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.
Postmodern Italian Set of Four White Wall Sconces by Targetti Sankey, 1980s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern Set of Four White Wall Sconces or Flush Mounts by Targetti Sankey. Model: 376 Blanco. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Italy during 1980s These fixtur...
Metal
Post Modern Sofa by Robert and Trix Haussmann for Knoll 1980's
By Robert and Trix Haussmann, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Post Modern sofa designed by Robert and Trix Haussmann for Knoll as part of The Lounge Seating series, circa 1980's. The upholstered box form sofa rests on an aluminum ...
Aluminum
1980s Weiman Customized Curved Serpentine Sectional
By Weiman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s with this exquisite Weiman three pieces sectional sofa. The ultra rare sectional exudes an air of luxury and refinement. ...
Upholstery, Wood
Postmodern Dalmatian Pongo Desk by Pierre Colleu for Starform and Disney, 1980s.
By Disney Studios, Pierre Colleu 1, Starform
Located in Lille, FR
Table height: 50 cm. Total height with the head: 80 cm Good condition. Some chips on the top.
Resin, Plastic
Vintage Post Modern Chrome & Glass Etagere Bookshelf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Polished Chrome, Original Glass Shelves This striking Post-Modern étagère features a clean architectural chrome frame paired with i...
Chrome
Italian Postmodern Dining Table in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, walnut, Italy, 1980s This Italian dining table from the 1980s is a beautiful example of straightforward quality and honest design. Crafted in rich, honey toned walnut,...
Walnut
$712Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of bedside cabinets by Interluke, 1970s
By Interlübke
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Pair of vintage black lacquered bedside cabinets by Interlubke. Each cabinet has 2 drawers. Timeless design 1970s - Germany good condition Dimensions: Height: 43cm Width: 65cm...
Wood, Lacquer
Beautiful 1970s Limburg glass ceiling lamp in octagon shape
Located in München, BY
Beautiful original 1970s glass ceiling lamp in an octagonal shape. The shade has small air bubbles. Manufactured by Limburg. Very high-quality workmanship. Made in Germany. Mounts d...
Brass
$446Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Blue Glass Centerpiece Bowl by Rudolf Schrötter, 1970s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Poland, 1970s This is a thick and heavy blue glass bowl. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but overall it can be considered as in excellent...
Glass
Cult Stool, Sculptural Side Table, Mexican Green Onyx
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Cult stool/ side table; a hand sculpted stone from a Mexican marble and Mexican onyx conglomerate, remits to primal sculptural-architectural language while displaying materials in a ...
Onyx
$2,400Sale Price|25% Off
Post modern chrome with glass top Tobia Scarpa for Knoll Dining Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Post modern chrome with glass top Tobia Scarpa for Knoll Dining Table. Very heavy solid steel chrome frame with thick chrome tube legs. Designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Knoll. Squ...
Chrome
A POST-MODERN MURANO Glass SCREEN, by LUDOVICO DIAZ DE SANTILLANA, Italy 1980
By Ludovico Diaz de Santillana
Located in PARIS, FR
An outstanding, radical, monumental screen with 4 panels in thick black lacquered wood, with 4 exceptional massive turquoise Venini glasses, displaye...
Murano Glass, Wood, Lacquer
A Radical MURANO Glass TABLE LAMP by FRANCO RAGGI, by FONTANA ARTE, Italy 1970
By Fontana Arte
Located in PARIS, FR
A large and airy table lamp, Post-Modernist, Shabby-Chic, Memphis, circular base in cast aluminum with integrated dimmer, 2 axes supporting 2 sheets of glass with white diffusing dec...
Metal, Chrome
Set of 8 Bodum Postmodern Napkin Rings by Jumi Chan & Nathalie Du Pasquier
By Nathalie du Pasquier, Memphis Milano, Bodum, Ajumi Han, Memphis Group
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Striking set of 8 postmodern (two of each patten) napkin rings created for Bodum by Memphis-affiliated designers Nathalie Du Pasquier and Jumi Chan. These sculptural table accessorie...
Metal, Silver Plate, Brass
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Roberto Tapinassi Dema Firenze Leather Chaise Longues. "Rataplan”, 1980s
By Dema
Located in Miami, FL
Roberto Tapinassi Dema Firenze Leather Chaise Longues. "Rataplan”, 1980s Offered for sale is a leather, chromed steel, and rubber chaise longue by Roberto Tapinassi for DEMA Firenz...
