Postmodern Torchiere Floor Lamp by Ron Rezek
By Ron Rezek
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A spectacular Postmodern torchiere floor lamp design by Ron Rezek in the 1980s. The lamp is metal
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Floor Lamps
Steel
Postmodern Torchiere Floor Lamp by Ron Rezek
By Ron Rezek
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A spectacular Postmodern torchiere floor lamp design by Ron Rezek in the 1980s. The lamp is metal
Steel
Italian Postmodern Torchiere Floor Lamp
Located in Norwalk, CT
This simple but elegant glass lamp. Channeled glass support rod topped with small frosted glass uplight shade. Halogen bulb with slide dimmer on floor cord. Heavy weighted base in ch...
Glass
Postmodern Torchiere Floor Lamp by Ron Rezek
By Ron Rezek
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A 1980s postmodern and minimalist black, gray, and green torchiere floor lamp designed by Ron Rezek
Metal
Postmodern Torchiere Lamps by Casa Bique, a Pair
By Casa Bique
Located in Raleigh, NC
Outstanding pair of 1980’s floor lamps. These mount flush to the wall as they sit on the floor. Tessellated stone with inset brass detail.
Stone
Postmodern Torchiere Floor Lamp by Ron Rezek Memphis Era
By Ron Rezek
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare floor Torchiere lamp in brushed steel finish with brass accents and dimmer switch, circa 1980s
Brass, Steel
$3,140
H 73.63 in W 13 in D 11.03 in
Alfrank Neoclassical Column Floor Lamp 1980s Postmodern Torchiere Uplighter
Located in London, GB
This impressive floor lamp is a playful, post-modern look at neoclassicism. The base is shaped like a bow, and from that protrudes three straight columns, meeting at an ionic head. A...
Iron
$1,900
H 72.5 in W 17.75 in D 10.25 in
Brush Stainless Steel Torchiere Floor Lamp by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs
By George Kovacs, Robert Sonneman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare 1987 Postmodern torchiere floor lamp design by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs. Constructed
Steel, Stainless Steel
Postmodern Iron Torchiere Floor Lamp
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Great period Post Modern Torchiere floor lamp. Textured iron frame set atop a travertine base
Travertine, Iron
Postmodern Italian Floor Torchiere Lamp Glass & Metal
By Fontana Arte
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful elegant floor torchiere lamp with 3/4" thick glass column, with white enameled metal base
Metal
Postmodern Steel and Blue Glass Torchiere Floor Lamp, 1980s
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern 1980s torchiere floor lamp with black steel base, gray steel support and blue glass side
Steel
Postmodern Black Torchiere Mercury Bulb Floor Lamps - a Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of postmodern industrial black cylindrical torchiere floor lamps, circa 1990s. Lamps use a
Metal
Postmodern White on White Torchiere att. to Von Nessen
By Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
Chic white on white vintage torchiere floor lamp design attributed to Walter Von Nessen, maker
Metal
$1,850 / set
H 71.5 in W 13.5 in D 11 in
Pair of Sculptural Postmodern Kichler Halogen Torchiere Floor Lamps, 1992
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking pair of Kichler halogen torchiere floor lamps from 1992, exemplifying bold postmodern
Metal
Striking Rare Postmodern Floor Lamp Torchiere by Alvaline Bologna Italy
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking hallogen postmodern floor lamp very rare by Alvaline Italy , excellent condition almost no
Metal
$2,500
H 72 in W 14 in D 14 in
Postmodern Sculpture Torchiere Lamp “Let There Be Neon” Rudi Stern Style
By Rudi Stern and Don Chelsea
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern Sculpture Torchiere Lamp “Let There Be Neon” Rudi Stern Style This postmodern Rudi
Metal, Iron, Aluminum
Postmodern Brass Torchiere Uplight Halogen Floor Lamp c. 1970/90's
By Arredoluce, Arteluce
