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.
$4,396Sale Price|30% Off
Pair of Art Deco Style Leather and Chrome/Aviator Lounge Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
PAIR of Industrial Art Deco style round back lounge chairs with chrome frame and black leather upholstery.
Chrome
Stainless Metal, Dedar Milano Belmondo Fabric, Tricirculo Chair By OMER OZTURK
Located in Geneve, CH
Stainless Metal, Dedar Milano Belmondo Fabric, Tricirculo Chair By OMER OZTURK Dimensions: W 52 x D 52 x H 93 cm. Materials: Stainless Metal, Dedar Milano Belmondo Fabric. About: De...
Metal
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Leather Swivel Tub Chair, 2000
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Leather Swivel Tub Chair, 2000’s. Original red leather with a red leather plinth swivel base. Great condition. Measures 29.5” tall 45” wide 45” deep...
Leather
Pair of Frank Gehry for Knoll “Hat Trick” Bentwood Armchairs, USA, 1996
By Knoll
Located in Morristown, NJ
Designed by Frank Gehry for Knoll, these Hat Trick armchairs exemplify Gehry’s radical rethinking of structure, material, and form at the intersection of architecture and furniture design. Executed in laminated bent maple, each chair is composed as a rhythmic assemblage of curving wood ribbons: a vertically slatted, crown-like backrest rises above a generously proportioned seat, while integrated armrests flow seamlessly into an expressive base formed by entwined legs and stretchers. The visual language is unmistakably Gehry—dynamic, deconstructed, and sculptural—yet resolved with ergonomic intelligence and functional clarity. Originally introduced in the mid-1990s, the Hat Trick series emerged from Gehry’s long-standing interest in bending conventional materials to their physical and aesthetic limits. Much like his architectural work, these chairs foreground process and structure, allowing the construction itself to define the final form. The result is furniture that reads as inhabitable sculpture, equally compelling in a domestic interior, architectural setting, or design-forward commercial space. Both chairs retain original Knoll underside branding, including “Made in USA” stamp, printed Gehry signature, and date mark 1/19/96, confirming authenticity and period manufacture. Offered as a matched pair, they present a rare opportunity to acquire an important example of late-20th-century American design by one of the most influential architects of our time. Ideal for a design-forward residential interior, these Frank Gehry for Knoll Hat...
Bentwood
Mario Bellini “Lira & Liuto” Chair for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1989
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Lira & Liuto” chair for Cassina, bordeaux leather, Italy, 1989 The "Lira e Liuto" was designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1989, extending the formal logic of...
Leather
1980s Cloud Sofa, attributed to Weiman
By Weiman
Located in Houston, TX
Offered is a stunning curvaceous sofa, circa 1980s, attributed to the Weiman company (though label no longer present). We offer this gorgeous sofa in the original fabric but could be...
Fabric, Wood
$4,625Sale Price / set|50% Off
1980s Modular Green Sculptural Curved Sofa Chaise Lounge, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s with this exquisite modular two piece chaise lounge sofa. The ultra rare lounger exudes an air of luxury and refinement. ...
Upholstery, Wood
Italian Modern Sculptural Bench or Pouf by Moroso
Italian Modern Sculptural Bench Or Pouf By Moroso. This chic large Italian sculptural bench retains the original black wool type fabric with r...
Leather, Fabric
1990s Postmodern Folding Chair in the Rodney Kinsman'd Style
Located in Miami, FL
1990s Postmodern Folding Accent Chair in the Rodney Kinsman'd Style. Features a Memphis Group inspired design with a bent chromed frame with what seems to be faux leather seat and b...
Chrome
FLAMINGO chair in blush nude leather by MOĆI Collective
Located in Como, Italy
FLAMINGO is a chair that defies gravity. Its seemingly floating frame, accented with transparent crystal-resin and chrome details, exudes a sense of lightness and distinctive charact...
Aluminum
Miss Wirt Chair by Philippe Starck for Disform 1982
Located in Munich, DE
A rare and collectible chair designed by Philippe Starck in 1982 for Disform. Black cotton canvas fabric is stretched over two vertical steel tubes and the tension creates the comfor...
Fabric
Set of 3 Vintage Faux Bamboo Lounge Chairs and Table from Kettal, Spain, 1980s
By Kettal
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern garden furniture from the spanish manufacturer kettal from the 1980s. the set consists of two armchairs and a matching table. The frame is made of plastic tubes connected...
