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.
$495
Wood Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
A rectangular wood box, Postmodern design period, circa late-20h century. Box has three wood hues, velvet lined, easy open/close lid. Very good condition as shown.
Velvet, Wood
Studio Wood Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful hand-crafted studio wood jewelry or trinket box, Postmodern design period, circa late-20th century, USA.
Wood
Marble Box Dark Green Jewelry Desk
Located in New York, NY
A round marble box, Postmodern period, circa late-20th century. Marble is a dark moss green with white veining. A great piece to hold items on a desk or jewelry (demonstrated.) Lid i...
Marble
Maitland Smith Post Modern White Tessellated Hexagonal Stone Box 1980's
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Post Modern 1980s Maitland Smith Marble Covered Box with hinged lid and a round polished brass pull on top. Vintage Postmodern geometric design decorative box white tessellated stone...
Stone
Maitland Smith Tessellated Stone Brass Jewelry/Dresser Box, 1980
Located in Chicago, IL
Maitland Smith Tessellated Stone Brass Jewelry/Dresser box, 1980’s. Original Measures 9” x 9” 4.5” tall
Stone, Brass
Handcrafted Studio Rotating Pyramid Jewelry Box
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A striking and sculpturally refined studio-crafted jewelry box by American designer John P. Schmidt, dated 1989. Designed in a bold pyramidal form, the piece is meticulously made fro...
Metal
Karl Springer Lacquered Snakeskin Decorative Box
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A scrupulously-crafted, decorative trinket or jewelry box by Karl Springer comprising a rectangular body with a domed, hinged lid and a suede-lined interior. The outside is wrapped e...
Suede, Animal Skin
Esa Fedrigolli Sculptural Bronze 1980s Italian Box
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural decorative lidded bronze Italian box designed by Esa Fedrigolli for Esart. Signed
Bronze
$500Sale Price|20% Off
Marble Box with Jewish Star of David Design
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful modern style or Postmodern period marble and brass box with Jewish Star of David design, circa late-20th century, 1980s, 90s. Box, att...
Stone, Marble, Brass
Italian Gilt and Blue Ceramic 1970s-1980s Box with Pois and Strap
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This vintage box is made from hand painted and gilt ceramic with a pois and strap relief decoration. it was designed and manufactured in Italy between the 1970s and the 1980s. The bo...
Ceramic
Leather Suede Jewelry Catchall
Located in New York, NY
A light brown/tan leather and suede jewelry catchall, Postmodern design, circa late-20th century. A square leather and suede catchall with round corners. Piece has a leather exterior...
Leather, Suede
Brazilian Agate Onyx and Wood Round Jewelry Trinket Box, Brazil, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
A round Brazilian agate onyx and wood trinket or jewelry box, in the Modern style Post-Modern period, circa-late 20th century, 1980s early 1990s, Brazil. Box has a rich brown wood wi...
Onyx, Agate
$1,168 / item
Small Selene Box by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Selene Box by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 15 x W 22 x H 4 cm Materials: Leather, wood, horn, brass. Rectangular box in horn and wood with lacquered ivory gloss finish. Lid in wood ...
Brass
$2,157 / item
Capricia Box IV by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Capricia Box IV by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 20 x W 28 x H 14 cm Materials: Leather, wood, horn. Box in Aida pebbled leather, Ice-cream color with handmade dark brown stitching. Lid in...
Horn, Leather, Wood
$1,433 / item
Selene Box by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Selene Box by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 20 x W 28 x H 6 cm Materials: Leather, wood, horn, brass. Rectangular box in dark horn and wood with lacquered black gloss finish. Lid in wood w...
Brass
Alessandro Albrizzi Italian White Perspex Boxes 1990s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian perspex plexiglass jewelry or storage boxes designed by Franco Albrizzi, with engraved mark under base, Italy 1990s. Please note that ...
Plexiglass
Lucite Jewelry Vanity Box
Located in New York, NY
A square Lucite jewelry or trinket box, Postmodern design, circa late-20th century, 1990s. Great to hold jewelry or other small items on a vanity, des...
Lucite
Casa Bique Tessellated Stone Brass Jewelry/Dresser Box, 1980
Located in Chicago, IL
Casa Bique Tessellated Stone Brass Jewelry/Dresser Box, 1980’s. Original condition Measures 9.25” long, 6.25” deep 5” tall
Stone, Brass
$384Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Decorative Jewelry Box in the Betty Cobonpue Style. C 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Post Modern Split Reed Decorative Jewelry Box in the Betty Cobonpue Style. Circa 1980s. Unsigned Features a split reed gracefully curved detail over a textured stone...
Reed
Joe Colombo Glass Box, Italy 1970
By Joe Colombo
Located in Conversano, IT
Designed by Joe Colombo and produced by Arnolfo di Cambio in the early 1970s, the “Biglia” box is a refined example of material experimentation and functional design. The object refl...