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional postmodern, Hollywood Regency style uplight torchiere floor lamp, in excellent
Brass
$1,800
H 76 in Dm 12.75 in
High Style Hollywood Regency Postmodern Brass Halogen Torchiere Made in Italy
By Michael De Santis, Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, sophisticated and chic, this postmodern, Hollywood Regency uplight, torchiere floor lamp
Brass
$1,795Sale Price / item|60% Off
H 72 in W 13.88 in D 13.88 in
Postmodern Rudi Stern Sculpture and Torchiere Lamp "Let There Be Neon"
By Rudi Stern
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern Rudi Stern neon aluminum sculpture and torchiere lamp "Let There Be Neon" with iron base
Aluminum, Iron
$2,500
H 11 in W 22 in D 4 in
Postmodern Sculpture Torchiere Wall Sconce Rudi Stern “Let There Be Neon” Style
By Rudi Stern and Don Chelsea
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern Sculpture Torchiere Wall Sconce Rudi Stern “Let There Be Neon” Style - Pair These
Metal, Aluminum
$1,554Sale Price|20% Off
H 70.28 in W 9.06 in D 9.06 in
Postmodern Design Brass Fluted Torchiere Floor Lamp by Relco, Italy 1980's
By Relco Milano
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Italian Design Brass Fluted "TORCHIERE" Floor Lamp by Relco. Made in Milano
Brass
$3,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 76 in W 12 in D 12 in
Pair of Rare Postmodern Floor Lamps by Ligne Roset Extensia Fluo Torchiere
By Ligne Roset
Located in San Diego, CA
These pair of rare floor torchiere lamps have a fluorescent tube and halogen light, ribbed perspex
Aluminum
Extensia Post Modern Torchiere Floor Lamp for Ligne Roset, 1980s
By Ligne Roset
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern white torchiere floor lamp with a fluorescente inner tube bulb that illuminates both the
Aluminum
$2,125
H 72.84 in Dm 14.57 in
Postmodern Memphis Style Floor Lamp, Burnished Metal and Blue Glass, Italy, 1980
By Sottsass Associati
Located in Berlin, DE
Postmodern Memphis style torchiere/ floor lamp, Italy c. 1980. The rough burnished metal lamp rod
Metal
Post Modern Italian Memphis Style Torchiere Floor Lamps
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Stunning Postmodern Italian torchiere floor lamps stamped "Milano Italy" as well as "Bianchi" and
Metal
George Kovacs Postmodern Torchiere
By George Kovacs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Postmodern torchiere floor lamp by George Kovacs in a brushed metal finish. The lamp uses an
Metal
George Kovacs Postmodern Torchiere
By George Kovacs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Postmodern torchiere floor lamp by George Kovacs in a polished chrome metal finish. The lamp uses
Metal, Chrome
1980's Postmodern Torchiere Floor Lamp with Triple Frosted Glass Shade
Located in San Diego, CA
A classic 1980's postmodern, Torchiere floor lamp circa 1980's beautiful illuminated nice clean
Marble, Metal
Relux Italian Postmodern Torchiere Floor Lamp
By Relux
Located in Astoria, NY
Relux Italian postmodern metal torchiere halogen floor lamp with round glass shade.
Metal
Geometric Postmodern Torchiere Italian Floor Lamp
By Memphis Group
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design, circa 1980s on this torchiere floor lamp grey powder coated metal tubular frame with
Metal
Pair 77" Memphis-Style Postmodern Torchieres
By Stilnovo
Located in Chicago, IL
Two postmodern floor lamps having square black metal bases supporting four silver tubular columns
Metal
Postmodern Torchiere Floor Lamp by Ron Rezek
By Ron Rezek
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A 1980s postmodern and minimalist black and gray torchiere floor lamp designed by Ron Rezek, the
Metal
Sold
H 73.63 in W 13 in D 11.03 in
Alfrank Neoclassical Column Floor Lamp 1980s Postmodern Torchiere Uplighter
Located in London, GB
This impressive floor lamp is a playful, post-modern look at neoclassicism. The base is shaped like a bow, and from that protrudes three straight columns, meeting at an ionic head. A...
