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.
Postmodern Italian Le Stelle 1560 Ceiling or Wall Lamp Paolo Piva Arteluce 1980s
By Paolo Piva, Arteluce
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Italian Model Le Stelle 1560 Ceiling or Wall Lamps by Paolo Piva for Arteluce, 1980s Italian wall and ceiling lights by Arteluce, designed by Paolo Piva in the 1980s. A ...
Metal
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
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 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
$1,800Sale Price|50% Off
French Exploding Fireworks Flush Pendant Light
Located in New York, NY
A powerful French statement piece done in polished chrome and clear and sapphire blue resin spears. Rewired. We can place it on a ceiling pole to be used as a pendant at no additiona...
Chrome
Postmodern Italian Set of Eight White Flush Mounts by Targetti Sankey, 1980s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern Set of Eight White Flush Mounts or Wall Sconces by Targetti Sankey. Model: 376 Blanco. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Italy during 1980s These fixtu...
Metal
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
Postmodern Italian White Pair of Flush Mounts by Targetti Sankey, 1980s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern White Metal Pair of Flush Mounts or Wall Sconces by Targetti Sankey. Model: 376 Blanco. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Italy during 1980s These fixt...
Metal
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
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 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
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 or Wall Sconces by Blauet. Model: Birimbao-2. These fixtures were made in Barcelona (Spain) by Blauet during 1980s. They hav...
Metal
1 (of 3) Pair of Postmodern White Spotlights by Brendel & Loewig, Berlin, 1980s
By Arredoluce, Nanda Vigo
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Large Postmodern white spotlights by Germany’s exquisite lighting companies Brendel & Loewig, Berlin, 1980. The special feature of this elegant, mini...
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
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
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
Martha & Beaumont Mood, Flush mounts, Ceramic, USA, 1970s
By Martha Mood
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of hand-painted brown grey and yellow flush mounts or pendant lights, designed and produced by Martha & Beaumont Mood, San Antonio, Texas, US...
Ceramic
$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 mounts, Ceramic, USA, 1970s
By Martha Mood
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of hand-painted yellow, red and blue ceramic flush mounts or pendant lights, designed and produced by Martha & Beaumont Mood, San Antonio, Texas, USA, 1970s. Overall Dimensio...
Ceramic
Martha & Beaumont Mood, Flush mounts, Ceramic, USA, 1970s
By Martha Mood
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of hand-painted pink, red and blue ceramic flush mounts or pendant lights, designed and produced by Martha & Beaumont Mood, San Antonio, Te...
Ceramic
Large Modular Wall or Ceiling Lamp by Motoko Ishii for Staff, 1970s
By Motoko Ishii, Staff Leuchten
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large modular wall or ceiling lamp by Motoko Ishii for Staff, 1970s. Rare wall or flush mount ceiling lamp by Motoko Ishii for Staff Lighting Company, Germany, 1970s. Heat-resistant resin, chromed metal octagonal base and five clear glass shades. The lamp received the iF design award in 1974 for her design. High quality and in perfect condition. Motoko Ishii is a Japanese lighting designer. From 1965 to 1967 she worked at lighting-design offices in Finland and Germany. Returning to Japan in 1968, she established the Ishii Motoko...
Metal, Chrome
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
Postmodern Metal Set of Three Halogen Flush Mounts by Blauet, Barcelona, 1980s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Postmodern Spanish Set of Three metal Flush Mounts by Blauet. Model: Birimbao-2. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Blauet during 1980s. The...
Metal
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
Elegant Handcrafted Verdigris Finish Ceiling Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Elegant Handcrafted Verdigris Finish Ceiling Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz Dimensions: Ø 70 x H 26 cm. Materials: Patinated metal. Weight: 9 kg. Available in brushed brass, coppe...
Metal, Other
Luxury Brushed Brass Finish Ceiling & Wall Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Oyster Brushed Brass Ceiling Wall Mounted Lamp by Carla Baz Dimensions: D 15 x W 40 x H 40 cm. Materials: Brushed brass. Weight: 3,5 kg. Available in verdigris metal, brushed brass,...
Brass
Luxury Burgundy & Brushed Bronze Ceiling & Wall Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Luxury Burgundy & Brushed Bronze Ceiling & Wall Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz Dimensions: D 15 x W 40 x H 40 cm. Materials: Brushed bronze. Weight: 3,5 kg. Available in verdigris...
Bronze
Martha & Beaumont Mood, Flush mounts, Ceramic, USA, 1970s
By Martha Mood
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of hand-painted yellow, red and blue ceramic flush mounts or pendant lights, designed and produced by Martha & Beaumont Mood, San Antonio, ...
Ceramic
$7,668 / item
Circles Flush Mount by Dainte
Located in Geneve, CH
Circles Flush Mount by Dainte Dimensions: Ø 122 x H 50 cm. Materials: Glass and brass. Dimensions may vary. Please contact us. A extraordinary mega circular chandelier featuring ...
Brass
Fleur Rugiada Large Flush Mount by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Fleur Rugiada Large Flush Mount by MM Lampadari Dimensions: Ø 50 x H 25 cm. Materials: Metal and Murano glass. Available in two different sizes. All our lamps can be wired accordin...
Metal
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
$615 / item
Fleur Rugiada Flush Mount by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Fleur Rugiada Flush Mount by MM Lampadari Dimensions: Ø 30 x H 24 cm. Materials: Metal and Murano glass. Available in two different sizes. All our lamps can be wired according to e...
