Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is the difference between Memphis and Art Deco?
1 Answer

The difference between Memphis and Art Deco is that the terms refer to two different design styles. Art Deco emerged in the 1920s, and its pieces often flaunt bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs and ornamental details, such as mirrored finishes and inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. Named after the Memphis Group, which formed in 1980, Memphis design emphasizes freedom of expression, dizzying patterns and off-the-wall colors. Some people describe it as Art Deco meets Pop art. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Art Deco and Memphis design furniture.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
Related Questions
- What is the difference between Art Deco and MCM?1 Answer
- What is the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco?1 Answer
- What is the difference between Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry?1 Answer
- What is the difference between art and fine art?1 Answer
- What is the difference between an art dealer and an art broker?1 Answer
Shop for Memphis Group Furniture on 1stDibs
Ettore Sottsass Memphis Milano Diva Vintage Wall Mirror, Italy, 1984
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in Vienna, AT
A post-modern wall-mounted mirror, Model „Diva" designed in 1984 by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano, Italy. This mirror is a vintage original from the 1980s, made from wood and mi...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Wall Mirrors
Materials
Glass, Mirror, Laminate, Wood
First Chair by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis
By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group
Located in Vienna, AT
Iconic "First Chair" designed by Michelle de Lucchi for Memphis Milano 1983 in good condition, some scratches to the seat.
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Carlton Wood Miniature Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown an authentic and perfect reproduction of the Carlton bookcase, originally designed in 1981 by Ettore Sottsass. The vivid colors and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Plastic
Tahiti Table Lamp 'EU VERSION 220v', by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis, Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the EU wired 220v 'Tahiti' table lamp, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981. The light fixture is of a polychrome enameled metal "duck" with a pivoting-like head mo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Broccoli Fruit Bowl, by Marco Zanini from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Marco Zanini
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Ceramic three-level fruit bowl originally designed by Marco Zanini in 1985 for Memphis Milano. The three geometrical shapes in three colors complete the idea of a trilogy.
Marco Zan...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Horizon Double Bed, by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Horizon Double bed designed in 1984 by Michele De Lucchi, in plastic laminate, with optional cotton bedspread (designed by Ettore Sottsass) optional.
Michele De Lucchi was born in 1951 in Ferrara and graduated in architecture in Florence. During the period of radical and experimental architecture he was a prominent figure in movements like Cavart, Alchymia and Memphis. His architectural designs have been mainly for office buildings in Japan, in Germany, in Switzerland and in Italy. He has taken care of numerous art and design exhibitions and has planned buildings for museums as Triennale di Milano, Palazzo delle Esposizioni di Roma and Neues Museum...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Plastic