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.
$287Sale Price / item|20% Off
Vintage Cristal 1960s Vase Mod. 3586 by T. Wirkkala for Karhula- Iittala
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Vintage cristal vase mod. 3586 designed by T. Wirkkala for Karhula- Iittala. Good condition: alone slightly opaque at the edge.
Glass
1960 Barbini Italian Space Age Design Murano Glass Cube Vase
By Barbini
Located in Brescia, IT
Vase Barbini Italy, 1960 Square Clear Murano Glass Space Age Design Perfect Condiction
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
Vintage 'Space Age' Multiple colors Opaline Florence Vase, Empoli, 1955s
By Empoli
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! ...
Murano Glass, Opaline 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
$535Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Fluid and Massive Murano Sculpture in "Sommerso" Clear and Green Glass
Located in Milano, IT
Very big and heavy Murano vase in "Sommerso" glass. The peculiar technique, translating to "submerged", consists in joining two layers of different colours glass, so that one looks to be absorbed by the other. In this case, the two colours are green for the core and clear/crystal for the outer layer. The piece is fluid, and is an abstract sculpture in its own right beside being an actual vase. It is preserved in very good original conditions, with minor scratches/hairlines and the expectable patina of a four decades old object...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
Yellow, Red, Blue, Green, and Teal Murano Glass Paperweights, 1970s, Set of 2
By Ken Scott
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This pair of vintage Murano glass paper weight was produced in Italy around the 1970s. They are hand made in multicored glass. Very good con...
Murano Glass
Italian "Membrane" Tray / offering bowl - Clear Murano Glass - by Toni Zuccheri
Located in Landshut, BY
Italian "Membrane" Tray offering bowl Clear Murano Glass by Toni Zuccheri 1970s diameter 23cm weight: 1.5 Kg The object is completely transparent the reflections on the phot...
Glass
$366Sale Price|10% Off
Yellow Murano Glass / Ashtray - Decorative bowl from the 70's
Located in Milano, IT
Murano Glass / Ashtray / Pop Art Glass / Coffee table decorative Decorative bowl in yellow glass with a dotted pattern all around. Originally intended as an ashtray, as proven by t...
Glass
1970 Toni Zuccheri VeArt Italian Design Space Age Murano Glass Sculpture
By Toni Zuccheri, VeArt
Located in Brescia, IT
Glass Sphere Sculpture Toni Zuccheri VeArt 1970 Murano Glass Sticker Manufacture Label Perfect Condiction
Murano Glass
$106Sale Price / set|60% Off
Set of 4 Vintage 1980s Bodum Oktett Grey Martini Glasses with Grey Plastic Bases
By Bodum
Located in Toronto, CA
A perfect fusion of form and function, this vintage set of four Bodum Oktett martini glasses from the 1980s brings sleek, modernist design to your barware collection. Each glass feat...
Glass, Plastic
Vintage 'Space Age' Set Opaline Florence Vase, 1955
Located in Verviers, BE
Vintage opaline from Florence. This is an unusual period colorway and size, that will give a midcentury touch to your interior. Size of the smaller one H 12.6 in x D 4.33 in. ...
Murano Glass, Opaline Glass
$334Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Purple Murano Glass Sculpture/Paperweight, Ball with Included Bubbles
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage Murano paperweight in the shape of a sphere with a flat bottom to make it stand still. Made in a deep, vibrant hue of purple glass,...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
1970 Toni Zuccheri VeArt Italian Design Space Age Murano Glass Plate Sculpture
By Toni Zuccheri, VeArt
Located in Brescia, IT
Glass Plate Sculpture Toni Zuccheri VeArt 1970 Murano Glass Sticker Manufacture Label Perfect Condiction
Murano Glass
Vintage 'Space Age' Pitcher, Opaline Florence Vase, circa 1955
Located in Verviers, BE
Vintage pitcher vase by Opaline di Florence. High contrast black red and white decor This is a rare color and size, a must have for any collector...
Murano Glass, Opaline Glass
Clear, White & green glass 1960s vase attributed to Mazzega
By AVMazzega
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Hand made glass vase in light green, clear and white glass attributed to AV Mazzega, Murano. Very good condition.
Glass
Italian space age plastic table glass by Angelo Mangiarotti, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian space age plastic table glass by Angelo Mangiarotti, 1970s Set of six white plastic table glasses with a round base. Stackable. Produced and designed by Angelo Mangiarotti in...
