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.
Art Deco Revival. Post-Modern style ceramic sconces, Italy, 1980s
By Hispania CH, Cerámicas BONDIA, Capo Di Monte, Bassano
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Art Deco Revival and Post-Modern style ceramic sconces, Italy, 1980s. Each wall light is made of black glazed ceramic in the shape of a hand holding a spherical diffuser. The diffuse...
Ceramic, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Paint
Postmodern Set of Three Gold Metal Wall Sconces by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1990s
By Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz, Estiluz Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty Postmodern Set of Three Gold Metal Wall Sconces by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: A-2044 Gold These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Estil...
Metal
Neri & Hu 3T09 Bronze Structure and Ivory Fabric 3 Modules Wall Lamp for Cassina
Postmodern Modern Black Round Chandelier Art Nouveau XXL
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of postmodernism and experience pure elegance with our breathtaking black chandelier decorated with crystals. This work of art of lighting m...
Crystal, Metal
Neri & Hu 3T09 Bronze Structure and Ivory Fabric Floor Lamp for Cassina
Ettore Sottsass Style Memphis Group Metal & Acrylic Lamp Set
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group, Pierre Cardin
Located in Bensalem, PA
This listing is for the set please look at pictures for overall detail stunning black electroplatied metal with acrylic rings feel free to reach out with any questions
Metal
$1,197 / item
Postmodern Modern Black Round Chandelier Art Nouveau
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of postmodernism and experience pure elegance with our breathtaking black chandelier decorated with crystals. This work of art of lighting m...
Crystal, Metal
Postmodern Banana Floor Lamp from Heico, 1980s
By Heico
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern floor lamp in the shape of a banana. An object in style of postmodern design and art movements like memphis. A unique object and rare eye-catcher. This lamp is shaped lik...
Plastic
1980s brass Florian Schulz Onos 55 pendant lamp with adjustable pulley system
Located in München, DE
Large, original 1980s Florian Schulz Onos 55 pendant light, height adjustable by one counterweight. The lamp is made entirely of brass. Beautiful minimalist design in very good vinta...
Brass
Beautiful Table Lamp in Dark and White Alabaster 1980s
Located in Tilburg, NL
Beautiful Table Lamp in Dark and White Alabaster 1980s A wonderful table lamp in both dark and white alabaster. Great slender and sophisticated post-modern design with a base in dar...
Alabaster
A Pair Of Travertine and Brass Floor Lamps By Michael Taylor
Located in London, GB
A Pair of floor lamps from the post modern era by American designer Michael Taylor, with travertine bases supporting a tapering stem with travertine sphere decorated with brass accen...
Travertine, Brass, Iron
Vintage Wrought Iron Chandelier Candleholder by Ehlén Johansson for Ikea, 1990s
By IKEA
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Wrought Iron Chandelier Candleholder by Ehlén Johansson for Ikea, 1990s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1990 to 1999 I have ...
Wrought Iron
Mario Tsai, Aluminium Tsai Suspension Lamp by Cassina
By Ico Parisi
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mario Tsai, Aluminium Tsai Suspension Lamp by Cassina UNIT OF LIGHT A collection of modular metal lamps in which the base unit alludes to the shape of a brick. A simple lighting sy...
Aluminum
Vintage French Wave Floor Lamp from SCE, 1980s
By SCE France 1
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage French Wave Floor Lamp from SCE, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. European Plug (up to...
Metal
Italian Postmodern Zeta Terra Floor Lamp by Giuseppe Linardi for Lumina, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, DE
The standing lamp from the Zeta series from the Italian lighting manufacturer Lumina according to a design by Giuseppe Linardi from the early 90s. The Zeta Terra is a classic ceilin...
Metal
$728Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern German Lumibär Bear Floor Lamp by Klein & Leidig for Flötotto, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, DE
The Lumibär is a design classic from Flötotto. The bright bear. Not just something for the children's room. The design is so simple that it also fits wonderfully as a light object...
Plastic
$2,973Sale Price / set|25% Off
Post-Modern hand-crafted Cocoon resin table lamps, Italy, 70s
By Tobia Scarpa, Achille Castiglioni, Flos
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Pair of sculptural hand-crafted cocoon table lamps, Italy, 1970s. Formed by several varnished pine wood elements of different shapes and sizes, creating two curious columns of a cert...
