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.
$1,046 / item
Black Stool 01 by Iranzo
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Stool 01 by Iranzo Dimensions: D 68 x H 48 cm. Material: Epoxy resin & polypropylene Also available in: White - at the same price Light pink / Blue / Pastel green / Signa...
Epoxy Resin
$1,023 / item
Noel Counter Chair by Thorup Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
Noel Counter Chair by Thorup Copenhagen Dimensions: D 42 x W 50 x H 77 cm. Materials: Stainless steel, dark grey wool. Available in other colors. Please contact us. Thorup Copenhag...
Stainless Steel
$2,117 / item
Carla Teak Wood Stool by Heaps & Woods
Located in Geneve, CH
Carla 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 across its ...
Other
$535 / item
Powder Blue Cin Cin Stool by SLIDE Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Powder Blue Cin Cin Stool by SLIDE Studio Dimensions: Ø 32 x H 49 cm. Seat Height: 49 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 2 kg. Available in different color options. This product i...
Other
Blackened Brass Sculptural Log Stools – Set of 2 (Small & Large) by Misaya
By Masaya
Located in Geneve, CH
Blackened Brass Sculptural Log Stools – Set of 2 (Small & Large) by Misaya Dimensions: W22 x D27 x H44 cm (S), W38 x D34 x H33.5 (L)cm Materials: Brass Also Available: Different col...
Brass
Moroccan Pouf Upholstered Stool in Bold Colorful Floral Fabric
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Moroccan Art Deco Style pouf in bronze, red, orange, white and red psychedelic floral cut velvet and satin fabric upholstery in 1970s style. Modern contemporary round Morocc...
Fabric
$2,331 / item
Chouchou Cobalt Stool by Pulpo
Located in Geneve, CH
Chouchou cobalt stool by Pulpo. Dimensions: D35 x W30 x H43 cm. Materials: ceramic. Also available in different colours. Whether stool or storage table, piece of column...
Ceramic
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
$2,093 / 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
$9,422 / set
Set of 2 Bar Stools by Studio Nicolas Erauw
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 bar stools by Studio Nicolas Erauw. Unique piece. Limited Edition 1 of 1. Dimensions: - H 70 cm x Ø 33 cm - H 70 cmx Ø 35 cm Materials: Aluminum, wax dipped Par...
Aluminum
$2,407 / item
Brass Sculptural Log Stool - Large Size by Misaya
By Masaya
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass Sculptural Log Stool - Large Size by Misaya Dimensions: W38 x D34 x H33.5 cm Materials: Brass Also Available: Different colors (Gold, Polished Brass. Black, Painted Brass) and...
Brass
Michele De Lucchi FIRST Barstool, Metal, Memphis Design, Italy, 1995
Located in Tinton Falls, NJ
The FIRST Chair is an iconic and sculptural creations conceived by the Italian Architect/Designer Michele De Lucchi. He seems to be paying homage to Alexander Calder in the lightness...
Metal
$1,213 / item
High Ale Bar Stool by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
High Ale Bar Stool by Doimo Brasil Dimensions: W 55 x D 54 x H 107 cm Materials: Veneer, Leather, Soleta. With the intention of providing good taste and personality, Doimo deciphe...
Leather
$5,686 / item
Mirtillo Awaiting L Stool by Secondome Edizioni
Located in Geneve, CH
Mirtillo Awaiting L Stool by Secondome Edizioni Designer: Coralla Maiuri + Giorgia Zanellato. Dimensions: D 48 x W 48 x H 69 cm. Materials: Brass and velvet. Collection / Production...
Brass
$595Sale Price|30% Off
Postmodern Amisco Chair or Stool with Foam Back
Located in Miami, FL
Tubular steel frame in red lacquer with black foam back support and beige seat cushion by Amisco, Canada.
Steel
$808Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage chrome wire bar stools, 1980s - set of 4
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage postmodern bar stools with a white metal frame and grey skai seats. 1980s - Italy Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 108cm Width x depth: 46cm Seat height: 78cm Ref...
Metal
Arquivo Counter Stool by Rosana Sousa
Located in Geneve, CH
Arquivo Counter Stool by Rosana Sousa One Of A Kind Dimensions: D 42 x W 35,5 x H 67 cm. Materials: Oak and walnut. Every piece is one-of-a-kind due to the availability of raw mate...
Oak, Walnut
$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
$5,234 / item
Layered Steel Seat ii by Hyungshin Hwang
Located in Geneve, CH
Layered steel seat II by Hyungshin Hwang Dimensions: D 33 x W 54 x H 66 cm Materials: stainless steel Layered Series is the main theme and concept of work of Hwang, who continue...
Stainless Steel
Nobu Tanigawa "Nardis" Black Bar Stools with Back for Fasem Italy, Set of Two
By Fasem International, Nobu Tanigawa
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Post modern Nardis black stool by Nobu Tanigawa for Fasem. Nobu Tanigawa "Nardis" black bar stools for Fasem Italy, Set of Two. Pair of Nardis bar height stools with black rubber lik...
