Penta "Tocco" Wood Table Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Penta "Tocco" Wood Table Lamp, egg shaped in oak wood with wenge finish. Lacking glass shade. 14" H
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Vintage Lamp Post Light
Oak
Penta "Tocco" Wood Table Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Penta "Tocco" Wood Table Lamp, egg shaped in oak wood with wenge finish. Lacking glass shade. 14" H
Oak
Penta "Tocco" Wood Table Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Penta "Tocco" Wood Table Lamp, egg shaped in oak wood with wenge finish. Missing glass shade. 14
Wood
Penta "Tocco" Wood Table Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Penta "Tocco" Wood Table Lamp, egg shaped in oak wood with wenge finish and glass shade. 14" H x 12
Wood
Penta "Tocco" Wood Table Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Penta "Tocco" Wood Table Lamp, egg shaped in oak wood with wenge finish and glass shade. 14" H x 12
Glass, Oak
Post Modern Brushed Metal Dual Light Table Lamp by Michael Graves
By Michael Graves (b.1934)
Located in San Diego, CA
Post Modern Brushed Metal Dual Table Lamp by Michael Graves, circa 1990s. Add a bold Postmodern
Metal
$150Sale Price|50% Off
H 10.5 in W 11 in D 3.5 in
Vintage Post Modern Desk Lamp ... 1980s Adjustable Folding Task Light, Modular
Located in Chicago, IL
Folding post modern desk lamp made of high-impact plastic. Most likely by Marksman Brown, made in
Plastic
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
Glass
Tall Post Modern Italian Torchiere Uplight & Accent Light
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous post modern Torchiere from Italy. Ribbed steel post with a double light, top light for an
Steel
$2,842 / set
H 31.89 in Dm 19.69 in
A POP POST-MODERN Lucite TABLE LAMP by MARIE-CLAUDE DE FOUQUIERES France 1970
By Marie-Claude de Fouquieres
Located in PARIS, FR
DESCRIPTION: An exceptional and sculptural monolythic table lamp or night light, Post-Modernist
Lucite, Plexiglass
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
Wood
Petite Metal Desk Lamp Retro Orange Eyeball Light 1970s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
not only adds a stylish touch to any space but also provides a warm, inviting light. The lamp features
Metal
Postmodern Period Wall Light Sconce Spotlight or Desk Lamp
Located in New York, NY
A small Postmodern period wall light sconce, spot-light, or small desk lamp, with adjustable head
Plastic
$587
H 10.24 in W 7.09 in D 7.09 in
Postmodern Dutch Glass Cone Table Lamp from Mobo Light, Holland, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Simple cone table lamp made of glass from Mobo Light from the Netherlands. The cone-shaped
Glass
$7,250
H 11.42 in W 9.65 in D 7.88 in
Andrea Bellosi – “Arc en Ciel” Table Lamp (Rainbow Light) Studio Alchimia, Italy
By Studio Alchimia
Located in Dronten, NL
century. Titled “Arc en Ciel”, this sculptural lamp is conceived as a functional light object and a
Carrara Marble, Steel
$296Sale Price|25% Off
H 28 in W 12 in D 8 in
1980s Postmodern Black and Gold Sculptural Table Lamp with 3-Light Settings
Located in Toronto, CA
This vintage 1980s Postmodern table lamp embodies the bold, geometric spirit of the Memphis design
Metal
$17,762
H 51.58 in Dm 19.69 in
Set of 2 Postmodern German Table Floor Lamps light blue white Swirl Pattern, 80s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Set of 2 Postmodern German Table and Floor Lamp with light blue and white Swirl Pattern, 1980s
Metal
$2,842 / set
H 11.42 in Dm 3.94 in
Rare pair of Royal Copenhagen "Blå Kant" porcelain table lamp light blue glaze.
