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.
Post Modern Knoll Swivel Desk, Office, Chairs 11 Available
By Knoll, Don Chadwick
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Knoll swivel desk chair(s) from the 1970's, in rich brown formed foam upholstery, on five star base. The chair swivels a full 360, and the base is on double wheel coaster...
Plastic
Single Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Chair in Camel Teddy Bear Fabric
Located in Saint Louis, MO
This Vladimir Kagan Nautilus swivel lounge chair is sculptural, comfortable and fun, and was recently professionally reupholstered in super soft curly camel. Modern with a warm and i...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Single Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Chair in Hand Sewn Butterscotch Shearling
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, the Nautilus swivel lounge chair is iconic. Sculptural, comfortable and chic. Our shop freshly upholstered this Nautilus swivel chair...
Upholstery, Hide
Nautilus Chairs by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Reupholstered in Maharam wool. Tagged Directional. Original example designed by Vladimir Kagan, n...
Wool
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
1980s Channel Baughman Croissant Style Floral Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, satin like Floral swivel chairs you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited thro...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Leather Swivel Tub Chair, 2000
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Leather Swivel Tub Chair, 2000’s. Original red leather with a red leather plinth swivel base. Great condition. Measures 29.5” tall 45” wide 45” deep...
Leather
TECHNO barber chair designed by Philippe Starck for L'Oreal, France 1989
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find 4 exceptionally rare swivel barber chairs, called Techno chairs, designed by Philippe Starck for L'Oreal. These chairs repr...
Aluminum
Vladimir Kagan Bilbao Swivel Slipper Chairs in Ivory Bouclé
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A Post Modern pair of Vladimir Kagan Bilbao swivel chairs freshly reupholstered in soft ivory bouclé circa 1995. Enamored with Bilbao, Spain, the Bilbao chair...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Chair Swivel Bar Stool White Plastic Chrome Italian Stefano Giovannoni Magis
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
- This iconic design is rotatable, adjustable in height and is made of high-quality materials. The seat is made of ABS (plastic) and the frame of chromium. - It is striking with a sleek seat, making a statement piece in the kitchen, dining room or office - Designed by Stefano Giovannoni for Magis - Functional, stylish, comfortable Stefano Giovannoni born in La Spezia, lives and works in Milan as Industrial designer, interior designer and architect. He graduated at the University of Architecture in Florence at the age of 23 and, in the same faculty, he taught and conducted research until 1991. In 1984 and 1985 he collaborated with Ettore Sottsass and Alchimia-Mendini. He taught at Domus Academy in Milan, SPD Milan, at Università del progetto di Reggio Emilia, at University of Architecture in Florence and in Genoa. He works as Industrial designer, designing many bestsellers and commercially successful products that awarded him as “Champion of Super and Popular of the years 2000” (Alberto Alessi), “King Mida of design” (Cristina Morozzi), “Most bankable designer” (Eugenio Perazza, Magis). He collaborated with companies, such as Alessi, first designer with more than 300 steel and plastic products, (remark products: the “Girotondo family” absolute bestselling series in the history of design-oriented companies with more than 10 millions products sold, the “Mami” series, “Il Bagno Alessi” and famous plastic products such as Lilliput, Magic Bunny and Merdolino), Magis (with “Bombo”stool...
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 very mi...
Naugahyde
$1,776Sale Price|20% Off
Bruno Mathsson for Dux Chrome Based Swivel Lounge Chair. 1 of 2
By Dux of Sweden, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Chicago, IL
This swivelling easy chair is a cross between the famous “Jetson” lounge chair and the “Karin” lounge chair by iconic Swedish designer, Bruno Mathsson for Dux of Sweden. All three ch...
Steel, Chrome
$4,200 / set
Vintage ‘Nautilus’ Swivel Lounges - a Pair
By Weiman, Weiman Preview Furniture
Located in Raleigh, NC
Postmodern swivel lounges produced by Weiman ‘Nautilus’ lounges. This pair combines comfort and versatility of style. The rounded back design that perfectly slopes. The backrest shap...
Fabric, Foam
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
$2,650Sale Price|24% Off
Charles Hollis Jones Lucite and Chromed Steel Vanity Swivel Stool, c 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking 1970s Lucite vanity stool by Charles Hollis Jones, the celebrated “Mister Lucite” whose innovative designs helped define the Hollywood Regency aesthetic. This sculptural p...
