Design des années 80

1980s Furniture

The 1980s was a decade that revolutionized furniture design. In December 1980, Ettore Sottsass founded the Memphis Milano group in Milan, rejecting minimalism and functionalism in favor of bold colors, geometric forms, and unconventional materials. This movement – active between 1981 and 1987 – influenced the entire design world, from furniture to fashion and architecture.

Our offer includes original 1980s furniture – sofas, armchairs, chairs, tables, and lamps from renowned European manufacturers. Each piece undergoes professional restoration in our workshop before being offered for sale.

What distinguishes 1980s furniture?

Original furniture from the 80s combines several distinctive characteristics. Italian design studios (Memphis Milano, Alchimia) experimented with plastic laminates, lacquered metal, and terrazzo. Scandinavian manufacturers (Stouby, LE Klint, Skipper Furniture) continued traditions of high-quality craftsmanship in leather and wood. Brown, black, and white gave way to pastels, neon tones, and bold contrasts.

Forms of the 1980s often feature asymmetry, geometric shapes, and references to pop art. The Carlton bookcase designed by Sottsass (1981) became an icon of the era – its colorful, totemic form combined function with artistic expression. Sofas and armchairs from the 1980s are distinguished by massive proportions, soft lines, and often intensely colored upholstery.

Our offer and restoration process of 1980s furniture

Our 1980s collection includes, among others, leather sofas by Poltrona Frau and Stouby, Carrara marble tables (Metaform), chairs by Italian designers (Mario Marenco, Antonella Scarpitta for Mobil Girgi), and LE Klint lamps. All pieces are sourced directly from Italy, Denmark, and Germany.

Each piece undergoes a restoration process tailored to its specific needs. Leather sofas are cleaned and treated with professional products. Chrome elements are polished to remove signs of corrosion. Wooden components are refreshed or refinished.

Who is 1980s furniture for?

Original 1980s furniture attracts design collectors, interior architects, and individuals who appreciate expressive style. Memphis Milano pieces are included in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, and the Design Museum. In 2016, David Bowie’s Memphis furniture collection achieved over one million pounds at a Sotheby’s auction.

1980s furniture works exceptionally well in minimalist interiors as a bold accent, but also complements other vintage styles such as mid-century modern or Space Age. Our offer includes both complete sets (for example, sofa and armchairs) and individual pieces that can become the focal point of an interior.

History of 1980s design – from Memphis to postmodernism

The breakthrough moment came on December 11, 1980, in Ettore Sottsass’s apartment in Milan. A group of young designers – Martine Bedin, Michele De Lucchi, Nathalie Du Pasquier, Matteo Thun, Aldo Cibic, and George Sowden – decided to create furniture that would stand in opposition to dominant minimalism. The name Memphis comes from Bob Dylan’s song “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again,” which was playing during the meeting.

The group’s debut at the Salone del Mobile in Milan in September 1981 caused a sensation. Fifty-five pieces of furniture, lamps, and ceramic objects in vivid colors and unconventional forms divided the audience – some saw them as a revolution, others as a joke. Sottsass left the group in 1985, and Memphis Milano ceased activity in 1987, but its influence on the aesthetics of the 1980s and 1990s remains visible today.

At the same time, Scandinavian manufacturers (Stouby, Fritz Hansen, LE Klint) continued traditions of exceptional craftsmanship. Italian companies such as Poltrona Frau (founded in 1912) combined classical elegance with contemporary forms. These two currents – expressive postmodernism and restrained Scandinavian quality – coexisted, creating the stylistic richness of the decade.

Futureantiques has been operating since 2014. We specialize in original vintage furniture from the 1950s to the 1980s. Our furniture has already reached clients in over 27 countries. If you are looking for a specific 1980s furniture model or need a set in a particular style, contact us. We regularly source new pieces and can help you find exactly what you need.