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.
$13,066 / item
So We Meet Again Long Bench by Claste
Located in Geneve, CH
So We Meet Again Long Bench by Claste Dimensions: D 50.8 x W 122 x H 55.9 cm Material: Glass, Marble Weight: 93 kg Also available in different sizes and materials: Carrara Gioia, Belvedere Black, Mont Blanc, Manhatten Calacatta, Fusion Marble, Temptation Marble, Blue Mare...
Marble
$10,780 / item
Layered Steel Bench by Hyungshin Hwang
Located in Geneve, CH
Layered steel bench by Hyungshin Hwang Dimensions: D 36 x W 180 x H 36 cm Materials: Stainless Steel Layered Series is the main theme and concept of work of Hwang, who continues...
Stainless Steel
Maurizio Peregalli Modernist Bench for Zues, Italy, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Modernist black lacquered steel and rubber bench by Maurizio Peregalli for Zeus, Italy, 1980s.
Steel
$3,663 / item
Marmoset Bellini 1340 Bench by Coco Flip
Located in Geneve, CH
Marmoset Bellini 1340 Bench by Coco Flip Dimensions: D 134 x W 54 x H 52.5 cm Materials: Timber / Upholstered tops, Powder-coated steel frame. Weight: 20 kg Frame Finishes: Textura ...
Steel
“Ripples” Bench by Toyo Ito (b. 1941) for Horm, Italy, designed in 2003
Bench crafted from a combination of woods, including maple, beech, cherry, and walnut. The eponymous ripple effect flows across the entire surface, forming soft, circular depressions...
Beech, Cherry, Maple, Walnut
Karl Springer Stainless Steel and Leather Bench, 1980
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Stainless Steel and Leather Bench, 1980’s. Newly upholstered in green leather. Measures 20” tall 48” long 20” deep
Stainless Steel
The Bendy Bench in European Pitch Pine Fine Plywood by Standard Practice
Located in Geneve, CH
The Bendy Bench in European Pitch Pine Fine Plywood by Standard Practice. Limited Edition. Dimensions: W 120 x D 50 x H 70 cm. Materials: European Pitch Pine Fine Plywood. Available...
Hardwood, Pine, Plywood
$3,837 / item
Skay Rumbo Bench by Jean-Baptiste Van Den Heede
Located in Geneve, CH
Skay Rumbo bench by Jean-Baptiste Van den Heede Dimensions: L 118 x D 31 x H 42 cm Materials: white beech, textile. Also available: other textiles available. The upholstered Ru...
Textile, Beech
$32,083 / item
Lazarim Bench by Andre Teoman Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Lazarim Bench by Andre Teoman Studio Dimensions: W 110 x D 40 x H 45 cm Materials: Bronze, Rafia Introducing the Lazarim Collection, a tribute to one of Portugal's most traditional ...
Bronze
Post Modern Leather Bench
Located in Denton, TX
Post Modern black leather bench with curved handle ends.
Leather, Wood
$33,751 / item
Special Edition Gor Bench II by Arturo Verástegui
Located in Geneve, CH
Special Edition Gor bench by Arturo Verástegui Dimensions: D 60 x W 160 x H 50 cm Materials: wood, leather, bronze. Bronze with white Sonora leather benc, intervened in lacquer ...
Bronze
Paratinga Bench in Pequi Wood by Hugo França, Post-Modern Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Paratinga Bench in Pequi Wood by Hugo França Dimensions: D 220 x W 550,4 x H 130 cm. Materials: Pequi wood. Dimensions may vary. Please contact us. Atelier Hugo França's principle...
Wood
Silva Bench in Basalt Stone & Black Stained, Burned Walnut by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Silva Bench in Basalt Stone & Black Stained, Burned Walnut by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 60 x W 180 x H 70 cm. Materials: Basalt stone and walnut. Available in differ...
Stone
Ibuju 04 Extra Large Bench in Colombian Woven Yaré Natural Fiber by Fango Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ibuju 04 Extra Large Bench in Colombian Woven Yaré Natural Fiber by Fango Studio Dimensions: D 45 x W 250 x H 43 cm. Materials: Colombian woven yaré natural fiber Available in diff...
