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.
Mario Bellini Vintage "Camaleonda" Sofa, Lambskin Black Leather, 1970 B&B Italia
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa in Custom Black Lambskin Leather, Italy, 1970s An iconic example of Italian design, this vintage Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini embodies the sculptur...
Chrome
Set of 4 original 1980's Niels Gammelgaard 'Vässman' Chairs for IKEA
Located in Bern, CH
Set of 4 original iconic 1980's IKEA 'Vässman' chairs designed by Niels Gammelgaard. With typical minimalistic aesthetic and Post-Modern style, they feature a sleek cantilevered hea...
Steel
1990s Salotti Post Modern Top Grain Two Toned Beige Leather Sofa
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1990s with this exquisite two toned beige leather sofa. The ultra rare three seaters sofa exudes an air of luxury and refinemen...
Leather, Wood
Italian modern armchair P22 with footstool by Patrick Norguet for Cassina, 2010s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian postmodern black leather armchair with footstool by Patrick Norguet for Cassina, 2010s Armchair model P22 with matching footstool. The armchair is padded and upholstered in s...
Metal
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
$860 / item
Kawung Wood & Metal Counter Stool in Walnut
Located in New York, US
The Kawung is an homage to Indonesian traditional batik pattern that dates centuries, crafted with a solid wood frame and adorned with a touch of Javanese elegance. The luxurious cre...
Metal
Memphis Style Vintage Pop Art Armchairs Rud Thygesen Johnny Sorensen, circa 1989
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in Vienna, AT
Memphis style vintage pair of red, blue and yellow colored dining chairs great to stack model Dark Horse, designed by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen circa 1989 and executed by Boti...
Steel
Guido Faleschini for I4 Mariani Set of Eight 'Dilos' Dining Chairs Rose Velvet
By Guido Faleschini, i4 Mariani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, set of eight 'Dilos' dining chairs, part of the 'Pace Collection', beech, velvet, Italy, circa 1975 These 'Dilos' chairs are designed by the creativ...
Velvet, Beech
$2,590 / item
Vintage Leather Lounge Chair
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This 1970s chrome sling chair combines sleek, sturdy construction with a retro design. The chair features plush box cushions upholstered in light aqua leather. The chrome frame is so...
Chrome
1980s 3-Piece Biomorphic Curved Sofa By Preview
By Preview
Located in Bensalem, PA
This is one unique sofa, very comfortable. The shape is amazing would be the center focus point of any room Made by Preview Furniture
Upholstery
Set of 4 Postmodern Leather Chairs, model Canasta by Arrben, Italy 1970s
By Arrben
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a striking set of four “Canasta” armchairs by Italian manufacturer Arrben, exemplifying the refined minimalism and sculptural experimentation of late 20...
Steel
Dramatic Pair of Mid Century Style Mohair Club Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of Mid Century Modern style Mohair Club chairs in contrasting Mustard and Grey. The serpentine form lounge chair with fixed back and unusual back leg that flows from the top t...
Mohair, Wood
Pair Black Orchidee Lounge Chairs by Michel Cadestin for Airborne France
Located in New York, NY
Michel Cadestin for Airborne, Orchide Lounge Chairs Newly Upholstered in High quality faux black leather. These are extremely comfortable and chic and match any decor. Excellent cond...
Faux Leather
Mario Bellini “Lira & Liuto” Chair for Cassina, Bordeaux Leather, 1989, Set of 6
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Lira & Liuto” chairs for Cassina, bordeaux leather, Italy, 1989, set of 6 The "Lira e Liuto" was designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1989, extending the formal l...
Leather
Chainmail Sculptural Chair by Panorammma, Hand-Linked Mesh, Nickel-Plated Steel
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
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
$3,850 / item
Scandinavian Organic Shaped Stool in Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Stool, elm, Scandinavia, 1970s This lovely stool reflects the organic and tactile design language of 1970s Scandinavia. Crafted in solid elm, it features a uniquely contoured seat t...
Elm
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 ...
Leather
$4,396Sale Price|30% Off
Pair of Art Deco Style Leather and Chrome/Aviator Lounge Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
PAIR of Industrial Art Deco style round back lounge chairs with chrome frame and black leather upholstery.
Chrome
$3,200 / set
Pietro Costantini Set of Four Side Chairs
Located in Highland, IN
These stylish side chairs by Pietro Costantini have shapely black frames and seats upholstered in woven leather.
Leather, Wood
Pair of "Texas" leather armchairs by Karl Friedrich Förster for KFF, Germany
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of striking "Texas" leather armchairs designed by Karl Friedrich Forster for KFF. Originally designed as high-end dining chairs, these pieces are...
Steel
GUBI Daumiller Dining Armchair Golden Pine by Rainer Daumiller
By Rainer Daumiller, Gubi
Located in New York, NY
Solid in construction, simple in form, and sculptural in expression, the Daumiller Armchair’s straightforward materiality and robust composition pay tribute to Rainer Daumiller’s lif...
