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.
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
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Post modern taupe beige Gloss lacquer 6 Drawer long Abbinabili Dresser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful post modern taupe beige gloss lacquer Abbinabili 6 drawer long dresser, circa 1980. Very clean inside and out. Look at photos. all drawers have metal glides with stops. Gre...
Plywood, Lacquer
$1,050Sale Price|30% Off
Post modern mahogany Gloss faux wood Laminate waterfall 6 Drawer Dresser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful post modern faux mahogany wood grain gloss laminate waterfall front 6 drawer dresser, circa 1980. Very clean inside and out. Look at photos. all drawers have metal glides w...
Laminate, Plywood
$1,837Sale Price|25% Off
Post modern off white Gloss Laminate waterfall 6 Drawer long Dresser
By Memphis Milano, Lane Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
beautiful post modern off white gloss laminate and chrome trim waterfall front 6 drawer long dresser, circa 1980. Very clean inside and out. Look at photos. all drawers have metal gl...
Laminate, Plywood
1980s Rounded Brass Ello 9 Drawer Mirrored Front Dresser
Located in Bensalem, PA
Stunning 9 drawer Ello dresser with matching mirror I also have a matching bed nightstands and tallboy if interested please feel free to email me with any questions or additional pic...
Brass
$1,042Sale Price|54% Off
Early 1990s Postmodern Waterfall Marbleized Formica Chest of Drawers / Dresser
Located in Miami, FL
Early 1990s Postmodern waterfall marbleized formica chest of drawers / dresser. Features the perfect sizing to fit in any small room, a six draw...
Brass
Vintage 1980s Postmodern Grey Three Drawer Dresser Tall Boy
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Shiro Kuramata, Kazuhide Takahama, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This vintage 1980s Postmodern dresser is a striking statement piece featuring three stacked drawers and a clean-lined silhouette. Its sleek design and rich finish embody the bold, so...
Wood
1990s Large Kreiss Travertine and Oak Night Stands End Table, Set of
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, travertine and oak night stands or end tables you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, une...
Travertine
$3,420Sale Price|25% Off
Postmodern Cerused Pink Dresser In the Style of Jay Spectre for Century, 1980s
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking 1980s Postmodern dresser has been fully refinished in a custom cerused pink finish with contrasting white grain, giving the oak an architectural texture that feels both...
Wood, Oak
1980s Sculptural Oak Dresser by Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This gorgeous dresser was designed by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture. A great dimensional light oak dresser with brushed metal banding for added details. This thing is heavy duty....
Metal
$2,640Sale Price|20% Off
Jay Spectre Modern White Oak dresser 7 drawer post modern Dresser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jay Spectre bleached oak veneer 7 drawer Dresser with ribbed drawer pulls, resting on a chrome plinth, Made by Century Furniture c. 1980s Made in USA. Labeled in Drawer - Has origina...
Steel
Post Modern Nine Drawer Dresser Chest of Drawers Granite and White Mica Laminate
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern dresser or chest of drawers rendered in textured granite and white Formica Laminate, with slanted front drawers all on tracks. USA, 1980s
Formica, Laminate, Wood
$2,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Post modern bright white Gloss Laminate waterfall 3 Drawer Dressers
By Memphis Milano, Lane Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of matching beautiful post modern bright white gloss laminate waterfall front 3 drawer short dressers, circa 1980. Very clean inside and out. Look at photos. all drawers have me...
Laminate, Plywood
$9,212 / item
Il Pezzo 2 Settimino Highboy by Il Pezzo Mancante
Located in Geneve, CH
Il Pezzo 2 Settimino Highboy by Il Pezzo Mancante Dimensions: W 50 x D 50 x H 109 cm Materials: Structure: 100% solid walnut treated with natural oil Top: white Carrara marble / bla...
Marble
Custom 1980s Grasscloth Dresser - Lacquered Cream
Located in Raleigh, NC
Custom-made dresser from the 1980s wrapped in grasscloth and finished with lacquer in cream/straw tones. The natural fiber texture of the grasscloth creates subtle horizontal striati...
Grasscloth, Wood
$9,375 / item
Mawar Hand Carved Dresser
Located in New York, US
Made from solid mahogany, the Mawar Dresser is inspired by the traditional Indonesian floral carving. Each petals hand-carved by artisans, with a passion passed down for generations....
