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.
Pr. Postmodern Silverplate Candlesticks by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, 1980's
Located in New York, NY
Incredible pair of post modern silver plate candlesticks, by Richard Meier for Swid Powell. Very hard to find, especially in pairs, this impre...
Silver Plate
Richard Meier Postmodern Silverplate Candlestick for Italian Swid Powell, 1980's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Silver-plated candlestick designed by Richard Meier for Swid Powell, Italy. This striking postmodern design exemplifies Meier’s sculptural, architectural approach, bringing bold pres...
Silver Plate
Sterling silver pair gilded and enamel green guilloche candlesticks marked 925.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful pair of candle holders in sterling silver and gold wash and enamel work.
Sterling Silver
Pair of Swan Candle Holders in Aluminum by Matthew Hilton for SCP England, 1987
By SCP, Matthew Hilton
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of Postmodernist candlestick holders designed by Matthew Hilton in 1983 and manufactured by SCP England in 1987. They ...
Aluminum
$568Sale Price / set|20% Off
Post-Modern wrought iron candlesticks, Sweden, 1980s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Post-Modern wrought iron and oak candle holders, Sweden, 70s. Made of hand-worked wrought iron and chrome-plated, and stained oak wood. Of a certain brutalist style mixed with Memphi...
Chrome, Wrought Iron
Karl Springer Design Murano Italy Scavo Art Glass Candle Pillar Set, Signed
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare set of 3 Murano Italy Scavo art glass candlestick pillars designed by Karl Springer. Shortest is signed/etched "Karl Springer" on base, circa 1980...
Art Glass
Ophelia Rose Crystal T-Light Holder, Handsculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
Ophelia rose crystal T-light holder, handsculpted contemporary crystal Decorative vase Handsculpted in crystal Measures: W 9 H, 7.8, D 9 cm. The Oph...
Crystal
Darkened Brass Eleven Candleholder by Gentner Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Darkened Brass Eleven candleholder by Gentner Design Dimensions: D 7.6 x H 2 cm Materials: darkened brass Also available in polished brass. Milled from a solid piece of brass, the c...
Brass
Majestic Postmodern Brutalist Glass & Stainless Steel Pair of Candle Holders
By Danny Lane, Philippe Starck
Located in San Diego, CA
Majestic unique pair of candle holders with a brutalist glass finish and polished stainless frames incredible design circa 1980's.
Stainless Steel
Postmodern Studio Ceramic Tall Candlestick by Michael Duvall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning and unique 1980s Michael Duvall (1950-2004) studio pottery candlestick. This piece features a striking sculptural form, showcasing vibrant colors, patterns and textures, w...
Ceramic
2 of 4 Metal Candlesticks in Zigzag Shape, Italy, 1990s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
2 of 4 metal candlesticks - zigzag shape 90s look - postmodern memphis style - Italy 1990s Now free shipping worldwide! This set of two candlesticks impresses with its zigzag design...
Metal
Set of 2 Set Candleholders Postmodern Memphis Style Made of Metal, 80s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Set of 2 Set candleholders Postmodern Memphis Style made of metal, 80s Postmodern vintage candle holder from Ikea from the 80s/90s. This set made of 2 candle holders in round shape ...
Metal
$440Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Thick Lucite and Brass Candle Holders by Josh Lazar Mid-Century Modern
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern heavy thick lucite candles holders with brass tops. Signed Josh Lazar 1986 on the bottom. Good vintage condition, crystal clear with a few scratches and we...
Brass
$217Sale Price / set|56% Off
Set of Three 1980s Blue Green Ceramic Vases / Candle Sticks
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of three handmade Danish ceramic vases / candle sticks with graphic decor using the raw ceramic as part of a straight lined pattern resembling a landscape or a sunset. Same stylized decoration in blues and aqua green on all three vases. A small handmade ridge on the inside of each item makes for perfect placement of tea lights. A 80s ceramic...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Swedish Designer, Candlesticks, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine candlesticks designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Fits 0.85” diameter candles
Pine
1980s Avant-Garde Black and Green Marble Stone Brass Cones Candlesticks - a Pair
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a pair of avant-garde candlesticks, circa the 1980s. The foundation of each piece is a robust cone which then transitions into an inverted cone at the t...
