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.
Tecton Stool in Travertine or Teak by Félix Millory for Monitillo 1980
Located in Geneve, CH
Tecton Stool in Travertine or Teak by Félix Millory for Monitillo 1980. Dimensions: W 45 x D 45 x H 44 cm. Materials: Travertine and Teak wood. This stool is available in a selectio...
Travertine
$1,729 / 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
Stone Heart Travertine Stool by Harshita Jhamtani Designs
Located in Geneve, CH
Stone Heart Travertine Stool by Harshita Jhamtani Designs Dimensions: D 30.5 x H 45.7 cm Materials: Travertine. Handcrafted from beige and red travertine, this unique ottoman/end ta...
Travertine
$2,224 / item
Charlotte Counter Stool by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Charlotte Counter Stool by Munna Dimensions: D 47 x W 46 x H 82 cm. SH: 70 cm. Materials: Solid wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Upholstery: Twill FR, ref. Raspberry, TFR11...
Brass
$1,824 / item
Bermuda Triangle Stool by Odditi
Located in Geneve, CH
Bermuda Triangle Stool by Odditi Dimensions: D 42 x H 46 cm Materials: Petrified Wood Sculpted Seat, Limestone Composite, Steel Base The ‘Bermuda Triangle’ sculptural stool features...
Limestone, Steel
$1,012 / item
Noel Bar Chair by Thorup Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
Noel Bar Chair by Thorup Copenhagen Dimensions: D 43.5 x W 51 x H 89 cm. Materials: Stainless steel, fair grey wool. Available in other colors. Please contact us. Thorup Copenhagen...
Stainless Steel
$1,000 / set
Memphis style bar stools, 1980s - set of 4
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 4 red lacquered metal bar stools with black fabric seat pads. Cool memphis style chairs. 1980s - Italy Good overall condition Dimensions: Height: 78cm Diameter: 40cm Ref....
Metal
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
$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
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 All upholstered furniture can be reupholste...
Brass
Vintage Cube Upholstered Stools Moroccan Ottomans, Poufs, a Pair
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pair of gold cube upholstery ottomans, Poufs. Upholstered stools, use them as extra seats, ottomans, stools. Light and easy to move around. Moroccan hassock, upholstered footstool or...
Fabric
Mohair and Walnut Stools by Karl Springer, C. 1980s
Located in Westport, CT
An exceptional set of vintage 1980s stools by Karl Springer, fully restored by the team at Stamford Modern. Newly reupholstered in luxurious navy blue mohair, these sculptural stools...
Mohair, Walnut
$5,825 / item
Romy Stool by Haymann Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Romy Stool by Haymann Editions Dimensions: D 56 x W 60 x H 45 cm. Materials: Upholstery, wood. Available in different fabrics. This set of seats wit...
Upholstery, Wood
Post-Modern Waterfall Lucite Vanity Stool or Bench with Off White Leather Seat
Located in San Diego, CA
Super high quality post-modern waterfall lucite vanity stool or bench with off white leather seat, circa 1970s. The bench is in very good vintage condition with 1" thick lucite base;...
Lucite, Leather
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
Uri Stool, Ikea, 1995
By IKEA
Located in Firenze, IT
Stool, model Uri, designed by Per Idar Ledang in 1995 for Ikea. It features a cushion upholstered in blue velvet and distinctive wave paws, iconic of the postmodern style.
Steel
$5,177 / 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
$5,177 / item
Layered Steel Seat XV by Hyungshin Hwang
Located in Geneve, CH
Layered steel seat XV by Hyungshin Hwang Dimensions: D 37 x W 60 x H 84 cm Materials: stainless steel Layered Series is the main theme and concept of work of Hwang, who continue...
Stainless Steel
$929 / item
Vibe Sofa Stool by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
Vibe Sofa Stool by DAaZ Dimensions: D 55 x W 85 x H 41 cm. Materials: Fabric, albizzia wood. DAaZ Furniture honors the spirit of adventure. We embrace the escape of the ordinary an...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Asthila Stool in Solid Ash Wood with Lacquer by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Asthila Stool in Solid Ash Wood with Lacquer by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 49 x D 44 x H 44 cm. Materials: Solid ash wood, Lacquer. This listing features our Asthila Stool in solid ash...
Wood, Hardwood, Ash, Lacquer
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
Artisan Stool in French Oak & Zinc Shorn Shearling by Paloma Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Artisan Stool in French Oak & Zinc Shorn Shearling by Paloma Editions Dimensions: D 30,5 x W 45,7 x H 45,7 cm. Materials: French Oak & Zinc Shorn Shearling. The Artisan Stoo...
Oak, Sheepskin
$788 / item
Cognac September Bar Stool by Ox Denmarq
Located in Geneve, CH
Cognac September Bar Stool by Ox Denmarq Dimensions: D 38 x W 42 x H 93 cm Materials: Leather, Black Powder Coated Steel Also Available: Different colors available, OX DENMARQ ...
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
Kalle Langsjö, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool, designed and produced by Kalle Langsjö, Sweden, c. 1970s.
Pine
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
$1,941 / item
Sass Natural Stool by Riccardo Monte
Located in Geneve, CH
Sass Natural Stool by Riccardo Monte Dimensions: D 33 x W 35 x H 39 cm. Materials: Oak. Riccardo Monte is a creative studio based in the Italian Alps. With the vision of creating a ...