Iron
Sold
H 73.63 in W 13 in D 11.03 in
Alfrank Neoclassical Column Floor Lamp 1980s Postmodern Torchiere Uplighter
Located in London, GB
This impressive floor lamp is a playful, post-modern look at neoclassicism. The base is shaped like a bow, and from that protrudes three straight columns, meeting at an ionic head. A...
Iron
Sold
H 74.25 in W 10 in D 10 in
Postmodern Koch & Lowy Matte Black Torchiere Floor Lamps, 1980s, a Pair
By Koch & Lowy
Located in Miami, FL
Rare matte black postmodern torchiere floor lamps with dimmable halogen bulbs by Koch & Lowy circa
Steel
Torchiere of Chrome and Lucite by Frederick Raymond
Located in Denton, TX
1980s Postmodern torchiere lamp with angular Lucite that glows when lit by halogen fixture.
Chrome
Maison Charles Postmodern Floor Lamp
By Maison Charles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Postmodern torchiere floor lamp for Maison Charles, c.1980s, France. The lamp features a slim
Brass, Stainless Steel
1980s Post Modern Floor Lamp By George Kovacs
Located in Chicago, IL
Obviously inspired by the Memphis movement, this postmodern torchiere combines periods quite
Metal, Chrome
Italian Postmodern Halogen Torchiere Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Italian Postmodern halogen torchiere floor lamp with enameled metal structure. In very good vintage
Metal
Italian Postmodern Halogen Torchiere Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Italian Postmodern halogen torchiere floor lamp. Enameled metal structure (specify color). 72.5" H
Metal
Postmodern Halogen Floor Lamp Torchiere
By Relco Italia
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco revival Postmodern Halogen Uplight floor lamp having three frosted glass disk diffuser
Postmodern Black Enamel Metal Torchiere Floor Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Postmodern black enameled metal halogen floor lamp / torchiere, with tubular rods supporting saucer
Metal, Enamel
Pair of Postmodern Black Torchieres by Ron Rezek
By Ron Rezek
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Artemide, among others. These torchieres are all black metal with a half dome round base, thin square stem
Metal
Postmodern Pink and Lucite Dimmable Floor Lamp Torchiere
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Amazing postmodern Italian dimmable torch lamp. Features a pink body with stacked lucite and gold
Plastic, Lucite
Custom Italian Postmodern Murano Glass Torchiere Lamps, Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Italian Postmodern pair of custom made Murano glass floor lamps with amethyst glass highlights
Murano Glass
Postmodern Polished Brass Torchiere Floor Lamp by Forecast Lighting
By Forecast Lighting
Located in San Diego, CA
Postmodern polished brass torchiere floor lamp by Forecast Lighting of California circa 1980s nice
Brass
Sold
H 73 in Dm 12 in
Postmodern Multidirectional Torchiere Italian Floor Lamp Lumina by Walter Monici
By Lumina
Located in San Diego, CA
postmodern industrial design Italian torchiere floor lamp, with multidirectional shade and dimer
Metal
1980s Postmodern Memphis Era Torchiere Lamp by Robert Sonneman, 1987
By Robert Sonneman
Located in San Diego, CA
Avery distinctive floor torchiere lamp, in brushed metal finish with brass fittings, in perfect
Metal, Brass
Postmodern Majestic rare floor Torchiere Lamp Signed by Walter Prosper
By Walter Prosper
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking tall massive rare patinated copper with brass accents, sitting on a travertine base, plug in with an off/on switch on the side in perfect working condition, fantastic piece ...
Travertine, Brass, Copper
Postmodern Rudi Stern Let There Be Neon Sculpture and Torchiere Lamp
By George Kovacs, Rudi Stern
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A rare find, this highly collectible neon sculpture standing torchiere lamp is by Rudi Stern who
Metal
Pair of Majestic Italian Postmodern Verdigris Gold Finish Torchiere Floor Lamps
Located in San Diego, CA
Majestic pair of torchiere floor lamps, in a verdigris gold leaf finish, with Scavo glass accents
Metal
Italian Made Halogen Floor Lamp Torchiere Brass and Steel
Located in New York, NY
Postmodern Italian design torchiere floor lamp. Halogen light with tilt adjustable top
Brass, Steel
Postmodern Ionic Column Floor Lamp in Brass and Lucite
Located in Astoria, NY
Postmodern ionic column shaped torchiere floor lamp with brass chapter and base and Lucite column.
