Skip to main content

Post Modern Memphis Table

to
25
71
63
139
9
1
5
139
10
3
119
7
74
15
92
49
37
29
14
106
84
20
19
6
149
148
148
21
9
8
6
5
Diminutive Stilnovo Post Modern, Memphis Table Lamp
Diminutive Stilnovo Post Modern, Memphis Table Lamp

Diminutive Stilnovo Post Modern, Memphis Table Lamp

By Stilnovo

Located in Doraville, GA

An uncommon diminutive table or accent lamp from Stilnovo. The lamp has a bright green handle / body with an opaque diffuser, the bulb socket is plastic with a 13 foot nylon twist co...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Post Modern Halogen Table Lamp, Memphis Style, Italy, 1985
Post Modern Halogen Table Lamp, Memphis Style, Italy, 1985

Post Modern Halogen Table Lamp, Memphis Style, Italy, 1985

By Memphis Group

Located in Den Haag, NL

Very nice Post Modern Halogen table lamp. Two light stands. like the shape of this lamp.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Plastic

Side Table by Pierre Charpin for Memphis/Post Design
Side Table by Pierre Charpin for Memphis/Post Design

Side Table by Pierre Charpin for Memphis/Post Design

By Post Design, Memphis Milano, Pierre Charpin

Located in Ravenna, IT

Coffee table designed by Pierre Charpin for the 1998 Memphis/Post Design "'A Furniture Show'" collection. The coffee table is developed as a grounded volume on which, on one side, is...

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Center Tables

Materials

Maple

12/12 Dining Table by Pierre Charpin for Memphis/Post Design
12/12 Dining Table by Pierre Charpin for Memphis/Post Design

12/12 Dining Table by Pierre Charpin for Memphis/Post Design

By Post Design, Memphis Milano, Pierre Charpin

Located in Ravenna, IT

Table made by Pierre Charpin for Memphis/Post Design's "A Furniture Catalog" collection in 1970. Featuring a graphic line that follows the contour of the top and legs, the table appe...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Tables

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Memphis Style Wire Mesh Grid Lucite Table Lamps Post-Modern, Italy
Memphis Style Wire Mesh Grid Lucite Table Lamps Post-Modern, Italy

Memphis Style Wire Mesh Grid Lucite Table Lamps Post-Modern, Italy

By Memphis Group

Located in Vienna, AT

Pair of Wire Mesh Grid Lucite Table lamps Post-modern, Italy around 1980 sold as a pair Up for consideration is this post-modern pair of table lamps comprised of a metal grid me...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Post-Modern Memphis & Art Deco Style Porcelain Table or Side Lamp, Italy, 1980s
Post-Modern Memphis & Art Deco Style Porcelain Table or Side Lamp, Italy, 1980s

Post-Modern Memphis & Art Deco Style Porcelain Table or Side Lamp, Italy, 1980s

By Memphis Milano

Located in Vienna, AT

A beautiful and decorative postmodern Art Deco-style table or side lamp from the 1980s, made in Italy. The lamp’s base is crafted from porcelain with a beige glaze and features stunn...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Post Modern Memphis Style Wavy Steel Plant or Speaker Stand, 5 Available
Post Modern Memphis Style Wavy Steel Plant or Speaker Stand, 5 Available

Post Modern Memphis Style Wavy Steel Plant or Speaker Stand, 5 Available

By Memphis Group

Located in Chesterfield, NJ

Fun and wavy post modern metal plant stands or speaker stands. These stands are made of steel with a wavy 3 bar design and have a fresh coat of black paint on them. Look great indivi...

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Pedestals

Materials

Steel

Memphis Milano Post-Modern Desk Lamp, White Plastic & Black Base, 1984
Memphis Milano Post-Modern Desk Lamp, White Plastic & Black Base, 1984

Memphis Milano Post-Modern Desk Lamp, White Plastic & Black Base, 1984

By Memphis Milano

Located in Den Haag, NL

Typical 80s square shaped desk lamp, White plastic on a black metal base. Tubular lighting good working condition.      

Category

Vintage 1980s Dutch Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Plastic

Oversized Pop Art Post Modern Memphis Glass Light Bulb Lamp
Oversized Pop Art Post Modern Memphis Glass Light Bulb Lamp

Oversized Pop Art Post Modern Memphis Glass Light Bulb Lamp

By Memphis Group

Located in Chicago, IL

Oversized Pop Art glass light bulb lamp. Appears to be from the early 1980s. High quality. Possibly made in Italy. Memphis Ettore Sottsass Arredoluce style.

