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.
Art Deco Revival. Post-Modern style ceramic sconces, Italy, 1980s
By Cerámicas BONDIA, Capo Di Monte, Bassano, Hispania CH
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
Postmodern Set of Three Gold Metal Wall Sconces by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1990s
By Estiluz, Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty Postmodern Set of Three Gold Metal Wall Sconces by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: A-2044 Gold These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Estil...
Metal
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
$1,164Sale Price / set|20% Off
F. Fabbian murano glass Post-Modern sconces, Italy, 1970s
By F. Fabbian
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Pair of Italian Murano glass wall lamps (1 of 5 pairs available) by F. Fabbian, 70s. Gold chromed steel metal base and hand-blown and hand-crafted murano glass diffuser. This diffuse...
Steel, Chrome
Set Of 4 Murano Glass Wall Lights/Sconces Attributed To Venini 1990s
Located in Palermo, IT
Set of 4 wall lamps with metal structure and transparent and milky Murano glass diffusers, attributed to Venini 1990s. Each has double lighting. We guarantee adequate packaging and...
Metal
$1,919Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of "Cocktail" Jill Wall Lamps by King and Miranda for Arteluce, 1980s
By Perry King and Santiago Miranda, Arteluce
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
1980 Gigante for Zerbetto Postmodern Design Fluorescent Wall Lamp
By Boccato Gigante Zambusi, Zerbetto
Located in Brescia, IT
Boccato, Gigante, Zambusi for Zerbetto, 1981 Red wall lamp. Perfect working order. Excellent condition.
Metal
$2,501Sale Price / set|20% Off
Italian Brass and Murano Glass Wall Lamps 1980s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of four Italian wall sconces or wall lamps with solid brass frame and Murano glass lampshade, 1970s-1980s.
Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Wall Light, Brass, Paper, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and beige paper wall light, designed and produced by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Markaryd, Sweden, 1970s. Please note cord feeds from stem connected directly to light source. Ove...
Brass
Tecton Wall Lamp in Travertine by Félix Millory for Monitillo 1980
Located in Geneve, CH
Tecton Wall Lamp in Travertine by Félix Millory for Monitillo 1980. Dimensions: W 13.3 x D 20.6 x H 70 cm. Materials: Travertine. Custom finishes available upon request, including m...
Travertine
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
$2,800Sale Price / set|50% Off
Large French Othr 1980 gold Crystal Wall Lamps
By OTHR
Located in New York, NY
A luxurious heavy pair of French crystal wall lamps with a gold plated fixtures made in the 1980s by Othr. Rewired. Rare. Two light candelabra light sockets.
Crystal, Gold, Brass
Postmodern Articulated Pair of Gold Wall Sconces by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz Lighting, Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Articulated and Dimmable Postmodern Pair of Gold Wall Sconces by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: A-1060 Gold. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Sp...
Metal
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
$1,950Sale Price|50% Off
French 1990s Sunburst Flush Light
Located in New York, NY
A French 1990s golden brass light with orange and tea colored resin prisms. Rewired. Six light sources.
Brass
$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
Leif Wikner, Wall Light, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine wall light designed and produced by Leif Wikner, Persåsen, Kövra, Sweden, 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 11.5” H x 3.5” W x 0.6” D Backplate Dimensions (inches): 11.38"...
Pine
$925 / item
Sino Meio G Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Sino Meio G Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 15 x D 10 x H 30 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also available in Polished Cast...
Metal
$6,599Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Postmodern panel of 9 sconces in pulegoso murano glass, Mazzega 1970s
By Mazzega
Located in Catania, CT
Composed of 9 Murano glass wall lamps produced by Mazzega in the 1970s. They can be installed as a panel or separately as 9 individual sconces. Full working with EU standard, adaptab...
Murano Glass
$407Sale Price / set|40% Off
Spanish White Pair of Table Lamps by Fase, Model "Bambina", 1980s
By Fase
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Iconic piece of Spanish design by Fase from 1980s. Model "Bambina", also is called as Bambino. This pair of table lamps also have the possibility of hanging on the wall as wall scon...
Plastic
$2,320 / item
Folia Wall Lamp by Federico Stefanovich
Located in Geneve, CH
Folia Wall Lamp by Federico Stefanovich. Dimensions: W 29 x D 7 x H 38 cm. Material: Cast Bronze, Brass. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it ...
Brass, Bronze
Pair of Sconces or Ceiling Lamps by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Pair of Sconces or Ceiling Lamps by Mario Bellini for Artemide, 1970s, Italy Lampshade is in good condition and very clean. This lamp works with E27 light bulb Wired and suitable t...
