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.
Speckled Squiggle Rug Crafted in New Zealand Wool by Okej Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Speckled Squiggle Rug Crafted in New Zealand Wool by Okej Studio Dimensions: W 215 x L 305 cm. Materials: Wool. Available in different colors and size options. Prices may vary. Car...
Wool
Moss Green Squiggle Rug Crafted in New Zealand Wool by Okej Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Moss Green Squiggle Rug Crafted in New Zealand Wool by Okej Studio Dimensions: W 180 x L 245 cm. Materials: Wool. Available in different colors and size options. Prices may vary. C...
Wool
$12,319Sale Price|20% Off
New Modern Blue Berber Beni Mrirt Moroccan Rug with Expressionist Style
Located in Dallas, TX
21168 Rare Modern Blue Beni Mrirt Moroccan Rug, 12'03 x 13'08. An exquisite masterpiece of modern Moroccan weaving, this hand-knotted wool Beni Mrirt rug is a portal to a dreamscape—...
Wool
Natural Shape Hand-Dyed Blanc Sable Ecru Corca Sheepskin Rug by Carine Boxy
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural Shape Hand-Dyed Blanc Sable Ecru Corca Sheepskin Rug by Carine Boxy Dimensions: 195 x 135 cm Materials: Naturally dyed sheepskin. Size and color can be customized upon reques...
Sheepskin
Neptune Squiggle Small Rug Crafted in New Zealand Wool by Okej Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Neptune Squiggle Small Rug Crafted in New Zealand Wool by Okej Studio Dimensions: W 135 x L 200 cm. Materials: Wool. Available in different colors and size options. Prices may vary...
Wool
Midnight Black Squiggle Rug Crafted in New Zealand Wool by Okej Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Midnight Black Squiggle Rug Crafted in New Zealand Wool by Okej Studio Dimensions: W 245 x L 335 cm. Materials: Wool. Available in different colors and size options. Prices may var...
Wool
Pink Mélange Squiggle Rug Crafted in New Zealand Wool by Okej Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Pink Mélange Squiggle Rug Crafted in New Zealand Wool by Okej Studio Dimensions: W 105 x L 335 cm. Materials: Wool. Available in different colors and size options. Prices may vary....
Wool
$8,237 / item
Santa Facile Deja Vu Edit Rug by Atelier Bowy C.D.
Located in Geneve, CH
Santa Facile Deja Vu Edit Rug by Atelier Bowy C.D. Dimensions: W 243 x L 300 cm. Materials: Wool, silk. Available in W140 x L220, W170 x L240, W200 x L300, W243 x L300 cm. Atelier ...
Wool, Silk
$5,675
Turkish Konya Rug
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Turkish Konya rug.
Wool
$399Sale Price|20% Off
Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug with Industrial Postmodern Cubism Style
By Zeki Müren
Located in Dallas, TX
51895, Zeki Muren distressed vintage Turkish Sivas rug with Industrial Postmodern Cubism style. The versatility of this rug lies in its simple, colorful checkerboard design. Whether ...
Wool
Modern Berber Pattern Olive Green 7'10" Round Rug in Rayon Chenille
Located in New York, NY
The Rapture Collection is a high-end rug collection that includes 29 rug design options, in 155 design and rug color combinations, totaling 620 various design-color-size combinations...
Polyester
Tapestry by Nathalie du Pasquier, Limited Edition, No. 2/36, Signed 2005
By Post Design, Nathalie du Pasquier
Located in Kansas City, MO
Tapestry by Nathalie du Pasquier for Post Design, Italy, 2005. This example is number 2 of 36. This thick handwoven wool wall hanging is in excellent condition.
Wool
$9,999Sale Price|20% Off
Modern Moroccan Rug Inspired by Paul Klee, Cubism Meets Ultra Cozy
By Paul Klee, Helen Frankenthaler, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Dallas, TX
80696 New Contemporary Moroccan Area rug with Post-Modern Style 10'05 x 13'09. Showcasing an expressive design, incredible detail and texture, this hand knotted wool contemporary Mor...
Wool
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Boujad Moroccan Masterpiece of Tribal Elegance
Located in Dallas, TX
74776 Vintage Red Boujad Moroccan Rug, 04'05 X 11'09. Discover the allure of Boujad rugs, originating from the vibrant city of Boujad in the Khouribga region—a once pivotal pilgrimag...
