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.
Post-Modern Missoni Table Lamp by Massimo Valloto, Italy, 1980s
By Missoni Home, Missoni
Located in Vienna, AT
An amazing colorful postmodern Missoni table or side lamp from the 1980s, designed by Massimo Valloto, executed by Ceramiche Viba, Bassano, Italy. This light has a conical unusual ce...
Metal, Brass
Pr. Mid Century Cast Plaster Cactus Table Lamps by Bon Art
Located in New York, NY
Tres chic pair of cast plaster cactus table lamps, in very fine original condition. Both lamps are in working condition, original shades included, but s...
Plaster
Postmodern Italian Murano Glass Wall Sconces, 1980s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Postmodern and beautiful set of two Murano glass Wall Sconces. These fixtures are made in Italy. Each Wall Sconce is equipped with one light halongen bulb. A professional electricia...
Metal
4 Luxo Angle Poise Task Lamps
By Luxo
Located in New York, NY
Adjustable flex arm task lamp made by LUXO made in Denmark c 1960-1980's. The lamps are designed to be attached with screws, each has two flex arms, each arm approximately 20 inches ...
Steel
Midcentury Italian Postmodern Steel & Frosted Glass Floor Lamp after Sottsass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super heavy and well made floor from the Postmodern 1990s era. It features stainless steel and frosted glass construction. Works with one Halogen bulb.
Stainless Steel
Postmodern Vertebrae Floor Lamp by Elio Martinelli for Martinelli Luce
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
1980s Postmodern Vertebrae floor lamp by Elio Martinelli Flex floor lamp, also known as Vertebrae, Model 2164 by Elio Martinelli for Martinelli Luce. The lamp is full flexible with swivel shade. Organic shape of the flexible arm is similar to a human spine. First designed for the Turin exhibition 1970. metal base and bracket, "backbone" body movable in both rotation and bending, Condition: Good working order, minor scratches to hood and some cracks (Please see pictures) Given the age, this vintage lamp in good condition, normal usage by age. Normal cap into E27 / Max. 100W. Material: plastic, aluminum, metal and chrome. Marked: Martinelli Luce. Martinelli Flex desk lamp...
Metal
1980 Italy Post-Modern Black Metal and Satin Glass Wall Light
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an engaging wall light in satin glass that has the base in aluminum lacquered in polished black color. The two satin sheet glass are put as lampsh...
Aluminum
Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs Eyeball Floor Lamp in Orange Finish c 1970's
By Robert Sonneman, George Kovacs
Located in New York, NY
Cool post modern eyeball floor lamp designed by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs. The lamp features a ball shade which pivots, and tilts to direct the light, it accepts a standard s...
Metal
Pair of "Cocktail" Jill Wall Lamps by King and Miranda for Arteluce, 1980s
By Arteluce, Perry King and Santiago Miranda
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beautiful pair of Italian White Wall Sconces from 1980s. These pieces were made during the 1980s in Italy by Perry King and Santiago Miranda. The name of the manufacturer "Arteluce"...
Metal
Carlo Nason Postmodern Italian Murano Glass Chandelier for Mazzega, 1970s
By AVMazzega, Carlo Nason
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Beautiful Murano glass chandelier, made by Carlo Nason for Mazzega in the 70s, the chandelier is composed of sixteen cylindrical cannuoli and a blown glass disc, the structure is in ...
Steel
Postmodern Pair of "Delta" Table Lamps by Mario Bertorelle for JM RDM, 1980s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique Italian pair of table lamps by Mario Bertorelle, from 1980s. These pieces were made during the 1980s in Massanzago by JM RMD. These table lamps are named Delta. Delta is the ...
Plastic
Sculptural Light No. 130, Handblown Glass and Brass, by Milla Vaahtera
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculptural light no. 130 by Milla Vaahtera Dimensions: D 55 x W 95 x H 75 cm Materials: Handblown glass, handcrafted brass. Sculptural Lights are handmade light fixtures that functi...
Brass
Sculptural Light No. 132, Handblown Glass and Brass, by Milla Vaahtera
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculptural light no. 132 by Milla Vaahtera Dimensions: D 44 x W 95 x H 70 cm Materials: Handblown glass, handcrafted brass. Sculptural Lights are handmade light fixtures that functi...
Brass
Sculptural Light No. 133, Handblown Glass and Brass, by Milla Vaahtera
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculptural light no. 133 by Milla Vaahtera Dimensions: D 60 x W 90 x H 90 cm Materials: Handblown glass, handcrafted brass. Sculptural Lights are handmade light fixtures that functi...
