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.
$4,283 / item
Ostrica Velvet Kyl Short Pouf by Dalmoto
Located in Geneve, CH
Ostrica Velvet Kyl Short Pouf by Dalmoto Dimensions: D 51 x W 55 x H 40 cm. SH: 40 cm. Materials: Metal and velvet. Available in different upholstery options and finishes. Available in two sizes. Please contact us. Kyl is a fabric pouf inspired by the lines of the Kylíndo armchair. The modular pouf...
Metal
Contemporary Steel Bench by Soft Baroque, in Lavender
By Soft Baroque
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The steel bench is a monolithic steel form created from a combination of a few simple actions. Working with a bespoke metal fabrication company, a flat sheet...
Steel
$4,668 / item
Marmoset Bellini 2040 Bench by Coco Flip
Located in Geneve, CH
Marmoset Bellini 2040 Bench by Coco Flip Dimensions: D 204 x W 54 x H 52.5 cm Materials: Timber / Upholstered tops, Powder-coated steel frame. Weight: 30kg Frame Finishes: Textura B...
Steel
$2,987 / item
Becomes Me Armchair by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Becomes Me Armchair by Munna Dimensions: D 75 x W 75 x H 82 cm. SH: 43 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet and wood lacquer legs. Available in all Munna...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Flame Red Amélie Sit Up High Stool by Italo Pertichini
Located in Geneve, CH
Flame Red Amélie Sit Up High Stool by Italo Pertichini Dimensions: D 49 x W 45 x H 95 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 6 kg. Available in a standard version and lacquered versio...
Other
$2,188 / item
Silhouette Dining Chair by InsidherLand
Located in Geneve, CH
Silhouette Dining Chair by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 53 x W 46 x H 87 cm. Materials: Wood structure with transluscent dark brown in high gloss varni...
Upholstery, Wood
$957 / item
Lime Green Gear Stool by Anastasia Ivanyuk
Located in Geneve, CH
Lime Green Gear Stool by Anastasia Ivanyuk Dimensions: D 55 x W 55 x H 43 cm. Seat Height: 43 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 6 kg. Available in different color options. This p...
Other
Grande 320 Five Seater Dark Bronze And Diablo Upholstery Sofa by Casa Casati
Located in Geneve, CH
Grande 320 Five Seater Dark Bronze And Diablo Upholstery Sofa by Casa Casati Dimensions: D 100 x W 320 x H 85 cm. Materials: Beech wood, marine plywood, polyurethane, polyester fibr...
Other
$8,986 / item
LCN 403 Bench by Tommaso Le Rose
Located in Geneve, CH
LCN 403 Bench by Tommaso Le Rose Dimensions: W 132 x D 49 x H 40 cm. Materials: Iron, Travertine. Lichene is a new experimental design project by designer Tommaso Le Rose. Lichene d...
Travertine, Iron
$14,121 / item
Hug Brown Sofa by Rejo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Hug Brown Sofa by Rejo Studio Dimensions: D 315 x W 95 x H 76 cm Materials: Wooden structure, with Velvet Also Available in different colours. Long co...
Velvet, Wood
$4,225 / item
Spira Rosso Levanto Stool by Etamorph
Located in Geneve, CH
Spira Rosso Levanto Stool by Etamorph Dimensions: Ø 30 x H 46 cm. Materials: Rosso Levanto. Masterfully crafted from a monolithic block of marble and manually honed. ETAMORPH is a ...
Stone
$6,809 / 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
$10,104 / item
Beige Memory Bench by Plyus Furniture
Located in Geneve, CH
Beige Memory Bench by Plyus Furniture Dimensions: D 42 x W 200 x H 38 cm Materials: Wood, HR foam, polyester wadding, fabric upholstery Also available in a variety of colors. “Mem...
Upholstery, Wood
Two rare demountable plywood chairs by Axel Kufus model Stöcke for Atoll
Located in München, DE
Two rare plywood chairs by Axel Kufus, model Stöck. Manufacturer: Atoll. Made in Germany. Produced from 1994 to 2000. Very lightweight and detachable construction. Legs and backrest...