Wood, Pine
Set of 4 Impeccable Handkerchief Chairs by Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Knoll
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 stacking 'Handkerchief' chairs designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Knoll International. This set was produced in 1991 and retains its original tags. Massimo and Lella Vignelli both studied architecture before founding the Vignelli Office of Design and Architecture in 1960. In 1971 they established Vignelli Associates, a vehicle for focusing on projects that incorporated their industrial, furniture and graphic design talents. Their diverse portfolio includes corporate identity work for IBM, American Airlines, and Bloomingdales as well as signage for the New York Subway system and Washington, D.C. Additionally, Vignelli Associates contributed two furniture designs to the Knoll portfolio: the Handkerchief chair (designed together with David Law) and the Paperclip table...
Chrome
Peregalli and Calatroni Post Modern Armchair, circa 1985, Italy
Located in Brussels, BE
Post-modern Maurizio Peregalli and Sergio Calatroni chair, edited by Zeus circa 1985, Italy. Poltrona model. Black powder-coated square steel tube, bl...
Metal
Verner Panton Vilbert Chair, 1993
By IKEA, Verner Panton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful colorful postmodern accent chair "Vilbert" by Verner Panton for Ikea 1993, in blue, purple, green, red and black formica with black edges. The structure follows geometric a...
Formica
$897Sale 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
Post-Modern Sculptural Chairs by Preview, Reupholstered in Caramel Velvet, 1980s
By Preview
Located in Saint Louis, MO
These Lounge Chairs made by Preview Furniture Company in Caramel Velvet c. 1980 inspire curiosity and exude modern luxury. Lavishly reupholstered in supple caramel velvet, the lounge...
Velvet, Upholstery
Original Shadow Armchair by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Postmodern Icon
By Michel Ducaroy, Gaetano Pesce, Ligne Roset, Meritalia
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Shadow armchair by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia is a highly collectible iconic masterpiece of Post Modern Design. The chair "deconstructed". Designed a...
Leather, Upholstery, Latex, Resin
Marc Newson 'Kiss the Future' Chair in Black Molded Polypropylene
By Marc Newson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marc Newson for W & LT (Wild & Lethal Trash) retail stores, chair, part of the 'Kiss the Future' series, rotation molded polypropylene, Australia / Belgium, 1996-1997 Marc Newson (...
Plastic
1980s Sculptural Coned Leopard Velvet Steel Swivel Stools Chairs
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, velvet leopard print, swivel stools you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful set is s...
Steel
Memphis Sculptural in Pink Velvet & Red Legs Dining Chair Vértigo
By Moanne
Located in Almería, ES
The Vértigo Dining Chair captures the tension between chaos and control. With its sharp silhouette and solid wood frame, it brings graphic structure to the room—an anchor in spaces t...
Velvet, Wood, Lacquer
$2,917 / item
L'ecorce Stool in Solid Teak Wood by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
L'ecorce Stool in Solid Teak Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 50 x D 46 x H 52 cm. Materials: Solid Teak Wood, fabric. This listing features our L'ecorce Stool expertly crafted from ...
Wood, Hardwood, Teak
Mario Bellini Reupholstered 'Camaleonda' Modular Sofa in White Boucle
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, reupholstered 'Camaleonda' sectional sofa, boucle, metal, Italy, design 1970 The iconic Camaleonda sofa is designed by Italian master Mario Bellini for...
Metal
$5,450 / item
Maison Regain Grid Side Benches in Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Maison Regain benches, elm, France, 1970s Lovely benches by Maison Regain, a lovely example of French design from the 1970s. Made from solid elm wood, the benches emphasize clear co...
Elm
1980s Set of Four Harvink "Zino" Memphis Style Dining Chairs w/ Triangular Backs
By Harvink
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Memphis style tall black painted wooden triangle-back dining chairs with original fabric seats on black metal enameled frames. In original condition with some wear and scratching con...
Metal
Set of 4 postmodern "Totem" chairs designed by Torstein Nilsen for Westnofa
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a set of four dining chairs model "Totem", a sculptural postmodern design created by Torstein Nilsen for the Norwegian export organization Westnofa. The...
Fabric, Wood
Marie Christine Doner S’il Vous Plait High Stool Side Table Postmodern Starck
By Marie Christine Doner
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
S’il vous plait designed by Marie Christine Doner for Idee, Japan. This is one of Origami collection released in 11 furnitures in 1986. Originally bar stool, but usable as side table.
Aluminum
Set of Four Vintage Postmodern Swiveling Bar Stools in Oak and Tawny Bouclé
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Durable, functional, and stylish set of four bar stools in oak with tawny bouclé seats and back rests (ca. 1980s, USA). Rectangular, boxy frame with sled base for added stability and...