Chrome
1980s Nautilus Weiman Sculptural Tweedy Style Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Weiman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1990s with this exquisite sculptural swivel chairs. The ultra rare chairs exudes an air of luxury and refinement. Outstanding d...
Upholstery, Wood
Post Modern Asymmetrical Velvet Barrel Back Swivel Chairs on Bronze Base - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Post Modern Asymmetrical Barrel Back Swivel Chairs Newly Reupholstered in Grey Velvet on a Bronze Base The Post Modern Asymmetrical Barrel Back Swivel Chairs are a stunning pair of ...
Bronze
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
Re-Upholstered Michael Wolk for Directional Swivel Chairs, A Pair, Post-Modern
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of Michael Wolk-designed "Miami" chairs. This beautiful set of swivel chairs were designed by Miami-based New York designer Michael Wolk. Th...
Textile, Wood
$2,800Sale Price / set|41% Off
Pair of Post Modern Swivel Chairs by Preview
By Preview
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A nice pair of all original Post Modern swivel chairs by Preview Furniture. The chairs are all original, left as found. The chairs are structurall...
Fabric
1990s Carsons Post Modern Pastel Swivel Chairs and Footstools, Set of 4
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1990s with this exquisite swivel chairs and footstools set. The ultra rare chairs exudes an air of luxury and refinement. Outst...
Upholstery, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Ivory Bouclé Swivel Chairs & Ottoman for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post modern pair of Vladimir Kagan tilt and swivel chairs for directional with custom en suite ottoman newly reupholstered in soft luxurious ivory white bouclé. Modern. Plush. Sexy. Uber comfy. These are large statement piece swivel chairs. Come to Momma. Take the weight of the world off in uber luxurious modern comfort. Curvy plush over sized arm rests envelop you like a mink stole. Tilt back and take a deep breath or sit side saddle and recline your legs. Swivel about with your best scotch. Super soft ivory bouclé fabric ventilates well - cozy in winter and cool in summer. These Vladimir Kagan swivel lounge chairs are perfect for a Malibu beach...
Bouclé, Upholstery
"Take a line for a walk" Armchair and Ottoman by Alfredo Haberli for Moroso
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a magnificent Postmodern swivel armchair with an ottoman, model "Take a Line for a Walk" designed by Alfredo Haberli for Moroso. It is upholstered in re...
Steel
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chair & Ottoman in Butterscotch Shearling
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, this Nautilus swivel lounge chair is sculptural, comfortable and fun, and was freshly upholstered in hand sewn butterscotch shearling...
Upholstery, Hide
1980s Oversized Postmodern Swivel Chair and Ottoman Reupholstered - Set of 2
Located in Chicago, IL
Oooh super comfy swivel chair. Oversized. Perfect for snuggling with a great book. Reupholstered in an oyster two tone velvet (I love this fabric and have used it a lot in my own hom...
Velvet
PAIR Rizzatto Alias 901 Young Lady Chair w/ Black Seat & Cane Aluminum Frame-2pc
By Alias, Paolo Rizzatto
Located in Basel, BS
YOUNG LADY Collection Paolo Rizzatto, 1991 Here is a pair of truly cool, and very rare excellent vintage condition "Young Lady" chairs by Paolo Rissatto for Alias, circa 1991!! Note...
Leather, Cane
Adrian Pearsall Post Modern Swivel Chair and Ottoman in Ivory White Bouclé
By Adrian Pearsall, Comfort Designs, Inc.
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Large 1980s Adrian Pearsall Post Modern swivel chair and swivel top ottoman freshly reupholstered in Ivory White Bouclé made b...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Chairs & Ottomans in Butterscotch Shearling
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular of his designs, here is a knockout set of sculptural Vladimir Kagan Nautilus swivel lounge chairs and ottomans freshly upholstered in hand sewn butterscotch ...
Upholstery, Hide
Tom Dixon Bolide Iron Woven Seagrass Rocking Chaise London 1991
By Tom Dixon
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
One of the most special chairs we have ever had is this one designed by Tom Dixon. A steel frame as a skeleton and woven seagrass as a skin make it a true sculpture. Not only does ...