Steel
Fasem Italia Set of 3 postmodern bar stools by Nobu Tanigawa, 1990
By Fasem International, Nobu Tanigawa
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This set of three postmodern bar stools from Fasem Italia combines Italian design artistry of the 1990s with timeless aesthetics and high-quality craftsmanship. Designed by renowned ...
Chrome
$5,234 / item
Layered Steel Seat IV by Hyungshin Hwang
Located in Geneve, CH
Layered steel seat IV by Hyungshin Hwang Dimensions: D 33 x W 54 x H 81 cm Materials: stainless steel Layered Series is the main theme and concept of work of Hwang, who continue...
Stainless Steel
Stool by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Benetton
Located in Lugo, IT
Steel and leather stool Design by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Benetton 1980 88 Not perfect condition as pictured Thank you
Steel
Rare set of Three Michael 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 architect and designer Michael Graves. Graves often featured a modernist aesthetic wit...
Steel
Pair of Purple Postmodern Memphis Style Bar Stools, Italy 1980s
Located in Athens, Attiki
A pair of purple Postmodern Memphis style bar stools, Italy 1980s. Periwinkle purple lacquered steel with black moulded rubber seats and backs. Ver...
Metal
Stainless Steel, Horse Hair, Kutnu Fabric Lounge Stool by Studio Lugo
Located in Geneve, CH
Stainless Steel, Horse Hair, Kutnu Fabric Lounge Stool by Studio Lugo Dimensions: W 53 x D 40 x H 45 cm Materials: Stainless Steel, Horse Hair, Kutnu Fabric. Finishing: Matt Varnish....
Stainless Steel
$140Sale Price / item|20% Off
Four 1970s White Side Table by Olaf von Bohr for GEDY
Located in San Gabriel, 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
$2,962 / item
Imaginary Object Stool by Joana Teixeira
Located in Geneve, CH
Imaginary Object Stool by Joana Teixeira Limited Edition Dimensions: D 28 x W 35 x H 47 cm. Materials: Stainless steel. Joana Teixeira was born in Oporto and graduated in industria...
Stainless Steel
$2,224 / 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
Hexagonal Drumstool, Black Lacquer by Robert Kuo, Hand Repousse, Limited
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hexagonal drumstool Black lacquer Hand Repousse Limited Edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. Lacquer is a technique that dates back to the Shang dynasty, ...
Lacquer
$3,128 / item
Rubin Red Standard Plopp Stool by Zieta
By Zieta
Located in Geneve, CH
Rubin Red Standard Plopp Stool by Zieta Dimensions: Ø 35 x H 50 cm. Materials: Stainless steel. Finish: Rubin red. Available in different colors ...
Stainless Steel
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
$1,023 / item
Object 092 Stool by NG Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 092 Stool by NG Design Dimensions: W 43 x D 50 x H 110 cm Materials: Powder Coated Steel, Bouclé Fabric Also Available: All of objects available in different materials and co...
Steel
Large Pausa Oak Stool by Pierre-Emmanuel Vandeputte
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Pausa oak stool by Pierre-Emmanuel Vandeputte Dimensions: D 35 x W 35 x H 75 cm. Materials: Burned Oak. Available in natural oak version and in 3 sizes. Pausa is a series...
Oak
$2,022 / 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
$1,748 / item
Knot Solid Red Oak Stool by Luis Gimeno
Located in Geneve, CH
Knot Solid Red Oak Stool by Luis Gimeno Dimensions: D 33 x W 33 x H 45 cm Materials: Red oak. Available in Natural, Dark Brown, and Black colors. Please contact us. The Knot Stool ...
Oak
$83,752 / set
Set of 2 Run Through Me III Stools by the Async
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 run through Me III Stools by the Async Dimensions: D47 x W30 x W58 cm each Materials: Stainless Steel.
Stainless Steel
Contemporary Resin Stool or Side Table by Sabine Marcelis, matte, Ice Lavender
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sabine Marcelis’ new ice-lavender SOAP column stools in matte resin TYPE Freestanding table ENVIRONMENT Indoor MATERIAL Polyester resin FINISH mat...
Resin
$3,140 / item
Oak Root Stool by Daniel Elkayam
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak Root Stool by Daniel Elkayam One of a Kind Dimensions: D 30 x W 30 x H 45 cm Materials: Oak Wood Daniel Elkayam — Designer Jerusalem-born Art-de...
Oak
$2,355 / item
H Stool by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi
Located in Geneve, CH
H stool by Neil Nenner and Avihai Mizrahi Objects Dimensions: H 90 x L 42 x W 25 cm Seat height: 45cm Materials: Iron Avihai Mizrahi (b. 1979, ...
