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.
Pr. Oversize Black Leather Club Chairs by Brayton International Collection 1991
By Walter Knoll, Brayton International
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
Ecart Design Club Chair "W" in Chocolate Leather
Located in New York, NY
This sleak cub chair by Ecart Design of Paris is a post modern take on the classic barrol chair. Well proportioned and expertly upholstered fitted loose seat cushion and tight back o...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
1980s Norman Jaffe Postmodern Pair of Leather Club Chairs
Located in Roanoke, VA
Super cool and rare pair of leather club chairs designed by architect Norman Jaffe for US West Corporation in the 1980s. They are in their original two-tone neutral gray-blue soft an...
Leather
Vladimir Kagan 'Ellipse' Lounge Chair in Beige Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vladimir Kagan, 'Ellipse' lounge chair, alcantara, chrome-plated aluminum, United States, designed in 1976 and produced circa 1980 This 'Ellipse' lounge chair truly employs the desi...
Aluminum, Chrome
Michael Graves Postmodern Club or Lounge Chairs by David Edward Company
By David Edward, Michael Graves (b.1934)
Located in Topeka, KS
We are offering here a large number of Michael Graves designed postmodern club chairs or lounge chairs produced by David Edward Company. We have p...
Fabric, Maple
Rare Pair of Post-Modern Ebonized Oak and Leather Club Chairs by Brian Kane
By Brian Kane, Philippe Starck, Metropolitan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare pair of post-modern ebonized oak and leather club chairs by Brian Kane. Solid polished ebonized oak frames fitted with thick suppler leather cushions. Ultra-comfortable a...
Leather, Upholstery, Oak
$1,500 / item
Brayton International Mohair Club Chairs, 1999
Located in Chicago, IL
Brayton International Mohair Pair Club Chairs, 1999. Mohair with leather piping. Chairs are priced individually. Measure 30.75” tall 37.5” wide 30.5” deep, seat height 17.25” seat ...
Leather, Mohair
Pair of Fine Custom Post Modern Design Club Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of Post Modern Style barrel back chairs with sculptured frame, slightly flared arms and resting on contrasting and shape feet. The fabric is a natural striated heavy linen type....
Fabric, Wood
Pair Curvy Leather Lounge Chairs Style of Gerard Van Den Berg Montis Post-Modern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wildly curvaceous pair of deep seat lounge chairs or club chairs in stitched black leather on discreed crhromed metal feet. These chairs closely r...
Metal, Chrome
Soriana Lounge Chairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Italy, 1970s
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
Afra and Tobia Scarpa, reupholstered cognac aniline leather, Cassina, Italy, 1970s The Soriana collection was meant to express beauty and comfort by using a whole bundle of fabric...
Chrome
$6,500 / item
Modern Industrial Green Leather Metal Club Chair
Located in Treadwell, NY
Collection I: Plate chair Constructed from bold steel plates and secured by bronze wedges, the plate chair is built to last. Resolute and refined, the...
Bronze, Steel
Pair of “Moji” Armchairs by Shigeru Uchida for Poltrona Frau, Italy
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
A rare pair of “Moji” armchairs, designed in the late 1980s by the Japanese architect and designer Shigeru Uchida for Poltrona Frau. Known for his architectural and minimalist approa...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Postmodern Club Chairs in Stained Birdseye Maple by Michael Graves
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Postmodern faceted club chairs designed by Michael Graves composed of stained Birdseye Maple frames with ebony inlaid triangles and applied ebonized cylindrical decorations a...
Upholstery, Birdseye Maple
Art Deco Moderne Club Chair With Faux Horn Detail
Located in Chicago, IL
An accent chair that truly accentuates any room it is placed in. Faux horn front legs that curve up to comprise the arms. The back legs are solid walnut. Manufactured in the Philippi...
Suede, Beech, Walnut
Loveseat "Intervista" by Poltrona Frau in Pink Leather, Italy 1989
By Poltrona Frau, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find very rare postmodern loveseat, model "Intervista" designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltrona Frau. This extremally comfortable piece is done in...
Leather
$9,800 / set
Sculptural Jaymar Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Jaymar
Located in Dallas, TX
Jaymar, Quebec Cantilevered Tongue lounge chairs in the style of Louis Durot, Pierre Paulin, and Memphis Milano. These Pop Art chairs are a comfortable sculptural piece of art. Featu...
