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.
Postmodern Black Lacquered China or Display Cabinet by Millennium for Ashley
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Postmodern by Millennium for Ashley Furniture black lacquered China or display cabinet composed of 2 pieces including a lighted top hutch with glass doors...
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Lacquer
Marc Newson 'Kiss the Future' Storage Unit in Black Molded Polypropylene
By Marc Newson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marc Newson for W & LT (Wild & Lethal Trash) retail stores, storage unit, part of the 'Kiss the Future' series, rotation molded polypropylene, Australia / Belgium, 1996-1997 Marc N...
Plastic
Marc Newson 'Kiss the Future' Sideboard in Black Molded Polypropylene
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marc Newson for W & LT (Wild & Lethal Trash) retail stores, freestanding storage unit or room divider, part of the 'Kiss the Future' series, rotation molded polypropylene, Au...
Plastic
Vintage Postmodern Marble & Glass Lighted Display Cabinet by Pulaski Furniture
By Pulaski Furniture Corporation
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Art Deco Revival to Postmodern wood, marble, brass, mirror, & glass lighted display case by Pulaksi Furnishings. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vi...
Marble, Brass
Large Genuine Ferrari Dealer Accessory Display Cabinets
Located in Ferndale, MI
Giant lacquered cabinets supplied by Ferrari to their dealerships . Showroom display cabinets for wheels , clothing and accessory parts . There are some chips and scratches shown in...
Acrylic, Wood
Bronze and Glass Etagere Shelf by Milo Baughman c. 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Architectural, voguish, stylish freestanding shelf unit, design attributed to Milo Baughman. This model is particularly chic in the brass, bronze finish, it is more commonly found i...
Bronze
$8,993 / item
Lyn High Blue Black Cabinet by Pulpo
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyn high blue black cabinet by Pulpo Dimensions: D60 x W45 x H185 cm Materials: Glass; powder coated steel. Also available in different colours. Studio Visser & Meijwaard de...
Steel
$26,327 / item
Laulu Cabinet, High by Made By Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Laulu cabinet, high by Made By Choice with Matti Klenell Dimensions: 100 x 41 x 180 cm Materials: Base in Solid Ash, Frames in Valchromat Also available: Laulu Cabinet - Low, Cu...
Ash
$5,036 / item
Lyn Small Blue Black Cabinet by Pulpo
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyn small blue black cabinet by Pulpo Dimensions: D60 x W45 x H110 cm Materials: glass; powder coated steel Also available in different colou...
Steel
$5,301Sale Price / set|20% Off
TORCELLO Series Display Cabinet Set by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Stildomus
By Stildomus, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Postmodern Italian Design TORCELLO Series Display Cabinet Set of 2 by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Stildomus. Made in Italy, 1980's period. Marked with a stamp inside one of the doors. Very well designed and constructed 4 door display cabinets...
Metal
$2,938Sale Price / set|74% Off
Pair of XL Italian Vitrines by Giorgio Collection
Located in Hanover, MA
SATURDAY SALE Pair of architectural vitrines designed by Alan Meadoff and produced in Italy in 1990 by Nuova Modernindustria for the Giorgio Collection. African walnut book matched ...
Glass, Walnut
Rare Smoked Glass and Chrome Cabinet or Vitrine by Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large smoked glass and chrome cabinet or vitrine by Pierre Cardin. Three doors and six compartments. Can be backlighted (optional). A spectacu...
Chrome
Rare Smoked Glass and Chrome Cabinet or Vitrine by Pierre Cardin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large smoked glass and chrome cabinet or vitrine by Pierre Cardin. Three doors and six compartments. Can be backlighted (optional). A spectacu...
Chrome
$6,940 / item
Lyn High Green Black Cabinet by Pulpo
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyn high green black cabinet by Pulpo. Dimensions: D60 x W45 x H185 cm. Materials: glass; powder coated steel. Also available in different colours. Studio Visser & Meijw...
Steel
$9,012 / item
Lyn High Blue Black Cabinet by Pulpo
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyn high blue black cabinet by Pulpo Dimensions: D60 x W45 x H185 cm Materials: glass; powder coated steel Also available in different colours. Studio Visser & Meijwaard...
Steel
$6,940 / item
Lyn High Grey Black Cabinet by Pulpo
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyn High Grey Black Cabinet by Pulpo Dimensions: D60 x W45 x H185 cm Materials: glass; powder coated steel Also available in different colours. Studio Visser & Meijwaard ...