Bouclé, Oak
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
Ettore Sottsass Flying Carpet Armchair by Bedding Brevetti 1970s Italy
Located in Cascina, Pisa
The Flying Carpet or Tappeto Volante armchair is an iconic seat with a base and an armrest in beech wood, the seat, and the back are made with polyuret...
Fabric, Wood, Velvet
Set of 3 Vintage Faux Bamboo Lounge Chairs and Table from Kettal, Spain, 1980s
By Kettal
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern garden furniture from the spanish manufacturer kettal from the 1980s. the set consists of two armchairs and a matching table. The frame is made of plastic tubes connected...
Plastic
Heli 3-Seater Leather Sofa by Otto Zapf for Knoll, 1980s
Pink Anemone Chair by Fernando and Humberto Campana for Edra, Italy 2001
By Edra, Fernando and Humberto Campana
Located in New York, NY
Pink Anemone Chair by Fernando and Humberto Campana for Edra, Italy 2001. Made of translucent pink hollow plastic tubes which are hand woven methodically to create a comfortable sea...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Mario Botta, 4 'Seconda' Black Metal Chairs, Alias Mod. 602, 1980s
By Mario Botta
Located in Argelato, BO
Three 'Seconda' chairs designed by the famous architect Mario Botta for the Italian firm Alias, model 602. All 4 are painted black both in the structure and in the seat, they bear ...
Steel
$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
A Sculptural POSTMODERN MEMPHIS chair, in the style of PIERRE SALA, France 1980
By Pierre Sala
Located in PARIS, FR
A sculptural postmodern chair, construction of geometrical pieces of wood based on 3 legs, straight grid black back, circular pink seat, red front leg, by anonymous artist, France 19...
Wood
Cubic Lounge Chair in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, leather, wood, Northern-Europe, 1980s The design of this lounge chair is characterized by a cubic frame. When seated you experience a pleasant enclosed feeling. The tu...
Leather, Wood
Vladimir Kagan “Matinee” Sofa
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
this piece is in excellent, restored condition. It has been fully reupholstered in Maharam “Pace” leather
Lead
Rare Pair of Post-Modern Ebonized Oak and Leather Club Chairs by Brian Kane
By Metropolitan, Brian Kane, Philippe Starck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare pair of post-modern ebonized oak and leather club chairs by Brian Kane. Solid polished ebonized oak frames fitted with thick suppler leather cushions. Ultra-comfortable a...
Leather, Upholstery, Oak
Opera Bench in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Opera Bench in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 120 x D 40 x H 42 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric is not incl...
Foam, Wood, Hardwood, Beech
Midcentury Post Modern Kidney Shaped Chaise Lounge or Petite Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautiful modern design chaise lounge. It features beige wood legs with it's original upholstery. The fabric will need updating. Padding and foam are excellent.
Fabric, Wood
$1,502Sale Price|20% Off
'Zero Gravity' Rocking Chair by Peter Opsvik for Stokke Varier, Denmark 1991
By Peter Opsvik, Stokke
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Scandinavian Ergonomical Design Balance / Rocking Chair 'ZERO GRAVITY' by Norwegian Designer Peter Opsvik for Stokke Varier. Made in Denmark, 1991 design. Black stained bentw...
Fabric, Bentwood
Amorphous Post Modern Serpentine Sofa in Terra Cotta Velvet for Weiman
By Weiman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
There's not a single straight line in this sexy Post Modern Serpentine Sofa upholstered in a rich terracotta velvet and made by Weiman. The...
Upholstery, Velvet, Lucite
Modern Progetti Armchair by Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti, Italy, 1980s – Bouclé
Located in Almelo, NL
Modern Progetti Armchair by Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti, Italy, 1980s – Bouclé Upholstery A refined expression of Italian modernism, this exquisite Progetti armchair by Umberto Asn...
Metal
Channelled Sectional Sofa by Bernhardt Flair
By Bernhardt
Located in Hanover, MA
4-Piece channeled modular sofa in the manner of Steve Chase by Bernhardt Flair having off white original upholstery with pale grey swooshes throughout. The cushions are soft yet buoy...
Upholstery
Barba d'Argento Armchair by Paolo Pallucco and Mireille Rivier
By Paolo Pallucco & Mireille Rivier
Located in Paris, FR
The Barba d’Argento Armchair, designed by Paolo Pallucco and Mireille Rivier, is a piece of contemporary design from the 1980s. Its frame is made of metal, supporting a seat constru...
Stainless Steel
70s Mario Bellini Cassina "Pianura" style Oak Two Seater Sofa Loveseat (1 of 2)
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
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
Afra & Tobia Scarpa ‘Benetton’ Chair, Italy, 1980s
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Rare, Afra, Scarpa, italian, 1980s, leather, patina, collector's item Designed in 1985 for the Benetton office by the iconic Italian architects Afra & Tobia Scarpa, this chair is a ...
Brass, Steel
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
$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