Memphis Milano Tables
Italian
To many people, postmodern design is synonymous with the Memphis Group. This Italian collaborative created the most radical and attention-getting designs of the period, upending most of the accepted standards of how furniture should look. Today, the Memphis Milano brand, which is managed by Alberto Bianchi Albrici, still produces designs created by the group between 1981 and 1988.
The Memphis story begins in 1980, when Ettore Sottsass, then a beacon of Italian postmodernism, tapped a coterie of younger designers to develop a collection for the Milan Furniture Fair the next year, determined that all the new furniture they were then seeing was boring. Their mission: Boldly reject the stark minimalism of the 1970s and shatter the rules of form and function. (Sottsass’s Ultrafragola mirror, designed in 1970, embodied many of what would become the collective’s postmodern ideals.)
The group decided to design, produce and market their own collection, one that wouldn’t be restricted by concerns like functionality and so-called good taste. Its debut, at Milan’s 1981 Salone del Mobile, drew thousands of viewers and caused a major stir in design circles.
So as a record of Bob Dylan’s “Stuck Inside of Mobile” played on repeat, they took their name from the song, devised their marketing strategy and plotted the postmodern look that would come to define the decade of excess — primary colors, blown-up proportions, playful nods to Art Deco and Pop art. A high-low mix of materials also helped define Memphis, as evidenced by Javier Mariscal’s pastel serving trays, which feature laminate veneer — a material previously used only in kitchens — as well as Shiro Kuramata’s Nara and Kyoto tables made from colored glass-infused terrazzo.
An image of Sottsass posing with his collaborators in a conversation pit shaped like a boxing ring appeared in magazines all over the world, and Karl Lagerfield furnished his Monte Carlo penthouse entirely in Memphis furniture. Meanwhile, members like Andrea Branzi, Aldo Cibic, Michele de Lucchi, Nathalie du Pasquier, Kuramata, Paola Navone, Peter Shire, George Sowden, Sottsass and his wife, journalist Barbara Radice, went on to enjoy fruitful careers.
Some people think of the Milan-based collective as the design equivalent to Patrick Nagel’s kitschy screenprints, but for others Memphis represents what made the early 1980s so great: freedom of expression, dizzying patterns and off-the-wall colors.
Eventually, the Reagan era gave way to cool 1990s minimalism, and Memphis fell out of fashion. Sottsass left the group in 1985, and by 1987, it had disbanded. Yet decades later, Memphis is back and can be traced to today’s most exciting designers.
“As someone who was born in the 1980s, Memphis at times feels like the grown-up, artsy version of the toys I used to play with,” says Shaun Kasperbauer, cofounder of the Brooklyn studio Souda. “It feels a little nostalgic, but at the same time it seems like an aesthetic that’s perfectly suited to an internet age — loud, colorful and utilizing forms that are graphic and often a little unexpected.”
Find a collection of Memphis Milano seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Memphis Milano
Table 'Brazil' by Peter Shire, Memphis Milano, 1981
By Memphis Milano, Peter Shire
Located in Berlin, DE
The 'Brazil' table was created in 1981 by designer Peter Shire for the Italian brand Memphis Milano. It stands out with its striking asymmetrical silhouette and bright colors.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Wood
Flamingo Bedside Table, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection
By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Flamingo bedside table in laminated wood and plastic, designed in 1984 by Michele De Lucchi.
Michele De Lucchi was born in 1951 in Ferrara and graduated in architecture in Florence. During the period of radical and experimental architecture he was a prominent figure in movements like Cavart, Alchymia and Memphis. His architectural designs have been mainly for office buildings in Japan, in Germany, in Switzerland and in Italy. He has taken care of numerous art and design exhibitions and has planned buildings for museums as Triennale di Milano, Palazzo delle Esposizioni di Roma and Neues Museum...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Wood, Plastic
Belvedere Console Table, by Aldo Cibic, for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Aldo Cibic
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Aldo Cibic
1982
Console in marble, granite, pietra serena. Lacquered wooden drawers. Based on the design of public spaces like subways and stations, Belvedere takes the form of a hea...
Category
2010s Italian Post-Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Granite, Marble, Sandstone
Pierre Table, by George J. Sowden, for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, George Sowden
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
George J. Sowden
1981
Table made of lacquered wood and covered with decorative laminate, metal frame.
The surprising optical effect of Pierre is the result of the alternation of two ...
Category
2010s Italian Post-Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Metal
Memphis desk Sophia design Aldo Cibic 1985
By Aldo Cibic, Memphis Milano
Located in Parma, IT
Sophia desk design Aldo Cibic for Memphis Milano 1985.
In solid wood, briar and laminate with metal foot.
One drawer and upper storage compartment.
In excellent condition.
