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.
$1,650 / item
Italian Greco Illuminazione Ceiling Lights
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Greco Illuminazione, plafonnières, coated aluminum, satin glass, brass, Italy, 1970s This plafonnière by Greco Illuminazione reveals a form that is both restrained and deliberate. I...
Aluminum, Brass
Postmodern Grey Metal Set of Six Flush Mounts by Blauet, Barcelona, 1980s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Postmodern Spanish Set of Six grey metal Flush Mounts by Blauet. Model: Birimbao-2. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Blauet during 1980s. ...
Metal
$6,500 / set
Golden Murano Glass Floral Flush Lamps 1980s
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful set of two hand blown flower shaped Murano gold infused glass flush ceiling lamps circa 1980 with golden hardware. Rewired . 3 sockets each.
Gold
Postmodern Metal Set of Four Halogen Flush Mounts by Blauet, Barcelona, 1980s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Postmodern Spanish Set of Four grey metal Flush Mounts by Blauet. Model: Birimbao-2. These fixtures were made in Barcelona (Spain) by Blauet during 1980s. They have never been...
Metal
$1,400Sale Price|50% Off
1980s Space Age Triangular Murano Glass Flush / Wall Light
By La Murrina
Located in New York, NY
A hand Blown Murano Glass Triangular pyramid clear and white with gold fitting. Made by La Murrumbidgee 1980. Golden brass fixture. Rewired I’m. Three candelabra sockets. Signed.
Brass
Postmodern White Metal Set of Six Flush Mounts by Blauet, Barcelona, 1980s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Postmodern Spanish Set of Six white metal Flush Mounts by Blauet. Model: Birimbao-2. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Blauet during 1980s....
Metal
$975Sale Price|51% Off
Vintage 1980s Post Modern Brass Flush Mount Light with 4 Zig Zag Cascade Arms
Located in Amityville, NY
Vintage 1980s post modern brass flush mount with 4 articulating eyeball style lights. Each orb light extends down on a zig-zagging down stem. 3 cascade from the main round mounting ...
Brass
Postmodern White Metal Set of Four Flush Mounts by Blauet, Barcelona, 1980s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Postmodern Spanish Set of Four white metal Flush Mounts or Wall Sconces by Blauet. Model: Birimbao-2. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Bla...
Metal
'Metropoli' Flush Mount by Alberto Meda & Paolo Rizzatto for Luceplan
By Luce Plan, Paolo Rizzatto, Alberto Meda
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Metropoli is a lamp designed in 1992 by Alberto Meda, Paolo Rizzato, and Riccardo Sarfatti for Luceplan, and winner of the prestigious Compasso d’Oro ADI Milano in 1994. Characterize...
Steel, Aluminum
Smoked Glass Wall or Ceiling Lamp by Motoko Ishii for Staff, 1970s
By Staff Leuchten, Motoko Ishii
Located in Rijssen, NL
A rare wall or flush mount ceiling lamp by Motoko Ishii for Staff Lighting Company, Germany. Heat-resistant resin, metalized base and 4 smoked glass shades. Beautiful design, reflect...
Brass
Vintage Pantarei Ceiling Lamp by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, Italy, 1990s
By Artemide
Located in Delft, NL
Vintage Pantarei Ceiling Lamp by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, Italy, 1990s
Metal
Sculptural Branch Design Contemporary Brass Linear Pendant by Morghen Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Prometeo chandelier by Morghen Studio Materials: Brass, LED light, silicone Dimensions: 165 x 20 x 50 cm Light source: LED 24v - 20 w - 2.500 lm - 2.700/3.000 k - dimmable Prom...
Brass
White Fabric, Metal & Plastic 1970s wall/ceiling lamp Sanka by Takahama Sirrah
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Rare wall or ceiling lamp Mod. Sanka designed by K. Takahama for Sirrah in the 1970s. This series of lamps was conceived by the Japanese designer as a tribute to the paintings of Luc...
Fabric
Postmodern Grey Metal Pair of Halogen Flush Mounts by Blauet, Barcelona, 1980s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Postmodern Spanish Pair of grey metal Flush Mounts by Blauet. Model: Birimbao-2. These fixtures were made in Barcelona (Spain) by Blauet during 1980s. They have never been use...
Metal
Postmodern Danish Gino Ceiling Lamp by Hans Agne Jakobsson for Nordisk Solar
By Nordisk Solar Co., Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant ceiling light from Danish manufacturer Nordisk Solar, designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson. The light consists of flat shells that act as reflectors and an intricately designed ...
