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.
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
$33,600Sale Price|20% Off
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
Magis Proust Italian Postmodern Outdoor Armchair by Alessandro Mendini, Black
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Alessandro Mendini, the Proust Armchair is one of the most celebrated icons of Italian Postmodern design. Originally created in 1978, this extraordinary armchair reinterp...
Plastic
$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
$263Sale Price|20% Off
Post-Modern 1990s Wood & Aluminum Modern Cantilever Z-Frame Chair
Located in San Carlos, CA
Rare 1990s Modern Cantilever Z-Frame Chair – Wood & Aluminum Statement Piece Upgrade your space with this striking modern cantilever chair, a true testament to 1990s contemporar...
Aluminum
Postmodern sculptural Dining Set in Aluminium and Steel Belgium 1980s/90s
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Postmodern dining chairs from the 1980s/90s. Most likely it comes from Belgium. Unfortunately designer and producer are unknown. The set is very rare, only to be found it the North a...
Aluminum, Steel
Shiro Kuramata "Sing Sing Sing" Chair for XO France 1985
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Designed by the visionary Japanese designer Shiro Kuramata (1934–1991), this iconic “Sing Sing Sing” chair (1985) embodies a seamless dialogue between traditional Japanese sensibilit...
Metal
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Chair with En Suite Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, this Nautilus swivel lounge chair is sculptural, comfortable and fun, and is shown in fresh ivory bouclé upholstery. The Bouclé is ub...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Aurora stool, black solid wood, black caning back, black natural leather
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 "Wendy Wright" Chair by Philippe Starck for Disform
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous "Wendy Wright chair by Philippe Starck for Disform, circa 1980s. The chair stands as an iconic testament to the innovative design ethos of...
Metal
Yrjö Kukkapuro Postmodern "Cloud" Chair in Pink, Yellow & Green, Avarte 1980s
By Avarte, Finland 1, Yrjö Kukkapuro
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of Yrjö Kukkapuro's iconic chairs and one of the earliest creations in his Post-Modern style that started in the 1980s with his experiment chairs. This chair, named Pilvi (Cloud)...
Metal
$1,500 / item
Brayton International Mohair Club Chairs, 1999
Located in Chicago, IL
Brayton International Mohair Pair Club Chairs, 1999. Mohair with leather piping. Chairs are priced individually. Measure 30.75” tall 37.5” wide 30.5” deep, seat height 17.25” seat ...
Leather, Mohair
Post Modern Chaise Lounge Newly Upholstered in Ivory White Bouclé
By Preview, Directional, Weiman Preview Furniture
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Float away from the worries of the day in this luxurious post modern chaise lounge newly professionally upholstered in super soft ivory white bouclé. Sculptural form exudes a sophisticated look that's gentle and inviting. Ivory white bouclé fabric's texture is breathable and ventilates well. Cozy in winter and cool in summer. Enveloping padded comfort with a thick seat cushion layered over a descending pedestal base. So sexy from all sides, this chaise lounge is beautiful enough to float in a room. Modern. Fresh. Reminiscent of Vladimir Kagan, Milo Baughman and Adrian Pearsall's iconic amorphous designs. Nestle in with your favorite blanket and read for hours, nap, binge watch your favorite series, or shop 1stDibs on your electronic device...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Insigne Armchair by Simonini, Walnut Wood Base, Upholstered Seat
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The "Insigne" armchair collection eloquently embodies the esteemed DNA, design philosophy and the cutting-edge craftsmanship of SIMONINI ®. Each flowing and uninterrupted line is met...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
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
Postmodern Leather Sofa in the style of Nicoletti Salotti Italian 2 Seat Sofa
Located in Rochester, NY
Iconic postmodern rich red leather 2 person sofa. Likely a Natuzzi version of the Nicoletti Salotti Italian leather sofa and chair line. A statement piece in your living room or anyw...