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Metal
Stylin' Viper Cocktail Table by Johanna Grawunder for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Johanna Grawunder
Located in New York, NY
Liquid rubber painted wood. Equipped with 2 fluorescent bulbs. A dimmer switch has been recently installed. Original shipping crate from Mempho Milano st...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Rubber, Wood, Paint
Ettore Sottsass & Marco Zanini for Leitner Donau Collection Bed and Nightstand
By Memphis Milano, Marco Zanini, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and iconic Italian post-modern Donau Collection bed and matching nightstand designed by master architect and furniture designer Ettore Sottsass (Austria/Italy, 1917-2007) in collaboration with Marco Zanini (Milan, Italy; b.1971) for Leitner Interior Design, circa 1988.
Scarce design, bold and dramatic, sculptural-form, exceptionally executed in bird’s-eye maple lacquered and laminated wood, including blue accents and columns that offer a visually striking contrast. Retaining the original manufacturer's label, signed, 195/88.
Provenance / Acquisition:
Acquired from highly reputable auction house Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas. Design Signature Auction catalog #8110
Dimensions: (approx)
Bed: (Twin XL...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Laminate, Wood
Sally Coffee Table by Shiro Kuramata for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Shiro Kuramata
Located in Milano, MI
This metal and glass coffee table was made by Shiro Kuramata in 1987 for the Memphis Group.
Ideal in any ampiente.
The product is accompanied by the certificate of authenticity and ...
Category
1680s Antique Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Metal
Atlas Coffee Table by Aldo Cibic for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Aldo Cibic
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
ATLAS
Aldo Cibic
1983
Low coffee table made of lacquered wood and covered with decorative laminate, glass top.
Atlas, bearing the name of a mythical Titan condemned to carry the bur...
Category
2010s Italian Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Glass, Plastic, Wood
Manhattan Trolley by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Manhattan trolley in metal and glass by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano collection
Additional information:
Trolley in metal and colour...
Category
2010s Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Metal
Kyoto Side Table by Shiro Kumarata - Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano
Located in Milan, IT
Designed by Shiro Kumarata for Memphis, this charming and eclectic side table is a stunning addition to a monochromatic living room, where it will...
Category
2010s Italian Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Metal
Mimosa End Table with Glass Top, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Mimosa end table in plastic laminate with glass top, designed in 1984, by Ettore Sottsass.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated in architecture at the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Glass, Plastic
Holebid Briar Coffee Table, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Holebid coffee table in briar and plastic laminate, is designed in 1984 by Ettore Sottsass.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated in architecture at th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Wood, Plastic
Cream End Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Cream end table in plastic laminate by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano collection
Additional information:
End table in plastic laminate.
Collection: Memphis Milano
Designer:...
Category
2010s Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Plastic
Park Lane Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Park Lane coffee table in fiberglass & marble by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano collection
Additional information:
Coffee table in fiberglass and marble.
Collection: Memphis...
Category
2010s Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Fiberglass
Polar End Table in Plastic and Wood by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Coll
By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Polar end table in plastic and wood by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano collection
Additional information:
End table in plastic laminate and lacquered wood.
Collection: Memp...
Category
2010s Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Plastic
Kristall End Table, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection
By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Kristall end table in plastic laminate, lacquered wood and metal. Designed in 1981, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano.
Michele De Lucchi was born in 1951 in Ferrara and gradu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Plastic, Wood
Park Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Park coffee table in marble, metal and glass by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano collection
Additional information:
Coffee table in marble, metal and plate glass.
Collection: ...
Category
2010s Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Glass
Arquitectonica 1984 Madonna Table Desk Memphis Milano Postmodern Miami Sottsass
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Arquitectonica
Located in Munster, NRW
Madonna table by Arquitectonica Miami for Memphis Milano, 1984.
Iconic an extremely rare postmodern piece and one of the only Memphis Group productions whose design was commissione...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Wood
Hollywood Steel Coffee Table, by Peter Shire for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Peter Shire
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Hollywood laminated and lacquered steel coffee table, designed in 1983 by Peter Shire.
Peter Shire is a Los Angeles artist. Shire was born in the Echo Park district of Los Angel...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Steel
Hyatt Metal and Wood Table, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Hyatt table designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1984 for Memphis, in metal and laminated wood.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he gradu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Metal
Hollywood Special Edition Coffee Table by P. Shire for Memphis Milano Collection
By Peter Shire, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Hollywood special edition coffee table in metal and plastic by Peter Shire for Memphis Milano collection
Additional information:
Table in metal and plastic laminate, realized in ...
Category
2010s Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Plastic
Madras Table, by Nathalie du Pasquier, from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Nathalie du Pasquier, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Madras table has a beautiful contrasting laminate pattern top, designed in 1986 by Nathalie du Pasquier.
Nathalie du Pasquier was born in Bordeaux...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Laminate
Polar Side Table, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Polar side table was originally designed by Michele De Lucchi in 1984 for Memphis Milano. It is made out of plastic laminate and lacquered wood.
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Plastic
Brazil Table Special Edition by Peter Shire for Memphis Milano Collection
By Peter Shire, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Brazil table special edition in lacquered wood by Peter Shire for Memphis Milano collection
Additional information:
Side table in lacquered wood, realized in a limited edition o...