Upholstery
Leather Club Lounge Chair by Metropolitan Furniture Co.
By Metropolitan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Postmodern leather club chair by San Francisco, CA-based Metropolitan Furniture, c.1970's. The chair features the original plum colored leather with a rounded seat back. Dimensions ...
Leather
$5,100Sale Price / set|31% Off
Post-Modern Channel Tufted Lounge Chairs, Attributed to Vladimir Kagan, 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful pair of 1980s Post-Modern channel tufted lounge chairs feature three legs, one rear center leg and curved arms which morph ...
Fabric
$5,300 / set
Asymmetrical Club Chairs by Wittman
By Wittmann
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Austria. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Reupholstered in Brentano Jinx fabric. Note- both chairs are different height and are asy...
Fabric
1980s Pastel Maitland Smith Gustavian Bobbin Style Rustic Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s with this exquisite rustic large bobbin style chairs. Original pastels shimmery upholstery. The ultra rare chairs exudes ...
Upholstery, Wood
1980s Safari Tapestry Attributed to Donghia Luciano Chair and Ottoman Set of 2
By Donghia
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
This extremely rare chair and ottoman set is packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. You rarely see this popular chair style with a matching ottoman, much less in this customized stunning safari tapestry...
Tapestry, Upholstery, Wood
Pair of 1980s Postmodern Chrome Club Chairs by Bernhardt in Milo Baughman Style
By Bernhardt
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A wonderful pair of postmodern lounge chairs, circa 1970s–1980s, featuring dramatic chrome-plated cantilever bases that wrap elegantly around the barrel form. The original burnt ora...
Chrome
1 of 8 Club Chairs "Intercista" by Poltrona Frau in Pink Leather, Italy 1989
By Poltrona Frau, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find very rare postmodern club chairs model "Intervista" designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltrona Frau. ...
Leather
Pair of Postmodern Leather Armchairs "Tentazione" by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Beograd, RS
Pair of postmodern leather club chairs "Tentazione" designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina. The club chairs feature spectacular, somewhat organic and curvy design. The chairs are very...
Steel
Knoll Robert & Trix Haussmann Black Leather Club Chairs
Located in Stafford, TX
Pair of Knoll Robert & Trix Haussmann Black Leather Club Chairs An iconic pair of Knoll lounge club chairs designed by renowned Swiss architects and designers Robert and Trix Ha...
Steel
1 of 5 Club Chairs "Intervista" by Poltrona Frau in Chartreuse Leather, Italy
By Poltrona Frau, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find 5 very rare postmodern club chairs model "Intervista" designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltrona Frau...
Leather
$2,361 / item
Brass Sculptural Log Stool - Large Size by Misaya
By Masaya
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass Sculptural Log Stool - Large Size by Misaya Dimensions: W38 x D34 x H33.5 cm Materials: Brass Also Available: Different colors (Gold, Polished Brass. Black, Painted Brass) and...
Brass
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 'Soriana' Pair of Lounge Chairs, 1970's
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
Scarpa; Afra and Tobia Scarpa; Cassina; Italy; 1970's; Hollywood Regency; Minimalist; Italian Design; Afra and Tobia Scarpa, reupholstered cognac aniline leather, Cassina, Italy,...
Chrome
Postmodern Club or Side Chairs by Ligne Roset, France 1980s
By Ligne Roset
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of very rare Postmodern side or club chairs manufactured by Ligne Roset. They feature barrel-like shape, upholstered in deep blue velvet and done...
Aluminum
Blackened Brass Sculptural Log Stools – Set of 2 (Small & Large) by Misaya
By Masaya
Located in Geneve, CH
Blackened Brass Sculptural Log Stools – Set of 2 (Small & Large) by Misaya Dimensions: W22 x D27 x H44 cm (S), W38 x D34 x H33.5 (L)cm Materials: Brass Also Available: Different col...
Brass
$2,104 / item
Brass Sculptural Log Stool - Small Size by Misaya
By Masaya
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass Sculptural Log Stool - Small size by Misaya Dimensions: W 22 x D 27 x H 44 cm Materials: Brass Also available: Different colors (gold, polished brass. black, painted brass) an...
