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.
Unique Untitled 1 Hand Carved White Porcelain Vessel by Lee Jong Min
By Lee Jong Min
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Untitled 1 Hand Carved White Porcelain Vessel by Lee Jong Min. One of a Kind. Dimensions: W 25 x D 25 x H 43.5 cm. Materials: Hand-carved white porcelain. "Untitled 1" is a ...
Porcelain
Postmodern Porcelain Elephant Figurine and Penny Bank by Luigi Colani, 1980s
By Luigi Colani
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Porcelain Elephant Figurine and Penny Bank by Luigi Colani for Höchst, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additiona...
Porcelain
$685 / item
Ceramic Corimeu Bowl by Marioni
Located in Geneve, CH
Ceramic Corimeu Bowl by Marioni Dimensions: W 38 x D 23 x H 33 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Product code: 02274 Like a heart that is open to life, the bowl Corimeu is a very unique item...
Ceramic
Rosenthal Eosin Vase & Bowl Trio, Johan van Loon, Helmut Drexler, Germany, 1990s
By Rosenthal
Located in Berlin, DE
Three porcelain forms by Dutch designer Johan van Loon, finished in Helmut Drexler's satin multicolour Eosin decor, for Rosenthal Studio Linie, Germany, 1990s. The set comprises a bo...
Porcelain
$14,027 / item
Gold Plated Ceramic Ethereal Grace Sculpture by deBlona
Located in Geneve, CH
Gold Plated Ceramic Ethereal Grace Sculpture by deBlona Dimensions: W 21 x D 13 x H 51 cm. Materials: Coated resin, Gold plated ceramic, base in golden brass / White, 24 kt gold lust...
Ceramic
Large Sergio Asti Pottery Italian Vintage Vase Superego Limited Editions Signed
By Sergio Asti
Located in Wilton, CT
Large and dramatic Sergio Asti designed postmodern pottery vase produced by Superego Editions, circa 2000's. Limited edition of 50 pieces. Signed and numbered on base. 16 1/2" high, ...
Pottery
$3,632 / item
Ovalie Vase in Fig Tree Wood by Yann Marot
Located in Geneve, CH
Ovalie Vase in Fig Tree Wood by Yann Marot Dimensions: D 33 x W 22 x H 24 cm Materials: Fig tree Born in Mayenne (France) in 1974. I have always been attracted by wood and all the c...
Wood
Teocalli Sculptural Monolith in Basalt Granite & Steel by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Teocalli Sculptural Monolith in Basalt Granite & Steel by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 220 x W 90 x H 280 cm. Materials: Steel and basalt granite. Available in differen...
Other, Steel
$2,261 / item
Decorative Tray 60s by Ruda Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Decorative Tray 60s by Ruda Studio Dimensions: D 33 x W 45 x H 3,5 cm. Materials: MDF, painted rye straw and brass. Weight: 3 kg. Available in individuals colors. Please contact us....
Brass, Other
Matte Off White Glaze Sculptural Vase 3 by Anna Shipulina Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Matte Off White Glaze Sculptural Vase 3 by Anna Shipulina Ceramics Dimensions: D 22.9 x H 24.8 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Waterproof insert is required when using with water or fresh ...
Ceramic
Contemporary Design Unique Glass 'Mountain' Vase by FOS - Yellow
By FOS
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Moulded and then mouth blown glass One of a kind The Mountain vases by FOS embody the surface of the mountain, calibrated to the size of human interiors. FOS explains, “It’s limite...
Aluminum
Post Modern Ceramic Vase by Chris Waldear
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Chris Waldear Manufacturer: Chris Walder Studio
Ceramic
Mida Tray in Amara Ebony Veneer, Horn & 24K Gold Plated Brass by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Mida Tray in Amara Ebony Veneer, Horn & 24K Gold Plated Brass by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 40 x W 60 x H 5 cm. Materials: Horn, ebony veneer, and 24K gold-plated brass. Colours and sha...
Other, Gold Plate, Brass
Set of 2 Postmodern Italian Metal Candleholders, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Italian Metal Candleholders, 1980s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. Additional information: Materials: Metal, Wood Color: Black Country of Origi...
Metal
Mocca Leather and Steel Maggiz Magazine Rack by OxDenmarq
Located in Geneve, CH
Mocca Leather and Steel Maggiz Magazine Rack by OxDenmarq Dimensions: D 24 x W 47 x H 43 cm Materials: Steel, Leather Also Available: Different leather and frame colors available,...
Steel
$1,884 / item
Handemade Object #3 by Henry D'ath
Located in Geneve, CH
Handemade object #3 by Henry D'ath Dimensions: D 15 x H 60 cm Materials: wood, calligraphy Ink Piece is handmade by artist. Henry d’ath is a new zealand born, hong kong based...