Beech, Plywood
Set of Six Kartell Dining Chairs by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, 1981, Italy
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A set of six late modernist dining chairs from Italian design house Kartell. The 4855 model is a rarer edition of seating, designed in 1981 by the company’s co-founder and Art Direct...
Steel
Mario Bellini "Le Stelle" Lounge Chairs Original B&B Italia 1974
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Designed by Mario Bellini, the “Le Stelle” 1974 for B&B Italia lounge chair is a celebrated example of Bellini’s sculptural and highly sensual approach to furniture design. Defined b...
Leather, Linen
$2,287 / item
Chouchou Rose Stool by Pulpo
Located in Geneve, CH
Chouchou rose stool by Pulpo Dimensions: D35 x W30 x H43 cm Materials: ceramic Also available in different colours. Whether stool or storage table...
Ceramic
$19,198 / item
Ferdinand 350 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Ferdinand 350 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 185 x W 350 x H 80 cm. SH: 41 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet and brushed brass. Available in all M...
Brass
Camaleonda Three-Seater in Boucle Wool with 2 Armrests by Mario Bellini, 1970's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda, Mario Bellini, vintage; modular camaleonda, newly reupholstered in bouclé wool; white; Postmodern; Lounge chair; Sofa; Seating element; Italian design classics; Postm...
Wool, Foam
Black Capri Easy Lounge Chair with Cushions and Ottoman by Cools Collection
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Capri easy lounge chair with cushions and ottoman by Cools Collection Materials: Powder coated stainless steel, fabric suitable for outdoor use. Dimensions: Lounge chair: W 7...
Stainless Steel
$8,055 / item
Sophia 210 Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Sophia 210 Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 88 x W 210 x H 94 cm. SH: 45 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Pure White, CV01 upholstery, and pol...
Brass
S.A.C. Dining Chair with Leather by Naoya Matsuo
Located in Geneve, CH
S.A.C. Dining Chair with Leather by Naoya Matsuo. Materials: Metal, Plywood with Oak Veneer, Leather. Dimensions: D 50 x W 48.3 x H 72.5 cm...
Metal
$2,002 / item
Chamois Stool by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Chamois Stool by Munna Dimensions: D 42 x W 52 x H 49 cm. SH: 49 cm. Materials: Solid wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Upholstery: Cotton Velvet, ref. Lilac, CV15. Footer: ...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$822Sale Price / set|30% Off
2 Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast Italian Postmodern Tokyo Bar Counter Stools 35"
By Bieffeplast, Rodney Kinsman
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of circa 1980's Italian postmodern Bauhaus style "Tokyo" chairs / counter bar stools, designed by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast of Padova, Italy. Gray metal tubular frame with ...
Metal
$910 / item
Lime Green Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto
Located in Geneve, CH
Lime Green Double U Stool by Kazuko Okamoto Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 58 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 7 kg. Available in different color options. This product is suitable...
Other
$9,920 / set
Smoke Armchairs by Maarten Baas for Moooi, 2000s
By Maarten Baas, Moooi
Located in Renens, CH
Maarten Baas (the Netherlands) designed the Smoke series furniture for his 2002 graduation project at the Design Academy Eindhoven. Baas is considered one of the most influential Dut...
Leather, Wood
White Capri Easy Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Cools Collection
Located in Geneve, CH
White Capri easy lounge chair with ottoman by Cools Collection Materials: Powder coated stainless steel. Dimensions: Lounge chair: W 70 x D 84 x H 78 cm (seat height 35cm). Ottoma...
Stainless Steel
Past Create Future Barstool by Markus Friedrich Staab
Located in Geneve, CH
Past Create Future Barstool by Markus Friedrich Staab One of a Kind Dimensions: D 26 x W 43 x H 74 cm. Materials: Wood, lacquer, paint. French barstool contemporized, piece added, c...
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
$3,084 / item
Bo Armchair by Giacomo Tomazzi Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Bo Armchair by Giacomo Tomazzi Studio Dimensions: W 97 x D 95 x H 75 cm Materials: Structure made of metal tube with electrostatic painting in b...