Marble, Metal, Brass
Swedish Designer, Candlesticks, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of turned pine candlesticks designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Pine
Set of Two Mark Brazier-Jones Candlesticks Model Olympia 1990s, Signed & Dated
Located in München, BY
Gorgeous set of two candlesticks. The set consists of one table and one wall candlestick. Model Olympia. Created by Mark Brazier-Jones. Both are signed and dated: Wall Candlestick: M...
Copper, Steel
Midcentury Extra Large Hotel Candle Holder in Bronze Silverplated by WMF Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Midcentury Extra Large Hotel Candle Holder in Bronze Silverplated by WMF Germany Beautiful candle holder or candlestick Made in Germany by WMF, brand imprinted from the manufacturer in the 1970s. The candle holder is of very big dimension, made for the Hotel environment. It has a solid and heavy base of bronze ( 7,5 KG or 17 lbs !) and is silver plated outside. It takes total 9 candle...
Silver Plate, Bronze
Memphis Style Pair of Candleholders, 1980s Italian-Inspired Design
Located in Herentals, BE
A sculptural pair of Memphis-style candleholders, embodying the bold creativity of 1980s postmodern design. The matte dark red/burgundy ceramic elements contrast elegantly with the c...
Metal, Chrome
Pair of Italian Postmodern Metal Candlesticks, Memphis Style, 1980s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of Italian postmodern candlesticks from the 1980s, executed in metal with a graphic, architectural composition characteristic of Memphis-inspired design. Each piece is constr...
Stone, Metal
Square Base Candlestick - Cast and Polished Solid Bronze Candlesticks
By Mark Dineen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A study in contrasts, these candlesticks maintain a complex profile while exhibiting smooth, polished surfaces. Each candlestick is a unique design originally captured in polystyrene...
Bronze
Rare Pair Danish Post Modern Memphis Adjustable Candle Holders
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Very rare pair of Tall, Minimalist, Post Modern Adjustable Height, Candle Holders. Made in the Netherlands Beautiful lines and clever design. The disk that the candles rest upo...
Metal, Chrome
Set of 2 Matek Stria Candleholders in Recycled Composite by Project Materia
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Matek Stria Candleholders in Recycled Composite by Project Materia. Designed by Sophie Dries. Dimensions: Ø 17 x H 24,5 cm (each). Materials: MATEK™ recycled composite. Lat...
Composite
Matek Stria Candleholder Variant 1 in Recycled Composite by Project Materia
Located in Geneve, CH
Matek Stria Candleholder Variant 1 in Recycled Composite by Project Materia. Designed by Sophie Dries. Dimensions: Ø 17 x H 24,5 cm. Materials: MATEK™ recycled composite. Lathe-turn...
Composite
Matek Stria Candleholder Variant 2 in Recycled Composite by Project Materia
Located in Geneve, CH
Matek Stria Candleholder Variant 2 in Recycled Composite by Project Materia. Designed by Sophie Dries. Dimensions: Ø 17 x H 24,5 cm. Materials: MATEK™ recycled composite. Lathe-turn...
Composite
Set of Three Memphis Style Bronze Candlesticks by Christian de Beaumont
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Title Set of Three Memphis Style Bronze Candlesticks by Christian de Beaumont, France, 1980s Description A sculptural set of three bronze candlesticks by Christian de Beaumont, pr...
Bronze
$300Sale Price|20% Off
Whimsical Postmodern Torch Cut Solid Iron Candle Holder Sculpture Signed
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare candle holder Stamped M 1994, fire torch welded iron figurines after Keith Haring, each holder takes a 3/4" diameter candle.
Metal
$260 / set
1980s Memphis Style Brass Candlesticks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sculptural pair rooted in early 1980s postmodern design. These vintage candlesticks pull from the Memphis Milano playbook, bold geometry, exaggerated scale, and a graphic sense of ...
Brass
$552Sale Price / set|20% Off
German Brass "Clear Drops" Oil Lamp Candlestick by Freddie Andersen, Set of 3
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original set of 3 Freddie Andersen "Clear Drops" oil lamps made in West Germany. This lamp set features an elegant brass stem, a handblown glass reservoir, and a sleek black resin ba...