Metal, Chrome, Steel
Rose Tarlow “Blotto” Desk in French Ash Veneer with Leather-Lined Drawers
By Rose Tarlow
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking and sculptural “Blotto” desk by Rose Tarlow, finished in finely grained French ash veneer. This bold design features two semi-circular pedestal bases that create a dramati...
Wood, Ash
Several Nason for Mazzega Torpedo Murano Glass and Brass Details, 1960
By Mazzega
Located in Rijssen, NL
Known as the Torpedo wall light, made by Carlo Nason for Mazzega in the 1960's. It is part of the "Murano for Mazzega" production. Clear Murano glass with brass detail. Manufactured...
Metal, Brass
$1,575Sale Price / set|29% Off
ABC Children's Chairs with Coat Rack Set in the form of Pencils, France 1980s
By Pierre Sala
Located in Hannover, DE
Exceptional and rare set of two ABC children's chairs and a clothes rack with a height of 125 cm by the designer Pierre Sala. The design of this children's set is unique and exceptio...
Metal
Orange Ceramic Table Lamp by Louis Drimmer, France, Late 20th Century
Located in Barntrup, DE
French orange ceramic table lamp by Louis Drimmer from the late 20th Century. This colorful Post-Modern table lamp features an impressive lamp base - pebble-shaped irregularly stacke...
Brass
Gaetano Pesce limited edition Greene Street chair for Vitra Italy / 1995
By Gaetano Pesce, Vitra
Located in Skokie, IL
Gaetano Pesce limited edition Greene Street chair for Vitra Italy / Switzerland, 1984 / 1994. This example 70 /100 pieces produced. Materials: resin reinforced with fiberglass, stee...
Steel
Warren Platner for Knoll Nickel Finish and Fabric Stool, circa 1980s
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Oakland, CA
Architect Warren Platner designed stool constructed of nickel-plated steel and fabric for Knoll. Hand crafted by Matricola of Italy for Knoll, the frame is resist welded and the plat...
Steel, Nickel
Travertine Square Cube Post Modern side end table or Plinth
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Travertine Square Post Modern Cube side or end table. Beautiful Stone cube table all solid Travertine hollow inside. Great condition. Listing is for (1) Table. Local Pick up avai...
Travertine
Drop Unique Wall Candelabra in Aluminum by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Drop Unique Wall Candelabra in Aluminum by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 7 x W 11 x H 25 cm. Materials: Aluminum. Available in different finishes and material options. C...
Aluminum
Pair of modernist chrome and pleather chairs, 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A pair of chrome and pleather chairs, 20th century. Bauhaus and mid century modern sensibilities- and very well made. Please note one of the black spheres is missing at the foot of a...
Chrome
Pr. Architectural High Back Wrought Iron Chairs att. to Leopold Gest c. 1980's
By Gustave Toffiche and Léopold Gest
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional pair of Post Modern style high back chairs, having dramatic exaggerated tall backs, and asymmetrical upholstered leather pad seats. Finished in black on black, showing ...
Wrought Iron
1980s Ello Lighted Mirrored Floating Brass Bed King Size
By Karl Springer, Ello Furniture
Located in Bensalem, PA
Amazing king size Ello brass, and mirrored floating bed with headboard please look at video and pictures for overall detail and condition it also has four lights controlled by a swit...
Brass
Ettore Sottsass Memphis Knoll 80s Eastside Two Sofas +1 Lounge Chair, SET 3 PCS
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Basel, BS
The Eastside sofa and chair are quintessential pieces of 1980s postmodern design from Ettore Sottsass, the founder of Memphis. The Eastside collection takes cues from Biedermeier st...
Metal, Aluminum
Coffee Table by Piero De Longhi Catalan Italia Travertine Glass and Brass 1980s
Located in London, GB
The Dielle coffee table, is a timeless piece designed in 1984 by Piero De Longhi for Catalan Italia is a sophisticated design. The transparent glass top allows you to fully appreciat...
