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.
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
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
Kami Unique Plate in Carved Grey Marble by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Kami Unique Plate in Carved Grey Marble by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 25 x W 25 x H 3 cm. Materials: Gray marble. Available in different finishes and material options...
Marble
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
$140Sale Price / set|20% Off
Sugar Bowl & Spoon Designed by Michael Graves for Alessi Memphis Era
By Michael Graves (b.1934), Alessi
Located in San Diego, CA
Sugar bowl and spoon designed by Michael Graves for Alessi, circa 1988 made in Italy. Memphis era.
Chrome
French studio ceramicist. Miniature teapot and sugar bowl.
Located in København, Copenhagen
French studio ceramicist. Miniature teapot and sugar bowl. Abstract futuristic style. Late 20th century. Marked. Perfect condition. Teapot: W 17.0 cm x H 14.0 cm. Sugar bowl: W 19.0 ...
Ceramic
Ménagère "Sillage" par Philippe Costard pour Chabanne
Located in Rouen, FR
La ménagère "Sillage" signée Philippe Costard pour Chabanne est une œuvre de design à part entière. Composée de 30 couverts au total (11 fourchettes, 11 couteaux, 8 cuillères), elle ...
Stainless Steel
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
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
Pair of Post-Modern Aluminum Salt and Pepper Shakers by David Tisdale for Elika
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of post-modern anodized aluminum salt and pepper shakers by David Tisdale for Elika, circa 1980s. The set is in very good condition and each shaker measures 1.5"W x ...
Aluminum
Set of 2 Postmodern German Flying Objects Series Plate and Pepper Shaker, 1990s
By Arzberg
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern German Flying Objects Series Plate and Pepper Shaker by David Palterer and Sieger Design for Arzberg, 1990s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1990 to 1999 This ...
Ceramic
Set of 2 Postmodern Cutlery Salad Spoons from Conran, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Cutlery Salad Spoons from Conran, 1990s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1990 to 1999 This piece has an attribution mark. Ad...
Metal
Set of 4 Cream Homer Laughlin Speckled Salad Plates Classic American Stoneware
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Set of 4 Homer Laughlin Speckled Salad or Bread Plates – Classic American Stoneware, 1983 Step into the rich history of American pottery with this charming set of 4 vintage Homer Laughlin stoneware plates. Crafted in 1983, these speckled cream-colored plates reflect the timeless Mid-Century Modern aesthetic combined with the practicality and durability Homer Laughlin is celebrated for. Each plate bears the signature Homer Laughlin maker’s mark, a testament to their authenticity and the brand’s enduring legacy. History of Homer Laughlin: Homer Laughlin, one of the most iconic American pottery manufacturers, was established in 1871 in East Liverpool, Ohio. Revered for its innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship, the brand became synonymous with everyday elegance in tableware. Best known for their Fiesta line, Homer Laughlin’s contributions to Mid-Century and modern American design remain unparalleled, blending functionality with style. This particular collection highlights their mastery of speckled stoneware, popular during the 1970s and 1980s for its rustic yet refined appeal. Design Features: • Material: Durable stoneware with a speckled cream glaze • Dimensions: Perfectly sized for serving bread, salads, or desserts • Style: The natural, minimalist design complements both casual and formal dining settings • Period: Manufactured in the 1980s, capturing the essence of rustic modernism • Color Palette: Neutral tones with subtle flecks of brown, making them incredibly versatile How to Style These Plates: 1. Modern Rustic Dining: Pair with wooden chargers...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Vid Unique Cylindrical Bottle Holder in Carved Black Marble by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Vid Unique Cylindrical Bottle Holder in Carved Black Marble by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 15 x W 15 x H 25 cm. Materials: Black marble. Available in different finishe...
Marble
Hand Painted Pink and Blue Heart Napkin Rings - Set of 4
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of four round hand-painted napkin rings with blue and pink heart motif. Dimensions: 2" Diameter 1" Deep
Wood, Paint
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
$164Sale Price|83% Off
1990 Italian Design Crystal Bottle with Silver Stopper
Located in Brescia, IT
This an elegant whiskey crystal bottle.The crystal stopper is coated in silver. The surface in silver shows the signs of the time, but the bot...
Crystal, Silver
Roberto Sambonet Stainless Steel Fish Poacher with a 1960s Design, Italy, 1980s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
This is an elegant stainless steel fish poacher by Roberto Sambonet for Sambonet. It is perfect to serve and Cook fish, but also other dishes. It has a beautiful shell shape and the...
Stainless Steel
Silver Plated Venison Dish with Pyrex Glass Casserole Dish by Sabattini, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is an elegant silver plated venison dish with a pyrex glass casserole dish and a cover. It is perfect to serve warm meals, as there is space on the botto...
Silver
Flute Mortar & Pestle in Rosso Etrusco Sandstone
By Tino Seubert
Located in London, GB
The Flute mortar and pestle set is manufactured by a north Italian stone specialist from Italian sandstone Rosso Etrusco and Pietra Serena. It can be...
