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.
Ettore Sottsass for Design Centre/Poltronova ‘Bruco’ Wall Lights
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ettore Sottsass for Design Centre/Poltronova, ‘Bruco’ wall light from the Mobili Grigi series, chrome-plated brass, methacrylate (translucent Perspex), enameled aluminum, Italy, 1970...
Aluminum, Brass, Chrome
Postmodern Spanish 8 of White "Arqui" Wall Sconces by Metalarte, 1990s
By Metalarte, Metalarte Spain, Sergi & Oscar Devesa
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty and unique Postmodern Spanish Set of Eight White Molten Aluminium Wall Sconces by Metalarte. Model: Arqui 1273 Matt/Graphite White. These Wall Lights were designed and manufac...
Aluminum
Postmodern Gold Metal Wall Sconce by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz Lighting, Estiluz, Leonardo Marelli
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern Gold Wall Sconce by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model A-1149. This fixture was designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz during 1980s. “Estiluz” or...
Metal
Postmodern Dimmable Gold Wall Sconce by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz Lighting, Estiluz
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty and unique Dimmable Postmodern Black Wall Sconce by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: A-1069 Oro. This fixture was designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz...
Metal
Postmodern Large Three of Glass Metal Wall Sconces by Blauet, Barcelona, 1990s
By Josep Llusca, Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and unique Horizontal Postmodern Spanish Three of Glass Metal Wall Sconces by Blauet. Model: Blow 1327. These Wall Lights were made in Barcelona (Spain) by Blauet during 1990...
Metal
Midcentury Pair of Gold Metal Wall Sconces by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz Lighting, Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern Pair of Gold Wall Sconces by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: A-1184 Oro. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz during 198...
Metal
Midcentury Gold Metal Wall Sconce by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz Lighting, Estiluz, Leonardo Marelli
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern Gold Wall Sconce by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: A-1180 Oro. This fixture was designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz during 1980s. This Wal...
Metal
Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide 'Sintesi Faretto' Wall Light in Green
By Artemide
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, wall light, model 'Sintesi Faretto', first edition, Cornalux bulb included, coated iron, coated steel, aluminum, rubber, plastic, Italy, 1976 The foun...
Aluminum, Iron
Postmodern Large Pair of Glass Metal Wall Sconces by Blauet, Barcelona, 1990s
By Blauet, Josep Llusca
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and unique Horizontal Postmodern Spanish Pair of Glass Metal Wall Sconces by Blauet. Model: Blow 1327. These Wall Lights were made in Barcelona (Spain) by Blauet during 1990s...
Metal
$515Sale Price|40% Off
Murano Due wall lighting 24 ct Gilt gold , Italy 1990
By Murano Due
Located in La xara, VC
Murano Due lighting is highly sought after for several compelling reasons: • Exceptional Artistic Craftsmanship: Murano Due lights are made using centuries-old hand-blown glass tech...
Murano Glass
Postmodern T+L Royal Series Typ L 133 Glas Wall Lamp from Keuco, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern glass wall light from the t+l royal bathroom cabinet series by keuco. the striking shape of the lamp is particularly eye-catching. A halved cone standing on top. The lamp...
Metal
Midcentury Large Gold Metal Wall Sconce by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz Lighting, Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Large and beauty Postmodern Gold Wall Sconce by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: A-1186 Oro. This fixture was designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz during 198...
Metal
$1,900Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pair of Pierre Disderot Verre Lumiere French 1980s Gold Wall Lamps
By Verre Lumière, Pierre Disderot
Located in New York, NY
An original pair of French Post Modern gold plated steel modernist wall lamps designed by Pierre Disderot for Verre Lumiere, 1982. Rewired. A sleek Post Deco design. Signed. Verre L...
Gold, Steel
Postmodern Gold Metal Wall Sconce by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz, Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern Gold "Mate" Wall Sconce by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: A-9000 Gold. This fixture was designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz during 1980s. ...
Metal
Modern Geometric Murano Glass and Brass Wall Lamp
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Important geometric wall lamp in Murano glass and brass. This lamp, produced by Murano masters, involves various techniques of blown and pressed glass, gold leaf and silver leaf. The...
Brass
Ceramic "Weightlifter" Sconce, Muscular Arm with Dumbbell, by J.C. Peiré, 1980s
By JC Peire
Located in Lille, FR
This wall sconce or table lamp, depicting a muscular arm with a dumbbell, was made by J.C. Peiré Productions, a small Marseille-based workshop run by ceramicist Jean-Claude Peiré (19...
