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.
Fidji Pouf in Rattan and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Fidji Pouf in Rattan and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 43 x H 50 cm. Materials: rattan and HR foam. Fabric is not included. Please contact us for further information and...
Rattan, Foam
Weiman Furniture Serpentine Sofa
By Weiman
Located in Houston, TX
Weiman Furniture Company Serpentine Sofa. Offered is a stunning curvaceous sofa by Weiman Furniture Company in the 1980's. We offer this gorgeous sofa in the original fabric but coul...
Fabric, Wood
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
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
Globe Lounge Chair by Peter Obsvik, Norway, 1980s. Light Gray Leather. Signed
By Peter Opsvik, Stokke
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
Vittorio Varo for Plan 'Zinzolo' Lounge Chair in Orange Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittorio Varo for Plan Design Interior, 'Zinzolo' lounge chair, fabric, Italy, 1970s This superb Zinzola lounge chair is designed by the Italian Vittorio Varo. This design reflects ...
Fabric
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
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
$3,974 / item
Vastra Dining Chair in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Vastra Dining Chair in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 51 x D 51 x H 80 cm. Materials: Solid oak Wood, fabric. This listing features our Vastra Dining Chair expertly craft...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
$2,550Sale Price|40% Off
Mid century post modern danish thick coral leather 3 seat pillow sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century post modern danish thick fully upholstered coral tone leather 3 seat sofa clean. Very clean sofa amazing thick coral color leather. Fold...
Leather
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
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
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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
Cubist Girl Aluminum Chair by Christopher Royal for Rockledge Design Studio
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking piece of sculptural art furniture — the "Cubist Girl" chair by Christopher Royal for Rockledge Design Studio, hand-crafted in marine-grade aluminum with a clear baked powd...
Aluminum
Enzo Mari NOS The Box chair in blue for Aleph Atlantide Driade 1995
1980s Postmodern Spindle-back Solid Oak Sofa, Howard Furniture, Pair Available
By Howard Furniture Manufacturing
Located in Miami, FL
1980s Postmodern Spindle-back Solid Oak Howard Co Sofa Offered for sale individually are two 1980s solid oak spindle-back Postmodern sofas from Howard Furniture company. The sofas h...
Oak, Fabric, Foam
Dedar Amoir Libre Fabric, Lacquer Paint, Marua Bench By OMER OZTURK
Located in Geneve, CH
Dedar Amoir Libre Fabric, Lacquer Paint, Marua Bench By OMER OZTURK Dimensions: W 150 x D 50 x H 44.6 cm. Materials: Dedar Amoir Libre Fabric, Black Glossy Lacquer Paint. About: Des...
Fabric, Lacquer
Postmodern Italian Chromed Metal Lounge Armchair, Italy 80s
Located in Lucija, SI
Very rare Postmodern armchair Made in Italy in the 80s Unknown designer and maker High quality
Metal, Chrome
Postmodern King dining chairs by Belgochrom - set of 6
By belgochrom
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of six very rare and impressive high back dining room chairs manufactured by Belgochrom. The chairs consist of fine brushed meteal frames upholstered with the original fabric ca...
Metal
$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
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
Hans e Alice chair by Paolo Pallucco & Mireille Rivier
By Paolo Pallucco & Mireille Rivier
Located in PARIS, FR
Paolo Pallucco & Mireille Rivier Hans e Alice, Ca. 1986 Edition Pallucco, Rome, Italy Black lacquered steel, rubber, and steel wire H. 71 x W. 48 x D. 45 cm H. 28 x W. 18 7/8 x D. 17...
Steel
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
Set of 6 Memphis style postmodern powder-coated iron dining chairs, USA 1980s
Located in Hastings, GB
A set of 6 Memphis style postmodern dining chairs, USA 1980s. Heavy powder-coated iron or steel, with original abstract upholstery. There's a little age-related wear to the fabric, b...
Iron
$1,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 5 Red Swedish Postmodern 80s Vintage Nils Gammelgaard Ikea "Ted" Chairs
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti, IKEA
Located in Basel, BS
Great opportunity to have a complete set of 5 of these wonderful 1980s Nils Gaamelgaard for Ikea chairs as a perfect set of 5 in red! Sold here as a set. Note: Red cushions will be...
Metal
Tito Agnoli x Calligaris Italian Postmodern Leather Dining Chairs, 1980s, Italy
By Calligaris, Tito Agnoli, Matteo Grassi
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
A set of six Postmodern sculptural dining chairs designed by Tito Agnoli and handmade by Calligaris in Italy, 1980s. They feature a...