Plastic
Vintage Chair Louis XX by Philippe Starck for Vitra, 1990s, Set of 4
By Philippe Starck, Vitra
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Indulge in the iconic design and rich history of Philippe Starck's Louis XX chairs. Inspired by the opulence of 18th-century French furniture, these chairs bo...
Aluminum
Original Rolf Benz Ecksofa Dono 6100 Couch Design Leder braun
By Rolf Benz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Rolf Benz Dono 6100 Ecksofa mit braunem Lederbezug zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa zeichnet sich durch seine moderne und praktisch...
Leather, Wood
Mario Bellini Cassina Cab 412 + Cab 413 - 12 Black Leather Dining Chairs, 1980
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Vienna, AT
Wonderful set of 12 dining chairs by Mario Bellini 1980's; 2x cab 413 and 10x cab 412 by Cassina. We have a total of 4x cab 413 and 12x cab 412 at the moment, please inquire if you ...
Steel
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi Dining Chairs with Carvings in Oak
By Giuseppe Rivadossi, Officina Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, set of six dining chairs, oak, Italy, 1970s An exceptional set of chairs by the Italian sculptor and designer Giuseppe Rivadossi. The chai...
Oak
Italian 1970s Erasmo Sofa Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Manner Living Room
Located in London, GB
This stunning and amazingly comfortable sofa in the manner of the iconic Erasmo sofa from Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia , is a beautiful example of 1970s Italian design. Curren...
Wood, Fabric
Glass chair in the Manner of Louis Dierra
By Louis Dierra
Located in London, GB
This striking curved glass chair, inspired by the iconic designs of Louis Dierra for the Glass Centre Pavilion at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York, represents a masterful blend of a...
Glass, PVC
Rolf Sachs Lounge Chair Limited Edition 1/11, Germany, 1990
By Rolf Sachs
Located in Munich, DE
Rolf Sachs lounge chair was made in black painted steel, padded cushions with pear violet upholstery in Germany 1990, it is a limited edition of 11 pieces, and this is the model Nr.1. Rolf Sachs (born 1955) - Swiss artist and stage designer and son of the famous Playboy Gunter Sachs...
Steel
Set of 2 Post Modern Carved & Bent Oak Chairs By Shin-Lee, After Michael Thonet
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Michael Thonet
Located in Chicago, IL
As is set of 3 curved oak and cane dining chairs dating back to the 1970s / 1980s. Made in Taiwan by Shin-Lee, they echo the designs of Michael Thonet and Kohn Mundus. Sculptural wit...
Cane, Oak, Bentwood
Post Modern Milo Baughman Style Split Back Arm Chairs - Set of 2
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a pair of Post Modern Split Back Arm Chairs. Featuring a Milo Baughman split back style design, rounded arms, and original abstract vinyl upholstery. This is an e...
Upholstery
L'ecorce Symmetrical Bench in Solid Teak Wood by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
L'ecorce Symmetrical Bench in Solid Teak Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 180 x D 50 x H 52 cm. Materials: Solid Teak Wood, fabric. This listing features our Symmetrical L'ecorce Ben...
Wood, Hardwood, Teak
American Designer, Side Chair, Oak, USA, 1980s
Located in High Point, NC
A laminated and carved oak side chair designed and produced in the US, c. 1980s. 16.75” seat height
Oak
Elsie Crawford for Sintoform Large 8-Seat 'Carousel' Sofa in Fiberglass
By Sintoform, Elsie Crawford
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Elsie Crawford for Sintoform, 'Carousel' sofa bench, fiberglass, United States, 1969 The Carousel sofa bench, designed by American artist Elsie Crawford for Sintoform, is a distinct...
Fiberglass
Set of Four Chrome and Leather Dining Chairs by Gavina c 1960/1980's
Located in New York, NY
Set of four leather and chrome dining chairs designed by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina circa 1960-1970's. The chairs feature leather seats, arm rests and backs, on bright chrome fram...
Chrome
Italian post-modern folding tub chair in red wood and beige fabric, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian post-modern folding tub chair in red wood and beige fabric, 1980s Folding cockpit chair with red painted wooden frame. The frame has a round section, and comprises the envelo...
Fabric, Wood
Modern Progetti Armchair by Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti, Italy, 1980s – Bouclé
Located in Almelo, NL
Modern Progetti Armchair by Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti, Italy, 1980s – Bouclé Upholstery A refined expression of Italian modernism, this exquisite Progetti armchair by Umberto Asn...