Resin, Wood, Pine
$1,582Sale Price|20% Off
Seguso Vetri d’Arte. Post-Modern Murano glass pendant lamp, Italy, 1980s
By AVMazzega, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Post-Modern Murano glass pendant lamp by Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Italy, 1980s. Formed by a large piece of murano glass in the shape of a transparent bell with raspberry red glass border...
Metal, Chrome, Steel
Italian Postmodern Tebe Floor Lamp by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Imposing standing lamp from the Italian manufacturer Artemide after a draft by Ernesto Gismondi from the late 1980s. A postmodern design with special proportions. This floor lamp is...
Metal
Vintage Space Age Papillona Floor Lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern floor lamp by the Italian manufacturer Flos after a design by Afra & Tobia Scarpa from the 70s. This design convinces with its imposing height of almost 2m. The filigree ...
Metal
Stainless Steel and Glass Sphere Top Floor Lamp att. to Matteo Thun for Leucos
By Leucos, Matteo Thun
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional, stainless steel and blown glass floor lamp attributed to Matteo Thun for Leucos, circa 1990's. The lamp features a satin finish glass orb top, which screws into the sati...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Postmodern Olympia Floor Lamp by Jorge Pensi for B.Lux, 1980s
By Jorge Pensi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant floor lamp from the Spanish manufacturer B.Lux after a design by Jorge Pensi from the 80s. This floor lamp convinces with it's slender design language and the special materi...
Metal
$652Sale Price|44% Off
Wall lighting Flower Glass Murano with chrome Structure , Italy 1980s
By Venini
Located in La xara, VC
Exceptional Murano glass floral pendant chandelier attributed to Venini . Exceptional piece for its design and quality. Piece in good condition. Also available with a wall light, s...
Chrome
Italian Postmodern Warrior Wall Lamp by Emanuele Ricci for Sidecar Artemide
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare warrior wall lamp from the italian manufacturer sidecar (artemide) based on a design by emanuele ricci from the early 90s. the name is reflected in the appearance of this lamp,...
Metal
Postmodern Pair of Chandeliers by Estiluz by Leornado Marelli, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz Lighting, Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern Pair of Chandeliers/Flushmounts by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: T-1166 Negro. These fixtures were manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) during 1980s. The conditio...
Metal
An ART-DECO NEOCLASSICAL TABLE LAMP by PHILIPPE BARBIER, France 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
An elegant table lamp, Post-Modernist, NeoClassical, Shabby-Chic, a nickeled metal cubical base and an ovoïd body with a final cylindrical lampshade, by Philippe Barbier, France 1970...
Metal
Vintage Italian Postmodern Glass Floor Lamp from Lucente, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant glass floor lamp by the Italian manufacturer Lucente. The striking glass diffuser is overlaid in matt blue and sits at the end of a slender shaft. The upper part of the shaf...
Metal
1980 Le Falene Arteluce Piero De Martini Italian Design Post Modern Table Lamp
Located in Brescia, IT
"The Moths" Table Lamp Piero De Martini Arteluce Italy, 1980s Red Enamel Frame White Fabric "Suncover" Shade New with original Arteluce Box Available Phalene hanging Lamp in yello...
Metal
An ART-DECO NEOCLASSICAL TABLE LAMP by PHILIPPE BARBIER, France 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
An elegant table lamp, Post-Modernist, NeoClassical, Shabby-Chic, a nickeled metal cylindrical base and 2 spherical body with a final cylindrical lampshade, by Philippe Barbier, Fran...
Metal
Holtkotter Saucer Top Table Lamp Model 6233 c. 1980's
By Holtkoetter
Located in New York, NY
Chic dome top desk, or table lamp by Holtkotter Leuchen model 6233, circa 1980's. The lamp is in very good, original, clean and working condition, showing only inconsequential cosme...
Brass
Le Falene table lamps designed by Piero De Martini for Arteluce, Italy 1980s
Located in Milano, IT
This exquisite pair of *Le Falene* table lamps, designed by Piero De Martini for Arteluce and manufactured in the 1980s, is a stunning fusion of elegance and artistry. Their shape ev...