Wood
Original 1960s Junghans brass wall clock with a genuine leather strap
Located in München, DE
Rare original 1960s Junghans brass wall clock with a genuine leather strap for hanging and glass cover. Made in Germany. Features a beautiful, intricate design; the suspension consis...
Brass
$1,884 / item
Artefacto 01 by Federico Stefanovich
Located in Geneve, CH
Artefacto 01 by Federico Stefanovich Dimensions: D 17 x W 55 x H 30 cm. Material: Brass. Federico Stefanovich presents himself as a designer of furniture, accessories and lighting, ...
Brass
Resin Decorative Flower Basket in Grey Epoxy Resin by Joseph Algieri
Located in Geneve, CH
Resin Decorative Flower Basket in Grey Epoxy Resin by Joseph Algieri Dimensions: D 30,5 x W 61x H 33 cm. Materials: Epoxy resin.
Epoxy Resin
Late 20th Century Vintage Boho Abstract Kinetic Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Unleash a dynamic focal point into your curated space with this captivating Vintage Boho Abstract Kinetic Sculpture. This monumental piece of modern art boasts an intricate compositi...
Metal
1980's Post-Modern Silverplate Candlestick by David Palterer for Swid Powell
By David Palterer, Swid Powell
Located in Rochester, NY
Vintage 1980's architectural Post-Modern sword hilt form silver plate candlestick ( double bowl - one smooth / one hammered - atop a tapered column ) designed by David Palterer for ...
Silver Plate
$1,256 / item
Unique Bloom Vase by Plasthetic.s
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Bloom Vase by Plasthetic.s One of a Kind Dimensions: D 25 x W 32 x H 21 cm Materials: Pigmented epoxy resin, cotton, acrylic. Bloom is a one-of-a-kind vessel made through mul...
Cotton, Epoxy Resin, Acrylic
Inspired from Earth’s Origins, Organic Form Clay Sculptural Vase by Niclas Wolf
Located in Geneve, CH
Geoprimitive 115 Sculptural Vase by Niclas Wolf Unique Piece. Dimensions: Ø 45 x H 57 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Waterproof insert is required when using with water or fresh flowers. ...
Ceramic
$4,375 / item
Platinum Luster Soreis Vase by deBlona
Located in Geneve, CH
Platinum Luster Soreis Vase by deBlona Dimensions: D 35 x H 40 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Colors: 24 Kt Gold Luster / Platinum Luster. Waterproof insert is required when using with wa...
Ceramic
$18,848 / item
Large Totem Carbon by Maxence De Bagneux
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Totem Carbon by Maxence De Bagneux Dimensions: D 36 x H 220 cm Materials: Stoneware, burnt laminated wood. Maxence de Bagneux has devoted his free time since childhood to his ...
Stoneware, Wood
Signed crystal glass vase by Louis Leloup. Made by Val Saint Lambert, Belgium
Located in München, BY
Beautiful crystal glass table vase by Val Saint Lambert. Designed by Louis Leloup. With original label and signed base. Stunning design in black and clear...
Crystal
Vintage Amethyst Textured Glass Vase, 1980s American Design
Located in Coral Gables, FL
This vintage decorative glass piece, dating to approximately the 1980s, is distinguished by its intense purple color and textured surface, formed by vertical reliefs running along th...
Glass
Ray White Raku Clay Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips
Located in Geneve, CH
Ray White Raku Clay Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips Dimensions: D 11 x W 35 x x H 40 cm Materials: Ceramic, Raku Clay Also available in other colors and custom sizes from 2...
Ceramic, Clay
Aluminium Planchart Handle by Henry Wilson, Post-Modern Design
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Aluminium Planchart Handle by Henry Wilson Dimensions: W 7.5 x D 1.4 x H 19 cm Materials: Aluminium Aluminium Planchart Handle to suit cabinetry and doors Each piece is sand cast a...
Aluminum
Unique Glazed Stoneware Object Untitled VII by Begüm Alkan
Located in Şişli, TR
Untitled VII (2026) by Begüm Alkan is a unique ceramic artwork in glazed stoneware. This one-of-a-kind ceramic object measures W 24 x D 24 x H 30 cm. Begüm Alkan reinterprets tradit...
Stoneware
Sculptural Object in Red Glazed Stoneware Untitled X by Begüm Alkan
Located in Şişli, TR
Untitled X by Begüm Alkan is a unique sculptural object in glazed stoneware. Its irregular, vessel-like form features a richly textured red surface, with pale glaze flowing across th...
Stoneware
Modern Candelabra Chorus by Karim Rashid for Umbra Die-Cast Zinc, a Pair
By Karim Rashid, Umbra
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
Rare Ettore Sottsass Limited Edition of 100 Black Ceramic Flower Vase Shiva
By BD Barcelona Design, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Black Shiva ceramic vase designed by Ettore Sottsass circa 1973, edited by BD in Barcelona. This piece has been produced as a limited edition with a total of only 100 units. This...
