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.
Fler 'Idler' Lounge Chairs with Ottoman in Teddy Mohair by Pierre Frey
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Fler for Furniture Makers of Australia, living room set - lounge chairs with ottoman, model 'The Idler', "Teddy Mohair" Aubergine by Pierre Frey, Australia, wood, design 1969 This s...
Mohair, Wood
Fler 'Idler' Lounge Chairs with Ottoman in Teddy Mohair by Pierre Frey
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Fler for Furniture Makers of Australia, living room set - lounge chairs with ottoman, model 'The Idler', "Teddy Mohair" Aubergine by Pierre Frey, Australia, wood, design 1969 This s...
Mohair, Wood
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
Italian Postmodern Lounge Set Tan Leather Postmodern Armchair Pair and Sofa
By Ralph Lauren, Nicoletti Salotti
Located in Rochester, NY
Postmodern Italian camel leather lounge set in the style of Nicoletti Salotti circa late 1980s/early 1990s. As it stands now, I can't find the makers mark. The set is also reminisc...
Leather
$19,816 / item
Jell Sofa by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa by Alter Ego Studio Dimensions W 260 cm D 120 cm H 85 cm Product features Product options: Upholstery: Available in all Alter Ego Stud...
Stone
Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate 'Blop' Lounge Set in Original Fabric
By Rossi di Albizzate, Carlo Bartoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, pair of two-seat sofa with pair of lounge chairs and coffee table, model 'Blop', original ve...
Velvet, Wood, Lacquer
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Living Room Set for Lafer MP, 1972, Set of 3
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Percival Lafer “MP-41” living room set for Lafer MP, wood and cognac leather, Brazil, 1972, set of 3 The “MP-41” living room set by Percival Lafer, composed of a sofa and two armchairs, embraces fluidity with a structure that appears weightless despite its solid wood frame. The absence of visible crossbars beneath the seat enhances this effect, allowing the thick, tufted cushions to seemingly float. The upholstery drapes over the structure like silk fabric on a sculpted form, a harmonious integration of material and frame. The butterfly-shaped joints refine the frame’s construction, tapering toward the center for a softened profile. The lateral tufting on the seat is not merely decorative—it creates a structured geometry that follows the contours of the body. The armrests, backrest, and seat merge into a single, uninterrupted form, maximizing ergonomic support. Leather straps secure the cushions to the frame, a signature Lafer detail that blends artisanal technique with industrial efficiency. The MP-41 prioritizes organic curves over strict geometric lines. The deep cognac leather, aged to a rich patina, enhances the warmth of the wood. The absence of ornamentation shifts focus to the raw materials, celebrating their natural textures and variations. Unlike Jean Gillon’s “Tijuca...
Leather, Wood
$20,310 / item
Salvante BS1 Bench by Piotr Dąbrowa
Located in Geneve, CH
Salvante BS1 Bench by Piotr Dąbrowa Unique Piece Dimensions: W 160 x D 40 x H 40 cm Materials: Calacatta Viola marble, walnut burl. Also available: Calacatta marble, Rosa Peralba mar...
Marble
$1,820 / item
Grace Amber Pouf by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Grace Amber pouf by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D77 x H 45 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Foam, Wood. Weight: 15.5 kg Also available in different colours and finishes. A luxuri...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Sofa for Lafer MP, 1972
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Percival Lafer “MP-41” Sofa for Lafer MP, wood and cognac leather, Brazil, 1972 The “MP-41” sofa by Percival Lafer embraces fluidity with a structure that appears weightless despite its solid wood frame. The absence of visible crossbars beneath the seat enhances this effect, allowing the thick, tufted cushions to seemingly float. The upholstery drapes over the structure like silk fabric on a sculpted form, a harmonious integration of material and frame. The butterfly-shaped joints refine the frame’s construction, tapering toward the center for a softened profile. The lateral tufting on the seat is not merely decorative—it creates a structured geometry that follows the contours of the body. The armrests, backrest, and seat merge into a single, uninterrupted form, maximizing ergonomic support. Leather straps secure the cushions to the frame, a signature Lafer detail that blends artisanal technique with industrial efficiency. The MP-41 prioritizes organic curves over strict geometric lines. The deep cognac leather, aged to a rich patina, enhances the warmth of the wood. The absence of ornamentation shifts focus to the raw materials, celebrating their natural textures and variations. Unlike Jean Gillon...