Metal
Artemide ‘Logico Triple’ Pendant Light by Gerhard Reichert & Michele De Lucchi
By Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare, extended length "Logico Triple" ceiling pendant, designed in 2006 by Gerhard Reichert & Michele De Lucchi for Italian lighting manufacturer Artemide. This uniquely shaped and a...
Blown Glass
Hero Lamp Stainless Steel, Brass Plated Finish, Stone Ball, Sculptural Lamp
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Hero Lamp is a sculptural floor lamp virtuously crafted in stainless steel with a brass plated finish which holds a stone globe that gives off a warm candle-like light. This unique...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rare Pop Art Tulip Floor Lamp in Green & Red Painted Metal by Peter Bliss 1980s
By Bliss
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and very cool British Pop Art floor lamp by Peter Bliss. For the collectors, design lovers and enthousiasts of pop art, we are offering this very rare and stylized tulip floo...
Metal
Pair of 'Canna Fiorita' Table Lamps by Castiglioni & Menghi for Fontana Arte
By Roberto Menghi, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pair of 'Canna Fiorita' table lamps by Piero Castiglioni and Roberto Menghi for Fontana Arte, produced in Italy in the early 1980s, embodies the experimental spirit of late-Mode...
Brass
Rare Pair of Post-Modern Adjustable 'Orbit' Lamps by Ron Rezek
By Ron Rezek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare pair of adjustable 'Orbit' lamps by Ron Rezek, circa 1980. High-end Post-Modern design featuring adjustable height swing arms and 2 light intensity settings: full, half, off. T...
Aluminum, Steel
Rare Arteluce Acrylic Glass Chandelier, Italy, 1970s
By Arteluce
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This extraordinary chandelier by the renowned Italian lighting manufacturer Arteluce is a true collector’s piece and a striking example of 1970s Space Age design. With its sculptural...
Metal
Italian Postmodern Elle 55 Floor Lamp by Tommaso Cimini for Lumina, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern floor lamp from the Italian manufacturer Lumina according to a design by Tommaso Cimini from the 80s. Here is a rare version with a special version. An impressive yet fil...
Metal
Large Orange Ceramic Table Lamp by Louis Drimmer, 1980s Design
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Large Drimmer lamp base circa 1980 in orange ceramic, post-modernist design reminiscent of François Chatain's work. Base in very good condition, rare signs of wear. Original lampsh...
Ceramic
Iconic Postmodern Halogen Mack Floor Lamp by George Kovack for Sonneman c 1980s
By George Kovacs, Sonneman Lighting
Located in New York, NY
Quintessential 1980's Postmodern, Memphis School design floor lamp, in excellent, original, clean, and working condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with...
Metal
Pr. Italian Post Modern Table Lamps by Pier Ramella by Arteluce for Flos 1980's
By Arteluce, Pier Giuseppe Ramella
Located in New York, NY
Incredible pair of Italian Postmodern design table laps, designed by Pier Giuseppe Ramella, made by Arteluce for Flos, circa 1980's. These chic lamps feature flying saucer like tops...
Metal
Folia Cast Bronze and Brass Ceiling Lamp by Federico Stefanovich
Located in Geneve, CH
Folia Cast Bronze and Brass Ceiling Lamp by Federico Stefanovich. Dimensions: W 117 x D 224 x H 21 cm. Material: Cast Bronze, Brass. All our lamps can be wired according to each cou...
Brass, Bronze
Postmodern White Glass Gold Set of Eigh Wall Sconces by Blauet, Barcelona, 1990s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Postmodern Spanish and unique Set of Six Gold metal White glass Wall Sconces by Blauet. Model: Maria 210 Gold/White. These Wall Lights were designed and manufactured in Barcel...
Metal
Set Of 4 Murano Glass Wall Lights/Sconces Attributed To Venini 1990s
Located in Palermo, IT
Set of 4 wall lamps with metal structure and transparent and milky Murano glass diffusers, attributed to Venini 1990s. Each has double lighting. We guarantee adequate packaging and...
Metal
Vintage Modern Obelisk Floor Lamp With Textured Stone Finish
Located in Trenton, NJ
This vintage modern floor lamp makes an immediate impression with its clean geometry and richly textured surface. The tall obelisk base rises confidently from the floor, its form enh...
