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.
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Corner Modular Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Natural Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Corner Modular Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 123 x W 123 x H 65 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood, rope, and Ethereal fabric. The C...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
$2,728 / item
Newman Bar Stool by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Newman Bar Stool by Munna Dimensions: D 50 x W 40 x H 102 cm. SH: 80 cm. Materials: Solid wood, foam, brass, and leather. Finish: Upholstery: Leather, ref. Cream, L02. Legs: Cream gl...
Brass
$34,738 / item
Tau Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Tau Leather Sofa Composition by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 406 x D 90 x H 75 cm Materials: FRAME: solid wood and multiply. SUSPENSIONS: rubber and polypropylene belts. REMOVABLE PARTS: ...
Foam, Wood
Postmodern Lucite + Chrome Folding Chairs (After Giancarlo Piretti), A Pair
By Anonima Castelli, Marais international, (After) Gio Ponti, Yonel Lebovici, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Round Top, TX
Fabulous pair of acrylic folding chairs in soft "barely" lavender. Designed with heavyweight chrome frames, and thick, bent acrylic seats and backs, in a Minimalist, Postmodern sty...
Chrome
$2,882 / item
Silver Wave Stool by Haymann Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Silver Wave Stool by Haymann Editions Dimensions: D 32 x W 32 x H 38.5 cm. Materials: Blown glass, cork. Available in different blown glass colors. Please contact us. Blown glass b...
Blown Glass
$4,717 / item
Chair After Storm by Touch With Eyes
Located in Geneve, CH
Chair After Storm by Touch With Eyes Dimensions: W 40 x D 50 x H 60 cm Materials: Wood, from pine tree, Oil and Wax. Weight: 40 Kg. The chair was made from pine tree that fell aft...
Wood
Éclat-Nightfall Rope, Luminesce Fabric And Aluminum Frame Dining Chair by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Éclat-Nightfall Rope, Luminesce Fabric And Aluminum Frame Dining Chair by SNOC Dimensions: D 63 x W 64 x H 78 cm. SH: 49,5 cm. Materials: Aluminium, rope, and Luminesce fabric. Ant...
Aluminum
Set of 2 XVII Sherman Lounge Chairs by Arturo Verástegui
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 XVII Sherman lounge chairs by Arturo Verástegui Dimensions: D 82 x W 109 x H 81 cm Materials: oak wood, leather. Lounge chair made of white oak or burnt finish white oa...
Leather, Oak
$2,411 / item
Brass Sculptural Log Stool - Large Size by Misaya
By Masaya
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass Sculptural Log Stool - Large Size by Misaya Dimensions: W38 x D34 x H33.5 cm Materials: Brass Also Available: Different colors (Gold, Polished Brass. Black, Painted Brass) and...
Brass
Mummy Chairs by Peter Traag for Edra, Italy - 2007
By Edra, Peter Traag
Located in Renens, CH
Set of six Mummy Chairs by Peter Traag for Edra, Italy, 2007. The Mummy Chair was designed by Peter Traag, a Dutch designer born in 1979 who studied at the Royal College of Art in ...
Beech
$12,115 / item
Odette Black Oak Club Chair by Fred and Juul
Located in Geneve, CH
Odette Black Oak Club Chair by Fred and Juul Dimensions: D 63 x W 66 x H 57 cm. Materials: Black oak and wool. Available in different oak finishes and wool colors. Custom sizes, mat...
Wool, Oak
$6,921 / item
Nuanced Brown Lazy-O Bench by Somaschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Nuanced Brown Lazy-O Bench by Somaschini Dimensions: W 180 x D 40 x H 45 cm Materials: Lightened mdf monolithic structure. S55 Nuanced copper brown lacquered polyester high gloss fin...
Lacquer
Fig Armchair – Contemporary Brass Frame with Warm Brown Upholstery by Misaya
By Masaya
Located in Geneve, CH
Fig Armchair – Contemporary Brass Frame with Warm Brown Upholstery by Misaya Dimensions: W72 x D80 x H74 cm Materials: Brass Also Available: Different colors (Gold, Polished Brass. ...
Brass
Striped TMBO Lounge Sofa in Oak and Dedar/Linear Upholstery by Mazo Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Striped TMBO Lounge Sofa in Oak and Dedar/Linear Upholstery by Mazo Design Dimensions: W 165 x D 68.5 x H 87 cm Materials: Oak Also available: ROMO/Linara, DAW/Royal, KVADRAT/Remix, KVADRAT/Hallingdal & Fiord, BUTE/Storr, DAW/Mohair & Mcnutt, JENNIFER SHORTO / Kongaline & Seafoam, DEDAR/Artemidor, Sheepskin, please contact us. 1935 is the date on the first draft of this chair by the renowned multitalent and architect Magnus Læssøe Stephensen, which have now been revived under the name TMBO. The TMBO series was designed in a shape that, in the laid back confident attitude, celebrates life with the same dramatic simplicity that Magnus Læssøe Stephensen found in Japanese design tradition. The TMBO Chair...