Metal, Brass
$5,135 / item
Hug Golden Chair by Rejo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Hug Golden chair by Rejo Studio Dimensions: D 115 x W 70 x H 70 cm Materials: Wooden structure, with Velvet or silk Also Available in different colours...
Silk, Velvet, Wood
$7,566 / item
Origami Armchair by Royal Stranger
Located in Geneve, CH
Origami Armchair by Royal Stranger Dimensions: D 95,5 x W 110 x H 72 cm. SH: 47 cm. Materials: Fabric and wood. Weight: 47,5 kg Upholstery: Gentle 753...
Fabric, Wood
$8,939 / set
Set of 4, Goma Bar Chairs by Made By Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4, Goma bar chairs by Made By Choice Dimensions: 50 x 50 x 105 cm Materials: Plywood Also available: Upholstery in Fabric or Leather (Category 1 & 3), Goma Dining Chair, ...
Birch, Plywood
Vintage Italian Iva Dining Chairs by Pamio and Toso for Stilwood 1970s Set of 4
By Stilwood, Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A striking and architectural set of four vintage Iva dining chairs designed by Roberto Pamio and Renato Toso for Stilwood, Italy, originally introduced in 1972. With their thick rect...
Wood, Ash
$3,422 / item
Xaloc Burgundy Armchair by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Xaloc Burgundy Amchair by MOWEE Dimensions: D 100 x W 102 x H 81 cm (Seat Height 42 cm) Material: Aluminum, Upholstery Weight: 29 kg Also available in different colours and finis...
Aluminum
$3,337 / item
Layered Steel Stool by Hyungshin Hwang
Located in Geneve, CH
Layered steel stool by Hyungshin Hwang Dimensions: D 30 x W 30 x H 45 cm Materials: stainless steel Layered Series is the main theme and conce...
Stainless Steel
$2,467 / item
Chair with Buoys by Touch With Eyes
Located in Geneve, CH
Chair with Buoys by Touch With Eyes Dimensions: W 40 x D 40 x H 70 cm Materials: Black metal and buoys. Weight: 5 Kg. The chair was made with buoys from fishing nets. Moving aroun...
Metal
$3,457 / item
Mm Stool by Goons
Located in Geneve, CH
MM stool by Goons Dimensions: W 30 x D 30 x H 54 cm. Materials: Wood. Dimensions can be adjusted +/- 10 cm. Goons is located in Paris, France....
Wood
$7,170Sale Price / set|30% Off
Set of 8 black lacquered "MED ACERBIS" chairs and rust-colored velvet Italy 1980s
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The MED chair was made in 1983 by Giotto Stoppino and Lodovico Acerbis for Acerbis. It is characterized by its contrast between curves and linearity, such as the particular section o...
Velvet, Harewood
Black Capri Easy Lounge Chair with Seat Cushion by Cools Collection
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Capri Easy Lounge chair with seat cushion by Cools Collection Materials: Powder coated stainless steel, fabric suitable for outdoor use. Dimensions: Lounge Chair: W 70 x D 84...
Stainless Steel
Limited Edition, Concrete and and Dark Plywood Chair by Lucas Tyra Morten
By Lucas Morten
Located in Geneve, CH
Tron Chair by Lucas Tyra Morten 2022 Limited Edition of 9 Dimensions: W 66 x D 59 x H 80 cm Material: Plywood, Concrete, Wax Occupying the liminal ...
Concrete, Other
$4,563 / item
Totem Chair by The Cult
Located in Geneve, CH
Totem Chair by The Cult Dimensions: W 50 x D 50 x H 80 cm Materials: Upholstery, Velvet, Stainless Steel The Cult STUDIO Generates Emotional Solutions And Experiences In Different S...
Stainless Steel
$5,006 / item
Luke Armchair by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Luke Armchair by Munna Dimensions: D 106 x W 116 x H 80 cm. SH: 47 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet. Available in all Munna fabrics except Wild Silk....