Ceramic
Italian Postmodern Warrior Wall Lamp by Emanuele Ricci for Sidecar Artemide
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare warrior wall lamp from the italian manufacturer sidecar (artemide) based on a design by emanuele ricci from the early 90s. the name is reflected in the appearance of this lamp,...
Metal
Martha and Beaumont Mood, Wall Lights, Painted Ceramic, USA, 1970s
By Martha Mood
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of hand-painted ceramic wall lights or sconce covers designed and produced by Martha and Beaumont Mood, San Antonio, Texas, USA, 1970s. Ove...
Ceramic
Postmodern Dimmable Black Metal Wall Sconce by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz Lighting, Estiluz
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty and unique Dimmable Postmodern Black Wall Sconce by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: A-0973 R Negro. This fixture was designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Est...
Metal
Midcentury Pair of Gold Metal Wall Sconces by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz Lighting, Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and unique Pair of Gold Wall Sconces by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz from 70s. Model: A-973 Oro. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz ...
Metal
$572Sale Price / set|16% Off
Table lamp Glass murano pair by Zonca , Italie 1980s
By Zonca
Located in La xara, VC
Large pair bicolor of Post-Modern table lamp by Zonca. The design of this lamp is a typical example of the post-modern style of the 80s. The fan-shaped Murano glass takes up the past...
Murano Glass
$3,950 / set
Pair Of Murano Glass Sconces By Mazzega
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Murano Glass Sconces By Mazzega. Offered is a stunning pair of Murano sconces designed by Carlo Nason for Mazzega in the 1970's. These sconces have a central pearlized white...
Chrome
Shogun wall lamp by Mario Botta for Artemide , 1980s
By Mario Botta, Artemide
Located in Athens, Attiki
The Shogun wall lamp was designed in the 1980s by Italian designer Mario Botta for the manufacturer Artemide. It is known for its distinctive design, which combines geometric shapes ...
Metal
Postmodern Artemide Pantarei Wall Lamp/ Sconce
Located in New York, NY
This very cool wall or ceiling light was designed in the early 1990s by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide called Pantarei . Rounded glass shade with an aluminum frame. Can be used indoor...
Aluminum
Large Nason Wall Lights for Mazzega Murano Glass, 1970
By Mazzega
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 Wall lights, made by Carlo Nason for Mazzega in the 1970's. It is part of the "Murano for Mazzega" production. Clear Murano glass with chrome detail. Manufactured by the ...
Metal, Chrome
Italian Warrior Wall Lamp by Emanuele Ricci for Sidecar Artemide, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare warrior wall lamp from the italian manufacturer sidecar (artemide) based on a design by emanuele ricci from the early 90s. the name is reflected in the appearance of this lamp, ...
Metal
Pair Of Post-Modern Wall Lights By Holtkoetter Germany 1980's Brass Articulating
By Holtkoetter
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of vintage wall lamps (sconces) by Holtkoetter, Germany, ca' 1980's. High quality, brass construction. Each one with articulating arm. Takes 100 watt bulb, dimmer switch. Fully extended sconces...
Brass
$1,257Sale Price / set|25% Off
Postmodern Gold Pair of Wall Sconces by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz Lighting, Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beautiful Postmodern Pair of Gold Metal and Glass Wall Sconces by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: A-1094 Gold plated. These Lamps were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Sp...
Metal
1970s Sintesi Wall Lamp by Gismondi for Artemide
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
Ernesto Gismondi, founder of Artemide (b 1931-2020) “An extremely rare architectural wall lamp from the Sintesi range designed by Ernesto Gismondi in 1976. High quality productio...
Steel
Large Guillerme et Chambron Double Wall Light Sconce
Located in Trensacq, FR
Guillerme & Chambron Double Wall Sconce – Blonde Oak, France, Circa 1970s A beautifully crafted double wall light sconce designed by the renowned French duo Jacques Chambron and...
Metal, Brass
$865Sale Price / set|55% Off
Wall lighting Glass murano multicolor pair by Zonca , Italie 1980s
By Zonca
Located in La xara, VC
Large pair of Post-Modern wall lamps by Zonca. The design of this lamp is a typical example of the post-modern style of the 80s. The fan-shaped Murano glass takes up the pastel color...
