Vintage Space Age furniture captured post–World War II optimism with swooping shapes, bowed lines and experimentation with new materials including plastic and fiberglass.
From the launch of the Sputnik 1 satellite in 1957 to the landing of Apollo 11 astronauts on the moon in 1969, the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States propelled advancements in technology that transformed culture. Space Age design encompassed fashion, architecture, cars, furniture and objects for the home, bringing wonder and hope for the future into everyday life.
Coinciding with Pop art, Space Age style featured bold colors and forms. Eero Aarnio’s Ball chair, which debuted in 1966, used molded fiberglass for a capsule-like space while Verner Panton’s 1959 Panton chair was a single piece of molded plastic for a gravity-defying S shape. Red versions of Olivier Mourgue’s 1964 Djinn chair were futuristic enough to appear on the space station in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Today, Joe Colombo is revered as a master of modern Italian design thanks to the provocative modular furniture pieces he created, such as the Tube chair and the Elda armchair, both of which embody the future-forward spirit of the Space Age.
The Space Age spirit extended to home building too. The futuristic Case Study Houses, which were designed by the likes of Pierre Koenig, Charles and Ray Eames, Richard Neutra and Whitney R. Smith, are considered a high point of modernism and the Southern California lifestyle.
Sometimes the nods to space exploration were more literal, like moon and star motifs or the 1965 Eclisse lamp by Vico Magistretti that saw the mid-century Italian designer integrating a movable inner shade to “eclipse” the light source. Alongside the pioneering moon missions, JVC manufactured the Videosphere portable television reminiscent of the Apollo 11 space helmets.
Although the style faded in the 1970s — with the 1975 joining of the Apollo and Soyuz spacecrafts signaling a new era of cooperation and the global oil crisis impacting the availability of plastics — the era’s innovations influenced designers into the 21st century such as Zaha Hadid and Djivan Schapira.
Find a collection of vintage Space Age seating, tables, lighting and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Liisi Beckmann's 1960s Ceramic Blue Candle Holder by Gabbianelli Made in Italy
By Liisi Meronen Beckmann, Gabbianelli
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Liisi Beckmann’s exquisite ceramic vase/candle holder from the 1960s crafted by Gabbianelli. This vintage ceramic vase feature a calming blue hue, showcases Beckmann’s visionary des...
Ceramic
$424Sale Price|20% Off
A 20th century vintage art glass vase by Jan Beranek
By Jan Beranek
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The 20th-century vintage art glass vase by Jan Beránek is a captivating piece that embodies the rich history and artistic innovation of mid-century glass design. Crafted by Jan Berán...
Art Glass
Murano, 1950, Italian Attributed to Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Murano The sommerso technique was originally developed in the 1930's by Carlo Scarpa at Venini & Co. Sommerso (Italian for "submerged") is the Murano glassmaking technique of creati...
Murano Glass
Makio Hasuike, space age ceramic vase, Arnolfo di Cambio, Italy 1975
Located in Firenze, IT
Space age rare white ceramic flower pot / vase designed by Makio Hasuike Arnolfo di Cambio Italy, 1975 Label on the top H 30 cm - 28 × 11 cm Conditions: excellent, no defects.
Ceramic
Franco Bettonica, red ceramic vase mod. fb1, Gabbianelli Italy ca. 1970
By Gabbianelli, Franco Bettonica
Located in Firenze, IT
Red space age ceramic vase designed by Franco Bettonica Gabbianelli Italy ca. 1970 Marked under the base. Gabbienelli Sezione design label on the base. H 30 cm - 15 cm diam. Cond...
Ceramic
ToTo - Space M Collection - Handcrafted Ceramic Vase Glazed
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Space M is a collection of glazed ceramic vases made up of five elements. The collection is inspired by Mirò's painting "Mujer, pájaro, estrella”.This special edition was produced on...
Ceramic
$849Sale Price|20% Off
Set of Two Vintage Matching Glass, Tall Vase and Low Bowl, Engraved Decorations
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage set of two matching glass pieces, a tall vase and a low bowl, both made in the same shade of clear glass and both with a frosted/sandblasted surface and egraved decorations t...
