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.
Vivai Del Sud Superstar Lounge Chair in Olive Green Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vivai Del Sud, 'Superstar' lounge chair, fabric, Italy, 1970s A splendid design by Vivai del Sud, known as the Superstar, is distinguished by its organic layout and substantial size...
Fabric
Sculptural Chair, Hand-Linked Chainmail Mesh, Nickel-Plated Steel, Post-Modern
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Chainmail chair is a new take on William Katavolos 1952’s T-chair. Its seat is made up of hand-linked metal rings coming together to form a strong and flexible mesh that drapes down ...
Steel
John Mascheroni Curved Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
This 1980s sofa designed by John Mascheroni epitomizes the era's sleek, minimalist aesthetic with its elegantly curved silhouette. Upholstered in a rich ochre boucle fabric, the sofa...
Bouclé
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Signed Pierre Sala Desk or Table
By Pierre Sala
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A rare Post Modern Memphis Milano style table or desk designed by artist Pierre Sala circa 1980's. Large and functional notebook on solid wo...
Wood, Lacquer
Zoe Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. The Zoe sofa was one of Vladimir Kagan’s last designs. Made by American Leather /Room and Board. Upholstered in original micro suede. The biomorphic shape similar to Kagan’...
Fabric
Italian Leather Loveseat by Nicoletti Salotti, 1980s Postmodern Design
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A sculptural Italian leather loveseat by Nicoletti Italia, showcasing the relaxed, oversized proportions and soft architectural lines that defined hig...
Leather
Jasper Morrison Super Oblong Modular Sofa Set Design Cappellini Italy
Located in Krefeld, DE
This rare Super Oblong modular sofa set was designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini in Italy and exemplifies Morrison’s philosophy of understated, intelligent design. Composed of ...
Cotton
Post-Modern Style Aurora Chair in Sculpted Black Ebonized Solid Wood
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
Set of 4 Sculptural High Back Dining Chairs, Europe 1980s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This stunning set of dining chairs embodies an era of bold, sculptural furniture with a focus on comfort and organic form. Postmodernism in the 1980s embraced a playful approach to d...
Wood, Fabric
$1,480 / item
Curule Iron Bench
Located in Houston, TX
Iron curule stool with boxed linen seat cushion. Also available C.O.M.
Iron
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Seat height: 17”
Pine
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
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
Pharrell Williams Perspective Chair for Domeau & Pérès Resin Leather France
Located in Munster, NRW
Pharrell Williams, Perspective chair for Domeau & Pérès “If we could have fabricators for everything that we think in our lives, do you understand how great life would be?”. Born from the collaboration of a brilliant mind and great craftsmen, the Perspective chair can be seen as a marvelous illustration of this Pharrell Williams quote. Discreet homage to the Eames stacking chairs...
Leather, Resin
$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
Vintage Chair Louis XX by Philippe Starck for Vitra, 1990s
By Vitra, Philippe Starck
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Indulge in the iconic design and rich history of Philippe Starck's Louis XX chairs. Inspired by the opulence of 18th-century French furniture, these chairs boast a contemporary twist...
Aluminum
Mario Marenco for Poltrona Frau Pair of 'Movie' Armchairs in Saddle Leather
By Poltrona Frau, Mario Marenco
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Marenco for Poltrona Frau, pair of armchairs model 'Movie', lacquered metal, leather, Italy, 1984 Italian furniture designer Mario Marenco drew inspiration from cinema seats, ...
Metal
Vintage 1980s Perforated Steel Lounge Chairs, Pair
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Pair of lounge chairs with curved, perforated black metal frames outlined by thick, tubular metal armrests and brightly colored plaid upholstery. A beautiful combination of hard mate...
Steel
1990s Carter Sculptural Textile Pin Legs Club Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
These timeless textile chairs are packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout the monumental form. Post modern Chairs are beyond stunning. Sits on a metal pin legs...