Other
Cactus Sheepskin Dining Chair by Cuero Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Cactus Sheepskin Dining Chair by Cuero Design Dimensions: D 67 x W 50 x H 90 cm. Materials: Sheepskin and metal. Finish: Shorn White sheepskin and black frame. Available in differen...
Metal
$6,623 / item
Flame Sofa by Memoir Essence
Located in Geneve, CH
Flame Sofa by Memoir Essence Dimensions: D 80 x W 220 x H 100 cm. Materials: Velvet TT, satin STN and lacquer. Also available in client's fabric. Please co...
Satin, Upholstery, Velvet, Lacquer
$1,810 / item
Natú Stool by Frau Caze
Located in Geneve, CH
Natú Stool by Frau Caze Dimensions: D 35 x W 54 x H 36.5 cm. Materials: Oiled walnut, natural leather. Although Berlin has been her home for many years, Carolin – the designer behi...
Leather, Walnut
$1,716 / item
Tiffany Bouelle Right O2 Armchair by Babel Brune
Located in Geneve, CH
Tiffany Bouelle Right O2 armchair by Babel Brune Dimensions: D 63 x W 54 x H 67 cm, Seat H 35 cm. Material: Suede velvet 380g / m², steel. This sp...
Steel
$2,442 / item
Lime Green Amore Bench by Giò Colonna Romano
Located in Geneve, CH
Lime Green Amore Bench by Giò Colonna Romano Dimensions: D 38 x W 145 x H 45 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 18 kg. Available in a standard version and lacquered version. Price...
Other
$1,596 / item
High Luna Bar Stool by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
High Luna Bar Stool by Doimo Brasil Dimensions: W 51 x D 53 x H 106 cm Materials: Paint, Fabric. Also available in W 51 x D 53 x H 90 cm, Seat Height: 60 cm. With the intention o...
Fabric, Paint
Grey Curved Upholstery Sofa with Solid Oak Base by Obstacles
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique, Solid Oak Marina Sofa Obstacles Dimensions: W 98 x D 235 x H 70 cm Materials: Solid oak. While most of our designs are recognized for their clea...
Oak
$500 / item
Vanilla Acapulco Chair by OK Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Vanilla 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 frame. ...
Metal
Set of 4 Arch Lounge Chairs in Oak and Daw/Mohair & McNutt Fabric by Mazo Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4 Arch Lounge Chairs in Oak and Daw/Mohair & McNutt Fabric by Mazo Design Dimensions: W 69 x D 79 x H 76 cm Materials: Oak, Textile With the new ARCH collection, mazo forges ...
Other
$1,858 / item
Grace Vintage Rose Pouf by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Grace vintage rose 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
$2,144 / item
Kolho Junior Chair by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Kolho Junior Chair by Made by Choice With Matthew Day Jackson Dimensions: W 43 x D 42 x H 59 cm Materials: Plywood Available: Blue Gradient, Pink Gradient Expertly designed for little ones, the Kolho Junior chair from the Kolho collection boasts unique serpentine forms for a comfortable and stylish seating experience. Matthew Day Jackson is an American artist whose multifaceted practice encompasses sculpture, painting, collage, photography, drawing, video, performance and installation. Born in Panorama City, California, in 1974 and currently living and working on the East Coast, his art grapples with big ideas such as the evolution of human thought, the fatal attraction of the frontier and the faith that man places in technological advancement. In particular, his work addresses the myth of the American Dream, exploring the forces of creation, growth, transcendence, and death through visions of its failed utopia. About Made by Choice: Nordic Happiness. Nordic Happiness is our grand theme and guiding star. Studies show that Nordic people are among the happiest on Earth. Nordic happiness is composed of authentic values and sustainable choices. The vision of Choice is based on the added value of collective creation while promoting sustainable Nordic values through authentic design. Rooted in the traditions of Finnish woodworks, Made by Choice is a creative powerhouse of collaborative thinkers, believers and makers, establishing a global brand for the 21st century. Committed to producing durable, bold and innovative designs, we combine contemporary woodworking methods and modern technology. Halikko is home to our 4000 square metre campus where we turn abstract concepts into tangible objects. Our team in our office in Helsinki coordinates all operations and installations. Made by Choice's agile, purpose driven approach means all new products are developed on demand, for a specific project and need, and carries the authentic story of it's reason of existence. Our products are developed and manufactured at our own factory in south-western Finland by some of the best craftsmen in the world. Choice is inspired by heritage and Nordic urban...
