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.
Large-Scaled Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois Modular 'Mah Jong' Sofa in Wool
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois, 'Mah Jong' modular sofa, wool, France, designed in 1971 The Mah Jong sofa, designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in 1971, is one of the most recogni...
Wool
Gionathan de Pas, Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi 'Joe' Lounge Chair in Leather
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Poltronova
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gionathan de Pas, Donato D'Urbino and Paolo Lomazzi for Poltronova, 'Joe' glove lounge chair, cognac leather, brass-plated steel, Italy, 1970 This extraordinary chair, named the ‘Jo...
Brass, Steel
Wiener Werkstätten 1970s Modular Organic Sofa in Colorful Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wiener Werkstätten, modular sofa, fabric, plastic, Austria, 1970s This modular sofa by Wiener Werkstätten captures something of the freedom and optimism of the 1970s. Its low, gener...
Fabric, Plastic
Rare Luciano Frigerio Side Table in Hammered Brass
By Luciano Frigerio, Frigerio Di Desio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luciano Frigerio for Frigerio Di Desio, brass, Italy, ca. 1970 An exquisite piece by Italian designer Luciano Frigerio, this side table reflects the bold yet refined character of 1...
Brass
Brutalist Round Coffee Table in Black Stone Look Resin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cocktail or coffee table, resin, Northern-Europe, 1970s. A striking example of 1970s design, this deep black coffee or cocktail table embodies a bold yet refined aesthetic. Crafted ...
Resin
Giuseppe Rivadossi 'Blocco Galla' Coffee Table in Swiss Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi, 'Blocco Galla' coffee table, Swiss pine, Italy, ca. 1969 This captivating monolithic 'Blocco Galla' coffee table is designed by Giuseppe Rivadossi, dating around...
Pine
1970s Italian Assymetrical Grid Coffee Table in Walnut and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee table, walnut, lacquered wood, glass, Italy, 1970s This 1970s Italian coffee table is a geometric and highly organized composition, built from walnut, glass, and grey lacque...
Glass, Walnut
Luciano Frigerio 'Louis' Sidebooard in Satin Brass and Walnut Burl
By Frigerio Di Desio, Luciano Frigerio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luciano Frigerio for Frigerio Di Desio, 'Louis' sideboard, polished satin brass, walnut burl, Italy, 1970s An exquisite piece of furniture by Italian designer Luciano Frigerio, this...
Brass
Italian Sculptural King Size bed with Integrated Nightstands in Ash
Located in Waalwijk, NL
King size bed, ash, wood, Italy, 1970s A captivating and sculptural double bed, made in Italy in the 1970s. This piece has amazing quality, not only visible in the design itself but...
Wood, Ash
Mario Bellini for Cassina 'Pianura' Low Coffee Table in Walnut
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, 'Pianura' coffee table, walnut, rubber, Italy, 1971 Designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1971, the ‘Pianura’ coffee table is defined by its low and b...
Rubber, Walnut
Early Large-Scaled Modular 'Trio' Sofa in Brown Plush Fabric by COR
By Cor Rheda Wiedenbrück, Team Form AG
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Team Form AG (Franz Hero and Karl Odermatt) for COR, 'Trio' sectional sofa, fabric, Germany, design 1973 Designed in 1973 by Swiss designers Franz Hero and Karl Odermatt of Team Fo...
Fabric
Early and Rare Gianfranco Frattini for Pierluigi Ghianda 'Kyoto' Coffee Tables
By Pierluigi Ghianda, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Pierluigi Ghianda, pair of 'Kyoto' coffee tables, beech, walnut, Italy, 1974 Designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by the master cabinetmaker Pierlui...
Beech, Walnut
Italian Set of Eight Dining Chairs With Wavy Backrests in Saddle Leather, Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of eight bicolor dining chairs, saddle leather in brown and red-brown colors, walnut, Italy, 1970s These playful and well-proportioned dining chairs were made in Italy during th...
Leather, Walnut
Atelier Michel Armand Sculptural 'Fleur' Table Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Atelier Michel Armand, 'Fleur' table lamp, chrome and brass anodized aluminium, Canada, 1970s This sculptural lamp is crafted by Atelier Michel Armand. Its abstract form is that of ...
Aluminum, Brass, Chrome
IPE Cavalli Italian Pair of Lounge Chairs in Colorful Striped Fabric
By Ipe Cavalli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
IPE Cavalli, pair of lounge chairs, fabric, steel, Italy, 1970s Exceptional lounge chairs by IPE Cavalli, crafted in Italy during the 1970s. With their bold presence and generous pr...