Leather, Wood
$15,632Sale Price|34% Off
Cassina 'Soriana' Four-Seater Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in Bouclé, 1970's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Cassina; Scarpa; Mid-Century Modern; Boucle Wool; Afra & Tobia Scarpa; Post-Modern; Postmodern Design; 1970s Design; Italy; Italian Design; Manufactured by Cassina in the 1970s, ...
Chrome
$8,356 / item
Misty Beige Aurora Armchair by Nelson Araujo
Located in Geneve, CH
Misty Beige Aurora armchair by Nelson Araujo Dimensions: W 81 x D 69 x H 57 cm Materials: Wood, velvet, foam. Also available: Pearl, Champagne and P...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
Modern Oak Wood Seating Cane Weaving Cross My Heart Loveseat Bench, Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Modern Oak Wood Seating Cane Weaving Cross My Heart Loveseat Bench, Carla Baz Dimensions: W 160 X D 70 X H 82 CM Weight: 55 kg Material: French Oak, Ent...
Oak
Dark Grey and Natural Oak Raf Simons Vidar 3 My Own Chair Footstool by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Dark grey and natural oak Raf Simons Vidar 3 My Own chair footstool by Lassen. Dimensions: W 56 x D 58 x H 40 cm. Materials: Textile. Also available: other colors available. Th...
Textile
$9,336Sale Price / set|20% Off
Post Modern Yellow and Black Artifort Sofa
Located in Weesp, NL
Four Quadrio seating elements from the 1980s, the Memphis period as can be seen from the style. Michael McCoy designed these playful seating elements in 1985 and they can be arranged...
Metal
Eastside Sofa by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll, 1980s, All Original, Ready to Use
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Kansas City, MO
Eastside Sofa by Ettore Sottsass and manufactured by Knoll, 1980s. Original black leather and gray and black patterned fabric. Aluminum and steel base co...
Leather, Upholstery
Fried Egg Left Lounge Chair Sheepskin Moonlight by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried egg left lounge chair nabuk oceano terra by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D99 x W68 x H 68 cm Material: sheepskin, textile or nubuck upho...
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Teak
$4,983 / item
Fried Egg Left Lounge Chair Apple Red by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried egg left lounge chair apple red by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D99 x W68 x H 68 cm Material: textile or nubuck upholstery, solid oiled ...
Upholstery, Teak
Fried Egg Left Lounge Chair Sheepskin Drake by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried egg left lounge chair sheepskin drake by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D99 x W68 x H 68 cm Material: sheepskin, textile or nubuck upholst...
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Teak
1970s "Brigantine" Leather sofa and love seat by Michel Ducaroy / Ligne Roset
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Buffalo, NY
1970s "Brigantine" Leather sofa and love seat by Michel Ducaroy / Ligne Roset... Classic 1970s design. Age appropriate wear consistent with use and age.. minor fading , discolorati...
Leather
$2,387 / item
Surf Walnut Bench by Jean-Baptiste Van Den Heede
Located in Geneve, CH
SURF walnut bench by Jean-Baptiste Van den Heede Dimensions: L 118 x D 34 x H 43 cm Materials: walnut. The wooden SURF version proposes a stool with different woods to your liki...
Walnut
$11,297 / item
Guya Chair by Cal Summers
By Cal Summers
Located in Geneve, CH
Guya Chair by Cal Summers Dimension: D 43 x W 48.2 x H 48.2 cm Materials: Oak Cal Summers is a British designer who makes bespoke handmade furniture and contemporary artefacts in w...
