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.
Vintage dining chairs by Belgo chrom, set of 6 - 1980s
By belgochrom
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of six elegant dining room chairs manufactured by Belgochrom. Nicely designed metal frames with elegant legs. Upholstered in a mint green alcantara with brushed steel frames. B...
Metal
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Newly and professionally reupholstered Post Modern Nautilus sofa in ivory white bouclé by acclaimed designer Vladimir Kagan and made by Directional circa 1990. Known for his love of ...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Marcel Breuer for Knoll Cesca Side/Dining Chair, 1980
Located in Chicago, IL
Marcel Breuer for Knoll Cesca Side/Dining Chair, 1980. We have 200 plus of these chairs available. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Chairs Measure 32" tall, 19" ...
Bouclé
Aurora Office Chair by Simonini: Solid Wood, Cane, Leather Seat, Swivel
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Warm and inviting, the Aurora Collection, prestigious winner of the International IF Design Award 2023 and the German Design Awards 2023, now welcomes an addition with its office cha...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
Ligne Roset Newly Upholstered 2-Seater Green Floral TOGO by Michel Ducaroy
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Toronto, CA
This two-seater Togo by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset pairs the sofa’s signature slouchy comfort with a striking and unexpected romantic green floral fabric. The plush quilting and ...
Fabric, Foam
Postmodern Gluon Sofa by Marc Newson for Moroso, 1990s
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Object: Three-Seat Sofa Designer: Marc Newson (born 1963) Manufacturer: Moroso, Italy Model: Gluon Period: 1990s Design Year: 1993 Production: Period production, 1990s Materials: Met...
Metal, Aluminum
Gaetano Pesce Chair for Cassina 1980 80s
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Gaetano Pesce chair for Cassina. Model: Dalila Due Plastic painted in dark red. Rare chair in the style of Gaetano Pesce 's Radicale era. It's dark and decadent.
Plastic
Pair of Chairs by Cosimo De Vita, Inspired by the Duomo in Florence
By Cosimo de Vita
Located in Bruton, GB
Exceptional pair of architectural chairs designed by Cosimo De Vita, 2023. Each chair is conceived as a sculptural interpretation of the iconic dome of Santa Maria del Fiore in Flore...
Hardwood
1981 'Ulisse' Orange Folding Cane Chairs by Ivan Loss for Sandrigarden
By Ivan Loss
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ulisse' folding cane chairs in deep orange enameled metal with beige plastic seats, designed by Ivan Loss for Sandrigarden Vicenza in 1981. The concept is straightforward and ingenio...
Metal, Enamel
Vladimir Kagan Wide Angle Tangent Sofa, Model 506 In Tan Chenille
Located in Culver City, CA
This is the Tangent sofa by Vladimir Kagan—designed in 2001 for Preview, during that glorious late-career era when Kagan was no longer asking permission from anyone, least of all geo...
Chenille
$476Sale Price|20% Off
Post Modern Memphis Style Club Lounge Chair by Bernhardt
By Bernhardt
Located in New York, NY
Pure 1980's Postmodern, memphis influence lounge, arm chair. Gutsy tapered legs support the dramatic upholstered seat. Structurally sound and sturdy, unfortunately, the fabric shows ...
Upholstery, Wood
$31,150Sale Price / set|20% Off
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto Italian Solid Wood Fabric "Artona" Sofas
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of two Italian midcentury modern design three-seater sofa and two-seater sofa from the “Artona” series designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto in the 1970s with solid woo...
Fabric, Wood
1980s Directional Five-Piece Chrome Frame Modular Sofa in Élitis Cotton Velvet
Located in Miami, FL
A stunning 1980s five-piece modular designer sofa by Directional, newly restored from the inside out. Each module is encased in polished chrome that defines the piece’s bold silhouet...
Chrome
Post Modern Chaise Lounge by Thayer Coggin att. to Milo Baughman c 1980/90's
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Postmodern, Hollywood Regency style upholstered chaise lounge, made by Thayer Coggin, design attributed to Milo Baughman circa 1980/90's. The chaise features an asymmet...