By Royal Copenhagen
Located in København K, 84
in lighting form during the mid-20th century. The lamps feature a soft light-blue glaze, punctuated
Porcelain, Ceramic
$12,000
H 37.75 in W 36 in D 16 in
Vladimir Kagan Stalagmite Large Floor Lamp Modern Brass Bubble Light, 1970s, USA
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An exceptional and unique Vladimir Kagan (American, 1927-2016) Stalagmite floor lamp. Designed and
Brass
Vintage Cube Light
Located in Toronto, CA
Like building blocks for grown-ups. This large cube floor lamp stacks bold geometric forms in sunny
Plastic
$1,500
H 72 in W 26 in D 12.75 in
1970s Koch+Lowy Brass Floor Lamp 3 Pivoting Heads Vintage Mid-Century Tri-Light
By Koch & Lowy
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This vintage floor lamp by Koch & Lowy, comes in polished brass, with three pivoting rounded light
Metal
Arched Glass with Yellow Painted Desk Light
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
This desk lamp has two glass shades painted in a vivid yellow. The glass is frosted, creating a
Steel
Light Object by Studio Rossi Molinari, TOTEM, 1969
By TOTEM, Studio Rossi-Molinari
Located in Berlin, DE
This very rare icon of Italian lighting design was created by Studio Rossi Molinari for TOTEM in 1969. The pink transparent colors and shape make it a real eye-catcher!
Acrylic
Doug Spalding Studio Pottery Robot Night Light Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this whimsical ceramic robot sculpture night light by Michigan based
Ceramic
Ron Arad Aerial Light for One Off, UK 1982
By One Off, Ltd., Ron Arad
Located in Chicago, IL
Ron Arad Aerial Light for One Off, UK (1982) Rare, robotic lamp designed by Ron Arad, adjustable
Aluminum, Steel, Wire
$769
H 15.75 in W 3.55 in D 14.18 in
Adjustable Nickel-Plated Brass Desk Light by Holtkötter Germany 1980s
Located in Munich, DE
Elegant and adjustable vintage brass desk light. With adjustable arm and rotating lamp shade
Brass, Nickel
$650
H 10.63 in W 7.88 in D 4.73 in
Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide First Edition 'Sintesi' Red Clamp Light
By Artemide, Ernesto Gismondi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, multi-way clamp lamp, model 'Sintesi Faretto Morsetto', first
Metal, Iron
$805Sale Price|20% Off
H 19.3 in W 4.73 in D 13.78 in
Original Sottsass Associati Halogen Table Light, Halo Click 2, by Philips 1988
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in München, DE
Very rare original Sottsass Associati halogen table light Halo Click 2 by Philips 1988, Holland
Metal
$650Sale Price|50% Off
H 24.81 in W 34.65 in D 1.97 in
Mid 20thCentury Post Impressionist 'Mending Garments by Lamp Light' oil c1930's
Located in Frome, Somerset
expressive colourfield palette creating a soft diffused atmosphere under the old lamp light. Signed lower
Oil
Postmodern Light Lite Ceiling Lamp by Philippe Starck for Flos, 1990s
By Philippe Starck
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Light Lite Ceiling Lamp by Philippe Starck for Flos, 1990s - Design classics from Flos
Plastic
$595
H 16.63 in Dm 8.5 in
Gregory Van Pelt Cardboard Hanging Light Pendant Fixture Swag Lamp Vintage MCM
By Gregory Van Pelt
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful stacked cardboard pendant lamp, harder to find these days. Super fun piece from the Post
Paper
$1,407 / set
H 11.81 in W 10.63 in D 3.15 in