Steel
$1,734 / item
Capricia Box I by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Capricia Box I by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 13 x W 13 x H 15 cm Materials: Leather, wood, horn. Box in Aida pebbled leather, Onyx color with handmade ivory stitching. Lid in matte Amar...
Horn, Leather, Wood
$1,928 / item
Capricia Box III by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Capricia Box III by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 13 x W 22 x H 12 cm Materials: Leather, wood, horn. Box in Aida pebbled leather, Onyx color with handmade ivory stitching. Lid in matte Am...
Horn, Leather, Wood
$1,976 / item
Kountess Vase by Purho
Located in Geneve, CH
Kountess vase by Purho Dimensions: D 25 x H 18 cm Materials: glass Other colours and dimensions are available. Purho is a new protagonist of made i...
Glass
$3,254 / item
Fedora Box I by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Fedora Box I by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 13 x W 21 x H 8 cm Materials: Wood, horn, brass, gold. Box in glossy ebony. Lid in hand engraved 24K gold plated brass with raised rounded hor...
Brass, Gold
$1,734 / item
Capricia Box I by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Capricia Box I by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 13 x W 13 x H 15 cm Materials: Leather, wood, horn. Box in Aida pebbled leather, Ice-cream color with handmade dark brown stitching. Lid in ...
Horn, Leather, Wood
$1,529 / set
Set of 3 Dazzle Décor Boxes by Formaminima
By Formaminima
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Dazzle Décor boxes by Formaminima One of a kind. Dimensions: Box 1: H 5 x L 10.5 x D 5 cm. Box 2: H 5 x L 5 x D 5 cm. Box 3: H 15 x L 5 x D 5 cm. Plate: H 0.3 x L 21 x D 21 cm. Materials: Handcrafted pink crystal glass...
Glass
$1,529 / item
Agneta Box I by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Agneta Box I by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 13 x H 17 cm Materials: Leather, wood, brass, horn. Round box in Aida pebbled leather, Onyx colour with handmade ivory stitching. Lid in matte...
Brass
$1,759 / item
Agneta Box II by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Agneta Box II by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 20 x H 13 cm Materials: Leather, wood, brass, horn. Round box in Aida pebbled leather, Onyx colour with handmade ivory stitching. Lid in matt...
Brass
$1,939 / item
Capricia Box II by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Capricia Box II by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 18 x W 18 x H 13 cm Materials: Leather, wood, horn. Box in Aida pebbled leather, Ice-cream color with handmade dark brown stitching. Lid in...
Horn, Leather, Wood
$1,928 / item
Capricia Box III by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Capricia Box III by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 13 x W 22 x H 12 cm Materials: Leather, wood, horn. Box in Aida pebbled leather, Ice-cream color with handmade dark brown stitching. Lid i...
Horn, Leather, Wood
$2,326 / item
Fedora Box II by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Fedora Box II by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 13 x W 13 x H 8 cm Materials: Wood, horn, brass, gold. Box in glossy ebony. Lid in hand engraved 24K gold plated brass with raised rounded ho...
Gold, Brass
Set of 4, 2 Plizé Boxes & 2 Beebee Jars by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4, 2 plizé boxes & 2 beebee jars by Made by Choice with Hanna Anonen Dimensions: W17 x D17 x H22 cm (L - white), W17 x D17 x H15.5 cm (M - blue) ( Plizé boxes) D18 x H30 cm (L- green), D15.5 x H24 cm (S - orange) Beebee jars Materials: birch plywood Also available: different colors & sizes. The Plizé box – Serrated surface balanced with a spherical knob is an eye-catcher like no other. Irresistible color combinations make this box a centerpiece of any space. About Made by Choice: Nordic Happiness. Nordic Happiness is our grand theme and guiding star. Studies show that Nordic people are among the happiest on Earth. Nordic happiness is composed of authentic values and sustainable choices. The vision of Choice is based on the added value of collective creation while promoting sustainable Nordic values through authentic design. Rooted in the traditions of Finnish woodworks, Made by Choice is a creative powerhouse of collaborative thinkers, believers and makers, establishing a global brand for the 21st century. Committed to producing durable, bold and innovative designs, we combine contemporary woodworking methods and modern technology. Halikko is home to our 4000 square metre campus where we turn abstract concepts into tangible objects. Our team in our office in Helsinki coordinates all operations and installations. Made by Choice's agile, purpose driven approach means all new products are developed on demand, for a specific project and need, and carries the authentic story of it's reason of existence. Our products are developed and manufactured at our own factory in south-western Finland by some of the best craftsmen in the world. Choice is inspired by heritage and Nordic urban...
