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.
$89Sale Price / set|40% Off
Vintage Set of 4 Post Modern Pink Lucite Scrolling Ribbon Napkin Rings
Located in Amityville, NY
A vintage post modern set of four napkin rings in pink lucite, with a scrolling, looping, wrapping, ribbon or bow shape. Each of the 4 in the set is identical, providing a perfect fe...
Lucite
Heide Warlamis Postmodern Skyscraper Salt Pepper Shakers, Vienna Collection 1990
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of beautiful and decorative postmodern Skyscraper Pop Art salt and pepper shakers, designed in 1990 by artist and designer Heide Warlamis as part of her renowned Vienna Collec...
Porcelain
Set of 2 Italian Postmodern Euclid Series Salad Servers by Michael Graves, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Italian Postmodern Euclid Series Salad Servers by Michael Graves for Alessi, 1980s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Addi...
Plastic
Vintage Chrome Napkin Rings
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A set of 8 vintage chrome napkin rings.
Metal
$1,450 / set
Fornasetti Porcelain Musical Tableware, 5 Pcs.
By Fornasetti
Located in Astoria, NY
Collection of Five Fornasetti Porcelain Musical Instrument Tableware Pieces, comprising: (2) two "Instrumenti Musicali", plate and small dish, marked "Fornasetti Milano / Made in Ita...
Porcelain
Set of 3 Postmodern Sugar and Milk Tray by Micheal Graves for Alessi, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Italian Sugar and Milk Tray by Micheal Graves for Alessi, 1980s, Set of 3, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional i...
Metal
Swid Powell stainless steel Kettle/ Teapot for Calvin Klein
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an amazing Post Modern design by Calvin Klein , Some of these pieces were made in Italy other in USA.
Stainless Steel
Recinto tray Alessi Alessandro Mendini Postmodern
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
"Recinto" table tray designed by Alessandro Mendini for Alessi. Designed in around 2000. Vintage blue color. There are a little trace of use. Over all good condition.
Stainless Steel
Postmodern German Stainless Steel Kettle from Fissler, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern German Stainless Steel Kettle from Fissler, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: M...
Metal
Grandmother Tableware Set Designed by Robert Venturi with Denise Scott Brown
By Swid Powell, Robert Venturi
Located in Kansas City, MO
Grandmother tableware set by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown for Swid Powell, 1984. Set of four plates, four saucers and 20 cups. Dinner pla...
Porcelain
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Post-Modern Memphis Style Salt and Pepper Shakers by Olde Thompson
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of post-modern Memphis style salt and pepper shakers by Olde Thompson, circa 1980s. The set is constructed of hard wood with colorful high lacquered paint. The pair ...
Wood
$136Sale Price|20% Off
Marble Salt and Pepper Shakers Tableware
Located in Toronto, ON
A pair of Carrera marble salt and peppers shakers. They are made out of carved Carrera marble, finished with a stainless steel top, a plastic cork at the bottom. While they are vinta...
Marble, Carrara Marble
Set Of 6 Le Cirque N.Y. Custom Villeroy & Boch Pasta Bowls Designed By Adam D.
By Adam Tihany
Located in Bridgeport, CT
From pasta primavera to world-renowned decadent desserts, Le Cirque's ubiquitous reputation for presenting its fine dining fare with whimsy and fun, landed it on the map of must-dine...
Porcelain
Postmodern Danish Metal Bottle Opener by Bent Falk for Menu, 1980s
By Bent Falk
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Danish Metal Bottle Opener by Bent Falk for Menu, 1980s
Metal
Gyro Corkscrew in Stainless Steel & Horn by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Gyro Corkscrew in Stainless Steel & Horn by Arcahorn Dimensions: Ø 10 x H 10 cm. Materials: Horn and stainless steel. Colours and shades of horn processed by Arcahorn are unique due...
Stainless Steel, Other
Richard Meier for Swid Powell Silver Plated Peppermill
Located in Hanover, MA
Hefty and well constructed pepper mill designed by uber architect Richard Meier for Swid Powell and produced in Italy, circa 1985. Ref...
Silver Plate, Brass
Swid Powell Toscana Tableware Designed by Steven Harris & Lucien Ress-Roberts
By Swid Powell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Great set of post modern colorful tableware: Designer: Steven Harris, American, born 1950 Designer: Lucien Rees Roberts, English, born 1952 Retaile...
Porcelain
Lino Sabattini rare cruet , oil/vinegar container set , attb to Christofle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great set designed by LINO SABATTINI in stainless steel and glass, with acrylic stopper .Glass marked as well.