Wool
Stella 400 Rug by Illulian, Wool and Silk, Post-Modern Design, Italy
Located in Geneve, CH
STELLA 400 rug by Illulian Dimensions: D400 x H300 cm Materials: Wool 50%, Silk 50% Variations available and prices may vary according to materials and sizes. Illulian, histor...
Wool, Silk
$20,546 / item
Stella 200 Rug by Illulian
Located in Geneve, CH
STELLA 200 rug by Illulian Dimensions: D300 x H200 cm Materials: Wool 50% , Silk 50% Variations available and prices may vary according to materials and sizes. Illulian, hist...
Wool, Silk
$9,392 / item
Rock Paper Edge Small Rug by Art & Loom
Located in Geneve, CH
Rock Paper Edge small rug by Art & Loom Dimensions: D243.4 x H304.8 cm Materials: 100% New Zealand wool Quality (Knots per Inch): 80 Also available...
Wool
The Prism Illusion: A Vintage Dhurrie Masterpiece of Modern Opulent Geometry
Located in Dallas, TX
79607 Vintage Indian Dhurrie Rug, 06'00 x 09'00. The Prism Illusion: A Vintage Dhurrie Masterpiece of Modern Opulent Geometry. This handwoven cotton vintage Dhurrie is a study in cul...
Wool, Cotton
$2,719Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Berber Moroccan Rug with Postmodern Boho Chic and Memphis Style
Located in Dallas, TX
21051, vintage Berber Moroccan rug with Postmodern boho chic and Memphis Style 06'11 x 10'00. This hand-knotted wool vintage Berber Moroccan rug features a compartmental design sprea...
Wool
Modern Organic Shape Hand-Dyed Azur Blue European Sheepskin Rug by Carine Boxy
Located in Geneve, CH
Modern Organic Shape Hand-Dyed Azur Blue European Sheepskin Rug by Carine Boxy Dimensions: 250 x 200 cm Materials: Naturally dyed sheepskin. Size and color can be customized upon req...
Sheepskin
Vintage Berber Moroccan Boucherouite Rug with Bohemian Tribal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
21532 vintage Berber Moroccan Boucherouite rug with Bohemian Tribal style 03'03 x 04'10. Showcasing an expressive tribal design, incredible detail and texture, this hand knotted cott...
Wool, Cotton
New Purple Berber Beni Mrirt Moroccan High-Low Rug, 08'06 x 13'08
Located in Dallas, TX
21164 New Purple Beni Mrirt Moroccan High-Low Rug 08'06 x 13'08. This hand-knotted wool modern Beni Mrirt Moroccan rug is a splendid embodiment of the rich traditions of Moroccan wea...
Wool
$4,639Sale Price|20% Off
1980's Berber Beni M'Guild Moroccan Carpet with Modern Style
By Berber Tribes of Morocco, Beni M'Guild
Located in Dallas, TX
21304 Vintage Berber Beni M'Guild Moroccan rug with Bohemian Tribal Style 05'10 x 11'07. Showcasing a bold expressive design, incredible detail and texture, this hand knotted wool vi...
Wool
$1,360Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Berber Moroccan Azilal Rug with Contemporary Abstract Style
Located in Dallas, TX
74526 Vintage Berber Moroccan Rug with Contemporary Abstract Style. More than the asymmetrical beauty found in the geometric pattern, this hand-knotted wool contemporary abstract Mor...
Wool, Cotton
$1,512Sale Price|20% Off
Colorful Vintage Berber Moroccan Azilal Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
20625 Vintage Boucherouite Moroccan Azilal Rag Rug, 03'05 x 06'02. Azilal rag rugs, also recognized as Azilal Boucherouite rugs, epitomize sustainable craftsmanship originating from ...
Wool
Vintage Handwoven Rug with Abstract Design, 1980s
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
Beautiful high quality rug with abstract geometric design in bauhaus manner. Made out of handwoven wool. Marked on backside but brand unreadable. In very good condition with only lig...
Wool
$3,120Sale Price|20% Off
New Post-Modern Transitional Pink-Gray Area Rug with Contemporary Feminine Style
Located in Dallas, TX
30330 New Modern Transitional Pink-Gray Area Rug with Contemporary Feminine Style, 09'00 x 11'08. Soft and sumptuous, this transitional area rug transforms any interior it graces int...
