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.
Vintage Memphis Style Adjustable Candleholders, Atomic Design, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of vintage Danish postmodern or Memphis style candlestick holders in string metal. Adjustable in height up to 28 cm. They are reminiscent in style to similar design from Marku...
Steel, Chrome
Memphis Style 1980s Metal Stick Person Candle Holders
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage 1980s memphis style stick person black metal candle holder. The stick person holds a wine glass in one hand and there is a candle holder in the other hand. Quirky wavy hair...
Metal
$885Sale Price / set|20% Off
Dorothy Thorpe. Post-Modern candle holders by Elaine Bscheider, USA, 1970s
By Elaine Bscheider, Dorothy Thorpe
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Pair of Post-Modern candle holders designed by Elaine Bscheider for Dorothy Thorpe Inc., USA, 1970s. Prezel-shaped body in transparent methacrylate/acrylic with chrome-plated golden ...
Metal, Chrome
Handmade Ceramic Sculptural Tealight Small Candle Holder by Maku Ceramic
Located in Geneve, CH
Handmade Ceramic Sculptural Tealight Small Candle Holder by Maku Ceramic Dimensions: Ø 17.7 x H 20.3 cm Materials: Ceramic, volcanic stoneware Maku Ceramic is an Istanbul-based cera...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Postmodern Ceramic Candleholder by Gallo Design for Villeroy & Boch, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Ceramic Candleholder by Gallo Design for Villeroy & Boch, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information...
Ceramic
Murano Candleholder Postmodern Memphis Milano Design, 1980s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Murano candleholder Postmodern Memphis Milano Design, 1980s Vintage Murano glass candlestick made in Italy! Ettore Sottsass would be proud of this...
Murano Glass
Postmodern Italian Metal and Stone Candleholder, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Italian Metal and Stone Candleholder, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. Additional information: Material: Metal, Stone Color: Black Styles: Memphis, ...
Stone, Metal
Drop Unique Wall Candelabra in Aluminum by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Drop Unique Wall Candelabra in Aluminum by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 7 x W 11 x H 25 cm. Materials: Aluminum. Available in different finishes and material options. C...
Aluminum
$447Sale Price|50% Off
Fondica Casenove French 1980 Bronze Floral Candle Holder
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural bronze floral French Candle holder designed by Pierre Casenove for Fondica. signed.
Bronze
Pair of “Totem” Candlesticks by Hilton McConnico for Maison Lanvin – 1990s
By Hilton McConnico, Lanvin Paris
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Rare pair of “Totem” candlesticks designed by Hilton McConnico and produced by Maison Lanvin circa 1992. Crafted from a striking mix of gilt bronze, painted wood, resin, leather, car...
Brass
Pair of Ettore Sottsass Silver Candlesticks for Swid Powell and Reed and Barton
By Reed & Barton, Swid Powell, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Kansas City, MO
Striking pair of silver plated candlesticks designed by Ettore Sottsass and made by Swid Powell in collaboration with Reed and Barton, 1980s.
Silver
Vintage Pop Art Candleholder by Verner Panton, 1980s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Scandinavian pop-art candleholder for tea lights called 'Lightning Stairs'. It is rather rare and it was designed by Verner Panton in 1973. This example is from the 80s and it was ma...
Steel
Postmodern solid wood yellow green red Monokel candleholder from Ikea, 1980s
By IKEA
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern solid wood yellow green red Monokel candleholder from Ikea, 1980s
Metal
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
Massive Post-Modern Stacked Art Glass Menorah by Bill Meek Studio
Located in San Diego, CA
Massive post-modern stacked art glass menorah by Bill Meeks Studio, circa 1995. The piece features stacked pieces of free form art glass to form what looks like an ice sculpture. Ab...
Art Glass
Pair of Gilt Bronze Candleholders by Pierre Casenove for Fondica
Located in North Miami, FL
Extremely heavy gilt bronze, these French candlesticks are highly collectible. These are quite rare and signed.