Natural Fiber
$23,100 / item
Three Dimensions Decorative Bench by KV Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Three Dimensions Decorative Bench by KV Design Dimensions: D 98 x W 78 x H 40 cm. Materials: Mulberry Wood, Epoxy Resin, Metal. Limited Edition of 3. KV Design is a team of profess...
Metal
Chocolate Brown Iron Modular Bench by Sebastian Bergne
Located in Geneve, CH
Chocolate Brown Iron Modular Bench by Sebastian Bergne Dimensions: D 92 x W 121 x H 45 cm. Seat Height: 45 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 25 kg. Available in different color o...
Other
$2,280Sale Price|40% Off
Enrique Garcel Postmodern Tessellated Horn Bench
Located in Bradenton, FL
Enrique Garcel Postmodern Tessellated Horn Bench. Bench features a tessellated coconut palm finish which gives it a rich, textured appearance. The design includes elegantly scrolling...
Wood, Textile
$1,633 / set
1980S Postmodern Bench And Mirror
Located in London, London
Bench and mirror Post modern Mirror with shelf 1980s Italy Seat height 34cm Mirror measures 91 x 115 x 19cm.
Mirror
Charlotte Waterfall Bench
Located in Medina, OH
Bring some sophistication into any room with our Charlotte Waterfall Bench, in a beautiful white boucle fabric. These are hand-crafted by our upholstery shop in Medina, Ohio, and are...
Bouclé, Foam, Hardwood
$6,416 / item
Ruins Bench in Resin and Plaster by Szymon Keller
Located in Geneve, CH
Ruins Bench in Resin and Plaster by Szymon Keller. Dimensions: W 180 x D 30 x H 50 cm. Materials: Resin, plaster, fibers. Available in Green, Brown, Terracotta and White. Please con...
Resin, Plaster
$31,442 / item
Orbis Bench in Marble with Reflected Core by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Orbis Bench in Marble with Reflected Core by Homa. Dimensions: W 110 x D 42 x H 40 cm Marble Thickness: 2 cm. Materials: Green Marble and Cream-Honey Onyx, Mirror Polished Stainless...
Onyx, Marble, Stainless Steel
$5,588 / item
Small Perlude Teak Bench by Caroline Voet
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Perlude teak bench by Caroline Voet Dimensions: 50 x 120 x H 43 cm Materials: Teak Also available in oak natural, seating oak black, seating walnut natural. The Perlude benche...
Teak
Limited Edition SSB01B Black Bench in MDF with Resin Coating by sashaxsasha
Located in Geneve, CH
Limited Edition SSB01B Black Bench in MDF with Resin Coating by sashaxsasha Limited Edition of 6 + 2 A.P Dimensions: D 39 x W 175 x H 31,5 cm. Materials: MDF and resin. sashaxsasha...
Other
Postmodern Bench with High Back by Alan Siegel, 1986. Signed. #2 in the Edition
By Alan Siegel
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare Postmodern bench, settee or loveseat with back in black, green, and orange. Signed "A Siegel 1986 #2." This is bench #2 from the limited edition....
Wood
$3,518Sale Price|20% Off
Ruud Jan Kokke elm wooden slat bench, Dutch design 1980s
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Ruud Jan Kokke elm wooden slat bench or coffeetable, very rare, 100x40x40 cm Designed by Ruud-Jan Kokke, one of the most bespoken Dutch designers since the 1980s. Kokke is a Dutch d...
Elm
$11,258 / item
Woven Long Bench 190 by Max Lipsey
Located in Geneve, CH
Woven Long Bench 190 by Max Lipsey Dimensions: D 54 x W 190 x H 46 cm. Materials: Steel, Kvadrat canvas, and fabric. Custom with Kvadrat Canvas and RAL colors. Custom lengths in 20c...
Steel
German Koinor Leather Bench with Brushed Stainless Steel Base 2020s
By Koinor
Located in Praha, CZ
This elegant leather bench was manufactured by Koinor, one of Germany’s leading luxury furniture makers, during the 2020s. Upholstered in premium genuine leather and supported by a s...