Sandstone
French studio ceramicist. Four pairs of coffee cups in earthenware
Located in København, Copenhagen
French studio ceramicist. 4 pairs of coffee cups in earthenware. Abstract futuristic style. Late 20th century. Marked. Perfect condition. Cup: H 8.0 cm x D 7.0 cm (without handle) Sa...
Ceramic
Set of Six Postmodern Vermilion Cups, Sugar Bowl and Plate by Parravicini, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. They are made in lacquered ceramic and feature their original label "Parravicini ceramiche". It is a vintage set, but it can be considered as in excellent origi...
Ceramic
Adele Round Wine Coaster in Horn & Ivory Lacquered Gloss Wood by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Adele Round Wine Coaster in Horn & Ivory Lacquered Gloss Wood by Arcahorn Dimensions: Ø 12 x H 2 cm. Materials: Horn and lacquered wood. Colours and shades of horn processed by Arca...
Other
Set Of 2 Mirea Napkin Rings in Horn & Stainless Steel by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Mirea Napkin Rings in Horn & Stainless Steel by Arcahorn Dimensions: Ø 4 x H 8 cm. Materials: Horn and stainless steel. Colours and shades of horn processed by Arcahorn are...
Stainless Steel, Other
Artica Champagne Bucket in Stainless Steel with Horn Handles by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Artica Champagne Bucket in Stainless Steel with Horn Handles by Arcahorn Dimensions: Bucket: Ø 26 x H 20 cm. Stand: Ø 21 x H 64 cm. Materials: Horn and stainless steel. Colours and ...
Other, Stainless Steel
Set of Four Ceramic Coffee Cups by Baldelli with Milk Jug and Sugar Bowl, Italy
By Baldelli
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This set was designed in a futurist style and is in hand-glazed ceramic. They are vintage therefore they might show slight traces of use, but they can be consid...
Ceramic
Vintage Geometrical Blue Glazed Vase by Pietro Arosio for Parravicini, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. It is made in blue glazed ceramic by Pietro Arosio for Parravicini. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be conside...
Ceramic
$3,047 / item
Onyx Twosidestory Bowl XL by Lisette Rützou
Located in Geneve, CH
Onyx twosidestory bowl XL by Lisette Rützou Dimensions: D 40 cm Materials: Levanto Bordeaux marble Lisette Rützou’s design is motivated by an urge to articulate a story. Inspir...
Marble
Postmodern Set of Twelve Steel Serving Spoon by Pinti, Italy, 1980s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This is a set of twelve steel serving spoon by Pinti. They're vintage pieces, therefore they might show slight traces of use, but overall they can be considered...
Steel
2 Sets of 5 Kingyo Knives by Katia Solórzano
Located in Geneve, CH
2 Sets of 5 Kingyo Knives by Katia Solórzano. Dimensions: W 1.2 x D 0.3 x H 12 cm Materials: Stainless Steel. These dimensions reflect a single individual knife as a reference for t...
Stainless Steel
Aldo Tura, "Bougeoirs", 1960
By Aldo Tura
Located in Paris, FR
Aldo Tura 'Bougeoirs', A pair of candlesticks, c. 1960 Execution: brass and carmine lacquered parchment Signed: Tura Measure: H : 11 cm (4.3") Overall Very good condition A p...
Brass
$179 / item
Euclid Dinner Plate L by Eter Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Euclid Dinner Plate L by Eter Design Unique Piece. Dimensions: Ø 33 x H 1.5 cm. Materials: Clay. Sustainable - Eco-friendly. Handmade. Each piece may va...
Clay
Hermès Pair of HTS Collection Dessert Spoons
By Nedda El-asmar, Hermès
Located in Mexico City, MX
A pair of stainless steel dessert spoons by Hermès. The HTS Collection, Hermès Tout Simple, presents an ergonomic design and a new form of elegance born from the combination of mirro...
Stainless Steel
Konstriktor Trivet by Franco V, Stainless Steel, Post-Modern Design
By Franco V
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Konstriktor trivet merges sculptural design with functional elegance, transforming an everyday kitchen essential into a statement piece. Machined from solid 3/8" stainless steel,...
Stainless Steel
$179 / item
AC II by Justus Knut Schomann
Located in Geneve, CH
AC II by Justus Knut Schomann Dimensions: W 12 x D 2 x H 16 cm Materials: Casted Arcylic, Diamond polished. Weight: 0,3 Kg. Justus Knut Schomann...
Acrylic
Hermès Set of 7 HTS Collection Dinner Spoons
By Hermès, Nedda El-asmar
Located in Mexico City, MX
A set of 7 dinner spoons by Hermès. The HTS collection, Hermès Tout Simple, presents an ergonomic design and a new form of elegance born from the combination of mirror polish and dee...