Brass
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Postmodern Style Candleholders Designed by Kate Spade for Lenox
By Kate Spade, Lenox's Ceramic Art Company
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of porcelain postmodern style candle holders, beautiful colors with silver edge accent by Kate Spade for Lenox.
Porcelain
Beech, Bougeoir 8 Candlestick by Romain des Bois
Located in Geneve, CH
Beech, Bougeoir 8 Candlestick by Romain des Bois Dimensions: D 21 x H 9 cm. Materials: Beech. About: Romain des Bois is, above all, rooted in a deep love for the countryside — esp...
Wood
Beech and Cumaru, Bougeoir 2 Candlestick by Romain des Bois
Located in Geneve, CH
Beech and Cumaru, Bougeoir 2 Candlestick by Romain des Bois Dimensions: D 10 x H 27 cm. Materials: Beech and Cumaru. About: Romain des Bois is, above all, rooted in a deep love fo...
Wood
Beech, Bougeoir 1 Candlestick by Romain des Bois
Located in Geneve, CH
Beech, Bougeoir 1 Candlestick by Romain des Bois Dimensions: D 8.5 x H 17 cm. Materials: Beech. About: Romain des Bois is, above all, rooted in a deep love for the countryside — e...
Wood
Set of Three Ceramic Candle holders
Located in Denton, TX
Set of three ceramic candle holders with multi colored glaze. 1980s There is a signature on them but cant read please see pictures
Pottery
RL 02 Mini Candleholder in Caspal Brushed Brass by CASPAL
Located in Geneve, CH
RL 02 Mini Candleholder in Caspal Brushed Brass by CASPAL Dimensions: Ø 8 x H 14,5 cm. Materials: Brushed brass. Available in brushed brass or silver-plated brushed brass. Availabl...
Brass
RL 02 Mini Candleholder in Silver-Plated Polished Brass by CASPAL
Located in Geneve, CH
RL 02 Mini Candleholder in Silver-Plated Polished Brass by CASPAL Dimensions: Ø 8 x H 14,5 cm. Materials: Silver-plated polished brass. Available in brushed brass or silver-plated ...
Silver Plate, Brass
RL 02 Maxi Candleholder in Silver-Plated Polished Brass by CASPAL
Located in Geneve, CH
RL 02 Maxi Candleholder in Silver-Plated Polished Brass by CASPAL Dimensions: Ø 8 x H 24,5 cm. Materials: Silver-plated polished brass. Available in brushed brass or silver-plated ...
Brass, Silver Plate
Viewpoint Floor Candleholder in Stainless Steel by Metalmorphosis Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Viewpoint Floor Candleholder in Stainless Steel by Metalmorphosis Studio Dimensions: D 30 x 30 x H 180 cm. Base: 50cm Materials: Stainless Steel A study in spatial perception and ge...
Stainless Steel
Silver Plated Metal Candleholder by M. De Lucchi for Produzione Privata, 90s
By Produzione Privata, Michele de Lucchi
Located in Varese, Lombardia
A rare candle stick design by Michele de Lucchi in the 1996 and produced in a limited edition by Produzione Privata (3/30). This version is called "candeliere 4" and it's made of sil...
Silver, Brass
Circle Candlestick Attributed to Matthew Hilton, England, 1980s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculptural candlestick attributed to British designer Matthew Hilton, produced in England during the 1980s. Known as the “Circle” candlestick, the design is defined by its geometri...
Aluminum
$2,345 / item
Lumos Sculptural Candle Holder by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Lumos Sculptural Candle Holder by Homa Dimensions: W 22 x D 17 x H 45 cm Materials: Blown Glass. Silver or Smoke Mirror. Colour: Silver or Smoke. Please note that the Lumos Candle H...
Mirror, Blown Glass
Pair of Vintage Burgundy Candlestick holders done in Memphis Style, Italy 1990s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of vintage candlestick holders. They feature striking design resembling a lot Memphis style. The candlestick holders are made of cermic or plaste...