Steel
$6,940 / item
Lyn High Green Black Cabinet by Pulpo
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyn high green black cabinet by Pulpo. Dimensions: D60 x W45 x H185 cm. Materials: glass; powder coated steel. Also available in different colours. Studio Visser & Meijwaard...
Steel
$4,638 / item
Lyn Small Green Black Cabinet by Pulpo
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyn small green black cabinet by Pulpo Dimensions: D60 x W45 x H110 cm Materials: glass; powder coated steel Also available in different colors. Studio Visser & Meijwaard de...
Steel
$4,638 / item
Lyn Small Grey Black Cabinet by Pulpo
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyn small grey black cabinet by Pulpo Dimensions: D60 x W45 x H110 cm Materials: glass; powder coated steel Also available in different colours. Studio Visser & Meijwaard des...
Steel
$6,940 / item
Lyn High Grey Black Cabinet by Pulpo
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyn high grey black cabinet by Pulpo Dimensions: D60 x W45 x H185 cm Materials: glass; powder coated steel Also available in different colours. Studio Visser & Meijwaard desc...
Steel
$6,940 / item
Lyn High Grey Black Cabinet by Pulpo
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyn high grey black cabinet by Pulpo Dimensions: D60 x W45 x H185 cm Materials: glass; powder coated steel Also available in different colours. Studio Visser & Meijwaard desc...
Steel
One of a Kind Custom Made Art Modern Sideboard Doors Opening Upwards Stylish
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very interesting and stylish Art Modern sideboard which has been custom made A very artist and creative piece, the style is like nothing I have ever seen, its very appealing. The doors all open upwards to reveal large cupboard space, it reminds me of an antique grain bin...
Wood
$6,940 / item
Lyn High Grey Black Cabinet by Pulpo
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyn high grey black cabinet by Pulpo Dimensions: D60 x W45 x H185 cm Materials: glass; powder coated steel Also available in different colours. Studio Visser & Meijwaard desc...
Steel
$4,638 / item
Lyn Small Grey Black Cabinet by Pulpo
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyn small grey black cabinet by Pulpo Dimensions: D60 x W45 x H110 cm Materials: glass; powder coated steel Also available in different colours. Studio Visser & Meijwaard des...
Steel
$4,638 / item
Lyn Small Grey Black Cabinet by Pulpo
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyn Small Grey Black Cabinet by Pulpo Dimensions: D60 x W45 x H110 cm Materials: glass; powder coated steel Also available in different colours. Studio Visser & Meijwaard des...
Steel
$2,800
H 80 in W 42 in D 16 in
Chrome and Glass Large Design Institute America Étagère Shelving Wall Unit
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern large chrome and glass étagère shelving wall unit.
Chrome
Vladimir Kagan Burl Wood Wall Unit Cabinet Sideboard
By Vladimir Kagan, Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern burl wood liquor cabinet bar, display cabinet or sideboard by V. Kagan. Measures: 8' Tall.
$716Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 61 in W 17.5 in D 17.5 in
Milo Baughman Style Tall Chrome and Glass Column Étagère
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Milo Baughman style tall chrome and glass column étagère, Each one fitted with four 17 inch square clear glass shelves. Each cube shelf has a display heigh...
Chrome
French Art Deco Ebonized Glass Display Cabinet
Located in Kastrup, DK
French Art Deco display cabinet in ebonized (black-polished) wood, featuring glass on all four sides. The cabinet includes a full-height glass door with a brass handle. Inside, it h...
Brass
Renato Zevi Chrome and Brass Small Étagère
Located in Hanover, MA
This is a chromed steel and brass trim small scale étagère, in the round, open from all sides, with four removable tempered safety glass shelves; two center, one floating on top and ...
Brass, Chrome
Vintage Iron And Glass Display Cabinet, 1970s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Vintage medicine cabinet from the 1970s, made in Hungary. This cabinet is a real eye-catcher thanks to its industrial design and all-glass walls on all four sides. Made of iron and g...
Iron
$6,475
H 72 in W 48 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Curvilinear Polished Brass & Glass Etagere by Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
A testament to refined elegance and innovation, this curvilinear étagère by Milo Baughman exemplifies the sophistication of mid-century modern design. Produced in America circa 1970,...
Brass
$1,421Sale Price|20% Off
H 59.45 in W 29.14 in D 13 in
Hollywood Regency Italian Chrome and Brass Etagere by Renato Zevi, 1970s
By Renato Zevi
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning Hollywood Regency etagere or display piece. Design by Renato Zevi. Striking Italian design from the 1970s. Original chrome and brass frame with five glass shelves. This ...
