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.
Unique Envol Sculpture in Chamotte Stoneware by Thalia Dalecky
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Envol Sculpture in Chamotte Stoneware by Thalia Dalecky. Dimensions: W 43 x H 19 cm. Materials: Orange chamotte stoneware, glossy black/bluish glazed stoneware. Thalia Dalec...
Ceramic
Ralph Lauren Chrome and Brown Leather Desk or Table Lamp
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Good-looking Ralph Lauren table lamp designed and made in America. Made mostly of steel throughout, chromed and overlaid with leather. This results in a super stylized look that stan...
Chrome
Venini for Disaronno Amber and White Fused Glass Ice Bucket, Murano Italy
By Venini
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Modernist vintage ice bucket has abstract geometric decor of fused white glass on transparent amber colored glass with controlled bubbles effect. The piece has two small rounded han...
Art Glass, Murano Glass, Glass
Post-Modern Murano Glass Vide-Poche Dish, Italy, 1990s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Beautiful Murano art glass square shaped vide-poche plate in deep red, cream white and black colors. Original label on both sides: "Chromia Glass. Hand made. Vetro di Murano". An ey...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti 'Paracarro' Dining Table in Glass and Mosaic
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, 'Paracarro' dining table, glass, concrete, chrome-plated steel, mosaic, Italy, 1970 This sculptural dining table is designed by Giovanni Offredi for S...
Concrete, Steel, Chrome
$1,099Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of “Totem” Candlesticks by Hilton McConnico for Maison Lanvin – 1990s
By Hilton McConnico, Lanvin Paris
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Rare pair of “Totem” candlesticks designed by Hilton McConnico and produced by Maison Lanvin circa 1992. Crafted from a striking mix of gilt bronze, painted wood, resin, leather, car...
Brass
La Création Sculptural Centerpiece in Glazed Stoneware by Thalia Dalecky
Located in Geneve, CH
La Création Sculptural Centerpiece in Glazed Stoneware by Thalia Dalecky. Dimensions: Ø 41 x H 15 cm. Materials: Cream chamotte stoneware, glossy transparent glaze. Thalia Dalecky ...
Ceramic
Piano Desk by Panorammma, White Lacquered Wood, Post-Modern Design, Mexico
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A sleek, white-polished, sculptural piece conjuring the presence of a grand piano. Piano Desk evokes an intricate fusion of the grace in artistic expression and the discipline of w...
Wood
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchair for B&B Italia, 1971 (First Edition)
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini, Armchair model "Le Bambole" first edition for B&B Italia, 1971. The armchair, an authentic icon of Italian design, is the work of Mario Bellini, one of the most i...
Leather, Foam
Postmodern Gerard van den Berg Florence Sofa for Montis, Buck Leather
By Montis, Gerard Van Den Berg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gerard van den Berg designed the Florence sofa for Dutch manufacturer Montis during the height of Postmodern experimentation with organic furniture forms. Known alternately as "The R...
Leather, Foam
Warren Platner Writing Desk in Oak with Black Leather Top
By Warren Platner, Florence Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll International, writing desk from the Executive Collection, leather, chromed metal, oak, United States, design 1973, production 1974-1980. In 1973, Warren Platner designed a collection of executive office furniture...
Metal, Chrome
Vibrant, Heavy Murano Glass Aquarium Sculpture with Multicolored Millefiori Fish
By Murano 5
Located in San Diego, CA
Vibrant, Heavy Murano Glass Aquarium Sculpture with Multicolored Millefiori Fish, circa 1980s. A beautifully executed hand-blown Murano glass aquari...
Blown Glass
Italian Cubic Lounge Chair in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, leather, Italy, 1970s This striking lounge chair comes in a black leather upholstery that gives the room a vibrant and interesting touch. The design is further charact...
Leather
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
$89Sale Price / set|40% Off
Vintage Set of 4 Post Modern Pink Lucite Scrolling Ribbon Napkin Rings
Located in Amityville, NY
A vintage post modern set of four napkin rings in pink lucite, with a scrolling, looping, wrapping, ribbon or bow shape. Each of the 4 in the set is identical, providing a perfect fe...