Stone
Postmodern Memphis School Zen Floor Lamp by Gismondi for Artimede Made in Italy
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Post - Modern, Memphis style halogen uplight floor lamp, designed by Ernesto Gismondi for Artimede, made in Italy circa 1980's. The lamp features two lights, a fixed lower sha...
Aluminum, Steel
Mario Bellini for Artemide Table or Floor Lamps 'Circo' in Off-White Canvas
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Artemide, table or floor lamp, lacquered metal, canvas, Italy, 1978. Quirky and quite unique, this 'circo' table lamp designed by Mario Bellini, is a true example...
Fabric
Ico Parisi Iride Floor Aluminium Lamp Lower Version by Cassina
By Ico Parisi
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ico Parisi Iride Floor Aluminium Lamp by Cassina Ico Parisi’s fascination with the integration of design, art and architecture led to the creation of a floor lamp in the 1970s re-ed...
Aluminum
Ron Rezek Table Lamp 1980s
By Ron Rezek
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Post-modern table lamp by Los Angeles lighting designer Ron Rezek, c.1980s. The lamp features a black enameled metal frame and removable black shade with polished brass ring accent t...
Metal
$1,913Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of "Cocktail" Jill Wall Lamps by King and Miranda for Arteluce, 1980s
By Arteluce, Perry King and Santiago Miranda
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beautiful pair of Italian White Wall Sconces from 1980s. These pieces were made during the 1980s in Italy by Perry King and Santiago Miranda. The name of the manufacturer "Arteluce"...
Metal
1980 Gigante for Zerbetto Postmodern Design Fluorescent Wall Lamp
By Zerbetto, Boccato Gigante Zambusi
Located in Brescia, IT
Boccato, Gigante, Zambusi for Zerbetto, 1981 Red wall lamp. Perfect working order. Excellent condition.
Metal
Postmodern Philips Table Lamp 1980s
By Philips
Located in Čelinac, BA
Philips Postmodern Table Lamp Germany 1980s
Plastic
Vintage Postmodern Balart Ceiling Lamp by Jorge Pensi for B.Lux, 1980s
By Jorge Pensi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant ceiling light from the Spanish manufacturer B.Lux after a design by Jorge Pensi from the late 1980s. A postmodern design. This lamp convinces with its elegant design languag...
Metal
Chainmail Cobweb Sculptural Chandelier
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A fusion of medieval craftsmanship and modern gothic elegance, the Chainmail Cobweb Chandelier evokes the ethereal beauty of a spider’s web. Meticulously handcrafted from interwoven ...
Steel
Postmodern Martini Lamp by David Krys
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A rare 1993 postmodern martini lamp designed by David Krys. Metal wire forms the glass' shape with a skewered green olive stuffed with a red light bulb disguised as a pimento. Great ...
Chrome
Brass Accents Soft Gradient Two-Tier Felt Contemporary Suspension by Elsa Foulon
Located in Geneve, CH
Stratus Suspension Lamp 60 by Elsa Foulon Unique piece. Dimensions: D 60 x H 29 cm Materials: Ceramic, fabric, metal. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold t...
Metal
Modern Desk or Table Light Lamp, circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A '70s Modern or Postmodern period wood desk or table lamp with white globe-like lamp/bulb, circa late-20th century, 1970s, USA. In fine working order. On/Off switch on cord a shown....
Wood
Ron Rezek Table Lamp Orbit by for Bieffeplast, circa 1980
By Bieffeplast, Ron Rezek
Located in Vienna, AT
Wonderful Minimalist black metal desk lamp by American designer Ron Rezek for Bieffeplast, Italy. The counter balance arm allows to pivot and mov...
Brass
Postmodern Danish Gino Ceiling Lamp by Hans Agne Jakobsson for Nordisk Solar
By Nordisk Solar Co., Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant ceiling light from Danish manufacturer Nordisk Solar, designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson. The light consists of flat shells that act as reflectors and an intricately designed ...
Metal
Post Modern Desk Lamp by Ron Rezek, ca. 1980's
Located in New York, NY
Chic 1980's desk lamp by Ron Rezek, in excellent original, clean and working condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age. The hood shade (6.5 in. diam...
Metal