Iron
Rizzatto Alias 901 Young Lady Chair w/ Black Seat & Cane Aluminum Frame
By Paolo Rizzatto, Alias
Located in Basel, BS
YOUNG LADY Collection Paolo Rizzatto, 1991 Here is an opportunity for a single truly cool, and very rare excellent vintage condition "Young Lady" chair by Paolo Rissatto for Alias, ...
Leather, Cane
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Chairs with Custom Ottomans
Located in Saint Louis, MO
These classic Vladimir Kagan Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in super soft curly camel. Modern with ...
Upholstery
Post Modern Directional Style Swivel Lounge Chair
By Directional
Located in Houston, TX
Post Modern Vladimir Kagan for Directional swivel lounge chair. This unusual iconic Kagan swivel chair has a high b...
Bouclé
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Swivel Chair in the Style of Pierre Paulin in Black Upholstery
Located in Chicago, IL
Absolutely stunning swivel chair in the style of Pierre Paulin. A very comfortable chair to lounge in all day. Use as is or reupholster t...
Textile
1990s Weiman Immaculate Customized Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Weiman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1990s with this exquisite sculptural swivel chairs. The ultra rare chairs exudes an air of luxury and refinement. Outstanding d...
Upholstery, Wood
1980s Preview Embroidered Floral Sculptural Curved Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
These extremely rare and stylish beige embroidered Floral velvet upholstered swivel chairs are packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. Their beautiful an...
Upholstery, Wood
1980s Milo Baughman Style Sculptural Zebra Colorful Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s with this exquisite medium sized sculptural swivel chairs. The ultra rare chairs exudes an air of luxury and refinement. ...
Upholstery, Wood
1990s Post Modern Muave Swivel Chairs by Michael Wolk for Directional, Set of 2
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most iconic swivel chairs you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful chairs are statement piece and very comfortable. The award-winning Miami Swivel...
Upholstery, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Sculptural High Back Swivel Chairs in Textured Ivory Fabric
Located in Saint Louis, MO
These Vladimir Kagan swivel chairs deliver an alluring raised collar high art esthetic. The sort of modern chairs that are so sculptural, they’re art. Swivel about and get a look at the entire space from the comfort of this luxurious Vladimir Kagan swivel chair. This pair of Kagan swivel chairs was freshly professionally reupholstered in an incredibly soft ivory fabric. The fabric has texture and contrasts the chairs’ silhouette. Sculptural lines for the eye. Sexy welcoming texture for the feels. A great choice for an art filled space to compliment and add to your existing collection. For aficionados and collectors of designer furnishings, a wonderful Vladimir Kagan acquisition. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Photographed with and also currently available within our shop - Vladimir Kagan Bilbao Swiveling Chaise Lounge in Luxurious Latte Bouclé Design Institute of America Black & Brass Revolving Two Tier Coffee Table Post Modern Curtis Jere Circular...
Fabric, Upholstery
Post Modern Ivory White Bouclé Clam Shell Swivel Lounge Chairs
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Luxurious pair of channeled Post Modern swivel chairs freshly reupholstered in soft ivory white bouclé. Shawl collar seat backs are channeled and curvy and convey a confident elegance. They roll out into scroll ends - the illusion of a fountain back chair or clam chair. Lower front chair channeling compliments well the channeled seat...
Bouclé
Tecton Swivel Chair in Travertine or Teak by Félix Millory for Monitillo 1980
Located in Geneve, CH
Tecton Swivel Chair in Travertine or Teak by Félix Millory for Monitillo 1980. Dimensions: W 45 x D 45 x H 63 cm. Materials: Travertine or Teak wood. This chair is available in a se...
Travertine
Nicos Zographos Gray Leather Office/Desk Chairs, 1980
Located in Chicago, IL
Nicos Zographos grey leather office/desk chair, 1980s. Original slate grey color leather.
Stainless Steel
Four Glamorous Brass and Grey Barstools, Midcentury, France, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Brass and grey barstools, midcentury, France, 1970s Beautiful restored brass barstools with grey corduroy top that swivels. Adds glamour to any room. Pi...