Murano Glass
Geometric Flush Mount Lights by Philips in Metal & Opaline Glass, 1960
By Philips
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful burnt orange and white flush mount lights by Philips, in enameled metal and opaline glass light covers, porcelain sockets, 4 available, wired for US standards, one E27 sock...
Metal
Art Deco Revival. Post-Modern style ceramic sconces, Italy, 1980s
By Hispania CH, Bassano, Cerámicas BONDIA, Capo Di Monte
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Art Deco Revival and Post-Modern style ceramic sconces, Italy, 1980s. Each wall light is made of black glazed ceramic in the shape of a hand holding a spherical diffuser. The diffuse...
Ceramic, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Paint
Ronda wall lamp Oluce Vico Magistretti 80s style
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Postmodern style Lamp "Ronda" wall lamp. Silver painted model. Designed by Vico Magistretti for Oluce. Unused condition. Light source E27 light bulbs. Using with 100-120V Able to ...
Steel
'Canna Fiorita' Wall or Ceiling Lights by Castiglioni & Menghi for Fontana Arte
By Roberto Menghi, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Canna Fiorita' Wall or Ceiling Lights by Castiglioni & Menghi for Fontana Arte (Italy, 1981) This pair of 'Canna Fiorita' wall or ceiling lights by Piero Castiglioni and Robert...
Brass
Malone Wall Light in Ceramic with Glossy Lacquered Finish by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Malone Wall Light in Ceramic with Glossy Lacquered Finish by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 14 x D 11 x H 40 cm. Materials: Hand-painted and hand-made ceramics, Glossy lacquered finis...
Ceramic, Lacquer
A Long POSTMODERN WALL APPLIQUE SCONCE in GINO SARFATTI Style, France 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
A large wall light or wall light bar type artist's dressing room or bathroom, Minimalist, Pop, Modernist, Space-Age, long rectangular base in chrome metal with rounded edges, with 5 ...
Metal
Vintage Italian Postmodern Brera W Wall Lamp by Achille Castiglioni for Flos
Located in Hamburg, DE
The brera w is the wall lamp version from the brera series by flos based on a design by achille castiglioni. a simple and elegant wall light in glass and chrome. The egg-shaped lamp...
Metal
Artemide Wall Lights Steve Lombardi Filicudara Sconces, 1980
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair (2) aluminum post modern wall lamps by Steve Lombardi for Artemide, circa 1980 Italy Original, marked pair of post-modern sconces, 100W each, Edis...
Aluminum
Postmodern Aluminium Sconce "Cyrano" by Bernard Dequet for Lucien Gau, 1990s.
By Maison Lucien Gau, Philippe Starck
Located in Lille, FR
**"Cyrano" Aluminum Wall Sconce by Bernard Dequet for Lucien Gau, France, 1990s** Founded in Paris in 1860, **Lucien Gau** is one of France's most renowned lighting manufacturers, c...
Aluminum
$799Sale Price / set|65% Off
Large Postmodern Pair of Gold Glass Wall Sconces by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz, Estiluz Lighting, Leonardo Marelli
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique and cool Postmodern Pair of Large Wall Sconces by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. These Lamps are made in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz during 1980s. The condition is excellent, ...
Metal, Brass
'Canna Fiorita' Wall or Ceiling Lights by Castiglioni & Menghi for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Roberto Menghi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Canna Fiorita' Wall or Ceiling Lights by Castiglioni & Menghi for Fontana Arte (Italy, 1981) This pair of 'Canna Fiorita' wall or ceiling lights by Piero Castiglioni and Robert...
Brass
Postmodern Aluminium Sconce "Cyrano" by Bernard Dequet for Lucien Gau, 1990s.
By Philippe Starck, Maison Lucien Gau
Located in Lille, FR
Postmodern Aluminium Sconce "Cyrano" by Bernard Dequet for Lucien Gau, 1990s.
Aluminum
Amazing Ceiling or Wall Light 'Post Krisi 0022' by Catellani & Smith Italy 2004
By Catellani & Smith, Enzo Catellani
Located in München, BY
Rare, lovely and highly decorative three-armed ceiling fixture or wall light 'Post Krisi 0022'. Designed by Catellani & Smith, Italy, 2004. Manufacturer plate on the base: Catellani ...