Metal
Three Postmodern Counter Height Stools by Jorge Pensi for Mobles 114
By Jorge Pensi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Three "Gimlet Stools" by Jorge Pensi ( Born 1946, Buenos Aires, Argentina) for Mobles 114 ( Barcelona, Spain) "Postmodern Counter Height Stools w...
Steel, Chrome
Set of 4 Design Institute of America Brass Stools in the Style of Milo Baughman
By Design Institute America, Milo Baughman
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
1980s Petite Cow Print Cloud Chaise Lounge
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, rare, chaise you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful chaise is statement piece which ...
Upholstery, Wood
$780 / item
Chair D
Located in Mérida, MX
The handwoven technique of the 'Petatillo' in Yucatan has been practiced for more than 50 years. Usually, it is woven with natural cane. This is one hundred percent artisan work, whi...
Nylon, Wood
Kazuhide Takahama, Mantilla Sofa for Gavina, Italy 1974 (Big Size)
Located in Argelato, BO
Kazuhide Takahama (Japan, 1930 - Bologna, 2010) "MANTILLA" SOFA wooden frame, padded and covered in velvet in shades of white Production Simon Gavina, Italy, 1974 Bibliography: Ac...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Sculptural Mid Century Post Modern Barrel Back Swivel Lounge Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural pair of swiveling lounge chairs circa 1980's. These very well made chairs feature a swiveling bases that return to their original position. The original fabric has a cou...
Fabric, Wood
Boucle Fabric Light Brown Natural Oak Wood, Waveano Armchair By OMER OZTURK
Located in Geneve, CH
Boucle Fabric Light Brown Natural Oak Wood, Waveano Armchair By OMER OZTURK Dimensions: W 89.6 x D 72.3 x H 89 cm. Materials: Boucle Fabric Light Brown Natural Oak Wood, Gold Spheres...
Fabric, Wood
Rive Droite Sculptural Sofa by Tam Sachs, Post-Modern Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Rive Droite Sculptural Sofa by Tam Sachs Numbered edition Dimensions: W 300 x D 120 x H 85 cm Materials: Stoneware Available in different colors and sizes, please contact us. It's ...
Stone, Other
Italian Red Leather Sofa by Divanotti, Postmodern, 1990s
Located in Praha, CZ
An outstanding Italian postmodern two-seat sofa produced by Divanotti during the 1990s. Distinguished by its dramatic sculptural silhouette, sweeping integrated armrests, floating se...
Metal
Postmodern Sculptural Steel Brown Leather French Pair of Chairs, 1980s, France
By Maria Pergay
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural steel brown leather French pair chairs, 1980s, France These are very rare leather and steel chairs form France. From the Maria Pergay, Michel Boyer Era. The leather is in...
Steel
PAIR Black + Clear Chair Model "Hydra" Roberto Semprini for Sintesi, Italy 1994
By Mario Cananzi & Roberto Semprini
Located in Basel, BS
A RARE Pair of Mid-century modern black and clear of original plastic rope chairs, model "Hydra" by Roberto Semprini for Sintesi - 1994. Superb statement, look stunning both inside a...
Metal
Lena 230 Sofa in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Lena 230 Sofa in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 230 x D 95 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric is not in...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood, Beech
Kurt Beier "Fantasy" Sofa in Longhair, Germany 1980s
By Kurt Beier
Located in Utrecht, NL
This “Fantasy” sofa, designed by Kurt Beier, epitomises the avant-garde and experimental nature of postmodern design. Created during a period marked by a break from traditional creat...
Steel
Contemporary 3x4 Stainless Steel chair by Brazilian Designer Rodrigo Ohtake, 1/4
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
3x4 lounge chair by Rodrigo Ohtake 1/4 limited edition.
Steel
Post Modern 1990s Preview Sectional Sofa in Plush Ivory White Bouclé
By Preview
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Large Post Modern Sectional Sofa by Preview professionally reupholstered in highly durable super soft ivory white bouclé. If there was a ever a d...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Pair of Over-Sized Post-Modern Leather Lounge Chairs
By B&B Italia, De Sede
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Great pair of oversized Post Modern leather lounge chairs with classic lines, in superb condition. These chairs are the epitome of co...