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Glass

Pair of Memphis Milano style Post modern steel squiggle dome lamps in Black
Pair of Memphis Milano style Post modern steel squiggle dome lamps in Black

Pair of Memphis Milano style Post modern steel squiggle dome lamps in Black

By Memphis Milano

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Pair of Memphis style Post modern steel squiggle lamps Black finish with large steel dome shades. Good vintage condition. Both Lamps work fine with a standard 120v American cord. Eac...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Italian Post Modern Memphis Sottsass Style Coffee Table in Black
Mid Century Italian Post Modern Memphis Sottsass Style Coffee Table in Black

Mid Century Italian Post Modern Memphis Sottsass Style Coffee Table in Black

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A super funky cocktail table design from the 1980's and made in Italy. It features all steel construction with thick clear glass top. Very good ready to use condition.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Post Modern Memphis Milano, 1980s Oceanic Table Lamp by Michele de Lucchi
Post Modern Memphis Milano, 1980s Oceanic Table Lamp by Michele de Lucchi

Post Modern Memphis Milano, 1980s Oceanic Table Lamp by Michele de Lucchi

By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group

Located in Renens, CH

Authentic vintage Oceanic table lamp by Italian architect Michele de Lucchi for the Memphis movement in the early 1980s. De Lucchi was one of the co-founders of the postmodern design...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Pair Post Modern Memphis Style Table Lamps
Pair Post Modern Memphis Style Table Lamps

Pair Post Modern Memphis Style Table Lamps

Located in Houston, TX

Pair Post Modern Memphis Style Table Lamps in tessellated stone, possibly Maitland Smith Lampshades are 18" in diameter

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Stone

Post-modern sculptural memphis style pedestal table, 1980s
Post-modern sculptural memphis style pedestal table, 1980s

Post-modern sculptural memphis style pedestal table, 1980s

Located in STRASBOURG, FR

Original side table or pedestal in a radical postmodernist design, composed of black-painted folded sheet metal and red-lacquered particleboard. Its dimensions make it ideal as a so...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

Post-Modern Laquered Picasso Art Cocktail Table
Post-Modern Laquered Picasso Art Cocktail Table

Post-Modern Laquered Picasso Art Cocktail Table

By Memphis Milano

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Vintage cocktail table with a lacquered Picasso's "large stiff life with pedestal table" top. Circa 1970's or 80's. Gorgeous statement piece with bold colors and gloss black hourgla...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Javier Mariscal Post-Modern Bar Cart Hilton For Memphis , Italy, 1981
Javier Mariscal Post-Modern Bar Cart Hilton For Memphis , Italy, 1981

Javier Mariscal Post-Modern Bar Cart Hilton For Memphis , Italy, 1981

By Javier Mariscal, Memphis Milano

Located in Vienna, AT

Javier Mariscal Post-Modern Bar Cart Hilton For Memphis , Italy, 1981 Rare Memphis bar cart ‚Hilton’, trolley on smoothly running casters offering a lot of space for putting bottles...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Steel

Renato Mandurini Very Large Dining Table Post-Modern, 1980
Renato Mandurini Very Large Dining Table Post-Modern, 1980

Renato Mandurini Very Large Dining Table Post-Modern, 1980

By Memphis Milano

Located in Vienna, AT

Unusual original dining table by Renato Mandurini designed and produced 1980 Dimensions are 77.16" x 77.16" x 30.3" (height) This extraordinary dining table was designed by Renato ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Steel

1990s Post Modern Colorful Abstract Oval Wood Dining Table
1990s Post Modern Colorful Abstract Oval Wood Dining Table

1990s Post Modern Colorful Abstract Oval Wood Dining Table

By Memphis Group

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, dining table you could hope to find. In its original condition. No restoration. Outstanding design is exhibited throug...

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of Post-Modern Table Lamps, circa 1980, Italy
Pair of Post-Modern Table Lamps, circa 1980, Italy

Pair of Post-Modern Table Lamps, circa 1980, Italy

By Memphis Group

Located in Brussels, BE

Pair of post-modern table lamps, circa 1980, Italy. Probably designed by the Memphis group.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

1980s Post Modern Green Marble Black Iron Coffee Table
1980s Post Modern Green Marble Black Iron Coffee Table

1980s Post Modern Green Marble Black Iron Coffee Table

By Memphis Milano

Located in Stafford, TX

Beautiful marble coffee table in great condition as seen! See photos for details and message with questions.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron

Simple Post Modern white Laminate round dining game table
Simple Post Modern white Laminate round dining game table

Simple Post Modern white Laminate round dining game table

By Memphis Milano

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Simple Post Modern white Laminate round dining table. white Laminate with white round base. No Chips very clean. Round top and round base. Made circa 1980s Located in Brooklyn NYC. ...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Laminate

Post-Modern Memphis-Style Floorlamps, 1980s
Post-Modern Memphis-Style Floorlamps, 1980s

Post-Modern Memphis-Style Floorlamps, 1980s

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dynamic pair of 1980s sculptural Memphis-style floor lamps. Both with a black enameled L-shaped body with a wooden base. Each lamp has its own unique abstract linear elements that at...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Post modern Memphis style artistic writing desk and chair, Germany 1980s
Post modern Memphis style artistic writing desk and chair, Germany 1980s

Post modern Memphis style artistic writing desk and chair, Germany 1980s

By Memphis Group, Gaetano Pesce, Ettore Sottsass

Located in ECHT, NL

Unique artistic writing desk and chair. The frame is made from steel and wrought iron in different shapes and sizes. Painted in several different colors. The glass top rest on 4 wood...