Steel
Early Pierre Chapo 'B10' Bookcase or Room Divider in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, shelf unit, model 'B10', solid elm, France, 1975 Dating from 1975, this open bookcase that doubles as a room divider is an early example of the designer's work. It is ...
Elm
Unique Christian Heckscher Etched Brass Coffee Table
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Christian Heckscher, coffee table, brass, Belgium, 1980s A unique handcrafted coffee table by Christian Heckscher. Originally trained in Belgium as both a fine artist and a master c...
Brass
Guido Faleschini for Mariani Pace Collection Bed Set in Off White Nubuck Leather
By i4 Mariani, Guido Faleschini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guido Faleschini for Mariani, ‘Pace Collection’ bed, two nightstands and two stools, nubuck leather, chrome-plated brass, enameled steel, Italy, circa 1975 This eccentric bedroom se...
Brass, Steel
Rare Ado Chale Round Coffee Table with Mosaic Top in Malachite
By Ado Chale
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ado Chale coffee table, malachite, resin, black lacquered steel, Belgium, 1980 This monumental table by Ado Chale is a powerful testament to the artist’s ability to transform rare a...
Malachite, Steel
Maison Regain Set of Eight Dining Chairs in Solid Elm, Patinated Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Maison Regain, set of eight dining chairs, cognac leather, solid elm, France, 1970s A set of eight Maison Regain dining chairs, designed in France during the 1970s, exemplifying the...
Leather, Elm
Postmodern Gold Metal Wall Sconce by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz, Estiluz Lighting, Leonardo Marelli
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern Gold Wall Sconce by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model A-1149. This fixture was designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz during 1980s. “Estiluz” or...
Metal
Howard Keith 'Cloud' Sofa Upholstered in Blue Velvet
By Howard Keith
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Howard Keith for HK Furniture, 'Cloud' sofa, velvet, United Kingdom, 1970s Stunning Howard Keith “Cloud” sofa featuring a sculptural organic form. ...
Velvet
Barovier & Toso Crystal Glass Flush Mount
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Barovier&Toso, ceiling light, brass, crystal glass, Italy, 1980s An elegant flush mount by Barovier & Toso, expertly crafted in Italy from finely textured crystal glass. The...
Brass
Giuseppe Rivadossi Hand-Carved Coffee Table in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, coffee table, oak, Italy, 1970s A beautifully crafted coffee table in solid oak by Giuseppe Rivadossi. Defined by its bold architectural f...
Oak
Mario Bellini for Cassina Set of Six 'Cab' Dining Chairs in Red Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of six 'Cab' dining chairs, model '412', leather, plastic, Italy, design 1976 Beautiful set of 'Cab' dining chairs in luxurious reddish brown leather ...
Leather, Plastic
Free-Standing Double-Sided Bookcase and Room Divider in Oak by Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, bookcase, oak, glass, Italy, 1970s This bookcase by Giuseppe Rivadossi is conceived as a freestanding architectural element rather than si...
Glass, Oak
Midcentury Large Gold Metal Wall Sconce by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz, Estiluz Lighting, Leonardo Marelli
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Large and beauty Postmodern Gold Wall Sconce by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: A-1186 Oro. This fixture was designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz during 198...
Metal
Opium Bamboo Coffee table by Axel Vervoordt, Belgium 1980's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Modernism Design "Opium" model Bamboo Low Coffee Table by Axel Vervoordt. Made in Belgium, 1980's period. Hardwood base with beautifully structured bamboo top. Thi...
Bamboo
Carlo Moretti Murano Satinato Yellow and Blue Glass Pencil-Neck Vase, Italy
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking vintage Italian Murano glass vase by Carlo Moretti, circa 1970s. Hand-blown in vivid citron-yellow glass with Moretti's characteristic acid-etched Satinato finish, the vase ...
Blown Glass
Ton A.C. Alberts for RAAK 'Zodiac' Floor Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ton A.C. Alberts for RAAK Amsterdam, 'Zodiac' floor lamp, glass, wengé, metal, the Netherlands, 1970s This exceptional floor lamp, designed by Ton A.C. Alberts for RAAK Amsterdam in...
Metal
De Sede DS-600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa in Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ueli Berger, Eleonora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt for De Sede, 'Snake' sectional sofa, model 'DS-600', leather, Switzerland, 1970 Designed by Ueli Berger, Eleonora Ped...
