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Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

POSTMODERN STYLE

Postmodern design was a short-lived movement that manifested itself chiefly in Italy and the United States in the early 1980s. The characteristics of vintage postmodern furniture and other postmodern objects and decor for the home included loud-patterned, usually plastic surfaces; strange proportions, vibrant colors and weird angles; and a vague-at-best relationship between form and function.

ORIGINS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Emerges during the 1960s; popularity explodes during the ’80s
  • A reaction to prevailing conventions of modernism by mainly American architects
  • Architect Robert Venturi critiques modern architecture in his Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture (1966)
  • Theorist Charles Jencks, who championed architecture filled with allusions and cultural references, writes The Language of Post-Modern Architecture (1977)
  • Italian design collective the Memphis Group, also known as Memphis Milano, meets for the first time (1980) 
  • Memphis collective debuts more than 50 objects and furnishings at Salone del Milano (1981)
  • Interest in style declines, minimalism gains steam

CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Dizzying graphic patterns and an emphasis on loud, off-the-wall colors
  • Use of plastic and laminates, glass, metal and marble; lacquered and painted wood 
  • Unconventional proportions and abundant ornamentation
  • Playful nods to Art Deco and Pop art

POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

VINTAGE POSTMODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

Critics derided postmodern design as a grandstanding bid for attention and nothing of consequence. Decades later, the fact that postmodernism still has the power to provoke thoughts, along with other reactions, proves they were not entirely correct.

Postmodern design began as an architectural critique. Starting in the 1960s, a small cadre of mainly American architects began to argue that modernism, once high-minded and even noble in its goals, had become stale, stagnant and blandly corporate. Later, in Milan, a cohort of creators led by Ettore Sottsass and Alessandro Mendinia onetime mentor to Sottsass and a key figure in the Italian Radical movement — brought the discussion to bear on design.

Sottsass, an industrial designer, philosopher and provocateur, gathered a core group of young designers into a collective in 1980 they called Memphis. Members of the Memphis Group,  which would come to include Martine Bedin, Michael Graves, Marco Zanini, Shiro Kuramata, Michele de Lucchi and Matteo Thun, saw design as a means of communication, and they wanted it to shout. That it did: The first Memphis collection appeared in 1981 in Milan and broke all the modernist taboos, embracing irony, kitsch, wild ornamentation and bad taste.

Memphis works remain icons of postmodernism: the Sottsass Casablanca bookcase, with its leopard-print plastic veneer; de Lucchi’s First chair, which has been described as having the look of an electronics component; Martine Bedin’s Super lamp: a pull-toy puppy on a power-cord leash. Even though it preceded the Memphis Group’s formal launch, Sottsass’s iconic Ultrafragola mirror — in its conspicuously curved plastic shell with radical pops of pink neon — proves striking in any space and embodies many of the collective’s postmodern ideals. 

After the initial Memphis show caused an uproar, the postmodern movement within furniture and interior design quickly took off in America. (Memphis fell out of fashion when the Reagan era gave way to cool 1990’s minimalism.) The architect Robert Venturi had by then already begun a series of plywood chairs for Knoll Inc., with beefy, exaggerated silhouettes of traditional styles such as Queen Anne and Chippendale. In 1982, the new firm Swid Powell enlisted a group of top American architects, including Frank Gehry, Richard Meier, Stanley Tigerman and Venturi to create postmodern tableware in silver, ceramic and glass.

On 1stDibs, the vintage postmodern furniture collection includes chairs, coffee tables, sofas, decorative objects, table lamps and more.

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Style: Post-Modern
Vintage Pink Tessellated Marble Pedestal, Sculptural Stand, Postmodern, c. 1980s
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A distinctive pedestal in the 1980s modern tradition, crafted from pink tessellated marble and showcasing a soft pink hue with natural veining. This piece blends timeless design with...
Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Stone, Marble

1990s Post Modern Rough Edge Glass Pedestal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This 1990s Post Modern Rough Edge Glass Pedestal showcases a distinctive blend of rugged texture and refined form, characteristic of the postmodern design movement. Featuring thick, ...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Glass

Postmodern Italian Marble Low Pedestal / End Table
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful design simple Italian marble pedestal circa the 1980s, great shape and condition, with beveled corners beautiful color, no chips or cracks coned shape.
Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Marble

