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.
Monolit Stool & Side Table in Silver Modular Mirror Glass Bricks by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Monolit Stool & Side Table in Silver Modular Mirror Glass Bricks by Homa. Dimensions: W 30 x D 30 x H 40 cm Unit Size: W 15 x D 15 x 40 cm (each). Materials: Glass Bricks, Silver Mi...
Mirror, Glass
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
$959 / item
Saffron Yellow Threebù Stool by Marcantonio
Located in Geneve, CH
Saffron Yellow Threebù Stool by Marcantonio Dimensions: D 45 x W 45 x H 45 cm. Seat Height: 45 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 4 kg. Also available in biobased polyethylene of ...
Other
Rakis Taburet Stool in Black Vulcan Stoneware Clay by Catalin Filip
Located in Geneve, CH
Rakis Taburet Stool in Black Vulcan Stoneware Clay by Catalin Filip. Dimensions: W 30 x D 30 x H 40 cm. Materials: Black Vulcan Stoneware Clay with textu...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$1,579 / item
Txt.02 Stool by Txt.Ure
Located in Geneve, CH
Txt.02 stool by Txt. Ure Dimensions: Ø 64 x H 40 cm. Materials: Tulle natural fiber with natural finish. For interior and exterior use (under covered spaces). Txt. ure was the first design project to reintroduce the Mexican weaving...
Other
$4,938 / item
Leather Tella Bar Stool by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Leather Tella Bar Stool by Madheke Dimensions: D 47.1 x W 41.1 x H 92.8 cm. Materials: Sculptural retro-inspired design, Double-cushioned leather seat with curved backrest, Sleek met...
Metal
$13,504 / item
Max Stool in Kvadrat Hero 2 Fabric by Julien Lestrille
Located in Geneve, CH
Max Stool in Kvadrat Hero 2 Fabric by Julien Lestrille. Dimensions: W 62 x D 50 x H 45 cm. Materials: Wood, Kvadrat Hero 2 Fabric. The upholstery is available in several color choices of Kvadrat Hero 2, allowing for a personalized finish that perfectly complements your interior. Inspired by cartoon characters, the Max collection brings out the child within us. Its design reflects a bold spirit — one that explores volume, plays with balance, and transforms an everyday object into a showcase of craftsmanship. Its solidity, strong presence, and playful touch make it a unique piece that draws the eye while remaining fully functional. Composed of upholstered panels, Max celebrates the meticulous work of master upholsterers. It is designed to highlight textiles and showcase their texture and richness, turning the piece into a true stage for materials. Julien Lestrille is a designer. A graduate of the Strate School of Design, he has developed expertise in furniture design through collaborations with prestigious studios such as Gilles & Boissier, Bruno Moinard...
Upholstery, Wood
Silver Round Stainless Steel Post Modern Bar 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
$2,317 / 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
$1,999Sale Price / set|20% Off
1980s Postmodern Memphis Style Bar Stools
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage pair of Post-modern barstools for sale. Memphis style from the 1980s, and in excellent condition. They have a black metal frame and have been professionally reupholstered in ...
Metal
$11,585 / item
Hand-Carved Oak Edition Lounge Stool by Studio Lugo
Located in Geneve, CH
Hand-Carved Oak Edition Lounge Stool by Studio Lugo Dimensions: W 53 x D 40 x H 45 cm Materials: Oak, Stainless Steel, Horse Hair, Kutnu Fabric. Finishing: Matt Varnish. Weight: 18 k...
Stainless Steel
Sweet Fuchsia Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo
Located in Geneve, CH
Sweet Fuchsia Pandoro Stool by Gianni Arnaudo Dimensions: D 47 x W 47 x H 42 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 3 kg. Available in different color options. This product is suitabl...
Other
$3,183 / item
Arches Bar Stool by InsidherLand
Located in Geneve, CH
Arches Bar Stool by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 57 x W 55 x H 112 cm. Materials: Black lacquered wood, polished brass, InsidherLand Smooth Velvet Ref. ...