Travertine, Metal, Brass
Christopher Guy Lacquered and Gilt Coffee "Harper" Table
Located in Peabody, MA
A coffee table in highly polished lacquer with gilt wood accents from the "Harper" line, by the celebrated British designer Christopher Guy (1960-2020). Displays a fusion of modern m...
Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer
80s Pop Art Desk Lamp in the Postmodern Memphis Style
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
80s Pop Art desk lamp in the postmodern Memphis Style 80s 90s Postmodern desk lamp that can be extended to different heights. In the base there is a screw...
Metal
Postmodern Italian Dining Table in Cherry, Wood and Natural Stone
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, cherry, black lacquered wood, natural stone, Italy, 1980s This Postmodern Italian dining table is a refined expression of balance and material contrast. The generous c...
Stone
Ball Foot Sculptural Chair, Vegan Cactus Leather, Green
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
The “Ball-Foot Chair” is upholstered with a green vegan leather. The chair’s comfortable and rounded seat is playfully in dialogue with its distinctive spherical extremities. Appear...
Steel
Swedish Postmodern Aperitif Glass Kosta Boda, 1990s
By Kosta Boda
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish crystal and art-glass aperitif glass, hand-painted and initialed by artist, for Kosta Boda, Postmodern period, circa late-20th century, 1990s, Sweden. Beautiful colors include blue hand-painted design around base of crystal bowl, green and black art glass just below, a red art glass stem with red hand-painted design, finished with a yellow art glass base. Artist initials on the side of glass bowl and marker's mark at base, showing both authentication marks in last two images. Sip in style with this beautiful piece of art. Dimensions: 4.38" Height. Emerald green Champagne coupes glasses...
Crystal
$1,230 / item
Lila Hunter Chairs By Philippe Starck For XO 1980s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Lila Hunter chair by Philippe Starck for XO.
Metal
Alessi 9093 Whistling Tea Kettle Designed by Michael Graves Post-Modern
By Michael Graves (b.1934), Alessi
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an Alessi 9093 whistling tea kettle designed by Michael Graves. Originally released in 1985, it features a conical stainless steel body and a signature bi...
Stainless Steel
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Post modern low long oval taupe lacquer coffee table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Post modern low long oval taupe lacquer coffee table. Beautiful table with off center oval chrome weighted base. Very heavy and solid coffee table. Very nice light taupe gloss lacque...
Chrome
Italian Post-Modern Polished Beige or Cream Marble Pedestal Dining Table C.I.M
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made in Italy in the late 1970s or early 1980s, a simple design, but stunning in its large scale, warmth and functionality, a large pedestal base, cream or beige, marble dining table...
Marble
Postmodern Wire Lounge Chair Armchair Sälen, Knut & Marianne Hagberg, Ikea, 1982
By K and M Hagberg, IKEA
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful wire loungechair with armrests from the 1980s. This is the model „Sälen“, designed in 1982 by Knut & Marianne Hagberg for Ikea Sweden. The chair has been produced for on...
Metal, Steel
Post Modern Black Marble Pedestal Base Coffee Table Made in Italy c 1970’s
Located in New York, NY
Stunning graphic back and white marble coffee table having a square pedestal base ( 16 x 16 x H 15 ) with a square top ( 39 x 39 x 1 ). The table is in excellent original condition ...
Marble
Pr. Vintage Brown Jordan Lounge Chairs c 1970/1980's
By Brown Jordan
Located in New York, NY
Pair of stylish lounge chairs by top quality maker, Brown Jordan. This pair of chic vintage lounge chairs are in very good, clean, ready to use condition, showing only light cosmeti...
Aluminum
Postmodern Martini Lamp by David Krys
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A rare 1993 postmodern martini lamp designed by David Krys. Metal wire forms the glass' shape with a skewered green olive stuffed with a red light bulb disguised as a pimento. Great ...
Chrome
Dr. Glob Dining Chair Set by Philippe Starck for Kartell, Italy 1980's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Design Dr. Glob Dining Chair Set by Philippe Starck for Kartell. Made in Italy, 1980's / 90's period. Marked on the bottom. All black edition. Stackable. Black pla...
Metal
Vintage Italian Postmodern Wall Clock from Junghans, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Italian Postmodern Wall Clock from Junghans, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark.