Plastic
1960s by Lino Tagliapietra Design Glass Table Lamp
Located in Brescia, IT
Murano glass shade and chrome metal base Perfect working order Perfect condition.
Chrome
Big Clear Murano Glass Bottle Attributed to Barovier & Toso, 1960s
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This big bottle was produced in Italy in the 1960s. It is made from a clear Murano glass with air bubbles inclusions which reminiscent of the Barovier and t...
Murano Glass
$1,531Sale 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
Pair French Vases Opaline Glass Hand Painted, circa 1835
Located in Katonah, NY
Pair of vases with hand-painted flowers on opaline glass. We see pink, purple, orange, lilac, and white flowers, all naturalistically rendered. The roses, daisies, and morning glory...
Opaline Glass
$1,854
H 12.6 in W 4.73 in D 2.37 in
Flavio Poli Seguso Murano Sommerso Red, Yellow & Clear Glass Teardrop Tall Vase
By Flavio Poli, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Barcelona, ES
A wonderful Sommerso red and yellow hand blown Murano glass teardrop large vase. Designed by Flavio Poli and manufactured by Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Italy, 1950s. Amazing teardrop shape...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Glass
$2,600
H 14.75 in W 6.25 in D 2.5 in
Antonio Da Ros Cenedese Signed and Dated Murano Glass Sommerso Vase
By Cenedese
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Antonio Da Ros Cenedese signed and dated Murano glass sommerso vase In vibrant purple primary layer. Unique color for this form. Great display vase for any interior or collection.
Blown Glass
Vintage Italian Handmade Sommerso Murano Glass Vase
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage Italian handmade Sommerso vase created in multi-colour layers of Murano glass. The glass is clear, blue, green and pink. Signed/engraved by the author on the bottom.
Murano Glass
Splendid Barbini 'Puzzle' Murano Vase
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Barbini 'Puzzle' Murano vase.
Murano Glass
$720Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.88 in Dm 9.85 in
Murano Glass Vase, Mid-Century Modern Art Glass, Italy, 1960s Design
Located in CABA, AR
Behold the exquisite beauty of this Murano glass vase, gracefully sculpted in the shape of a fan. Its enchanting design is enhanced by a mesmerizing color degradation, transitioning ...
Art Glass
Antique Pair of Vases Opal Glass Opaline 19th Century
Located in Rostock, MV
Exquisite Hand-Decorated White and Blue Opaline Glass Vases with Gold, Enamel, and Jewel Beads – France, Circa 1860 These stunning white and blue opal glass...
Gold
$1,854
H 10.24 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
Giant Mandruzzato Murano Sommerso Smoked Grey Clear Faceted Art Glass Vase
Located in Barcelona, ES
Excellent Sommerso huge vase with faceted glass in shades of grey. Dark and clear grey glass cased into clear glass using the Sommerso technique. Attributed to Mandruzzato, Italy, 19...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Cut Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
$2,500 / set
H 15.36 in W 7.09 in D 6.7 in
1960s Mid-Century Italian Pink Cased Empoli Glass Pitchers Vases Apothecary Jars
Located in Haarlem, NL
Very pretty set of seven 1960s Italian Empoli Rossini and Stelvio Opalina Fiorentina cased glass vases, decanters and candy or apothecary jars. In sweet baby pink tone colours. A pretty mixture of different shades, shapes and styles and in clear and cased glass. Measurements from highest to lowest: Large blown apothecary jar with lid on clear base 39cm high, Ø 17cm (15.35"x6.69") High narrow blown glass pitcher with clear handle and base 37cm high, Ø9cm (14.57"x3.54" Pressed glass with motifs and milky white handle 30cm high, Ø16cm (11.81"x6.3") Bulbous blown pitcher with milky white handle 29cm high, Ø 15cm (11.42"x 5.91") High tazza bowl on turned clear base 28cm high, Ø 19cm (11"x7.49") Diabolo shaped vase 25cm high, Ø14cm (9.84"x5.51") Handblown lidded candy dish...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Opaline Glass
Pair of French Vases Opaline Hand Painted Flowers Circa 1870
Located in Katonah, NY
This lovely pair of handpainted 19th-century opaline vases feature gorgeous flowers, each with a bouquet of peonies, tulips, and other flowers on a light blue ground. The glass is s...