Set of 2 Vintage Postmodern Glass Wall Lamps from DIY Light, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Postmodern Glass Wall Lamps from DIY Light, 1980s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions
Metal
$798Sale Price|25% Off
H 35.44 in Dm 11.42 in
Italian hand-blown light bulb-shaped ceiling lamp by Due P, Italie 1980
Located in La xara, VC
A lamp with a unique original design from the late 1980s, designed in the shape of a light bulb
Murano Glass
$331
H 3.94 in W 13 in D 13 in
vintage ceramic CEILING LIGHT or wall lamp flower shape white grey rose 80s
Located in Mannheim, DE
mirrored light bulb or any other bulb with structured surface. For 1 E27 bulb (the bulb in the pictures is
Ceramic
$1,900 / item
H 29.5 in W 43.3 in D 1.96 in
Johanna Grawunder Memphis Large Yellow Black Light Wall Lamps (4), Italy 1989
By Memphis Group, Johanna Grawunder
Located in Vienna, AT
yellowing. The yellow color of the lucite adds a playful and unique touch to the design of the wall light
Metal
Unavailable
H 51.19 in W 13.78 in D 13.78 in
Huge Floor Lamp by Doria 'Germany' Vintage Glass Light 1960s-1970s Chrome Silver
By Doria Leuchten Germany
Located in Hamburg, HH
Floor lamp from 1960s-1970s, made by Doria from Germany. Chromed metal stand construction, oval
Chrome
Murano Floor Light by Vetri, Italy
By Murano 5
Located in Armadale, Victoria
Spectacular and rare Murano floor lamp by Vettri, Italy with chromed tripod base. There are several
Chrome
Unavailable
H 26.78 in W 33.47 in D 7.09 in
Postmodern XL Size Wall Lamp, Accent Light, Murano Glass, Italy 1980s
Located in Zagreb, HR
Stunning large sculptural wall lamp, abstract form inspired by the head of a Medusa from the Greek
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 66.5 in W 16 in D 11 in
Vintage Charlie Chaplin Concrete Outdoor Lamp Post Light Statue Sculpture
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 20th century Charlie Chaplin electrified concrete post light. Great for indoor or outdoor use
Concrete
Post modern Black Laminate Lighted Pedestal Lamp
By Milo Baughman
Located in San Diego, CA
Versatile lighted pedestal lamp , circa 1980's black glossy laminated walls , with a white plastic
Plastic, Laminate
Sold
H 68 in W 25 in D 11 in
Post Modern Giant Brass Floor Lamp Luxo Articulating Architect Drafting Light
By Luxo
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Large post modern Floor lamp Drafting Architect's Articulating Lamp by LUXO in brass. Brass
Brass
Penta "Tocco" Wood Table Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Penta "Tocco" Wood Table Lamp, Spherical shaped in oak wood with wenge finish and glass shade. 10
Glass, Oak
Rare Italian Post-Modern Light Sculpture / Table Lamp by Masayo Ave
By Masayo Ave, Antonangeli
Located in New York, NY
A light sculpture / desk / table lamp made from sponge creating a warm lighting presence and
Penta Cherrywood and Woven Straw Floor Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Penta Cherrywood, Chrome, and Woven Straw Floor Lamp, with original label. 62.25" H x 16" Diameter
Chrome
Pair of X Base Post Modern Pop Art Light Bulb Table Lamps
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A pair of x-base post modern pop art light bulb table lamps. These super cool, playful table lamps
Metal
Sold
H 29.93 in W 14.57 in D 7.88 in
Vintage Revolving Light Up Box depicting Marlboro Cigarette Pack, USA 1980s
By Marlboro Lamp Co.