Stainless Steel
$15,983 / item
Awaiting L Bench by Secondome Edizioni
Located in Geneve, CH
Awaiting L Bench by Secondome Edizioni Limited Edition Of 9 pieces + 3 A.P. Designer: Coralla Maiuri + Giorgia Zanellato. Dimensions: D 49 x W 132 x H 67 cm. M...
Brass
U-shaped Form Rubber Seat and Burned Steel Large Stool 2.0 by Arno Declercq
Located in Geneve, CH
Large AD Stool 2.0 by Arno Declercq Materials: Burned steel and Rubber seat Measures: W 152 x D 38 x H 69 cm Arno Declercq Belgian designer and art dealer who makes bespoke objects...
Steel
$6,160 / item
Elk Antler Leather Seat Bench by The Peak Antler
Located in Geneve, CH
Elk Antler Leather Seat Bench by The Peak Antler Dimensions: W 45.72 x D 152.40 x H 48.26 cm Materials: naturally shed antlers, leather Based in, produced and shipped from the US. ...
Antler, Leather
1980s Steve Chase Waterfall Black Gold Floral Chintz Benches Stools , Set of 2
By Steve Chase
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, floral waterfall benches you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful stools stat...
Upholstery, Wood
Post Modern Caterpillar Two Tone Bench with Chrome Legs in Ivory & Latte Bouclé
Located in Saint Louis, MO
1990s Post Modern swirling ivory and latte bouclé caterpillar bench suspended over confidently stanced angled chrome legs. Meant for the person who's eye craves inspiration from a cu...
Chrome
$3,558 / item
Melancholy Bench Seat by Saturday Yard Work
Located in Geneve, CH
Melancholy Bench Seat by Saturday Yard Work Dimensions: D 34 x W 65 x H 38 cm Materials: Aluminium, hand-dyed cotton, stainless steel chain. SATURDAY YARD WORK by Nathan Martin is a...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
$14,373 / item
Franz Chaise by Michael Gittings
Located in Geneve, CH
Franz Chaise by Michael Gittings Edition of 3 Dimensions: d 90 x w 240 x h 80 cm Materials: stainless steel Michael Gittings Melbourne based designer Michael Gittings aims to ...
Stainless Steel
$2,438 / item
Oracle Bellini 540 Bench by Coco Flip
Located in Geneve, CH
Oracle Bellini 540 Bench by Coco Flip Dimensions: D 54 x W 54 x H 52.5 cm Materials: Timber / Upholstered tops, Powder-coated steel frame. Weight: 12 kg Frame Finishes: Textura Paperbark. Coco Flip is a Melbourne-based furniture and lighting design studio run by Kate Stokes...
Steel
$2,438 / item
Oleander Bellini 540 Bench by Coco Flip
Located in Geneve, CH
Oleander Bellini 540 Bench by Coco Flip Dimensions: D 54 x W 54 x H 52.5 cm Materials: Timber / Upholstered tops, Powder-coated steel frame. Weight: 12 kg Frame Finishes: Textura Bl...
Steel
$12,833 / item
Tamga Afromosia Bench by Tolga Sencer
Located in Geneve, CH
Tamga Afromasia Bench by Tolga Sencer Dimensions: D 55.5 x W 172.5 x H 40 cm. Materials: Afromosia wood. Available in different wood options (massive...
Wood
$10,231 / item
N2 Bench by Aaron Scott
Located in Geneve, CH
N2 Bench by Aaron Scott Dimensions: D 41 x W 142.5 x H 46 cm Materials: bleached cherry. Also available in other woods: lacquered cherry, bleached walnut, walnut. Brooklyn-ba...
Cherry
Italian post-modern Black wood, metal and plastic bench by Nanni Fly Line, 1990s
By Fly Line, EMILIO NANNI
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian post-modern Black wood, metal and plastic bench by Emilio Nanni for Fly Line, 1990s Bench with rectangular seat in black lacquered wood. On the side, it has two C-shaped stru...
