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Set of 3 Postmodern German Candleholders from SKS, West Germany, 1980s
Set of 3 Postmodern German Candleholders from SKS, West Germany, 1980s

Set of 3 Postmodern German Candleholders from SKS, West Germany, 1980s

Located in Hamburg, DE

Three coloured candlesticks of different heights by sks, west-germany. a design in postmodern

Category

20th Century German Post-Modern More Candle Holders

Materials

Metal

Postmodern Pair of Brown and Aquamarine Murano Glass Candleholders, Italy
Postmodern Pair of Brown and Aquamarine Murano Glass Candleholders, Italy

Postmodern Pair of Brown and Aquamarine Murano Glass Candleholders, Italy

Located in Bresso, Lombardy

become a piece in a home. This pair would work wonders with the postmodern set of three aquamarine and

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Murano Glass

Christophe Pillet for Algorithme, Postmodern Silver Plate Candlesticks, a Pair
Christophe Pillet for Algorithme, Postmodern Silver Plate Candlesticks, a Pair

Christophe Pillet for Algorithme, Postmodern Silver Plate Candlesticks, a Pair

By Christophe Pillet

Located in Jensen Beach, FL

Fabulous, rare pair of candlesticks designed by Christophe Pillet for Algorithme. Silver plate, made in France.

Category

Vintage 1980s Candlesticks

Materials

Silver Plate

Steven Holl Patinated Bronze Candlestick for Swid Powell rare Postmodern Memphis
Steven Holl Patinated Bronze Candlestick for Swid Powell rare Postmodern Memphis

Steven Holl Patinated Bronze Candlestick for Swid Powell rare Postmodern Memphis

By Steven Holl, Swid Powell

Located in San Diego, CA

, with some scuff marks due to age solid piece great for postmodern , Memphis mid century home decor.

Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Bronze

Postmodern Silver-Plated Brass and Plexiglass Candelabrum by Mesa, Italy 1970s
Postmodern Silver-Plated Brass and Plexiglass Candelabrum by Mesa, Italy 1970s

Postmodern Silver-Plated Brass and Plexiglass Candelabrum by Mesa, Italy 1970s

By Mesa

Located in Bresso, Lombardy

Made in Italy, 1970s. This splendid candelabrum is made in silver-plated brass and plexiglass. It features its original patina, but we can clean it for free. The candelabrum is vi...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass, Silver

A set of three neoclassical postmodern “Ruins” stone candleholders, late 20th c
A set of three neoclassical postmodern “Ruins” stone candleholders, late 20th c

A set of three neoclassical postmodern “Ruins” stone candleholders, late 20th c

By Renoir Designs

Located in View Park, CA

century. This postmodern trio emulates the neoclassical sensibilities of Ancient Greece and Rome while

Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Candlesticks

Materials

Soapstone

Pr. Postmodern Silverplate Candlesticks by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, 1980's
Pr. Postmodern Silverplate Candlesticks by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, 1980's

Pr. Postmodern Silverplate Candlesticks by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, 1980's

By Richard Meier, Swid Powell

Located in New York, NY

Incredible pair of post modern silver plate candlesticks, by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Very hard to find, especially in pairs, this impressive set will complete a table setting,...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Silver Plate

Pair of Postmodern Style Candleholders Designed by Kate Spade for Lenox
Pair of Postmodern Style Candleholders Designed by Kate Spade for Lenox

Pair of Postmodern Style Candleholders Designed by Kate Spade for Lenox

By Lenox's Ceramic Art Company, Kate Spade

Located in San Diego, CA

Pair of porcelain postmodern style candle holders, beautiful colors with silver edge accent by Kate

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Postmodern Tony Evans(1942-2009) Three Candle Candelabra
Postmodern Tony Evans(1942-2009) Three Candle Candelabra

Postmodern Tony Evans(1942-2009) Three Candle Candelabra

By Tony Evans

Located in Westfield, NJ

Rare postmodern candelabra by Tony Evans (1942-2009) that holds three taper candles. The candles

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal, Brass

Postmodern Candlesticks Designed by Robert A. M. Stern for Swid Powell, 1980s
Postmodern Candlesticks Designed by Robert A. M. Stern for Swid Powell, 1980s