Brass
1980s Post Modern 75" Tall Floor Lamp By George Kovacs
By Kovacs
Located in Chicago, IL
Obviously inspired by the Memphis movement, this postmodern halogen torchiere combines periods
Chrome, Metal
Postmodern Torchiere Floor Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Postmodern torchiere floor lamp with glass column and black enameled shade and base, possibly
Glass
Postmodern Torchiere Floor Lamp by Ron Rezek
By Ron Rezek
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful 1980s Memphis period floor lamp by Ron Rezek. The lamp is constructed of steel that’s black lacquer and powder blue shade. The lamp is in original condition, so it shows ...
Steel
1 Robert Sonneman for Kovacs Postmodern Torchiere Floor Lamp
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Esperance, NY
Listing is for 1 lamp only
Marble
Sold
H 72.5 in W 15.63 in D 9.75 in
Postmodern Torchiere Floor Lamp With Frosted Blue Glass Shade by Estiluz
By Estiluz Lighting
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern dimmable halogen torchiere floor lamp with frosted blue glass and chrome shade attached
Steel, Chrome
Karl Springer Postmodern Lucite Torchiere Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer (German/American, 1931-1991) Postmodern torchiere lamp in opaque sandblasted lucite
Brass
Postmodern Koch & Lowy Torchiere Floor Lamp
By Koch & Lowy
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Sleek and sexy Postmodern torchiere floor lamp by Koch & Lowy. Patinated finish on the steel rod
Iron, Steel
Robert Sonneman Torchiere Floor Lamp for George Kovacs
By George Kovacs, Robert Sonneman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Postmodern torchiere floor lamp by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, c.1980s, USA. The lamp
Metal, Chrome
Postmodern Italian Torchiere Floor Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Postmodern Italian torchiere floor lamp in chrome with black enameled shade and acrylic elements.
Enamel, Chrome
Postmodern Halogen Torchiere Floor Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Postmodern halogen torchiere floor lamp in black metal with round base. Measures: 74" height x 13.5
Metal
Postmodern Brass Torchiere Floor Lamps, 1980
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern brass torchiere floor lamps, circa 1980.
Brass
Postmodern Bronze Verdigris Torchiere Floor Lamp
By Rainbow Lamp Company 1
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on this gorgeous Postmodern bronze verdigris torchiere floor lamp with copper shade by
Bronze, Copper
Postmodern Italian Black Marble Torchiere Floor Lamp
By Mario Botta
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Beautiful black Italian marble torchiere floor lamp with a black perforated metal shade. Newly
Marble, Metal
Brass Torchiere Uplighter by Chapman Floor Lamp Postmodern
By Chapman Manufacturing Company
Located in Toledo, OH
A Postmodern brass touch-on torchiere floor lamp with adjustable height, and three-way switch. This
Brass
Sold
H 72 in W 9 in D 9 in
Midcentury Italian Postmodern Black Torchiere Floor Lamp and Cobalt Blue Glass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A well designed post modern beauty from Italy circa 1990s. The floor lamp features all metal construction with cobalt blue glass lenses. Tested and working perfectly. Comes with dimm...
