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.
$5,524 / item
Liquid Steel Labirint Sofa by Andrea Giomi
Located in Geneve, CH
Liquid Steel Labirint sofa by Andrea Giomi Dimensions: D 80 x W 60 x H 84 cm Materials: liquid steel. Andrea Giomi, was born in Castelfiorentino in t...
Steel
$1,780 / item
Grace Forest Green Pouf by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Grace forest green pouf by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D 77 x H 45 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Foam, Wood. Weight: 15.5 kg Also available in different colours and finishes. A...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$27,620 / item
Water Splash Chaise Longue by Dainte
Located in Geneve, CH
Water Splash Chaise Longue by Dainte Dimensions: D 152.5 x W 124.5 x H 119.5 cm. Materials: Crystal. Chic, one of a kind design made from acrylic crystal with our signature embedded...
Crystal
Pema Meditation Chair in Pure White Vivid Chenille Upholstery by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Pema Meditation Chair in Pure White Vivid Chenille Upholstery by Munna Dimensions: D 75 x W 84 x H 61 cm. SH: 25 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Vivid Chenille, re...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Organic Loop Stripes Chair in Hand-Painted Fiberglass Composite by Julian Mayor
Located in Geneve, CH
Organic Loop Stripes Chair in Hand-Painted Fiberglass Composite by Julian Mayor Limited Edition of 20 Pieces. Dimensions: D 73 x W 83 x H 70 cm. Materials: Fiberglass composite. Ju...
Fiberglass
Charlotte Bar Stool in Raspberry Twill FR, Lacquer & Brushed Brass by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Charlotte Bar Stool in Raspberry Twill FR, Lacquer & Brushed Brass by Munna Dimensions: D 47 x W 46 x H 92 cm. SH: 80 cm. Materials: Solid wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: ...
Brass
$4,770 / item
Layered Steel Seat XVI by Hyungshin Hwang
Located in Geneve, CH
Layered steel seat XVI by Hyungshin Hwang. Dimensions: D 33 x W 54 x H 54 cm. Materials: stainless steel. Layered Series is the main theme and concept of work of Hwang, who cont...
Stainless Steel
Postmodern Memphis Style White Bouclé Armchair Brutal
By Moanne
Located in Almería, ES
The Brutal Armchair is a celebration of radical form and unapologetic presence. With its chunky silhouette, bold cylindrical legs, and striking cut-out backrest, it fuses brutalist a...
Bouclé
$7,076 / item
Rouen Chair in Leather and Brass by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Rouen Chair in Leather and Brass by Madheke. Dimensions: W 65 x D 60 x H 69 cm. Materials: Crafted leather upholstered seat and body, brass vintage knurling detail, leather-finished ...
Metal, Brass
$29,401 / item
Fabric and Cuoio Stilt Sofa 3 Seater by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Fabric and Cuoio Stilt Sofa 3 Seater by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 224 x D 96 x H 75 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and cuoio. SUSPENSIONS: rub la plume ber and polypropylene belts SEA...
Wood
Vintage Ettore Sottsass for Knoll Eastside Lounge Chairs - A Pair
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace the iconic design of the late 20th century with this rare pair of vintage lounge chairs, designed by the legendary Ettore Sottsass for Knoll. These chairs embody a distinctiv...
Metal
Pair of Von Vogelsang chairs by Phlippe Starck for Driade in 1985
Located in LAMBLORE, FR
6 Von Vogelsang armchairs by Philippe Starck Driade edition, circa 1985. silver painted metal. first edition non stackable. possibility of being sold in pair. Philippe Starck, a visionary designer known for his eclectic and innovative creations, has left an indelible mark on the world of design. Born in Paris in 1949, Starck's career spans decades and encompasses a wide range of projects, from furniture and product design to architecture and interior design. One of Starck's defining characteristics is his ability to blend functionality with artistic expression. His designs often challenge conventional notions of form and function, pushing boundaries and redefining what is possible. Whether it's a sleek chair made from recycled materials or a futuristic hotel interior, Starck's work is always imbued with a sense of creativity and originality. Throughout his career, Starck has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the design world, including Alessi, Kartell, and Flos. His iconic creations, such as the Louis Ghost chair and the Juicy Salif...
Metal
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
$6,642 / item
Brown Lounge Chair by Estudio Andean
Located in Geneve, CH
Brown lounge chair by Estudio Andean. Dimensions: W 56 x D 83 x H 93 cm Materials: steel, bronze, wood, leather. Lounge chair made of steel ro...
Bronze, Steel
$7,658 / item
Plisse Oak Accent Chair by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Plisse Oak Accent Chair by Alter Ego Studio Dimensions: D 66 x W 76 x H 66 cm. Materials: Oak. Also available in walnut. We are a design studio specializing in furniture design fou...