Mahogany
Postmodern Lacquer Dresser with Faux-Marble Top
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A vintage postmodern lacquer dresser with a faux-marble top and a bold, architectural case form. The piece has a substantial low profile, wide storage footprint, and graphic surface ...
Wood, Lacquer
American Postmodern Style Dresser in Walnut Finish
Located in San Diego, CA
The soft lines on this dresser are reflected in its gently rounded silhouette, offering a sleek design with a refined, sculptural profile. This dresser brings poise and polish to bed...
Wood
Trout Studios Grisette Cabinet Birch Wood Aluminum Post Modern Chest of Drawers
By Trout Studios
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Trout Studios Grisette Cabinet Birch Wood Aluminum Chest of Drawers, Post Modern. Item features drawers that open from either side (finished all the way around), birch wood construct...
Aluminum
$3,349 / item
Bardot Dresser, Two Doors, by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Bardot Dresser, Two Doors, by Morica Design Dimensions: D 51 x W 113 x H 76 cm. Materials: Lacquered wood, brushed brass, glass. Available in Anthracite, Denim Blue, Terracotta, Mar...
Brass
Vintage Boho Pencil Reed Waterfall Dresser
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional vintage dresser exemplifies the sought-after "waterfall" design, rendered entirely in tightly wrapped pencil reed rattan—a hallmark of high-style coastal and Postmod...
Rattan, Reed
$35,011 / item
Marea Dresser by De Castelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Marea Dresser by De Castelli Dimensions: W 190 x D 45 x H 71 cm Materials: DeMarea Brass, Titanium Oak Wood Copper and Stainless Steel versions are available. Three and Nine drawers ...
Brass
Jay Spectre 7 Drawer Oak Dresser by Century
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Highland, IN
Designed by Jay Spectre for Century, this dramatic 7-drawer dresser from his "Eclipse" collection is a post-modern take on Deco / Moderne design. Crafted of oak with a black lacquer ...
Chrome
Italian post-modern white wood chest of drawers with black plastic handles 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian post-modern white wood chest of drawers with black plastic handles 1980s Rectangular chest of drawers in white painted wood. On the top there is a second transparent glass to...
Glass, Plastic, Wood
$2,337 / item
Sils Sideboard by Pastform
Located in Geneve, CH
Sils Sideboard by Pastform Dimensions: D 40 x W 100 x H 85 cm. Materials: Stained and varnished wood. Available in different wood color finishes: Nobel, Rum, BPA, Whiskey, Natura, Brandy, and Schwarz. Please contact us. Rooted in a good tradition The Pastform Furniture...
Wood
$3,326 / item
Nora Medium Sideboard by Pastform
Located in Geneve, CH
Nora Medium Sideboard by Pastform Dimensions: D 40 x W 160 x H 85 cm. Materials: Stained and varnished wood. Available in three different sizes: 140/160/180 cm. Please contact us. ...
Wood
Lane Tallboy Dresser, Postmodern 5-Drawer Chest, Wood, Beige, USA, c. 1980s
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A distinctive tallboy dresser in the postmodern tradition, crafted from wood and veneer and showcasing a soft beige finish with a natural wood base. This piece blends minimalist mid-...
Wood
$5,501 / item
Margarette Dresser, Three Doors, by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Margarette Dresser, Three Doors, by Morica Design Dimensions: D 48 x W 168 x H 77 cm. Materials: Patagonia glass, Canaletto walnut. Available in Canaletto Walnut, Laguna Oak, and Wh...
Glass, Wood
$3,838 / item
Sils Large Sideboard by Pastform
Located in Geneve, CH
Sils Large Sideboard by Pastform Dimensions: D 40 x W 155 x H 85 cm. Materials: Stained and varnished wood. Available in different wood color finishes: Nobel, Rum, BPA, Whiskey, Natura, Brandy, and Schwarz. Please contact us. Rooted in a good tradition The Pastform Furniture...
Wood
$4,454 / item
Bardot Box Dresser by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Bardot Box Dresser by Morica Design Dimensions: D 51 x W 113 x H 130 cm. Materials: Lacquered wood, brushed brass, glass. Available in Anthracite, Denim Blue, Terracotta, Marsala Re...
Brass
$12,480 / item
Stuck Dressoir D1 by Studio Pin
Located in Geneve, CH
Stuck Dressoir D1 by Studio Pin Dimensions: W 185 x D 43 x H 100 cm Materials: solid oak / MDF matt white finish. Weight: 70 kg “Stuck” by Studio Pin is a collection that goes ...