Leather
Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti Confidential Corner Sofa in Burgundy Leather
By Saporiti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti, sectional sofa, model 'Confidential', leather, Italy, 1972 In 1972, Italian architect and furniture designer Alberto Rosselli designed a distinctive s...
Leather
Olo Eclipse Nightstand Set, Hand-Carved Onyx, with secret compartments
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Rings of white onyx tower in a light gradient descent to create Olo Eclipse Nightstand. This iteration of our beloved nightstand hides two secret compartments which are revealed with...
Stone, Onyx, Marble
Post-Modern Burl Oak Dining Table with Wengé Inlay
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, oak, burl, wengé, Europe, 1980s An elegant modern dining table. The oval top is highlighted by striking cloud-like burl patterns, framed by a decorative wengé inlay th...
Oak, Wenge, Burl
Luciano Frigerio 'Luky' Dining Table in Hammered Brass and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luciano Frigerio 'Luky' dining table, glass, brass, Italy, 1980s A striking "Luky" dining table by renowned Italian designer Luciano Frigerio, embodying the sculptural elegance and...
Brass
Postmodern Pair of Gold Metal Wall Sconces by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz Lighting, Estiluz, Leonardo Marelli
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern Pair of Gold Wall Sconces by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: A-9000 Gold. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz during 19...
Metal
21st Century Black Framed 65/150 Kate Moss Dirty Funker Lithography by Banksy
By Banksy
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 21st-century limited edition lithograph features Banksy’s iconic pop-art portrait of supermodel Kate Moss, inspired by Andy Warhol’s famous Marilyn Monroe prints and created for...
Wood, Paper
Rare Large-Scale De Sede DS 11 Modular Sofa Consisting of Sixteen Elements
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, modular 'DS-11' sofa, leather, beech, Switzerland, 1970s Monumental DS-11 modular sofa by De Sede, produced in Switzerland during the 1970s. This exceptionally large compos...
Leather, Beech
Rare Mario Bellini for Cassina 'Le Mura' King Bed in Vibrant Green Corduroy
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, 'Le Mura' king bed, corduroy "Phlox" by Raf Simons x Kvadrat, chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1972 The 'Le Mura' line by Mario Bellini was introduced in 1972 ...
Steel, Chrome
Rare Ado Chale Round Coffee Table with Mosaic Top in Malachite
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ado Chale coffee table, malachite, resin, black lacquered steel, Belgium, 1980 This monumental table by Ado Chale is a powerful testament to the artist’s ability to transform rare a...
Malachite, Steel
A POSTMODERN "DR GLOB" chair, by PHILIPPE STARCK, KARTELL, Italy 1980
Located in PARIS, FR
An iconic "Dr Glob" postmodern chair, silver lacquered metal tube structure and stylized plastic seating area, by Philippe Starck, produced by Kartell, Italy 1980. Kartell signature ...
Metal
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi Trestle Dining Table in Oak
By Giuseppe Rivadossi, Officina Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, oak, Italy, 1970s A masterful expression of Italian craftsmanship, this exceptional oak dining table was designed by Giuseppe Rivadossi an...
Oak
Giuseppe Rivadossi Coat Rack Elements in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi coat rack, oak, Italy, 1970s Handcrafted from solid oak, these sculptural coat rack hangers reflect Giuseppe Rivadossi's masterful approach...
Oak
Giovanni Battista e Giampiero Bassi for Studio Luce ‘Cactus’ Table Lamp
By Giovanni Battista, Studio Luce
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giovanni Battista e Giampiero Bassi for Studio Luce, ‘Cactus’ table lamp, chrome-plated aluminum, plexiglass, Italy, 1969 Italian design duo Giovanni Battista and Giampiero Bassi d...
Aluminum, Chrome
Mario Bellini Set of Four 'CAB 413' Dining Chairs in Patinated Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of four armchairs model 'CAB 413', leather, plastic, Italy, 1979 The iconic ‘CAB’ chair was designed by Mario Bellini in 1979. Conceptually new was th...
Leather, Plastic
Hollywood Regency Bar Cabinet in the Style of Willy Rizzo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cocktail bar, black fabric, brass, chrome-plated steel, stainless steel, laminated wood, smoked glass, smoked mirrored glass, aluminum, Italy, 1970s Hollywood Regency cocktail bar ...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Postmodern Black and White Abstract Figurative Ceramic Sculpture by Jack Charney
Located in Troy, MI
Unique ceramic sculpture by Jack Charney Santa Fe New Mexico circa 1990 Abstract ceramic figure with elongated limbs in a dynamic contorted form Finished with a hand-painted black s...