Stainless Steel
$1,300 / set
Judy Chicago Commemorative Tableware, 10 Pcs.
By Judy Chicago
Located in Astoria, NY
Collection of 10 Judy Chicago Commemorative Tableware Pieces, comprising: (2) two "Painting Studying for the Great Ladies Dinner Plate", porcelain display plate, 2019, for 80th Birth...
Porcelain, Cork
$1,300 / set
Fornasetti Porcelain Tableware, 2 Pcs.
By Fornasetti
Located in Astoria, NY
Two Fornasetti Porcelain Tableware Pieces, comprising: lighter in medallion pattern and jar with gin liquor label and newspaper pattern, each marked "Fornasetti Milano / Made in Ital...
Porcelain
Hana To Sakana Ceramic Tableware Set by Katia Solórzano
Located in Geneve, CH
Hana To Sakana Ceramic Tableware Set by Katia Solórzano. Dimensions: Vase: Approx. W 10 x D 10 x H 22 cm. Sake Bottle: Approx. W 8 x D 8 x H 15 cm. Sake Cup: Approx. W 5 x D 5 x H 5 ...
Ceramic
Baikal Champagne Bowl in Stainless Steel, Horn & Chromed Brass by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Baikal Champagne Bowl in Stainless Steel, Horn & Chromed Brass by Arcahorn Dimensions: Ø 40 x H 32 cm. Materials: Horn, chromed brass, and stainless steel. Colours and shades of hor...
Stainless Steel, Other, Brass
Unique Warrior 1 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 1 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 8 x D 9.8 x H 5.5 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed cera...
Ceramic
Vintage 1980s Guzzini Cutlery Holder by Furio Minuti Made in Italy
By Guzzini, Michael Graves (b.1934)
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly cool and post-modern cutlery holder by Guzzini. This piece evokes design elements that are current and present. Created in plastic, this piece includes 4 compartments wi...
Plastic
1980s Ice Bucket in the style of the Memphis Movement by Georges Briard USA
By Memphis Group, Georges Briard
Located in London, GB
This 1980s square ice bucket made in Japan was designed by American designer Georges Briard. This design is inspired by the Pop Art movement but also the Memphis movement. Founded in...
Aluminum
$211Sale Price / set|20% Off
Unused Coffee for Two Set by Danish / Swiss Kitchenware Specialist Bodum
By Bodum
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This refined yet striking coffee set was made for two. It is complete and still new as it has never been used. It consists of a French press, two coffee glasses, two espresso glasses...
Glass, Plexiglass, Cork
Set of 7 Italian Postmodern Lavazza Oro Series Espresso Cups from Balzano, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Italian Postmodern Lavazza Oro Series Espresso Set from Balzano, 1980s
Brass, Stainless Steel
Italian Postmodern Kontessa Series Sugar Pot from Vev Vigano, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Italian Postmodern Kontessa Series Sugar Pot from Vev Vigano, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 Official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, designer ...
Brass
Postmodern Vintage Toaster Designed by Michael Graves
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on this collectible piece by Michael Graves for Black & Decker , circa 1990's it works but the bish on the plastic is worn due to age as shown.
Metal
Set of 4 Abalone Shell & Chrome Napkin Ring Holders 2 Sets Available NIB
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice set of 4 elegant napkin ring holders with abalone shell and chrome steel plated frame , these sets are from the 1980's Never used , we have 2 sets available buyer has the choice...
Chrome
Stainless Steel Paper Towel Holder
Located in Treadwell, NY
Elegant modernist stainless steel paper towel holder with an off-black Paperstone base - unique and functional.
Stainless Steel
$2,059 / set
Set of 24 Euclid Tableware Pieces by Eter Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 24 Euclid Tableware Pieces by Eter Design Unique Pieces. Dimensions: Dinner plate L: Ø 33 x H 1,5 cm. Dinner plate M: Ø 26 x H 1,5 cm. Dessert plate: Ø 19.8 x H 1,5 cm. Bread & butter plate: Ø 14.5 cm x H 1 cm. Cereal bowl: Ø 19.8 x H 8,5 cm. Cereal plate: Ø 14.5 x H 1 cm. Soup plate: Ø 25.5 x H 6 cm. Serving bowl M: Ø 28.2 x H 9 cm. Serving bowl L: Ø 39.5 x H 11 cm. Casserole: Ø 22.2 x H 3.5 cm. Espresso cup: Ø 10 cm x H 5,5 cm. Espresso plate: Ø 14.5 cm x H 1 cm. Mug: Ø 9 cm x H 9 cm. Water cup...