Oak
$3,836 / 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
Mid Century Modern Schweiger Industries Cream Teddy Bear Sofa & 2 Lounge Chairs
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Schweiger Industries Cream Teddy Bear Sofa & 2 Lounge Chairs - 3 Piece Set A rare cream Teddy Bear Sofa and 2 Lounge Chair...
Faux Fur
Loge Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Gerard Van Den Berg for Montis Pierre Frey 1980s
By Montis, Gerard Van Den Berg, La Maison Pierre Frey
Located in London, GB
A rare and strikingly attractive Post-Modern designer armchair and footstool in lovely vintage condition. Designed by Dutch supremo Gerard Van Den Berg and made by high-end manufactu...
Upholstery, Fabric
$19,816 / item
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Gentle Fabric by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Gentle Fabric by Alter Ego Studio Dimensions W 260 cm D 120 cm H 85 cm Product features Product options: Upholstery: Available in all Alter Ego leathers an...
Fabric
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Razzle Dazzle Fabric by Alter Ego Studio
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
Jell Sofa in Kvadrat Razzle Dazzle Fabric by Alter Ego Studio Dimensions W 260 cm D 120 cm H 85 cm Product features Product options: Upholstery: Available in all Alter Ego leat...
Fabric
$1,586 / item
Galore Module Pouf Forest Green by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Galore Module Pouf Forest Green by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D75 x W75 x H 44 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Powder coated black steel legs, Wooden frame, foam, spring system. Wei...
Steel
Fried Egg Right Lounge Chair Sheepskin Drake by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried Egg Right Lounge Chair Sheepskin Drake by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D99 x W68 x H 68 cm Material: Sheepskin, Textile or nubuck upholstery, Solid oiled teak Weight: 25 kg Also...
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Teak
$2,544 / item
Terracota Jasmine Chair by Nelson Araujo
Located in Geneve, CH
Terracota Jasmine Chair by Nelson Araujo Dimensions: D 88 x W 88 x H 80 cm Materials: Wood, foam, fabric. Available in Mustard and Terracotta colors. Nelson de Araújo graduated in ...
Foam, Wood, Fabric
$12,482 / item
Frederic Daybed by Collector
Located in Geneve, CH
Frederic daybed by Collector Materials: Structure in solid oak wood. Upholstered in genuine Sequoia 4003 leather. Dimensions: W 190 x D 90 x H 50 cm....
Leather, Upholstery, Oak
$2,544 / item
Mustard Jasmine Chair by Nelson Araujo
Located in Geneve, CH
Mustard Jasmine Chair by Nelson Araujo Dimensions: D 88 x W 88 x H 80 cm Materials: Wood, foam, fabric. Available in Mustard and Terracotta colors. Nelson de Araújo graduated in Pr...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$4,313 / item
Riso Side Table by Umberto Bellardi Ricci
Located in Geneve, CH
Riso side table by Umberto Bellardi Ricci Dimensions: D 10" x W 17.5" x H 11 in Materials: Green / black marble, black finished l-beam Umberto Bellardi Ricci is an Italian scul...
Marble
$6,092 / item
Unique Stranded Armchair Puffa m4 by Kint
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Armchair Puffa m4 by Kint Designed by Rostyslav Sorokovy Dimensions: 1050 W x 850 D x 730 H cm Materials:Plywood, Foam, Natural Wool, Softness - medium Available in Beige, ...
Plywood
Striped TMBO Lounge Sofa in Oak and Dedar/Linear Upholstery by Mazo Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Striped TMBO Lounge Sofa in Oak and Dedar/Linear Upholstery by Mazo Design Dimensions: W 165 x D 68.5 x H 87 cm Materials: Oak Also available: ROMO/Linara, DAW/Royal, KVADRAT/Remix, KVADRAT/Hallingdal & Fiord, BUTE/Storr, DAW/Mohair & Mcnutt, JENNIFER SHORTO / Kongaline & Seafoam, DEDAR/Artemidor, Sheepskin, please contact us. 1935 is the date on the first draft of this chair by the renowned multitalent and architect Magnus Læssøe Stephensen, which have now been revived under the name TMBO. The TMBO series was designed in a shape that, in the laid back confident attitude, celebrates life with the same dramatic simplicity that Magnus Læssøe Stephensen found in Japanese design tradition. The TMBO Chair...