Brass
80s Postmodern Lacquered Wood & Vegan Leather Barstool Radical
By Moanne
Located in Almería, ES
Rebellion isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it takes shape in silence—in the refusal to blend in, in the geometry that breaks the mold. The Radical Counter Stool is just that: a visual m...
Wood, Faux Leather, Lacquer
Zitō Unique Sculptural Stool in Solid Oak Wood & Stone by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Zitō Unique Sculptural Stool in Solid Oak Wood & Stone by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 30 x W 30 x H 60 cm. Materials: Travertine. Available in different finishes and m...
Stone
$2,083 / 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 ...
Other
Bellissimo Low Stool in Travertine by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Bellissimo Low Stool in Travertine by Pietro Franceschini. Dimensions: Ø 44 x H 43.5 cm Materials: Travertine. This listing features the Bellissimo Low Stool in its travertine versi...
Travertine
$5,020 / item
Wave Stool & Side Table III by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Wave Stool & Side Table III by Homa. Dimensions: W 30 x D 23 x H 36 cm. Materials: Blown Glass. Colour: Burgundy. Formed through an experimental glassblowing process, each Wav...
Blown Glass
$854 / item
Slay Stool by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
Slay Stool by DAaZ Dimensions: D 33 x W 80 x H 47 cm. Materials: Ash wood, fabric. DAaZ Furniture honors the spirit of adventure. We embrace the escape of the ordinary and revel in...
Wood, Fabric
$10,813 / item
Ebonized Mahogany Stool by Michael Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Ebonized Mahogany Stool by Michael Wilson Dimensions: W 83.82 x D 39.37 x H 53.34 cm Materials: mahogany The Michael Wilson Studio was founded in the fall of 2000. The Japanese-Amer...
Other
$14,289 / 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
$912 / item
Lime Green Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto
Located in Geneve, CH
Lime Green Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 58 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 7 kg. Available in different color options. This product is suitable...
Other
$7,208 / item
Classic Travertine Unfilled Chunky Stool by Etamorph
Located in Geneve, CH
Classic Travertine Unfilled Chunky Stool by Etamorph Dimensions: Ø 36 x H 46 cm. Materials: Classic Travertine Unfilled. Chunky stands as a sculptural masterpiece. The variation of ...
Stone, Travertine
$5,020 / item
Wave Stool & Side Table VI by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Wave Stool & Side Table VI by Homa. Dimensions: W 29 x D 30 x H 45 cm. Materials: Blown Glass. Colour: Burgundy. Formed through an experimental glassblowing process, each Wave St...
Blown Glass
$5,792 / item
Wave Stool & Side Table IX by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Wave Stool & Side Table IX by Homa. Dimensions: W 30 x D 30 x H 45 cm. Materials: Blown Glass, Silver Mirror. Colour: Satin. Formed through an experimental glassblowing process, ...
Blown Glass, Mirror
$2,059 / 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: Mild steel powder coated. 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...
Steel
$3,600Sale Price / set|40% Off
Amazing Post modern Set of 3 stools Made from Solid color plexiglass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Amazing Unique Post modern set of Stools in solid color fabricated plexiglass. Beautiful 3 Stools very colorful large solid joined plexiglass Very Unique. (1) blue (1) green and (1) ...
Plexiglass, Acrylic, Lucite
A Pair of MID-CENTURY-MODERN STOOL, in style of MARCEL GASCOIN, France 1950
By Pierre Chapo, Charlotte Perriand
Located in PARIS, FR
An interesting pair (from a set of 4 pieces) Modern stools, Mid-Century-Modern, Modernist, Constructivist, Free Form, architectural "Compas" wood structures with slightly round and b...
Wood
$854 / item
Radical Design White Bouclé Stool Furia
By Moanne
Located in Almería, ES
There’s a fire that doesn’t need to roar to be felt—an inner intensity that simmers beneath the surface. The Furia Stool captures that quiet force. With its soft, rounded body and as...