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an extraordinary and very rare light up box depicting Marlboro
Acrylic
Vintage Light Bulb Table Lamp
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pop art light bulb desk lamp in the style of Ingo Maurer. Chrome base designed to look like the
Chrome
Goffredo Reggiani Four Light Standing Floor Lamp
By Goffredo Reggiani
Located in Astoria, NY
Goffredo Reggiani (Italian, 1929-2004), Italian Stilnovo four light standing floor lamp for
Chrome
Dutch Ceramic Prototype Table Lamp / Light Sculpture, Circa 1980s
Located in London, GB
For sale a fabulous Dutch Postmodern handmade prototype ceramic Table Lamp or Light Sculpture
Metal
1970's, Robert Sonneman Chrome Tube Floor Lamp Reading Light
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Chicago, IL
Chrome steel tube floor lamp by Robert Sonneman, 1970s. 90 degree angle tube design, 2" width
Chrome
Mod Three-Light Floor Lamp Designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Mod style floor lamp having three independent hood shades ( each hood shade 7 in L x 6 in Dia
Sold
H 20.08 in W 22.45 in D 22.45 in
Iconic Tom Dixon "JACK LIGHT" Floor Lamp-Stool by EuroLounge, 1994
By Tom Dixon
Located in London, GB
For sale is an iconic and seminal piece of Tom Dixon design, the “Jack light”, designed in 1994 and
Plastic
Sold
H 15.75 in W 3.15 in D 6.3 in
Postmodern table lamp DELFINO Mario Bertorelle for JM RDM Halogen light Vintage
By Mario Bertorelle
Located in Buggiano, IT
Pair of beautiful post-modern plastic table lamps by Mario Bertorelle, Dolphin model, original
Plastic
Sold
H 54.73 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in
Gian Nicola Gigante Fluorescent Floor Lamp, Neon Light, by Zerbetto, Italy, 1980
By Gian Nicola Gigante, Zerbetto
Located in Munster, NRW
This Postmodern style fluorescent floor lamp for Zerbetto consists of a green metal frame on a
Metal, Wire
Vintage Folding Task Light
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage adjustable task light. Folds into a nice compact size. A switch on the base can toggle
Plastic
Philips garden column light, 1980s.
By Philips
Located in Athens, Attiki
PHILIPS. Glossy black plastic garden column lights. The Netherlands, 1980s. Excellent condition, never used, in its original box.
Plastic
Vintage Extension Tensor Task Light
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage adjustable task light. Made of off-white plastic. Folds into a nice compact size with a
Metal
Wata Punga Light by Ingo Maurer, circa 1998
By Ingo Maurer
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Wata Punga table lamp designed by Ingo Maurer for his MaMo Nouchies line, circa 1998. Japanese
Metal
Sold
H 17.72 in W 5.91 in D 9.85 in
1970s Articulated French Table Light Chrome and Dark Orange Lacquered Metal
Located in Crespières, FR
bedside table lamp, also perfect on a shelf and even used as a piano light.
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 36 in W 11.5 in D 11.5 in
Postmodern 1980's Lighted Pedestal in Black Laminate Finish & Frosted Glass Top
Located in San Diego, CA
Versatile black laminate with frosted glass top lighted pedestal . circa 1980's great condition
Glass, Laminate
Sold
H 16.15 in W 12.6 in D 5.91 in
Vintage 1980s Czech 'Old Globe' Black and Red Table Light by Antonín Hepnar
Located in London, GB
A vintage Czech table light designed and made by Antonín Hepnar, circa 1985. The light, made of two
Porcelain, Plastic, Wood
Swedish Leather-Wrapped Brass Floor Lamp
By Bohlmarks
Located in Long Island City, NY
A handsome Swedish standing lamp, its post wrapped in light brown leather. Rewired for the US.
Brass
1950s Floor Lamp by Maison Lunel
By Maison Lunel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
frames. The light is fully adjustable due to a brass ball joint at the top end of the post. This lamp
Metal, Brass
1950 Pair of Floor Lamps "Bamboo" Model in Gilt Bronze Maison Baguès
By Maison Baguès
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
lampshade in off-white cotton, redone in the same way. 1 arm of light by lamp post
Bronze
1950 Pair of Floor Lamps "Bamboo" Model in Gilt Bronze Maison Baguès
By Maison Baguès
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
cylindrical lampshade in off-white cotton, redone in the same way. 1 Arm of light by lamp post.