Leather
$22,845Sale Price|20% Off
Roche Bobois Mah Jong Sectional Sofa by Hans Hopfer, Multicolor
By Roche Bobois
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Roche Bobois "Mah Jong" – Modular corner sofa, designed by Hans Hopfer, 2000s A modular arrangement consisting of 12 seats and 6 backrests, configured in a corner layout. Designed by...
Cotton, Satin, Velvet
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
$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
Set of 4 White Lacquer and Leather Pietro Costantini Italian Dining Chairs
Located in Chicago, IL
Four Italian dining chairs by Pietro Costantini, imported by Ello, circa 1970s/1980s. The curved seats are generous and comfortable, still in their original white leather upholstery....
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
Vintage Thayer Coggin for Milo Baughman Semi-Circular 3-Piece Sectional Sofa
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Make a bold statement with this exceptional vintage Thayer Coggin for Milo Baughman three-piece sectional sofa. Featuring an impressive curved, semi-circular design, this iconic sect...
Upholstery
Set of 6 Post Modern Gaetano Pesce "543 Broadway" Chairs For Bernini, 1993
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is a remarkable set of six "543 Broadway" chairs designed by Gaetano Pesce for Bernini (Italy, 1993). These iconic postmodern chairs embody the radical, avant-garde ethos of the...
Steel
1980s Memphis Style Slipper Chairs by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, a Pair
By Memphis Milano, Milo Baughman
Located in Roanoke, VA
Baughman was inspired by the courageous young avant-garde designers known as the Memphis Group that burst on to the works stage in 1981 with a total disregard for the traditions and design tenants of restrained, idealized Modernism, Baughman designed a small collection of 11 colorful, post-modern pieces and convinced Coggin to put the collection into production by 1984. The unexpected designs made a splash upon their debut, with critics praising Baughman’s graceful and carefully considered take on the wild Italian ‘new design.’ The wider American audience and Coggin’s well-to-do yet conservative clientele did not take to Baughman’s experiment in exercising complete creative control. ''Only galleries bought it,'' Baughman told the NYT in the months after the collection’s release. Pieces from the 1984 Prisma collection are extremely difficult to come by. Literature: Oscar Fitzgerald, American furniture: 1650 to the Present , 2017. P 517; CH 19 Postmodern and AvantGarde Furniture...
Textile
Andre Arbus Style Robert Couturier Peach Velvet Post Modern Sofa
Located in Sharon, CT
Custom made by Robert Couturier, peach velvet with classic ionic volute referenced arm treatments. Incredibly comfortable down pillow seat. White painted Louis XVI inspired structur...
Velvet
Set of 2 Post Modern Carved & Bent Oak Chairs By Shin-Lee, After Michael Thonet
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Michael Thonet
Located in Chicago, IL
As is set of 3 curved oak and cane dining chairs dating back to the 1970s / 1980s. Made in Taiwan by Shin-Lee, they echo the designs of Michael Thonet and Kohn Mundus. Sculptural wit...
Cane, Oak, Bentwood
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Pair Nelo Wave Chairs by Takeshita Okamura & Erik Marquardsen for Nelo Sweden
By Takashi Okamura and Erik Marquardsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Nelo Wave Chairs by Takeshita Okamura & Erik Marquardsen for Nelo of Sweden. Gray and black patina leather chairs with black lacquer wood frames. Good vintage condition. Grea...
Leather, Bentwood, Lacquer
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau Bicolor Set of Ten Leather 'Dinette’ Armchairs
By Poltrona Frau, Luigi Massoni
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau, set of ten armchairs, model ‘Dinette’, leather, chrome, Italy, 1972 This set of dining chairs showcases an exceptional design, defined by distinctiv...
Chrome
3-Seater Sandra Sofa, Newly Upholstered Tapestry by Annie Hiéronimus for Cinna
Located in Toronto, CA
Designed by Annie Hiéronimus in the 1970s for Cinna, the Sandra sofa captures a moment when French seating shifted away from rigid structure toward softness and ease. Its low, envelo...
Fabric, Foam
Mah Jong 4-seater corner sofa, 12-piece set - velvet and cotton by Roche Bobois
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The "Mah Jong" modular sofa, designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, is a French design icon that debuted in 1971 and has been in continuous production ever since. A low, fully mod...
