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.
Betty Gold Abstract Geometric Metal Sculpture Signed and Numbered
By Betty Gold 1
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Stunning geometric metal and red paint sculpture by the well-known American artist Betty Gold. This work is an edition, signed and marked 23/50. Similar work, large size, as shown in...
Metal
Shipping Box Coffee Table in Stainless Steel by Metalmorphosis Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Shipping Box Coffee Table in Stainless Steel by Metalmorphosis Studio Dimensions: D 35 x W 35 x H 35 cm. Materials: Stainless steel. A volume conceived for transport, now fixed in s...
Stainless Steel
Italian Postmodern Sideboard with Geometric Front
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet, 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 piec...
Cherry, Ebony, Mahogany
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
Ludmila Pouf in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Ludmila Pouf in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 60 x H 42 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric is not included. ...
Foam, Wood, Hardwood
Fidji Headboard in Rattan, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Fidji Headboard in Rattan, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 200 x D 15 x H 100 cm. Materials: Rattan frame, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric is not inc...
Foam, Wood, Rattan
$4,800 / item
Ceiba Lamp
Located in Mérida, MX
The Ceiba lamp is a clay lamp handmade by artisans from Yucatan and designed by Chuch Estudio. The large scale clay as an ancestral tradition allowed the pr...
Clay
Postmodern Decorative Center Bowl Signed by Japanese Artist Masuo Ojima. C 1980s
By Masuo Ojima, Barneys New York
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern Ceramic Decorative Center Bowl Signed by Japanese Artist Masuo Ojima. C 1980s Featues a geopmetric pattern design, mottled purple wide rim, and a gold crackle glaze gilt ...
Ceramic
Disco Pouf in Tinted Rattan and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Disco Pouf in Tinted Rattan and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 37 x H 49 cm. Materials: tinted rattan and HR foam. Fabric is not included. Please contact us for further i...
Rattan, Foam
$4,500Sale Price / set|23% Off
Vintage Post-Modern Bernhardt Flair Channel 4-Piece Modular Sectional Sofa 1980s
By Steve Chase, Bernhardt
Located in Southampton, NJ
4-Piece channeled modular sofa in the manner of Steve Chase by Bernhardt Flair having beautifully pattered original upholstery that features wind swooshes throughout. In very good vi...
Steel
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
Matteo Grassi Bar Stools in Dark Grey Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Matteograssi, bar stools, leather, metal, Italy, 1970s Postmodern set of stools in dark grey leather, designed by Matteo Grassi. The stools are completely covered in leather, which ...
Metal
Stunning Architectural Set of Sectional Coffee or Side Tables 1980s
Located in Meer, VAN
Architectural Set of Sectional Coffee or Side Tables 1980s A spectacular pair of architectural side or coffee tables in solid and veneered maple. Europe, 1980s. These 1980s tables ...
Wood, Maple
Winnie Table Lamp in Rattan, Wood and Printed Cotton by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Winnie Table Lamp in Rattan, Wood and Printed Cotton by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 30 x H 57 cm. Materials: Painted natural rattan frame structure completed with a printed cotton ...
Rattan, Lacquer, Wood
Sculptural Chair, Recycled/Reclaimed Metal & Steel, Post-Modern, Panorammma
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Fisherman Chair reveals itself as foreign, almost alien-like. The piece seems to have been recovered from the bottom of the ocean on a lost planet. It is generative in the sense that...
Copper, Steel, Chrome, Nickel
Post Modern Molded Fiberglass Molar Sofa by Wendell Castle
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Postmodern Molar sofa, by Wendell Castle, executed in saturated red molded fiberglass. This example is in good condition, however does have a repaired flaw at the front of one...
Fiberglass
Bridget Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Bridget Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 70 x D 72 x H 86 cm. Materials: Stained rattan, plywood seat, and HR foam. Fabric is not inc...
Rattan, Foam, Plywood
Babylone Armchair in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Babylone Armchair in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 79 x D 86 x H 72 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric is not...
Foam, Beech
Lumina Floor Lamp Walter Monici Italy Model "Zelig Terra"
By Lumina, A. Monici
Located in Den Haag, NL
Black counterweight floor lamp. Design by Walter Monici for Lumina Italy 1980 model ''Zelig Terra '' Very nice adjustable halogen floor lamp. Two-light intensities. Very flexible, it...
Metal
Celeste Armchair in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Celeste Armchair in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 74 x D 74 x H 74 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric is not ...
Foam, Beech
Portofino Side Table in Natural Stained Rattan and Glass by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Portofino Side Table in Natural Stained Rattan and Glass by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: ⌀ 50 x H 52 cm. Materials: Tinted natural rattan, glass tabletop structure finished in a polyu...
Rattan, Glass
Monica Wall Light in Linen and Wool by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Monica Wall Light in Linen and Wool by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 40 x D 9 x H 26 cm. Materials: Premium linen base structure completed with embroidered wool patterns. Fabric is ...