Oak
Dutch Modernist Steel Armchair by Albert in ’t Veld, 1980s
Located in EVERDINGEN, NL
Modernist chair - artwork by the Dutch Albert in ’t Veld (1942- ) Rhythm and balance translated into form - distilled into a pure, geometric composition of welded steel. The design ...
Steel
Alma Chair in Pastel Yellow Powder Coated Aluminum by Animate Objects
Located in Geneve, CH
Alma Chair in Pastel Yellow Powder Coated Aluminum by Animate Objects. Dimensions: W 46 x D 40 x H 95 cm. Materials: Aluminum, Pastel Yellow Powder Coated Aluminum. This listing fea...
Aluminum
$2,225 / item
Sweet Fuchsia Low Lita Chair by OTTO Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Sweet Fuchsia Low Lita Chair by OTTO Studio Designed by Paola Navone. Dimensions: D 80 x W 78 x H 70 cm. Seat Height: 36 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 13 kg. Available in dif...
Other
4 x Castelli "PENELOPE" Dining Chairs By Charles Pollock Italy 1980
By Charles Pollock, Anonima Castelli
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Introducing a captivating set of four vintage Penelope Chairs by Charles Pollock for Anonima Castelli, Italy 1980. These iconic chairs exude timeless elegance and impeccable craftsma...
Metal, Chrome
$3,600 / set
Carson's High Point Sculpted Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique mid-century style faux leather chairs. Sculpted frames in soft pink fabric. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Fabric, Upholstery
$2,008 / item
Oak Stool 2 by Romain des Bois
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak Stool 2 by Romain des Bois Dimensions: D 30 x H 50 cm. Materials: Oak. About: Romain des Bois is, above all, rooted in a deep love for the countryside — especially the country...
Wood
$15,636 / item
Awaiting L Bench by Secondome Edizioni
Located in Geneve, CH
Awaiting L Bench by Secondome Edizioni Limited Edition Of 9 pieces + 3 A.P. Designer: Coralla Maiuri + Giorgia Zanellato. Dimensions: D 49 x W 132 x H 67 cm. M...
Brass
Original Moroso armchair leather blue turquoise Patricia Urquiola swivel
Located in Berlin, DE
We are offering a beautiful light blue/ turquoise swivel chair/ armchair from Moroso for sale. The design is by Patricia Urquiola and is charac...
Leather
Contemporary Design: Drum Chair, by Mac Stopa for Cappelini, 2000s
By Cappellini
Located in Renens, CH
Drum Chair designed by Mac Stopa in 2016 for Cappelini, Italy. Mac Stopa is Polish-born architect and designer, with a fascination for mathematics and geomet...
Metal
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Two-Seater Outdoor Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Link-Terra Wicker And Powder-Coated Aluminum Two-Seater Outdoor Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 85,5 x W 195 x H 63 cm. Materials: Aluminium, wicker, and Luminesce fabric. Link-Terra Wh...
Aluminum
$7,395 / item
Double Bench by Goons
Located in Geneve, CH
Double bench by Goons Dimensions: W 220 x D 45 x H 43 cm. Materials: Wood. Dimensions can be adjusted +/- 10 cm. Goons is located in Paris, France. All of their designs are m...
Wood
$935 / 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
Maybe High Backrest Executive Upholstered Armchair by Quinti Sedute
Located in Geneve, CH
Maybe High Backrest Executive Upholstered Armchair by Quinti Sedute Dimensions: D 68 x W 68 x H 117 cm. Materials: Aluminum and upholstery. Available in different finishes, sizes, a...
Aluminum
$5,524 / item
Delano 5066 Bench by Redeco
Located in Geneve, CH
Delano 5066 Bench by Redeco Dimensions: W 160 x D 50 x H 41 cm Materials: Mdf structure. Internal plywood seat padded with polyurethane foam. Pre-upholstery in polyester wadding, uph...
Fabric, Upholstery, Plywood
$513 / item
Lace Burgundy Stool by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Lace burgundy stool by Mowee. Dimensions: D43 x H91 cm. Material: Polyethylene, stainless steel. Weight: 6.7 kg Also Available in different colours...
Stainless Steel
Lounge chair in wood with hand-dyed upholstered seat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Mercy Seat", is a one-of-a-kind piece as part of Jason Andrew Turner's "Welcome Home" collection. This piece is hand painted and hand crafted by the artist...
Acrylic, Linen, Foam, Wood, Plywood
$7,361 / item
Dobra Module Corner Sofa by Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
Dobra Module Corner Sofa by Wentz Dimensions: D 110 x W 110 x H 70 cm Materials: Modular sofa with wood structure, elastic straps, hyper-soft foam and WE—KNIT covering (70% Recycled ...