Brass
Rare Gaetano Pesce Resin Lamp
Located in Austin, TX
Rare post modern resin lamp by collectible artist Gaetano Pesce from his Olo series. "Olo" translates to "feeling" in English. Transformer and bulb...
Resin
Postmodern Spanish Chromed Table Lamp by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz, 1980s
By Estiluz, Estiluz Lighting, Leonardo Marelli
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and cool Postmodern Chromed Table Lamp by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. This Table Lamp was made in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz during 1980s. Model M-1131. “Estiluz” original...
Metal
Italian Murano Black Art Glass Dome Chandelier Pendant Light, Large
By Effetre International Company
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and relatively large modern style or Post-Modern period Italian Murano black art glass dome chandelier pendant light. Murano glass is predominantly black with clear and r...
Brass
Multicolor blown glass and brass contemporary chandelier light Emilie Lemardeley
Located in Geneve, CH
Dionysos Multiple Spheres Ceiling Lamp by Emilie Lemardeley Limited Edition of 8 Dimensions: D 220 x W 55 x H 60 cm Materials: Brass, hand blown glass (40 spheres). The Dionysos lig...
Brass
No. 13 Circle Blue, Grey Contemporary Art Wall Sconce by Sander Bottinga
Located in Geneve, CH
Circle blue grey, wall sconce, Sander Bottinga Dimensions: H 35 x W 27 x D 23 cm The design artwork is meticulously handcrafted in a limited series, sometimes in corporation with sm...
Brass
Extra Large Misalliance Ex Pure White Suspended Light by Lexavala
Located in Geneve, CH
Extra Large Misalliance Ex pure white suspended light by Lexavala. Dimensions: D 16 x W 160 x H 8 cm. Materials: powder coated shade with details made of brass or stainless steel. ...
Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel
Bengra FL4XL Lamp by Jeroen De Ruddere
Located in Geneve, CH
Bengra FL4XL lamp by Jeroen De Ruddere Dimensions: D 40 x H 157 cm Cord Lenght: 200 cm Dimmable: Yes Materials: Oak Brutal nature and textile. All pieces are CE certified. Each lam...
Textile, Oak
Zenith #2 Lamp by Elisa Uberti
Located in Geneve, CH
Zenith #2 Lamp by Elisa Uberti Limited series of 8 numbered copies + 1AP Dimensions: W 25 x D 15 x H 50 cm Materials: White Stoneware. This product is hand...
Stoneware
Sculptural Light No. 67 by Milla Vaahtera
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculptural light no. 67 by Milla Vaahtera. Dimensions: W 85 x L 40 x H 60 cm. Materials: glass, brass. In 2020 Milla Vaahtera started a series of unique sculptural lights made o...
Brass
Parefeuille Wall Light by Bosc Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Parefeuille Wall Light by Bosc Design Dimensions: W 17 x D 7 x H 32 cm Materials: Brass finish, marine varnish. It all started years ago. They were about to complete an architectu...
Brass
Alba Top Pendant by Contain
Located in Geneve, CH
Alba top pendant by Contain Dimensions: D 15x H 100 cm (custom leght) Materials: Brass, 3D printed PLA structure and optical lens. Also available i...
Brass, Other
Post Modern Desk Lamp by Ron Rezek, ca. 1980's
Located in New York, NY
Chic 1980's desk lamp by Ron Rezek, in excellent original, clean and working condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age. The hood shade (6.5 in. diam...
Metal
Silk #17 Wall Light by Margaux Leycuras
Located in Geneve, CH
Silk #17 wall light by Margaux Leycuras One of a Kind. Signed and numbered. Dimensions: Ø 51 x H 56 cm. Material: Ceramic, sandy stoneware platters with a porcelain slip finish. ...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Slim OP Large Standing Lamp by Pani Jurek
By Pani Jurek
Located in Geneve, CH
Slim OP Large Standing Lamp by Pani Jurek Dimensions: D 11 x H 96 cm Material: Hand glazed ceramic. Available in: Matt Cobalt / Black / Brown / Ochre / Green / Pistachio / Pink / R...
Ceramic
Silk #19 Wall Light by Margaux Leycuras
Located in Geneve, CH
Silk #19 wall light by Margaux Leycuras One of a Kind. Signed and numbered. Dimensions: Ø 54 x H 58 cm Material: Ceramic, sandy stoneware platters with a porcelain slip finish. T...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Three Edges Wall Light by Square in Circle
Located in Geneve, CH
Three Edges Wall Light by Square in Circle Dimensions: D19 x W50 x H8 cm Materials: Brushed brass/ brushed grey metal/ white opaque diffuser Other finishes available. This sleek and modern picture light...