Oak
$13,818 / item
Il Pezzo 2 Cassettiera Dresser by Il Pezzo Mancante
Located in Geneve, CH
Il Pezzo 1 Daybed by Il Pezzo Mancante Dimensions: W 110 x D 54 x H 89 cm Materials: Structure: 100% solid walnut treated with natural oil Top: white Carrara marble / black Marquini...
Marble
$44,224 / item
Sunbreaker Six Drawer Dresser by Laylo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Sunbreaker Six Drawer Dresser by Laylo Studio Limited Edition Dimensions: D 61 x W 182.8 x H 81.2 cm. Materials: Powder-coated steel, maple. Carved wood and welded steel. Referencin...
Steel
$4,641 / item
Binario Dresser by Dale Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Binario Dresser by Dale Italia Dimensions: D 55 x W 131 x H 80 cm. Materials: Walnut. Walnut veneer blockboard, drawers in solid walnut, and handles in solid Wenge. Available in two...
Walnut
$678 / item
Object 016 Towel Rack by NG Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 016 towel rack by NG Design Dimensions: D 77 x W 20 x H 160 cm Materials: Powder coated steel. Also available: All of ob...
Steel
$4,943 / item
Eleva Dresser by Dale Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Eleva Dresser And Bedside Table by Dale Italia Dimensions: D 50 x W 140 x H 80 cm. Materials: Walnut. Frame in walnut veneer blockboard with solid edging. Available in two different...
Walnut
$1,419 / item
Object 010 Hanger by NG Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 010 Hanger by NG Design Dimensions: D120 x W50 x H180 cm Materials: Powder coated steel. Also Available: All of objects available in different materials and colors on dem...
Steel
$15,109 / item
Antonia Dresser by Lorena Vieyra
By Lorena Vieyra
Located in Geneve, CH
Antonia dresser by Lorena Vieyra Dimensions: D 120 x W 47 x H 160 cm Materials: walnut wood, Calcatta marble. Dressing table made of walnut and steel. Includes mirror without di...
Marble, Steel
Post-Modern Rounded Edge Honey Oak Five Drawer Highboy Dresser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This striking five-drawer tallboy chest exemplifies the clean, sculptural aesthetic of 1980s Post-Modern design. Crafted from warm honey oak, the piece features a distinctive "waterf...
Oak
Postmodern Italian Frosted Glass Dresser With Side Chest
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Postmodern Italian Light Wood & Frosted Glass 5 Drawer Dresser with 2 Drawer Low Profile Side Chest This vintage postmodern Italian dresser features a light wood finish comp...
Glass, Wood
Vintage 1980s Postmodern Burlwood Dresser, Caramel Sapele Pommele Veneer
By Lane Furniture, Karl Springer, Romeo Rega, Milo Baughman, Paul Evans
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A striking vintage 1980s Postmodern dresser crafted in richly figured Sapele Pommele veneer, commonly associated with burlwood for its dramatic grain and dimensional movement. Measu...
Wood
$5,653 / item
Universe Dresser, Four Doors, by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Universe Dresser, Four Doors, by Morica Design Dimensions: D 48 x W 222 x H 76 cm. Materials: Marsala Red lacquered wood. Available in Marsala Red, Cipria, Cobalt Blue, Terracotta, ...
Wood
$19,355 / item
Sunbreaker Three Drawer Dresser by Laylo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Sunbreaker Three Drawer Dresser by Laylo Studio Limited Edition Dimensions: D 61 x W 91.4 x H 81.2 cm. Materials: Powder-coated steel, maple. Carved wood and welded steel. Referenci...
Steel
$4,338 / item
Velo Dresser by Dale Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Velo Dresser by Dale Italia Dimensions: D 55 x W 131 x H 80 cm. Materials: Walnut. The frame is made of walnut veneer blockboard with solid edging. Available in two different sizes ...
Walnut
$6,316 / item
Margarette Dresser, Four Doors, by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Margarette Dresser, Four Doors, by Morica Design Dimensions: D 48 x W 222 x H 77 cm. Materials: Trinity White glass, white oak. Available in Canaletto Walnut, Laguna Oak, and White ...