Category
2010s Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Wood
Palm Springs Briar Dining Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Palm Springs dining table, in briar and plastic laminate was originally designed in 1984, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Wood, Plastic
City Chrome-Plated Steel Table, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
City table, designed in 1983 by Ettore Sottsass, is a laminated composite board with chrome-plated steel, and enameled aluminum.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 19...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Steel, Aluminum
Ivory Side Table, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Shiro Kuramata, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Ivory side table has a beautiful contrasting laminate pattern, designed in 1984 by Ettore Sottsass.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 191...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Glass, Plastic
Madonna Wooden Table, by Arquitectonica for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Arquitectonica
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Madonna table in lacquered wood, designed in 1984 by Arquitectonica.
Memphis is the great cultural phenomenon of the 1980s that revolutionized creative and commercial logics in design. Born from the idea of Ettore Sottsass and a group of young designers and architects, in Milan, coupled in the years by famous designers from the international scene...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Wood
Continental Wood Side Table, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Continental side table designed in 1984 for Memphis, in laminated wood and plastic.
Michele De Lucchi was born in 1951 in Ferrara and graduated...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Wood, Plastic
Tartar Table, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Tartar Table in laminated wood was originally designed in 1985, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano.
Ettore Sottsass was born in ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Wood
Royal Couch by Nathalie du Pasquier for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Nathalie du Pasquier
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Royal coach by Nathalie du Pasquier for Memphis Milano collection
Coach in plastic laminate and cotton fabric.
The cushion and armrest fabric designed ...
Category
2010s Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Plastic
Bombay Side Table, by Nathalie du Pasquier, from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Nathalie du Pasquier, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Bombay side table has a beautiful contrasting laminate pattern top, designed in 1986 by Nathalie du Pasquier.
Nathalie du Pasquier was born in ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Laminate
Emerald Side Table, by Nathalie du Pasquier for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Nathalie du Pasquier, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Emerald Sideboard in wood, plastic laminate and mirror, designed by Nathalie Du Pasquier in 1985.
Nathalie du Pasquier was born in Bordeaux, France,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Wood, Plastic
Mandarin Table, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Mandarin table in plastic laminate, metal and glass, designed in 1981 by Ettore Sottsass.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he gr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Glass, Plastic
Brazil Side Table, by Peter Shire for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Peter Shire, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Brazil side and console table in lacquered wood, was originally designed in 1981 by Peter Shire.
Peter Shire is a Los Angeles artist. Shire was born in the Echo Park district o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Wood
Kyoto Metal and Terrazo End Table, by Shiro Kuramata for Memphis Milano Collect.
By Shiro Kuramata, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Kyoto end table in metal and terrazzo, designed in 1983 by Shiro Kuramata.
Shiro Kuramata studied architecture at Tokyo Polytechnic in Tokyo unti...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Metal
Fortune Side Table, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Fortune Side table in plastic laminate, lacquered wood and glass. Designed in 1982, by Michele De Lucchi.
Michele De Lucchi was born in 1951 in Ferrara and graduated in architectur...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Wood, Plastic
Freemont Gilded Wood Console, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Freemont gilded wood console in wood, plastic laminate and aluminum. Designed in 1985, by Ettore Sottsass.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Wood, Plastic
Amazon Cabinet, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Marco Zanini, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Amazon Cabinet in reconstituted veneer and lacquered wood, was originally designed in 1985 by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano.
Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He gradu...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Wood
Alcor Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Alcor Glass Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for Memphis. Signed on the base.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated in architecture at...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Glass
Schwarzenberg Console Table By Hans Hollein for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Hans Hollein
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
SCHWARZENBERG
Hans Hollein
1981
Console in lacquered wood, glazed with gold leaf and covered with natural wood essence.
Schwarzenberg, designed by Hans Hollein, winner of the Pritz...
Category
2010s Italian Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Gold Leaf
Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Sebastopole Dining Table, 1982
By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano
Located in Milan, IT
This wonderful table in marble and serena stone was designed by Michele de Lucchi in 1982 for Memphis. Iconic and truly unique in its shapes, this is a exceptional example of postmod...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Stone, Marble
Hilton Metal and Glass Trolley, by Javier Mariscal for Memphis Milano Collection
By Javier Mariscal, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Hilton trolley in lacquered metal and crystal glass, designed in 1981 by Javier Mariscal.
He was born in Valencia in 1950. In 1971 he moved to Barcelona to study Graphic Design at the Elisava School. There he came into contact with comic book writers and illustrators of the time, such as Mique Beltrán, Daniel Torres and Sento. Together they set up "El rollo enmascarado", a group specialized in underground comics. In the 1980s, he worked as interior designer. In these he collaborated with Memphis Among his best known works are Cobi, the mascot for the 1992 Olympic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Tables
Materials
Metal
Memphis Milano tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Memphis Milano tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Memphis Milano tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 5 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 35 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original tables by Memphis Milano were created in the modern style in italy during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider tables by Cara e Davide, Memphis Group, and Stefano Giovannoni. Prices for Memphis Milano tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,755 and can go as high as $23,720, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,528.
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