Leather
$3,900Sale Price|35% Off
1970s Ray Wilkes Chiclet Sofa with Side Tables in Blue Wool
By Ray Wilkes
Located in Seattle, WA
3 seater chiclet sofa with black leather-top side tables, designed by Ray Wilkes for Herman Miller, circa 1970s. Sofa is in original blue & black wool fa...
Wool
Set of Four 1980s Postmodern Mario Botta Style Wire Frame Armchairs
By Mario Botta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Four 1980s armchairs designed in the style of Mario Botta's architectural furniture work. Each chair features a black enameled wire rod frame with a pronounced geometric X-pattern ba...
Metal, Enamel
Frank Gehry Power Play Chair for Knoll, Black Lacquered
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Frank Gehry Power Play chair. Hard maple, black finish. Frame constructed of hard white maple veneer strips. The underside of both piece...
Maple
Nobu Tanigawa "Nardis" Chrome Bar Stools for Fasem Italy, Set of Two
By Fasem International, Nobu Tanigawa
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Nardis bar height stools with rubber like seats on a polished chrome frame designed by Nobu Tanigawa for Fasem Italy.
Chrome
Elsie Crawford for Sintoform Large 8-Seat 'Carousel' Sofa in Fiberglass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Elsie Crawford for Sintoform, 'Carousel' sofa, fiberglass, United States, 1969 The Carousel sofa bench, designed by American artist Elsie Crawford for Sintoform, is a distinctive ei...
Fiberglass
Postmodern Italian Folding Stool Chair from Enolinea, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Foldable stool by the Italian manufacturer Enolinea. A functional design with postmodern styling. The support is made of wood. The seat is coated with plastic and framed by black ru...
Plastic, Rubber, Wood
Set of 4 dining chairs design by Silvio Coppola for Fratelli Montina Italy 1970s
Located in Ystad, SE
Set of Four Dining Chairs by Silvio Coppola for Fratelli Montina. Italy, 1970s. A rare and highly refined set of four Italian dining chairs designed by Silvio Coppola and produced b...
Leather, Ash
Victoria 180 Sofa in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Victoria 180 Sofa in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 180 x D 95 x H 70 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and high-resilience (HR) f...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood, Beech
$19,742 / item
Jell Sofa by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa by Alter Ego Studio Dimensions W 260 cm D 120 cm H 85 cm Product features Product options: Upholstery: Available in all Alter Ego Stud...
Stone
Postmodern Soleil Armchair in Velvet Jacquard and Black Ashwood 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
CAPITELLO Lounge Chair, Studio 65 for GUFRAM, Limited Edition Italy 1972
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare limited edition “Capitello” chaise lounge designed by Studio 65 for Gufram, originally designed in 1971. Marked 166/500, this iconic sculptural form reinterprets the capital of ...
Foam
Ottoman in Chromed Metal and Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ottoman, footrest, leather, chromed metal, Europe, 1970s This sleek ottoman from the 1970s combines comfort with a timeless appearance. Made in Europe, it features a generously cush...
Leather
$1,185Sale Price / item|42% Off
1980s Postmodern Mario Botta Latonda Chair for Alias (two available) -- 1 pc
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Basel, BS
What a beauty! Stunning RARE Mario Botta accent chair for any space! Very fast shipping, insured 7-21 days. RARE Black leather model, with silver frame. Chair "Latonda" Production: ...