Brass, Chrome
Vintage Brass Vitrine / Display Cabinet by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elevate your interior with this stunning vintage brass vitrine, masterfully designed by Mastercraft in the 1980s. This exquisite display cabinet features two gracefully curved glass ...
Brass
$4,400
H 82 in W 44 in D 15 in
Tall Narrow Brass Finish Adjustable Glass Shelves Unit Bookcase Storage Etagere
By Mastercraft
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern lighted brass finish display cabinet vitrine shelving unit.
Metal
Henredon Black Lacquer and Brass Display Cabinets/Vitrines
By Henredon
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful pair of Henredon lacquer, brass, and beveled glass display cabinets. Each equipt with four adjustable shelves with plate ridge and 3 way adj...
Brass
$7,730
H 74.81 in W 51.97 in D 20.48 in
Willy Rizzo Sequoia Burl and Black Lacquer Display Cabinet with Glass Doors 1970
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Almelo, NL
Willy Rizzo Sequoia Burl and Black Lacquer Display Cabinet with Glass Doors, 1970s Elegant, bold, and timeless—this rare Sequoia Burl Display Cabinet, designed by Willy Rizzo for Ma...
Burl
Sold
H 78 in W 34 in D 16 in
Postmodern Olive Burlwood and Glass Lighted Vitrine Display Cabinets - A Pair
By Tomlinson
Located in Lutz, FL
Mid Century/Post Modern 1970’s Tomlinson Olive Burlwood Display Cabinet Pair. A striking set with brass trim/hardware, glass front doors and side panels, and interior lighting. The...
Glass, Wood
Vintage Glass Vitrine or Display Cabinet
Located in Astoria, NY
Vintage glass vitrine or display cabinet, with one glass door to side and four glass shelves inside, raised on black lacquered base and surmounted with black lacquered top with light...
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Lacquer
Arthur Court Aluminum Antler Design Etagere
By Arthur Court
Located in Astoria, NY
Rare Arthur Court Aluminum Antler Design Etagere. The etagere has four (4) glass shelves. Glass shelve inserts measure 24" W x 12" D. Unsigned bu...
Aluminum
Sold
H 61.5 in W 39.5 in D 19.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Style Bar Cabinet on Stand, Lacquer, Metal, Brass
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern style bar cabinet on stand, lacquer, metal, brass. A sleek and stunning bar having a high console metal base supporting and a ...
Metal
Oak Storage Unit with Glass Doors, Italy, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Charming solid walnut storage unit of 1970s Italy, a captivating blend of unconventional and playful aesthetics. This well-crafted credenza not only adds a touch of whimsy to your de...
Brass
Sold
H 70.67 in W 42.92 in D 17.13 in
1970s Greek Key Étagère Shelves in Manner of Guy Lefevre, Maison Jansen
Located in London, GB
This 1970s French étagère, in chrome and brass plated steel with smoke glass shelves would make a great display cabinet or bookcase. The Greek key design is reminiscent of étagères a...
Brass, Chrome
Mastercraft Brass Display Cabinet
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in New Windsor, NY
Brass and glass Mastercraft display cabinet designed by Bernhard Rohne. Brass clad cabinet, mirrored back, beveled glass panels and adjustable heigh...
Brass
Pair of Unique Stainless Steel Modern Étagères
Located in Bronx, NY
Mid-20th century design Brushed stainless steel and solid 4 shelves. Great lines and solid construction. Measures: height between shelves 13.75".
Stainless Steel
Spanish Pyramid Shaped Vitrine, 1980s
Located in Barcelona, Cataluna
Black lacquered metal and glass vitrine with interior lighting, circa 1980, Spain.
Iron
Sold
H 42 in W 73 in D 18 in
DIA Design Institute of America Steel Chrome and Glass Display Cabinet Vitrine
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern display cabinet or vitrine. Composed of 6 compartments, 3 lower and 3 raised, each with glass doors for access. Rendered in brushed steel, polished chrome and glass by DIA...
Steel, Chrome
23 KT Gold Étagere
By Belgo Chrome
Located in Antwerp, BE
23 kt gold plated étagere display unit - Rack Belgochrom, Belgium, 1970s L 150 H 90 D 40 cm
Gold Plate
Pair of 1950s Showcases/Vitrines Attributed to Maison Jansen
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of 1950s showcases attributed to Maison Jansen.
Brass