Metal
Luxury Emerald Green and Brushed Bronze Ceiling Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Luxury Emerald Green and Brushed Bronze Ceiling Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz Dimensions: Ø 70 x H 26 cm. Materials: Brushed bronze. Weight: 9 kg. Available in brushed brass, cop...
Other, Bronze
Elegant Handcrafted Brushed Copper Ceiling Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Elegant Handcrafted Brushed Copper Ceiling Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz Dimensions: Ø 70 x H 26 cm. Materials: Brushed copper. Weight: 9 kg. Av...
Copper
Luxury Midnight Blue and Brushed Brass Ceiling Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Luxury Midnight 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...
Brass, Other
Palace 5 Lights Flush Mount in Polished Chrome and Crystal by Aggiolight
Located in Geneve, CH
Palace 5 Lights Flush Mount in Polished Chrome and Crystal by Aggiolight. Dimensions: D 45 x H 26 cm. Materials: Polished Chrome, Full Cut Crystal. Equipped with 5 x E14 (Max 33W) ...
Crystal, Chrome
$848 / 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
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
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
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
Regal Flush Mount Chandelier 18 Light in Gold Plating and Crystal by Aggiolight
Located in Geneve, CH
Regal Flush Mount Chandelier 18 Light in Gold Plating and Crystal by Aggiolight. Dimensions: W 300 x D 50 x H 50 cm. Materials: Gold-plated brass and Full Cut Crystal. Please note t...
Gold Plate, Brass
Polaris Flush Mount in Brass, Leather & Selenite Glass by Bianco Light + Space
Located in Geneve, CH
Polaris Flush Mount in Brass, Leather & Selenite Glass by Bianco Light + Space Dimensions: Ø 61 x H 20 cm. Materials: Brass, leather, and glass. Available in different finish option...
Brass
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
Modern Luxury Electric Blue Brushed Brass Ceiling/ Wall Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Modern Luxury Electric Blue Brushed Brass Ceiling/ Wall Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz Dimensions: D 15 x W 40 x H 40 cm. Materials: Brushed brass. Weight: 3,5 kg. Available in verdigris ...
Brass
Luxury Emerald Green Brushed Brass Ceiling Wall Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Luxury Emerald Green Brushed Brass Ceiling Wall Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz Dimensions: D 15 x W 40 x H 40 cm. Materials: Brushed brass. Weight: 3,5 kg. Available in verdigris ...
Brass
Midnight Blue and Brushed Bronze Ceiling & Wall Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Midnight Blue and Brushed Bronze Ceiling & Wall Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz Dimensions: D 15 x W 40 x H 40 cm. Materials: Brushed bronze. Weight: 3,5 kg. Available in verdigris...
Bronze
Luxury Brushed Bronze Finish Ceiling & Wall Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Luxury Brushed Bronze Finish Ceiling & Wall Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz Dimensions: D 15 x W 40 x H 40 cm. Materials: Brushed bronze. Weight: 3,5 kg. Available in verdigris met...
Bronze
U2 Sculptural Brass Suspension Pendant Lamp by Jan Garncarek
Located in Geneve, CH
U2 Sculptural Brass Suspension Pendant Lamp by Jan Garncarek Dimensions: 56 x 10 x 10 cm Material: Brass Handcrafted by Jan Garncarek. Signed Also a...
Brass
Luxury Handcrafted Brushed Copper Glass Cloud Ceiling Mounted Lamp, Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Luxury Handcrafted Brushed Copper Glass Cloud Ceiling Mounted Lamp, Carla Baz Dimensions: D 75 x W 58 x H 16 cm. Materials: Brushed copper. Weight...
Copper
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
$4,473 / 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
$5,112 / 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
$1,405 / item
Fleur Sparta Flush Mount by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Fleur Sparta Flush Mount by MM Lampadari Dimensions: Ø 54 x H 27 cm. Materials: Metal and Murano glass. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it ...
Metal
$1,940 / item
Marquise Rays Flush Mount by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Marquise Rays Flush Mount by MM Lampadari Dimensions: Ø 42 x H 20 cm. Materials: Crystal and metal. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it will...
Crystal, Metal
$2,254 / item
Fleur Rugiada Flush Mount by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Fleur Rugiada Flush Mount by MM Lampadari Dimensions: Ø 34 x H 33 cm. Materials: Metal and Murano glass. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it...
Metal
$3,718 / item
Fleur Butterfly Flush Mount by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Fleur Butterfly Flush Mount by MM Lampadari Dimensions: D 42 x W 64 x H 12 cm. Materials: Metal, gold leaf, and Murano glass. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. I...
Metal, Gold Leaf
U2 Sculptural Nickel Brass Suspension Pendant Lamp by Jan Garncarek
Located in Geneve, CH
U2 Sculptural Nickel Brass Suspension Pendant Lamp by Jan Garncarek Dimensions: 56 x 10 x 10 cm (fixture height: made to order) Material: Nickel Brass Handcrafted by Jan Garncarek....
Brass
Luxury Unique Verdigris Patina Ceiling & Wall-Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Luxury Unique Verdigris Patina Ceiling & Wall-Mounted Lamp Oyster by Carla Baz Dimensions: D 15 x W 40 x H 40 cm. Materials: Verdigris. Weight: 3,5 kg. Available in verdigris metal,...
Metal
$8,342 / 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 oxidised silvered brass base satin brass drop rod and ceiling box. Dimensions: H 28 x W 30 cm All our lamps can...
Alabaster, 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