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.
Original 1984 "Costes" Dining Chairs by Philippe Starck for Driade — Pair
Located in Basel, BS
A pair of definitive masterpieces of 1980s post-modern Italian design. Designed by the legendary Philippe Starck in 1984, the "Costes" chairs were originally conceived for the bustl...
Metal
Miss Wirt Chair by Philippe Starck for Disform 1982
Located in Munich, DE
A rare and collectible chair designed by Philippe Starck in 1982 for Disform. Black cotton canvas fabric is stretched over two vertical steel tubes and the tension creates the comfor...
Fabric
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
$1,581 / item
GIO Stool - Contemporary Murano Glass
Located in Murano, VE
Handmade eclectic seating pieces creating using the blown glass technique applied to a meticulously hammered mold. The creation of these stunning work...
Murano Glass
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
Set of 8 Post Modern Dining Chairs, Powder Coated Tan and Ivory Boucle, 1980's
Located in Culver City, CA
These chairs are what happens when wabi-sabi restraint elopes with full-blown postmodern maximalism. Each one has been professionally powder-coated in the most delicious shade of war...
Steel
2 x Chairs After Charles Rennie Mackintosh Metal High Back Hill House 1980s
Located in London, GB
This listing is for two chairs We have six chairs in total An amazing art nouveau pair of side chairs after Charles Rennie Mackintosh Hill House chair...
Iron
1 of 3 Vermelha Chairs by Fernando and Humberto Campana for Edra, Italy 1993
By Fernando and Humberto Campana, Edra
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find 3 Vermelha chairs designed by Brazilian brothers Fernando and Humberto Campana for the Italian furniture company Edra. The chair is an iconic piece of c...
Steel
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
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
Postmodern Soleil Armchair in Yellow Velvet, Wood and Travertine 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...
Stone, Travertine
$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
$1,113 / item
Light Pink Stool 01 by Iranzo
Located in Geneve, CH
Light Pink Stool 01 by Iranzo Dimensions: D 68 x H 48 cm. Material: Epoxy resin & polypropylene Available in: White / Black - at a lower price Light pink / Blue / Pastel green ...
Epoxy Resin
Mario Bellini for Cassina CAB 413 Set of Six Dining Chairs in Grey Leather
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of six armchairs, model 'CAB 413', leather, Italy, 1979 The iconic ‘CAB’ chairs were designed by Mario Bellini in 1979. Conceptually new was the way B...
Leather
Pierre Chapo Set of 8 Dining Chairs Model S45 “Chlacc", Solid French Elm, 1980s
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Designed by Pierre Chapo in 1979, the S45 “Chlacc” chair stands among the most sophisticated and sculptural creations in the designer’s oeuvre. Produced in solid French elm, this ico...
Elm
"Big Easy" Ron Arad Design for Moroso Italian Postmodern White Lounge Chair 1990
$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
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
$8,043Sale Price|20% Off
Curved Harry Sofa by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia
Located in Hamburg, DE
Designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, the Curved Harry sofa is a refined example of contemporary Italian design, combining elegant proportions with exceptional comfort. Th...
Aluminum
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
1980s Postmodern Preview Cloud Sectional Sofa
By Preview
Located in Bensalem, PA
Stunning 3 piece PREVIEW sectional sofa
Upholstery
1980s Sculptural Leopard Tiger Wood Chairs and Ottoman, Set of 3
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning chairs you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it bei...
Upholstery, Wood
Stainless Metal, Dedar Milano Belmondo Fabric, Tricirculo Chair By OMER OZTURK
Located in Geneve, CH
Stainless Metal, Dedar Milano Belmondo Fabric, Tricirculo Chair By OMER OZTURK Dimensions: W 52 x D 52 x H 93 cm. Materials: Stainless Metal, Dedar Milano Belmondo Fabric. About: De...
Metal
$2,831Sale Price|20% Off
Curved canapé sofa by Rodolfo Dordoni for Moroso, Italy 1980s
Located in ECHT, NL
Postmodern design curved sofa. Designed by Rodolfo Dordoni for Moroso in the eighties. Part of the "waiting" series. The curved seat is covered with blue microfiber fabric. It stands...
Metal, Aluminum
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
De Sede DS-2011 Two-seat Sofa in Black Leather, Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
With its fluid, curved shapes, the DS-2011 appears powerful and dynamic. The visual lightness and modern, casual elegance underline the timeless look that makes the DS-2011 a sofa th...
Leather
Original Shadow Armchair by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Postmodern Icon
By Meritalia, Michel Ducaroy, Gaetano Pesce, Ligne Roset
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
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
$56,247Sale Price|20% Off
1973 "Cornaro" Sofa & Armchair Set by Carlo Scarpa for Gavina
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Manzano, IT
1973 "Cornaro" Sofa & Armchair Set by Carlo Scarpa for Gavina - Iconic Italian Modernist Design Designed by Carlo Scarpa in 1973, the Cornaro seating set for Gavina epitomizes timel...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
$4,804 / item
L'ecorce Bar Stool in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
L'ecorce Bar Stool in Solid Oak Wood by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 50 x D 46 x H 81 cm. Materials: Solid oak Wood, fabric. This listing features our L'ecorce Bar Stool expertly crafted...