Category

Late 20th Century German Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Memphis Style Table Lamp Fiberglass, circa 1980
Memphis Style Table Lamp Fiberglass, circa 1980

Memphis Style Table Lamp Fiberglass, circa 1980

By Memphis Group

Located in Vienna, AT

Desk light from wood and glass-fiber, Italy post-modernism Very good condition, the wood was lacquered in white, blue and black, the glass-fiber dome shows no damages. One bulb w...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Postmodern Side Table in the Memphis Group Style. Circa 1980s
Postmodern Side Table in the Memphis Group Style. Circa 1980s

Postmodern Side Table in the Memphis Group Style. Circa 1980s

By Memphis Milano

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage Postmodern Side Table in the Memphis Group Style. Circa 1980s Features a quintessential 1980s postmodern design, with chrome pedestals, pastel colors lacquer and glass insert...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass, Lacquer

Post Modern artistic funky Painted 2 Drawer narrow Desk or console table
Post Modern artistic funky Painted 2 Drawer narrow Desk or console table

Post Modern artistic funky Painted 2 Drawer narrow Desk or console table

By Memphis Milano

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Post Modern artistic funky painted yellow orange green splatters with 2 drawers wood narrow desk or console table.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Postmodern Italian Memphis Design dining table 1980s Marble Base
Postmodern Italian Memphis Design dining table 1980s Marble Base

Postmodern Italian Memphis Design dining table 1980s Marble Base

By Memphis Milano

Located in San Diego, CA

Rare majestic Dining table from the 1980's Memphis movement with Italian Carrara marble uprights and steel elements. very rare piece striking and unique in great condition the top is...

Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Table 'Brazil' by Peter Shire, Memphis Milano, 1981
Table 'Brazil' by Peter Shire, Memphis Milano, 1981

Table 'Brazil' by Peter Shire, Memphis Milano, 1981

By Peter Shire, Memphis Milano

Located in Berlin, DE

The 'Brazil' table was created in 1981 by designer Peter Shire for the Italian brand Memphis Milano. It stands out with its striking asymmetrical silhouette and bright colors.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Tables

Materials

Wood

Post-Modern Memphis Style Side Table Fontana Arte, solid Glass, Italy 1980s
Post-Modern Memphis Style Side Table Fontana Arte, solid Glass, Italy 1980s

Post-Modern Memphis Style Side Table Fontana Arte, solid Glass, Italy 1980s

By Fontana Arte

Located in Saarbruecken, DE

Mid-Century Memphis Style Side Table Fontana Arte, solid Glass, Italy 1980s- very heavy, very solid. perfect condition.

Category

Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass

1980s Post Modern Memphis Milano Style Dining Table, Carrara Marble Top
1980s Post Modern Memphis Milano Style Dining Table, Carrara Marble Top

1980s Post Modern Memphis Milano Style Dining Table, Carrara Marble Top

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Culver City, CA

This dining table would look incredible in any mid century modern, post modern, mod or Memphis Milano styled home or business.

Category

Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble, Stainless Steel

Post-Modern Memphis Style Italian Aluminum Frame Bar Cart
Post-Modern Memphis Style Italian Aluminum Frame Bar Cart

Post-Modern Memphis Style Italian Aluminum Frame Bar Cart

By Philippe Starck, Mario Botta, Mario Bellini, Ettore Sottsass

Located in San Diego, CA

Wonderful example of Italian Post-Modern Memphis design, circa 1980s. Versatile piece on casters that can be used as tea, bar or serving serving cart. The piece is made of wood with ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Serving Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Large Italian Coffee Table Style of Memphis Milano, 1990s
Large Italian Coffee Table Style of Memphis Milano, 1990s

Large Italian Coffee Table Style of Memphis Milano, 1990s

By Memphis Milano

Located in Paris, IDF

The delicious, rule-breaking elements of postmodern design are evident in this large Italian coffee table in the style of Peter Shire and Memphis Milano, made in the 1990s. The ample...

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Memphis Milano Mimosa Table by Ettore Sottsass
Memphis Milano Mimosa Table by Ettore Sottsass

Memphis Milano Mimosa Table by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano

Located in Toronto, ON

With its elementary shapes and delicate pastel colours, Mimosa by Ettore Sottsass seems to have come out of the world of childhood or dreams. This work asks us to free our imaginatio...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Glass, Laminate, Wood

Memphis Milano Hyatt Table by Ettore Sottsass
Memphis Milano Hyatt Table by Ettore Sottsass

Memphis Milano Hyatt Table by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano

Located in Toronto, ON

Imposing and superb, Hyatt by Ettore Sottsass evokes the structure of the classical column with the “capital” equal to the base. A side table that certainly does not go unnoticed for...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Postmodern Dining Table Geometrical Base Round & Glass Top Style Memphis Group
Postmodern Dining Table Geometrical Base Round & Glass Top Style Memphis Group

Postmodern Dining Table Geometrical Base Round & Glass Top Style Memphis Group

By Memphis Group

Located in Topeka, KS

Marvelous vintage Postmodern dining table w/geometrical pedestal base & scalloped edge glass top in the style of the Memphis Group. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this...