Plastic, Parchment Paper
Set of 2 Postmodern Italian Aton Parete Wall Lamp by Ernesto Gismondi, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Two rare wall lights from the Italian manufacturer Artemide after a draft by Ernesto Gismondi from the 80s. The wall lights version from the well -known Aton light series. A technic...
Metal
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
Set of Two 'Filicudara' Sconces by Steve Lombardi für Artemide Italy 1980s
Located in Munich, DE
Set of two amazing Post-Modern sconces or candle holders 'Filicudara'. Designed by Steven Lombardi for Artemide, Italy, 1980s. Makers mark on each sconce. Each of the sconces will b...
Aluminum
$733 / item
Sino Meio P Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Sino Meio P Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 10 x D 7 x H 21 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also available in Polished Cast ...
Metal
Rare Pair of Postmodern SEGUSO VETRI D'ARTE Murano Glass Wall lights, c.1980s
By Flavio Poli, Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in London, GB
For sale a fabulous and scarce pair of hand-blown Murano Glass Postmodern SEGUSO VETRI D'ARTE wall lights, made in Venice, Italy, circa 1980s. Each light consists of a mouth-blown c...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Italian Murano Frosted Glass and Bronze Finish Wall Sconce Clover Base
By Relco Milano
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Italian Murano frosted glass and bronze finish metal wall sconce produced by Relco Milano, 1980s. Unusual 1980's bronze standing lamp featuring unusual fr...
Metal
Postmodern Italian Wall Sconce from Targetti, Set of 2
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare wall sconces from the Italian manufacturer Targetti. The design follows a postmodern design language and color scheme. The lights are monochrome in blue, with a different color...
Metal
$150 / item
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
$10,076 / item
Small Embrace Wall Sconce by Katrien Van Der Schueren
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Embrace Wall Sconce by Katrien Van Der Schueren Dimensions: W 30.48 x D 30.48 x H 10.16 cm Materials: Sculpted in concrete and plaster with LEDs Based in, produced and shipped...
Concrete, Other
$53,738 / item
Coral Wave Wall Light by Katrien Van Der Schueren
Located in Geneve, CH
Coral Wave Wall Light by Katrien Van Der Schueren Dimensions: W 91.44 x D 20.32 x H 101.6 cm Materials: Sculpted in concrete and plaster with LEDs Based in, produced and shipped fro...
Concrete, Other
French Ceramic Sconce Depicting Muscular Arm with Dumbbell by J.C. Peiré, 1980s
By JC Peire
Located in Lille, FR
Table Lamp or Sconce by Jean-Claude Peiré, 1980s Matt black ceramic. Good condition.
Ceramic
One of the Four Wall or Ceiling Lamp by Motoko Ishii for Staff, 1970s
By Motoko Ishii, Staff Leuchten
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
Single Sconce by Jean-Pierre Vitrac for Verre Lumière
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant wall light (Model 20572Y) designed by Jean‑Pierre Vitrac for Verre Lumière in the 1980s is a superb example of late‑modern French lighting. It has a lacquered metal fr...
Metal
$2,800Sale Price / set|50% Off
Large French Othr 1980 gold Crystal Wall Lamps
By OTHR
Located in New York, NY
A luxurious heavy pair of French crystal wall lamps with a gold plated fixtures made in the 1980s by Othr. Rewired. Rare. Two light candelabra light sockets.
Crystal, Gold, Brass
$909Sale 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
Pair of 1964 Massimo Vignelli 259/2 Wall Sconces by Arteluce
Located in TOURS, FR
Pair of wall sconces model 259/2 designed by Massimo Vignelli and made by Arteluce in 1964. Each sconce is made of two aluminium square frames from where hang fabric fringes surroun...
Metal
Shogun Wall Sconce by Mario Botta for Artemide Italy, 1986
By Mario Botta, Artemide
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Shogun Wall Sconce by Mario Botta for Artemide Italy, 1986 comes with original instructions ! One ‘Shogun’ wall sconce designed by Swiss Architect Mario Botta for Artemide in 1986. ...
Metal
Vintage Red Live Entertainment Tonight Neon Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Red "Live Entertainment Tonight" Neon Sign A perfect blend of nostalgia and modern flair. This eye-catching piece not only enhances your decor but also sets the mood for unf...
Metal
Three Fontana Arte Wall Lights, Gianni Celada, 1980
By Fontana Arte, Gianni Celada
Located in Vienna, AT
Set of three large Postmodern wall lights designed by Gianni Celada for Fontana Arte, 1980. Set at an angle of 45° these large wall lights (model ‚Sisten‘) are made of chromed and la...
