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.
Aurora stool, light honey solid wood, natural caning back, cream textile seating
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
Marc Newson 'Kiss the Future' Chair in Green Molded Polypropylene
By Marc Newson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marc Newson for W & LT (Wild & Lethal Trash) retail stores, chair, part of the 'Kiss the Future' series, rotation molded polypropylene, Australia / Belgium, 1996-1997 Marc Newson (...
Plastic
Yoko 3-Seater Sofa, Leather by Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Toronto, CA
Exceptional YOKO 3-seater in new, extremely soft caramel leather. Designed by Michel Ducaroy, famous for producing the TOGO for Ligne Roset, and produced only for a few years from 1...
Leather, Foam
$1,650 / item
Aldo Rossi 'Teatro' Chairs for Molteni in Green
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Post-Modern 'Teatro' side chairs in solid beech wood designed by architect Aldo Rossi and Luca Meda and manufactured by Italian furniture company Molteni circa 1980s. These beautiful...
Leather, Wood, Beech
Santa chair by Luigi Serafini for Sawaya & Moroni 1980s
By Sawaya & Moroni, Luigi Serafini
Located in VENLO, NL
Very rare ‘Santa’ chair by Luigi Serafini for Sawaya & Moroni, Italy, 1980s. A beautiful sculptural design from the Memphis Milano Design era. The chai...
Metal
Amanta Modular Lounge Chairs by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1976. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Previously reupholstered in beige leather. Rare and hard to find.
Leather, Plastic
Design Institute of America, chrome and leather barstools
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Postmodern swivel chrome and faux leather cantilever barstools by Design Institute of America . all original in very good condition. The seat back and seats are black… Height 39 inch...
Steel
Auguste Piece 03 White Onyx Limited Edition Sofa by Tristan Montabord-Marc
Located in Geneve, CH
Auguste Piece 03 White Onyx Limited Edition Sofa by Tristan Montabord-Marc Limited Edition Of 12 Pieces Dimensions: D 80,5 x W 250 x H 74 cm. Materials: Onyx. Also available in Zer...
Onyx
Memphis Sculptural in Pink Velvet & Blue Legs Dining Chair Vértigo
By Moanne
Located in Almería, ES
The Vértigo Dining Chair captures the tension between chaos and control. With its sharp silhouette and solid wood frame, it brings graphic structure to the room—an anchor in spaces t...
Velvet, Wood, Lacquer
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Classic Ripple Wave Bench by Laurinda Spear for Brayton International Ca. 1970's
By Brayton International, Laurinda Spear
Located in New York, NY
Pure post modern style, executed with top quality craftsmanship. The wave , or ripple bench was designed by Laurinda Spear, and made by Brayton Industries, circa 1970's. This example...
Upholstery
$491 / item
Petroleum Blue Acapulco Chair by OK Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Petroleum Blue Acapulco Chair by OK Design Dimensions: D 110 x W 79 x H 72 cm. Materials: Powder-coated metal, PVC cord. Available with black frame, white frame, or stainless steel ...
Metal
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
Mid Century Italian Modern Black Leather sofa pillow arm Loveseat Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Italian Modern Black Leather sofa Loveseat. Comfortable design and shape 2 seat sofa with pillow arm cushions that sits on 4 large round...
Leather
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
$4,342 / item
Waje Chair by Comuna MX
Located in Geneve, CH
Waje Chair by Comuna MX Dimensions: W 80 x D 80 x H 75 cm Materials: Orange Cantera Stone, Chuspata Weaving. Weight: 50 Kg. Some parts of this product are...
Stone
Ibuju 01 Small Bench in Colombian Woven Yaré Natural Fiber by Fango Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ibuju 01 Small Bench in Colombian Woven Yaré Natural Fiber by Fango Studio Dimensions: D 45 x W 120 x H 43 cm. Materials: Colombian woven yaré natural fiber Available in different ...
Natural Fiber
Rolf Benz Dono sofa by Christian Werner in white leather, 1990s
By Rolf Benz
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
This Rolf Benz three-seater Dono sofa, designed by Christian Werner in the late 1990s, combines sculptural clarity with exceptional comfort and functionality. The piece is defined b...