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Metal

Pierre Table, by George J. Sowden, for Memphis Milano Collection
Pierre Table, by George J. Sowden, for Memphis Milano Collection

Pierre Table, by George J. Sowden, for Memphis Milano Collection

By George Sowden, Memphis Milano

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

George J. Sowden 1981 Table made of lacquered wood and covered with decorative laminate, metal frame. The surprising optical effect of Pierre is the result of the alternation of two ...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Tables

Materials

Metal

1990s Multi-Colored Sculptural Memphis Style Dining Table & 6 Chairs
1990s Multi-Colored Sculptural Memphis Style Dining Table & 6 Chairs

1990s Multi-Colored Sculptural Memphis Style Dining Table & 6 Chairs

By Memphis Group

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

The extremely rare Memphis style sculptural dining set is statement piece which is also comfortable and packed with personality! Just look at the lines and sculptural shape on this b...

Category

1990s Post-Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Metal

Arquitectonica 1984 Madonna Table Desk Memphis Milano Postmodern Miami Sottsass
Arquitectonica 1984 Madonna Table Desk Memphis Milano Postmodern Miami Sottsass

Arquitectonica 1984 Madonna Table Desk Memphis Milano Postmodern Miami Sottsass

By Memphis Group, Arquitectonica, Memphis Milano

Located in Munster, NRW

Madonna table by Arquitectonica Miami for Memphis Milano, 1984. Iconic an extremely rare postmodern piece and one of the only Memphis Group productions whose design was commissione...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

1980s Memphis Style Steel Chairs and Round Entending Dining Table
1980s Memphis Style Steel Chairs and Round Entending Dining Table

1980s Memphis Style Steel Chairs and Round Entending Dining Table

By Memphis Group

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, dining set you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful cabinet is statement piec...

Category

Vintage 1980s European Post-Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Steel

Ettore Sottsass "Cream" occasional table for Memphis Milano
Ettore Sottsass "Cream" occasional table for Memphis Milano

Ettore Sottsass "Cream" occasional table for Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Skokie, IL

Cream end table in plastic laminate by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano collection. Applied aluminum manufacturer's label to side ‘Memphis Milano Ettore Sottsass 1984 Made in Italy.'

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern End Tables

Materials

Plastic, Plywood

Mid Century post Modern Custom Solid Birch Coffee Table Bench Black Lacquer
Mid Century post Modern Custom Solid Birch Coffee Table Bench Black Lacquer

Mid Century post Modern Custom Solid Birch Coffee Table Bench Black Lacquer

By Memphis Milano

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern custom solid birch coffee table bench black lacquer. Very Heavy solid wood Coffee table or bench. All Black Custom Made. Located in Brooklyn NYC.

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Birch

Memphis Table By Shiro Kuramata Sally Glass Chrome Rolling Table, 1987
Memphis Table By Shiro Kuramata Sally Glass Chrome Rolling Table, 1987

Memphis Table By Shiro Kuramata Sally Glass Chrome Rolling Table, 1987

By Memphis Group, Shiro Kuramata

Located in Vienna, AT

Round rolling table sally by Shiro Kuramata for Memphis, 1987 Dimensions are 30.31" x 23.35" x 23.35" Iconic table 'Sally' by Shiro Kuramata, Japan, 1987 for Memphis. Comprised of ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Japanese Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Midcentury Italian Post Modern Mirror Chrome Small Scale Console or Sofa Table
Midcentury Italian Post Modern Mirror Chrome Small Scale Console or Sofa Table

Midcentury Italian Post Modern Mirror Chrome Small Scale Console or Sofa Table

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A funky post modern classic console table from Italy, circa 1990s. It features a mirror polished chrome clad case, with wood bullnose and clear glass top.

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Console Tables

Materials

Chrome

Post modern coffee table with a hidden rotating bar, Germany 1980s
Post modern coffee table with a hidden rotating bar, Germany 1980s

Post modern coffee table with a hidden rotating bar, Germany 1980s

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group

Located in ECHT, NL

Post modern square coffee table. Made from white lacquered MDF. It has a hidden bar inside. By turning the center, it unlocks. It has a self rising mechanism that pushes the center u...

Category

Late 20th Century German Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Monumental Memphis Styled Lucite Light Up Column Pedestal
Monumental Memphis Styled Lucite Light Up Column Pedestal

Monumental Memphis Styled Lucite Light Up Column Pedestal

By Memphis Group

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A Lucite Memphis styled column pedestal finished in a gun metal gray hammer coating with step up base and thick frosted Lucite light up top and foot control switch the top diameter i...

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Post-Modern Pedestals

Materials

Lucite

Post modern custom tan with maroon stripe dining table by Pace
Post modern custom tan with maroon stripe dining table by Pace

Post modern custom tan with maroon stripe dining table by Pace

By Pace Collection, Memphis Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Post modern Gem 10’ long curved oval dining table with (2) leaves. High gloss acrylic top with a beautiful taupe tan color with 2 dark red maroon stripes. Very nice arched base with ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Acrylic, Plexiglass, Wood

Super Table Lamp by Martine Bedin Memphis, 1981
Super Table Lamp by Martine Bedin Memphis, 1981

Super Table Lamp by Martine Bedin Memphis, 1981

By Martine Bedin, Memphis Milano

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Super table lamp designed by Martine Bedin for Memphis in 1981. The project fits perfectly into the context of the birth of the Memphis movement, of which Bedin is one of the foundi...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Tord Bjorklund Post-modern Side or Coffee Table, Memphis Style, Sweden, 1980s
Tord Bjorklund Post-modern Side or Coffee Table, Memphis Style, Sweden, 1980s