Plywood
$833 / item
Wox Chair by Artu
Located in Geneve, CH
Wox chair by Artu Pavel Vetrov Dimensions: W 53 x D 51 x H 83 cm Materials: Ashwood Other colors and materials available. The design was created based on the silhouette of a r...
Other
$953 / item
Bora Chair by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
Bora Chair by Doimo Brasil Dimensions: W 56 x D 53 x H 81 cm Materials: Metal chair with upholstered seat. With the intention of providing good taste and personality, Doimo deciph...
Metal
$9,435 / item
Cold Bent Chair by Nick Pourfard
Located in Geneve, CH
Cold bent chair by Nick Pourfard Dimensions: D 61 x W 41 x H 102 cm. Materials: wood. Different finishes available. Wood is bent without steam or l...
Wood
White Capri Easy Lounge Chair with Back and Seat Cushions by Cools Collection
Located in Geneve, CH
White capri easy lounge chair with back and seat cushion by Cools Collection Materials: Powder coated stainless steel, fabric suitable for outdoor use. Dimensions: Lounge Chair: W ...
Stainless Steel
$1,858 / item
Small Bench by GIROTTI ENRICO
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Bench by GIROTTI ENRICO Dimensions: W 65 x D 43 x H 49 cm Materials: Steel, Upholstery. Weight: 8 Kg. Enrico Girotti is an industrial designer who has found in the word “make...
Steel
TMBO Lounge Sofa in Oak and Jennifer Shorto/Kongaline & Seafoam by Mazo Design
Located in Geneve, CH
TMBO Lounge Sofa in Oak and Jennifer Shorto/Kongaline & Seafoam by Mazo Design Dimensions: W 165 x D 68.5 x H 87 cm Materials: Oak Also Available: ROMO...
Other
$3,931 / item
Slab Chair by Temper Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Slab Chair by Temper Studio Dimensions: D 45 x W 45 x H 70 cm. Materials: Ash and concrete. Commissioned as a concierge desk for a new residential development in East London, the or...
Concrete
$16,320 / item
Awaiting H Bench by Secondome Edizioni
Located in Geneve, CH
Awaiting H Bench by Secondome Edizioni Limited Edition Of 9 pieces + 3 A.P. Designer: Coralla Maiuri + Giorgia Zanellato. Dimensions: D 42 x W 140 x H 59 cm. Materials: Brass and ori...
Brass
IKO Armchair/Pouf for Steiner Paris Designed by Cécile Makowski
By Steiner
Located in Beirut, LB
With her Iko armchair, Cecile Makowski explores the notions of comfort and lightness. She adds a personal touch of magic to the pureness of the line. "Each one of my works invokes a...
Fabric
$5,110 / item
Object 03 Violet Seating by Volta
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 03 Violet 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...
Velvet, Cork
$4,193 / item
Twiggy Hand Sculpted Brass Chair Brass by Misaya
By Misaya
Located in Geneve, CH
Twiggy Hand Sculpted Brass Chair Brass by Misaya Dimensions: 65 x 53 x 50 cm Brass Handsculpted. Masaya is our brand's collection which combines stylishly refined designs with the p...
Brass
Bright Red Leather Upholstery And Beech Wood Armchair by Casa Casati
Located in Geneve, CH
Lola Club Vision Red Upholstery And Beech Wood Armchair by Casa Casati Dimensions: D 74 x W 74 x H 74 cm. Materials: Beech wood, polyurethane, and leather. Structure, legs, and sea...
Other
Pair of Steel Italian Memphis Architectural Chairs Attributed to Mario Botta
By Mario Botta
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of steel Italian Memphis architectural chairs attributed to Mario Botta. Extreme design with special attention to detail and craftsmanship. Leather seats and Backs. No labels on...
Steel
$9,959 / item
Console Low Chair by Konstantin Achkov
Located in Geneve, CH
Console Low Chair by Konstantin Achkov Limited Edition Dimensions: D 66 x W 50 x H 66 cm. SH: 37 cm. Materials: Oak wood, epoxy resin, and stainless steel. Konstantin Achkov is a le...
Stainless Steel
$1,012 / set
Vintage chrome wire bar stools, 1980s - set of 4
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage postmodern bar stools with a white metal frame and grey skai seats. 1980s - Italy Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 108cm Width x depth: 46cm Seat height: 78cm Ref...
Metal
$2,337 / 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
$5,765 / 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
$5,217 / item
Black Ángulo Chair by Arturo Verástegui
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Ángulo chair by Arturo Verástegui Dimensions: D 54 x W 60 x H 78 cm Materials: oak wood, leather. Available in leather or fabric. Chair made of burnt and natural white oa...