Leather
Italian Modern Cream Lacquered High Back Dining Chairs, Set of Four
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish set of four Italian Modern or Postmodern slatted high back dining chairs In the manner of Pietro Costantini By Tonon Italy Italy, Circa 1980s Cream lacquered ...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Hans Hopfer 'Mah Jong' Sectional Sofa Lounge Chair by Roche Bobois, France 1990s
Located in Wien, AT
Designed by Hans Hopfer in 1971 for Roche Bobois, the Mah Jong sofa remains one of the most influential and recognizable seating systems of the 20th century. Conceived as a collectio...
Fabric
Set of 4 ‘Zeta’ Postmodern Dining Chairs by Harvink, Netherlands, 1980s
By Harvink
Located in Almelo, NL
Set of 4 ‘Zeta’ Postmodern Dining Chairs by Harvink, Netherlands, 1980s – Colorful Steel & Plywood Design Icons Description: A bold and sculptural set of four ‘Zeta’ chairs designed...
Steel
Asthila Dining Chair in Solid Ash Wood with Lacquer by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Asthila Dining Chair in Solid Ash Wood with Lacquer by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 58.5 x D 44 x H 74 cm. Materials: Solid ash wood. This listing features our Asthila Dining Chair in so...
Lacquer, Ash, Wood, Hardwood
Symbol sofa by William Sawaya for Sawaya and Moroni, Italian Design 1985
By William Sawaya, Sawaya & Moroni
Located in Milano, IT
An elegant expression of 1980s Italian design, the Symbol sofa designed by William Sawaya in 1985 represents a perfect balance between architectural rigor and contemporary comfort. I...
Fabric, Wood
$1,511 / item
Grace Bench in Rattan and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Grace Bench in Rattan and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 100 x D 40 x H 52 cm. Materials: Rattan, Upholstery and HR foam. Fabric is not included. Please contact us for fur...
Rattan, Foam
Luciano Frigerio 'Rancero' Lounge Chair with ottoman in Padouk
By Frigerio Di Desio, Luciano Frigerio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luciano Frigerio for Frigerio di Desio, 'Rancero' lounge chair with ottoman, alcantara, padouk, steel, leather, Italy, 1970s Crafted by Italian designer Luciano Frigerio in the 197...
Steel
Postmodern Kebe Leather Convertible Lounge or Armchair, Denmark 1980s
By KEBE
Located in Miami, FL
Black leather Kebe lounge or armchair with detachable footrest, Denmark, 1980s Single chair dimensions without footrest: 36 deep 26" wide 41.5" high.
Steel
Globe Lounge Chair by Peter Obsvik, Norway, 1980s. Light Gray Leather. Signed
By Stokke, Peter Opsvik
Located in Kansas City, MO
Globe Chair by Peter Opsvik for Stokke, Norway, 1980s. Also referred to as ball or basketball chair. Original grey leather with some darkening to the seat (see photos). Minor wear...
Leather, Wood
1990s Salotti Post Modern Two Toned Black Graphite Leather 3 Pieces Sectional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1990s with this exquisite two toned blavk and graphite leather three pieces sectional sofa. The ultra rare floating style secti...
Leather, Wood
$438Sale Price|35% Off
Postmodern Arrben "Ursula" Italian Black Leather and Chrome Chair
By Arrben
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Postmodern. Italian leather chairs, with chromed steel structure and back and seat in curved metal covered in black leather. 1980s.
Chrome
Ali Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Ali Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 81 x D 77 x H 77 cm. Materials: Stained rattan, plywood seat, and HR foam. Fabric is not include...
Rattan, Foam, Plywood
Joe Colombo for Comfort 'Elda' Lounge Chairs in Red Leather and Fiberglass
By Joe Colombo, Comfort, Italy
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Joe Colombo for Comfort, lounge chairs ‘Elda’, fiberglass, leather, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Elda’ chair is one of the most well-known designs of Italian designer Joe Colombo. This l...
Leather, Fiberglass
Enzo Mari NOS The Box chair in blue for Aleph Atlantide Driade 1995
Rare Pierre Chapo Set of Eight S11 Dining Chairs in Sipo Wood and Leather
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, rare set of eight dining chairs, model S11, sipo wood, leather, France, circa 1966 A set of eight chairs in solid sipo wood, which makes this set so rare, with cognac...