Brushed Stainless Steel Dining Table Base/ Pedestal Column, French 1970's
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing brushed stainless steel column/ pedestal base which can also be used as a dining table base by adding a custom thick round glass. The beautiful finish is modern and ind...
Category

1970s French Vintage Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Stainless Steel

Postmodern Cream Formica Pedestal Side Display or End Table, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern pedestal table rendered in cream Formica, 1980s.
Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Formica, Wood

Massive Postmodern White Wash Solid Butcher Block Oak Pedestal Side Table
Located in San Diego, CA
Angular geometric Table pedestal in solid oak white wash finish, great for an end table next to a sofa between 2 chairs, great condition it was ordered for a project and the customer...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Oak

Pair of Bronze Triangular Totem Pedestals by Rod Kagan
By Rod Kagan
Located in San Diego, CA
A super cool pair of bronze triangular totem pedestals by Rod Kagan circa 2007. The set can be used as small display pedestals or as decorative...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Bronze

Postmodern Tessellated Neoclassical Fluted Column Pedestal
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Timeless Fluted Column Doric Pedestal. Tessellated Travertine with smooth base and top. Rough fluted shaft with deep channels.
Category

1980s Vintage Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Stone

Italian Travertine Marble Dining Table Bases Side Tables Display Pedestals
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page. Offering one of our recent palm beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of a set of 2 vintage polished italian travertine marble dining table bases...
Category

1970s Vintage Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Travertine, Marble

'70s Modern Pedestal with Gold Accent
Located in New York, NY
A cylindrical off-white/cream laminate pedestal with gold brass-plate accent, '70s Modern/Post-Modern period, circa late-20th century, 1970s. Piece has a weighted bottom for stability.
Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Metal, Brass

Postmodern Lavender Textured Laminate Hexagonal Nesting Side Tables/Pedestals
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Amazing vintage postmodern hexagonal nesting tables/pedestals. Each feature a textured lavender and pink laminate. Medium measures 28”H Small m...
Category

1980s American Vintage Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Black Pedestal Column Pillar Stand Modern Style Postmodern Period
Located in New York, NY
A relatively large black cylindrical pedestal column stand with square base, in the modern style or Post-Modern period, circa late-20th century, 1980s. A great piece to hold/display ...
Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Fiberglass

Red Abstract Post-Modern Sculpture, Hic & Nunc Belgian Artworks, 1989
Located in Antwerp, BE
Belgian Artist; Belgian Design; Belgium; Abstract Sculpture; Red; Yellow; Pedestal; Column; Postmodern; 1990s; Belgian Artworks; Hic & Nunc; Lacquere...
Category

1980s Belgian Vintage Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Steel

Pair Matching Post-Modern Italian Travertine Marble Hexagonal Side Tables, 1970s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Italian travertine marble haxagonal side tables or pedestals. The polished travertine is beige and cream colored with beautiful variation. Notice in some areas the grain deve...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Travertine

Italy Hand-Carved Oak Wood Column in Post Modern Style
Located in Brescia, IT
This engaging contemporary wooden made column has the surface finely hand sculpted in solid oak wood and then it is finished in moka color. The result is a stunning piece that is an ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Oak

Post-Modern Italian Travertine Marble Hexagonal Side Table, 1970s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Italian travertine marble haxagonal side table or pedestal. The polished travertine is beige and cream colored with beautiful variation. Notice in some areas the grain develops a red...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Travertine

Set of Four Post-Modern Italian Travertine Marble Hexagonal Side Tables, 1970s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of four Italian travertine marble haxagonal side tables or pedestals. The polished travertine is beige and cream colored with beautiful variation. Notice in some areas the grai...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Travertine

Pair Post-Modern Italian Travertine Marble Hexagonal Side Tables, 1970s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Italian travertine marble haxagonal side tables or pedestals. The polished travertine is beige and cream colored with beautiful variation. Notice in some areas the grain deve...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Travertine

Post-Modern Tessellated Pink Marble and Travertine Pedestal by Maitland Smith
Located in Miami, FL
Post Modern pedestal rendered in tessellated pink marble and travertine with brass inlay by Maitland Smith.
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Travertine, Marble, Brass

Italy Hand-Carved Solid Oak Wood Column Base
Located in Brescia, IT
This engaging contemporary wooden made column has the surface finely hand sculpted in solid oak wood and then it is finished in moka color. The result is a stunning piece that is an ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Oak