Upholstery
$4,004Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern 1980s Design Icon "Alice" Chairs by Giorgio Cattelan for Cattelan Ita
By Giorgio Cattelan, Cattelan Italia
Located in Basel, BS
Fabulous set of Rare "Alice" chairs by Giorgio Cattelan for Cattelan Italia, Postmodern 1980s. Made of Stitched red leather. Designed in 1984, iconic design by Cattelan Italia. Feat...
Metal
$5,512Sale Price / set|20% Off
Re-Upholstered Pietro Costantini Ello Postmodern Set of 8 (Italy) Dining Chairs
Located in Round Top, TX
Set of Eight (8) Postmodern Italian Pietro Costantini Dining Chairs Designed for Ello Newly Re-upholstered September 2026 in ivory performance velvet. More images forthcoming; listi...
Textile, Wood
Post Modern Sofa by Robert and Trix Haussmann for Knoll 1980's
By Knoll, Robert and Trix Haussmann
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Post Modern sofa designed by Robert and Trix Haussmann for Knoll as part of The Lounge Seating series, circa 1980's. The upholstered box form sofa rests on an aluminum ...
Aluminum
$1,350 / set
Matteo Grassi Bar Stools in Grey Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Matteograssi, bar stools, leather, metal, Italy, 1970s Postmodern set of stools in grey leather, designed by Matteo Grassi. The stools are completely covered in leather, which is st...
Metal
Ferdinando Buzzi for Ferruccio Brunati 'Camilla' Lounge Chair
By Brunati
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ferdinando Buzzi for Ferruccio Brunati, lounge chair, model 'Camilla', metal, plastic, fabric, Italy, 1970s Introducing a piece of innovative design...
Metal
Hans Hopfer Early "Informel" Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 1979
Located in Coronado, CA
Early "Informel" lounge chair and ottoman designed by Hans Hopfer and manufactured by Roche Bobois in 1979. This large, plump lounger features a unique organic form with ruched detai...
Leather
Unique Sculptural Pair of Lounge Chairs in Metal and Red Leather, Italy 1960s
Located in Hellouw, NL
A bold architectural presence characterises this pair of vintage chairs, likely dating to the late 1960s or early 1970s. Sculptural and angular, they reflect the experimental energy ...
Steel
Postmodern Leather Sofa in the style of Nicoletti Salotti Italian 3 Seat Sofa
Located in Rochester, NY
Iconic postmodern rich red leather 3 person sofa. These are probably the Natuzzi version of the Nicoletti Salotti Italian leather sof...
Leather
Cult Stool, Sculptural Side Table , Hand-Carved Blue Calacite Marble, Panorammma
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Cult stool/ side table; a hand sculpted stone from a Mexican Blue Calacite, remits to primal sculptural-architectural language while displaying materials in a modernist manner. The p...
Stone
Pair of Italian Architectural Armchairs in Cypress Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of dining chairs, cypress wood, Italy, 1970s These armchairs embrace an impressive architectural design with rounded contours and substantial lines. While it draws inspiration ...
Cypress
Postmodern Settee in Stained Birdseye Maple by Michael Graves
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Small, faceted sofa/settee designed by Michael Graves composed of a stained Birdseye Maple frame with ebony inlaid triangles and applied ebonized cylindrica...
Upholstery, Birdseye Maple
$7,500 / item
Pierre Chapo Stool 'S13A' in Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, stools, model 'S31A', solid elm, France, circa 1974 This S31A stool is one of the early editions designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his hallmark use of solid elmwood ...
Elm
Bruno Mathsson for Dux Chrome Based Swivel Lounge Chair. 2 of 2
By Dux of Sweden, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Chicago, IL
This swivelling easy chair is a cross between the famous “Jetson” lounge chair and the “Karin” lounge chair by iconic Swedish designer, Bruno Mathsson for Dux of Sweden. All three ch...
Steel, Chrome
Pair of vintage 1970s metal and leather "canasta" chairs designed by Arrben
By Arrben
Located in Torino, Piemonte
A pair of black metal chairs with black leather seats, the “Canasta” model designed by Arrben Italy, 1970s. CONDITION: In good condition, with signs of wear due to age. DIMENSIONS:...
Metal
Vladimir Kagan Wingback Swivel Chair, Aubergine, Directional, 1990's
Located in Culver City, CA
An iconic wingback lounge ~ designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in the 1990s arrived here in its original grey-aubergine microsuede, and honestly? The OG colorway hits differe...