Glass, Art Glass, Cut Glass
Vintage 'Space Age' Set Opaline Florence Vase, Empoli, 1955
Located in Verviers, BE
Vintage opaline from Florence. This is a rare color and size, a must have for any collector. Looks simply stunning. The piece is in excellent condition and a real beauty! With best wishes, Geert ?Early Bird Gallery...
Murano Glass, Opaline Glass
Space Age Vide Poche in Total White Ceramic By Parravicini Ceramiche, Italy 60s
Located in Roma, IT
We offer for sale a large Vide Posche with a sculptural and unusual shape, made in Italy between the 60s and 70s by the factory " Parravicini Ceramiche ", as attested by the adhesiv...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$460Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Scandinavian Large Enameled Metal Candelabra
Located in San Diego, CA
1970's large white metal enameled swivel candelabra holder, each disk has a 4" diameter, the top part swivels to adjust as desired, a really unique Scandinavian Pop Space-age piece.
Metal
$626Sale Price|10% Off
Vintage Space Age Vase/Fruit Big Centerpiece Bowl in Stainless Steel and Glass
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage Space Age vase/centerpiece, manufactured in stainless steel and clear thick glass. Its dimension make it perfect - as pictured - to be used as a fruit bowl. The metal is pr...
Stainless Steel
$413Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Italian Collectible Decorative Ceramic Bowl Sculpture with Wood Grille
By Gabbianelli
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage Italian decorative bowl / sculpture in ceramic, with a fitted wood grille on top. Coming from the house of a furniture and decorative dealer, this was an unsold, New Old Stoc...
Ceramic, Wood
Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Splatter Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This charming vintage ceramic bowl captures the essence of bohemian artistry with its captivating blue and white splatter glaze. The organic, free-form pattern creates a dynamic visu...
Ceramic
Vintage Boho Copper Spire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Introduce a piece of architectural intrigue and bohemian charm into your space with this Vintage Boho Copper Spire. Crafted from genuine copper, this stri...
Copper
Italian space age chromed steel frame with optical abstract design print, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian space age chromed steel frame with optical and abstract design print, 1970s Framework with chromed steel frame and abstract design in shades of blue, white and green, reminis...
Metal
Murano, 1950, Italian Atribuido a Flavio Poli-Medida
By Flavio Poli
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Murano We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'Vi...
Murano Glass
$4,350 / set
Pair of Vases in Murano, 1970, Italian
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Murano We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'Vi...
Murano Glass
Pair of Vases in Murano Light Green and White Color, 1970, Italian
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Murano We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'V...
Murano Glass
$2,470
Murano, 1950, Italian
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Murano We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'V...
Murano Glass
Artisanal Green Murano Glass Vase, 1970s Italian Design
Located in Madrid, ES
This striking emerald green vase is a remarkable example of Murano glass artistry from the 1970s. Handblown in Venice using traditional techniques, the piece features an expressive p...
Murano Glass
Yuri Zatarain, glazed terracotta sculpture, early 21th century
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Glazed Terracotta Sculpture in the Shape of a Turtle Shell by Yuri Zatarain, 2000s Packaging with bubble wrap and cardboard boxes is included. If the wo...
Ceramic
Midcentury Italian Rattan, Rush and Fabric Work Knitting Basket
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Rush and rattan basket with fabric bag for objects. Ideal for knitting. Very good vintage conditions. Basket height without handle cm 35.
Fabric, Rattan, Rush
Space age orange 9 number shaped ceramic solifleur vase, Marcel Radureau ca. 197
Located in Firenze, IT
Space age orange number shaped ceramic solifleur vase Creations Marcel Radureau France ca. 1970 H 20.5 cm - 15 × 6 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use.
Ceramic
Space age white Q letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase, Marcel Radureau ca. 1970
Located in Firenze, IT
Space age white Q letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase Creations Marcel Radureau France ca. 1970 H 20.5 cm - 15 × 6 cm Conditions: good consistent with age and use. Chips on the ...
Ceramic
Space age orange Q letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase, Marcel Radureau ca. 197
Located in Firenze, IT
Space age orange Q letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase Creations Marcel Radureau France ca. 1970 H 20.5 cm - 15 × 6 cm Conditions: very good consistent with age and use. Chip on...
Ceramic
Space age red Z letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase, Marcel Radureau ca. 1970
Located in Firenze, IT
Space age red letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase Creations Marcel Radureau France ca. 1970 H 20.5 cm - 17 × 6 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use.