Tord Bjorklund Post-modern Side or Coffee Table, Memphis Style, Sweden, 1980s

By IKEA, Tord Bjorklund

Located in Vienna, AT

A round folding Memphis style coffee / side / occasional flip-top table in yolk-yellow. Designed in 1986 by Tord Björklund for Ikea. This collapsible table is made of metal, has love...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swedish Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Coffee table in glass Birillo 7 Tarcisio Colzani, Memphis style blu white red
Coffee table in glass Birillo 7 Tarcisio Colzani, Memphis style blu white red

Coffee table in glass Birillo 7 Tarcisio Colzani, Memphis style blu white red

By Memphis Group

Located in Milano, Lombardia

an extremely unique coffee table. Designed and produced in Italy in the 1980s, following the memphis style, it is an incrediblely interesting object and perfect for all design enthus...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Metal

Postmodern Square Blue End Side Drink Table Memphis Style, Small
Postmodern Square Blue End Side Drink Table Memphis Style, Small

Postmodern Square Blue End Side Drink Table Memphis Style, Small

By Marco Zanini, Memphis Group

Located in New York, NY

A cool, chic, small royal blue side/end/drinks table, Postmodern period, Memphis style, after designer Marco Zanini, circa late-20th century, 1980s. A monochromatic table in wood and...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Ettore Sottsass City Dining Table for Memphis Milano, 1983
Ettore Sottsass City Dining Table for Memphis Milano, 1983

Ettore Sottsass City Dining Table for Memphis Milano, 1983

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Kansas City, MO

Ettore Sottsass "City" dining table in black and brown spotted laminate with chrome plated steel legs. Very good condition with light scratches seen upon close inspection in raking ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Memphis Writing Desk, Aldo Cibic, Memphis Milano, 1985
Memphis Writing Desk, Aldo Cibic, Memphis Milano, 1985

Memphis Writing Desk, Aldo Cibic, Memphis Milano, 1985

By Aldo Cibic, Memphis Milano

Located in Renens, CH

Rare "Sophia" Writing Desk by Aldo Cibic for Memphis Milano, 1985. Aldo Cibic, an associate of Ettore Sottsass, co-founded the Memphis Group in 1981 and produced some fifteen fur...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Laminate, Wood

An Important POST-MODERN MEMPHIS Floor or TABLE LAMP, France or Italy 1980
An Important POST-MODERN MEMPHIS Floor or TABLE LAMP, France or Italy 1980

An Important POST-MODERN MEMPHIS Floor or TABLE LAMP, France or Italy 1980

Located in PARIS, FR

An enormous table lamp or rather, floor lamp, Post-Modernist, Bauhaus, Memphis, thick triangular base in wood veneered with varnished cork burr, white lacquered metal tube topped wit...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Cork

Walter Garro 1990 for Samuel Parker Slamp Post Modern Memphis Italian Table Lamp
Walter Garro 1990 for Samuel Parker Slamp Post Modern Memphis Italian Table Lamp

Walter Garro 1990 for Samuel Parker Slamp Post Modern Memphis Italian Table Lamp

By Samuel Parker

Located in Miami, FL

Created in a very limited edition, this is a perfect accent for a lounge, relax areas, conversations areas or bedrooms decorated in modern, contemporary style. They work well as floo...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Resin, Plastic, Lucite

Post Modern Memphis Alsy Style Squiggle Form Black Metal Table Lamp c. 1980/90s
Post Modern Memphis Alsy Style Squiggle Form Black Metal Table Lamp c. 1980/90s

Post Modern Memphis Alsy Style Squiggle Form Black Metal Table Lamp c. 1980/90s

By Alsy Manufacturing 1

Located in New York, NY

Wiggly, and squiggly Post Modern, Memphis school table lamp made in the USA, attributed to Alsy, circa 1980/90's, unsigned.

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

City table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
City table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano

City table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Ravenna, IT

Table designed by Ettore Sottrass for Zanotta in 1990. The supporting legs are sinuous and rounded, while the top is decorated with floral shapes. Unique piece, discontinued. Underne...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Tables

Materials

Steel

Post modern adjustable lamp by Herda, Netherlands 1980s
Post modern adjustable lamp by Herda, Netherlands 1980s

Post modern adjustable lamp by Herda, Netherlands 1980s

By Memphis Group, Herda, Ettore Sottsass

Located in ECHT, NL

Post modern design desk lamp. Made by Dutch company Herda in the 1980s. Made from wood and metal. I has a halogen bulb that is dimmable by a turn knob on the base. The lamp in full ...

