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.
$5,917 / item
Pina Iron & Walnut Armchair by Mingardo
Located in Geneve, CH
Pina Iron & Walnut Armchair by Mingardo Dimensions: D 59 x W 53,5 x H 76 cm Materials: Iron structure with matte slate finish a n d walnut seat Variations in material and size are ...
Iron
$7,546 / item
Perlude Walnut Natural Large by Caroline Voet
Located in Geneve, CH
Perlude walnut natural large by Caroline Voet. Dimensions: 190 x H 43 cm Materials: Walnut natural Also available in Oak natural, seating oak black, seating teak (outdoor). Th...
Walnut
Vintage Christopher Guy Side Chair With Mahogany X-Leg Base
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Christopher Guy Side Chair With Mahogany X-Leg Base Add a touch of refined luxury to your space with this single Christopher Guy mahogany side chair, featuring the brand’s i...
Mahogany
$13,800Sale Price / set|38% Off
Set of 6 Postmodern Swivel "K2" Magenta Chairs by Busk & Hertzog, USA, c. 2000's
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a set of "K2" chairs designed by the Danish design duo Flemming Busk and Stephan Hertzog. Inspired by the K2 mountain (the second tallest mount...
Steel
$1,289 / item
Organic Modern White Bouclé Dining Chair Instinto
By Moanne
Located in Almería, ES
Instinct is the truest form of intelligence—and the Instinto Dining Chair gives it shape. With a backrest that feels almost anatomical in its honesty, and a posture that suggests rea...
Bouclé
Philip Miller “Much Obliged” Sculptural Steel Springer Chair, California, 1992
By Philip Miller
Located in Littleton, CO
A rare and unusually compelling example of early-1990s Southern California functional art, this “Much Obliged” springer chair was created in 1992 by California artist and metal sculp...
Enamel, Steel
$15,819 / set
PAIR OF "Aeo" Lounge Chairs
Located in Forest, BE
Designed by Paolo Deganello in 1973, the AEO Lounge Chair is an iconic piece of the Italian Radical Design movement and one of the last projects developed by the Archizoom collective...
Metal
$855 / 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
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
$13,405 / item
Wireframe Bronze Armchair by Marsica Fossati
Located in Geneve, CH
Wireframe Metal Armchair by Marsica Fossati Dimensions: D 70 x W 60 x H 90 cm. Materials: Bronze. Dimensions and finishes available upon request. These pieces made with metal frame...
Bronze, Metal
$2,777 / item
Bold Dining Chair by Mohdern
Located in Geneve, CH
Bold Dining Chair by Mohdern Dimensions: W 61 x D 54 x H 79 cm Materials: Fabric, Bouclé Bold is a refined furniture collection designed and produced by the Mohdern brand. The series includes the armchair and lounge chair; the sofa in different designs; the dining chair and a comfortable bed. Each element is made of high-quality materials and in a wide range of fabrics. Enveloping lines and organic shapes create a dialogue between know-how and a contemporary design language. Bold is an expression of the best Made in Italy, combining style and function through an elegant and modern design. The Bold chair...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery
Epona Chair in Black Powder Coated Iron by Animate Objects
Located in Geneve, CH
Epona Chair in Black Powder Coated Iron by Animate Objects. Dimensions: W 40 x D 40 x H 106 cm. Materials: Iron, Black Powder Coated. Inspired by Picasso’s horse costume in Cocteau’...
Iron
$19,335 / item
Wireframe Brass Armchair by Marsica Fossati
Located in Geneve, CH
Wireframe Brass Armchair by Marsica Fossati Dimensions: D 70 x W 60 x H 90 x Seat H 42 cm. Materials: Brass. Dimensions and finishes available upon request. These pieces made with ...
Metal, Brass
$12,890 / item
Tamga Wenge Bench by Tolga Sencer
Located in Geneve, CH
Tamga Wenge Bench by Tolga Sencer Dimensions: D 55.5 x W 172.5 x H 40 cm. Materials: Wenge wood. Available in different wood options (massive america...
Wood
Bubble Chair by Anna Stechschulte for AFS Dsgn
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2024 This uniquely handcrafted furniture piece is entirely made in the U.S.A and is a part of a production run of only 12 pieces. Each chair is numbered with a signature stamp of ...