Other
$14,249 / item
Bold Sofa by Mohdern
Located in Geneve, CH
Bold Sofa by Mohdern Dimensions: W 268 x D 102 x H 76 cm Materials: Fabric, Bouclé Bold is a refined furniture collection designed and produced by the Mohdern brand. The series inc...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery
$6,092 / item
Unique Stranded Armchair Puffa m4 by Kint
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Armchair Puffa m4 by Kint Designed by Rostyslav Sorokovy Dimensions: 1050 W x 850 D x 730 H cm Materials:Plywood, Foam, Natural Wool, Softness - medium Available in Beige, ...
Plywood
$14,121 / item
Hug Green Sofa by Rejo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Hug green sofa by Rejo Studio. Dimensions: D 315 x W 95 x H 76 cm. Materials: wooden structure, with velvet. Also available in different colours. Long comfortable hug. The hug sofa...
Velvet, Wood
Fried Egg Left Lounge Chair Soft Violet, Plum, Fresh Peach by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Fried Egg Left Lounge Chair Soft violet Plum Fresh Peach by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D99 x W68 x H 68 cm Material: Textile or nubuck upholstery, Solid oiled teak Weight: 25 kg Als...
Upholstery, Teak
$1,703 / set
Set of 2, Halikko Bar Stools by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2, Halikko bar stools by Made By Choice Dimensions: 40 x 34 x 66 cm Materials: solid oak Standard finishes: natural wood / painted black. Also available: upholstery in ...
Oak
$4,313 / item
Riso Side Table by Umberto Bellardi Ricci
Located in Geneve, CH
Riso side table by Umberto Bellardi Ricci Dimensions: D 10" x W 17.5" x H 11 in Materials: Beige Marble, black finished l-beam Umberto Bellardi R...
Marble
$21,509 / item
Large Bold Curved Sofa by Mohdern
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Bold Curved Sofa by Mohdern Dimensions: W 310 x D 133 x H 76 cm Materials: Fabric, Bouclé Bold is a refined furniture collection designed and produced by the Mohdern brand. T...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery
$4,586 / item
Moss 1800 Sofa by Artu
Located in Geneve, CH
Moss 1800 sofa by Artu Pavel Vetrov Dimensions: W 180 x D 82 x H 76 cm Materials: Wood, Upholstery Other colors and materials available. Soft, flowin...
Upholstery, Wood
Set of 4, Halikko Bar Stools, Tall by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4, Halikko bar stools, tall by Made By Choice. Dimensions: 40 x 34 x 74 cm. Materials: solid oak Standard finishes: natural wood / painted black. Also available: uphols...
Oak
$3,836 / item
Rumbo Bench by Jean-Baptiste Van Den Heede
Located in Geneve, CH
SURF 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....
Textile, Beech
$16,805 / item
Dyoni Sofa by Moure Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Dyoni sofa by Moure Studio Dimensions: D 250x W 95 x H 76 cm Materials: cotton, linen, velvet, felt, Wood. Wide range of colors of feet and fabrics a...
Textile, Cotton, Linen, Velvet, Wood
$14,121 / item
Hug Brown Sofa by Rejo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Hug Brown Sofa by Rejo Studio Dimensions: D 315 x W 95 x H 76 cm Materials: Wooden structure, with Velvet Also Available in different colours. Long co...