Vintage Boho Hand Painted Geometric Pedestal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your decor with this Vintage Boho Hand Painted Geometric Pedestal. This striking piece features a vibrant, hand-painted geometric design that adds a pop of color and pattern ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Wood, Paint

Postmodern Tessellated Being and Pink Stone Pedestal Console With Brass Inlay
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Immerse yourself in the world of postmodern art with the Tessellated Bone and Pink Stone Pedestal Console with Brass Inlay. This console combines tessellated bone and vibrant pink st...
Category

20th Century Philippine Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Brass

Postmodern Gray Lacquer Laminate and Gold Rectangular Pedestals - a Pair
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Enhance your home with our Postmodern Gray Lacquer Laminate and Gold Rectangular Pedestals, a pair that combines sleek design with bold gold accents. Features sleek laminate surface...
Category

1980s American Vintage Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Wood

Postmodern Faux Beige Stone Pedestals - a Pair
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Enhance your interior with a pair of Postmodern Faux Beige Stone Pedestals, crafted for versatility and sophistication, perfect for showcasing art pieces. Crafted to resemble authen...
Category

1980s American Vintage Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Wood

Geoffrey Frost Postmodern Pedestal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pedestal by Geoffrey Frost c.1985, USA. This pedestal features an aggregate concrete tapered base with linear etched glass top. The round glass top is s...
Category

1980s American Vintage Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Concrete

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Art Deco White Tan Alabaster Skyscraper Style Console Table Base Pedestal Column
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Located in New York, NY
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Natural Wood Block Pedestal Stand
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Mid-century Modern Biedermeier Style Pedestal Stands Pair
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Tall 1970s Electrified White Lucite Or Acrylic Pedestal Stand Display Column
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
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Mid-20th Century American Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

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Pair Art Deco Period Pedestal Columns France circa 1930
Located in New York, NY
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Pair Art Deco Period Pedestal Columns France circa 1930
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Located in Astoria, NY
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$850 Sale Price
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Previously Available Items
Three Unique Italian Travertine Hexagonal Graduated Pedestals PostModern 1970s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
In the style of Stone International, this matching set of travertine pedestals share the excellent construction quality common of Italian products, but a more dynamic design than man...
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1970s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

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Postmodern Mirrored Hexagonal Wooden Framed Pedestal Side Tables - a Pair
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Add elegance and sophistication to your home with the Mirrored Hexagonal Wooden Tables, a postmodern pair that artfully combines contemporary design, mirrored aesthetics, and functio...
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1980s American Vintage Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

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Italian Style Pair Large Pedestals Faux Travertine Laminate Post-Modern, 1980s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very good condition, pair of well-made pair of laminate pedestals. 3/4 inch thick plywood wiht travertine style laminate. These feature weighted interior, so each is roughly 70 pound...
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2 Black Marble Pedestal Bases Planters Table Bases c 1960/1970's
Located in New York, NY
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Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

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Post Modern Tessellated Marble Pedestal Column
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A tessellated marble pedestal. Warm tone marble ranging from beiges to pale pinks and salmon colors.
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Late 20th Century Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

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Red Onyx Pedestal, Pace Collection 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Red Onyx Pedestal, 1970.
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1970s American Vintage Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

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Pair of Faux Travertine Laminate Pedestals by Austin Productions, Circa 1980's
Located in San Diego, CA
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20th Century American Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

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Postmodern Lighted Pedestal in Pink Laminate, USA 1980s
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Postmodern lighted pedestal in pink laminate. Good condition with 1 small chip.
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1980s American Vintage Post-Modern Pedestals and Columns

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Vintage Italian Post Modern Travertine Pedestal
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
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Modernist White Marble Pedestal End Cocktail Table Cube on Invisible Casters
Located in San Diego, CA
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Travertine Pedestal or Table Base in Octagon Pillar Form
Located in Brooklyn, NY
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Postmodern Colored Glass Pedestal, 1980's
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
From Le Shoppe Too in Michigan, this postmodern or modern pedestal is made with a dusty rose tempered cut glass on all sides which helps illuminate any sculpture or artifact it displ...
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Post-modern pedestals and columns for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Post-Modern pedestals and columns for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage pedestals and columns created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, tables, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Post-Modern pedestals and columns made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original pedestals and columns, popular names associated with this style include Austin Productions, Bieffeplast, Maitland Smith, and Matteo Thun. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for pedestals and columns differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $200 and tops out at $9,000 while the average work can sell for $950.

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