Oak
$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
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
Italian Postmodern Ulisse Folding Stool by Ivan Loss for Sandrigarden, 1980s
By Ivan Loss
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern folding stool from the Italian manufacturer Sandrigard after a design by Ivan Loss from the 80s. An elegant and extremely functional design. The stool can be used as a wa...
Metal
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
$529 / 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
$2,071 / 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
$1,165 / 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
$21,747 / item
Gradient 01 Stool / Side Table by Luis Gimeno
Located in Geneve, CH
Gradient 01 Stool / Side Table by Luis Gimeno Dimensions: W 40 x D 40 x H 50 cm Materials: Black Stained Oak, Chestnut Wood, Ash Wood and Beech Wood. The idea behind this design wa...
Oak, Wood, Chestnut
Gradient 01 Oak, Chestnut, Ash and Beech Wood Stool by Luis Gimeno
Located in Geneve, CH
Gradient 01 Oak, Chestnut, Ash, and Beech Wood Stool by Luis Gimeno Dimensions: D 40 x W 40 x H 50 cm Materials: Black stained Oak, Chestnut, Ash, Beech. The idea behind this design...
Oak, Ash, Beech, Chestnut
$5,625 / 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
Nobu Tanigawa "Nardis" Black Bar Stools with Back for Fasem Italy, Set of Two
By Nobu Tanigawa, Fasem International
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
$2,094 / 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 ...
Other
Large Chrome Stools or Ottomans Attributed to Milo Baughman- A Pair
By Karl Springer, Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin, Design Institute America
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
1980s Sculptural Italian Postmodern Faux Tan Suede Bar Stools – a Pair
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a stylish, unique pair of bar stools, circa the 1980s. These vintage barstools are a nod to Italian postmodernism, showcasing a distinct architectural p...
Faux Leather
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
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
$19,676 / item
Otto Signed Stool by Rockstool Paris
Located in Geneve, CH
Otto Signed Stool by Rockstool Paris Limited edition of 15 + 5 AP per color Dimensions: W 75 x D 60 x H 55 cm Materials: Stoneware Available in different colors and sizes, please co...
Stone, Other
$2,000 / 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
Post Modern Milo Baughman Parsons Style Bench in Ivory White Bouclé, circa 1980s
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A most alluring Milo Baughman Parsons style Post Modern bench newly reupholstered in super soft and inviting ivory bouclé. The Parsons style in upholstery - consisting of covering every surface with upholstery - not only exudes upper crust elegance but also delivers exquisite comfort from top to bottom. Whether in a dressing room, bedroom, bathroom next to a large bathtub, or in an Entry or Vestibule, this Post Modern Parsons style bench...
Bouclé, Upholstery
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
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
$4,919 / item
Layered Steel Seat XVI by Hyungshin Hwang
Located in Geneve, CH
Layered steel seat XVI by Hyungshin Hwang. Dimensions: D 33 x W 54 x H 54 cm. Materials: stainless steel. Layered Series is the main theme and concept of work of Hwang, who cont...
Stainless Steel
Set of Four Solid Pine Bar Stools or Benches, The Netherlands, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Set of Four Solid Pine Bar Stools or Benches, The Netherlands, 1970s – Late 20th Century This set of four sculptural bar stools or benches was crafted in solid pine in the Netherlan...
Pine
$1,318 / item
Stam Stool by Mingardo
Located in Geneve, CH
Stam stool by Mingardo Dimensions: D 37 x W 36.5 x H 46.5 cm Materials: Bent metal tube structure and natural brass seat Weight: 12 kg Also available in different finishes. ...
Metal, Brass
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
$6,119 / item
Arco Stool by Gabriela Campos
Located in Geneve, CH
Arco Stool by Gabriela Campos Dimensions: D 45 x W 60 x H 62 cm. Materials: Freijó wood with imbuia finish and hand-painted fabric. The essence of this cap...
Fabric, Wood
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
Releve Stool in Matte Lacquered Sapele with Mohair Upholstery by Vonnegut Kraft
Located in Geneve, CH
Releve Stool in Matte Lacquered Sapele with Mohair Upholstery by Vonnegut Kraft Dimensions: D 35,6 x W 53,3 x H 44,5 cm. Materials: Sapele and mohair up...
Mohair, Sapele Wood
$2,694 / item
Oak and Walnut Bình Minh Barstool by ONON DETAILS
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak and Walnut Bình Minh Barstool by ONON DETAILS Dimensions: W 66 x D 64 x H 89 cm. Materials: Walnut, Oak. ONON Details furnitures are chosen by famous design brand, domestic an...
Oak, Walnut
$4,365 / item
Radical Postmodern Lacquered Green Barstool Poderío
By Moanne
Located in Almería, ES
True confidence doesn’t ask for attention—it commands it. The Poderío Barstool embodies that quiet authority. With its cylindrical form and assertive geometry, it stands grounded, fi...
Wood, Lacquer
$5,177 / item
Layered Steel Seat VI by Hyungshin Hwang
Located in Geneve, CH
Layered steel seat VI by Hyungshin Hwang. Dimensions: D 33 x W 51 x H 93 cm. Materials: stainless steel. Layered Series is the main theme and concept of work of Hwang, who conti...
Stainless Steel
$1,600 / item
Black Pier Bar Stool by Resident
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Pier Bar Stool by Resident Dimensions: W 46 x D 42.8 x H 107 cm Materials: Solid Oak. Weight: 8.2 Kg. About: Founded by Simon James & Scott Bridgens in 2011, Resident is the ...
Leather, Oak