Leather, Wood
Post Modern Chrome & Abstract Upholstered High Back Dining Chairs - Set of 6
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Make a bold Post Modern statement with this striking set of six circa 1980s chrome dining chairs. Featuring sleek high-back silhouettes, polished chrome frames, and their original ab...
Chrome
Post Modern Directional Pouf Ottoman in Teddy Bear Camel Bouclé
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Timelessly sexy and oh so versatile pouf ottoman by Directional professionally reupholstered in super soft camel color teddy bear bouclé with a high durability rating (over 50k doubl...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Babylone 230 Sofa in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Babylone 230 Sofa in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 230 x D 93 x H 70 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric is no...
Foam, Beech, Wood
TECHNO barber chair designed by Philippe Starck for L'Oreal, France 1989
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find 4 exceptionally rare swivel barber chairs, called Techno chairs, designed by Philippe Starck for L'Oreal. These chairs repr...
Aluminum
4er Set Kartell Design Stapelstühle Philippe Starck Ghost chairs
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten vier von insgesamt 31 Stapelstühlen vom italienischen Traditionshersteller Kartell zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Phillippe Starck und stammt aus dem Jahr 2002 als...
Other
$1,779 / item
Entreplanta Bench by Marta Ayala Herrera
Located in Geneve, CH
Entreplanta Bench by Marta Ayala Herrera Dimensions: D 40 x W 137 x H 45 cm. Materials: MDF. This piece can be customized in different wood option...
Other
Postmodern Organic Rattan Lounge Chair by Udom Udomsrianan & Planet 2001
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredibly unique design in organic rattan by Udom Udomsrianan and produced by Planet 2001. Consists of woven jungle vines with stainless steel leg...
Stainless Steel
$2,621 / item
Sacha Chair by Resident
Located in Geneve, CH
Red Sacha Chair by Resident Dimensions: W 43 x D 49 x H 86 cm Materials: Upholstered Plywood, Foam, Steel. Weight: 14.5 Kg. About: Founded by Simon James & Scott Bridgens in 2011, ...
Steel
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” Easy Chair for Mobilier International, Black Leather
By Oscar Niemeyer, Mobilier International
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” easy chair for Mobilier International, black leather and steel, France, 1971. The “Alta” lounge chair, conceived in 1971 by Oscar Niemeyer in collaboration wit...
Leather
Ottoman in Multicolored Velvet Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ottoman or footrest, steel, fabric, Europe, 1970s This comfortable ottoman is made in Europe in the 1970s. The colorful velvet upholstery catches the ...
Metal
$19,871 / 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
Antonio Citterio Leather Chaise Lounge Or Sofa Baisity by for B&B Italy
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in Vienna, AT
Leather chaise lounge Baisity by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italy, 1982. Elegant chaise lounge featuring a leather upholstered steel-frame and backrest, a black leather cushion and a leather mattress...
Steel, Aluminum
Vintage Kreiss Boucle Chenille Sectional Sofa
By Kreiss
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Experience the ultimate in relaxed luxury with this monumental U-shaped sectional sofa by the renowned manufacturer Kreiss. Embodying the iconic "California Look," this piece feature...
Fabric, Bouclé, Chenille, Wood
$1,533 / item
Object 01 Vert Seating by Volta
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 01 Vert Seating by Volta Dimensions: D 45 x W 40 x H 50 cm Materials: Cork and Velvet Also available in diffentent colours. Please contact us. MEÏ COLLECTION The Meï co...
Velvet, Cork
Pair of 142 Series Lounge Chairs by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno
By Tecno, Eugenio Gerli
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of 1970's black vinyl lounge chairs on casters, designed by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno. Good vintage condition with some minor scuffs/wear consistent with age and use.
Faux Leather, 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
$7,419 / item
Chair C by Umberto Bellardi Ricci
Located in Geneve, CH
Chair C by Umberto Bellardi Ricci. Dimensions: W 39.4 x D 39.4 x H 72.4 cm. Materials: aluminium, brass angles, mohair upholstery. Umberto...