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
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
Preview Post Modern Swivel Lounge Chairs in Super Soft Ivory White Bouclé C.1990
By Preview
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Launch in first class comfort with this spaceship like pair of 1990s ivory white bouclé Post Modern swivel chairs by Preview. Gorgeous sculptural silhouette. Uber luxurious modern lo...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Guido Faleschini for I4 Mariani Set of Ten 'Dilos' Dining Chairs
By i4 Mariani, Guido Faleschini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani set of ten 'Dilos' dining chairs, leather, beech, Italy, circa 1975 These 'Dilos' chairs are designed by the creative Italian designer Guido Faleschi...
Leather, Beech
Pair of Organic Elm Chairs by Mattes Nebeling, Germany Early 21st Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
These two chairs exemplify late 20th century to early 21st century German craftsmanship. The design uses elements of geometry to create a unique look, while utilising the natural qua...
Wood, Elm
$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
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
1980s Postmodern lacquered Dining Chairs Newly Reupholstered -Set of 4 Off-white
Located in Miami, FL
1980s Postmodern lacquered Dining Chairs Newly Reupholstered - Set of 4 Offered for sale is a set of 4 1980s Postmodern off-white lacquered dining chairs that have recently been re...
Fabric, 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
$3,960Sale Price / set|42% Off
Set of 8 Ginotta Dining Chairs by Enrico Franzolini Dining Chairs for Knoll. Cir
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 8 Postmodern Ginotta Dining Chairs by Enrico Franzolini Dining Chairs for Knoll. Circa 1980s In 1989 Knoll introduced the Franzolini chair, a thoroughly modern interpretation ...
Steel, Chrome
$2,900 / set
1980s Postmodern Dining Chairs, Set of 5
Located in Chicago, IL
Gorgeous and completely restored dining chairs. We painted the wood with a fresh coat of soft black paint and fluffed up the seat cushions with black faux Persian lamb upholstery.
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
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
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Classic Ripple Wave Bench by Laurinda Spear for Brayton International Ca. 1970's
By Laurinda Spear, Brayton International
Located in New York, NY
Pure post modern style, executed with top quality craftsmanship. The wave , or ripple bench was designed by Laurinda Spear, and made by Brayton Industries, circa 1970's. This example...
Upholstery
$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
Pair of Italian Post Modern Leather Stools by Chateau D'ax
By Chateau d'Ax
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition These Italian Post Modern leather stools by Chateau d’Ax, c.1980’s, bring that unmistakable “sink-in” comfort with a clean, architectural silho...
Leather
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
Pair Eileen Gray Ecart International Transat Black Leather Lounge Chairs
By Ecart International, Eileen Gray
Located in Houston, TX
France, 1970s. Ecart International re-edition: wood, leather, nickel pleated metal. Between 1926 and 1928, Eileen Gray collaborated with Jean Badovici on the creation of an architec...
Nickel
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
$2,400 / set
Mario Botta Seconda 602 Chairs by Alias
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Highland, IN
Post modern icon, the "Seconda" chair by Mario Botta is a study in geometry as Botta strips down every element of the chair to its leanest, most essential form. This vintage pair f...
Steel
Post Modern Stool in Walnut Finish, Cane Back Leather 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
"Grandma" Sofa by Denise Scott Brown and Robert Venturi for Knoll, 1980s
By Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, Knoll, Robert Venturi
Located in Coronado, CA
This sumptuous "Grandma" sofa was designed by the architects Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown and produced by Knoll in the 1980s. This wonderful example (the nicest one out ther...
Mohair, Down
Italian Modern Curved Sculptural Loveseat or Sofa
By Ico Parisi, ISA Bergamo, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Federico Munari
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern curved sculptural loveseat or sofa. This stunning Italian Federico Munari inspired postmodern sofa, chaise or loveseat has interesti...
Stainless Steel
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
Andrée Putman (FR 1915-2013): Banc Eléphant, teakwood and cast aluminum
Located in Zemst, BE
Bench by Andrée Putman High quality interior bench "Banc éléphant" Created and designed in 1992 for the Bordeaux CAPC museum. Made out of casted aluminium and originale asian teak...
Aluminum
Rare Luigi Colani for Fritz Hansen Lounge Chair in Orange Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Colani for Fritz Hansen, lounge chair, chrome-plated steel, metal, orange fabric, Denmark, 1970s The German industrial designer Luigi Colani was renowned for incorporating org...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Ross Lovegrove "Air One" Lounge Chair for Edra, Blue
By Ross Lovegrove, Edra
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Air One" lounge chair by Ross Lovegrove for Edra, circa 2000. Constructed of pressed polypropylene foam. Additional chair available in black, sold separately. Sourced in Italy. The...
Plastic, Foam
$2,765Sale Price / item|20% Off
1980s Post Modern Sculptural Lounge Chair MCM
By Louis Durot
Located in Basel, BS
Thank you for visiting our shop. We have two of these fabulous chairs. The price here is for one, they are sold individually here. These are stunning examples of 1980 Postmodern L...
Metal
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
Postmodern Italian Sectional Sofa in Blue and Off-White Dots Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sofa, fabric, brushed metal, Italy, 1970s A postmodern design of Italian origin with an ingenious construction comprised of three seating elements and five/six loose backres...
Metal
Efebo Stacking Stool by Stacy Dukes for Artemide, Italy post modern, 4 avail
By Stacy Dukes, Artemide
Located in Chicago, IL
Efebo Seats designed by Stacy Duke for Artemide. Italy, 1960's Golden plastic. Priced individually. Four available. These sculptural white molded plastic stools were designed as c...
Plastic