Metal
$6,000Sale Price / set|50% Off
Set of Five Fratelli Martini Polished Bronze 1980 Italian Wall Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A set of 5 luxurious finely crafted polished bronze floral wall lights by the Italian lighting maker, Fratelli Martini. Newly Rewired. A 6th availab...
Bronze
Ruins Eclipse Wall Lamp in Papier Mâché by Szymon Keller
Located in Geneve, CH
Ruins Eclipse Wall Lamp in Papier Mâché by Szymon Keller. Dimensions: W 47 x D 10 x H 47 cm. Materials: Papier-mâché, fibers, and natural pigments. All our lamps can be wired accord...
Other
Italian Postmodern Geco 1 Indoor and Outdoor Wall Lamp for Arteluce, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Italian Postmodern Geco 1 Indoor and Outdoor Wall Lamp by Luciano Pagani and Angelo Perversi for Arteluce, 1990s Wall or ceiling lights from the italian manufacturer arteluce/flos a...
Metal
Monica Wall Light in Linen and Wool by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Monica Wall Light in Linen and Wool by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 40 x D 9 x H 26 cm. Materials: Premium linen base structure completed with embroidered wool patterns. Available ...
Wool, Linen
$2,760 / item
BX2 Wall Lamp by United Alabaster
Located in Geneve, CH
BX2 Wall Lamp by United Alabaster Dimensions: D 12 x W 42 x H 42 cm. Materials: Alabaster, Copper (Matt Black finish) Also Available: Satin Gold, Nickel, Matt Black, Matt White and D...
Alabaster, Copper
Italian Postmodern Icaro Sconce by Carlo Forcolini for Artemide, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant wall lamps from the italian manufacturer artemide based on a design by carlo forcolini from the 80s. the artemide icaro is a design classic of ...
Metal
$378 / item
Dream/Reality Wall Sconce by Six Dots Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Dream/Reality Wall Sconce by Six Dots Design Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 9 x W 18 x H 21 cm Materials: Textured aluminum. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If so...
Aluminum
Pair Of Barovier & Toso Wall Lights or Ceiling Lamps Glassa By Rodolfo Dordoni
By Rodolfo Dordoni, Barovier&Toso
Located in München, BY
Exceptional pair of Barovier & Toso wall lights or ceiling lamps model "Glassa" designed by Rodolfo Dordoni, Italy 1980s. The wall lights are made of thick, salmon-colored glass and...
Metal
A Sculptural POSTMODERN Ceiling Fixture, in DIEGO GIACOMETTI Style, France 1990
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional ceiling lighting sculpture, handcrafted white plaster on a complex geometric metal/brass structure, featuring 5 lights (allow...
Brass
$1,828Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
$5,670 / item
Flow Sconce by Katrien Van Der Schueren
Located in Geneve, CH
Flow Sconce by Katrien Van Der Schueren Dimensions: W 40.64 x D 22.86 x H 76.2 cm Materials: Plaster with LED Based in, produced and shipped from the US. All our lamps can be wired...
Other
$1,376 / item
4 Catalina Sergio Mazza Wall Light, Artemide
By Sergio Mazza
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Inspired by the shape of outdoor street lamps, this wall sconce embodies the essence of the most experimental Italian design. With its sinuous and refined silhouette, Sergio Mazza's ...
Metal
$5,670 / item
Ripple Sconce by Katrien Van Der Schueren
Located in Geneve, CH
Ripple Sconce by Katrien Van Der Schueren Dimensions: W 35.56 x D 7.62 x H 50.8 cm Materials: Sculpted in concrete and plaster with LEDs Based in, produced and shipped from the US. ...
Concrete, Other
Falkenbergs Belysning, Wall Light, Copper, Acrylic, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A sizeable copper and acrylic wall light designed and produced by Falkenbergs Belysning, Sweden, 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 20” H x 13” W x 14” D Backplate Dimensions (inc...
Copper
Vintage Wall Lamp from Paulmann, 1980s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Discover this vintage wall lamp from Paulmann from the 1980s in postmodern Memphis style. The colourful design made of metal in red and yellow and transparent Vintage wall lamp from ...
Metal
Guillerme & Chambron Wall Light in Oak and Glass
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, wall light, oak, glass, 1970s Charming wall light, designed by designers Guillerme and Chambron in the 1970s. The shape and materials used fo...
Glass, Oak