Clay
Pietra Serena Flure Mortar and Pestle by Tino Seubert
Located in Geneve, CH
Pietra Serena Flure Mortar and Pestle by Tino Seubert Dimensions: W 10 x D 12.6 x H 32 cm. Materials: Pietra serena sandstone carved in Italy. Also...
Sandstone
$300Sale Price / set|20% Off
Salt & Pepper Shakers Designed by Michael Graves for Alessi Memphis Era
By Alessi, Michael Graves (b.1934)
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice pair of salt & pepper shakers designed by Michael Graves for Alessi, circa 1988 made in Italy. Memphis era Peugeot movement.
Chrome
$753 / item
Twosidestory Bowl by Lisette Rützou
Located in Geneve, CH
Twosidestory bowl by Lisette Rützou Dimensions: D 20 cm Materials: Onyx Lisette Rützou’s design is motivated by an urge to articulate a story. Inspired by the beauty of materia...
Onyx
Postmodern Rare Molded Wood Tray Designed by Addison Lanier for Skyconcept
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on this wavy tray or wine holder . great design with wood balls holding it stamped and dated 1992.
Wood
Unique Warrior 30 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 30 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 8.2 x D 8.5 x H 4 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed cer...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 29 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 29 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 7 x D 7.3 x H 6.3 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed cer...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 27 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 27 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 5.8 x D 7.5 x H 6.6 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed c...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 25 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 25 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Dimensions: W 6 x D 10.9 x H 6 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed ceramic. (Food-safe glazes used). A ...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 20 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 20 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Dimensions: W 6.8 x D 8.5 x H 5 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed ceramic. (Food-safe glazes used). A...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 19 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 19 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 8 x D 9 x H 5 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed ceramic...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 17 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 17 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 9.2 x D 10 x H 5.8 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed ce...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 15 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 15 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 8.9 x D 11 x H 6 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed cera...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 13 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 13 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 6.8 x D 12.5 x H 4.3 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed ...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 12 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 12 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 6.8 x D 10.3 x H 5.8 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed ...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 11 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 11 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 6.8 x D 13.6 x H 5.8 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed ...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 10 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 10 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 6.7 x D 12 x H 6 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed cera...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 9 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 9 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 9 x D 10.2 x H 5.8 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed cer...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 8 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 8 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 7.9 x D 6.8 x H 5 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed cera...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 7 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 7 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 7.2 x D 9.5 x H 5.5 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed ce...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 5 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 5 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 7.4 x D 8.7 x H 4.5 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed ce...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 4 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 4 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 7.5 x D 10 x H 5.8 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed cer...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 3 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 3 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 6.8 x D 11 x H 5.8 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed cer...
Ceramic
Unique Warrior 2 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Warrior 2 Sculptural Ristretto Cup by Tamara Barnoff. One of a Kind. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 6.4 x D 9.8 x H 4.7 cm. Materials: Hand-sculpted glazed ce...
Ceramic
Set of 2 Postmodern Flash One Series Milk and Sugar Pot by Dorothy Hafner, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Flash One Series Milk and Sugar Pot by Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal, 1980s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. A...
Porcelain
Set of 2 Postmodern Granite Rock Pepper and Salt Shakers
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Granite Rock Pepper and Salt Shakers, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 Additional information: Materials: Granite Color: Black Styles: Postmodern ...
Granite
$600 / item
Tylissos Plate 3 by Georgiev Kiril
Located in Geneve, CH
Tylissos Plate 3 by Georgiev Kiril Dimensions: Ø 26 x H 16 cm. Materials: Wheel-thrown stoneware clay and glaze. Georgiev Kiril is a multidisciplinary practice that floats within ar...
Clay, Stoneware
$329 / item
Tylissos Plate 1 by Georgiev Kiril
Located in Geneve, CH
Tylissos Plate 1 by Georgiev Kiril Dimensions: Ø 20 x H 6 cm. Materials: Wheel-thrown stoneware clay and glaze. Georgiev Kiril is a multidisciplinary practice that floats within arc...
Clay, Stoneware
Vintage German Postmodern Fantasia Series Sugar Pot by Matteo Thun, 1980s
By Matteo Thun
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage German Postmodern Fantasia Series Sugar Pot by Matteo Thun for Arzberg, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional ...
Porcelain