Bouclé
$5,149 / 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
$2,317 / item
Burnt Black D Tables / Stools by Touch With Eyes
Located in Geneve, CH
Burnt Black D Tables / Stools by Touch With Eyes Dimensions: W 30 x D 30 x H 45 cm Materials: Wood washed out by the sea. Weight: 20 Kg. The black tables were made of wood washed o...
Wood
Natural White Ash Lineground no. 2 Counter Stool by A. Jacob Marks
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural Walnut Lineground no. 2 Counter Chair by SKRAM Dimensions: W 51 x D 53 x H 91 cm. Materials: Natural Walnut. LC4 The lineground no. 2 stools are offered in 2 models for coun...
Walnut
$3,042 / item
Fringes Bar Stool by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Fringes Bar Stool by Munna Dimensions: D 54 x W 57 x H 100 cm. SH: 80 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, nickel, and upholstery. Finish: Upholstery: Cotton Velvet, ref. Steel Blue, CV27. Fri...
Nickel
$2,211 / item
Saddlestool Backless Stool/Perch by A. Jacob Marks
Located in Geneve, CH
Saddlestool Backless Stool/Perch by A. Jacob Marks Dimensions: W 37 x D 39 x H 52 cm. Materials: Natural Walnut. SDA Also available in different materials. Saddlestool is a backle...
Walnut
$4,166 / item
Wax Aluminum Stool by Saturday Yard Work
Located in Geneve, CH
Wax Aluminum Stool by Saturday Yard Work Dimensions: D 40 x W 40 x H 58 cm Materials: Aluminium. SATURDAY YARD WORK by Nathan Martin is a Kaurna/Adelaide-based practice that aims to...
Aluminum
$5,020 / item
Metate Stainles Steel Stool by David Del Valle
Located in Geneve, CH
Metate Stainles Steel Stool by David Del Valle Dimensions: D 40 x W 40 x H 40 cm. Materials: Stainless steel. Available in polished or brushed finish...
Stainless Steel
$3,709 / 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
Travertino Rosso Contemporary Honed Marble Stool by Angelo Alinea
Located in Geneve, CH
Travertino Rosso 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...
Marble
Set of 8 Galva Steel Outdoor Chairs by Atelier Thomas Serruys
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 8 Galva steel outdoor chairs by Atelier Thomas Serruys Dimensions: H 74.5 cm, W 43cm, D 64cm Materials: Galvanized steel. Steel chai...
Steel
$890Sale Price / item|35% Off
Penguin Bar Stool by Franco V, Hand-Crafted Steel & Carrara Marble
By Franco V
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Meticulously hand-crafted, this striking piece features a powder coated steel frame, Carrara marble seat and footrest. Seamlessly blending function with art, Its design draws inspi...
Carrara Marble, Steel
$5,593 / item
Rose Thé Awaiting H Stool by Secondome Edizioni
Located in Geneve, CH
Rose Thé Awaiting H Stool by Secondome Edizioni Designer: Coralla Maiuri + Giorgia Zanellato. Dimensions: D 40 x W 65 x H 60 cm. Materials: Brass and velvet....
Brass
$1,404 / item
Single Block Wood Batan C Stool by Taller Batán
Located in Geneve, CH
Single Block Wood Batan C Stool by Taller Batán Dimensions: W 35 x D 35 x H 45 cm Materials: Single block wood. Finishes: White cedar, blackened cedar (yakisugi), encino (mexican o...
Wood
Saffron Yellow Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Saffron Yellow Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 43 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 4 kg. Available in different color options. This product is suita...
Other
$19,824 / item
Gradient 03 Stool / Side Table by Luis Gimeno
Located in Geneve, CH
Gradient 03 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...