Leather, Wood
$12,743Sale Price / set|25% Off
Angelo Mangiarotti for Agapecasa Oak Leather Dining Chairs 3T Model, Italy 2000s
By Angelo Mangiarotti, AgapeCasa
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of eight Italian post modern dining chairs model 3T designed by Angelo mangiarotti from 1978 with oak frame and leather seat. Produced by Agapecasa with the designer’s and manufa...
Leather, Oak
$3,770Sale Price / set|20% Off
4 chrome and black leather Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen Dark Horse chairs
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Botium
Located in Highclere, Newbury
A set of 4 rare and beautiful Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen Dark Horse chairs in chrome and black leather for Botium, 1980s. The playful design el...
Chrome
70s Mario Bellini Cassina "Pianura" style Oak Two Seater Sofa Loveseat (2 of 2)
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Basel, BS
Stunning masterpiece 1970s Italian Two-Seater Loveseat Sofa in the manner of the Cassina Mario Bellini Pianura chair, in Oak wood and incredible striped cushions. This sofa is Modu...
Upholstery, Oak
Ligne Roset Newly Upholstered 2-Seater Blue 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 blue floral fabric. The plush quilting and s...
Fabric, Foam
Acrylic Folding Chairs (Giancarlo Piretti-Style) + Chrome Frames, Set of 6
By Yonel Lebovici, Giancarlo Piretti, (After) Gio Ponti, Marais international, Anonima Castelli
Located in Round Top, TX
Fabulous collection of six acrylic folding chairs in three colors. These range from soft, barely there lavender, to mandarin, to tomato red. Designed with heavyweight chrome frames,...
Chrome
$1,000Sale Price|75% Off
1970's GUIDO FALESCHINI CHROME ROCKING CHAIR
Located in Waxahachie, TX
A sleek Mid-Century Modern Curved Chrome Frame Rocking Chair Upholstered In the original chenille. Insanely comfortable and relaxing chair. Classic look. Will go with many different...
Chrome
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
$1,047Sale Price|49% Off
Prive Armchair by Paolo Nava for Arflex, Metal & Leather, Italy, 1987
By Paolo Nava, Arflex
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
A Prive armchair with black metal weave and black leather trim in excellent condition. The armchair shows only minimal signs of wear. The metal weave, covered in black plastic, is so...
Metal
Mario Bellini Style Italian Modern Cream Leather Wrapped High Back Dining Chairs
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish set of four Italian Modern or Postmodern high back dining chairs In the manner of Mario Bellini for Cassina Italy, Circa 1980s Hand-stitched cream leather upho...
Steel
Gigi Armchair in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Gigi Armchair in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 60 x D 75 x H 83 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric is not inc...
Foam, Beech
Tito Agnoli, Desk / Swivel Chair "Korium" for Matteo Grassi, Post-Modern / Italy
Located in Stockholm, SE
Desk / Swivel office chair in leather, designed by Tito Agnoli for Matteo Grassi Model "Korium" with original leather, nice patina. Made in Italy, 1980s. Adjustable height and til...
Leather, Plastic
Post Modern Stool in Solid Wood, Caning Back and Seat, Counter or Bar Height
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
Hermes Inspired Saddle Stitched Brown Green Leather Lounge Chairs, 1980s, France
By Roche Bobois
Located in New York, NY
Roche Bobois vintage brown green leather lounge chairs, 1980s, France Beautiful and heavy 1980s lounge chairs. The green leather is in very good ...
Leather, Ultrasuede
$1,950Sale Price / set|35% Off
Set of 6 Post Modern tan gloss Lacquer curved dining chairs made in Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of (6) Post Modern Tan / cream Gloss Lacquer curved tall back dining chairs Memphis Milano Style. Very unique set of (6) Dining chairs in good vintage condition. Tan Gloss Lacque...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Postmodern Lounge Chairs designed by Johan Bertil Häggström for Swed Form, 1973
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of Postmodern Lounge Chairs designed by Johan Bertil Häggström for Swed Form. The chair features a Bauhaus-style tubular chrome frame with a fluf...