Postmodern Candlesticks Designed by Robert A. M. Stern for Swid Powell, 1980s

By Robert A.M. Stern

Located in Winnetka, IL

Two impressive silver plated candlesticks designed by the postmodernist architect Robert A. M. Stern (b. 1939) for Swid Powell. The columnar designs reflect Stern's interest in class...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Silver Plate

Sculptural Postmodern Geometric Silver and Brass Plated Candle Holders
Sculptural Postmodern Geometric Silver and Brass Plated Candle Holders

Sculptural Postmodern Geometric Silver and Brass Plated Candle Holders

Located in Toronto, ON

Striking Geometric Sculptural Postmodern Candle Holders in Silver and Brass Plated made in the

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Post-Modern Candelabras

Materials

Silver, Brass

Pair of Postmodern Polished Brass Spiral Candle Holders
Pair of Postmodern Polished Brass Spiral Candle Holders

Pair of Postmodern Polished Brass Spiral Candle Holders

By Pierre Cardin

Located in San Diego, CA

Good looking pair of molded polished brass candle holders circa 1980s.

Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Brass

Postmodern Crystal Multi-candle holder Votive Signed by Oleg Cassini
Postmodern Crystal Multi-candle holder Votive Signed by Oleg Cassini

Postmodern Crystal Multi-candle holder Votive Signed by Oleg Cassini

By Oleg Cassini

Located in San Diego, CA

Unique and great design crystal multi candle holder solid crystal signed , excellent condition

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Crystal

Pair of Postmodern Silver and Brass Bow Candle Holders, 1980s
Pair of Postmodern Silver and Brass Bow Candle Holders, 1980s

Pair of Postmodern Silver and Brass Bow Candle Holders, 1980s

Located in Toronto, CA

Whimsical yet refined, this sculptural pair of 1980s candle holders features a striking combination

Category

Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Metal

Postmodern Lucite & Brass Set of Candle Holders by Cec Lepage Signed Date 1983
Postmodern Lucite & Brass Set of Candle Holders by Cec Lepage Signed Date 1983

Postmodern Lucite & Brass Set of Candle Holders by Cec Lepage Signed Date 1983

By Céline Lepage

Located in San Diego, CA

Clear, red-tinted with brass Lucite Cec LePage minimalist pair of candle holders with abstract

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Brass

Postmodern Arclumis Swan Candlestick Holder by Matthew Hilton
Postmodern Arclumis Swan Candlestick Holder by Matthew Hilton

Postmodern Arclumis Swan Candlestick Holder by Matthew Hilton

Located in Fairfield, CA

A vintage postmodern cast aluminum "Arclumis" Swan candlestick holder designed by Mathew Hilton

Category

Late 20th Century British Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Vintage Mid Century Memphis Age Postmodern Candlestick Holder
Pair of Vintage Mid Century Memphis Age Postmodern Candlestick Holder

Pair of Vintage Mid Century Memphis Age Postmodern Candlestick Holder

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Candlestick Holders. These unique pieces showcase a fusion of mid-century charm and postmodern flair

Category

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Metal

Postmodern Chrome Arrow Candleholder
Postmodern Chrome Arrow Candleholder

Postmodern Chrome Arrow Candleholder

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A whimsical 1980s or 90s candleholder constructed from a single bent piece of metal with 3 candle

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Metal

Set of 2 Candleholders Postmodern Retro Memphis Style, 2000
Set of 2 Candleholders Postmodern Retro Memphis Style, 2000

Set of 2 Candleholders Postmodern Retro Memphis Style, 2000

Located in Montecalvoli, IT

Set of 2 candleholders Postmodern Retro Memphis Style, 2000 Postmodern vintage candle holder from

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Metal

Postmodern Green Marble and Lucite Candlesticks, circa 1980s
Postmodern Green Marble and Lucite Candlesticks, circa 1980s

Postmodern Green Marble and Lucite Candlesticks, circa 1980s

Located in View Park, CA

A pair of postmodern marble and lucite candlesticks, late 20th century. Featuring tones of teal and

Category

Vintage 1980s European Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Marble

Striking Postmodern Menorah in Fused Glass Steel & Brass
Striking Postmodern Menorah in Fused Glass Steel & Brass

Striking Postmodern Menorah in Fused Glass Steel & Brass

Located in San Diego, CA

Incredible custom-made iron and brass with fused glass Menorah one-of-a-kind piece.