Metal, Brass
Mano Standing Lamp by Umberto Bellardi Ricci
Located in Geneve, CH
Mano standing lamp by Umberto Bellardi Ricci. Dimensions: D 18" x W 12" x H 73 in. Materials: Brass, Aluminium base, Led strip. All our lamps can b...
Aluminum, Brass
Natural Stone Wall Sconce by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural stone wall sconce by Aver Dimensions: W 12 x D 15 x H 58 cm Materials: Natural rocks, high-quality cut crystals, jewelry chains, hand-blown glass, other. Also Available: Matt...
Stone, Crystal
Sculptural Light No. 30 by Milla Vaahtera
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculptural light No. 30 by Milla Vaahtera Dimensions: D 5 x W 78 x H 60 cm Materials: Glass, brass In 2020 Milla Vaahtera started a series of unique sculptural lights made out of br...
Brass
Haumea Amorph Silver Smoke XL Pendant by Eloa
Located in Geneve, CH
Haumea Amorph silver smoke XL pendant by Eloa No UL listed Material: glass, steel, silver, LED Bulb Dimensions: D35 x W47 x H32 cm Also available in differ...
Glass
No. 13 Circle Green, Grey Contemporary Art Wall Sconce by Sander Bottinga
Located in Geneve, CH
Circle Blue Grey Wall Sconce by Sander Bottinga Handmade in brass, leather, wood, and hand-printed and painted linen. A dimmer is inlaid with leathe...
Brass
Cream Nebula Pendant Lamp by Mirei Monticelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Cream Nebula pendant lamp by Mirei Monticelli Dimensions: D 60 x W 60 x H 60 cm Materials: Banaca fabric Also available in hand-painted fabric. ...
Fabric
Quartz Wall Sconce I by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Quartz wall sconce I by Aver Dimensions: W 4 x D 17 x H 35 cm Materials: Natural rocks, high-quality cut crystals, jewelry chains, hand-blown glass, other. Also Available: Matte Blac...
Stone, Crystal, Other
Sculptural Light No. 66 by Milla Vaahtera
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculptural light No. 67 by Milla Vaahtera Dimensions: W 70 x D 28 x H 60 cm Materials: Glass, brass Dark glass dome is deep dark violet. In 2020 Milla Vaahtera started a series...
Brass
Sculptural Light No. 68 by Milla Vaahtera
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculptural light No. 68 by Milla Vaahtera Dimensions: W 30 x L 85 x H 60 cm Materials: Glass, Brass In 2020 Milla Vaahtera started a series of un...
Brass
Mini Quartz Drop Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Mini Quartz Drop Lamp by Aver Dimensions: D 8 x H 16 cm Materials: White quartz, ceramic, metal. A series of lamps molded in a lively, imperfect, and organic ceramic texture, in con...
Quartz, Metal
Alba Simple Wall Alabaster Light by Contain
Located in Geneve, CH
Alba Simple Wall Alabaster Light by Contain Dimensions: D 15 x H 9.5 cm. Materials: alabaster structure and optical lens. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If so...
Alabaster
Contemporary Stainless Steel Conical Wall Light by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Stainless Steel Conical Wall Light by Henry Wilson Dimensions: W 19 x D 20 x H 12 cm Materials: Stainless Steel Lost wax cast in solid stainless st...
Stainless Steel
Stadium Round Wall Light by Square in Circle
Located in Geneve, CH
Stadium round wall light by Square in Circle Dimensions: D6 x W11 x H35 cm Materials: Brushed brass/ white frosted glass Other finishes available. A long, rounded bathroom wall ligh...
Brass
Florian Table Lamp by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Florian Table Lamp by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 24 x W 50 x H 64 cm Materials: Horn, stainless steel. Table lamp in horn and stainless steel with exposed screws. Lampshade in ivory sha...
Stainless Steel
Grande Coco OR Suspension Lamp by Coralie Beauchamp
Located in Geneve, CH
Grande Coco OR Suspension Lamp by Coralie Beauchamp Dimensions: W 70 x D 70 x H 120 cm Materials: Fiberglass, Epoxy resin with anti-uv, a finish in M...
Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass
73.1 Pendant by Bocci
Located in Geneve, CH
73.1 pendant by Bocci. Dimensions: D 11.6 x H 300 cm. Materials: brushed nickel round canopy Weight: 2.7 kg White canopy also available. Due to the handcrafted nature of the 73 ...
Other, Nickel
Pearl Plus Brillance Wall Light by Lisa Allegra
Located in Geneve, CH
Pearl plus brillance wall light by Lisa Allegra Dimensions: W 25.5 x D 24 x H 17 cm. Materials: Clay. Available in different finishes: pearl, dusty pink, and blackened gold. Al...
Clay
Large Misalliance Ex Antique Pink Suspended Light by Lexavala
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Misalliance Ex antique pink suspended light by Lexavala Dimensions: D 16 x W 130 x H 8 cm Materials: powder coated shade with details made of brass or stainless steel. The...
Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel
Chestnut Cicero 26 Table Lamp by Danny Kaplan Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Chestnut Cicero 26 Table Lamp by Danny Kaplan Studio Dimensions: ⌀ 41 x H 66 cm Materials: Glazed Ceramic, Unfinished Brass, Linen This item is handmade, and may exhibit variability...
Brass
Chalk #2 Wall Light by Margaux Leycuras
Located in Geneve, CH
Chalk #2 wall light by Margaux Leycuras One of a Kind, Signed and numbered Dimensions: D 6 x W 46 x H 38cm Material: Ceramic, sand stoneware tops with...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Stoneware
Elegant Burgundy Brushed Brass Oyster Wall Mounted Lamp With Rod by Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Elegant Burgundy Brushed Brass Oyster Wall Mounted Lamp With Rod by Carla Baz Dimensions: Ø.30 x H.78 x D.9 CM Weight: 2 kg Material: Brass, Blown ...
Brass
Lightpulse Wall Light by Studio Lampent
Located in Geneve, CH
Lightpulse wall lamp by Studio Lampent Dimensions: D 53 x W 53 x H 13 Materials: Acrylic, wood. Weight: 4,5 kg. Customizable frame wood type (oak, ash, birch, etc) and color. "Ligh...
Acrylic, Wood
Bud Table Lamp by Atelier Demichelis
Located in Geneve, CH
Bud table lamp by Atelier Demichelis Limited edition of 20 pieces, numbered and signed Dimensions: D 40 x H 71 cm Materials: Br...
Bronze
No. 21 Pink Fringes Dip Dyed Contemporary Art Table Lamp by Sander Bottinga
Located in Geneve, CH
Pink charme table lamp, Sander Bottinga Dimensions: H 73 x W 38 x D 25 cm Handmade in brass, leather, wood and dip dyed colored Fringes in viscose. The movable arms makes it pos...
Brass
Chalk #1 Wall Light by Margaux Leycuras
Located in Geneve, CH
Chalk #1 wall light by Margaux Leycuras One of a Kind, Signed and numbered Dimensions: D 6 x W 46 x H 40cm Material: Ceramic, sand stoneware tops with a porcelain engobe finish. ...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Stoneware
Quartz and Bronze Wall Light I by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Quartz and Bronze Wall Light I by Aver Dimensions: W 18 x D 16 x H 27 cm Materials: Natural rocks, high-quality cut crystals, jewelry chains, hand blown glass, other. Also Available:...
Stone, Crystal, Other
Echo #3 Wall Light by Margaux Leycuras
Located in Geneve, CH
Echo #3 Wall Light by Margaux Leycuras *One of a Kind, Signed and numbered* Dimensions: D 6 x W 56 x H 53 cm. Material: Ceramic, sand stoneware top with a porcelain engobe finish and...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Stoneware, Mirror
No. 17 Set of 10 Circle blue/green/grey Pendant Lamps by Sander Bottinga
Located in Geneve, CH
No. 17 pendant lamp by Sander Bottinga Dimensions: H100 (custom size) x W122 x D48 cm Materials: brass, leather, wood, hand printed and painted linen. Composition made out of 10 p...
Brass
21.3 Pendant by Bocci
Located in Geneve, CH
21.3 Pendant by Bocci Dimensions: D15.2 x H300 cm Materials:brushed nickel,round canopy. Weight: 1.8 kg Also available in different dimensions. All our lamps can be wired acco...
Nickel
Pivot Double Wall Lamp by Gentner Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Pivot double wall lamp by Gentner Design. Dimensions: D 140 x W 5 x H 40.6 cm. Materials: hand rubbed brass. Available in polished tarnished brass, dar...
Brass