Brass
$8,936 / 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
Postmodern "Kola" Leather Club Chair by Manzoni & Tapinassi for Steiner Paris
Located in Beirut, LB
An exceptional piece of early 21st-century European seating, this authentic "Kola" lounge chair was designed by the acclaimed Italian duo Maurizio Manzoni and Roberto Tapinassi for t...
Leather
Brass Sculptural Log Stools – Set of 2 (Small & Large) by Misaya
By Masaya
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass Sculptural Log Stools – Set of 2 (Small & Large) by Misaya Dimensions: W 22 x D 27 x H 44 cm (S), W38 x D34 x H33.5 (L)cm Materials: brass Also available: different colors (go...
Brass
$1,995 / set
Modern Thayer Coggin Pink Club Chairs - Set of 2
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This striking pair of modern Thayer Coggin club chairs offers the perfect blend of clean-lined sophistication and inviting comfort. Upholstered in a vibrant pink fabric, these chairs...
Chrome
Sculptural 1970s Oversized Metal Club Chair
Located in London, GB
An oversized 1970s French artist made club chair in sheet steel. Heavily patinated with beautifully thick welds visible throughout. Recently added oversized black suede seat. Styl...
Steel
$4,225Sale Price|35% Off
Modern Industrial Green Leather Metal Club Chair (DISPLAY MODEL)
By Argosy Designs, Erik Johnson
Located in Treadwell, NY
Collection I: Plate chair Constructed from bold steel plates and secured by bronze wedges, the plate chair is built to last. Resolute and refined, the deep black, hand-applied fi...
Bronze, Steel
Cubic FM60 Chairs & Table by Radboud van Beekum for Pastoe
Located in Izegem, VWV
Characteristic set of two FM62 Cubic chairs designed by Radboud van Beekum for Pastoe the Netherlands in the 1980s. The Chairs come with a dark grey lacquered square metal frame...
Metal
$4,000 / set
Pair of Postmodern Armchairs by Franz Wittman
By Franz Wittman
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Pair of Postmodern bergères by Franz Wittman, Austrian, circa 1975 upholstered with velvet-textured Missoni fabric, with brown leather legs and armrests.
Leather, Chenille
$12,400Sale Price|20% Off
Jordan Mozer Canter’s Chairs, a Pair
By Jordan Mozer
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed in 2003 for the modern Canter’s Restaurant/Deli located in the Mirage TI, Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas Nevada. Ultra supple leather upholstery and polished aluminum bases t...
Aluminum
$3,600Sale Price|40% Off
Modern Industrial Green Leather Metal 'H' Chair (DISPLAY MODEL)
Located in Treadwell, NY
Collection II: H Chair Constructed from bold steel plates, this limited edition chair provides a striking silhouette on a solid foundation. A single brass bar serves as both accen...
Brass, Steel
Postmodern Vintage Distressed Leather Sculptural Chairs, Pair
By Jaymar
Located in Chicago, IL
Not sure how to describe how cool these chairs are. First let’s talk about the shape! Beautiful from every angle they are a work of art. Then the comfort!! My movers said they would ...
Leather
Loveseat "Intervista" by Poltrona Frau in Lime Green Leather, Italy 1989
By Poltrona Frau, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find very rare postmodern loveseat, model "Intervista" designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltrona Frau. This extremally comfortable piece is done in...
Leather
Modern Industrial Red Leather Metal 'H' Chair
Located in Treadwell, NY
Collection II: H Chair Constructed from bold steel plates, this limited edition chair provides a striking silhouette on a solid foundation. A single brass bar serves as both accent and structure, while the remaining three crossbars support a supple sling of Italian persimmon leather...
Steel, Brass
Modern Industrial Green Leather Metal 'H' Chair
Located in Treadwell, NY
Collection II: H Chair Constructed from bold steel plates, this limited edition chair provides a striking silhouette on a solid foundation. A single brass bar serves as both accen...
Steel, Brass
Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti Red Alligator Leather Club Chairs Ottoman, Set of 4
By Minotti
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The Suitcase armchairs amd ottomans by Minotti, designed by the famous architect Rodolfo Dordoni in 1997, are two examples of iconic and refined design. These unique pieces, inspired...