Bouclé
F.A. Porsche Designed Cast Aluminum Armchair / Side Chair for Ycami, Italy 1990
By Ferdinand A. Porsche, Ycami Collection, Philippe Starck, Driade
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Rare Boulevard Armchair designed by Ferdinand A. Porsche (F.A. Porsche) for Ycami Edizioni. Made in Italy in 1990. Cast aluminum construction, it features a maker's marking and desig...
Chrome, Aluminum
1980s Channel Baughman Croissant Style Floral Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, satin like Floral swivel chairs you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited thro...
Upholstery, Wood
1981 'Ulisse' Red Enameled Folding Cane Chair by Ivan Loss for Sandrigarden
By Ivan Loss
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Ulisse is a 1981 Italian Post-Modern folding chair designed by Ivan Loss for Sandrigarden Vicenza. Red enameled metal tubing forms a functional walking cane with a curved hook ha...
Metal, Enamel
1980s Bent Rattan Lounge Chairs, Axel Enthoven Manner, 2 Pairs Available
By Axel Enthoven, Rohe Noordwolde
Located in Miami, FL
Offered is a unique pair of postmodern sculptural bent rattan lounge chairs designed in the manner of Axel Enthoven for Rohé Noordwolde circa 1980s The chairs have been newly and ca...
Upholstery, Rattan, Paint
$2,186Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 Post Modern Chairs Model Vienna by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast
Located in Roma, IT
A set of dining, desk or office chairs, in short, perfect for any environment that needs a bit of that 80s magic. Colour, lightness and light-heartedness is what the cult pieces of 80s design transmit but don't be fooled by the POP colors used by Rodney Kinsman for his projects because they have nothing to do with the colorful, exuberant and decorative Anti Design...
Metal
Post Modern Molded Fiberglass Molar Sofa by Wendell Castle
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Postmodern Molar sofa, by Wendell Castle, executed in saturated red molded fiberglass. This example is in good condition, however does have a repaired flaw at the front of one...
Fiberglass
Sculptural Pair of Fully Restored Post Modern Slipper Chairs in Leopard Velvet
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Get these while you can Pair of Post Modern Leopard Velvet Slipper Chairs fully restored with new foam cushions and new leopard velvet upholstery. Powerful and confident forward angl...
Upholstery, Velvet
Cassina Veranda 3 seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti
Located in Bern, BE
Cassina Veranda 3 seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina, Italy in the late 1980's. Based on the Maralunga Sofa with fold down back rest. Adjustable three seater des...
Steel, Metal
Italian Wood Fabric "Artona" Sofa Design Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 1970s
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design three-seater sofa from the “Artona” series designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto in the 1970s with solid wood frame and layers in different...
Fabric, Wood
Aurora stool, light honey solid wood, natural caning back, camel leather 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
Black Leather CAB 415 Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in London, London
Black leather sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Model 415. Structural metal interior completely wrapped in a fitted leather "skin" with visible saddle stitching and zips. Showcases...
Leather
Set of Four Chrome and Leather Dining Chairs by Gavina c 1960/1980's
Located in New York, NY
Set of four leather and chrome dining chairs designed by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina circa 1960-1970's. The chairs feature leather seats, arm rests and backs, on bright chrome fram...
Chrome
Vintage Postmodern Black Leather & Brushed Steel Loveseat Sofa, 1980s
Located in Detroit, MI
This incredible vintage postmodern black leather loveseat couch in the style of Poul Kjaerholm is circa 1980. The unique two-seat loveseat sofa is well-built and sturdy with a clean,...
Steel
Postmodern Vintage Hollywood Regency Brass Upholstered Dining Chairs- Set of 6
Located in Elkton, MD
1980s postmodern upholstered cantilever chairs with brass colored finish, set of 6. Featuring great upholstery, with some minor wear.
Metal
Set of 4 Design Institute of America Brass Stools in the Style of Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Design Institute America
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Elegant and luxurious set of four cantilevered brass stools in the style of Milo Baughman made by Design Institute of America ("DIA") newly professionally reupholstered in super soft...
Brass
Giandomenico Belotti Spaghetti Chairs for Alias - A Pair
By Giandomenico Belotti, Alias
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of black lacquered spaghetti chairs with plastic pvc tubing by Giandomenico Belotti for Alias.