Wool, Silk
Luxury Natural Shape Hand-Dyed European Sheepskin Brown 2 Big Rug by Carine Boxy
Located in Geneve, CH
Luxury Natural Shape Hand-Dyed European Sheepskin Brown 2 Big Rug by Carine Boxy Dimensions: 400 x 327 cm Materials: Naturally dyed sheepskin. Size and color can be customized upon r...
Sheepskin
$1,079Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Berber Boucherouite Moroccan Shag Rug, Hallway Runner with Tribal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77356, Vintage Berber Boucherouite Moroccan runner with Postmodern Tribal style, Shag Hallway runner 04'04 x 10'00. This hand knotted wool vintage Berber Boucherouite Moroccan runner...
Wool
$10,477 / item
Double Stacked Medium Rug by Art & Loom
Located in Geneve, CH
Double stacked medium rug by Art & Loom Dimensions: D 274.3 x H 365.8 cm Materials:100% New Zealand wool Quality (Knots per Inch): 60 Also available in different dimensions. S...
Wool
The Fractured Continuum: Modern Moroccan Masterpiece of Deconstructivist Rhythm
By Berber Tribes of Morocco, Peter Eisenman
Located in Dallas, TX
80563 New Contemporary Pakistani Moroccan Rug, 10'00 x 13'11. The Fractured Continuum: A Modern Moroccan Masterpiece of Deconstructivist Rhythm. At once cerebral and inviting, this hand knotted wool Moroccan rug from Pakistan embodies a rare convergence of nomadic warmth and intellectual design. Its presence feels intentional—an object that doesn’t simply occupy space, but reshapes it. Rooted in Berber visual language yet refracted through a postmodern lens, this exquisite work of art speaks to collectors who seek pieces that challenge convention while retaining a sense of grounded authenticity. The striking composition unfolds in layered bands of beige and blue, where abrash creates a shifting, almost atmospheric terrain. These horizontal striations establish a quiet continuity, evoking the passage of time, landscape, and memory. Within this ground, the diamond lattice emerges—an iconic symbol of protection and femininity in Moroccan tradition—its repetition suggesting continuity, lineage, and the safeguarding of life’s inner spaces. Interrupting this order, elongated chevron bands descend vertically in a sequence of fine zigzag lines, disrupting the field with calculated tension. This interplay between horizontal calm and vertical intervention introduces a deliberate fracture, echoing the principles of deconstructivist thought—where structure is questioned, fragmented, and reassembled. The result is an avant-garde creation that feels alive with movement, a visual dialogue between stability and disruption, tradition and reinterpretation. Its graphic clarity and conceptual depth make it particularly compelling within interiors shaped by architectural rigor and philosophical intent. One can easily imagine it grounding a space influenced by the intellectual frameworks of Peter Eisenman...
Wool
1990’s Colorful Purple Beni MGuild Berber Moroccan Carpet with Modern Style
By Beni M'Guild, Berber Tribes of Morocco
Located in Dallas, TX
20959 Vintage Purple Beni MGuild Moroccan Rug, 06'01 x 09'04. Crafted by the skilled hands of Berber women from the Ait M'Guild tribe in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Beni Mguild r...
Wool
$18,760 / item
Yves Large Rug by Art & Loom
Located in Geneve, CH
Yves medium rug by Art & Loom Dimensions: D 304.8 x H 426.7 cm Materials: New Zealand wool & Chinese silk Quality (Knots per Inch): 80 Also available in different dimensions. Samant...
Wool, Silk
$6,439 / item
No.08 Rug by Cappelen Dimyr
Located in Geneve, CH
No.08 Rug by Cappelen Dimyr Dimensions: D290 x H350 cm Materials: 85% wool 15% cotton no.08 is a true eclectic statement piece celebrating the understated lush aesthetics of Cappele...
Wool, Cotton
$41,082 / item
Convex Circular 400 Rug by Illulian
Located in Geneve, CH
CONVEX Circular 400 Rug by Illulian Dimensions: D400 x H400 cm Materials: Wool 50%, Silk 50% Variations available and prices may vary according to materials and sizes. Illulia...