Ceramic
Pajaros Cuervo Bronze Finished Clay Sculpture by Sebastián Ángeles
Located in Geneve, CH
Pajaros Cuervo Bronze Finished Clay Sculpture by Sebastián Ángeles Dimensions: D 15 x W 14 x H 24 cm Materials: Clay bronze finish What greater symbol of freedom is there than the a...
Bronze
Postmodern Italian Pottery Planter with Flower Stand, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Italian Pottery Planter with Flower Stand, 1980s
Ceramic
Cerium Oxide, Grey, Deruta Blue Dolphins Vase by deBlona
Located in Geneve, CH
Cerium Oxide, Grey, Deruta Blue Dolphins Vase by deBlona Dimensions: W 42 x D 30 x H 27 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Colors: Cerium Oxide, Grey, Deruta Blue. ...
Ceramic
Iconic Creature Bois Déchiré Art Sculpture by Meubles Thouret
Located in Geneve, CH
Iconic Creature Bois Déchiré Art Sculpture by Meubles Thouret. Numbered and signed by the artists. Delivered with a Certificate of Authenticity. Dimensions: W 23 x D 20 x H 50 cm. Ma...
Resin, Wood
$1,062 / item
Beige Stoneware Amphora Vase by Elena Vasilantonaki
Located in Geneve, CH
Beige Stoneware Amphora Vase by Elena Vasilantonaki Unique Dimensions: ⌀ 16 x H 36 cm (Dimensions may vary) Materials: Stoneware Available finishes: Black, Beige, Brown, Red, Terraco...
Stoneware
Contemporary Brass Holder With Orange Leather Set by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass Coaster Holder With Tan Coaster Set by Henry Wilson Dimensions: W 11 x D 4 x H 5 cm (Coaster Holder dimensions) Materials: Solid brass, Leather Sand cast in solid brass and h...
Brass
Set Of 2 Dafne Picture Frames in Dark Horn & Lacquered Black Wood by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Dafne Picture Frames in Dark Horn & Lacquered Black Wood by Arcahorn Designed by Filippo Dini Dimensions: Large: D 5 x W 23 x H 29 cm. Small: D 5 x W 17 x H 23 cm. Materials...
Brass, Other
Beige Stoneware Coiled Moon Jar by Elena Vasilantonaki
Located in Geneve, CH
Beige Stoneware Coiled Moon Jar by Elena Vasilantonaki Unique Dimensions: ⌀ 23 x H 27 cm (Dimensions may vary) Materials: Stoneware, Earthenware Available finishes: Experimental Glaz...
Earthenware, Stoneware
Rib 16X Thin Tall Yellow Cornice Vessel by Lenny Stopp
Located in Geneve, CH
Rib 16X Thin Tall Yellow Cornice Vessel by Lenny Stopp Dimensions: D 12 x H 40 cm Materials: Alpha crystalline gypsum (Hard plaster) Cornice is an evolving collection of vessels bor...
Other
Special Special Shiny Titanium Panoplia Sculptural Vase by deBlona
Located in Geneve, CH
Special Special Shiny Titanium Panoplia Sculptural Vase by deBlona Dimensions: D 28 x H 48 cm. Materials: titanium. Colors: Special Special Shiny Titanium. The “Panoplia Titanium” ...
Metal
$11,160 / item
Large Estero Wall Sculpture by Aura Carpio
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Estero Wall Sculpture by Aura Carpio Dimensions: W 60 x D 6 x H 100 cm. Materials: Copper, Marble. This piece can be produced in customized sizes and finishes upon request. Pl...
Marble, Copper
$21,829 / item
Calacatta Marble Monolithic Font by Tino Seubert
Located in Geneve, CH
Calacatta marble Monolithic font by Tino Seubert. Dimensions: D 100.5 x W 61 x H 62.1 cm. Materials: Calacatta marble. Tino Seubert When he first made his now signature wicker ...
Marble
$1,644Sale Price|20% Off
Nathalie du Pasquier Sculpture Badger by Sarri 1990s
By Alessio Sarri Ceramiche, Nathalie du Pasquier
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Terracotta sculpture representing a badger realized by Nathalie du Pasquier and produced by Alessio Sarri in the 1990s. The lion sculpture is part of Gli Animali che Fanno La Parte ...