Metal
Modern Luxury Handcrafted Brushed Brass Cloud Ceiling Mounted Lamp, Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Modern Luxury Handcrafted Brushed Brass Cloud Ceiling Mounted Lamp, Carla Baz Dimensions: D 75 x W 58 x H 16 cm. Materials: Brushed brass. Weight:...
Brass
Post Modern Murano glass triangle ceiling lamp by Sylcom, Italy, 1985
By Sylcom
Located in München, DE
Beautiful Italian ceiling lamp from the 1980s. Stunning postmodern design in the shape of a triangular pyramid. Manufactured by Sylcom. Made in Italy. Crafted from solid Murano glass...
Metal
$2,400Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pair of French Sunburst 1990s Lights
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful orange and tea colored resin prisms on a golden brass fixture. Rewired. Six light sources. Can be used on the ceiling or wall.
Brass
1980 Mega 2 by Prisma Italian Design Wall Lamp Flush Mount
By Prisma
Located in Brescia, IT
Prisma “Mega 2” Ceiling / Wall Lamp, Italy The Mega 2 is a striking architectural light by Italian manufacturer Prisma, conceived in the late 20th century as part of their professio...
Metal
Martha and Beaumont Mood, Flush Mounts, Painted Ceramic, USA, 1970s
By Martha Mood
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of ceramic beige, brown, and orange-painted flush mounts, designed and produced by Martha and Beaumont Mood, San Antonio, Texas, USA, 1970s....
Ceramic
Postmodern White Metal Halogen Flush Mount by Blauet, Barcelona, 1980s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Postmodern Spanish white metal Flush Mount or Wall Sconce by Blauet. Model: Birimbao-2. This fixture was designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Blauet during 1980s....
Metal
Postmodern Memphis Style Rhombus Glass Lamp Chandelier, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Cool 27.5" wide melted glass lamp from the late 1980s Italy Postmodern Memphis style ceiling light featuring an opal or satinized glass rhombus with orange melted glass tips. It's...
Steel
Empire 36 Lights Flush Mount in Gold Plate and Full Cut Crystal by Aggiolight
Located in Geneve, CH
Empire 36 Lights Flush Mount in Gold Plate and Full Cut Crystal by Aggiolight. Dimensions: D 180 x H 90 cm. Materials: Gold Plated metal, Full Cut Crystal. Equipped with 36 x E27 (...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Set of Seven Pantarei Wall Lights by Ernesto Gismondi Artemide
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A set of seven (7) unusual Pantarei wall or ceiling lights by Ernesto Gismondi. These are no longer in production and feature an unusual clam shell design and Memphis/futurist stylin...
Steel
$706Sale Price / set|20% Off
Postmodern White Metal Pair of Halogen Flush Mounts by Blauet, Barcelona, 1980s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Postmodern Spanish Pair white metal Flush Mounts or Wall Sconces by Blauet. Model: Birimbao-2. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Blauet dur...
Metal
Martha and Beaumont Mood, Flush Mounts, Painted Ceramic, USA, 1970s
By Martha Mood
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of ceramic beige, brown, and orange-painted flush mounts, designed and produced by Martha and Beaumont Mood, San Antonio, Texas, USA, 1970s....
Ceramic
Post-Modern Spot Lights, 6 Pieces, Ilkka Salo, Late 20th Century
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Post-Modern spot lights, 6 pieces in total, designed by an architect Ilkka Salo, Late 20th Century. Steel. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use.
Steel
$1,250Sale Price|72% Off
Fontana Arte Daniela Puppa and Franco Raggi, 1980s Crystal Flush Light
By Fontana Arte, Daniela Puppa and Franco Raggi
Located in New York, NY
An original 1988, Fontana Arte model # 2792 flush ceiling light composed of a mate gun metal frame and a pale pink tiered glass crystal shade with decorati...
Metal
$1,250Sale Price|72% Off
Fontana Arte Daniela Puppa and Franco Raggi 1980s Crystal Flush Light
By Fontana Arte, Daniela Puppa and Franco Raggi
Located in New York, NY
An original 1988 Fontana Arte model # 2792 flush ceiling light composed of a mate gun metal frame and a cobalt blue tiered glass crystal shade with decorative chrome pointed finial. ...
Metal
$1,600Sale Price|50% Off
1980s Italian Art Tech Fabbian Flush Light Sconce
By F. Fabbian
Located in New York, NY
A 1980s high impact flush ceiling or wall light composed a black enamel frame and finial and a white resin shade. Made by the Italian lighting maker, Fabbian. Rewired.