Brass
$3,362 / item
Lipstick Swivel Chair by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Lipstick Swivel Chair by Munna Dimensions: D 66 x W 60 x H 80 cm. SH: 51 cm. Materials: Solid wood, foam, bronze, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet, ref. Steel Blue, CV27 upholst...
Bronze
Vintage Italian Canasta Swivel Chair by Heron Parigi for Heron Parigi, 1980s
By Heron Parigi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare office chair from italy based on a design by heron parigi from the late 80s. A postmodern design in the formal language of the 80s and early 90s. The 90s show in technical-look...
Leather, Wood
1980s Natuzzi Beige Leather Barrel Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
These rare iconic textured leather swivel chairs are packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. Post modern Natuzzi Salotti S...
Metal
Vintage Boho Postmodern Swivel Chair After Michael Wolk for Directional
By Directional
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a bold design statement with this sculptural vintage swivel chair in the style of Michael Wolk for Directional. Upholstered in a luxe teal fabric with a subtle geometric pattern...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Post Modern Swivel Lounge Chairs or Slipper Chairs by Bernhardt
By Bernhardt
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A contemporary matching pair of swivel lounge chairs produced by Bernhardt. These feature polished stainless swivel bases in a bronze color Naugahyde upholstery.
Stainless Steel
Set of Postmodern AC2 Swivel Leather Armchairs by Antonio Cittero for Vitra 90s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Four AC2 swivel chairs by Vitra, designed by Antonio Citterio in the late 1980s. Shown here in the higher-quality version in gray leather. A design classic from the Vitra collection...
Metal
1980s Milo Baughman Post Modern Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1990s with this exquisite swivel chairs and footstools set. The ultra rare chairs exudes an air of luxury and refinement. Outst...
Upholstery, Wood
Weiman Petite Postmodern Slipper Swivel Chair
By Weiman
Located in West Chester, PA
Weiman Petite Postmodern Slipper Swivel Chair in the original purple and gold upholstery which is in excellent condition. Labeled on underside.
Upholstery, Wood
Carson’s Sculptural Funky Modern Swivel Chair a Pair
Awesome pair of Carsons sculptural swivel chairs in very cozy Chenille upholstery please look at pictures and video for overall detail and condition. Color is more of a dark charcoal...
Chenille
1980s Croissant Tufted Channeled Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, swivel chairs you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best...
Upholstery, Wood
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
$2,500 / item
Vintage Swivel Lounges by Precedent Furniture
By Precedent
Located in Raleigh, NC
Vintage swivel lounges manufactured by Precedent Furniture, circa 1980s. We have four of these lounges available and selling them individually . Purchase one, a pair, or the entire s...
Fabric, Foam
Design for Leisure Gray Ultrasuede, Lucite, Aluminum, Glass Postmodern Bar Suite
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This rare and fantastic bar suite was in the 1980s by Design for Leisure. The now defunct company was a high quality seating resource for the interior design trade, in the day. These...
Aluminum, Steel
$3,500 / set
1980s Postmodern Swivel Chairs - a Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Lovely and comfortable swivel chairs with channeled backs. Use as is or redo in your favorite fabric. The cushions/structure/fabric are in great condition.
Fabric
$4,786Sale Price|20% Off
Pepe Cortes e Javier Mariscal, sedia Trampolin, anni 80
By Javier Mariscal, Pepe Cortés
Located in Firenze, IT
Iconica sedia da scrivania Trampolin, disegnata nel 1984 da Pepe Cortès e Javier Mariscal per Akaba, ha vinto il Premio Delta de Plata ADIFAD nel 19...
Metal
Pair of Michael Wolk Swivel Lounge Chairs in Ivory Bouclé
By Michael Wolk
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Sexy pair of Michael Wolk Miami chairs with swivel bases professionally reupholstered in luxurious ivory bouclé. Frequently mistaken as designed by Vladimir...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Set of 4 Rizzatto Alias 901 Young Lady Chairs Black Seat & Cane, Aluminum Frame
By Paolo Rizzatto, Alias
Located in Basel, BS
YOUNG LADY Collection Paolo Rizzatto, 1991 Here is set of FOUR of truly cool, and very RARE excellent vintage condition "Young Lady" chairs by Paolo Rissatto for Alias, circa 1991!!...
Leather, Cane