Category

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Candlesticks

Materials

Brass, Steel

Postmodern Brass Candelabra by Lars Bergsten for Gusum
Postmodern Brass Candelabra by Lars Bergsten for Gusum

Postmodern Brass Candelabra by Lars Bergsten for Gusum

By Metallslojden Gusum, Lars Bergsten

Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län

7–arm solid polished brass candelabra designed by Lars Bergsten, made by Gusum Metallslöjden in Sweden. Engraved, dated 1972.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Post-Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Vintage Postmodern Italian Onion Flower Shaped Metal Candleholder, 1980s
Vintage Postmodern Italian Onion Flower Shaped Metal Candleholder, 1980s

Vintage Postmodern Italian Onion Flower Shaped Metal Candleholder, 1980s

Located in Hamburg, DE

Vintage Postmodern Italian Onion Flower Shaped Metal Candleholder from Carnevale, 1980s, in Very

Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern More Candle Holders

Materials

Metal

Karl Springer for Seguso Postmodern Murano Glass Candlesticks with Scavo Finish
Karl Springer for Seguso Postmodern Murano Glass Candlesticks with Scavo Finish

Karl Springer for Seguso Postmodern Murano Glass Candlesticks with Scavo Finish

By Karl Springer, Seguso Vetri d'Arte

Located in Astoria, NY

Italian Postmodern pair of candlesticks designed by Karl Springer for Seguso. The pair was made

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Murano Glass

Postmodern Candelabra by Lyn Godley and Lloyd Schwan for Godley-Schwan
Postmodern Candelabra by Lyn Godley and Lloyd Schwan for Godley-Schwan

Postmodern Candelabra by Lyn Godley and Lloyd Schwan for Godley-Schwan

By Lyn Godley and Lloyd Schwan

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A stunning postmodern candlestick holder designed by Lyn Godley and Lloyd Schwan for their

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal

Swedish Postmodern Brass Candelabra by Lars Bergsten for Gusum, Sweden
Swedish Postmodern Brass Candelabra by Lars Bergsten for Gusum, Sweden

Swedish Postmodern Brass Candelabra by Lars Bergsten for Gusum, Sweden

By Metallslojden Gusum, Lars Bergsten

Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län

7–arm solid polished brass candelabra designed by Lars Bergsten, made by Gusum Metallslöjden in Sweden. Engraved, dated 1972.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Post-Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Swedish Postmodern Brass Candelabra by Lars Bergsten for Gusum, Sweden
Swedish Postmodern Brass Candelabra by Lars Bergsten for Gusum, Sweden

Swedish Postmodern Brass Candelabra by Lars Bergsten for Gusum, Sweden

By Lars Bergsten, Metallslojden Gusum

Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län

7–arm solid polished brass candelabra designed by Lars Bergsten, made by Gusum Metallslöjden in Sweden. Engraved, dated 1972.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Post-Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Postmodern Polished Steel and Brass Signed and Dated Candleholder by ADI
Postmodern Polished Steel and Brass Signed and Dated Candleholder by ADI

Postmodern Polished Steel and Brass Signed and Dated Candleholder by ADI

By Adi Sidler

Located in San Diego, CA

unique piece is numbered 9/250 incredible craftsmanship and precision with capacity for seven candles.

Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass, Steel

Scandinavian Postmodern Group of Solid Brass Candlesticks by Gusum, Sweden 1980s
Scandinavian Postmodern Group of Solid Brass Candlesticks by Gusum, Sweden 1980s

Scandinavian Postmodern Group of Solid Brass Candlesticks by Gusum, Sweden 1980s

By Metallslojden Gusum

Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län

Set of eight solid polished brass candleholders produced by Gusum Metallslöjden in Sweden during the 1980s.