Upholstery
Vitra EA 107 Bürostuhl Vitra Charles Ray Eames hopsak hellgrau
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Vitra EA 107 Konferenzstuhl mit dunklem Rahmen und hellgrauem Hopsak Stoff zum Verkauf an. Der Stuhl wurde professionell gereinigt und aufgearbeitet. I...
Steel, Chrome
Contemporary Naturally Patinated Steel Bar Stool With Backrest by Dennis Kaiser
Located in Geneve, CH
Patinated Steel Contemporary Forever Bar Stool With Backrest by Dennis Kaiser Dimensions: D 40 x W 35 x H 93 cm. SH: 68 cm. Materials: Steel. Handcrafted in Tuscany, Italy. Customiz...
Steel
$45,197 / item
Vertigo IV Sculptural Bench by Pol Quadens
Located in Geneve, CH
Vertigo IV Sculptural Bench by Pol Quadens Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 120 x W 400 x H 250 cm. Materials: Polished stainless steel. Pol Quadens was born in Brussels. His father was active in the fields of composites the metal industry, and the world of materials, therefore, surrounded Pol since his early childhood. After his artistic studies, he starts restoring vintage cars. This experience has allowed him to gain strong practical skills and a deep knowledge of all materials. In 1987, he made his first creations and production of objects. His sensitivity and passion for the arts led him to create functional artworks. His CD shelf...
Stainless Steel
Sophia 210 Sofa in Pure White Cotton Velvet & Polished Brass by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Sophia 210 Sofa in Pure White Cotton Velvet & Polished Brass by Munna Dimensions: D 88 x W 210 x H 94 cm. SH: 45 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velv...
Brass
$1,152 / item
Na Pali Stool by InsidherLand
Located in Geneve, CH
Na Pali Stool by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 45 x W 45 x H 43 cm. Materials: Wooden base, walnut veneer, InsidherLand Bright Velvet Ref. Sand fabric. 10 k...
Upholstery, Wood
$19,585 / item
Ash Hardwood Big Chair by BNF Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ash Hardwood Big Chair by BNF Studio Dimensions: W 35 x D 32 x H 30 in, Seating height: 18”. Materials: Ash, Mohair velvet. Finishes and Colors: White, Bla...
Mohair, Ash
Olympia Chaise Longue in Emerald Green Cotton Velvet Upholstery by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Olympia Chaise Longue in Emerald Green Cotton Velvet Upholstery by Munna Dimensions: D 118 x W 217 x H 94 cm. SH: 43 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton ...
Brass
$15,065 / item
Panchina Camel Antique Bench by Yukiko Nagai
Located in Geneve, CH
Panchina camel Antique bench by Yukiko Nagai Dimensions: D55 x W152 x H85 cm Material: Iron, Marble, Natural stone, Cement, Stucco Weight: 60 kg An old vintage bench...
Stone, Cement, Marble, Iron
Emma Chaise Longue in Moss Trevira Velvet & Moss Gloss Lacquer by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Emma Chaise Longue in Moss Trevira Velvet & Moss Gloss Lacquer by Munna Dimensions: D 96 x W 196 x H 80 cm. SH: 52 cm. Materials: Solid wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Trevira Ve...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Set of Four 1980s Castelijn SLA Dining Chairs, Black Leather & Wood
By Gijs Bakker, Castelijn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of Four postmodern dining chairs by Dutch manufacturer Castelijn, attributed to acclaimed designer Gijs Bakker, circa 1980s. These distinctive pieces showcase the harmonious blen...
Metal
$4,976 / item
MG107 Lounge Chair by Malte Gormsen
Located in Geneve, CH
MG107 Lounge Chair by Malte Gormsen Dimensions: D 64.2 x W 62.2 x H 77.6 cm. Materials: Smoked oak, natural paper cord. Available in Nature, Raw Nature, Soap, Smoked, and Dark Natur...
Papercord, Oak
Cupido 180 Glossy Lacquer Base And Beech Wood Sofa by Casa Casati
Located in Geneve, CH
Cupido 180 Glossy Lacquer Base And Beech Wood Sofa by Casa Casati Dimensions: D 86 x W 180 x H 70 cm. Materials: Beech wood, marine plywood, lacquer, polyurethane, polyester fibre, ...
Other
Postmodern Camel Leather Armchair Pair, Italian Design, 1980s Style
By Nicoletti Salotti, Ralph Lauren
Located in Rochester, NY
Postmodern Italian camel leather set of armchairs in the style of Nicoletti Salotti circa late 1980s/early 1990s. As it stands now, I can't find the makers mark. The set is also re...