Cotton, Velvet
$1,200 / item
Quinta Chairs by Mario Botta for Alias, Italy, 1980s
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta for Alias in the 1980s, the Quinta chair is a striking example of postmodern Italian furniture design. Its bold frame is constructed from blac...
Steel
$5,400 / set
Pierre Paulin for Artifort Pair of Lounge Chairs
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Paulin for Artifort, pair of armchairs, model '442/3', grey upholstery and steel by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, the Netherlands, 1960s These comfortable chairs shows elegant ...
Steel
$7,995 / item
Eso Stainless Steel Armchair by Mingardo
Located in Geneve, CH
Eso Stainless Steel Armchair by Mingardo Dimensions: D 86 x W 81 x H 77 cm Materials: Satin stainless-steel structure with natural full-grain Variations in material and size are av...
Stainless 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
$885Sale Price|20% Off
Pastoe Kubus Armchair FM62 designed by Radboud van Beekum, The Netherlands, 1981
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Pastoe Kubus Armchair FM62 designed by Radboud van Beekum The Netherlands, 1981 Cube-shaped metal frame with new harness canvas upholstery. This cube-shaped chair from the eighties...
Metal
$13,590 / item
LV Lounge Chair in Aluminum by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
LV Lounge Chair in Aluminum by Pietro Franceschini. Dimensions: W 58 x D 65.4 x H 76 cm. Materials: Aluminum, Fur. The LV edition is made of a chair, a stool, a lounge chair, a benc...
Aluminum
Cassina Cab 412 Chairs Mario Bellini Matte Black drk Grey Leather PAIR, 2 Chairs
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Basel, BS
Fabulous, Mario Bellini for Cassina 412 Cab chair in gorgeous Black leather. Opportunity to purchase just one chair! **We offer very fast, insured, affordable shipping in 9-15 day...
Metal
Joe Colombo for Comfort 'Elda' Lounge Chairs in Red Leather and Fiberglass
By Comfort, Italy, Joe Colombo
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
Set of 4 Italian Postmodern Space Age Model 101 Spaghetti Chairs, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Four postmodern Spaghetti chairs from the Italian manufacturer alias according to a draft by Giandomenico Belotti from the late 1970s. A timeless classic of Italian design. The fili...
Metal
Postmodern German Kreuzschwinger Kitchen Barstool Till Behrens Meyer Stahlmöbel
By Till Behrens
Located in Hamburg, DE
Till Behrens Kreuzschwinger kitchen stool or bar stool. Elegant design classic by Prof. Till Behrens in the kitchen stool version. The further development of the cantilever chair. ...
Metal
Italian Model Regia Dining Chairs by Antonello Mosca for Ycami, 1980s, Set of 8
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Italian Model Regia Dining Chairs by Antonello Mosca for Ycami. Black aluminum frames with black leather seats. Timeless post modern design. Very good condition 1980s - Italy Di...
Metal
Insigne Armchair by Simonini, Solid Wood Base, Upholstered Seat, New
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
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
Postmodern Brown Faux Leather Tongue Chair Attributed Jaymar Pop Art Chair
By Jaymar
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage Postmodern brown faux leather Tongue chair attributed to Jaymar cantilevered Pop Art chair. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind tha...
Metal
5 Postmodern Memphis Milano Style Chairs from the 1980s
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
5 Memphis Milano style chairs, newly upholstered with a beautiful blue-green color fabric. Black coated metal frame and wooden back.
Metal
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
$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
$2,920Sale Price|20% Off
Vico Magistretti Navy / Black 2-Seater Loveseat Maralunga Sofa Cassina Italy 80s
Located in Basel, BS
Original Loveseat sofa "Maralunga," designed by Vico Magistretti and manufactured by Cassina in Italy during the late circa late 1970s/1980s. This e...
Fabric
1990s Postmodern Upholstered Chaise Lounge By Carson's Furniture.
Located in Miami, FL
1990s Postmodern Art Deco Revival Upholstered Sea Foam Green Chaise Lounge By Carson Furniture. Features a Curvy Art Deco Inspired desing with the Original Cotton Polyester Blend ...
Upholstery
Postmodern Soleil Armchair in Cotton Velvet, Lacquer and 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
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Modernist Chrome and Caned Rocking Chair
Located in New York, NY
High style post modern design rocking chair having a chrome frame, with caned seat and back rest, with solid wood armrests. Design reminiscent of Milo Baughman, and Max Suaze, probab...
Chrome