Lucite
Post-Modern Wall Mirror, Laminated Wood, Polychrome, France, 1980
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Wall mirror with an architectural laminated polychrome, typical of decorative productions from the 1980s. The design combines simple geometric volumes with a pastel color palette d...
Wood
Midcentury Gold Metal Wall Sconce by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz Lighting, Estiluz
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern Gold Wall Sconce by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: A-1180 Oro. This fixture was designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz during 1980s. This Wal...
Metal
$2,000Sale Price|50% Off
post modern oak mirror front dresser wardrobe or armoire
Located in Brooklyn, NY
post modern oak mirror front tall dresser wardrobe or armoire. Doors have faux bamboo fronts. Has 2 drawers below and 2 drawers behind front cabinet doors. Mirror mounted on inside o...
Brass
Mariyo Yagi for Sirrah 'Garbo' Chandelier in Nylon
By Sirrah, Mariyo Yagi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mariyo Yagi for Sirrah, 'Garbo' chandelier, metal, nylon, Italy, 1976 Enchanting 'Garbo' fringe chandelier designed by Japanese designer Mariyo Yagi and manufactured by Sirrah. The ...
Metal
Two abstract metal floor sculptures by Tony Almén and Peter Gest for Ikea 1990
By IKEA
Located in München, DE
Pair of original limited abstract metal Ikea floor sculptures from 1990. In good condition. Suitable for all living areas and very decorative. Design by Tony Almén and Peter Gest. Ik...
Metal
Louis Vuitton Lune Rocking Chair by Marcel Wanders in Black Leather
By Louis Vuitton, MARCEL WANDERS
Located in Ulm, DE
An exceptional Louis Vuitton Lune Chair, designed by Marcel Wanders for the prestigious Objets Nomades collection. Introduced around 2017, this sculptural rocking chair combines Loui...
Chrome, Aluminum, Silver Plate, Brass
Post-Modern Italian Pair of Lounge Chairs in Chrome and Beige Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of lounge chairs, chrome-plated metal, fabric, Italy, 1970s These captivating Italian lounge chairs from the 1970s are a playful and expressive example of postmodern design. Wi...
Metal, Chrome
Tall Vintage Cast Iron Candlestick Holders, Set of 2, Post-Modern Design
Located in Fairfield, CA
A pair of tall cast iron candlestick holders in varying heights. Unique curvy design with tripod bases to create a wonderful sculptural display. ...
Iron
Post Modern Leather Sofa by Intertime Switzerland
By Hans Eichenberger, De Sede, Ligne Roset
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Gorgeous post modern leather sofa by Hans Eichenberger for Intertine, Switzerland. Although designed and manufactured in Switzerland, the sofa give off a very Italian vibe. The sof...
Leather
Postmodern Gold Metal Set of Four Flush Mounts by Blauet, Barcelona, 1980s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Postmodern Spanish Set of Four Gold metal Flush Mounts or Wall Sconces by Blauet. Model: Birimbao-2 Oro. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by ...
Metal
Italian Red Leather Sofa by Divanotti, Postmodern, 1990s
Located in Praha, CZ
An outstanding Italian postmodern two-seat sofa produced by Divanotti during the 1990s. Distinguished by its dramatic sculptural silhouette, sweeping integrated armrests, floating se...
Metal
Pair of Milano Series Verdigris Bronze Candle Holders by Christian de Beaumont
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of vintage Postmodern candlesticks in bronze with verdigris patina designed by Christian de Beaumont for his Milano Series (ca. 1980s, Franc...
Bronze
Postmodern Gemstone and Lapis World Globe on Brass Stand, 1990s
Located in San Diego, CA
Postmodern decorative world globe dating to the 1990s, crafted with natural gemstone and lapis lazuli inlays set into a brass-mounted spherical form. The continents and countries a...
Lapis Lazuli, Multi-gemstone, Brass
Italian Post-Modern Sideboard with Geometric Front
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard, cherry, mahogany, ebonized wood, Italy 1970s This stunning sideboard, made from a luxurious combination of cherry, ebonized wood, and mahogany, is a true statement piece ...