Metal
Sold
H 74.75 in W 12 in D 12 in
Bruno Gecchelin Blue and White Lacquered Otello Torchiere Floor Lamp for Oluce
By Bruno Gecchelin, Oluce
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern blue and white lacquered torchiere floor lamp designed by Bruno Gecchelin for Oluce
Metal
Graphic Italian Floor Lamp by Relco
By Relco Italia
Located in New York, NY
Postmodern Italian design halogen Torchieres. Bold all black graphic design, statement floor lamp
Metal
Sold
H 69.88 in W 16 in D 9 in
Pair of Robert Sonneman for Kovacs Postmodern Torchiere Floor Lamps, 1980s
By Robert Sonneman, Kovacs
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of rare 1980s Postmodern torchieres by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs lighting. Takes
Marble, Metal, Brass
Pair of Stuning Postmodern Italian Torchieres
Located in Miami, FL
Amazing pair of Italian Postmodern TORCHIERES . These have ground on and off switch and dimmer
Chrome
Postmodern PLaster and Brass Column Torchiere
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall doric column with ruined effect revealing a brass torchiere uplight. Unsigned. Possibly a one
Brass
Vintage Postmodern Sculptural Ribbon Torchiere Floor Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exquisite sculptural plaster lamp tied with a “ribbon.” Faux travertine plaster and fine detailing. Excellent condition. There is one tiny chip (see photo.) The floor lamp will come...
Stone
Pair of Postmodern Torchiere Floor Lamps by George Kovacs
By George Kovacs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Stunning pair of Postmodern Memphis inspired torchiere floor lamps by George Kovacs, circa 1980s
Metal, Brass, Cut Steel
Postmodern Chrome and Marble Two-Light Torchiere Floor Lamp, 1980s
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very cool and uncommon 1980s postmodern chrome two-light torchiere floor lamp with black marble
Belgian Black Marble, Aluminum, Chrome, Metal
Curtain Lamp
By Analuisa Corrigan Studio
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Lamp: H 10'“ x W 3” Shade: white linen, loose fitting H 7” x W (top) 6” x W (bottom) 6” Glaze: Sage matte, white matte, black shiny, matte blue Hardware: unfinished brass ...
Brass
Nugget Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Milan, IT
This iconic design by Gaetano Pesce will make a singular, utterly captivating accent in a contemporary interior. A precious work of art, it belongs to the Fish Design Collection of s...
Resin
$9,490 / item
H 19.69 in W 70.87 in D 27.56 in
Custom Oak & Cream Bouclé Daybed by Fosfeen Handcrafted, Made to Order
Located in Plymouth, GB
A handcrafted oak and cream bouclé daybed from Fosfeen’s Sunday Collection. Made to order with full customisation available, including COM, finishes, and dimensions. The Sunday Dayb...
Bouclé, Oak, Fabric, Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood
Two Lamps Model Tree Light by Ron Arad for Zeus, Milano
By Zeus, Ron Arad
Located in Milan, Italy
Two lamps model tree light design Ron Arad for Zeus Base. Frame: Gunmetal color Base: Concrete Bulbs: 2 x 50 W - 12 V. Dimmer Dimensions: Diameter 24 in. x height 44 in. / diame...
Cement
$1,550 / item
H 18 in W 12 in D 12 in
Stacked Bone and Brass Powder-Coated Table Lamp with Peekaboo Silver Leaf Shade
By Seth Premo, Arvo Ray
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Junius lamp makes a bold statement with its geometric stacked elements that appear almost to float above one another. The lamp is constructed with a powder-coated steel shade and...
Brass, Silver Leaf, Steel
$2,800 / item
H 39.38 in W 39.38 in D 13.39 in
Sling Hanging Swing Chair Genuine Black Leather 21st Century Modern
By Joanina and David Pastoll
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
Stripped away from all excess, this hanging chair has a circular frame with the sheets of soft leather hanging loose within it, to create a sleek, sexy, and oh so comfortable experie...
Steel
Onion Vaseline Sconce in Vented Copper Fixture
By Early Electrics Design Studio
Located in Peekskill, NY
These early elegant hand blown tipped shades are vaseline glass. They have a nice even and warm glow with no filament glair. The tops are tall perforated copper Gas Era style shade h...
Blown Glass
Art Deco Wood Table Lamp with Fabric Shade Vienna Around 1920s
Located in Wien, AT
Art Deco wood table lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1920s The shade is replaced ( new ) Wood polished.