Chrome
$6,250Sale Price|50% Off
1980s Weiman Pucci Style Curved Tufted Channel Biomorphic Kidney Sofa
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The beautiful rare sofa is statement piece which is also extremely comfortable and packed with personality! Just look at the gorgeous curves on this beauty! Bright and vibrant Pucci ...
Upholstery, Wood
Italian 1970s Erasmo Sofa Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia Manner Living Room
Located in London, GB
This stunning and amazingly comfortable sofa in the manner of the iconic Erasmo sofa from Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia , is a beautiful example of 1970s Italian design. Curren...
Wood, Fabric
Postmodern Soleil Armchair in Walnut and Dark Emperador Marble by Mavo Atelier
By Mavo Atelier
Located in Trofa, PT
Showcasing artistic brilliance and impeccable craftsmanship, the Soleil Armchair is a statement piece that easily commands attention. An inviting, generously contoured seat anchors t...
Marble
Pair of vintage Piumino armchairs by De Pas, D'Urbino & Lomazzi, Italy, 1970's
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in TOURS, FR
A pair of Piumino armchairs upholstered in leather, celebrated for their sculptural silhouette and exceptional comfort. Designed with generously rounded forms and deep, inviting seat...
Leather
Luna Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Luna Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 74 x D 72 x H 74 cm. Materials: Stained rattan, plywood seat, and HR foam. Fabric is not includ...
Rattan, Foam, Plywood
Set of Four Artona Leather Armchairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, Italy
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of Four Artona Leather Armchairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, Italy Exceptional set of four "Artona" armchairs designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, c. 1985. Eac...
Metal
Post Modern Swivel Lounge Chairs - Set of 2
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This stylish pair of postmodern swivel lounge chairs embodies the bold design aesthetic of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Featuring sculptural curved silhouettes and eye-catching ge...
Metal
Miss Lo Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Miss Lo Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 73 x D 68 x H 82 cm. Materials: Stained rattan, plywood seat, and HR foam. Fabric is not inc...
Rattan, Foam, Plywood
Rubber Chairs for Metropolitan Furniture by Brian Kane, 1987
By Brian Kane
Located in Chicago, IL
"Rubber Chairs" for Metropolitan Furniture for Steelcase by Brian Kane, 1987. Chairs are black steel with rubber coating and leather seats. Measure 30” tall 22” wide 21” deep seat he...
Leather, Rubber
Postmodern Folding Chairs, Red Triangular Seats, Set of Four, Circa 1985
Located in Downingtown, PA
Postmodern Folding Chairs, Red Triangular Seats, Set of Four, Circa 1985 Each of these four folding chairs is built from two triangles and a black line. The seat is a broad triangle...
Metal
Joe Chair by De Pas, D'Urbino, Lomazzi for Poltronova Italy. Original. Restored.
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Poltronova
Located in Kansas City, MO
Original iconic "Joe" Chair designed by Jonathan De Pas, Donato D'Urbino, and Paolo Lomazzi for Poltronova, Italy, 1970s. Named after baseball legend Joe DiMaggio and shaped like an...
Steel
Post-Modern LIBRA Dining Chairs by Christian Werner for Ligne Roset, France 1990
By Ligne Roset
Located in Wien, AT
Set of six LIBRA dining chairs designed by Christian Werner for Ligne Roset and manufactured in France in 1990. An elegant example of late 20th-century French design, the LIBRA model...
Aluminum
Pair of Custom Lounge Chairs Made in USA, Circa 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful pair of large lounge chairs designed and manufactured in Los Angeles California. The chairs are vintage, made in the 1950s or earlier as it is evidentiated by the way it is...
Fabric, Wood
Rare set of Three Michael Graves Bent Wood and Steel Barstools
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare set of three steam-bent maple wood and steel framed post modern barstools designed by NYC architect and designer Michael Graves. Graves often featured a modernist aesthetic wit...
Steel