Cherry, Mahogany
Kwok Hoi Chan for Steiner Pair of Dining Chairs in Red Leather
By Gilbert Steiner, Kwok Hoi Chan
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kwok Hoi Chan for Steiner, pair of dining chairs, leather, lacquered steel, France, circa 1970 A postmodern design by Chinese designer Kwok Hoi Chan known for his works that are imm...
Leather
Post Modern Full-Length Wall Mirror in Gold Wood and Metal, 1980s Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful Full-length wall mirror with wooden and metal profiles. The upper and lower profile has two semi-ovals in wood with gilded golden finish. On the sides it has two thin meta...
Wood
Black Ceramic Perpetual Face Vase in the Style of Piero Fornasetti by TMS 2005
By TMS, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Troy, MI
Multi face ceramic vase in black by TMS Inc Vitruvian Collection 2005 Perpetual face design in the style of Piero Fornasetti Signed and dated to lower edge 8 inch diameter 9.5 inc...
Ceramic
Seven Salotti Modular Sofa in Cognac Colored Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Seven Salotti modular sofa, plastic, leather, Italy, 1970s This modular sofa by Italian maker Seven Salotti dates from the 1970s and showcases the era’s relaxed and sculptural appro...
Leather, Plastic
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
Vintage Seiko Japanese Faceted Crystal Quartz Desk or Mantel Clock, circa 1980s
By Seiko
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A striking vintage Seiko quartz desk or mantel clock, made in Japan circa 1980s, featuring a substantial clear faceted crystal body surrounding an elegant warm gold-tone dial. The s...
Crystal
Modern Multifunctional 'X' Steel Side Table and Rack (Display Model)
By Argosy Designs, Erik Johnson
Located in Treadwell, NY
Collection I: X Rack The X Rack is an elegant, minimal, and modern object that is both sculptural and functional - a crisp silhouette creating the illusion that the form and its c...
Steel
A POP POST-MODERN Lucite TABLE LAMP by MARIE-CLAUDE DE FOUQUIERES France 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
DESCRIPTION: An exceptional and sculptural monolythic table lamp or night light, Post-Modernist, Pop, Space-Age, in a block of massive yellow amber fractal resin, illuminated transpa...
Lucite, Plexiglass
Lumina Floor Lamp Walter Monici Italy Model "Zelig Terra"
By A. Monici, Lumina
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
Jean Claude Dresse Coffee Table with Geometric Sculptural Base in Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Claude Dresse, coffee table, brass, glass, Belgium, 1970s This captivating coffee table by Jean Claude Dresse is deeply reflective of the design trends that emerged in the 1970...
Brass
Robert Venturi Sheraton chair for Knoll Postmodern 80s
By Robert Venturi, Knoll
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Robert Venturi chair for knoll Model: Sheraton Silkscreen printed pattern on black plywood. Rare model in famous Venturi's chairs in Knoll collection.
Plywood
Vittorio Introini for Saporiti Wall Unit in Lacquered Ash and Chrome
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittorio Introini for Saporiti, multifunctional wall unit, black lacquered ash, chrome and white fabric, Italy, 1980s. Rare multifunctional wall unit designed by the Italian design...
Chrome
1970s Dining Set in Solid Pine with Table Chairs and Bench
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining ensemble consisting of a table, set of four chairs, and a bench, solid pine, Italy, 1970s This Italian dining suite, dating from the 1970s, exemplifies the period's renewed i...
Pine
Asa Bench – Sculptural Wood Bench, Walnut Oak or Burl Wood
Located in Baguim Do Monte, PT
The Asa Bench is defined by its calm geometry and refined material presence, crafted entirely in solid wood and available in walnut or burl wood. Its balanced proportions and clean a...
Walnut, Burl
$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
Italian Postmodern Calligaris Valet Stand, Made in Italy 1980s
By Calligaris
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Coat rack / valet from the Italian manufacturer Calligaris. A mute servant in a postmodern design language and materiality. The metal parts are mostly painted and partly ornamentall...
Metal
$720Sale Price / item|40% Off
Hans Ullrich Bitsch Set of 10 Red Blue Metal Chairs Series 8600
By Hans Ullrich Bitsch, Kusch+Co
Located in Vienna, AT
Set of ten/10 Hans Ullrich Bitsch chairs Series 8600, circa 1980 -Sold as individual pieces. 5 are red and 5 blue. Please combine. Wonderful dining room set of 10 red and blue metal chairs...
