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.
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
$13,805 / 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
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
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
$20,037 / 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
Dartagnan Tinto Ebano Ash Bar Stool by Haymann Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Dartagnan Tinto Ebano Ash Bar Stool by Haymann Editions Dimensions: D 53.5 x W 50.5 x H 95.5 cm. Materials: Crosta Tortora leather, Tinto Ebano ash. Available in different ash finis...
Leather, Ash
$909Sale Price|20% Off
Era Herbstb Solid Pine Wood Stool
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Den Haag, NL
Post Modern Era Herbstb Solid Pine wood stool. 1990 s Germany.
Pine
Set of Three Thick Orange & Clear Acrylic Counter Height Bar Stools
Located in North Miami, FL
These extremely FUN orange acrylic top bar stools with clear acrylic base and steel footrest, are counter height or can be used for extra seating at a dining table as well. Comforta...
Acrylic
Italian 20th Century Modernist Magis Condor Andries and Hiroko Van Onck Stools
By Magis, Andries & Hiroko van Onck
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
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
$717 / item
Malva Green Cubo Pouf Stool by SLIDE Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Malva Green 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 suitable...
Other
$2,129 / 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 across ...
Other
$5,404 / 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
$646 / item
Oslinchik 02 Low Stool by Oito
Located in Geneve, CH
Oslinchik 02 low stool by Oito Dimensions: D21 x W38 x H30 cm Materials: Oak wood, wax or paint. Weight: 4 kg Also Available in different colours. Wooden stools are a trend fo...
Oak
$2,021 / item
Piedmont no. 1 Stool by A. Jacob Marks
Located in Geneve, CH
Piedmont no. 1 Stool by SKRAM Dimensions: W 41 x D 38 x H 46 cm. Materials: white ash, ebonized. PS1-1 The piedmont no. 1 stool is a backless stool featuring solid timber constructi...
Ash
$1,471 / item
Sweet Fuchsia Koncord High Stool by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Sweet Fuchsia 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 standar...
Other
Limited Edition SSS01B Black Stool in MDF with Resin Coating by sashaxsasha
Located in Geneve, CH
Limited Edition SSS01B Black Stool in MDF with Resin Coating by sashaxsasha Limited Edition of 8 + 2 A.P Dimensions: D 30 x W 35 x H 40 cm. Materials: MDF and resin. sashaxsasha is...
Other
Brass Sculptural Log Stools – Set of 2 (Small & Large) by Misaya
By Masaya
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass Sculptural Log Stools – Set of 2 (Small & Large) by Misaya Dimensions: W 22 x D 27 x H 44 cm (S), W38 x D34 x H33.5 (L)cm Materials: brass Also available: different colors (go...
Brass
Postmodern Prototype Stool by Isabelle Moore, 1995
Located in Surbiton, GB
Prototype barstool made by the artist and furniture maker Isabelle Moore in 1995 at Parnham College. Composed from maple, suede and painted MDF. Isabelle Moore creates unique furni...
Suede, Wood, Maple
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
$1,474 / item
Saffron Yellow Koncord High Stool by Karim Rashid
Located in Geneve, CH
Saffron Yellow 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 standa...
Other
JUNCO Stool in Mexican Oak Rosamorada with Natural Finish by Daniel Couttolenc
Located in Geneve, CH
JUNCO Stool in Mexican Oak Rosamorada with Natural Finish by Daniel Couttolenc Dimensions: D 34 x W 34 x H 47 cm. Materials: Mexican Oak (Rosamorada)....
Oak
$526 / item
Pampa Leather Counter Stool by Cuero Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Pampa Leather Counter Stool by Cuero Design Dimensions: D 47 x W 47 x H 65 cm. Materials: Leather and metal. Finish: Grass green leather and black fram...
Metal
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 textured natural ceramic finish. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Post Modern High Arm Bench by Directional, 1970
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Post Modern high arm bench by Directional, 1970. Original upholstery.
Upholstery
$4,761 / 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
Set of Jamaica Swivel Bar Stools by Pepe Cortès for BD Barcelona, 1990s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 4 'Jamaica' bar stools designed by Pepe Cortes for BD Barcelona in the 1990s. Beechwood seats and elegant chrome bases. Very good condition 1990s - Spain Very good condit...
Chrome
Rockstool Large Signed Rock Shaped Stool by Rockstool Paris
Located in Geneve, CH
Rockstool Large Signed Rock Shaped Stool by Rockstool Paris Dimensions: W 130 x D 92 x H 55 cm Materials: Stoneware Available in different colors and sizes, please contact us. It's...
Stone, Other
$2,332 / item
Bolota Capture Stool by A. Jacob Marks
Located in Geneve, CH
Bolota Capture Stool by A. Jacob Marks Dimensions: D 30.5 x H 46 cm. Materials: high density black cork, blackened aluminum. BC1 BOLOTA is a limited series of seating and tables fea...
Aluminum
Stool Sedes 1/15 by Sculptur Ron van de Ven 1998
By Ron van de Ven
Located in Weesp, NL
Rare Sculptural Stool “Sedes” by Ron van de Ven, 1998 — Numbered 1/15 Offered here is an exceptionally rare collector’s piece: the “Sedes” sculptural stool by Dutch artist and desig...
Aluminum
TORO Stool in Oak with Cream Wash Tint by Daniel Couttolenc
Located in Geneve, CH
TORO Stool in Oak with Cream Wash Tint by Daniel Couttolenc Dimensions: D 50 x W 50 x H 47 cm. Materials: Oak. The TORO Stool by Daniel Couttolenc blurs the line between design and ...