Bronze
Italian Chromed Steel and Opaline Glass Three-Light Ceiling Lamp, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian chromed steel and opaline glass three-light ceiling lamp, 1970s. Beautiful three-light
Steel
Sold
H 73.23 in W 5.91 in D 7.88 in
A MINIMAL RADICAL SPACE-AGE FLOOR LAMP by BALTENSWEILER, Swiss 1970
By Rosemarie & Rico Baltensweiler
Located in PARIS, FR
A small adjustable floor lamp or reading light, Post-Modernist, Minimalist, circular base in brown
Metal
Postmodern Light Blue Ceramic Urn Lamps, Regal China, A Pair
By Harris Lamps
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Post-modern ceramic table lamps by Regal China with two sets of ribbed banding and swirled
Ceramic
1980's Rare Glitter Motion Lamp "Poverty Sucks" by Fantasia Products
By Fantasia Light
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing rare 1980s glitter motion lamp glass front with laminate wood case, excellent working
Glass, Laminate
Sold
H 17.25 in W 10.5 in D 6 in
Post Modern Clam Shell Motif Table Lamps in Light Gray or Blue - A Pair
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A pair of post-modern ceramic table lamps in a shell motif. This pair of lamps will add just the
Ceramic
Koch & Lowy 3-Light Floor Lamp
By Koch & Lowy
Located in New York, NY
Classic 1970s Koch and Lowy chrome and aluminum three light floor lamp. This example features three
Aluminum, Chrome
Three-Light Table Top Arc Lamp in Brass
By Angelo Lelii
Located in New York, NY
Cool mod style three-light arc lamp in brass, unusual smaller scale, tabletop, desk lamp size. Each
Brass
Light Lite Pendant Lamp Philippe Starck for Flos
By Philippe Starck, Flos
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Light lite lamp designed by Philippe Starck for Flos. This model is yellow shade with transparent
Plastic
Postmodern Sonneman for Kovacs Two Light Anglepoise Halogen Floor Lamp
By Kovacs, Robert Sonneman
Located in New York, NY
Voguish 1980's chic architectural two arm angle poise floor lamp in graphic black finish. The lamp
Metal
Halogen Light Torchiere Uplight Floor Lamp c. 1970/80's
Located in New York, NY
High end floor lamp, torchiere, uplight constructed of brass, steel and faux marble, circa 1970/80
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 55 in W 36 in D 10.5 in
Postmodern Adjustable Two Light Brass Floor Lamp by Holtkoetter Luechten
By Holtkoetter
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, sophisticated and chic floor lamp by noted German makers Holtkoetter and Leuchten, circa
Brass
Midcentury Postmodern Black Reading Light Floor Lamp by Koch & Lowy
By Koch & Lowy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine 1980s design made by Koch & Lowy. It features a black enameled steel frame, weighted base, and bright bulb. Manufacturers stamp mark.
Steel
Articulating Brass Three Light Floor Lamp by Koch & Lowy Ca. 1970's
By Koch & Lowy
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional example of the iconic 1970's Post Modern, Hollywood Regency Koch & Lowy floor lamp. The
Brass
Sold
H 57.49 in Dm 16.93 in
Postmodern Eight-Light Floral Glass Floor Lamp Attributed to Mazzega, Italy
By Mazzega
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
and blown glass lampshades. This floor lamp is vintage, therefore it might show slight traces of use
Metal
Five Light Brass Orb Table Lamp Circa `1970's att. to Robert Sonneman
By Robert Sonneman
Located in New York, NY
Groovy Post Modern, Space Age, Mid Century Modern table lamp, featuring five orb like hood shades
Brass
Sold
H 20.08 in W 22.45 in D 22.45 in
Lighting object, lamp, or stackable stool "Jack light" by Tom Dixon, The UK 1996
By Tom Dixon
Located in Beograd, RS
it one of his first experiments in plastic. This iconic and seminal piece, the “Jack light”, was
Plastic
'Cubosfera' Table Light in Glass by Alessandro Mendini
By Alessandro Mendini, Fidenza Vetraria
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Alessandro Mendini for Fidenza Vitraria, 'Cubosfera' table lamp, glass and metal, Italy, 1968
Metal
Doug Spalding Studio Pottery Skyscraper Night Light Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
sculpture night light by Michigan based artist, Doug Spalding. It features handmade construction, glaze of
Ceramic
Sold
H 10.63 in W 7.88 in D 4.73 in
Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide 'Sintesi Faretto Morsetto' Green Clamp Light