Velvet, Wood
$8,939 / set
Set of 4, Goma Bar Chairs by Made By Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4, Goma bar chairs by Made By Choice Dimensions: 50 x 50 x 105 cm Materials: Plywood Also available: Upholstery in Fabric or Leather (Category 1 & 3), Goma Dining Chair, ...
Birch, Plywood
TMBO Lounge Sofa in Oak and Jennifer Shorto/Kongaline & Seafoam by Mazo Design
Located in Geneve, CH
TMBO Lounge Sofa in Oak and Jennifer Shorto/Kongaline & Seafoam by Mazo Design Dimensions: W 165 x D 68.5 x H 87 cm Materials: Oak Also Available: ROMO...
Other
$14,115 / item
Hug Grey Sofa by Rejo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Hug grey sofa by Rejo Studio Dimensions: D 315 x W 95 x H 76 cm Materials: Wooden structure, with Velvet Also available in different colours. Long comfortable hug. The hug sofa...
Velvet, Wood
$2,427 / item
Cover Grey Central Modular Sofa by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Cover Grey Central Modular Sofa by MOWEE. Dimensions: D 83 x W 68 x H 81 cm (seat height 42 cm). Material: Aluminum and upholstery. Weight: 17 kg. Also available in different col...
Aluminum
$10,597 / item
Bold Love Seat by Mohdern
Located in Geneve, CH
Bold Love Seat by Mohdern Dimensions: W 140 x D 136 x H 75 cm Materials: Fabric, Bouclé Bold is a refined furniture collection designed and produced by the Mohdern brand. The serie...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery
$8,729 / item
White Nube Lounger with Ottoman by Siete Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Nube lounger one seater white ottoman by Siete Studio Dimensions: D80 x W160 x H60 cm. Materials: Walnut, cushions, upholstery. Characterised by it...
Other
$4,668 / item
Sanayi313 Stool by Sanayi 313
Located in Geneve, CH
Sanayi313 Stool by Sanayi 313 Unique Piece Dimensions: W 37 x D 37 x H 50 cm Materials: Ash Veneer SANAYI313 is an Istanbul-based interdisciplinary practice co-founded by two b...
Ash
Sweet Delight Daybed by Claste: Marble & Fabric, Made in Canada
Located in Geneve, CH
Some are born to sweet delight daybed by Claste Dimensions: D 85 x W 228.6 x H 129.5 cm Material: Marble, French Vanilla Fabric Weight: 818 kg Also available in different and ma...
Marble
$3,722 / item
Lace Black Daybed by MOWEE
Located in Geneve, CH
Lace black daybed by MOWEE Dimensions: D200 x W195 x H60 cm. Material: Polyethylene, stainless steel and polyester. Weight: 60 kg Also available in different colors and finishes ...
Stainless Steel, Other
$3,722 / item
Lace Burgundy Daybed by Mowee
Located in Geneve, CH
Lace burgundy daybed by MOWEE Dimensions: D200 x W195 x H60 cm. Material: Polyethylene, stainless steel and polyester. Weight: 60 kg Also available...
Stainless Steel, Other
$3,799 / item
SURF Unic Bench by Jean-Baptiste Van den Heede
Located in Geneve, CH
SURF Unic bench by Jean-Baptiste Van den Heede Dimensions: L 118 x D 34 x H 43 cm Materials: Oak, Textile. Also available: Other textiles available, The “SURF unic” version proposes a versatile bench since it can be used without upholstery or adjust the unique upholstery...
Textile, Oak
$1,820 / item
Grace Light Steel Blue Pouf by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Grace Light Steel Blue Pouf by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D77 x H 45 cm Material: Textile upholstery, Foam, Wood. Weight: 15.5 kg Also available in different colours and finishes. P...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$9,581 / item
Plato Pouf No 1 by Yasemin Toygar
Located in Geneve, CH
Plato Pouf No 1 by Yasemin Toygar Dimensions: D 40 x H 46 cm Materials: Satin Brass, Marble, White Boucle Fabric Plato Collection Inspired by ...
Marble, Brass