Steel Barstools
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare set of three steam-bent maple wood and steel framed post modern barstools designed by NYC designer Michael C. Graves. Graves often featured a modernist aesthetic with bentwood,...
Steel
$2,600Sale Price|25% Off
Charles Hollis Jones Lucite and Chromed Steel Vanity Swivel Stool, c 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking 1970s Lucite vanity stool by Charles Hollis Jones, the celebrated “Mister Lucite” whose innovative designs helped define the Hollywood Regency aesthetic. This sculptural p...
Chrome
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
$1,008 / item
Brutus Stool by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
Brutus stool by 101 Copenhagen Designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Dimensions: L 60 / W 30 /H 54 cm Materials: fiber concrete Inspired...
Concrete
$4,698 / item
L'ecorce Bar Stool in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
L'ecorce Bar Stool in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 50 x D 46 x H 81 cm. Materials: Solid oak Wood, fabric. This listing features our L'ecorce Bar Stool expertly crafted...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
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
$3,800 / set
Swedish Designer, Stools, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine stools designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Seat height: 17” seat width and depth: 12”
Pine
Fringes Stool in Pink Cotton Velvet Upholstery by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Fringes Stool in Pink Cotton Velvet Upholstery by Munna Dimensions: D 50 x W 50 x H 50 cm. SH: 50 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotto...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Efebo Stacking Stool by Stacy Dukes for Artemide, Italy post modern, 4 avail
By Artemide, Stacy Dukes
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
$11,231 / item
Stool I by Gentner Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Stool I by Gentner Design Dimensions: D 29 x H 43 cm Materials: brass, silicone tubes A stool made of brass and silicone tubes. Gentner Design ...
Brass
Post-Modern Style stool, black solid wood, cane 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
$767 / item
Mocca September Bar Stool by Oxdenmarq
Located in Geneve, CH
Mocca September Bar Stool by OxDenmarq Dimensions: D 38 x W 42 x H 93 cm Materials: leather, black powder coated steel Also available: different colors available. Ox Denmarq is...
Steel
$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
$7,059 / item
Black Layered Oak Wood Seat by Hyungshin Hwang
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Layered oak wood seat by Hyungshin Hwang Dimensions: D 33 x W 54 x H 120 cm Materials: ebonized red oak Layered Series is the main theme and c...
Oak
$2,017 / item
Object 02 Noir Seating by Volta
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 02 noir seating by Volta Dimensions: D 45 x W 40 x H 95 cm Materials: Cork and Velvet Also available in diffentent colours. Please contact us. MEÏ COLLECTION The Meï co...
Velvet, Cork
$2,463 / item
Large Pouf! Leather Stool by Nestor Perkal
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Pouf! leather stool by Nestor Perkal Dimensiones: W 101 x D 85 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
$1,480Sale Price / set|20% Off
1980s Waterfall Benches in a Green Moire Fabric in the Style of Karl Springer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A really nice pair of waterfall benches that will compliment any room. The green moire fabric is in wonderful shape. We can also upholster th...
Upholstery
Set of 3 Mid Century Post Modern Black Metal Frame Bar Stools by Cal Style
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautifully designed Post-Modern set of three bar stools produced by Cal-Style in the early 1990's. These feature black powder coat frames with white seat cushions. Fabric is soile...
Metal
Stool & Side Table, Convex, Black Lacquered Wood, Post-Modern, Panorammma
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Two hand-turned wooden pieces with an elegant piano polish inform an imaginative play as sculptural stools or side table sets. Directly referencing chess pieces, these stools luidica...
Resin, Wood
$1,386 / item
txt.13 High Stool by Txt.Ure
Located in Geneve, CH
txt.13 Stool by Txt.Ure Dimensions: Ø 56 x H 50 cm. Materials: Tulle natural fiber with natural finish. For indoor and outdoor use (under covered spaces). Please contact us. Txt. ure was the first design project to reintroduce the Mexican weaving...
Other
$4,022 / item
Elk Antler Leather Seat Bar Stool by The Peak Antler
Located in Geneve, CH
Elk Antler Leather Seat Bar Stool by The Peak Antler Chair Dimensions: D 43.18 x H 76.20 cm Materials: naturally shed antlers, leather Based in, produced and shipped from the US. P...
Antler, Leather
Pair of Enrique Garcel Bone-Clad Stools or Benches, Karl Springer Style, 1980s
By Karl Springer, Enrique Garcel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stylish pair of Enrique Garcel tessellated bone benches. Use them in the living room, or a bedroom. Separate them and use one in a foyer and another in the ...
Bone, Fabric, Resin
$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
$1,134 / item
Foot Stool in Black by Project 213A
Located in Geneve, CH
Foot stool in black by Project 213A Dimensions: D 30 x W 30 x H 26.5 cm Materials: Chestnut wood. This playful design is inspired by a classic milking stool, and has a fun twis...
Chestnut
$280Sale Price|20% Off
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
$1,249 / item
Maçka Bar Stool, Brushed Stainless Steel by AVLU
Located in Geneve, CH
Maçka Bar Stool, Brushed Stainless Steel by AVLU Dimensions: W 50 x D 44 x H 99 cm Materials: Brushed Stainless Steel or Powder Coated Metal Structure with custom upholstery. Refer...