Stainless Steel
Set Of 2 Mabel Napkin Rings in Horn & Stainless Steel by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Mabel Napkin Rings in Horn & Stainless Steel by Arcahorn Dimensions: Ø 4 x H 2 cm. Materials: Horn and stainless steel. Colours and shades of horn processed by Arcahorn are...
Other, Stainless Steel
Set Of 2 Chelsea Round Wine Coasters in Horn & Ivory Lacquered Wood by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Chelsea Round Wine Coasters in Horn & Ivory Lacquered Wood by Arcahorn Dimensions: Ø 10 x H 2 cm. Materials: Horn and lacquered wood. Colours and shades of horn processed b...
Other
Set Of 2 Glaze Antique Bronze Solid Mugs by Studionudo
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Glaze Antique Bronze Solid Mugs by Studionudo Unique Pieces. Dimensions: Ø 11,5 x H 9 cm. Materials: Glazed clay. Different finishes and shapes are available. Prices may va...
Clay
$1,051 / item
Morocco Replica Tray by Justus Knut Schomann
Located in Geneve, CH
Morocco Replica Tray by Justus Knut Schomann Dimensions: W 12 x D 2 x H 16 cm Materials: Bronze, patina-finish. Weight: 2,2 Kg. Justus Knut Scho...
Bronze
$286 / item
Tylissos Plate 2 by Georgiev Kiril
Located in Geneve, CH
Tylissos Plate 2 by Georgiev Kiril Dimensions: Ø 15 x H 6 cm. Materials: Wheel-thrown stoneware clay and glaze. Georgiev Kiril is a multidisciplinary practice that floats within arc...
Clay, Stoneware
$621 / set
Set of 3 the Family Jugs by Kilzi
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 The Family Jug by Kilzi Dimensions: Mum jug: D 16.5 x W 11 x H 20.9 cm. Dad jug: D 16.9 x W 12 x H 17.3 cm. Kid jug: D 15.5 x W 7.2 x H 9.6 cm. Materials: porcelain with...
Porcelain
Rosso Etrusco Flure Mortar and Pestle by Tino Seubert
Located in Geneve, CH
Rosso Etrusco Flure Mortar and Pestle by Tino Seubert Dimensions: W 10 x D 12.6 x H 32 cm. Materials: Rosso etrusco sandstone carved in Italy. Also...
Marble
$764 / 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
$358 / item
Flower Vase by Katia Solórzano
Located in Geneve, CH
Flower Vase by Katia Solórzano Dimensions: W 9 x D 9 x H 18 cm Materials: Solid purple rose wood with mineral oil finishing. SONORA TABLEWARE A set of five objects with a design in...
Wood
$1,266 / item
Ten Plate by Katia Solórzano
Located in Geneve, CH
Ten Plate by Katia Solórzano Dimensions: W 25 x D 25 x H 2.1 cm Materials: Solid purple rose wood with mineral oil finishing. SONORA TABLEWARE A set of five objects with a design i...
Wood
$215 / item
Chile Grinder by Katia Solórzano
Located in Geneve, CH
Chile Grinder by Katia Solórzano Dimensions: W 5.5 x D 5.5 x H 12.8 cm Materials: Solid purple rose wood with mineral oil finishing. SONORA TABLEWARE A set of five objects with a d...
Wood
$239 / item
Salsa Vase by Katia Solórzano
Located in Geneve, CH
Salsa Vase by Katia Solórzano Dimensions: W 14.8 x D 10 x H 5 cm Materials: Solid purple rose wood with mineral oil finishing. SONORA TABLEWARE A set of five objects with a design ...
Wood
Limited Edition AC II Frosted by Justus Knut Schomann
Located in Geneve, CH
Limited Edition AC II Frosted by Justus Knut Schomann Dimensions: W 12 x D 2 x H 16 cm Materials: Casted Arcylic, Frosted look. Weight: 0,3 Kg. ...
Acrylic
$609 / 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
$334 / 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
$2,366 / item
Plat de Pa Tray by Andreu Carulla Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Plat de Pa Tray by Andreu Carulla Studio Dimensions: W 20 x D 3 x H 11 cm. Materials: Gold finished Aluminium. Sculptural plate/tray cast from a real slice of bread, each one is un...
Aluminum
$1,709 / item
Plugged Carrafe by Richard Yasmine
Located in Geneve, CH
Plugged Carrafe by Richard Yasmine Materials: hand-blown borosilicate glass with solid brushed brass base Dimensions: D 10 x H 32 cm Made of solid brushed brass and a very thin hand...
Brass
$4,027 / item
BORO BORO No. 5 Tableware by Yusuké Y. Offhause
Located in Geneve, CH
BORO BORO No 5 tableware by Yusuke´ Y. Offhause One of a Kind. Dimensions: D 3.3 x W 38.3 x H 38.3 cm Materials: stoneware, porcelain, glass, glaze. Th...
Other