Ceramic, Pottery
Gianemilio, Piero and Anna Monti for Candle 'Luna' Table Lamp in Fiberglass
By Candle, Gianemilio Piero and Anna Monti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianemilio, Piero and Anna Monti (Studio di Architettura GPA Monti) for Candle, 'Luna' table or floor lamp, chrome-plated steel, fiberglass, Italy, 1968 This remarkable lamp acquired several affectionate nicknames in our team, like "mushroom" or "cloud" — a reflection of its playful and highly sculptural presence. Its original name, however, is Luna, a reference to the clustered fiberglass domes...
Steel, Chrome
De Sede DS47 Tan Leather and Smoked Mirror Glass Coffee Table
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The De Sede DS47 coffee table pairs a smoked mirror glass top with a fully leather-wrapped base. Tan leather covers the entire visible structure, including the rectangular apron fram...
Leather, Smoked Glass
Italian Postmodern Sideboard with Geometric Front
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard, cherry wood, ebony wood, mahogany wood, Italy, 1970s This stunning sideboard, made from a luxurious combination of cherry, ebony wood, and mahogany, is a true statement p...
Cherry, Ebony, Mahogany
1970s Italian Modular Sofa in Brown and Beige Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sofa, fabric, Italy, 1970s This charming Italian sofa is made in a characteristic patterned upholstery in brown and beige tones with cord like stitching along the backrests...
Fabric
Chainmail Sculptural Chair, Nickel Plated Steel Finish, Hand Linked Mesh
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
The Chainmail Chair reinterprets William Katavolos' 1952 T-chair, incorporating a medieval-modern aesthetic that merges ancient craftsmanship with contemporary design. The seat is fo...
Steel
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi Round Dining Table in Oak
By Officina Rivadossi, Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, dining table, oak, steel, Italy, 1980s Giuseppe Rivadossi’s mastery of material and construction is beautifully expressed in this dining t...
Steel
1970s Italian Brutalist Travertine Coffee Table, Mangiarotti Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Brutalist coffee table from the 1970s, influenced by the work of Angelo Mangiarotti. Thick glass top rests on two freestanding travertine pedestals, each composed of vertical...
Travertine
Post-Modern Chaise Longue By Weiman
By Weiman, Directional, Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Houston, TX
Post-Modern Chaise Longue By Weiman. This stunning postmodern chaise made by Weiman and was inspired by the designs of cloud series. Great size that could be used as a sofa, chaise ...
Bouclé, Wood
French Postmodern Ceramic Table Lamp, Private Detective, by J.C. Peiré, 1980s
By JC Peire
Located in Lille, FR
Jean-Claude Peiré built his signature in the 1980s with a series of ceramic light fixtures reimagining everyday objects at full scale — a tennis racket, a weightlifter's arm, a boxin...
Ceramic
Post Modern George Kovacs Robert Sonneman Modern chrome floor Lamp
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Robert Sonneman Chromed Steel Tube bent Floor Lamp. Circa. 1970s Comes with light bulb. 120v plug H 46" L 24"
Steel, Chrome
Postmodern Large Pair of Glass Metal Wall Sconces by Blauet, Barcelona, 1990s
By Josep Llusca, Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and unique Horizontal Postmodern Spanish Pair of Glass Metal Wall Sconces by Blauet. Model: Blow 1327. These Wall Lights were made in Barcelona (Spain) by Blauet during 1990s...
Metal
Postmodern Gold Metal Wall Sconce by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz, Estiluz Lighting, Leonardo Marelli
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern Gold "Mate" Wall Sconce by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: A-9000 Gold. This fixture was designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz during 1980s. ...
Metal
Giuseppe Rivadossi Sculptural Carved Trunk or Bench in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, trunk / side bench / side table, oak, Italy, 1970s Crafted in solid oak during the 1970s, this versatile trunk by Giuseppe Rivadossi exemp...
Oak
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
Alessandro Mendini, Michael Graves, Ettore Sottsass and other design luminaries contributed to this unusual collection of porcelain wares representing a time capsule of late-20th-century decorative art.
Aided by photos taken of the maestro in his Milan studio, we honor the influential design talent who died last month at 87.
Adam Charlap Hyman and Andre Herrero, rising young design talents, are debuting a new, eclectic line of textiles.