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$44,246 / item
Yin Yang Modular Sofa by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Ying Yang Modular Sofa by Munna Dimensions: D 202 x W 455 x H 123 cm. SH: 57 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery and brushed brass. Th...
Brass
$957 / item
Object 064 Stool by NG Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 064 stool by NG Design Dimensions: D38 x H45 cm Materials: Powder coated steel, Boucle upholstery Also Available: All of objects available in different materials and colo...
Steel
Vintage Brushed Metal Ribbon Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Hand Crafted Post-Modern Ribbon Chair Brushed Metal Texture Throughout with Smooth Glossy finish
Metal, Steel
1990s Weiman Royal Blue Cloud Serpentine Sofa
By Weiman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, cloud sofa you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful sofa is statement piece which is a...
Chrome
$10,783 / item
Olla Stool I by Brera Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Olla Stool I by Brera Studio One of a kind. Dimensions: D 75 x W 75 x H 45 cm. Materials: pinewood, paint, linen. Made from endemic pine wood in the region of Chihuahua, and ha...
Linen, Wood, Pine, Paint
$3,874 / item
Sophia Armchair by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Sophia Armchair by Munna Dimensions: D 88 x W 85 x H 94 cm. SH: 45 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, brass, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet and brushed brass. Available in all Munna ...
Brass
$490 / item
Light Blue Acapulco Chair by OK Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Light 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 fram...
Metal
$793 / item
Togi Stool by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
Togi Stool by DAaZ Dimensions: D 35 x W 50 x H 45 cm. Materials: Wood, fabric. DAaZ Furniture honors the spirit of adventure. We embrace the escape of the ordinary and revel in the...
Wood, Fabric
$3,911 / item
Blondie Armchair by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Blondie Armchair by Munna Dimensions: D 90 x W 87 x H 97 cm. SH: 47 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet ref. Desert, CV03. Available in all Munna fabric...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$4,096 / item
Margaret Armchair by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Margaret Armchair by Munna Dimensions: D 87 x W 101 x H 94 cm. SH: 48 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Desert, CV03. Available in all Munna fab...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Black Painted Brass Sculpted Chair with Seat Upholstered by Misaya
By Misaya
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Painted Brass Sculpted Chair with Seat Upholstered by Misaya Dimensions: W 54 x L 58 x H 79 cm (seating: 63) Hand-sculpted chair in brass. The translation of Art Nouveau’s whi...
Brass
$7,496 / 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
$13,165 / item
Kimono Armchair by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Kimono Armchair by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 90 x D 62 x H 80 cm Materials: STRUCTURE: metal and cuoio SEAT + BACK: polyurethane foam, density 30 kg/m³. REMOVABLE PARTS: seat and back ...
Metal
$1,657 / item
Element 3 Seater Bench by Idaaf Architects
Located in Geneve, CH
Element 3 Seater Bench by Idaaf Architects Dimensions: W 175 x D 40 x H 55 cm Materials: Century Old Oak Made of solid Maple wood, this 3-seater bench ...
Oak
Pop Art 'BONE' Bench Seating Object The Netherlands 1980's
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
A unique and one off 'Bone' Bench in a very sturdy canvas naugahyde A playfull and functional seating object that was custom created for a primary school in Amsterdam in the 1980's ...
Canvas, Naugahyde
Post modern Dining Chairs by Karl Friedrich Förster for KFF, 1980s, Set of 6
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage dining chairs by Karl Friedrich Förster for KFF Germany with a cool post modern style design. Black metal frames and plywood seats and backrests. Stackable design. Timeles...
Metal
Pascal Mourgue Contrasté Chair, Beech & Upholstery, France 1982
Located in Portland, OR
Pascal Mourgue’s Contrasté chair plays with simplicity of form using circle and square. Solid beech frame is lacquered a deep green and this example has been reupholstered in Dedar M...
Upholstery, Beech, Lacquer
$5,006 / item
Object 03 Noir Seating by Volta
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 03 noir seating by Volta Dimensions: D 45 x W 200 x H 50 cm Materials: Cork and Velvet Also available in diffentent colours. Please contact us. MEÏ COLLECTION The Meï c...
Velvet, Cork