Enamel
Martha & Beaumont Mood, Flush Mount, Ceramic, USA, 1970s
By Martha Mood
Located in High Point, NC
A blue red and yellow painted ceramic flush mount designed and produced by Martha & Beaumont Mood, San Antonio, Texas, USA, 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 18.4” H x 11” Diamete...
Ceramic
$960Sale Price / set|20% Off
Cyclos Sconce by Michele de Lucchi for Artemide, 1980s
Located in Denton, TX
Two-tone base of silver and gun metal gray with two fluorescent bulb and circular diffuser in sandblasted glass and transparent glass frame.
Metal
$1,138Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Postmodern Round Murano Glass Ceiling Lights or Sconces, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. Made in Murano glass and metal. They are vintage, therefore they might show slight trace of use, but they can be considered as in excellent original condition ...
Metal
One of the Four Wall or Ceiling Lamp by Motoko Ishii for Staff, 1970s
By Staff Leuchten, Motoko Ishii
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the four rare wall or flushmount ceiling lamps by Motoko Ishii for Staff Lighting Company, Germany. Heat-resistant resin, metalized base and 4 clear glass shades. Beautiful design, reflective lamps in all directions. Typical design from the 1970s. The lamp received the IF design award in 1974 for her design. Dimensions (cm): 28 H x 32 W x 32 D Dimensions (inch): 11.02 H x 12.60 W x 12.60 D Heavy quality and in perfect condition. Cleaned, well-wired and ready to use. The fixture can be disassembled and the glass bowls can be individually wrapped for easy transport. Please notice the price for one piece. Motoko Ishii, a leading Japanese lighting...
Steel, Chrome
Luxury Unique Burgundy & Brushed Brass Ceiling Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Luxury Unique Burgundy & Brushed Brass Ceiling Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz Dimensions: Ø 70 x H 26 cm. Materials: Brushed brass. Weight: 9 kg. Available in brushed brass, coppe...
Brass, Other
$865 / item
Fleur Sparta Flush Mount by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Fleur Sparta Flush Mount by MM Lampadari Dimensions: Ø 52 x H 31 cm. Materials: Metal and Murano glass. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it ...
Metal
$5,216 / item
Fleur Deco Ceiling Lamp by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Fleur Deco Ceiling Lamp by MM Lampadari Dimensions: D 48 x W 48 x H 16 cm. Materials: Hammered poured glass. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA...
Glass
Unique Minimalist Contemporary Sculptural Brass Pendant Light by Morghen Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ophelia Brass Sculpted Light Pendant, signed by Morghen Studio Materials: satin brass, LED light, silicone. Dimensions: 130 x 60 x 90 H cm (variable) Light source: COB LED, 24 volts,...
Brass
$2,252 / set
Gold-Plated Piramide Flush Mounts, 1970s, Italy
By La Murrina
Located in Rijssen, NL
A rare gold-plated flush mount with pyramid shades of Murano glass. With nice colored small confetti glass drops. Modulated in the form of a pyramid. The flush mounts are designed an...
Brass
Sculptural Branch, Contemporary Linear Brass Pendant Light by Morghen Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculptural brass light pendant Howl 3 by Morghen Studio Dimensions: 300 x 90 x H 30 Materials: Melted brass, LED Light, Silicone Finishes: burnished, blacken...
Brass
Luxury Brushed Stainless Steel Wall & Ceiling Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Luxury Brushed Stainless Steel Wall & Ceiling Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz Dimensions: D 15 x W 40 x H 40 cm. Materials: Brushed stainless steel. Weight: 3,5 kg. Available in ve...
Stainless Steel
Unique Contemporary Flexible Form Satin Brass Pendant Light by Morghen Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculptural brass circular light pendant - Itaca by Morghen Studio Materials: Polished brass, LED light Dimensions: 180 x 90 x 90 h cm (shapable ...
Brass
Martha and Beaumont Mood, Flush Mounts, Painted Ceramic, USA, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of ceramic beige, brown, and purple-painted ceramic flush mounts or pendants, designed and produced by Martha and Beaumont Mood, San Antonio...
Ceramic
$1,147Sale Price|35% Off
Barovier Toso Flush Mount Millefiori Murano glass large XXL 52 cm, Italy 1980
Located in La xara, VC
Barovier Toso Murano Glass Flush Mount Millefiori , Italy 1980s The glass item in the image is likely a Murano millefiori dome glass shade or ceiling lamp produced in Italy, charact...