Metal
1980s 3-Piece Biomorphic Curved Sofa By Preview
By Preview
Located in Bensalem, PA
This is one unique sofa, very comfortable. The shape is amazing would be the center focus point of any room Made by Preview Furniture
Upholstery
1970s Post-Modern Chrome and Glass Dining Set by Daystrom, 5 Pieces
By Giotto Stoppino, Daystrom Furniture, Chromcraft, Bassett Furniture
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Exuding bold elegance and unapologetic mid-century charm, this four-piece dining ensemble encapsulates 1970s modernist glamour. A quartet of sculptural Daystrom “scoop” chairs—sinuou...
Chrome
Set of Four Arnold Merkcx for Arco Post-Modern "Salto" Arm Chairs
By Arco, Arnold Merckx
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four, Dutch Post-Modern, Arnold Merkcx for Arco "Salto" armchairs. Sculptural and industrial chairs that showcase a strikingly curved, chromed metal frame paired with attache...
Metal, Aluminum, Chrome
Pierre Chapo Sculptural 'S34' Chair in Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, dining chair model 'S34', elm, France, 1960s This asymmetrical chair with a twisted base is a true icon of Pierre Chapo's playful and solemn designs. The backrest is p...
Elm
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” Chairs for Mobilier International, Black, 1971, Set of 2
By Mobilier International, Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” easy chairs for Mobilier International, black leather and steel, France, 1971, set of two The “Alta” easy chair, created by Oscar Niemeyer in 1971 in collabora...
Leather
Paolo Deganello AEO armchair, Archizoom Group, Cassina, Italy, 1970's
By Paolo Deganello, Cassina, Archizoom Associati
Located in TOURS, FR
AEO lounge chair designed by Paolo Deganello, a leading figure of the Italian Radical Design movement. Originally conceived in the 1970s, the chair exemplifies Deganello’s experiment...
Metal
$960Sale Price / set|20% Off
1980s Post-Modern Bar Stools by Giandomenico Belotti, White Metal
By Fly Line, Giandomenico Belotti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Post modern bar stools in white enameled metal with spaghetti corded seats designed by Giandomenico Belotti for fly line. good condition. Located in Brooklyn NYC Dimensions...
Steel
$1,650Sale Price / set|25% Off
Set of 3 Post-Modern Bar Stools in Grey Cerused Oak, Iron, USA, 1980s
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
Mark Brazier-Jones Sculptural Aluminum Chair, Red Velvet Seat, 1992
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This extraordinary Mark Brazier-Jones surrealist sculptural aluminum chair exemplifies the fantastical imagination and meticulous craftsmanship that defines Brazier-Jones’ work. Sign...
Aluminum
Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Cantilever Dining Lounge Chairs Barbara Barry Boucle
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman, Barbara Barry
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Set of four signed Milo Baughman sculptural cantilever dining arm chairs newly professionally re-upholstered with very soft and textural high end luxury curly boucle fabric by Barbar...
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
1980s Sculptural Coned Leopard Velvet Steel Swivel Stools Chairs
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, velvet leopard print, swivel stools you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful set is s...
Steel
Glass chair in the Manner of Louis Dierra
By Louis Dierra
Located in London, GB
This striking curved glass chair, inspired by the iconic designs of Louis Dierra for the Glass Centre Pavilion at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York, represents a masterful blend of a...
Glass, PVC
$2,907 / item
L'ecorce Stool in Solid Teak Wood by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
L'ecorce Stool in Solid Teak Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 50 x D 46 x H 52 cm. Materials: Solid Teak Wood, fabric. This listing features our L'ecorce Stool expertly crafted from ...
Wood, Hardwood, Teak
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia 'Dialogo Dessau' Dining Chairs
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Dialogo Dessau' dining chairs, chromed metal, plastic, Italy, 1974 The Dialogo Dessau chair, with its distinctiv...
Metal, Chrome
Italian modern armchair P22 with footstool by Patrick Norguet for Cassina, 2010s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian postmodern black leather armchair with footstool by Patrick Norguet for Cassina, 2010s Armchair model P22 with matching footstool. The armchair is padded and upholstered in s...
Metal
Set of 8 Tokyo Armchairs by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast
By Rodney Kinsman, Bieffeplast
Located in Toronto, CA
Designed in the early 1980s by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast, the Tokyo Armchair brings a sharp, architectural edge to everyday seating. Its slender tubular steel frame and discipli...