Metal
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Clam Chaise Lounge in Soft Ivory White Bouclé 1980s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
All enveloping luxurious comfort best describes this sexy Post Modern Chaise Lounge designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional newly professionally upholstered in highly durable super soft ivory white bouclé. Famous for his use of curves and amorphous shapes in furnishings, this Vladimir Kagan clam form chaise lounge has an inviting profile and shape that beckons. The inner walls of the chaise provide all enveloping comfort with wide upholstered channels angled down towards the foot of the chaise. The channels - along with the texture of the ivory white bouclé - ventilate naturally keeping you cozy in winter and cool in summer. Unlike traditional chaise lounges that allow one to recline but are not typically plush, this Vladimir Kagan chaise is the antithesis. Super comfortable seat back, tall upholstered arm rests, thick cushioned seat, and angled upholstered side. Chic, sexy and luxurious. Works for all activities - naughty or nice - at all hours of the day. Enjoy your morning cup of tea or coffee while catching up on emails or reading the latest headlines. Cozy up with a good book and a glass of wine. Activities will be enjoyed all the more reclined atop this Vladimir Kagan Scallop Chaise...
Bouclé, Upholstery
$4,322Sale Price|33% Off
Alberto Rosselli Saporiti Italia Post Modern Confidential Lounge Sofa Couch MCM
Located in Dayton, OH
Iconic Fratelli Saporiti Italian Confidential lounge, library or club sofa / couch by Alberto Rosselli, circa 1970s. One of the first modular club chairs with a puzzle like cushion c...
Cotton
Salvador Dalí Leda Armchair Sculpture in Polished Brass, Spain
By Salvador Dalí, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Leda armchair designed by Dali manufactured by BD. Structure in polished cast brass varnish. Measures: 47 x 60 x 92 H. cm Year: 1935-1937 Taken from ...
Brass
Tessa Nature chair by Philippe Starck
Located in PARIS, FR
Philippe Starck Chaise Tessa Nature, Ca. 1987 Édition Driade, Italie Bois de poirier, assise en papier tressé façon paille, logo embossé sur le dossier H. 74 x L. 47 x P. 48 cm H. 29...
Wood, Fruitwood, Plywood
1970s Post Modern Tubular Chrome Rocker Rocking Chair Manner Of Maison Jansen
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a post - modern tubular chromed rocking chair attributed to Maison Jansen. These were manufactured in Italy. It symbolized the spa...
Chrome
TAWARAYA "Boxing Ring" Seating Pod by Masanori Umed, Memphis Design, Japan, 1983
Located in Tinton Falls, NJ
The TAWARAYA Ring by Masanori Umeda for MEMPHIS srl is one of that design movements most famous & critically-discussed pieces from the inaugural MEMP...
Laminate, Wood
Carlo Scarpa, Set of 6 Wooden Chairs for Gavina, Italy 1970s
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
All the rigor and geometry of the great Italian designer Carlo Scarpa are expressed in this splendid and rare set of 6 wooden chairs made for Gavina in the early 1970s. An essential...
Wood
Vintage dining chairs by Pietro costantini, 1980s, set of 6
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Very chic italian high back dining chairs designed by Pietro Costantini. Elegant curved lacquered wood backrests and upholstered with black leather. Stamped under thea seat with '...
Leather, Lacquer
Italian Cubic Lounge Chair in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, leather, Italy, 1970s This striking lounge chair comes in a black leather upholstery that gives the room a vibrant and interesting touch. The design is further charact...
Leather
Lounge Chair the "Experiment" by Yrjö Kukkapuro for Avarte, Finland 1980s.
By Yrjö Kukkapuro, Avarte, Finland 1
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lounge chair/Easy chair, the "Experiment" by the radical designer Yrjö Kukkapuro for Avarte, Finland 1980s. These chairs where made in a small production. Chrome tubular frame and bl...
Chrome
Vintage Chair Louis XX by Philippe Starck for Vitra, 1990s, Set of 4
By Vitra, Philippe Starck
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Indulge in the iconic design and rich history of Philippe Starck's Louis XX chairs. Inspired by the opulence of 18th-century French furniture, these chairs bo...
Aluminum
$174 / item
Postmodern stools by Samo, 1980s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Postmodern red tubular metal stools by Samo. Attractive design. 1980s - France Plywood seats. Salvaged from a school, used as laboratory stools Dimensions: Height: 70cm Width: 4...
Metal