Leather, Oak
$3,000Sale Price|20% Off
Set of 8 Post Modern Suede Dining Chairs After Eero Saarinen
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of eight sleek Post Modern suede and lacquered oak dining chairs in the manner of Eero Saarinen. The curved back of the chair slopes down around the side creating a wonderfully c...
Suede, Wood, Lacquer
$2,624 / item
m2 Stool by Jaclyn Pappalardo
Located in Geneve, CH
m2 Stool by Jaclyn Pappalardo Dimensions: W 52 x D 48 x H 49 cm Materials: Ply wood, upholstery foam, and bute wool. Jaclyn is a designer and maker based in London. Her background ...
Steel
$4,193 / item
Layered Oak Wood Stool by Hyungshin Hwang
Located in Geneve, CH
Layered oak wood stool by Hyungshin Hwang Dimensions: D 33 x W 30 x H 42 cm Materials: weathered oak Layered Series is the main theme and concept o...
Oak
$976 / item
Jet Black Gear Stool by Anastasia Ivanyuk
Located in Geneve, CH
Jet Black 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 pr...
Other
$12,151 / item
Elba Armchair by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Elba armchair by Domkapa Materials: Bouclé, Polished Stainless Steel. Dimensions: W 87 x D 88 x H 100 cm. Also available in different materials. Please contact us. * with 1 pillow included in the same fabric as the structure (50x30 cm). Domkapa holds a tremendous passion for detailed stitching, presenting several similarities to the haute-couture philosophy focused on the value of a “made by hand...
Stainless Steel
Silver Rectangular Steel Post Modern Set Of 2 Ottomans By The Async
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Run Throught Me II Ottomans by The Async Dimensions: D78 x W33 x W55 cm each Materials: Stainless Steel.
Stainless Steel
$5,241 / item
Layered Steel Seat ii by Hyungshin Hwang
Located in Geneve, CH
Layered steel seat II by Hyungshin Hwang Dimensions: D 33 x W 54 x H 66 cm Materials: stainless steel Layered Series is the main theme and concept of work of Hwang, who continue...
Stainless Steel
Caleo-Ash Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Two-Seater Modular Sofa by SNOC
Located in Geneve, CH
Caleo-Ash Teak Wood, Rope And Ethereal Fabric Two-Seater Modular Sofa by SNOC Dimensions: D 100 x W 181 x H 65 cm. SH: 42 cm. Materials: Teak wood, rope, and Ethereal fabric. The C...
Fabric, Rope, Teak
$6,016 / item
Adele Armchair by Somaschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Adele Armchair by Somaschini Dimensions: W 68 x D 70 x H 62 cm Materials: Solid wood and curved plywood structure padded with polyurethane foam in different densities. Pre-upholstery...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
$1,310 / item
Flame Red Drink High Stool by Jorge Najera
Located in Geneve, CH
Flame Red Drink High Stool by Jorge Najera Dimensions: Ø 45 x H 75 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 7 kg. Available in different color options. This product is suitable for ind...
Other
$10,340 / 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
$4,162 / item
Cobalt Blue Auguste 3 Seats Sofa by HARTO
Located in Geneve, CH
Cobalt Blue Auguste 3 Seats Sofa by HARTO Dimensions: W 216 x D 95 x H 79 cm. Materials: Solid pine, plywood, 88% Polyester, 12% Recycled Polyester, Foam type: HR35 / S30 foam. Weig...
Foam, Polyester, Pine, Plywood
$1,180 / item
Foot Stool by Project 213A
Located in Geneve, CH
Foot stool in brown by Project 213A Dimensions: D 30 x W 30 x H 26.5 cm Materials: Chestnut wood. This playful design is inspired by a classic milking stool, and has a fun twis...
Chestnut
$4,586 / item
Boucle Oscar Chair by DUISTT
Located in Geneve, CH
Boucle Oscar Chair by DUISTT Dimensions: W 65 x D 58 x H 77 cm Materials: Special Boucle Fabric Nobilis SF.DE.21.005 Swivel version available upon request. Please contact us. Inspi...
Bouclé
Galore 3 Seater Sprinkles Desert Yellow by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Galore 3 seater sprinkles desert yellow by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D 222 x W 83 x H 76 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Powder coated black steel legs, Wooden frame, foam, spring s...
Steel
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
$8,308 / item
Ernest Sofa by Dare Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ernest sofa by Dare Studio Dimensions: W 180 x D 90 x H 70 x seat H 40 cm Materials: fabric, oak Also available in 3-seat sofa The Ernest sofa is a...
Fabric, Oak