Wool, Linen
Mario Botta for Artemide ‘Shogun’ Floor Lamp
By Artemide, Mario Botta
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Botta for Artemide, 'Shogun' floor lamp, aluminum, steel, Italy, 1986 Mario Botta referred to lamps as “people”. He said: "Shogun is a person. He has a head, body and feet, ...
Aluminum, Steel
Lion in Frost Marble Lucite Brass Desk Console Table 1970s Postmodern 1980s
Located in London, GB
This striking glass top desk or table, manufactured by popular 1970s acrylics company Lion in Frost, features two thick lucite and raw edge carrara marble corner pieces with brass fi...
Marble, Brass
Ernest H. Igl for Bayer AG 'Hadi' Desk
By Ernest Igl
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernest Igl for Bayer AG, 'Hadi' desk, polyurethane, Germany, 1970s This design by Ernest Igl truly resembles the ethos of the seventies, featuring the commonly used material of that time: polyurethane. Ernest Igl strived for the creation of a desk that focused on functionality combined with an aesthetically pleasing design for daily use. This is discernible in the playful composition of curved lines and round shapes executed in the whole construction. On the left side, three drawers are situated hidden perfectly in the column of the design. At the right side there is a storage compartment placed. Taking every stylistic realization into account, this writing desk feels retro, without clashing with contemporary interiors. Ernest Hofmann...
Plastic
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
Mário Barbaglia and Marco Colombo Eco Floor Lamp for Italiana Luce
By Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo
Located in Miami, FL
Rare postmodern Eco floor lamp designed by Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo for Italiana Luce. The lamp is telescopic with an adjustable height between 56” and 76”. The round lamp...
Metal
Tizio Adjustable Black Table Lamp from Richard Sapper for Artemide, 1972
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This is a highly sought-after adjustable table lamp, designed by the renowned Richard Sapper for the prestigious Italian design brand Artemide. Originally conceived and manufactured ...
Aluminum
Sculptural Pair of Fully Restored Post Modern Slipper Chairs in Leopard Velvet
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Get these while you can Pair of Post Modern Leopard Velvet Slipper Chairs fully restored with new foam cushions and new leopard velvet upholstery. Powerful and confident forward angl...
Upholstery, Velvet
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
Postmodern Modern Silver Chrom Round Chandelier Art Nouveau XXL
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of postmodernism and experience pure elegance with our breathtaking silver/chrome chandelier decorated with crystals. This work of art of li...
Crystal
Post-Modern French Three-Seat Sofa in Brushed Steel & Grey Upholstery 1970s
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, brushed steel, fabric, France, 1970s This sofa is a prime example of the 1970s French design movement, which emphasized modernism and industrial materials, particularly (stain...
Steel
Postmodern Tessellated Stone Pedestal
Located in Houston, TX
1980s Tesselated stone pedestal.
Travertine
Tubular Steel S 828 Chaise Longue Rocking Chair by Torben Skov for Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hamburg, DE
Chaise longue or rocking lounger from the renowned tubular steel furniture manufacturer Thonet based on a design by the Danish designer Torben Skov from the 80s. The special feature...
Metal
Vintage Ikea Torchiere Uplight Floor Lamp after Max Bill c 1970/80's
By IKEA
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated modern minimalist design, white on white floor lamp, made by Ikea, in the style of Max Bill, circa 1970/80's. The lamp features an elegant elongated vertical center p...
Metal
Post-Modern Willem Noyons Dining Room Set with Table and Chairs in Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Willem Noyons dining room set, birch, plywood, The Netherlands, 1982/1983 This Dutch dining set by Willem Noyons, reflects a distinctly architectural approach to furniture making. C...
Birch, Plywood
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
Italian modern table lamp Daphine Classic by Tommaso Cimini for Lumina, 2010s
By Lumina, Tommaso Cimini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern table lamp Daphine Classic by Tommaso Cimini for Lumina, 2010s Adjustable table lamp model Daphine Classic in black painted metal. The compact base, complete with a sw...
Metal
Rima Armchair in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Rima Armchair in Solid Beech, Particle Board and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 80 x D 85 x H 70 cm. Materials: Solid beech, particle board, and HR foam. Fabric is not inc...
Foam, Beech
Santa Fe Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Santa Fe by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano. Ceramic pendant lamp. Light is E26 or E27. Shade size is F 30/H 20 cm. cable 120cm.
Ceramic
Postmodern Design "Alice" Dining Chairs by Cidue, Italy 1980's
By Cidue
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Design "Alice" Dining Chairs by Cidue. Made in the 1980's in Italy. Slender black lacquered metal frame with grey stained rush woven seats. They all shows signs of...
Metal
A set of three postmodern bar stools by Martin, late 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A set of three vintage postmodern bar or counter stool featuring gilt metal frames and faux leather seating, probably circa late 1970s. The statement geometry of these pieces will a ...
Brass
Set of Four Post-Modern "Anziano" Dining Chairs by John Hutton for Donghia
By John Hutton, Donghia
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice set of four post-modern "Anziano" dining chairs by John Hutton for Donghia, circa 1990s. The chairs are made of beech bentwood construction with black hairpin metal legs....