Leather, Wood
$8,249 / item
Buccina Polished Bronze Chair by Palena Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Buccina Polished Bronze Chair by Palena Furniture Dimensions: W 60.96 x D 57.15 x H 86.36 x Seat H 44.45 cm Materials: Polished Bronze, Black Lacquer, Woven Leather Available in cus...
Bronze, Other
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
$3,480 / item
Camille Armchair by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Camille Armchair by Munna Dimensions: D 97 x W 83 x H 75 cm. SH: 41 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Vivid Chenille, ref. Moss, VIC13. Available in all Munna fabri...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$8,824 / item
Niemeyer 2 Seat Sofa by InsidherLand
Located in Geneve, CH
Niemeyer 2 Seat Sofa by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 92 x W 180 x H 86 cm. Materials: Oak, brushed brass, InsidherLand Woollen Ref. 1 fabric. 56 kg....
Upholstery, Wood
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
Gaetano Pesce La Smorfia Chair Meritalia, 2003
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Postmodern chair designed by Gaetano Pesce and manufactured by Meritalia, Italy 2003. This unique shaped chair is more of a sculpture and fits perfectly in the oeuvre from Pesce, wit...
Metal
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
Pair of Postmodern Memphis Milano Armchairs in the style of Ettore Sottsass
Located in Buxton, GB
1990s Postmodern Armchairs – Memphis Era – Plum & Sage Colour Block A striking pair of original 1990s armchairs that perfectly capture the bold, avant-garde spirit of the Postmodern movement. With their architectural silhouette and daring colour-blocked upholstery, these chairs are a masterclass in "New Design" era aesthetics. Featuring a deep plum purple body accented with sage green armrests and a distinctive cream/teal racing stripe detail, these chairs sit on elegant, black-tapered stiletto legs. They provide a surprising level of comfort while maintaining a sharp, minimalist profile. Circa 1990. Postmodern / Memphis Milano Influence. Multi-tone vinyl/faux leather in Plum, Sage, Teal, and Cream. Highly durable and easy to clean. Sleek black-enamelled steel stiletto legs with original floor glides. Good vintage condition. The upholstery remains taut and vibrant with no significant cracks or fading. The frames are structurally sound and sturdy. Finding a matched pair of 90s chairs...
Metal
Contemporary Art Sofa - Nandì Verà by Carla Tolomeo
Located in Pistoia, IT
Sculpture. Unique piece hand made by the artist. 20th century sofa from the De Curtis home in Lugano. Decorations and velvet in Pontoglio silk, exclusive design by the Author. Gold,...
Silk
Beige Baba Sofa by Gisbert Pöppler, Upholstered Teak Frame, Germany
Located in Geneve, CH
Beige baba sofa by Gisbert Pöppler. Dimensions: H 74 (SH43) x W 303 x D 140.5 cm. Materials: Upholstered wooden frame, teak footings. Like a friend that...
Upholstery, Teak
$4,096Sale Price|20% Off
Brick & Mortar Sofa, Gray, Rich Woods & Seb Wrong, Established & Sons, UK, 2009
By Sebastian Wrong, Established & Sons, Richard Woods
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gray Brick & Mortar Sofa, Rich Woods & Seb Wrong, Established & Sons, UK, 2009. Iconic Postmodern design. Produced for a short period in 2009-2010. Made in ...
Textile
$12,070 / item
Levante Armchair by Francesco Zonca
Located in Geneve, CH
Levante Armchair by Francesco Zonca Numbered series signed Dimensions: D 85 x W 90 x H 71.5 cm Materials: Loro Piana Interiors fabric. The elegance of “Loro Piana Interiors” fabrics...
Foam, Wood, Fabric
$9,749 / item
Fabric Indolente Chair by Studio Caramel
Located in Geneve, CH
Fabric Indolente Chair by Studio Caramel Dimensions: W 58 x D 94 x H 93 cm. Materials: Fabric, powder coated steel, satin-finished solid brass. Studio Caramel is a contemporary fur...
Steel
Set of 2 White Dining WNG Chairs in Oak and Sheepskin Upholstery by Mazo Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 White WNG Chairs in Oak and Sheepskin Upholstery by Mazo Design Dimensions: W 60 x D 50 x H 76 cm Materials: oak, sheepskin. Also available: DAW/Ro...