Oak
Fragmented Frame, Sand Casted Tin Rustic Knot Stool by Lucas Tyra Morten
By Lucas Morten
Located in Geneve, CH
Runa Stool by Lucas Tyra Morten 2022 Limited Edition of 3 Dimensions: W 65 x D 45 x H 40 cm Material: Sand casted tin, ancient warp Occupying the li...
Other, Tin
Organic Postmodern Sculptural Blue Velvet Stool Ritmo
By Moanne
Located in Almería, ES
Playful. Perceptive. Percussive. Ritmo Stool. The Ritmo Stool takes its name from rhythm—not just as a beat, but as a way of being. With four bold cylindrical legs echoing in perfec...
Velvet
Contemporary Pair of "Buati" Stools by Dj Papagaio, Brazil, 2021
By DJ Papagaio
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary pair of "Buati" stools by DJ Papagaio, Brazil, 2022. Stool composed of different types of Brazilian woods. With the use of traditional woodworking techniques, the desig...
Wood
$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
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
Maçka Bar Stool, Red Powder Coated Metal Structure by AVLU
Located in Geneve, CH
Maçka Bar Stool, Red Powder Coated Metal Structure by AVLU Dimensions: W 50 x D 44 x H 99 cm Materials: Brushed Stainless Steel or Powder Coated Metal Structure with custom upholste...
Metal, Stainless Steel
$1,399 / 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
Post Modern Lucite Vanity Stool Bench with Faux Leather Snakeskin Upholstery
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Two benches available. Sold individually. These are a first for us and the style, quality and condition continue to amaze us every time we walk by. These stylish, post-modern vintage 1970s Lucite acrylic vanity...
Lucite, Faux Leather, Acrylic
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
Set of 3 Smoked Brass Bride's Veil Counter Stools by Reza Feiz Phase Design
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a set of 3 - Bride's Veil Counter Height Stools with back by Reza Feiz for Phase Design. The frame of the stools is constructe...
Brass
U-shaped Form Rubber Seat and Burned Steel Large Stool 2.0 by Arno Declercq
Located in Geneve, CH
Large AD Stool 2.0 by Arno Declercq Materials: Burned steel and Rubber seat Measures: W 152 x D 38 x H 69 cm Arno Declercq Belgian designer and art dealer who makes bespoke objects...
Steel
Vecta Beylerian Collection Table & Stool
By Vecta Group
Located in Highland, IN
This terrific post-modern design by Vecta uses wire rod for a strong graphic quality. It features a semi-circular table with a machined steel top paired with a three-legged stool. It...
Steel
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 65cm Materials: Galvanized steel. Steel ...
Steel
$3,062 / item
Fringes 110 Stool by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Fringes 110 Stool by Munna Dimensions: D 110 x W 110 x H 50 cm. SH: 50 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Upholstery: Cotton Velvet, ref. Desert, CV03. Fringes: Deser...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$1,435Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Duplex stools by Javier Mariscal for BD 1980's Memphis
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Unique memphis style bar stools designed by Javier Mariscal and initally created for the Duplex bar in valencia. The stools are also on display at the Barcelona design Museum. 1980...
Metal
$5,141 / item
Wave Stool & Side Table I by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Wave Stool & Side Table I by Homa. Dimensions: W 30 x D 23 x H 40 cm . Materials: Blown Glass. Colour: Brown. Formed through an experimental glassblowing process, each Wave Stool/S...
Blown Glass
$5,404 / item
Wave Stool & Side Table IV by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Wave Stool & Side Table IV by Homa Dimensions: W 26 x D 30 x H 40 cm. Materials: Blown Glass, Silver Mirror. Colour: Brown. Formed through an experimental glassblowing process, e...
Blown Glass, Mirror
Auguste Piece 06 White Onyx Limited Edition Stool by Tristan Montabord-Marc
Located in Geneve, CH
Auguste Piece 06 White Onyx Limited Edition Stool by Tristan Montabord-Marc Limited Edition Of 12 Pieces Dimensions: D 43,5 x W 52,5 x H 46 cm. Materials: Onyx. Also available in Z...
Onyx
$7,537 / item
Form Entry Table by Goons
Located in Geneve, CH
Form Entry Table by Goons Dimensions: W 35 x D 31 x H 74 cm Materials: Wood. Finish: White wash The Form Entry Table, multifaceted and multifunctional, was born of our studio itself...
Wood
“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
$2,966 / 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
$4,206 / 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
$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
Barrel Chair Counter Stools Post Modern Preview, 1990
$3,062 / item
Fringes 110 Stool by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Fringes 110 Stool by Munna Dimensions: D 110 x W 110 x H 50 cm. SH: 50 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery and fringes. Available in all Munn...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Porcelain and Oak Stool, Judith van den Boom, Netherlands, 2012
Located in Regensburg, DE
Stool Porcelain by Studio Boom Wehmeyer, 2012. Artist: Judith van den Boom (Dutch, b. 1977) Unique Work from the series ‚Vitrified Variables‘. Porcelain, moulded and glazed, oak. Di...
Porcelain, Oak
Cadence 55 Stool in Dark Brown European Oak by Mokko Amsterdam
Located in Geneve, CH
Cadence 55 Stool in Dark Brown European Oak by Mokko Amsterdam Dimensions: D 38,5 x W 55 x H 45 cm. Materials: European oak. Available in different material options. Designed by Aa...
Oak
$2,607 / item
Newman Bar Stool by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Newman Bar Stool by Munna Dimensions: D 50 x W 40 x H 102 cm. SH: 80 cm. Materials: Solid wood, foam, brass, and leather. Finish: Upholstery: Leather, ref. Cream, L02. Legs: Cream gl...
Brass
$20,265 / 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