Steel
Vintage Abstract Postmodern Ikebana Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage Post Modern Sculptural Ikebana vase by Keiko & David Hergesheimer of Catalpa Lane Pottery c.1990’s. Interesting abstract hashtag shape and lovely gradient glaze in pink, peac...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery
Tito Agnoli for Caleido/Poltrona Frau Chest of Drawers in Patchwork Leather
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tito Agnoli for Caleido/Poltrona Frau, chest of drawers, patchwork cognac leather, stained birch, Italy, 1970s. A striking and rare commode designed by Tito Agnoli for Caleido, a su...
Leather, Birch
Pr. Oversize Black Leather Club Chairs by Brayton International Collection 1991
By Brayton International, Walter Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of over scale lounge, or club chairs in black leather - made by the Brayton International Collection, circa 1991. These exceptional chairs are very well constructed, comfo...
Leather
Modernist accent chair in black cowhide and ebonized oak, late 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A modernist accent chair by Paul Marra in ebonized oak and laser-cut black cow hide, probably circa late 20th century or early 21st. The oak frame is re...
Fabric, Wood
Postmodern End or Side Table with Mirror Top & Black Laquered Pedestal Base
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Postmodern end or side table comprised of a black lacquered pedestal base with beveled edges & gold base trim and a rounded square shaped top with gold trim edges and mirror surface. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. No outstanding flaws seen but there are a couple small dots on the mirrored top where the silvering is missing along with some scratches, and a few scuffs in the black paint. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 20th Century. Mirror, Mirror on the…. End Table?? That’s right folks! It doesn’t get any more 1980’s than this little gem!!! Only the coolest houses had furniture with mirror...
Composition
Philipp Mainzer Set of 2 'Stop' Bookends in Onyx 'Fantastico' for E15 Selected
Located in Tilburg, NL
Philipp Mainzer Set of 2 'Stop' bookends in Onyx 'Fantastico' for E15 Selected. One 10cm version and one 17cm version. New, current production. With its cubic form, the book end STOP ONYX is a valuable accessory. Carved from finest onyx, in warm spice tones of Fantastico, the sculptural shape emphasizes pure material, making it a refined and striking desk or shelf accessory...
Onyx
$6,000Sale Price / set|50% Off
Set of Five Fratelli Martini Polished Bronze 1980 Italian Wall Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A set of 5 finely crafted polished bronze floral wall lights by the Italian maker, Fratelli Martini. Newly Rewired.
Bronze
Monumental three-tier Post-Modern wooden coffee table, Italy, 1980s
Located in Argelato, BO
This coffee table embodies the bold aesthetic of 1980s Italian postmodern design through a functional nest-like structure. The piece unfolds across three staggered, concealed levels,...
Metal
Miss Lo Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Miss Lo Armchair in Stained Rattan, Plywood and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 73 x D 68 x H 82 cm. Materials: Stained rattan, plywood seat, and HR foam. Fabric is not inc...
Rattan, Foam, Plywood
Senzafine armchair with foot rest by Gaetano Pesce 2010s
Located in PARIS, FR
Born in La Spezia in 1939, Gaetano Pesce spent six decades dismantling the conventions of Italian design from his studios in Venice, Paris and finally New York. Trained as an archite...
Foam
Postmodern Italian Metal and Stone Candleholder, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Italian Metal and Stone Candleholder, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. Additional information: Material: Metal, Stone Color: Black Styles: Memphis, ...
Stone, Metal
Post Modern Rectangular Verde Green Marble Dining Table
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Absolutely stunning Post Modern Verde Green marble, rectangular dining table. The beveled edges of the top set this piece off perfectly. It is the ultimate statement maker for that s...
Marble
$581Sale Price / set|16% Off
Table lamp Glass murano pair by Zonca , Italie 1980s
By Zonca
Located in La xara, VC
Large pair bicolor of Post-Modern table lamp by Zonca. The design of this lamp is a typical example of the post-modern style of the 80s. The fan-shaped Murano glass takes up the past...
Murano Glass
Spiral Clock a Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Spiral clock designed by Shiro Kuramata. Dial is inside acrylic edge rounded shade.
Acrylic
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Sideboard in Black Lacquered Wood
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 'Artona' sideboard, walnut, lacquered wood, ebony, brass, Italy, 1975/1979 This sideboard with strong geometrical lines is a design by Afra & Tobia ...
Brass
Rare Arteluce Acrylic Glass Chandelier, Italy, 1970s
By Arteluce
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This extraordinary chandelier by the renowned Italian lighting manufacturer Arteluce is a true collector’s piece and a striking example of 1970s Space Age design. With its sculptural...
Metal
Italian Postmodern Koncord Series Espresso Maker by Walter Capp, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Italian Postmodern Koncord Series Espresso Maker by Walter Capp for Vev Vigano, 1970s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional ...
Plastic