Category

Vintage 1980s Swedish Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Brass

Pair of Rare Postmodern Memphis Era Candlesticks in Solid Green Marble
Pair of Rare Postmodern Memphis Era Candlesticks in Solid Green Marble

Pair of Rare Postmodern Memphis Era Candlesticks in Solid Green Marble

By Swid Powell

Located in San Diego, CA

Rare pair of candlesticks in solid green marble with copper inserts, great condition, and looks.

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Marble

Pair of Rare Postmodern Memphis Era Candleholders Designed by Michael Graves
Pair of Rare Postmodern Memphis Era Candleholders Designed by Michael Graves

Pair of Rare Postmodern Memphis Era Candleholders Designed by Michael Graves

By Michael Graves (b.1934)

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful and rare pair of candleholders designed by Michael Graves, in polished pewter, finish very nice design and condition.

Category

Late 20th Century North American Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Pewter

Pair of Rare Postmodern Memphis Era Candlesticks in Wood Plastic & Stone
Pair of Rare Postmodern Memphis Era Candlesticks in Wood Plastic & Stone

Pair of Rare Postmodern Memphis Era Candlesticks in Wood Plastic & Stone

By Swid Powell

Located in San Diego, CA

Rare pair of candlesticks in wood centers with frosted crackle plastic ring , sitting on stone, circa 1980s.

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Stone

Patinated Verdigris Postmodern Candle Holders
Patinated Verdigris Postmodern Candle Holders

Patinated Verdigris Postmodern Candle Holders

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Pair of Postmodern candle holders with a gorgeous Verdigris patina. Beautiful mix of postmodern and

Category

20th Century American Post-Modern More Candle Holders

Materials

Metal

Pair of Karl Springer Chrome & Brass Postmodern Candle Holders
Pair of Karl Springer Chrome & Brass Postmodern Candle Holders

Pair of Karl Springer Chrome & Brass Postmodern Candle Holders

By Karl Springer

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

candle holders from Karl Springer, a foremost name in postmodern design. In very good condition.  

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern More Candle Holders

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Pair of Karl Springer Chrome & Brass Postmodern Candle Holders
Pair of Karl Springer Chrome & Brass Postmodern Candle Holders

Pair of Karl Springer Chrome & Brass Postmodern Candle Holders

By Karl Springer

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

A rare pair of chrome and brass candlestick holders / candelabras by influential, important

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Memphis Style Postmodern Metal Face Candle Holder
Memphis Style Postmodern Metal Face Candle Holder

Memphis Style Postmodern Metal Face Candle Holder

Located in Fairfield, CA

A vintage postmodern memphis style black metal candle holder. A face is on one side of the candle

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Metal

Postmodern 1980's Memphis Milano Lacquer Candle Holders
Postmodern 1980's Memphis Milano Lacquer Candle Holders

Postmodern 1980's Memphis Milano Lacquer Candle Holders

By George Sowden

Located in San Diego, CA

Fantastic post-modern lacquered candle holders. Produced in Japan by Taste Setter Sigma. 1980s.

Category

Vintage 1980s Japanese Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Plastic, Wood

Danish Modern Swedish Set of 3 Glass Votive Candle Holders by Maria Vinka
Danish Modern Swedish Set of 3 Glass Votive Candle Holders by Maria Vinka

Danish Modern Swedish Set of 3 Glass Votive Candle Holders by Maria Vinka

Located in San Diego, CA

Great set of postmodern glass votive candle holders designed by Maria Vinka circa 1980's, very rare

Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Post-Modern More Candle Holders

Materials

Blown Glass

Set of Three Sottsass Memphis Postmodern Candlesticks for Swid Powell, 1980s
Set of Three Sottsass Memphis Postmodern Candlesticks for Swid Powell, 1980s

Set of Three Sottsass Memphis Postmodern Candlesticks for Swid Powell, 1980s

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Set of three Memphis-inspired Postmodern design silver plated candlesticks designed by Ettore

Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Candle Holders

Materials

Silver Plate, Steel

Set of Three Sottsass Memphis Postmodern Candlesticks for Swid Powell, 1980s
Set of Three Sottsass Memphis Postmodern Candlesticks for Swid Powell, 1980s

Set of Three Sottsass Memphis Postmodern Candlesticks for Swid Powell, 1980s

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Set of three Memphis-inspired postmodern design silver plated geometric design candlesticks

Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Candle Holders

Materials

Silver Plate, Steel

Vintage Postmodern Benazir Style Candlesticks - a Pair
Vintage Postmodern Benazir Style Candlesticks - a Pair

Vintage Postmodern Benazir Style Candlesticks - a Pair

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Incredible pair of candle holders. Shorter one measures 9.25”H

Category

Vintage 1980s Taiwanese Post-Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Postmodern Green Marble Votive Candleholder, circa 1980
Postmodern Green Marble Votive Candleholder, circa 1980

Postmodern Green Marble Votive Candleholder, circa 1980

By Angelo Mangiarotti, Sergio Asti

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Postmodern green marble votive candleholder, circa 1980.

Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Marble

Postmodern Green Marble Votive Candleholder, circa 1980
Postmodern Green Marble Votive Candleholder, circa 1980

Postmodern Green Marble Votive Candleholder, circa 1980

By Angelo Mangiarotti, Sergio Asti

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Postmodern green marble votive candleholder, circa 1980.

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Marble

Pair of Rare Postmodern Brass, Wire and Slate Candlesticks
Pair of Rare Postmodern Brass, Wire and Slate Candlesticks

Pair of Rare Postmodern Brass, Wire and Slate Candlesticks

By Swid Powell

Located in San Diego, CA

Rare pair of candlesticks in solid brass tops with screw tops on metal wire, sitting on a chunk of slate stone, circa 1980s unique and rare the tall one its 13.5" tall and the shorte...

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Slate, Metal, Brass

Late 20th Century Postmodern Black Steel Ribbon Candleholder
Late 20th Century Postmodern Black Steel Ribbon Candleholder

Late 20th Century Postmodern Black Steel Ribbon Candleholder

Located in Bridport, CT

Distinctive black metal Postmodern candelabra with folded ribbon design and removable brass inserts

Category

Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair of Postmodern Brutalist Candleholders by David Marshall
Pair of Postmodern Brutalist Candleholders by David Marshall

Pair of Postmodern Brutalist Candleholders by David Marshall

By David Marshall

Located in London, GB

Pair of Brutalist Candleholders // * price for the two Genuine Modernist classics Designed by David Marshall Handmade in Spain Measurements: Large W10cm D9cm H27cm Sm...

Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Brutalist Candlesticks

Materials

Metal

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Postmodern Candle Holder For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the postmodern candle holder you’re looking for at 1stDibs. A postmodern candle holder — often made from metal, brass and steel — can elevate any home. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect postmodern candle holder — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. When you’re browsing for the right postmodern candle holder, those designed in styles are of considerable interest. Lars Bergsten, Metallslojden Gusum and Ettore Sottsass each produced at least one beautiful postmodern candle holder that is worth considering.

How Much is a Postmodern Candle Holder?

Prices for a postmodern candle holder start at $275 and top out at $4,250 with the average selling for $929.

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.

Finding the Right Candle-holders for You

For centuries, candles have been used in religious ceremonies such as Hanukkah, provided light to work or read by and more. During meals, the soft glimmer of candles adds warmth to a dinner table that no lighting solution could possibly imitate. With the right antique or vintage candleholder, candles can elevate a table setting or just help support your efforts to create a romantic atmosphere in any room.

When you combine the distinctive glow of a candle with a candleholder that matches the color scheme and decor you’ve painstakingly put together, the result can feel like magic. Finding the candleholder that best meets your needs can be daunting because you’re essentially bringing a piece into your home that is as important as the candle itself. Unsurprisingly, venturesome designers over the years have crafted innumerable alternatives to the traditional form of candleholders, and today a broad array of these decorative objects can be found on 1stDibs, whether they’re 19th-century candleholders made of silver or sleek mid-century modern glass candleholders for an understated accent to your dining area.

Try a tabletop orb candleholder from Lynne Meade Ceramics for a distinctive interpretation of this long-loved furnishing. An alluring pair of Georg Jensen stainless-steel candleholders, featuring pronounced organic curves, or Art Nouveau–informed natural-world motifs, on the other hand, can bring a dose of sculptural elegance to your living room.