Aluminum, Brass
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
$5,875Sale Price|50% Off
Custom George Smith Espresso Tufted Leather Sofa
By George Smith
Located in New York, NY
An original custom made soft mottled dark espresso leather tufted with brass tacks and mahogany wood legs by famed bespoke British furniture maker, George Smith. Original label. Exc...
Leather, Hardwood
Toshiyuki Kita Wink chair 80's for Cassina performed by AFS
Located in LYON, FR
Created by Toshiyuki Kita in 1980, the Wink chair is a complex design based on the human body, with ergonomics and modularity as the guiding principles behind this lounge chair. This...
Fabric
$6,484 / item
Timber Armchair by Onno Adriaanse
Located in Geneve, CH
Timber Armchair by Onno Adriaanse Signed and numbered. Dimensions: W 58 x D 82 x H 78 cm Materials: Elm wood, silk-matte oil Also available in color: i...
Coating, Elm
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” Easy Chair for Mobilier International, 1971
By Oscar Niemeyer, Mobilier International
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” easy chair for Mobilier International, cognac leather and steel, France, 1971. The “Alta” easy chair, created by Oscar Niemeyer in 1971 in collaboration with h...
Leather
La Nuit Etoilée Armchair in Solid Teak Wood with Lacquer by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
La Nuit Etoilée Armchair in Solid Teak Wood with Lacquer by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 70 x D 70 x H 73 cm. Materials: Solid Teak Wood, Lacquer, fabric. This listing features our La Nu...
Wood, Hardwood, Teak, Lacquer
$10,981 / item
Jell Armchair by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Armchair by Alter Ego Studio Dimensions W 155 cm D 120 cm H 80 cm Product features Product options: Upholstery: Available in all Alter Ego...
Stone
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Living Room Set for Lafer MP, 1972, Set of 3
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Percival Lafer “MP-41” living room set for Lafer MP, wood and cognac leather, Brazil, 1972, set of 3 The “MP-41” living room set by Percival Lafer, composed of a sofa and two armchairs, embraces fluidity with a structure that appears weightless despite its solid wood frame. The absence of visible crossbars beneath the seat enhances this effect, allowing the thick, tufted cushions to seemingly float. The upholstery drapes over the structure like silk fabric on a sculpted form, a harmonious integration of material and frame. The butterfly-shaped joints refine the frame’s construction, tapering toward the center for a softened profile. The lateral tufting on the seat is not merely decorative—it creates a structured geometry that follows the contours of the body. The armrests, backrest, and seat merge into a single, uninterrupted form, maximizing ergonomic support. Leather straps secure the cushions to the frame, a signature Lafer detail that blends artisanal technique with industrial efficiency. The MP-41 prioritizes organic curves over strict geometric lines. The deep cognac leather, aged to a rich patina, enhances the warmth of the wood. The absence of ornamentation shifts focus to the raw materials, celebrating their natural textures and variations. Unlike Jean Gillon’s “Tijuca...
Leather, Wood
Set of Six Ettore Sottsass for Knoll 'Mandarin' Dining Chairs in Memphis & Navy
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Italian architect Ettore Sottsass, this set of chairs was manufactured by Knoll, resulting in extraordinary quality. Featuring a sculptural ribbon style main body, they r...
Enamel, Steel
Gravity Balans Reclining Chair in tope by Peter Opsvik for Varier, Norway 1980s
By Peter Opsvik
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find am exceptionally rare "Gravity Balans" chair design by Peter Opsvik for Varier. This iconic piece features futuristic design easily recognized, it is ex...
Fabric, Wood
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
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
Post Modern Swiss Design Black Seconda Chair by Mario Botta for Alias, 1980s
By Alias, Mario Botta
Located in Renens, CH
Seconda Chair by Mario Botta for Alias, 1980s The Seconda Chair (1982) is an iconic piece of design, with use of materials that are typical for Botta’s furniture and lamps: Sheet me...
Metal
Contemporary Art The Perfect Big Half-Moon Silk Velvet Sofa by Carla Tolomeo
Located in Pistoia, IT
Sculpture. Unique piece hand made by the artist. The silk velvet fabric and the embroideries are made expressly for the artist, Carla Tolomeo.