Opaline Glass
$1,782
H 10.04 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
Giant Mandruzzato Murano Sommerso Green Yellow Faceted Art Glass Vase
Located in Barcelona, ES
Massive Sommerso vase with faceted glass in Green and yellow glass cased into clear glass. Attributed to Mandruzzato, Italy, 1960s. Green glass with a layer of yellow glass cased in...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Cut Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
$1,016
H 7.88 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
Mandruzzato Murano Sommerso Red, Blue, Yellow & Clear Faceted Glass Vase, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful faceted Sommerso triple cased rubi red, yellow and blue Murano glass vase attributed to Mandruzzato. Murano, Italy, 1960s. The vibrant colors make this piece highly decora...
Glass, Art Glass, Cut Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Kosta Boda Blue Art Glass Plate on Metal Stand, Scandinavian Modern
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Striking Scandinavian art glass plate produced by Kosta Boda, crafted in layered blue glass with dynamic abstract inclusions in black and white. The swirling composition and depth of...
Metal
Clear & black Murano Glass ottagonali serie flutes by Carlo Moretti, 1974
By Moretti, Carlo Moretti
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of 12 thin and light Murano glass flutes designed by Carlo Moretti in 1974 from the serie "ottagonali". Engraved sign at the base of each item. Very good condition.
Murano Glass
1970s Pierre Carin Space Age Tumbler Glasses – Set of 6
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a set of six exquisite tumbler glasses crafted by the legendary French fashion designer Pierre Cardin, circa the 1970s. Each Sasaki glass is a testament...
Glass
Sold
H 3.55 in Dm 2.76 in
Blue/violet Glass "Smoke" by Joe Colombo per Arnolfo di Cambio, 1964, set of 12
By Arnolfo di Cambio, Joe Colombo
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Designed by Ignazia Favata e Joe Colombo in 1964. Produced by Arnolfo di Cambio, Forlì. its glass, blue or violet, presents a different color depending on whether it is exposed to li...
Glass
Striking Glass Centerpiece Decorative Freeform Bowl in Red
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful decorative plate S-shaped with raised edge, circa 1970s great condition no chips or cracks, beautiful colors.
Art Glass
Murano Sommerso Purple Alexandrite Red Italian Art Glass Hovering UFO Bowl
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Galliano Ferro
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown purple "Alexandrite" with red bullseye Italian art glass UFO bowl. Attributed to designer Galliano Ferro. Created with Neodymium glass, which chan...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Glass
Murano Glowing Uranium Green Bubbles Blue Italian Art Glass Hovering UFO Bowl
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage murano hand blown Sommerso green, controlled bubbles and cobalt blue center Italian art glass UFO bowl. Attributed to designer Galliano Ferro. Created in thick Uranium glass, and glows like crazy under a black light (see photo). The bowl is tapered, and looks like it hovers when displayed. Great for any Space Age decor...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Glass, Uranium Glass
Sold
H 16.75 in Dm 5.25 in
Cenedese Murano Sommerso Alexandrite Blue Red Italian Art Glass Jar Container
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful large, vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso red and light blue / purple “Alexandrite” Italian art glass rocket shaped container / jar. Attributed to designer Antonio da Ros, ...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Glass
Space Age Crystal 1970s Drinking Glasses by Italian Designer Joe Colombo
By Joe Colombo
Located in Uccle, BE
A truly historic collection, the first ever produced by Arnolfo di Cambio, signed by the great designer. Drinking glasses with an asymmetric form, from the Smoke series can be held ...
Crystal
Sold
H 1.38 in Dm 9.85 in
Light Blue and Orange 1960s Matching Plate by Gian Maria Potenza for La Murrina
By La Murrina, Gianmaria Potenza
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This Murano glass matching plate was handcrafted by Gian Maria Potenza for La Murrina in the 1960s and remains in excellent vintage condition, with ...
Murano Glass
Sold
H 2.75 in W 4.5 in D 7 in
Alfredo Barbini Murano White Green Gold Leaf Italian Art Glass Melon Cut Bowl
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Priced per item, beautiful Murano hand blown white, olive green and gold leaf Italian art glass melon cut bowls. Documented to designer Alfredo Barbini. Cut at an angle on both sides...
Gold Leaf
Striking Glass Centerpiece Decorative S-Shape Plate in Orange Yellow
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful decorative plate S-shaped with raised edge, circa 1970s great condition no chips or cracks, beautiful colors.
Cut Glass