Silk, Wood
$28,204 / item
Wetland Rug by Estudio Raffreyre
Located in Geneve, CH
Wetland rug by Estudio Raffreyre Dimensions: W 500 x 800 cm Materials: Hanging Fibers ESTUDIO RF is located in Lima, Peru. We are dedicated to the research of the contemporary h...
Other
$20,546 / item
Floris Camelia 200 Rug by Illulian
Located in Geneve, CH
FLORIS CAMELIA 200 Rug by Illulian Dimensions: D300 x H200 cm Materials: Wool 50%, Silk 50% Variations available and prices may vary according to materials and sizes. Please cont...
Silk, Wood
$5,104 / item
Elm Kilim 15 Rug by ETHNİCLOOM
Located in Geneve, CH
Elm Kilim 15 Rug by ETHNİCLOOM Dimensions: W 220 x H 330 cm Materials: Wool Weave. The Founder Ethnicloom was founded as a natural continuation of its creator, Elif Gönensay’s lif...
Wool
$22,368 / item
Huesos Tapestry by Lilia Corona
Located in Geneve, CH
Huesos tapestry by Lilia Corona One of a kind. Dimensions: W 100 x D 1 x H 700 cm. Materials: virgin wool, cotton fabric. The handmade rug in 100% virgin wool, is made in double-height shaved fabric with sections sculptured and percitho-type terry cloth. With a weight of 2,700 Kgs/m2 of wool, woven on fabric cotton base. Designed by Lilia Corona, 2016 CDMX for Platalea Studio...
Wool, Fabric, Cotton
Norden Hide Squiggle Rug Crafted in New Zealand Wool by Okej Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Norden Hide Squiggle Rug Crafted in New Zealand Wool by Okej Studio Dimensions: W 150 x L 210 cm. Materials: Wool. Available in different colors and size options. Prices may vary. ...
Wool
$15,117 / item
Kalypto Hand-Knotted Rug by Eskayel
Located in Geneve, CH
Kalypto Hand-Knotted Rug by Eskayel. Dimensions: D 10' x H 8'. Pile Height: 4 mm. Materials: 50% New Zealand wool, 50% silk. Eskayel hand-knotted...
Wool, Silk
Cloud Blue Squiggle Rug Crafted in New Zealand Wool by Okej Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Cloud Blue Squiggle Rug Crafted in New Zealand Wool by Okej Studio Dimensions: W 150 x L 180 cm. Materials: Wool. Available in different colors and size options. Prices may vary. C...
Wool
$4,768 / item
No.02 Rug by Cappelen Dimyr
Located in Geneve, CH
No.02 Rug by Cappelen Dimyr Dimensions: D220 x H280 Materials: 85% wool 15% cotton no.02 is a decorative hand-knotted rug in natural wool. The soft irregular pattern creates a v...
Wool, Cotton
$6,439 / item
Brick Nesso Uno Free Rug by Seraina Lareida
Located in Geneve, CH
Brick Nesso Uno free rug by Seraina Lareida Dimensions: W 150 x H 200 cm Materials: 100% New Zeland top-quality wool. Available in sizes Small or Medium. Also available in Sulfur...
Wool
$5,104 / item
No.18 Rug by Cappelen Dimyr
Located in Geneve, CH
No.18 Rug by Cappelen Dimyr Dimensions: D 230 x H 280 cm (excl. fringes) Materials: 85% wool, 15% cotton Colonnade no.09 & Rug no.18 is a grey-brown flat-w...
Wool, Cotton
$20,546 / item
Arketipo Rug by Illulian
Located in Geneve, CH
ARKETIPO Rug by Illulian Dimensions: D300 x H200 cm Materials: Wool 50%, Silk 50% Variations available and prices may vary according to materials and sizes. Please contact us. ...
Silk, Wood
Rustic 400 Rug by Illulian, Wool and Silk, Post-Modern Design, Italy
Located in Geneve, CH
RUSTIC 400 rug by Illulian Dimensions: D400 x H300 cm Materials: Wool 50%, Silk 50% Variations available and prices may vary according to materials and sizes. Illulian, histor...
Wool, Silk
Costa Bassa Crosby Senses Raw Edit Rug by Atelier Bowy C.D.
Located in Geneve, CH
Costa Bassa Crosby Senses Raw Edit Rug by Atelier Bowy C.D. Dimensions: W 243 x L 300 cm. Materials: Wool, silk. Available in W140 x L220, W170 x L240, W200 x L300, W243 x L300 cm. ...