Metal, Chrome
Ross Littell for Matteo Grassi Armchairs in Red Leather and Steel
By Matteo Grassi, Ross Littell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ross Littell for Matteo Grassi, armchairs, leather, steel, Italy, 1980s These two red leather chairs are designed by the American desig...
Steel
$6,300Sale Price|30% Off
Postmodern Sculptural Curved Serpentine Sectional Snake Sofa
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Monumental serpentine snake sectional sofa in the style of Vladimir Kagan and Milo Baughman. This unique modular curved sofa consists of three interlocking sections reupholstered in ...
Upholstery, Ultrasuede, Wood
Danish Pair of Armchairs in Oak and Chrome with Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Manufactured by Duba Møbelindustri, pair of armchairs, bent plywood, chrome-plated metal, fabric, Denmark, 1970s. Pair of Danish chairs manufactured by Duba Møbelindustri. The whol...
Fabric, Plywood
$2,800 / item
Pair Knoll Pfister Black Leather Lounge Chairs, 1980
By Charles Pfister, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Knoll Pfister Black Leather Lounge Chair, 1980. Original black leather. We have 20 of these chairs available.
Leather
Jean Claude Dresse Coffee Table in Steel and Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Claude Dresse, coffee table, brass, brushed steel, Belgium, circa 1970 This remarkable rectangular coffee table, designed by the esteemed Jean Claude Dresse in the 1970s, exemp...
Brass, Steel
Post Modern Bleached Oak and Tinted Glass Console Table by Lou Hodges c. 1980's
By Lou Hodges
Located in New York, NY
Chic Post Modern console table designed by Lou Hodges, circa 1980's. The table is constructed of solid oak in original bleached finish, with a beveled and tinted glass insert panel t...
Smoked Glass, Oak
$396Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Italian-Style Black Lacquer Console Table with Wood Inlay
Located in Trenton, NJ
This console table is a compelling example of Postmodern design, characterized by its faceted, geometrically canted tabletop edges and dramatically curved, sculptural legs — a marked...
Wood
$2,456Sale Price|20% Off
Marcel Breuer b34 Chair 1930s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Marcel Breuer B34 chair was made in Czechoslovakia in 1930 for Bata Snofmaner store.
Formica
Vintage cream & gold sideboard w drawers / dresser by Lane Furniture USA 1980s
Located in Hastings, GB
Sleek sideboard with drawers / dresser by Lane Furniture, USA 1980s. Cream lacquer with gold metal trim & plinth. Six large drawers. Some small marks to the lacquer finish- nothing v...
Metal
Postmodern Sectional Sofa in Deep Green Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sofa, fabric, Europe, 1970s This beautiful modular sofa, made in Europe in the 1970s, exudes comfort and charm. Wrapped in soft, rich green fabric, it invites you to sink in...
Fabric, Pine
Large postmodern curved waterfall glass coffee table with ball, USA 1980s
Located in Hastings, GB
Large postmodern curved waterfall glass coffee table with plaster effect fiberglass ball, USA 1980s. Very hard to find this model- I've been looking for a while. There are some scr...
Glass, Fiberglass
Pair of "Colefax" Swivel Lounge Chairs & Ottoman Made in the USA by Pearson
By Pearson Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant and exceptionally comfortable pair of vintage swivel lounge chairs with matching ottoman, manufactured by Pearson Furniture in High Point, North Carolina, circa 1980s. The...
Fabric, Wood
Michael Graves Big Dripper Coffee Pot for Swid Powell, Post-Modern, 1980s
By Michael Graves (b.1934), Swid Powell
Located in Downingtown, PA
Michael Graves Big Dripper Coffee Pot for Swid Powell, Post-Modern, 1980s This complete and pristine example of the Big Dripper, Michael Graves's celebrated Post-Modern coffee pot ...
Porcelain
Vintage postmodern gold leopard print cantilever chair, USA 1980s, Milo Baughman
Located in Hastings, GB
Sinuous gold framed cantilever chair, newly upholstered in low pile leopard print velvet, USA 1980s. Very Milo Baughman, but no makers' label. Two chairs available- please select 2 i...
Metal