Silk
Vittorio Introini Relax Armchair & Footrest, Belgian Boucle, Felice Rossi, 1978
Located in Culver City, CA
Vittorio Introini “Relax” Armchair & Footrest for Felice Rossi, 1978 — Sculptural 70s Glam at Its Finest This chair is absolutely stunning! Designed by Italian trailblazer Vitto...
Bouclé
Zveva Bench in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Zveva Bench in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 100 x D 40 x H 42 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric is not incl...
Foam, Wood, Hardwood, Beech
Amelie Slim High Backrest Executive Upholstered Armchair by Quinti Sedute
Located in Geneve, CH
Amelie Slim High Backrest Executive Upholstered Armchair by Quinti Sedute Dimensions: D 68 x W 68 x H 118 cm. Materials: Aluminum, foam, chrome plate, and upholstery. Available in d...
Aluminum, Chrome
GUBI Daumiller Dining Armchair Golden Pine by Rainer Daumiller
By Gubi, Rainer Daumiller
Located in New York, NY
Solid in construction, simple in form, and sculptural in expression, the Daumiller Armchair’s straightforward materiality and robust composition pay tribute to Rainer Daumiller’s lif...
Wood, Pine
Pouf Pill S Contemporary Sculptural Pouf with Velvet and Fringes by Houtique
$36,079 / item
Asthila Sofa in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Asthila Sofa in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 300 x D 173 x H 68 cm. Materials: Solid Oak Wood. This listing features our Asthila Sofa. It offers a choice between a text...
Oak, Wood, Hardwood
Midcentury Italian Postmodern Sculptural Asymmetrical Sofa in Black Upholstery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A chic asymmetrical sofa design made in Italy in the 1980s. This high quality made piece was just recovered in new jet black upholstery.
Fabric
Extra-Large Postmodern Animal Print Sofa, Germany, 1990s
By Bretz
Located in Rīga, LV
Striking postmodern sofa with a biomorphic silhouette and bold tiger-stripe patterned velour upholstery. The spring legs of the sofa create a gentle, bouncy feel when you sit on it. ...
Metal
Vintage Leolux “Bora” / “Bora Bora” Leather Sofa
By Leolux
Located in North Charleston, SC
A sculptural vintage leather sofa by Dutch design house Leolux, model Bora (often referred to as Bora Bora), originally designed by Axel Enthoven in 1983. Celebrated as one of the br...
Leather
Original Bretz Gaudi Sofa Design Couch Recamiere rot samt
By Bretz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eine wunderschöne Bretz Gaudi Recamiere in rotem Samt Stoff zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel bietet Sitzmöglichkeiten für bis zu drei Personen und ist ein wahrer Blickfang in jed...
Wood, Fabric
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Armchair for Lafer MP, 1972
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Armchair for Lafer MP, wood and cognac leather, Brazil, 1972 The “MP-41” armchair by Percival Lafer embraces fluidity with a structure that appears weightless despite its solid wood frame. The absence of visible crossbars beneath the seat enhances this effect, allowing the thick, tufted cushion to seemingly float. The upholstery drapes over the structure like silk fabric on a sculpted form, a harmonious integration of material and frame. The butterfly-shaped joints refine the frame’s construction, tapering toward the center for a softened profile. The lateral tufting on the seat is not merely decorative—it creates a structured geometry that follows the contours of the body. The armrests, backrest, and seat merge into a single, uninterrupted form, maximizing ergonomic support. Leather straps secure the cushion to the frame, a signature Lafer detail that blends artisanal technique with industrial efficiency. The MP-41 prioritizes organic curves over strict geometric lines. The deep cognac leather, aged to a rich patina, enhances the warmth of the wood. The absence of ornamentation shifts focus to the raw materials, celebrating their natural textures and variations. Unlike Jean Gillon...
Leather, Wood
$2,059 / item
Object 02 Violet Seating by Volta
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 02 Violet 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 ...
Velvet, Cork
$9,373 / item
Valentine Armchair by Memoir Essence
Located in Geneve, CH
Valentine Armchair by Memoir Essence Dimensions: D 80 x W 95 x H 78 cm. Materials: Velvet fabric SFY and polished brass. Also available in brushed brass and client's fabric with pol...
Brass