Plastic
Vintage 1980s Postmodern Nero Marquina Marble Dining Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Absolutely stunning veining on this black marble dining table. Even the base has intricate veining on all four sides, it’s hard to pick a favorite angle. We also had the lacquer pro...
Marble
Italian Large Pair of Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Barbini Alfredo, 1980s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous and unique Pair of Italian Colorful Murano glass Wall Sconces from 1980s. These fixtures were designed and munufactured during the 1980s in Italy by Alfredo Barbini. “Barb...
Metal
Ligne Roset Newly Upholstered 2-Seater Blue Floral TOGO by Michel Ducaroy
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Toronto, CA
This two-seater Togo by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset pairs the sofa’s signature slouchy comfort with a striking and unexpected romantic blue floral fabric. The plush quilting and s...
Fabric, Foam
Italian Memphis Style Two Tiered Rolling Bar Cart with Black Frame and Glass Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Memphis style two tiered rolling bar cart with black metal frame, lacquered wood lower shelf and glass top shelf. In original condition with visible wear consistent with its ...
Metal
$1,750Sale Price|50% Off
Post modern Knoll white laminate racetrack dining table by joe d'urso
By Knoll, Joe D'Urso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Post modern Knoll white laminate racetrack dining table by joe d'urso. Simple design oval conference or dining table with white laminate top and rubber edge molding that sits on 4 st...
Steel
Post modern mahogany Gloss faux wood Laminate waterfall 2 Drawer nightstand
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful post modern faux mahogany wood grain gloss laminate waterfall front 2 drawer nightstand, circa 1980. Very clean inside and out. Look at photos. all drawers have metal glide...
Laminate, Plywood
Cicla Unique Dining Table in Solid Oak Wood by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Cicla Unique Dining Table in Solid Oak Wood by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 80 x W 120 x H 72 cm. Materials: Solid oak wood. Available in different finishes and materia...
Oak
$1,150 / set
Pair of Paintings by Sigrid Olsen, Circa 2000s
Located in Peabody, MA
Sigrid Olsen, former fashion designer at her eponymous company, turned boat dweller and painter based in Gloucester, Massachusetts. They works are somewhat evocative of her former re...
Paint
Vintage Cream Marble Console Table
Located in Denver, CO
1970’s - 80’s Post Modern Believed to be American-made when similar items were being imported from Italy. Double chamfer table top. Solid marb...
Marble, Stone
$1,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pr. Mid Century Cast Plaster Cactus Table Lamps by Bon Art
Located in New York, NY
Tres chic pair of cast plaster cactus table lamps, in very fine original condition. Both lamps are in working condition, original shades included, but s...
Plaster
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia 'Tobio' Dining Table in Red Travertine
By B&B Italia, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, 'Tobio' dining table, leather, red travertine, Italy, design 1974 Gorgeous dining table designed by the iconic duo Afra and Tobia Scarpa....
Travertine
Emilio Nanni Musmé Counter Stool for Fly Line, 1984
By Fly Line, EMILIO NANNI
Located in Miami, FL
Considered one of his first chair designs, the Musmé counter stool was designed by Emilio Nanni for Fly Line. The stool consists of a steel cantilevered frame...
Steel
Postmodern High Back Chair, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern High Lehner Chair. A sculptural design in postmodern design language. Functional chair and imposing design object. The design is based on a penetration of two elements, t...
Metal
Large Morphos clock by Kurt B. Delbanco for Acerbis, 1980s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Kloks Morphos Italy Kurt B.Del banco design, large clock '80s Production of Acerbis International (Memphis era) large size 32 inches 82 cm for the side, painted on a framed Lucite pa...
Plastic
Carsons 5 Piece Post Modern Modular Sectional Sofa
By Carsons
Located in Lutz, FL
Being offered AS-IS for reupholstery. 5 piece Carsons of High Point post modern modular sectional in white wave upholstery. Frames are solid and in great condition, upholster to your...
Fabric, Wood
Wide & Tall Mid Century Italian Modern Dark Green Marble Pedestal or Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A simple yet elegant green marble pedestal table from Italy circa 1980's. It features beautiful veining of solid slab marble construction. ...
Marble
Postmodern Mactan, Glass and Pastor Stone Coffee Table.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Postmodern Mactan, glass and pastor stone coffee table This coffee table measures: 48 wide x 29 deep x 16 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as ...
Stone