Iron
$1,748 / item
Knot Stool / Side Table by Luis Gimeno
Located in Geneve, CH
Knot Stool / Side Table by Luis Gimeno Dimensions: W 32 x D 32 x H 45 cm Materials: Solid Red Oak. The Knot Stool is a handcrafted piece made from red oak, features an interlocking ...
Oak
$2,117 / item
Nala Teak Wood Stool by Heaps & Woods
Located in Geneve, CH
Nala Teak Wood Stool by Heaps & Woods Dimensions: W 30 x D 30 x H 45 cm Materials: Teak wood A solid block of teak wood featuring an organic rippled texture hand-carved across its o...
Other
$2,200 / set
Post Modern Memphis Era Grey Oak Bar Stools
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Set of 3 Post-Modern era bar stools styled after Michele de Lucchi "First Chair" . Heavy and well crafted stools created in iron and wood with a grey cerused...
Iron
$3,093 / item
Fringes Counter Stool by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Fringes Counter Stool by Munna Dimensions: D 54 x W 57 x H 90 cm. SH: 70 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, nickel, and upholstery. Finish: Upholstery: Cotton Velvet, ref. Steel Blue, CV27. ...
Nickel
$3,771 / item
Strict Counter Stool by Veermakers
Located in Geneve, CH
Strict Counter Stool by Veermakers Dimensions: L 42 x H 82,5-65 cm. Materials: Oak Classic with a satin clear coat / Leather Shoulder Cognac. About: After years of successful colla...
Oak
ELEMENTOS Stool Set in Sandblasted Pine with Black Finish by Daniel Couttolenc
Located in Geneve, CH
ELEMENTOS Stool Set in Sandblasted Pine with Black Finish by Daniel Couttolenc. Overall Dimensions: D 168 x W 168 x H 168 cm. Individual Dimensions: D 42 x W 42 x H 42 cm. Materials:...
Pine
$2,093Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Postmodern Italian Round Bamboo Stools in the style of Agnoli
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s - 1970s. These rare stools feature a bamboo frame. They are vintage, therefore they might show slight traces of use, but they can be considered in mint condition...
Bamboo
Large Chrome Stools or Ottomans Attributed to Milo Baughman- A Pair
By Milo Baughman, Design Institute America, Karl Springer, Thayer Coggin
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Pair of vintage chrome stools or ottomans in the style of Milo Baughman. Featuring well constructed, heavy gauge chromed steel frames, and newer upholstered seats in a beautiful blus...
Chrome
Four Glamorous Brass and Grey Barstools, Midcentury, France, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Brass and grey barstools, midcentury, France, 1970s Beautiful restored brass barstools with grey corduroy top that swivels. Adds glamour to any room. Pi...
Brass
$1,296 / 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
$14,524 / item
Bold Sofa by Mohdern
Located in Geneve, CH
Bold Sofa by Mohdern Dimensions: W 268 x D 102 x H 76 cm Materials: Fabric, Bouclé Bold is a refined furniture collection designed and produced by the Mohdern brand. The series inc...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery
Orbis Stool & Side Table in Marble with Mirror Core by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Orbis Stool & Side Table in Marble with Mirror Core by Homa. Dimensions: W 40 x D 40 x H 50 cm Materials: Marble, Green and Honey Onyx. The image showcases the version in Green and...
Onyx, Marble
$1,760 / item
Fringes Stool by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Fringes Stool by Munna Dimensions: D 50 x W 50 x H 50 cm. SH: 50 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Upholstery: Cotton Velvet, ref. Steel ...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$2,117 / item
Bruna Teak Wood Stool by Heaps & Woods
Located in Geneve, CH
Bruna 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 across its ...
Other
Sculptural Wooden Ashanti Stool by Interior Craft
Located in Greensboro, NC
A post modern interpretation of African Ashanti Stools by American furniture company Interior Crafts. Very sturdy and sculptural. Reach out for alternate shipping quotes depending o...
Wood
Set of 2 Bar stools, black lacquer, black metal.Italy 1980s.
Located in Athens, Attiki
Set of 2 Bar stools, black lacquer, black metal.Italy 1980s. Beautiful design in excellent condition. The seats rotate 360* Price is for the set of 2.
Metal
Philippe Starck Mickville chair for Driade - Italy, 1985
Located in Naples, FL
Radical folding and transportable design by Starck. Suitable for use or as art pieces. Driade production 1985 France/Italy. In good vintage condition, minor scratches. A design of d...
Lacquer
$390Sale Price / set|40% Off
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
$1,760 / item
Fringes Stool by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Fringes 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 and fringes. ...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$3,081 / item
Split Stool by Temper Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Split Stool by Temper Studio Dimensions: D 36 x W 36 x H 65 cm. Materials: Wood. The Split Stool is a lightweight and sculptural piece designed to use as little material as possible...
Wood