Metal, Stainless Steel
$1,890 / item
Unique Arch Square Stool by Mesut Öztürk
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique arch square stool by Mesut Öztürk. Dimensions: W 20 x D 20 x H 40 cm. Materials: stoneware. "Arch stools are sculptural furnitures derived ...
Stoneware
Pair of Postmodern Bar Stools by Indecasa designed by Joan Casas, Spain 1980s
By Indecasa
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of minimalist postmodern Bar Stools designed by Joan Casas for Indecasa. They feature walnut plywood seats attached to aluminum stands. Made in S...
Aluminum
Pair of foldable stools by Calligaris, 1990s
By Calligaris
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Pair of tripod foldable bar stools by Calligaris made from black lacquered wooden bases and blue velvet upholstery 1990s - Italy Good condition wi...
Velvet, Wood
$1,280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Nobu Tanigawa "Nardis" Chrome Bar Stools for Fasem Italy, Set of Two
By Nobu Tanigawa, Fasem International
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
Burned and Black Stained Solid Pine Ousia Stool by Sizar Alexis
By Sizar Alexis
Located in Geneve, CH
Burned and Black Stained Solid Pine Ousia Stool by Sizar Alexis Dimensions: W 48 x D 28 x H 28 cm Materials: Burned and Black Stained Solid Pine. About: Sizar Alexis is a Swedish-...
Pine
Scandinavian Stools in Pine with Geometric Tops 1970s
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Stools or side tables, pine, Scandinavia, 1970s This beautiful set of stools, crafted from natural pine wood, showcases a striking combination of geometric shapes and a rich, patina...
Pine
German Black Kreuzschwinger Kitchen Barstool by Till Behrens, 1980s
By Till Behrens
Located in Hamburg, DE
An original Till Behrens Kreuzschwinger kitchen stools or bar stools in a rare black version.Elegant design classic by Prof. … Read more An...
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 Stool, Hand-Carved Mexican Ice Onyx Marble, Panorammma
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Cult stool / side table; a hand sculpted stone from an incredibly particular stone; Mexican Ice Onyx, remits to primal sculptural-architectural language while displaying materials in...
Onyx
$1,375 / item
Single Block Wood Faces Stool by Taller Batán
Located in Geneve, CH
Single Block Wood Faces Stool by Taller Batán Dimensions: W 30 x D 30 x H 45 cm Materials: Single block wood. Finishes: White cedar, blackened cedar (yakisugi), encino (mexican oak...
Wood
American Designer, Stools, Pine, Brass, Mohair, USA, 1980s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of dark-stained pine, brass and mohair stools designed and produced in the US, c. 1980s. Dimensions: 31.25” H x 16” W x 15.375” D
Brass
$3,346 / item
Assento Stool by Macheia
Located in Geneve, CH
Assento Stool by Macheia Handmade In Portugal. Dimensions: D 55 x W 75 x H 40 cm. Materials: Natural dried bulrush and galvanized iron. Inspired by Tanho, the most iconic piece of the Bunho technique, Assento is a hybrid between a sitting stool and a side table. The bulrush spiral extends into a metal arc that embraces the wheel into the metal structure. The low seat’s organic shape represents a release from the spiraling motion of the wheel. The Collection zooms in the Bunho technique - a unique portuguese basketry technique that shapes the natural fiber Bulrush (Schoenoplectrus Palla), into a intricate mesh of knots and stitches. Nowadays, the Bunho technique is kept by the hands and know-how of only two artisans in Europe, One of them is Manuel Ferreira...
Other, Iron
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
$4,950 / item
Aro Stool by Gabriela Campos
Located in Geneve, CH
Aro Stool by Gabriela Campos Dimensions: D 55 x W 55 x H 62 cm. Materials: Freijó wood with imbuia finish and hand-painted fabric. The essence of this capsule of 4 pieces is a dialo...
Fabric, Wood
$810 / item
Kawung Wood & Metal Counter Stool in Teak
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
Trio Vintage Design Institute America Counter Height Bar Stools Steel Frames
By Milo Baughman, Design Institute America
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the United States, these feature a somewhat ambiguous history. They have been credited to Design Institute America, a somewhat ambiguous manufacturer itself, and...
Steel
$960Sale Price / set|20% Off
Postmodern Memphis Style Bar Stools, Italy 1980s, a Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of bar height Italian post modern bar chairs inspired by Memphis Milano. Made of black lacquered steel with black moulded rubber seats and ...
Steel
Mellow 70 Stool in Light Pink Cotton Velvet Upholstery by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Mellow 70 Stool in Light Pink Cotton Velvet Upholstery by Munna Dimensions: D 70 x W 70 x H 50 cm. SH: 50 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery....
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$140Sale Price / item|20% Off
Four 1970s White Side Table by Olaf von Bohr for GEDY
Located in Los Angeles, CA
16” high x 16.5” wide x 10.5” deep Space Age 4-Legged Stool or Side Table by Olaf von Bohr for GEDY. Made in Italy. Four available and sold separately. Each have light wear consiste...
Plastic