Leather
ELEMENTOS Earth Stool Sandblasted Pine with Natural Finish by Daniel Couttolenc
Located in Geneve, CH
ELEMENTOS Earth Stool in Sandblasted Pine with Natural Finish by Daniel Couttolenc Dimensions: D 42 x W 42 x H 42 cm. Materials: Sandblasted Pine. Earth is firmness, stability—a for...
Pine
Contemporary Zebrano Wood Chair by Soft Baroque
By Soft Baroque
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Unique handmade solid Zebrano chair from the "Hard Round" series by the London based design duo soft Baroque. Custom designs and sizes are available on r...
Zebra Wood
Vladimir Kagan “Arc” Sofa for Directional, 1990s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan “Arc” Sofa for Directional, 1990s, fully restored in a wool velvet. Very good condition
Velvet
Luna Nest Armchair in Walnut Veneer & Upholstery by PANOPTIKUM COLLECTIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Luna Nest Armchair in Walnut Veneer & Upholstery by PANOPTIKUM COLLECTIONS Dimensions: D 80 x W 80 x H 66 cm. Materials: Small-radial MDF in walnut veneer and upholstery. A comp...
Wood, Upholstery
$2,031 / item
Bruta Alta Lounge Chair by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
Bruta Alta Lounge Chair by Doimo Brasil Dimensions: W 74 x D 87 x H 102 cm Materials: Metallic paint, Natural leather. With the intention of provi...
Metal
$17,474 / item
Marmini II Chair by Hannes Peer
By Hannes Peer
Located in Geneve, CH
Marmini II Chair by Hannes Peer Dimensions: 55 W x 50.4 D x 64 H cm Materials: Fior di Pesco marble, Lelièvre Helsinki fabric Marmini II is despite its minimalistic architectural ap...
Marble
Plywood and Upholstered Dorsia Chair by Dainelli Studio Atelier
Located in Geneve, CH
Plywood and Upholstered Dorsia Chair by Dainelli Studio Atelier Dimensions: W 66 x D 60 x H 80 cm Materials: Plywood, Upholstery. Chair with a plywood structure, padded and upholste...
Upholstery, Plywood
Sandcastle Lounge Chair Concrete by Atelier Ruben Van Megen
Located in Geneve, CH
Sandcastle Lounge Chair Concrete by Atelier Ruben Van Megen Dimensions: D 68 x H 45 cm Materials: Sand, Resin, Bronze. Ruben van Megen (1984)...
Sandstone, Bronze
$13,079 / item
Camurça Rocco Sofa by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Camurça Rocco Sofa by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 162 x D 98 x H 62 cm Materials: Suede. About: Studio Orth is a multidisciplinary furniture and interior design firm, founded in 2018...
Suede
Original Rolf Benz Sofa 3000 Zweisitzer Couch Creme Beige Design
By Rolf Benz
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eins von insgesamt zwei wunderschönen Rolf Benz Sofas des Modells "3000" zum Verkauf an. Bei diesem Modell handelt es sich um den etwas kürzeren Zweisitzer. In unseren and...
Fabric
$6,186 / item
Trasnfera Bench by Alina Rotzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Trasnfera bench by Alina Rotzinger Materials: Phenolic birch plywood treated and lacquered with epoxy resin, epoxy resin spheres, steel metal base lacquered with epoxy resin. Dimen...
Steel
Pair of Postmodern Stools by Anna Casatelli Ferrieri for Kartell, Italy, 1980s
By Kartell, Anna Castelli Ferrieri
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of black and white Postmodern bar or counter stools by the Italian designer Anna Casatelli Ferrieri for Kartell, Italy, circa 1980.
Metal
$2,488 / item
Mustard Jasmine Chair by Nelson Araujo
Located in Geneve, CH
Mustard Jasmine Chair by Nelson Araujo Dimensions: D 88 x W 88 x H 80 cm Materials: Wood, foam, fabric. Available in Mustard and Terracotta colors. Nelson de Araújo graduated in Pr...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
4er Set Flechtatelier Schütz Stühle Design Stuhl 1970 Bambus
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes 6er Set Design Stühle des deutschen Traditionsunternehmen Flechtatelier Schütz zum Verkauf an. Die Stühle wurden in den 1970er Jahren gefertigt und stehe...
Bamboo
$4,040 / item
Boucle Small Oscar Chair by Duistt
Located in Geneve, CH
Boucle Small Oscar Chair by Duistt Dimensions: W 60 x D 58 x H 77 cm Materials: Special Boucle Fabric Nobilis SF.DE.21.006 Swivel version available upon request. Please contact us. ...
Bouclé