Wood, Glass
$3,512 / item
Taylor Dresser with 5 Drawers by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Taylor dresser with 5 drawers by Domkapa Dimensions: W 61 x D 60 x H 120 cm. Materials: Moka lacquered matte, microfiber (Tarn 05). Also available in different materials. Taylo...
Natural Fiber, Lacquer
$5,385 / item
Bardot Dresser, Four Doors, by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Bardot Dresser, Four Doors, by Morica Design Dimensions: D 51 x W 222 x H 76 cm. Materials: Lacquered wood, brushed brass, glass. Available in Anthracite, Denim Blue, Terracotta, Ma...
Brass
$4,513 / item
Liliale Dresser by Dale Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Liliale Dresser by Dale Italia Dimensions: D 55 x W 131 x H 80 cm. Materials: Walnut. The walnut veneer blockboard and drawers are made of solid walnut. Available in two different s...
Walnut
$3,536 / item
Classy + Sideboard by Pastform
Located in Geneve, CH
Classy + Sideboard by Pastform Dimensions: D 46 x W 140 x H 95 cm. Materials: Stained and varnished wood. Available in different wood color finishes: Nobel, Rum, BPA, Whiskey, Natur...
Wood
$3,152 / item
Medium Living Dresser by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Living Dresser by Morica Design Dimensions: D 43 x W 180 x H 80 cm. Materials: Anthracite lacquered wood, oak wood. Available in Canaletto Walnut, Laguna Oak, and Oak wood. P...
Wood
Canette Dresser, Two Doors and 3 Drawers, by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Canette Dresser, Two Doors and Three Drawers, by Morica Design Dimensions: D 48 x W 172 x H 78 cm. Materials: Cognac leather, Canaletto walnut, metal. Available in Canaletto Walnut,...
Leather, Wood
$6,537 / item
Canette Dresser, Four Doors, by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Canette Dresser, Four Doors, by Morica Design Dimensions: D 48 x W 226 x H 78 cm. Materials: Anthracite leather, Laguna oak, metal. Available in Canaletto Walnut, Laguna Oak, and Oa...
Wood, Leather
$3,582 / item
Small Living Dresser by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Living Dresser by Morica Design Dimensions: D 43 x W 140 x H 80 cm. Materials: Oxidized bronze lacquered wood, oak wood. Available in Canaletto Walnut, Laguna Oak, and Oak woo...
Wood
$5,152 / item
Universe Box Sideboard by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Universe Box Sideboard by Morica Design Dimensions: D 48 x W 111 x H 147 cm. Materials: Cobalt Blue lacquered wood, Canaletto walnut. Available in Marsala Red, Cipria, Cobalt Blue, ...
Wood
$4,001 / item
Base Dresser by Dale Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Base Dresser by Dale Italia Dimensions: D 55 x W 131 x H 80 cm. Materials: Walnut. Walnut veneer blockboard and drawers in solid walnut. Available in two different sizes and two fin...
Walnut
$4,827 / item
Trama E Ordito Dresser by Dale Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Trama E Ordito Dresser by Dale Italia Dimensions: D 55 x W 131 x H 80 cm. Materials: Walnut. Walnut veneer blockboard and drawers in sawn effect solid walnut. Available in two diffe...
Walnut
$4,513 / item
Colore Dresser by Dale Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Colore Dresser by Dale Italia Dimensions: D 55 x W 131 x H 80 cm. Materials: Walnut. The frame is made of walnut veneer blockboard with solid edging. Available in two different size...
Walnut
$651 / item
Object 011 Hanger by NG Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 011 Hanger by NG Design. Dimensions: D130 x W40 x H190 cm. Materials: powder coated steel. Also available: All of objects available in different materials and colors on d...
Steel
$74,408 / item
Semainier Brass and Walnut Dresser by Gentner Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Semainier brass and walnut dresser by Gentner Design Dimensions: D 35.5 x W 45.7 x H 218 cm Materials: patinated brass, walnut wood A modern take on a semainier, complete with vanity mirror and nine variable depth drawers, provides ample storage for all things. The top drawer, conveniently slim, is the ideal space for watches, ties or jewelry. Different from traditional cabinets...
Brass
$977 / item
Asse Zeta Clothes Stand by Mingardo
Located in Geneve, CH
Asse Zeta clothes stand by Mingardo. Dimensions: D170 x W77 x H100 cm. Materials: Ral 9005 black varnished iron structure and satin natural brass detai...
Brass, Iron