Plaster
Swedish Designer, Candlestick, Pine, Brass, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A freeform pine candlestick designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Holds 0.75” candle
Brass
Swedish Designer, Candlesticks, Pine, Brass, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine and brass candlesticks designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s. Holds 0.75” candles
Brass
Robert Lee Morris "Green Leaves Candle Holder" Sculpture
Located in Queens, NY
Robert Lee Morris, "Green Leaves Candle Holder", 1990's, Green patina oxidized brass, Signed
Brass
Fisherman Hook Candle Holder in Steel, Copper, Nickel & Chrome by Panorammma
Located in Geneve, CH
Fisherman Hook Candle Holder in Steel, Copper, Nickel & Chrome by Panorammma Dimensions: D 3,8 x W 20 x H 30 cm. Materials: Steel, copper, nickel, and chrome. Custom pieces availab...
Copper, Steel, Chrome, Nickel
Set of 3 Maïa Candleholders in Solid Brass & Aluminum by Studio Marine Breynaert
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Maïa Candleholders in Solid Brass & Aluminum by Studio Marine Breynaert. Dimensions: Ø 10 x H 51.5 cm (Large), Ø 10 x H 36 cm (Medium), Ø 10 x H 18 cm (Small). Materials: So...
Aluminum, Brass
$1,469 / item
Megachile Candlestick by Emmanuelle Roule
Located in Geneve, CH
Megachile Candlestick by Emmanuelle Roule Unique piece. Dimensions: Ø 22 x H 35 cm. Materials: Stoneware. Candlestick made of white stoneware wi...
Other
$2,156 / item
Lumi Candle Holder V by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Lumi Candle Holder V by Homa. Dimensions: W 21 x D 17 x H 18 cm. Materials: Blown Glass. Silver Mirror. Colour: Silver. HOMA is a contemporary design atelier based in Istanbul. The ...
Glass, Mirror
Pair of Extra Large Cast Aluminum Candlestick Holders
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of extra large postmodern candlestick holders done in cast aluminum. Made in West Germany in 1980s. Very good vintage condition with some signs ...
Aluminum
Candlestick for a Private Talk with the Spirits in Steel by Frederic Gaillard
Located in Geneve, CH
Candlestick for a Private Talk with the Spirits in Steel by Frederic Gaillard. Limited Edition of 8 pieces. Dimensions: W 27 x D 10 x H 38 cm. Materials: Rusted steel and brushed pa...
Steel
Lucite blue and gold candle stick , 1970s
Located in Delft, NL
Lucite blue and gold candle stick , 1970s
Lucite
White TOTEM, Candle Holder, Sottsass Style, Lacquered Wood, circa 1980
Located in Firenze, IT
White Totem, lacquered wood Sottsass style circa 1980 36 cm H - 16.5 cm diameter Conditions: very good.
Wood
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Maitland Smith Tesselated Candlestick Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning pair of Maitland Smith tessellated shell vintage candlesticks. Candlesticks / Candelabras are in good vintage condition. We have inclu...
Shell
Set of 3 Post-Modern Memphis Candle Sticks by Markus Borgens, 1980s
Located in Delft, NL
Set of 3 Post-Modern Memphis candle sticks by Markus Borgens, 1980s.
Metal
Lumières du Paradis Tall Candleholder by Katia Luna Benaï
Located in Geneve, CH
Lumières du Paradis Tall Candleholder by Katia Luna Benaï. Dimensions: D 17 x H 30 cm. Materials: Reclaimed Venetian briccole wood, amber Murano glass. This captivating set, hand-cr...
Murano Glass, Wood
Lumières du Paradis Twisted Candleholder by Katia Luna Benaï
Located in Geneve, CH
Lumières du Paradis Twisted Candleholder by Katia Luna Benaï. Dimensions: D 17 x H 30 cm. Materials: Reclaimed Venetian briccole wood, amber Murano glass. This captivating set, hand...
Murano Glass, Wood
Padauk, Bougeoir 9 Candlestick by Romain des Bois
Located in Geneve, CH
Padauk, Bougeoir 9 Candlestick by Romain des Bois Dimensions: D 10.5 x H 14 cm. Materials: Padauk. About: Romain des Bois is, above all, rooted in a deep love for the countryside ...
Wood
Beech, Bougeoir 7 Candlestick by Romain des Bois
Located in Geneve, CH
Beech, Bougeoir 7 Candlestick by Romain des Bois Dimensions: D 9 x H 14 cm. Materials: Beech. About: Romain des Bois is, above all, rooted in a deep love for the countryside — esp...
Wood