Steel
Cachucha dining chairs by Hugo de Ruiter for leolux, 1990s
By Leolux
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 4 post modern dining chairs model Cachucha designed by Hugo De Ruiter and produced by Leolux. Consisting of leather upholstered frames and seats with chrome legs at the back....
Chrome
Modern Style Aurora Chair Sculpted in Walnut Finish Arms, leather back & seating
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The Aurora collection aka Dawn marks a new exiting moment in our design history, in where we dove deep in to the creativity unknown, to create a collection that would be able to hold...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
Aurora Office Chair by Simonini: Black Wood & Leather, swivel, adjustable height
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Warm and inviting, the Aurora Collection, prestigious winner of the International IF Design Award 2023 and the German Design Awards 2023, now welcomes an addition with its office cha...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
Contemporary Riviera Bar Chair in Lacquered Ivory metal for Outdoors
Located in Lisbon, PT
Our newly unveiled collection is meticulously handcrafted in Portugal. Departing from conventional norms, we embrace a palette of unconventional materials, including different marble...
Metal
Arcadia dining chairs by Paolo Piva for B& B Italia set of 6
By Paolo Piva
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 6 Arcadia dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B& B italia's Arcadia series. Upholstered in black leather. They are very comfortable. Good condition 1980s - Italy Di...
Leather
Longue Chair Zyklus By Peter Maly For COR 1980s
By Peter Maly
Located in Čelinac, BA
Peter Maly Zyklus Longue Chair For COR 1980s
Chrome
Original Edra Tatlin Designer Sofa grau Cananzi Semprini
By Edra, Mario Cananzi & Roberto Semprini
Located in Berlin, DE
Mario Cananzi und Roberto Semprini entwarfen den Tatlin 1990 als skulpturales Sitzlandschaft-System: kreisförmige und geschwungene Module, die sich frei im Raum kombinieren lassen. D...
Metal
Vintage Dutch buffalo leather Rivera sofa by Gijs Papavoine Montis c 1980s / 90s
By Montis, Gijs Papavoine
Located in Hastings, GB
Vintage buffalo leather 'Rivera' sofa by Gijs Papavoine for Montis, Netherlands 1980s/90s. (Papavoine started designing for Montis in 1976) In great condition with nicely patinated t...
Leather, Wood
Set of Six Pietro Costantini Post Modern Lacquered Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Chic set of post modern dining chairs designed by Pietro Costantini in San Vito al Torre Italy. The iconic chairs feature sculptural style piano black lacquered frames with conformin...
Leather, Wood
Set of Eight Artelano Black Leather Arm Chairs, Italy 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Set of Eight Artelano Black Leather Arm Chairs, Italy 1980s. Steel frame with black finish and black leather. Front arm height is 25".
Steel
Institutional Chair, Black Leather, Post-Modern Design, Panorammma, Mexico
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Uncannily challenging excessive symbolic power granted to scientific institutions, the “Institutional Chair” reveals a tension with the accepted desubjectivisation of the body into s...
Steel, Nickel
$3,500 / set
1970's Sally Sirkin Lewis Lounge Chairs
Located in Chicago, IL
1970's Sally Sirkin Lewis for J Robert Scott Lounge Chairs. Reupholstered in 2016 for Kelly Wearstler Interior. Upholstery wear consistent with age and use. Some have some tears....
Naugahyde
1980s Immaculate Milo Baughman Beige Designer Fabric Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s with this exquisite sculptural swivel chairs. The ultra rare chairs exudes an air of luxury and refinement. Outstanding d...
Upholstery, Wood
Leather Plumy Sofa & Ottoman by Annie Hieronimus for Cinna, 1980s
By Annie Hiéronimus, Cinna (Ligne Roset)
Located in Izegem, VWV
A super comfortable Plumy sofa designed in 1980 by Annie Hiéronimus for Cinna, France. The sofa, upholstered in beige leather comes with an original ottoman (90x45x26cms) and is sti...
Leather, Foam, Down
Postmodern Armchair, Design by Franco Poldaretti Caccia Alla Volpe, Italy 80s
Located in Lucija, SI
Post-Modern side, dining or desk armchair from the Caccia alla volpe furniture series, Italy 80s. Designed by Franco Poldaretti In very good condition.
Velvet, Wood