Category

Late 20th Century Dutch Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

1980s Memphis Style Red Triangle Base Desk Clock
1980s Memphis Style Red Triangle Base Desk Clock

1980s Memphis Style Red Triangle Base Desk Clock

By Memphis Milano

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A perfectly designed 1980s Memphis Milano-inspired desk clock with a black triangular base, red plastic case, and black and white squiggle face. Looks like it could've been designed...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Plastic

Super Table Lamp by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano, Italy, 1981
Super Table Lamp by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano, Italy, 1981

Super Table Lamp by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano, Italy, 1981

By Memphis Milano, Martine Bedin

Located in Beirut, LB

Designed in 1981 by the visionary Martine Bedin, the Super Table Lamp stands tall as one of the most iconic creations of the Memphis group. Constructed from fiberglass, this masterpi...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Samuel Parker 1990 Post Modern Memphis Italian Slamp Etno Lamp in Resin
Samuel Parker 1990 Post Modern Memphis Italian Slamp Etno Lamp in Resin

Samuel Parker 1990 Post Modern Memphis Italian Slamp Etno Lamp in Resin

By Samuel Parker

Located in Miami, FL

Table lamp designed by Samuel Parker for Slamp. Unusual lamp designed in Milano Italy by Samuel Parker for Slamp. Produced in Italy between the end of the 1980s and the beginning ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Resin, Plastic

  • 1

Recent Sales

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Memphis Style Table Lamps Postmodern Glass / Chrome
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Memphis Style Table Lamps Postmodern Glass / Chrome

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Memphis Style Table Lamps Postmodern Glass / Chrome

By Memphis Group

Located in Miami, FL

These lamps have a very unique look, though vintage they have a very post modern, Memphis look. Made of glass / Lucite / chrome, these lamps will definitely make a statement. Wiring ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Memphis Tahiti Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass
Memphis Tahiti Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass

Memphis Tahiti Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass

Unavailable

H 27.56 in W 14.97 in D 3.94 in

Memphis Tahiti Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass

By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano

Located in Austin, TX

This superbly designed and iconic table lamp by Ettore Sottsass is sure to make a statement on any contemporary desk, console, or nightstand. It features an eye-catching silhouette ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Ettore Sottsass for Memphis 'Bay' Table Lamp, 1983
Ettore Sottsass for Memphis 'Bay' Table Lamp, 1983

Ettore Sottsass for Memphis 'Bay' Table Lamp, 1983

By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Parma, IT

Ettore Sottsass 'Bay' table lamp for Memphis Milano, 1983. In painted metal, glass and plexiglass.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Hyatt by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano 1980s Italian Postmodern Table
Hyatt by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano 1980s Italian Postmodern Table

Hyatt by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano 1980s Italian Postmodern Table

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group

Located in London, GB

Designed in 1984 by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano. Excellent provenance. 20th century piece. Purchased from a prolific and well documented collector. We can ship worldwide...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Pair of Octagonal Brutalist Memphis Side Tables with Faux Concrete Finish
Pair of Octagonal Brutalist Memphis Side Tables with Faux Concrete Finish

Pair of Octagonal Brutalist Memphis Side Tables with Faux Concrete Finish

By Lionel Lamy, Memphis Group

Located in Dallas, TX

1980s side tables redone in a Brutalist Memphis furniture style with hand-applied faux concrete finish. Octagonal shape with sculptural panels on side and smoked octagonal glass inse...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Walnut, Paint

Ettore Sottsass for Memphis 'Ashoka' Big Table Lamp, 1981
Ettore Sottsass for Memphis 'Ashoka' Big Table Lamp, 1981

Ettore Sottsass for Memphis 'Ashoka' Big Table Lamp, 1981

Unavailable

H 33.47 in W 29.53 in D 5.12 in

Ettore Sottsass for Memphis 'Ashoka' Big Table Lamp, 1981

By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Parma, IT

Ettore Sottsass 'Ashoka' table lamp, 1981 Memphis Milano. In painted and chromed metal, with five lights and one alogen light inside the top yellow piece.  

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Michele De Lucchi "Burgundy" Table for Memphis Milano, 1985
Michele De Lucchi "Burgundy" Table for Memphis Milano, 1985

Michele De Lucchi "Burgundy" Table for Memphis Milano, 1985

By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group

Located in Chicago, IL

Rare Postmodern design dining table by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano. Retains original tag dated 1985. Constructed of enameled steel tubular frame with patterned laminate sur...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Steel

Memphis Style Studio Artist Post Modern Solar System Metal Glass Coffee Table
Memphis Style Studio Artist Post Modern Solar System Metal Glass Coffee Table

Memphis Style Studio Artist Post Modern Solar System Metal Glass Coffee Table

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in El Cajon, CA

Outrageous, artist-made welded iron Memphis Style coffee table depicting celestial scene or stylized sky. Heavy beveled glass top.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century North American Brutalist Coffee and Cocktail T...

Materials

Metal

Unique Mid-Century Postmodern Peter Shire Memphis Style Sculptural Tri-Pod Lamp
Unique Mid-Century Postmodern Peter Shire Memphis Style Sculptural Tri-Pod Lamp

Unique Mid-Century Postmodern Peter Shire Memphis Style Sculptural Tri-Pod Lamp

By Memphis Group

Located in Miami, FL

Unique lamp constructed mostly of aluminum with copper accents and some color glass balls on the spiraling cone top. Lamp uses a halogen bulb, so I would dated post 1970. Electrical ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Copper

Ettore Sottsass for Memphis 'Jagati' Table or Wall Lamp in Wood, Year 2000
Ettore Sottsass for Memphis 'Jagati' Table or Wall Lamp in Wood, Year 2000

Ettore Sottsass for Memphis 'Jagati' Table or Wall Lamp in Wood, Year 2000

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group

Located in Parma, IT

Ettore Sottsass table or wall lamp 'Jagati' for Memphis Milano, part of the collection 'Mobili Lunghi', of the year 2000. In wood with aniline, with support for wall on the back.  