Bronze
Otita Unique Wall-Mounted Candelabra in Aluminum by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Otita Unique Wall-Mounted Candelabra in Aluminum by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 4 x W 4 x H 15 cm. Materials: Aluminum. Available in different finishes and material op...
Aluminum
Route Candle Holder 02.01 in Cast Aluminium by Sofia Karnukaeva
Located in Geneve, CH
Route Candle Holder 02.01 in Cast Aluminium by Sofia Karnukaeva. Dimensions: W 31 x D 16 x H 44 cm. Materials: Cast aluminium with a natural finish. 'Route' is a series of objects i...
Aluminum
Postmodern Candelholder Designed by Pucci De Rossi, 2009
Located in Lucija, SI
Postmodern candelholder attributed to Pucci De Rossi
Aluminum
Candle Holder, Fisherman Hook Form, Hand-Crafted Recycled Metal, Panorammma
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Fisherman Hook is part of a limited series of unique objects that integrate the use of upcycled electroplating rods. These rods, regularly used for submerging metal items into chrome...
Copper, Steel, Chrome, Nickel
$184Sale Price|20% Off
Ikea Candle Holder
By IKEA
Located in Bern, CH
Set of 3 'Konfetti' Post-Modern candlesticks by Anna Efverlund for IKEA dating from the 1990's. In three varying sizes and colours. Design: Anna Efverlund Produded: IKEA Height: 30cm...
Metal
$306Sale Price / set|35% Off
Candle holder Murano gold glass set , Italy
By Seguso
Located in La xara, VC
Superb set of Candle holder murano in gold finish , this hand made . rare to find two size ! 21 and 23 cm
Murano Glass
Meritalia Candelabre / Green by Gaetano Pesce
By Fish Design, Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
"The flame: by definition lively, dancing. A free element, which cannot be controlled, but which can be captured to become part of special moments." The unique candelabras by Edizio...
Metal
Pr. Art Glass Candlesticks made in Romania by Ion Tamaian c. 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional pair of art glass candlesticks, made by the noted Romanian craftsman, Ion Tamain. Both candlesticks are signed, both are in excellent condition, free of damage or repairs.
Art Glass
Postmodern Metal Candleholder, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Metal Candleholder, 1980s
Metal
A SCULPTURAL BRUTALIST CANDELABRA CANDLE HOLDER Unique ARTIST Piece, France 1990
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional and spectacular candelabra candle holder sculpture, Post-Modernist, Brutalist, Shabby-Chic, plant-inspired composition of folded and welded metal rods mounted on a tri...
Gold Plate, Wrought Iron
Dakota Crystal Candle Holder Handsculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
Dakota crystal candle holder T-Light holder Handcrafted decor made from crystal Measures: L 9 x H 16.5 x D 9cm Handsculpted in crystal The Reflections Copenhagen t-light holde...
Crystal
Meritalia Candelabre / Black by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia, Fish Design
Located in Toronto, ON
The flame: by definition lively, dancing. A free element, which cannot be controlled, but which can be captured to become part of special moments." The unique candelabras by Edizion...
Steel
Candle Holder, Hand-Crafted Recycled Metal & Steel, Sculptural, Panorammma
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
The Chrome Candle Holder is the first in a series exploring the potential of upcycled electroplating rods—industrial remnants transformed into sculptural artifacts. These rods, used ...
Copper, Steel, Chrome, Nickel
Tall Cast Iron Candlestick Holders - Set of 2
Located in Fairfield, CA
A pair of tall cast iron candlestick holders in varying heights. Unique curvy design with tripod bases to create a wonderful sculptural display. ...
Iron
Pair of Sculptural Brass and Black Ring Candle Holders, Postmodern, 1980s
Located in Toronto, CA
Strikingly architectural and refined, this pair of Postmodern candleholders exemplifies the sculptural sophistication of 1980s European design. Each piece features a bold black circu...