Terracotta
Hot Desk 2, Berlin, by Russell Bamber, 2018, Colored Laminate on Ply Structure
Located in London, GB
Each plane of Hot Desk 2 is laminated in high pressure laminate. Each surface is a different color, and in perfect condition. Hot Desk 2 is an eye catching centre-piece sculptural unit that can be used as a reception desk. Hot Desk 2-Berlin teeters on the edge of design, painting and architecture; selecting and employing elements freely and playfully to suggest function and familiarity. It is made to invigorate a space, to bring unexpected joy and dynamism to our lives, bringing a new and exciting twist to the space it occupies. Hot Desk 2-Berlin suggests function, and is functional, but its function is also to tease and beguile. The mischievous use of color and surface seduces the viewer into joyful excitement and further blur the boundaries of sculpture and design. Its dimensions are domestic but its forms create a frisson; a frisson that encourages the user to make a decision about their physical journey through a space (much as a kissing gate...
Laminate
Alabaster Screen by Andrea Giomi, Post-Modern Design, Italy, 210 cm
Located in Geneve, CH
Alabaster Screen by Andrea Giomi Dimensions: D 210 x W 100 x H 190 cm Materials: Alabaster Volterra. Also available in another marble version. One of a kind inspired by the Basilica...
Alabaster
$1,256 / item
L´Étoile De Mer Beige Sandstone Vase by Lou Thomas
Located in Geneve, CH
L´Étoile De Mer Beige Sandstone Vase by Lou Thomas Dimensions: ⌀ 24 x H 26 cm Materials: Beige sandstone "Drawing on her extensive travels to Japan, Mexico, and Morocco, Lou Thomas ...
Sandstone
$10,177 / item
Vanguard 02-2 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga
Located in Geneve, CH
Vanguard 02-2 Bronze Sculpture by Kodai Suga Dimensions: W 50 x D 7.5 x H 40 cm Materials: Bronze Kodai Suga’s work features an evocative modernistic silhouette that has been imbued...
Bronze, Other
$1,336 / item
Le Poisson Globe Beige Sandstone Vase by Lou Thomas
Located in Geneve, CH
Le Poisson Globe Vase by Lou Thomas Dimensions: ⌀ 26 x H 26 cm Materials: Beige sandstone "Drawing on her extensive travels to Japan, Mexico, and Morocco, Lou Thomas is passionate a...
Sandstone
$108,519
72.5° Arcs x9
By Bernar Venet
Located in Paris, FR
Black patina steel sculpture 70 x 43 x 30 cm Title engraved at base of work Archive number: bv03ss10 To achieve a flawless curve, 72.5° Arcs x9 is based on the fundamental principle...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$31,664 / item
En El Fondo Del Mar by Pepe Valenti
Located in Geneve, CH
En El Fondo Del Mar by Pepe Valenti Dimensions: D 100 x H 250 cm. Materials: Chrome-plated stainless steel. Found in the deepest parts of the sea, a spac...
Stainless Steel
Ivory Earthenware Hand Coiled Organic Sculptural Tamani Sculpture By Munier
Located in Geneve, CH
Earthenware Tamani Sculpture by Munier Dimensions: W 25 x D 25 x H 25 cm. Materials: Earthenware. Weight: 1.5 kg. I specialize in the ancient technique of coil building, a tradition...
Ceramic
Medium Wave Mar de Cobre Wall Sculpture by Aura Carpio
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Wave Mar de Cobre Wall Sculpture by Aura Carpio Dimensions: D 70 x H 5 cm. Materials: Copper. Weight: 7 Kg. Aura Carpio® (CDMX). Mexican indust...
Copper
$829 / item
Peach Oxide Mercury Vase by Elyse Graham
Located in Geneve, CH
Peach oxide mercury vase by Elyse Graham Dimensions: W 14 x D 14 x H 25.5cm Materials: Plaster, Resin Molded, dyed, and finished by hand in LA. customization Available. All piec...
Resin, Plaster
Curved Dancer Teracotta Blend Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips
Located in Geneve, CH
Curved Dancer Teracotta Blend Ceramic Sculpture by Stephanie Phillips Dimensions: D 9 x W 26 x x H 40 cm Materials: Ceramic, Raku Clay, Terracotta Also available in other colors an...
Ceramic, Clay, Terracotta
$176Sale Price|64% Off
Postmodern Pink Ceramic Floor Vase
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Incredible postmodern ceramic floor vase. Features a glossy peachy pink finish. Additional Information: Material: Ceramic Color: Pink Style: P...
Ceramic
$1,498Sale Price / item|44% Off
John Miller Blue Plate Special Fries 2008 Hand Blown Pop Art Glass Sculptures
By John Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by Americana, Miller's work stands to bring new light and perspective to the often overlooked but ubiquitous cultural artifacts that form the American visual lexicon and lived experience. Maybe as impressive as the work itself, is the magnitude of which his creations come to life. At such an impressive scale, his process is truly spectacle to witness. Pieces from his famed ‘Blue Plate Special...
Blown Glass
Mini Crystal Cream Wave Form Vase by Forma Rosa Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Mini Crystal Cream Wave Form Vase by Forma Rosa Studio Dimensions: D 8.9 x W 8.9 x H 17.8 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Waterproof insert is required when us...
Ceramic