Wool, Silk
Organic Shape Hand-Dyed Turqoise & Cognac European Sheepskin Rug by Carine Boxy
Located in Geneve, CH
Organic Shape Hand-Dyed Turqoise & Cognac European Sheepskin Rug by Carine Boxy Dimensions: 300 x 268 cm Materials: Naturally dyed sheepskin. Size and color can be customized upon re...
Sheepskin
$10,662 / item
Whitney Caccia Modello Edit Rug by Atelier Bowy C.D.
Located in Geneve, CH
Whitney Caccia Modello Edit Rug by Atelier Bowy C.D. Dimensions: W 243 x L 300 cm. Materials: Wool, silk. Available in W170 x L215, W190 x L235, W210 x L245, W243 x L300 cm. Atelie...
Wool, Silk
$41,082 / item
Floris Camelia 400 Rug by Illulian
Located in Geneve, CH
FLORIS CAMELIA 400 rug by Illulian Dimensions: D400 x H300 cm Materials: Wool 50%, Silk 50% Variations available and prices may vary according to materials and sizes. Illulian...
Silk, Wood
BC Graffiti Rug by Caturegli Formica, Wool, Post-Modern Design, Italy
Located in Geneve, CH
Bc Graffiti 1989-90 by Caturegli Formica. Dimensions: W 175 x L 250 cm Materials: Wool Carpets as deep information Carpets are very common items. But it has never really been...
Wool
$20,546 / item
Floris Magnolia 200 Rug by Illulian
Located in Geneve, CH
FLORIS MAGNOLIA 200 Rug by Illulian Dimensions: D300 x H200 cm Materials: Wool 50%, Silk 50% Variations available and prices may vary according to materials and sizes. Please con...
Silk, Wood
$6,972 / item
No.07 Rug by Cappelen Dimyr
Located in Geneve, CH
No.07 Rug by Cappelen Dimyr Dimensions: D290 x H350 cm Materials: 85% wool 15% cotton no.07 is an homage to the understated bohemian elegance that ...
Wool, Cotton
$9,861 / item
Komorebi Peony Rug by Antilla Di Lauro
Located in Geneve, CH
Komorebi Peony Rug by Antilla Di Lauro Dimensions: L 270 x H 180 cm. Materials: Semi-worsted wool and twisted viscose. Antilla Di Lauro (b. 1989, Milan, Italy) designs and creates o...
Other
$13,400 / item
Terrazzo Rug by Atelier Bowy C.D.
Located in Geneve, CH
Terrazzo Rug by Atelier Bowy C.D. Dimensions: W 243 x L 300 cm. Materials: Wool, silk. Available in D170, D200, D240, W140 x L220, W200 x L200, W170 x L2...
Wool, Silk
$1,844 / item
Colonnade no.08 Rug by Cappelen Dimyr
Located in Geneve, CH
Colonnade no.08 Rug by Cappelen Dimyr Dimensions: D 85 x H 240 cm (excl fringes) Materials: 85% Wool, 15% cotton Colonnade no.08 & Rug no.17 is a light flat-woven, handmade rug in n...
Wool, Cotton
$8,167 / item
Quotidiana Corinth Hand Knotted Rug by Eskayel
Located in Geneve, CH
Quotidiana Corinth hand knotted Rug by Eskayel Dimensions: D 5' x H 8' Pile Height: 4 mm Materials: Matka silk, wool. Eskayel hand knotted rugs are woven to order and can be cu...
Wool, Silk
$5,070 / item
Elm KKilim 123 Rug by ETHNİCLOOM
Located in Geneve, CH
Elm KKilim 123 Rug by ETHNİCLOOM Dimensions: W 210 x H 290 cm Materials: Wool Weave. The Founder Ethnicloom was founded as a natural continuation of its creator, Elif Gönensay’s l...
Wool
$2,807 / item
Red/Yellow Handwoven Tapestry by Calyah
Located in Geneve, CH
Red/Yellow Handwoven Tapestry by Calyah Unique piece Materials: Tibetan wool and silk. Dimensions: 170 x 65 x 1 cm Colour: red/yellow Also available in gold/orange, white/blue, ...
Wool, Silk