Metal, Brass
Vegas Crystal T-Light Holder, Hand-Sculpted Contemporary Crystal
Located in Geneve, CH
Vegas crystal T-light holder, hand-sculpted contemporary crystal. Decorative vase Hand-sculpted in crystal Measures: W 8, H 29, D 8 cm. The Vegas cr...
Crystal
Pair of Memphis THUN Czech Porcelain Checkerboard Tea Light Candle Lamps
Located in Toronto, CA
This striking pair of Post-Modern candle lamps was crafted by **THUN 1794**, the renowned Czech porcelain manufacturer celebrated for more than two centuries of exceptional porcelain...
Porcelain
$421Sale Price / set|35% Off
Candle holder Murano gold glass set , Italy
By Seguso
Located in La xara, VC
Superb set of Candle holder murano in gold finish , this hand made . rare to find two size ! 21 and 23 cm
Murano Glass
Gusum Metallslöjden, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra designed and produced by Gusum Metallslöjden, c. 1970s. Holds 0.45” diameter candles
Brass
1980s Vintage Memphis Style Blue Postmodern Metal Candleholder
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Metal Candleholder, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. Additional information: Materials: Metal Style: Memphis, Postmodern Period: 1980s Color: Blue Item Typ...
Metal
Steven Holl Patinated Bronze Candlestick for Swid Powell rare Postmodern Memphis
Located in San Diego, CA
patinated bronze candlestick designed by American architect Steven Holl for Swid Powell c.1980's , very rare tall candlestick hard to find very collectible in a verdigris finish stamped at the bottom, with some scuff marks due to age solid piece great for postmodern , Memphis mid century home decor.
Bronze
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s. Fits 0.75” diameter candles
Pine
A SCULPTURAL BRUTALIST CANDELABRA CANDLE HOLDER, ARTIST PIECE, France 1990
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional sculptural candelabra candle holder, Post-Modernist, Brutalist, Shabby-Chic, plant-inspired composition of folded and welded metal rods mounted on a tripod base, decor...
Metal, Gold Plate
Meritalia Candelabre / Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia, Fish Design
Located in Toronto, ON
"The flame: by definition lively, dancing. A free element, which cannot be controlled, but which can be captured to become part of special moments." The unique candelabras by Edizio...
Steel
Postmodern Blue Glass Candleholder, Vintage Design, 1990s, 8.66" Tall
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Blue Glass Candleholder, 1990s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1990 to 1999. Additional information: Materials: Glass Color: Blue Styles: Postmodern Item Type: Vintage...
Glass
Meritalia Candelabre / Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Fish Design, Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
"The flame: by definition lively, dancing. A free element, which cannot be controlled, but which can be captured to become part of special moments." The unique candelabras by Edizio...
Steel
Meritalia Candelabre / Orange by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design
Located in Toronto, ON
The flame: by definition lively, dancing. A free element, which cannot be controlled, but which can be captured to become part of special moments." The unique candelabras by Edizion...
Steel
$972Sale Price / set|30% Off
Dorothy Thorpe. Post-Modern candle holders by Elaine Bscheider, USA, 1970S
By Dorothy Thorpe, Elaine Bscheider
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Pair of Post-Modern candle holders designed by Elaine Bscheider, United States, 1970s, United States. Black methacrylate in the shape of a prezel and chrome-plated golden metal candl...
Steel, Chrome
Meritalia Candelabre / Red by Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
"The flame: by definition lively, dancing. A free element, which cannot be controlled, but which can be captured to become part of special moments." The unique candelabras by Edizio...
Steel
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 22 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Omnia Vanitas Vanité 22 Candelabra in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 22 x W 26 x H 20 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Mate...
Bronze
$360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Crystal Candle Holders by Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Sweden
Located in San Diego, CA
Minimalist pair of crystal candle holders by Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda, circa 1990s. The pair are in great vintage condition with no c...
Crystal
Vintage Adjustable Sculptural Metal Candlesticks, Set of Twelve
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A collection of twelve vintage sculptural metal candlesticks featuring elongated adjustable stems, tapered cone tops, and weighted organic bases. Each stem bends and reshapes by han...