Metal
Sculptural Post-Modern Steel Sofa, France 1980s
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Very unique and unusual sofa. Inspired by the Maria Pergay, Michel Boyer era. Sourced in the south of France. Postmodernism. The bench is made of multiple materials, creating a beautiful composition. The base of the sofa is made of steel and has a beautifully patinated leather seat. The back of the sofa is made of resin. Due to the green strokes, it is multi-dimensional. Even if it's a functional sofa, it merely looks like a piece of art. It can both be used as a stand-alone sofa or bench and could be the perfect addition to any residential project, but would also look great in any gallery or high-end retail shop. The minimalist design of this French sofa is perfect for any clientele that wants to create a unique kind of atmosphere. It has a very industrial, apocalyptic, and postmodern feel to it. It is for sure an eye-catcher! Please note that it is a heavy object. Check out Daddy Deco...
Steel
$4,666 / item
Oracle Bellini 2040 Bench by Coco Flip
Located in Geneve, CH
Oracle Bellini 2040 Bench by Coco Flip Dimensions: D 204 x W 54 x H 52.5 cm Materials: Timber / Upholstered tops, Powder-coated steel frame. Weight: 30kg Frame Finishes: Textura Pap...
Steel
$12,800 / item
Wave Bench in Gypsum & Fiberglass by Brent Warr Studios
By Brent Warr
Located in Bainbridge, GA
The Wave Bench by Brent Warr is a bold sculptural statement, merging functional design with artistic form. Its undulating backrest and bulbous legs echo a whimsical interpretation of...
Fabric, Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass, Plaster, Hardwood, Paint
Tiquara Bench in Pequi Wood by Hugo França, Post-Modern Design, Brazil
Located in Geneve, CH
Tiquara Bench in Pequi Wood by Hugo França Dimensions: D 73,7 x W 490 x H 78 cm. Materials: Pequi wood. Dimensions may vary. Please contact us. Atelier Hugo França's principle is...
Wood
Post Modern Lucite Vanity Stool Bench with Faux Leather Snakeskin Upholstery
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Two benches available. Sold individually. These are a first for us and the style, quality and condition continue to amaze us every time we walk by. These stylish, post-modern vintage 1970s Lucite acrylic vanity...
Lucite, Faux Leather, Acrylic
Paris 2024 Special Edition Big Bench in Red Lacquered Wood by Kimy Gringoire
Located in Geneve, CH
Paris 2024 Special Edition Big Bench in Red Lacquered Wood by Kimy Gringoire. Dimensions: W 200 x D 40 x H 95 cm. Materials: Red Lacquered Wood. Part of the BIGLOVECABLES project, t...
Wood
$3,663 / item
Mikado Bellini 1340 Bench by Coco Flip
Located in Geneve, CH
Mikado Bellini 1340 Bench by Coco Flip Dimensions: D 134 x W 54 x H 52.5 cm Materials: Timber / Upholstered tops, Powder-coated steel frame. Weight: 20 kg Frame Finishes: Textura Bl...
Steel
Prime Walnut, Any Metal, Any Leather Ledge Weight Bench by Eternal Creek
Located in Geneve, CH
Prime Walnut, Any Metal, Any Leather Ledge Weight Bench by Eternal Creek Dimensions: W 60 x D 137 x H 40 cm Materials: Wood: Prime Walnut / Black Ash / Light Ash Leather: Shadow Bla...
Metal
$1,563 / item
Tema Bench by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
Tema Bench by DAaZ Dimensions: D 37 x W 165 x H 45 cm. Materials: Ash wood. DAaZ Furniture honors the spirit of adventure. We embrace the escape of the ordinary and revel in the ma...
Wood
Ibuju 01 Small Bench in Colombian Woven Yaré Natural Fiber by Fango Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ibuju 01 Small Bench in Colombian Woven Yaré Natural Fiber by Fango Studio Dimensions: D 45 x W 120 x H 43 cm. Materials: Colombian woven yaré natural fiber Available in different ...