Category

Early 2000s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Wood

Pattica Lamp for Memphis Post Design, E. Sottsass
Pattica Lamp for Memphis Post Design, E. Sottsass

Pattica Lamp for Memphis Post Design, E. Sottsass

Unavailable

H 5.91 in W 24.02 in D 6.3 in

Pattica Lamp for Memphis Post Design, E. Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Bern, CH

A lamp designed by Ettore Sottsass for the Post Design movement. The lamp features a series of five fluorescent bulbs on an aniline yellow dyed wooden encasing. On the bottom-side...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Wood

Martine Bedin Super Lamp Memphis Milano Italian Postmodern, Museum Provenance
Martine Bedin Super Lamp Memphis Milano Italian Postmodern, Museum Provenance

Martine Bedin Super Lamp Memphis Milano Italian Postmodern, Museum Provenance

By Martine Bedin, Memphis Group

Located in London, GB

Designed in 1981 by Martine Bedin for Memphis Milano. Fibreglass. Ceramic bulb holders and rubber tyres. Excellent provenance. Late 20th century piece. Purchased from a prol...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Fiberglass, Rubber

Memphis style Side table, Late 20th Century
Memphis style Side table, Late 20th Century

Memphis style Side table, Late 20th Century

Unavailable

H 26.38 in W 16.54 in D 24.41 in

Memphis style Side table, Late 20th Century

Located in Schagen, NL

Stunning post-modern side table featuring a metal base (Cast Iron, Chrome and a small Brass part) and a laminated mint green table top.

Category

Late 20th Century European Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Sophia, a Writing Desk by Aldo Cibic for Memphis Milano 1980s Italian Postmodern
Sophia, a Writing Desk by Aldo Cibic for Memphis Milano 1980s Italian Postmodern

Sophia, a Writing Desk by Aldo Cibic for Memphis Milano 1980s Italian Postmodern

By Memphis Group, Aldo Cibic

Located in London, GB

Sophia, a postmodern writing desk of reconstituted veneer, briar and lacquered wood designed by Aldo Cibic for Memphis Milano, circa 1985. An original and rare 1980s piece of Memp...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Shiro Kuramata KYOTO Round Table for Memphis Milano
Shiro Kuramata KYOTO Round Table for Memphis Milano

Shiro Kuramata KYOTO Round Table for Memphis Milano

Unavailable

H 29 in W 24 in D 24 in

Shiro Kuramata KYOTO Round Table for Memphis Milano

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Kyoto round table (1983) Shiro Kuramata (Japan) / Memphis Milano Round end table in metal and colored-glass-infused "Star Piece" terrazzo Dimensions: Ø 23.75", height: 28.5". ...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Center Tables

Materials

Steel

MIMOSA End Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
MIMOSA End Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano

MIMOSA End Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano

Unavailable

H 16.5 in W 16.5 in D 16.5 in

MIMOSA End Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A multi-use, highly-functional end table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis (1984). The top possesses a small inserted piece of tempered glass, otherwise leaving the piece to visually re...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Laminate

CREAM End Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
CREAM End Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano

CREAM End Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano

Unavailable

H 15.75 in W 19.75 in D 19.75 in

CREAM End Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Cream end table by Ettore Sottsass for MEMPHIS (1984) is a rare example of the designer's play/riff on minimalism of course he just can't help himself and adjoins it with softene...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Laminate

Postmodern Multicolored Italian Memphis Design Pedestal Gueridon Side Table
Postmodern Multicolored Italian Memphis Design Pedestal Gueridon Side Table

Postmodern Multicolored Italian Memphis Design Pedestal Gueridon Side Table

Located in Zagreb, HR

1980's Postmodern Peter Shire Style Italian Pedestal or Bar Table. This beautiful sculptural Memphis design statement piece features abstract wooden structure in yellow, red, black,...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Gueridon

Materials

Marble, Metal

KRISTALL Side Table by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano
KRISTALL Side Table by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano

KRISTALL Side Table by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano

By Michele de Lucchi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

From the inaugural 1981 Memphis collection, this very popular design by Michele De Lucchi (one of the founding members of the design collective) implements a De Lucchi laminate desig...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Postmodernism Pair of Nesting Tables in Steel and Wood
Postmodernism Pair of Nesting Tables in Steel and Wood

Postmodernism Pair of Nesting Tables in Steel and Wood

Unavailable

H 26 in W 23.75 in D 23.75 in

Postmodernism Pair of Nesting Tables in Steel and Wood

By Memphis Group

Located in Quechee, VT

This pair of Postmodern nesting tables, which features dot-punched wavy grey steel legs and triangular silver-painted wooden tops, was studio-made circa 1985. The silver paint is app...

Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Materials

Silver, Steel

Ettore Sottsass TAHITI Table Lamp for Memphis Milano
Ettore Sottsass TAHITI Table Lamp for Memphis Milano

Ettore Sottsass TAHITI Table Lamp for Memphis Milano

Unavailable

H 24 in W 14 in D 4.5 in

Ettore Sottsass TAHITI Table Lamp for Memphis Milano

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The ultimate Sottsass table light!! Anthropomorphic (looks like a parrot) as the head (w/ lamp) swivels up and down. Designed for the inaugural 1981 MEMPHIS exhibition, this ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

POLAR Side Table by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano
POLAR Side Table by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano

POLAR Side Table by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano

By Michele de Lucchi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Another quirky anthropomorphic table by Michele De Lucchi, early Memphis trailblazer (looks a little like "Mickey", don't it??). When you think of Memphis, this is truly it!! Brig...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern End Tables

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Ettore Sottsass ASHOKA Table Lamp for MEMPHIS Milano
Ettore Sottsass ASHOKA Table Lamp for MEMPHIS Milano

Ettore Sottsass ASHOKA Table Lamp for MEMPHIS Milano

Unavailable

H 33.5 in W 29 in D 4 in

Ettore Sottsass ASHOKA Table Lamp for MEMPHIS Milano

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Ashoka table lamp is an early Ettore Sottsass lighting masterwork for the introductory 1981 MEMPHIS collection as iconoclastic a light/sculpture as you'll find anywhere!! With v...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

1980s Memphis Milano Design Style Tall Side Tables Sottsass Period Modernist
1980s Memphis Milano Design Style Tall Side Tables Sottsass Period Modernist

1980s Memphis Milano Design Style Tall Side Tables Sottsass Period Modernist

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in London, GB

A unique pair of modernist side tables made in the 1980s and in the style of Memphis Design. Black curved rod iron frame with a bended handle on top of a white round plastic base wit...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Iron

Brutalist Memphis Era Dining Table by Pucci De Rossi
Brutalist Memphis Era Dining Table by Pucci De Rossi

Brutalist Memphis Era Dining Table by Pucci De Rossi

By Pucci De Rossi

Located in Dallas, TX

Patinated steel and glass dining table designed by Pucci De Rossi, circa 1987. Comprised of two welded-together thick, cut-out steel plates with an aged-bronze patina. Top is 1/4" th...

Category

Late 20th Century French Post-Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Steel

PICCADILLY Table Lamp by Gerard Taylor for Memphis Milano
PICCADILLY Table Lamp by Gerard Taylor for Memphis Milano

PICCADILLY Table Lamp by Gerard Taylor for Memphis Milano

By Gerard Taylor

Located in Brooklyn, NY

An early Memphis table lamp by Scottish Designer Gerard Taylor (of Sottsass Associate fame), from the 1982 Memphis exhibition. Uber-precise in its detailing, it has its apparent root...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

80s Postmodern Charles Cobb Sottsass Memphis Rosewood Walnut Steel Accent Table
80s Postmodern Charles Cobb Sottsass Memphis Rosewood Walnut Steel Accent Table

80s Postmodern Charles Cobb Sottsass Memphis Rosewood Walnut Steel Accent Table

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Elloree, SC

A one-of-a-kind Memphis style accent side table by Charles B. Cobb in the manner of Ettore Sottsass. This is a work—of rosewood, walnut, and steel—so well executed that it immediatel...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

IVORY Pedestal and Side Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
IVORY Pedestal and Side Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano

IVORY Pedestal and Side Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The ivory pedestal is (in my mind) the accompaniment to Sottsass' TARTAR Cubist-like sideboard --- a visual attempt to show each elevation/plain as though it were 3-D rather than a f...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Pedestals

Materials

Hardwood

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Post Modern Memphis Table", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Post Modern Memphis Table For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic post modern memphis table available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, wood and glass, every post modern memphis table was constructed with great care. If you’re shopping for a post modern memphis table, we have 167 options in-stock, while there are 6 modern editions to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a post modern memphis table — find older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A post modern memphis table, designed in the Mid-Century Modern or Modern style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass and Michele de Lucchi each produced at least one beautiful post modern memphis table that is worth considering.

How Much is a Post Modern Memphis Table?

Prices for a post modern memphis table start at $225 and top out at $19,500 with the average selling for $2,208.

A Close Look at Post-modern Furniture

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

  • Emerges during the 1960s; popularity explodes during the ’80s
  • A reaction to prevailing conventions of modernism by mainly American architects
  • Architect Robert Venturi critiques modern architecture in his Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture (1966)
  • Theorist Charles Jencks, who championed architecture filled with allusions and cultural references, writes The Language of Post-Modern Architecture (1977)
  • Italian design collective the Memphis Group, also known as Memphis Milano, meets for the first time (1980) 
  • Memphis collective debuts more than 50 objects and furnishings at Salone del Milano (1981)
  • Interest in style declines, minimalism gains steam

CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Dizzying graphic patterns and an emphasis on loud, off-the-wall colors
  • Use of plastic and laminates, glass, metal and marble; lacquered and painted wood 
  • Unconventional proportions and abundant ornamentation
  • Playful nods to Art Deco and Pop art

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 Mendinia 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.