Other
$2,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Modernist Modular Lounges / Loveseat
Located in Raleigh, NC
Modernist pair of modular lounge chairs that can function as stand alone lounges or combined to make a very cozy loveseat sofa. We had a lot of fun making these off of our love for ...
Steel
$17,894 / item
Segno Fabric Sofa 3 Seater by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Segno Fabric Sofa 3 Seater by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 225 x D 90 x H 88 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply, with metal support. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts ...
Foam, Wood
$2,062 / item
Object 02 Marron Seating by Volta
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 02 marron 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
$30,737 / item
Ténéré Original Sculptural Armchair by Katia Luna Benaï
Located in Geneve, CH
Ténéré Original Sculptural Armchair by Katia Luna Benaï. Dimensions: W 80 x D 80 x H 101 cm Materials: Solid Canaletto wood, Rubelli natural linen upholstery. The Ténéré Chair emerg...
Wood, Linen, Upholstery
$1,392 / item
Natural Lillängen Birch Chair by Storängen Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural Lillängen birch chair by Storängen Design Dimensions: D 52 x W 71 x H 85 x SH 42 cm Materials: birch wood Also available in other colors, with seat and back cushion. Li...
Birch
Green Leather Camaleonda by Mario Bellini, B&B Italia, Italy, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda; Mario Bellini; Green Leather; Postmodern; Lounge Chair; Lounge Sofa; Modular Sofa; One-Seater; Seating Element; Seating Unit; Italian Design Classic; Iconic Design; B&B I...
Leather
$6,240Sale Price|20% Off
Set of Eight Mandarin Dining Chairs Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
Knoll Ettore Sottsass Jr. (ITALY, 1917-2007) An architect, industrial designer, philosopher and provocateur, Ettore Sottsass led a revolution in the aesthetics and technology of m...
Metal
Fried Egg Left Lounge Chair Soft Violet, Plum, Fresh Peach by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried Egg Left Lounge Chair Soft violet Plum Fresh Peach by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D99 x W68 x H 68 cm Material: Textile or nubuck upholstery, Solid oiled teak Weight: 25 kg Als...
Upholstery, Teak
Mario Bellini Style Italian Modern Leather Wrapped Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish set of six Italian Modern or Postmodern high back dining chairs In the manner of Mario Bellini for Cassina Italy, Circa 1980s Hand-stitched cream leather uphol...
Steel
$1,898 / item
Bauhaus Lounge Chair by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
Bauhaus Lounge Chair by Doimo Brasil Dimensions: W 70 x D 56 x H 71 cm Materials: Metal, Boucle Fabric . With the intention of providing good taste and personality, Doimo decipher...
Metal
$5,027 / 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
$5,800 / 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
1980's Art Deco Swivel Lounge Chairs in Leather - A Pair
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman, Selig, Directional
Located in Burbank, CA
Pair of 1980's Post Modern Art Deco swivel lounge chairs for sale. These are in pink leather, and are in great condition. They have beautiful Art Deco stitching and lines on the back...
Leather
$3,714 / 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
$12,200 / set
Pierre Chapo “S24” Dining Chairs, 1967, Set of 4
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Pierre Chapo “S24” dining chairs for Atelier Pierre Chapo, elm and leather, France, 1967, set of four. Pierre Chapo designed the “S24” dining chairs ...
Leather, Elm
$13,605 / item
Roy 290 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Roy 290 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 115 x W 290 x H 83 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Royal Blue, CV36, and gloss lacquer. Availab...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Sveva Chair in Samsara Fabric, Horn Inlays & Burnished Metal by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Sveva Chair in Samsara Fabric, Horn Inlays & Burnished Metal by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 56 x W 54 x H 80 cm. Materials: Horn, fabric, and burnished metal. Different fabrics are avail...
Metal, Other
$4,124 / item
Curulis Aluminium Chair by Bureau of Entropy
Located in Geneve, CH
Curulis Aluminium Chair by Bureau of Entropy. Limited edition, numbered & signed. Dimensions: W 75 x D 40 x H 50 cm. Materials: Aluminium. Curulis is the more condensed counterpart...