Chrome
$7,000 / set
Paul Haigh Sinistra Chairs by Bernhardt
By Paul Haigh 1, Bernhardt
Located in Highland, IN
A combination of a side chair and a barrel chair, the Sinistra chair designed by Paul Haigh for Bernhardt in 1987 is a striking asymmetrical design. Rich wood veneers, black lacquere...
Leather, Wood
1990s Post Modern Colorful Upholstered Three Legged Barrel Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s with this exquisite barrel chairs in a circular plinth base. The ultra rare chairs exudes an air of luxury and refinement...
Aluminum
Postmodern Pair of Martin/Brattrud Think Fast Lounge Club Chairs Purple & Green
Located in Topeka, KS
Magnificent Postmodern pair of Martin/Brattrud “Think Fast Lounge” or club chairs comprised of purple & green Maharam mohair fabric, maple front legs & black plastic back wheels desi...
Fabric, Plastic, Foam, Wood
$3,600Sale Price|40% Off
Modern Industrial Red Leather Metal 'H' Chair (DISPLAY MODEL)
Located in Treadwell, NY
Collection II: H Chair Constructed from bold steel plates, this limited edition chair provides a striking silhouette on a solid foundation. A single brass bar serves as both accen...
Brass, Steel
1990s Weiman Asymmetrical Channeled Barrel Chairs, Set of 2
By Weiman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, chairs you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it be...
Upholstery, Wood
Overstuffed Leather Lounge Chair in Brown
Located in Dekalb, IL
c. 1980s/1990s; Incanto Divani - Altamura, Apulia, Italy Oversized leather club chair upholstered in rich dark brown leather with deep cushioned seating and broad rolled arms. The d...
Leather
$315Sale Price|55% Off
Vintage 1980s Barrel Back Club Chair by Rowe
Located in Freehold, NJ
This vintage 1980s club chair by Rowe Furniture features original patterned upholstery, removable cushion, tufted seat back, and swivel base. Dimensions: 30w 35d 29h 17sh Conditio...
Upholstery
Mid Century Postmodern Italian Club Chairs Newly Reupholstered in Boucle - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Postmodern Italian Slant Back Club Chairs Newly Reupholstered in a Rich Italian "Lamb-Chop White Boucle" - Pair These lounge chairs boast a sleek Italian design with cle...
Metal
$2,207 / item
Oromo Occasional Chair by TheUrbanative
Located in Geneve, CH
Oromo occasional chair by TheUrbanative Dimensions: W54 x L57 x H76 cm Material: Rolled powder-coated steel frame with the upholstered base drum. Polypropylene cord. TheUrbanati...
Steel, Other
$1,464 / item
Halikko Stool Backrest, Black by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Halikko stool backrest, black by Made By Choice Dimensions: 47 x 42 x 84 cm Materials: solid oak Standard finishes: natural wood / painted black. Also available: upholstery in...
Oak
$1,528 / item
Lammi Bar Stool, Black by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Lammi bar stool, 66 cm, black by Made By Choice with Saku Sysiö. Dimensions: 47 x 38 x 66 cm. Materials: Oak. Standard finishes: natural wood / painted black. Also available: L...
Oak
$1,680 / item
Lammi Bar Stool, Tall, Natural Ash by Made By Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Lammi bar stool, 74 cm, Natural Ash, Tall by Made By Choice with Saku Sysiö Dimensions: 47 x 38 x 74 cm Materials: Oak Standard Finishes: Natural Wood / Painted Black Also Avai...
Oak
Set of 4, Lammi Bar Stool, Natural Ash by Made By Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4, Lammi bar stool, 66 cm, natural ash by Made By Choice with Saku Sysiö Dimensions: 47 x 38 x 66 cm Materials: Oak Standard finishes: Natural wood / painted black Also ...
Oak
$8,470 / set
Set of 2, Kaski Lounge, Narrow by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2, Kaski Lounge, Narrow by Made By Choice Dimensions: 77 x 63 x 76 cm Materials: Birch Plywood Standard finishes: natural wood / painted black Also Available: Kaski Loun...
Birch, Plywood