Wood, Chestnut, Oak
A MID-CENTURY-MODERN Hand Crafted BRUTALIST Tripod STOOL, France 1950
By Charles Dudouyt, Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Chapo
Located in PARIS, FR
A tripod stool, Modernist, Brutalist, Rustic-Modern, Forme-Libre, massive circular hand sculpted wood top, on 3 thin streamlined wood legs, to be attributed, France 1950. This is a ...
Wood
ELEMENTOS Fire Stool Sandblasted Pine with Natural Finish by Daniel Couttolenc
Located in Geneve, CH
ELEMENTOS Fire Stool in Sandblasted Pine with Natural Finish by Daniel Couttolenc Dimensions: D 42 x W 42 x H 42 cm. Materials: Sandblasted Pine. Fire is movement, energy ascending....
Pine
Vintage Veneman Cast Aluminum Branch Barstools. - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite pair of Veneman cast aluminum barstools captures the whimsical yet sophisticated essence of Faux Bois design. Expertly crafted to mimic the organic texture of real tre...
Aluminum
$3,007 / item
Figueroa Bar Stool by InsidherLand
Located in Geneve, CH
Figueroa Bar Stool by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 54 x W 53 x H 107 cm. Materials: polished brass, InsidherLand Cotton Velvet Ref.CV 0790 fabric. 11 kg. Available in different fabrics...
Brass
A MID-CENTURY-MODERN BRUTALIST Tripod STOOL, in style of PERRIAND, France 1950
By Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Chapo
Located in PARIS, FR
One single tripod stool, Mid-Century Modern, Modernist, Rustic Modern, Brutalist, solid and architectural tripod structure in solid elm, 3 smoothly shaped high legs, a small but mass...
Wood
Sweet Fuchsia Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto
Located in Geneve, CH
Sweet Fuchsia Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 58 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 7 kg. Available in different color options. This product is suita...
Other
Limited Edition Curule Seat Stool in Stainless Steel by sashaxsasha
Located in Geneve, CH
Limited Edition Curule Seat Stool in Stainless Steel by sashaxsasha Limited Edition of 8 + 2 A.P Dimensions: D 42 x W 74x H 51 cm. Materials: Stainless steel. sashaxsasha is a des...
Stainless Steel
$1,614 / item
High Bloo Bar Stool by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
High Bloo Bar Stool by Doimo Brasil Dimensions: W 50 x D 53 x H 107 cm Materials: Veneer, Natural Leather. Also available in W 50 x D 53 x H 91 cm, Seat Height: 60 cm. With the i...
Leather
$2,211 / item
Charlotte Bar Stool by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Charlotte Bar Stool by Munna Dimensions: D 47 x W 46 x H 92 cm. SH: 80 cm. Materials: Solid wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Upholstery: Twill FR, ref. Raspberry, TFR11. L...
Brass
Bianco Statuarietto Contemporary Honed Marble Stool by Angelo Alinea
Located in Geneve, CH
Bianco Statuarietto 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...
Marble
$3,616 / item
Efesto Stool by De Castelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Efesto Stool by De Castelli Dimensions: W 36 x D 42 x H 45 cm Materials: Polished Stainless Steel Other versions are available, please contact us for any request. More than mere fur...
Stainless Steel
$1,006 / 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
$18,022 / item
Large Bold Sofa by Mohdern
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Bold Sofa by Mohdern Dimensions: W 320 x D 102 x H 76 cm Materials: Fabric, Bouclé Bold is a refined furniture collection designed and produced by the Mohdern brand. The seri...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery
$1,708 / set
Set of 2, Halikko Bar Stools by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2, Halikko bar stools by Made By Choice Dimensions: 40 x 34 x 66 cm Materials: solid oak Standard finishes: natural wood / painted black. Also available: upholstery in ...
Oak
Prisma Oak Stool with Three Layered Seating by Luis Gimeno
Located in Geneve, CH
Prisma Oak Stool by Luis Gimeno Dimensions: D 35 x W 35 x H 45 cm Materials: Oak. Four sleek prism-shaped legs support a top seat crafted from three layers of thick, dark brown ash ...
Oak
$1,275 / 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