Steel, Chrome
Vintage Postmodern German Una Arc Wall Lamp by Florian Schulz
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant una arc floor lamp by the famous lighting designer florian schulz. Here in a special version as a wall lamp for high ceilings. an imposing design that, in addition to its di...
Metal
Ettore Sottsass for Design Centre/Poltronova ‘Bruco’ Wall Lights
By Poltronova, Design Centre, 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 This ‘Bruco’ wall light is created by Ettore Sottsass as part of the Mobili Grigi collection for Poltronova and produced by Design Centre in 1970. The advancements in lamp technology have influenced the design of lighting fixtures. The Bruco light was created as a result of the use of breakthrough materials and technologies of the seventies. Designer...
Brass, Chrome
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, C. 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and glass wall light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Dimensions of back plate (inches) : 4.875 x 4.875 x .875 (H x W x D). Bulb Specification: E-26 Number of S...
Brass
$817 / item
Tabu P Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Tabu P Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 10 x D 10 x H 21 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also available in Polished Cast Bras...
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
Murano Due Blue & Green Glass Rod Wall Sconce, 1980s Italian Design
By Murano Due
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking Italian Murano Due wall sconce from the 1980s, showcasing the artistry of Murano glass. This fixture features vertically arranged sculptural glass rods in vivid cobalt blu...
Metal
Several Nason for Mazzega Torpedo Murano Glass and Brass Details, 1960
By Mazzega
Located in Rijssen, NL
Known as the Torpedo wall light, made by Carlo Nason for Mazzega in the 1960's. It is part of the "Murano for Mazzega" production. Clear Murano glass with brass detail. Manufactured...
Metal, Brass
$1,911 / item
Pearl Wall Lamp by Dzovag Kotchian
Located in Geneve, CH
Pearl Wall Lamp by Dzovag Kotchian Dimensions: W 42 x D 21 x H 42 cm Materials: Stabilized Raw Clay, Metal. Dzovag Kotchian's work develops through theoretical reflection and artist...
Metal
$91,592 / item
Georgina Magnolia Round by 7Gods Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Georgina Magnolia Round by 7Gods Studio Dimensions: D 150 cm x H 15 cm. Materials: Branch: Carbon fiber, Flower: Hand-beaten brass. Weight: from 2-7 kg About: Taking the enduring f...
Carbon Fiber
Lune Matte Speckled Grey Ceramic Table Lamp by Grès Éditions
Located in Geneve, CH
Lune Matte Speckled Grey Ceramic Table Lamp by Grès Éditions Unique Piece. Dimensions: Lampshade: Ø 16 x H 23 cm. Base: H 20 cm. Materials: Jute and ceramic. Weight: 1,2 kg. Electri...
Ceramic, Jute
Aphrodite Wall Lamp by André Cazenave, France, 1970
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Rare “Aphrodite” wall lamp by André Cazenave for Atelier A, designed and produced in France circa 1970. Crafted in fiberglass coated with marble powder, the piece presents a striking...
Fiberglass
$2,020 / item
Stainless Steel Wall Lamp 1 by Georgiev Kiril
Located in Geneve, CH
Stainless Steel Wall Lamp 1 by Georgiev Kiril Dimensions: W 150 x H 142,5 cm. Materials: Stainless steel. All our lamps can be wired accordi...
Stainless Steel
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
$1,190 / item
Pilolo Brass Wall Sconce by Simone & Marcel
Located in Geneve, CH
Pilolo Brass Wall Sconce by Simone & Marcel Dimensions: D 11 x W 22 x H 42 cm. Materials: Brass and alabaster. Available in different brass and alabaster options and finishes. Custo...
Alabaster, Brass
Conrans Chrome Elliptical Sconce
Located in Riverdale, NY
Chrome Half Moon Up Light Elliptical Sconce retailed by Conran's in the 1980's in original box. Made in France. 15.5" x 8" deep x 3" high.
Chrome
$1,467 / item
Lasca Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Lasca Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 26 x D 18 x H 37 cm Materials: Cristallo quartzite and cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also availabl...
Quartz, Metal
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
$1,164Sale Price|35% Off
Barovier Toso Wall lighting Millefiori Murano glass large XXL 52 cm, Italy 1980
Located in La xara, VC
Barovier Toso Murano Glass wall lighting Millefiori , Italy 1980s These are Murano glass ceiling or wall lights with a Millefiori incrustation metal bracket, from the production of ...
Gold Leaf
$4,160 / item
Quartz Wall Light I by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Quartz wall light I by Aver Dimensions: W 7 x D 4 x H 100 cm Materials: Natural rocks, high-quality cut crystals, jewelry chains, hand-blown glass, other. Also Available: Matte Black...
Stone, Crystal