Murano Glass
Modern Electric Blue and Brushed Brass Ceiling Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Modern Electric Blue and Brushed Brass Ceiling Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz Dimensions: Ø 70 x H 26 cm. Materials: Brushed brass. Weight: 9 kg. Available in brushed brass, coppe...
Other, Brass
$4,564 / item
Fleur Deco Ceiling Lamp by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Fleur Deco Ceiling Lamp by MM Lampadari Dimensions: Ø 55 x H 17 cm. Materials: Hammered poured glass. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it wil...
Glass
Elegant Handcrafted Brushed Brass Ceiling Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Elegant Handcrafted Brushed Brass Ceiling Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz Dimensions: Ø 70 x H 26 cm. Materials: Brushed brass. Weight: 9 kg. Avai...
Brass
Vintage Minimalist Flush Mount Lamp by IKEA, Sweden, 1980s
By IKEA
Located in Hamburg, DE
Minimalist ceiling lamp from Ikea from the 1980s. The lamp impresses with its clear geometry. Two cylinders of different sizes are inserted into each other. The outer cylinder is bl...
Metal
$1,718 / item
MMM Ripple Flush Mount by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
MMM Ripple Flush Mount by MM Lampadari Dimensions: Ø 49 x H 25 cm. Materials: Crystal and metal. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it will be...
Crystal, Metal
Elongated Bar Form Satin Brass Contemporary Pendant Light by Morghen Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculptural brass light pendant howl by Morghen Studio Materials: brass, LED light, silicone Dimensions: 1000 x 13 x 13 mm Cord/cable length: 5 meters steel cable - 5 meters powe...
Brass
$4,564 / item
Fleur Deco Ceiling Lamp by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Fleur Deco Ceiling Lamp by MM Lampadari Dimensions: Ø 70 x H 23 cm. Materials: Hammered poured glass. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it wil...
Glass
$8,867 / item
Lucid 300 Flush Lamp by CTO Lighting
By CTO Lighting
Located in Geneve, CH
Lucid 300 flush lamp by CTO Lighting. Materials: honed alabaster with satin brass base. Also available in honed alabaster with bronze base. Dimensions: H 28 x W 30 cm All our l...
Alabaster, Brass
$19,963 / item
Fleur Topazio Ceiling Lamp by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Fleur Topazio Ceiling Lamp by MM Lampadari Dimensions: Ø 60 x H 55 cm. Materials: Metal and crystal glass. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA ...
Crystal, Metal
Lipparini “Lola” Flush Mount Light, Italian Postmodern Glass & Iron
By Lipparini
Located in Antwerp, BE
A sculptural Italian postmodern flush mount by Lipparini, dating from the 1990s, combining softly textured Murano-style glass with elegant dark metal scrollwork. This listing is for...
Iron
Unique Contemporary White Matte Powder Brass Pendant Light by Morghen Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
White matt ophelia brass sculpted light pendant, Signed by Morghen Studio Signed by the designer. Materials: Brass, stainless steel/brass net, custom white matt powder finish. Dim...
Brass
$1,375 / item
Mezzo Large Flush Lamp by CTO Lighting
By CTO Lighting
Located in Geneve, CH
Mezzolarge flush lamp by CTO lighting Materials: satin brass with opal glass shade. Also available in polished nickel with opal glass shade. Dimensions: H 19 x W 18 cm All our...
Brass
$2,086Sale Price|20% Off
Caviar and Champaign bubbled Murano globe glass wall light, La Murrina, 1960's
By La Murrina
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, FR
This Murano Glass globe is attributed to La Murrina. The story of the company La Murrina dates back to the 1960s in Murano where there was a small furnace managed by a group of glass...
Brass
Postmodern Italian Set of Four White Flush Mounts by Targetti Sankey, 1980s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern Set of Four White Flush Mounts or Wall Sconces by Targetti Sankey. Model: 376 Blanco. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Italy during 1980s These fixtur...
Metal
Martha & Beaumont Mood, Flush mounts, Ceramic, USA, 1970s
By Martha Mood
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of hand-painted yellow, blue and red flush mounts or pendant lights, designed and produced by Martha & Beaumont Mood, San Antonio, Texas, USA, 1...
Ceramic
Postmodern White Metal Set of Eight Flush Mounts by Blauet, Barcelona, 1980s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Postmodern Spanish Set of Eight white metal Flush Mounts or Wall Sconces by Blauet. Model: Birimbao-2. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Bl...
Metal