Birch, Plywood
$626 / item
Medium, Blue Plizé Box by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium, blue plizé box by Made By Choice with Hanna Anonen (blue base, yellow, orange top) Dimensions: W17 x D17 x H15.5 cm Materials: birch plywood Also available: white, blue, green, small & large. The Plizé box – Serrated surface balanced with a spherical knob is an eye-catcher like no other. Irresistible color combinations make this box a centerpiece of any space. About Made by Choice: Nordic Happiness. Nordic Happiness is our grand theme and guiding star. Studies show that Nordic people are among the happiest on Earth. Nordic happiness is composed of authentic values and sustainable choices. The vision of Choice is based on the added value of collective creation while promoting sustainable Nordic values through authentic design. Rooted in the traditions of Finnish woodworks, Made by Choice is a creative powerhouse of collaborative thinkers, believers and makers, establishing a global brand for the 21st century. Committed to producing durable, bold and innovative designs, we combine contemporary woodworking methods and modern technology. Halikko is home to our 4000 square metre campus where we turn abstract concepts into tangible objects. Our team in our office in Helsinki coordinates all operations and installations. Made by Choice's agile, purpose driven approach means all new products are developed on demand, for a specific project and need, and carries the authentic story of it's reason of existence. Our products are developed and manufactured at our own factory in south-western Finland by some of the best craftsmen in the world. Choice is inspired by heritage and Nordic urban...
Plywood
Set of 2, Plizé Boxes, L White - M Blue by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2, plizé boxes, L white - M blue by Made by Choice with Hanna Anonen Dimensions: W17 x D17 x H22 cm (L), W17 x D17 x H15.5 cm (M) Materials: Birch Plywood Also available:...
Birch, Plywood
Set of 5, 2 Plizé Boxes & 2 Beebee Jars, 1 Merry Side Table by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 5, 2 Plizé boxes & 2 beebee jars, 1 merry side table by Made by Choice with Hanna Anonen Dimensions: W17 x D17 x H22 cm (L - white), W17 x D17 x H15.5 cm (M - blue) ( Plizé b...
Birch, Plywood
$1,674 / set
Set of 3 Zenith Décor Boxes by Formaminima
By Formaminima
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Zenith Décor Boxes by Formaminima Dimensions: Box 1: H 5 x L 10.5 x D 5 cm. Box 2: H 5 x L 5 x D 5 cm. Box 3: H 15 x L 5 x D 5 cm. Plate: H 0.3 ...
Glass
$1,434 / item
Selene Box by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Selene Box by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 20 x W 28 x H 6 cm Materials: Leather, wood, horn, brass. Rectangular box in horn and wood with lacquered ivory gloss finish. Lid in wood with l...
Brass
$1,168 / item
Small Selene Box by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Selene Box by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 15 x W 22 x H 4 cm Materials: Leather, wood, horn, brass. Rectangular box in dark horn and wood with lacquered black gloss finish. Lid in ...
Brass
$2,157 / item
Capricia Box IV by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Capricia Box IV by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 20 x W 28 x H 14 cm Materials: Leather, wood, horn. Box in Aida pebbled leather, Onyx color with handmade ivory stitching. Lid in matte Ama...
Horn, Leather, Wood
$1,940 / item
Capricia Box II by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Capricia Box II by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 18 x W 18 x H 13 cm Materials: Leather, wood, horn. Box in Aida pebbled leather, Onyx color with handmade ivory stitching. Lid in matte Ama...
Horn, Leather, Wood
$2,108 / item
Agneta Box III by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Agneta Box III by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 25 x H 16 cm Materials: Leather, wood, brass, horn. Round box in Aida pebbled leather, Onyx colour with handmade ivory stitching. Lid in mat...
Brass
$723 / item
Large, White Plizé Box by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Large, white Plizé box by Made by Choice ( White base, red, white top) Dimensions: W 17 x D 17 x H 22 cm Materials: Birch plywood Also available: Blue, green, small & medium. ...
Birch, Plywood
Set of 4, Plizé Boxes, 2l White, 2M Blue by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 4, Plizé boxes, 2L white - 2M blue by Made by Choice Dimensions: W17 x D17 x H22 cm (L), W17 x D17 x H15.5 cm (M) Materials: birch plywood Also available: blue, white, gr...
Birch, Plywood
Set of 2, White Plizé Boxes, Large by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2, white Plizé boxes, large by Made by Choice ( White base, red, white top) Dimensions: W 17 x D 17 x H 22 cm Materials: Birch plywood Also available: Blue, green, small ...
Birch, Plywood
$1,301 / set
Set of 3 Sunrise Décor Boxes by Formaminima
By Formaminima
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Sunrise Décor boxes by Formaminima Limited edition Dimensions: box 1: H 5 x L 10.5 x D 5 cm. Box 2: H 5 x L 5 x D 5 cm. Box 3: H 15 x L 5 x D 5 ...
Glass