If you’re more inclined to opt for antique or vintage pieces, find a collection that includes everything from simple wood taper candleholders to elaborate candelabras of gilt bronze or cut glass on 1stDibs now.

Questions About Postmodern Candle Holder
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Hurricane candle holders are glass cylindrical domes which go around a candle to protect the flame from getting doused. These candle holders can also be attached to the wall as a hurricane shade.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    How tall a candle holder should be depends on the size of the candle you’re using and the overall look of the room. Compared to a candle, a holder should be at least as tall. When choosing candle holders, choose ones that won’t obscure the view. For example, lower candlesticks and candelabras work best on dining tables because they allow you to see the person across from you. On 1stDibs, find a range of candle holders.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023
    The difference between a candlestick and a candle holder is specificity. A candlestick is a tall turned decorative object typically used to display taper candles. Any object made specifically to hold candles is a candle holder. Candlesticks are candle holders, but there are other kinds, including tall shades called hurricanes and small cylindrical containers called votive cups. Shop an assortment of candle holders on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    What glass candle holders are called depends on their design. Curvy clear glass shades used to cover pillar candles are hurricanes, while smaller glass holders with closed bottoms are votive or tealight cups. On 1stDibs, find a selection of antique and vintage glass candle holders.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    One of the most common candle holders in use during Medieval times was the simple candlestick. Today, antique candlesticks are sought after by art collectors and interior designers alike for their stylish versatility. On 1stDibs, shop a wide collection of antique and contemporary candlesticks from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    Some of the most common types of candle holders include candlesticks, candelabras, hurricanes and votive cups. A candlestick is a column-like holder for tapers, while a candelabra is a multi-armed taper holder with a single candlestick-like body. Hurricanes are tall round shades designed for pillar candles, and a votive cup is a small cylindrical holder for a votive candle or tealight. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of candle holders.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    What vintage candle holders are called depends on their design. Narrow tall ones designed for tapers are candlesticks, while multi-armed taper holders are candelabra. Small holders are votive or tealight holders or cups depending on their dimensions. Find a selection of vintage candle holders on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Because pillar candle holders burn into themselves, they do not need a candle holder. But it makes sense to have a pillar plate at least to prevent wax residue from ending up on your furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    What tall candle holders are called varies. Holders intended for pillar candles are hurricanes and are often made of glass. Tall wood or metal candle holders for one taper are candlesticks, while ones with multiple arms that accommodate more than one taper are candelabras. On 1stDibs, find a collection of candle holders.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    What the candle holders in churches are called depends on the design. Column-like holders for single tapers are candlesticks, while multi-branched holders for tapers are candelabras. Small candle holders used for memorial candles are votive holders. Find a collection of candle holders on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    You can use a variety of materials instead of a candle holder to serve the purpose of an actual candle holder. Put pillar and votive candles on decorative plates or trays, or rest them on a decorative tile, coaster or wood slice. You can drop votives and tealights in shallow bowls, clay pots, wine glasses and other vessels. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of decorative accents.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A wall-mounted candle holder is called a candle sconce or a wall sconce. Sconces come in a variety of colors and shapes, sure to suit any decor style. You’ll find a wide range of candle sconces in a variety of decor styles on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    To tell if a candle holder is solid antique brass, you can try placing a magnet on it. Brass is not magnetic, so if there is any attraction, the piece is unlikely to be solid brass. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of candle holders.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    A candle holder with multiple arms is called a candelabra or candelabrum. A candelabra or candelabrum is highly regarded as a decorative object and the classic, dramatic form of this type of candle holder is still an inspiration for lighting designers today. Shop a collection of antique and vintage candelabras from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    What an old-fashioned candle holder is called depends on its design. A tall holder meant for a single taper candle is a candlestick, while taper holders with arms that branch off a central column are candelabras. Shop a range of candle holders on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
    To tell if a silver candle holder is real, find out if a magnet is attracted to it. Solid sterling silver and fine silver aren't magnetic. However, some silver plate candle holders may be. Silver plate is the term for items made of base metal and then finished with a layer of genuine silver. If the magnet sticks to your candle holders, they may be silver plate or constructed out of a different material. If you'd like an expert's assistance with the identification process, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Find a variety of candle holders on 1stDibs.