Steel
Postmodern sculptural Dining Set in Aluminium and Steel Belgium 1980s/90s
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Postmodern dining chairs from the 1980s/90s. Most likely it comes from Belgium. Unfortunately designer and producer are unknown. The set is very rare, only to be found it the North a...
Aluminum, Steel
Kazuhide Takahama, Mantilla Sofa for Gavina, Italy 1974 (Big Size)
Located in Argelato, BO
Kazuhide Takahama (Japan, 1930 - Bologna, 2010) "MANTILLA" SOFA wooden frame, padded and covered in velvet in shades of white Production Simon Gavina, Italy, 1974 Bibliography: Ac...
Velvet, Wood
Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Benetton’ Chair, Italy, 1980s
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Rare, Afra, Scarpa, italian, 1980s, leather, patina, collector's item Designed in 1985 for the Benetton office by the iconic Italian architects Afra & Tobia Scarpa, this chair is a ...
Brass, Steel
Anna Castelli Ferrari 4841 Longue Chair For Kartell 1980s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Anna Castelli Ferrari 4841 Longue Chair for Kartell 1980s
Fabric, Plastic
"Grandma" Sofa by Denise Scott Brown and Robert Venturi for Knoll, 1980s
By Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, Robert Venturi, Knoll
Located in Coronado, CA
This sumptuous "Grandma" sofa was designed by the architects Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown and produced by Knoll in the 1980s. This wonderful example (the nicest one out ther...
Mohair, Down
Tarcisio Colzani for Mobil Girgi 'Periplo' Chaise Longue
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tarcisio Colzani for Mobil Girgi, daybed or chaise longue, model 'Periplo', fabric, leather, walnut, Italy, 1970s Sculptural chaise longue designed by Tarcisio Colzani for Mobil Gir...
Leather, Walnut
$556Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Green Swedish Postmodern 80s Vintage Nils Gammelgaard Ikea "Ted" Chairs
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti, IKEA
Located in Basel, BS
Great opportunity to have a complete set of 2 of these wonderful 1980s Nils Gaamelgaard for Ikea chairs as a perfect pair of 2 in green! Sold here as a pair. Note: Green cushions wi...
Metal
Set 6 Mid Century Italian Post Modern by Cattelan Italia in White circa 1990's
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek post modern set of six dining chairs by Cattelan Italia circa 1990's. They feature beautifully stitched white faux leather. Very clean and ready to use.
Faux Leather
$3,789 / item
L'ecorce Dining Chair in Solid Teak Wood by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
L'ecorce Dining Chair in Solid Teak Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 54 x D 49 x H 78 cm. Materials: Solid Teak Wood, fabric. This listing features our L'ecorce Dining Chair expertly...
Wood, Hardwood, Teak
Giancarlo Piretti, Original Plona Armchair for Anonima Castelli, 1970
Located in London, GB
Designed in 1970 by Giancarlo Piretti, Plona is a folding and stackable armchair. The solid tubular structure is in polished stainless aluminum alloy, with hinges in die-cast light a...
Aluminum, Chrome
1 of 8 Club Chairs "Intercista" by Poltrona Frau in Pink Leather, Italy 1989
By Poltrona Frau, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find very rare postmodern club chairs model "Intervista" designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltrona Frau. ...
Leather
$2,920Sale Price|20% Off
Vico Magistretti Black 2-Seater Loveseat Maralunga Sofa Cassina, Italy, 80s
Located in Basel, BS
Original Loveseat sofa "Maralunga," designed by Vico Magistretti and manufactured by Cassina in Italy during the late circa late 1970s/1980s. This e...
Fabric
Italian Pair of Cubic Lounge Chairs in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of lounge chair, leather, Italy, 1970s This striking lounge chair comes in a black leather upholstery that gives the room a vibrant and interesting touch. The design is further...
Leather
Adrian Pearsall Channeled Post Modern Slipper Chairs in Ivory White Bouclé
By Comfort Design Furniture, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Pair of channeled Post Modern slipper chairs designed by Adrian Pearsall for Comfort Designs, Inc. If you're seeking chairs to wind down and relax in - the sort you can sit in for ho...
Upholstery, Bouclé
$19,989 / item
Jell Sofa by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa by Alter Ego Studio Dimensions W 260 cm D 120 cm H 85 cm Product features Product options: Upholstery: Available in all Alter Ego Stud...
Stone