Natural Fiber
$2,951 / item
Fringes 140 Bench by Munna
Located in Geneve, CH
Fringes 140 Bench by Munna Dimensions: D 50 x W 140 x H 50 cm. SH: 50 cm. Materials: Wood, foam, and upholstery. Finish: Cotton Velvet upholstery and fringes. Available in all Munna...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$14,116 / item
Tronco Bench by NITUSH AROOSH
Located in Geneve, CH
Tronco Bench by NITUSH AROOSH Dimensions: D 40 x W 150 x H 45 cm. Materials: Stainless steel. Available in different finishes. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it will be wired for the USA for instance. Please contact us. Aroosh and Nitush Mahipal, the creative minds behind Nitush-Aroosh, were born and raised in New Delhi, India, amidst a vibrant cultural and artistic milieu. Their parents instilled in them a love of beauty and creativity from a young age, and they were fortunate to travel extensively to different parts of the world, where they were exposed to diverse forms of art, design, and architecture. From childhood, Aroosh and Nitush were captivated by the stainless steel available at their family’s factory, spending countless hours creating their toys and honing their skills. This fascination laid the foundation for their future design and art endeavors, eventually leading to the birth of Nitush-Aroosh. The Mahipal brothers use innovative techniques to create a crumbled effect on stainless steel, resulting in sculptural pieces that appear to be made of a different material altogether. Their sculptural objects, including furniture, lights, sculptures, and wall installations, are carefully crafted to invite the viewers to embark on self-discovery and introspection. The Mahipal brother’s maiden international art exhibition at the Marbella Art...
Stainless Steel
$8,166 / item
Upholstery Gentle Bed End by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Upholstery Gentle Bed End by Madheke Dimensions: D 50 x W 180 x H 60 cm. Materials: leather, brass. Finish options: Leather Naturalle Whisky, Fabric Cushions Rust Plain 04 & Medium ...
Leather, Upholstery
Post Modern Milo Baughman Parsons Style Bench in Ivory White Bouclé, circa 1980s
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A most alluring Milo Baughman Parsons style Post Modern bench newly reupholstered in super soft and inviting ivory bouclé. The Parsons style in upholstery - consisting of covering every surface with upholstery - not only exudes upper crust elegance but also delivers exquisite comfort from top to bottom. Whether in a dressing room, bedroom, bathroom next to a large bathtub, or in an Entry or Vestibule, this Post Modern Parsons style bench...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Contemporary Búzios Bench by Guto Indio da Costa, Brazil, 2015
By Índio da Costa
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
The Buzios Bench is a unique and elegant piece of furniture designed by Brazilian industrial designer Guto Indio da Costa. The bench draws its inspirati...
Wood
Ibuju 03 Large Bench in Colombian Woven Yaré Natural Fiber by Fango Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ibuju 03 Large Bench in Colombian Woven Yaré Natural Fiber by Fango Studio Dimensions: D 45 x W 200 x H 43 cm. Materials: Colombian woven yaré natural fiber Available in different ...
Natural Fiber
$7,507Sale Price|25% Off
Confidential spindle bench chair by Herbert Ohl for Lubke, 1980s
By Lübke, Herbert Ohl
Located in Zevenaar, NL
This tete a tete sofa Chair, is a unique piece, especially crafted by Lubke for exclusive use at a congress in the 1980s. It was never taken into production and is not in Lubkes cata...
Bentwood
Limited Edition SSB01W Bench in MDF with Walnut Burl Veneer by sashaxsasha
Located in Geneve, CH
Limited Edition SSB01W Bench in MDF with Walnut Burl Veneer Limited Edition of 5 + 2 A.P Dimensions: D 39 x W 175 x H 31,5 cm. Materials: MDF and walnut burl veneer. sashaxsasha is...
Other
MDF and Upholstered Bitta Bench by Dainelli Studio Atelier
Located in Geneve, CH
MDF and Upholstered Bitta Bench by Dainelli Studio Atelier Dimensions: W 150 x D 36 x H 40 cm Materials: MDF structure, padded and upholstered in fabric or leather. Bench with an MD...
Upholstery
Caballito Piccolo Bench in Leather & Fabric by Oscar Maschera
Located in Geneve, CH
Caballito Piccolo Bench in Leather & Fabric by Oscar Maschera Dimensions: D 37 x W 70 x H 42 cm. Materials: Leather and fabric. Available in different sizes and materials. Price...
Leather, Fabric
Custom Holland & Sherry White Bouclé Wool Bench
Located in Houston, TX
Custom Holland & Sherry white bouclé wool bench featuring a tapering oval body mounted on white oak ball feet. Also available C.O.M. International Orders: All international sales ar...
Bouclé, Oak