Postmodern & Memphis Style: The Ultimate Guide to Bold 80s Design
Postmodern and Memphis designs are having a major comeback — not as loud caricatures of the 80s, but as highly curated, sculptural, art-driven elements in modern interiors.
Think bold shapes, surprising colors, playful geometry, glossy finishes and furniture that blurs the line between object and artwork.
It’s expressive.
It’s conceptual.
It’s design with attitude.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Postmodern and Memphis design aesthetic: the icons, the philosophy, the key furniture pieces and how to integrate them into interiors today.
1. What Defines Postmodern & Memphis Design?
Postmodernism:
A reaction against strict minimalism.
It embraces personality, humor, color, and experimentation.
Memphis Design:
A specific Postmodern movement (founded in 1981 by Ettore Sottsass).
Graphic, playful, intentionally anti-minimalist.
Shared characteristics:
geometric shapes
bold, unexpected color combinations
laminate & lacquer surfaces
sculptural forms
asymmetry
playful, almost cartoon-like proportions
references to pop culture
objects as visual statements
It’s maximalist, but in a clever, art-driven way.
2. The Most Iconic Postmodern & Memphis Furniture Pieces
1. Carlton Bookcase — Ettore Sottsass
The crown jewel of Memphis.
A graphic, architectural sculpture disguised as a shelf.
2. Bel Air Chair — Peter Shire
Colorful, asymmetrical, instantly recognizable.
3. Casablanca Sideboard — Sottsass
Pattern overload + sculptural shapes.
4. Postmodern Pedestal & Side Tables (80s–90s)
Often lacquered, geometric, sculptural.
5. Laminate Dining Tables
Bold colors, plastic laminate surfaces — very Memphis.
6. Tubular Metal Postmodern Chairs
Graphic curves + clean primary colors.
7. 80s Sculptural Lamps
Cone shapes, geometric bases, lacquer finishes.
8. Wavy Mirrors & Zigzag Forms
Playful, iconic, now mainstream again.
9. Mario Botta Chairs & Tables
Architectural, bold, ultra-structured.
10. Michele De Lucchi’s Lights
Graphic, conceptual, collectible.
These pieces set the DNA for the Postmodern revival happening now.
3. Materials That Define Postmodern Interiors
Laminate
The signature Memphis surface — glossy, colorful, graphic.
Lacquer
High-shine surfaces in black, red, or pastel.
Chrome
Adds modernity and reflection.
Glass
Smoked or colored, used in 80s tables and lamps.
Tubular Steel
Graphic and structural.
Patterned Surfaces
Dots, squiggles, abstract shapes.
Plastics & Resins
Sculptural, lightweight, colorful.
The combination creates a vibrant, dynamic visual effect.
4. Postmodern Color Palettes
Postmodern style uses color fearlessly — but with intention.
Memphis Colors:
turquoise
bright yellow
cobalt blue
lipstick red
bubblegum pink
black & white graphic patterns
Sophisticated Postmodern (2020s Revival):
deep burgundy
forest green
chocolate brown
cream & black
pastel mint
warm beige + bold accents
Soft Postmodern:
powder blue
soft peach
mint + cream
muted primary tones
All create a strong visual identity.
5. How to Style Postmodern & Memphis Furniture Today
1. Keep the room clean and structured
Postmodern pieces are loud — they need space to shine.
2. Choose one or two statement objects
A lamp.
A chair.
A sculptural table.
Not the whole room.
3. Use contrast intentionally
Postmodern furniture + minimalist architecture = perfection.
4. Add neutral anchors
Beige walls, wood floors, soft textiles balance the bold shapes.
5. Mix eras
Chrome 70s lamp + Memphis side table?
Italian 90s shelf + postmodern chair?
Works surprisingly well.
6. Bring in art
Postmodern furniture feels incomplete without art that mirrors the shapes.
7. Keep lighting warm
Avoid harsh white light — it kills the vibe.
6. The Designers You Need to Know
Ettore Sottsass
Architect, Memphis founder, visionary.
Michele De Lucchi
Graphic lighting + furniture icons.
Shiro Kuramata
Transparent, dreamlike, poetic.
Peter Shire
Playful, sculptural forms.
Martine Bedin
Super Lamp — pure Memphis.
Mario Botta
Architectural chairs and tables.
Gaetano Pesce (Postmodern crossover)
Organic, experimental, unique.
These designers shaped the aesthetic we now call “Postmodern.”
7. How to Identify Real Vintage Postmodern Furniture
1. Material authenticity
Real Memphis pieces use strong laminate, not cheap plastics.
2. Weight & construction
Vintage lacquer furniture is surprisingly heavy.
3. Labels & signatures
Look for Memphis Milano marks, or designer stamps.
4. Proportions
Original shapes are bold but perfectly balanced.
5. Condition
Lacquer chips, but can be restored.
Laminate should be crisp and clean.
6. Look for the era clues
Real 80s/90s pieces have unique hardware, screws, edge finishing.
Conclusion
Postmodern and Memphis Design is bold, playful, art-driven design that rejects minimalism and celebrates personality.
From sculptural lamps to lacquer tables, geometric chairs to graphic shelves, it transforms any interior into a curated, expressive and contemporary space.
It’s not about being loud —
it’s about being intentional, creative and confident.
The 80s are back, but this time, smarter and more refined.