Aluminum
$6,855 / item
Snow Sofa by Note Design Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Snow sofa straight by Note Design Studio Dimensions: D 100 x W 100 x H 74 cm. Materials: upholstery. This modular sofa is composed of: 1 x Module 01 : straight Prices may vary according to the fabric choice. Snow is a modular sofa concept created by Note Design Studio. Note is based in Stockholm where snow is abundant and changes drastically the landscape during a large portion of the year. Even the most brutalist building morph into blurry and puffy shapes. This contrast between a solid and steady structure anchored in the ground and the welcoming layer of soft snow on top is the inspiration for the Snow sofa. The snow system is composed of 2 elements – a straight module and a rounded 30° module – that can be combined to create an infinity of shapes. The sofa is complemented by low modules that can be used as ottomans or can be combined to create straight or curved padded benches...
Upholstery
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
Pair of Brühl Moule Black Leather Convertible Sofas by Roland Meyer-Brühl
By Brühl
Located in Garching a. d. Alz, DE
Matching Pair of Original Brühl Moule Sofas by Roland Meyer-Brühl A striking and exceptionally versatile pair of original Brühl Moule two-seat sofas, designed by Roland Meyer-Brühl ...
Leather
Rogan Gregory Post-Modern Armchair & Ottoman, Leather & Metal, 2007
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Rogan Gregory Objects Chair AND Ottoman This was part of a very limited run in 2007. The chair is obnoxiously heavy. These are extremely solid works of art. They're outfitted with ...
Metal
Brühl Moule Three-Seat Beige Leather Convertible Sofa by Roland Meyer-Brühl
By Brühl & Sippold
Located in Garching a. d. Alz, DE
Original Brühl Moule Three-Seat Sofa by Roland Meyer-Brühl An elegant and highly versatile Brühl Moule three-seat sofa, designed by Roland Meyer-Brühl and upholstered in soft beige ...
Leather
Lime Green Ponente Sun Lounger by Martinelli Venezia Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Lime Green Ponente Sun Lounger by Martinelli Venezia Studio Dimensions: D 68 x W 200 x H 34 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 25 kg. Available in different color options. This pr...
Other
$18,046 / item
B2461 Bench in Pointed Oak Wood by Jörg Pietschmann
Located in Geneve, CH
B2461 Bench in Pointed Oak Wood by Jörg Pietschmann Dimensions: D 29 x W 165 x H 21 cm. Materials: Oak wood. In Pietschmann’s sculptures, trees that for centuries were part of a lan...
Oak
Borek Sipek ”Prosim Sedni” Armchair for Driade, 1987
Borek Sipek ”Prosim Sedni” / “Papillon Chair” armchair for Driade, wood, leather and brocade, Italy, 1987. Emerging from the creative mind of Sipek in 1987, Papillon/Prosim Sedni fo...
Leather, Brocade, Wood
Collectible Shell Chaise in Gypsum & Fiberglass by Brent Warr Studios
By Brent Warr
Located in Bainbridge, GA
Crafted by hand, the Shell Chaise is a playful yet demanding presence that explores a new way of thinking in regards turn of the century Victorian furniture. Torn down, re-built, and...
Fabric, Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass, Plaster, Hardwood, Paint, Mohair
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Three-Seater Outdoor Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Three-Seater Outdoor Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 85,5 x W 230 x H 63 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Aluminium, wicker, and Luminesce fabric. ...
Aluminum
Cream Figured Walnut Version 5 Rocker Chair by A. Jacob Marks
Located in Geneve, CH
Cream Figured Walnut Version 5 Rocker Chair by A. Jacob Marks Dimensions: W 61 x D 86 x H 67 cm. Materials: Figured Walnut. V5R Also available in different materials. The version...
Walnut
Iron Armchair with Upholstered Cushions by Georg Toth, Europe 1998
Located in Utrecht, NL
This armchair draws inspiration from the aesthetics of Postmodernism; a period defined by its eclectic approach, where designers often mixed unconventional materials and colours. The...
Iron
Egon Three-Seater Sofa in Lamberto & Avion Fabrics by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Egon Three-Seater Sofa in Lamberto & Avion Fabrics by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 102 x W 300 x H 63 cm. Materials: Horn, fabric, polyurethane foam, and goose down. Cushions are not inc...
Other