Ceramic
Space age red X letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase, Marcel Radureau ca. 1970
Located in Firenze, IT
Space age red letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase Creations Marcel Radureau France ca. 1970 H 20.5 cm - 13.5 × 6 cm conditions: very good consistent with age and use. Small chip...
Ceramic
Space age red H letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase, Marcel Radureau ca. 1970
Located in Firenze, IT
Space age red H letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase Creations Marcel Radureau France ca. 1970 H 20.5 cm - 13.5 × 6 cm Conditions: good consistent with age and use. Chips on the ...
Ceramic
Space age orange U letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase, Marcel Radureau ca.1970
Located in Firenze, IT
Space age orange letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase Creations Marcel Radureau France ca. 1970 Marked under the base. H 20.5 cm - 15 × 6 cm Conditions: good consistent with ag...
Ceramic
Space age orange U letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase, Marcel Radureau ca.1970
Located in Firenze, IT
Space age orange letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase Creations Marcel Radureau France ca. 1970 H 20.5 cm - 15 × 6 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use.
Ceramic
Space age white U letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase, Marcel Radureau ca. 1970
Located in Firenze, IT
Space age white letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase Creations Marcel Radureau France ca. 1970 H 20.5 cm - 15 × 6 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use.
Ceramic
Space age red U letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase, Marcel Radureau ca. 1970
Located in Firenze, IT
Space age red letter shaped ceramic solifleur vase Creations Marcel Radureau France ca. 1970 H 20.5 cm - 15 × 6 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use.
Ceramic
Mid-century modern brown ceramic vase / jug, Il Picchio Italy 1970s
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-century modern brown ceramic vase / jug The Woodpecker Italy 1970s 28 cm H - diam. 17.5 cm Signed on the base Conditions: good consistent with age and use. Small chips on the...
Ceramic
Vintage Boho Original Studio Pottery Coil Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage studio pottery vase showcases a beautifully handbuilt coil design, celebrating the organic charm and artistic freedom of Boho and artisan-crafted ceramics. Its ...
Pottery
Set of 2 Vintage Candle Holders Stainless Steel Space Age, 1970s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Vintage Candle Holders Set of 2 - Stainless Steel Space Age Design - Italy 1970s - Gift Idea Elegant, Retro Table Decoratio This rare vintage bottle opener from 1960s Italy is a ref...
Stainless Steel
$509Sale Price / set|20% Off
Space Age Gabbianelli Handmade Ceramic Vases in Orange and White, 1960s
By Gabbianelli
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Embark on a journey into the captivating world of Space Age Ceramics with this exceptional set of three vintage ceramic vases, skillfully designed and crafted by Gabbianelli in Italy during the 1960s. These vases exude a distinctive shape and showcase brilliant hues of orange and green, capturing the essence of the innovative Space Age era. Each vase in this remarkable set is a testament to Gabbianelli's artistry, featuring a unique 'G' mark proudly stamped under the base. The synergy of shape, colors, and size transforms these vases into a stunning ensemble that adds a touch of Space Age splendor to any interior. Elevate your decor with this vintage ceramic vase set...
Ceramic
Paperweight in solid transparent acrylic, 1970s.
Located in Barcelona, ES
Paperweight in solid transparent acrylic, 1970s.
Acrylic
Large Resin Vase from Lam Lee Group, 1980s
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Large resin vase in amber tone with silver detailing Lam Lee Group, 1980s.
Silver
$1,510Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Italian Valet Tray in Thick Grey Murano Glass, Space Age Era Vide Poche
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage big and heavy valet tray/vide poche made in thick grey Murano glass. It has a nice, elegant and essential shape, which makes it absolutely timeless. Coming in at 20 centimete...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
Jacques Tissinier (1936-2018) Box, Jean Neuhaus SA éditeur, France, 1972
Located in Paris, FR
Jacques Tissinier (1936-2018) Box, Jean Neuhaus SA éditeur, France, 1972 Steel in vitracer enamel, Good condition, a few scratches from use. Co...
Metal
$2,950
Murano, 1950, Italian
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Murano We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'Vi...
Murano Glass
$6,800 / set
Pair of Vases in Murano, 1950, Italian
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Murano We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'Vi...
Murano Glass