By Artemide, Ernesto Gismondi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
lamp in green is highly functional as the position of the light can adjusted by pulling the arm upwards
Metal, Iron
Sold
H 14.97 in W 10.24 in D 3.94 in
Italian Valigetta Table Light by Matteo Thun for Bieffeplast 1988, Memphis Style
By Matteo Thun, Bieffeplast
Located in Renens, CH
Italian Valigetta table light by Matteo Thun for Bieffeplast 1988, Memphis style This table
Metal
Karl Springer Column Lucite Table Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Karl Springer 1970's lucite rounded column form table lamp with chrome post and double light
Lucite
Floral Gilded Floor Lamp by Hans Kögl, 1970s
By Hans Kögl
Located in bruxelles, BE
Floral floor lamp composed of 5 points of light. The lamp post is made of gold-coloured metal and
Metal
Two Lamps 'Light Ball' by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Two early edition “Light Ball 3” by the Castiglioni brothers. Well, preserved wall or ceiling lamps
Metal
Sold
H 22.5 in W 9 in D 6 in
Vintage Cylindrical Post Modern Light Up Brassy and Transparent Tube Table Lamp
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage, late 20th century, brassy and clear tube light up table lamp. The table lamp features a
Metal
Pop Art Oversized Light Bulb Lamp
Located in St. Louis, MO
Designer: Unknown Manufacture: Unknown Period/style: Postmodern Country: US Date: 1950s.
Tree Light Floorlamp by Ron Arad
By Ron Arad
Located in Couzon au Mont d'Or, FR
A famous Ron Arad floorlamp "Tree light" edition Barton, 1983. Concrete base and metal arms.
Concrete, Metal
Small Red Neon Light by Gian N. Gigante for Zerbetto, 1980s
By Gian Nicola Gigante, Zerbetto
Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles
Green Neon lamp by Gian N. Gigante for Zerbetto, 1980s 2 pieces available - Price is per piece
Metal
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 right table lamp, outwardly sculptural chandelier or understated wall pendant can work wonders for your home. While we’re indebted to thinkers like Thomas Edison for critically important advancements in lighting and electricity, we’re still finding new ways to customize illumination to fit our personal spaces all these years later. A wide range of antique and vintage lighting can be found on 1stDibs.
Today, lighting designers like the self-taught Bec Brittain have used the flexible structure of LEDs to craft glamorous solutions by working with what is typically considered a harsh lighting source. By integrating glass and mirrors, reflection can be used to soften the glow from LEDs and warmly welcome light into any space.
Although contemporary innovators continue to impress, some of the classics can’t be beat.
Just as gazing at the stars allows you to glimpse the universe’s past, vintage chandeliers like those designed by Gino Sarfatti and J. & L. Lobmeyr, for example, put on a similarly stunning show, each with a rich story to tell.
As dazzling as it is, the Arco lamp, on the other hand, prioritizes functionality — it’s wholly mobile, no drilling required. Designed in 1962 by architect-product designers Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, the piece takes the traditional form of a streetlamp and creates an elegant, arching floor fixture for at-home use.
There is no shortage of modernist lighting similarly prized by collectors and casual enthusiasts alike — there are Art Deco table lamps created in a universally appreciated style, the Tripod floor lamp by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Greta Magnusson Grossman's sleek and minimalist Grasshopper lamps and, of course, the wealth of mid-century experimental lighting that emerged from Italian artisans at Arredoluce, FLOS and many more are hallmarks in illumination innovation.
With decades of design evolution behind it, home lighting is no longer just practical. Crystalline shaping by designers like Gabriel Scott turns every lighting apparatus into a luxury accessory. A new installation doesn’t merely showcase a space; carefully chosen ceiling lights, table lamps and floor lamps can create a mood, spotlight a favorite piece or highlight your unique personality.
The sparkle that your space has been missing is waiting for you amid the growing collection of antique, vintage and contemporary lighting for sale on 1stDibs.