Metal, Pewter
Postmodern Brass Candle Holders, Memphis Milano Style, Circa 1980s
By Michael Graves (b.1934), Aldo Londi, Memphis Milano, (After) Gio Ponti, Memphis Group
Located in Round Top, TX
This exceptional duo of brass candle holders exemplifies a refined fusion of neoclassical elegance and minimalist form. The sleek, polished brass bases anchor the design, while the a...
Brass
Vintage Swarovski Crystal Candle Holders Set of 3 Circa 1980
By Swarovski
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Swarovski Crystal Candlestick Holders Set of 3, 2 large 1 medium. Gorgeous sparkling faceted crystal ball column with pin European style candle holder with square base. Dimen...
Crystal
Pair of Chorus Candelabra by Karim Rashid for Umbra Die-Cast Zinc
By Umbra, Karim Rashid
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome pair of die-cast zinc candelabra entitled chorus designed by Karim Rashid for Umbra. The pair are in fabulous pre-owned condition. They...
Chrome, Zinc
Textured Black Sculptural Ceramic Large Candle Holder by Maku Ceramic
Located in Geneve, CH
Textured Black Sculptural Ceramic Large Candle Holder by Maku Ceramic Dimensions: Ø 27.9 x H 30.4 cm Materials: Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay Maku Ceramic is an Istanbul-based ceramic st...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Textured Black Sculptural Ceramic Medium Candle Holder by Maku Ceramic
Located in Geneve, CH
Textured Black Sculptural Ceramic Medium Candle Holder by Maku Ceramic Dimensions: Ø 24 x H 25.4 cm Materials: Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay Maku Ceramic is an Istanbul-based ceramic stu...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Textured Black Sculptural Ceramic Small Candle Holder by Maku Ceramic
Located in Geneve, CH
Textured Black Sculptural Ceramic Small Candle Holder by Maku Ceramic Dimensions: Ø 24 x H 20 cm Materials: Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay Maku Ceramic is an Istanbul-based ceramic studio...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
$12,957 / set
Set of 5 Unique Roots Candles by Jeremy Descamps
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 5 unique roots candles by Jeremy Descamps. Unique pieces. Materials: candles in solid oak from the country burned in flam, inserts in brass, support of candles in brass. Di...
Brass
Oxidized bronze Green Blue Metallized Candle 4 Candles by Frederic Texier
Located in Geneve, CH
Oxidized bronze Green Blue Metallized Candle 4 Candles by Frederic Texier Dimensions: W 27 x D 20 x H 34 cm. Materials: Concrete coated with bronze powder and then oxidized, Metal p...
Concrete, Bronze
Swedish Designer, Large Candelabra, Pine, Metal, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A large pine and metal storm-light candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s. Fits 2” diameter candles
Metal
Tiffany & Co. Atlas Crystal Candlestick Holder Vintage Modern
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Tiffany & Co. Atlas crystal candlestick holder, known for its heavy, architectural vertical ribbing design. Heavy, clear cut crystal. Tapered columnar shape...
Crystal
Landskrona Mässing, Candlestick, Brass, Sweden, 1978
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candlestick designed and produced by Landskrona Mässing, Sweden, 1978. Fits 0.8” diameter candles
Brass
$680Sale Price / set|20% Off
Glass Candle Holders by Kosta Boda Sweden
By Kosta Boda
Located in San Diego, CA
Minimalist and incredibly glamorous pair of Kosta Boda glass candle holders. The pair exhude beautiful lines that can streamline or maximize elegance in your décor. Crystal clear gla...
Glass, Paint
Biblichor Sculpture with Candle by Marcela Cure
Located in Geneve, CH
Biblichor sculpture with candle by Marcela Cure Dimensions: W 19 x D 14 x H 6 cm Materials: Resin and Stone Composite Also Available: Sandalwood and Tobacco colours available. No...
Stone