Brass
$2,234 / item
H 29.53 in W 26.97 in D 32.52 in
LISBOA – Polished Stainless Steel Sling Chair with Leather Finish
By Keiji Takeuchi
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Relax in refined style with this Minimalist Modern Lounge Chair — natural leather paired with polished stainless steel, hand‑crafted in Portugal. Originally designed as the Lísboa c...
Stainless Steel
"V" Day Bed Grey Boucle and Beechwwod base
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DD V daybed is an exclusive daybed made by hand in Bosnia and Herzegovina by skilled craftsmen with long experience in wood and upholstery. Both frame and the characteristic V-shaped...
Fabric, Beech
$4,500 / item
H 15.75 in W 74.81 in D 29.14 in
"V" Day Bed Yellow Velvet and Beechwwod base (Mid Century Style)
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DD V daybed is an exclusive daybed made by hand in Bosnia and Herzegovina by skilled craftsmen with long experience in wood and upholstery. Both frame and the characteristic V-shaped...
Fabric, Beech, Velvet
$88 / item
H 23.5 in W 23.5 in D 2 in
Gold Brutalist Sculptural Collage Artwork, Mural from Upcycled Wood
By Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
These GOLD collage tiles are composed randomly from recycled wood remnants and when installed bathe any space with a warm feeling and texture which is meditative, sanded to a soft fi...
Wood
$3,500
H 90 in W 90 in D 0.5 in
Post-Modern Room Screen in the Style of Memphis Milano by Nando Vincenzini
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Make a bold statement in any space with this incredibly unique monumental room divider. This thoroughly post-modern art work was hand crafted in 1988 by the artist Nando Vincenzini a...
Metal, Brass
A Fine French Art Deco Sycamore Gueridon
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine French Art Deco sycamore gueridon or side table with a 3 legs pedestal and brass detail .
Brass
$5,161 / set
H 31.89 in W 114.18 in D 106.3 in
Postmodern 'Sity' Modular Sectional Sofa, Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, 1972
By Antonio Citterio, B&B Italia
Located in Zagreb, HR
An amazing, rare and early production, three-piece modular Sity sofa designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia. Original upholstery, leather pole armrests, loose back and seat cush...
Leather, Fabric
French Louis XVI Style Chauffeuse
Located in Houston, TX
French Louis XVI Style Chauffeuse. This stylish French chair, bergere or chauffeuse makes a great side chair in a living area, bedroom, dressing room or closet and dates to the 1920...
Velvet, Wood
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.
The modern floor lamp is an evolution of torchères — tall floor candelabras that originated in France as a revolutionary development in lighting homes toward the end of the 17th century. Owing to the advent of electricity and the introduction of new materials as a part of lighting design, floor lamps have taken on new forms and configurations over the years.
In the early 1920s, Art Deco lighting artisans worked with dark woods and modern metals, introducing unique designs that still inspire the look of modern floor lamps developed by contemporary firms such as Luxxu.
Popular mid-century floor lamps include everything from the enchanting fixtures by the Italian lighting artisans at Stilnovo to the distinctly functional Grasshopper floor lamp created by Scandinavian design pioneer Greta Magnusson-Grossman to the Paracarro floor lamp by the Venetian master glass workers at Mazzega. Among the more celebrated names in mid-century lighting design are Milanese innovators Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, who, along with their eldest brother, Livio, worked for their own firm as architects and designers. While Livio departed the practice in 1952, Achille and Pier Giacomo would go on to design the Arco floor lamp, the Toio floor lamp and more for legendary lighting brands such as FLOS.
Today’s upscale interiors frequently integrate the otherworldly custom lighting solutions created by a wealth of contemporary firms and designers such as Spain’s Masquespacio, whose Wink floor lamps integrate gold as well as fabric fringes.
Visual artists and industrial designers have a penchant for floor lamps, possibly because they’re so often a clever marriage of design and the functions of lighting. A good floor lamp can change the mood of any room while adding a touch of elegance to your entire space. Find yours now on 1stDibs.