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 German Vela Sail Floor Lamp A. Engbert Franz Ringelhan for Rolf Benz
By Rolf Benz
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern floor lamp by Rolf Benz based on a design by A. Engbert and F. Ringelhan from 1990. The design clearly shows its maritime inspiration. An abstract sailboat with an exagg...
Aluminum
Vintage Organic Modern Ceramic Table Lamp, USA, c1980s
Located in Oakland, CA
Gorgeous matte white organic modern vintage ceramic table lamp c1980s by unknown Bay Area artist. From the estate of ceramist, Pat Hill. Signed on bottom. **measurements are withou...
Ceramic
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 Banana Floor Lamp by Heico, Plastic, Germany, 1980s Design
By Heico
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern floor lamp in the shape of a banana. An object in style of postmodern design and art movements like memphis. A unique object and rare eye-catcher. This lamp is shaped lik...
Plastic
$4,247Sale Price / item|25% Off
Neri & Hu 3T09 Bronze Structure and Ivory Fabric 3 Modules Wall Lamp for Cassina
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
$1,178 / item
Postmodern Modern Black Round Chandelier Art Nouveau
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of postmodernism and experience pure elegance with our breathtaking black chandelier decorated with crystals. This work of art of lighting m...
Crystal, Metal
An ART-DECO NEOCLASSICAL POSTMODERN Tin TABLE LAMP, France 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
An elegant architectural table lamp, Post-Modernist, NeoClassical, Shabby-Chic, a matte tin metal cylindrical base and 1 spherical body with a final cylindrical lampshade, in the spi...
Metal
Vintage Space Age Papillona Floor Lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern floor lamp by the Italian manufacturer Flos after a design by Afra & Tobia Scarpa from the 70s. This design convinces with its imposing height of almost 2m. The filigree ...
Metal
Postmodern Italian Geco 2 Indoor and Outdoor Wall Lamp Sconce, 1990s
By Arteluce
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Italian Geco 2 Indoor and Outdoor Wall Lamp Sconce by Luciano Pagani and Angelo Perversi for Arteluce, 1990s Wall or ceiling lights from the italian manufacturer arteluce...
Metal
Vintage French Wave Floor Lamp from SCE, 1980s
By SCE France 1
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage French Wave Floor Lamp from SCE, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. European Plug (up to...
Metal
$2,935Sale Price / set|25% Off
Post-Modern hand-crafted Cocoon resin table lamps, Italy, 70s
By Flos, Achille Castiglioni, Tobia Scarpa
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Pair of sculptural hand-crafted cocoon table lamps, Italy, 1970s. Formed by several varnished pine wood elements of different shapes and sizes, creating two curious columns of a cert...
Resin, Wood, Pine
$728Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern German Lumibär Bear Floor Lamp by Klein & Leidig for Flötotto, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, DE
The Lumibär is a design classic from Flötotto. The bright bear. Not just something for the children's room. The design is so simple that it also fits wonderfully as a light object...
Plastic
Spire Fiberglass Ceiling Light by Enrico Botta for Diner, Italy, 1970s
By DINER Production, Enrico Botta
Located in Argelato, BO
Post -Modern 'Spire' (spirals) ceiling light by Enrico Botta for Diner, Italy, 1970. Made of curved and intertwined fiberglass sheets which are held together by a smart metal plu...
Fiberglass
Italian Postmodern Zeta Terra Floor Lamp by Giuseppe Linardi for Lumina, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, DE
The standing lamp from the Zeta series from the Italian lighting manufacturer Lumina according to a design by Giuseppe Linardi from the early 90s. The Zeta Terra is a classic ceilin...
Metal
A Pair Of Travertine and Brass Floor Lamps By Michael Taylor
Located in London, GB
A Pair of floor lamps from the post modern era by American designer Michael Taylor, with travertine bases supporting a tapering stem with travertine sphere decorated with brass accen...
Travertine, Brass, Iron
$642Sale Price|44% Off
Wall lighting Flower Glass Murano with chrome Structure , Italy 1980s
By Venini
Located in La xara, VC
Exceptional Murano glass floral pendant chandelier attributed to Venini . Exceptional piece for its design and quality. Piece in good condition. Also available with a wall light, s...
Chrome
Single-Pendant Chainmail Droplet Sculptural Chandelier 80 cm, brass finish
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Single Pendant Chainmail Droplet Sculptural Chandelier is a beautiful hand made light piece. A chainmail web in a brass finish hugs the lamp’s canopy; as the knit becomes tighter, th...
Steel
$1,557Sale Price|20% Off
Seguso Vetri d’Arte. Post-Modern Murano glass pendant lamp, Italy, 1980s
By AVMazzega, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Post-Modern Murano glass pendant lamp by Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Italy, 1980s. Formed by a large piece of murano glass in the shape of a transparent bell with raspberry red glass border...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
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
$3,672Sale Price / item|25% Off
Neri & Hu 3T09 Bronze Structure and Ivory Fabric Floor Lamp for Cassina
An ART-DECO NEOCLASSICAL TABLE LAMP by PHILIPPE BARBIER, France 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
An elegant table lamp, Post-Modernist, NeoClassical, Shabby-Chic, a nickeled metal cubical base and an ovoïd body with a final cylindrical lampshade, by Philippe Barbier, France 1970...
Metal
Vintage Italian Postmodern Glass Floor Lamp from Lucente, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant glass floor lamp by the Italian manufacturer Lucente. The striking glass diffuser is overlaid in matt blue and sits at the end of a slender shaft. The upper part of the shaf...
Metal
1980 Le Falene Arteluce Piero De Martini Italian Design Post Modern Table Lamp
Located in Brescia, IT
"The Moths" Table Lamp Piero De Martini Arteluce Italy, 1980s Red Enamel Frame White Fabric "Suncover" Shade New with original Arteluce Box Available Phalene hanging Lamp in yello...
Metal
Rare Pop Art Tulip Floor Lamp in Green & Red Painted Metal by Peter Bliss 1980s
By Bliss
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and very cool British Pop Art floor lamp by Peter Bliss. For the collectors, design lovers and enthousiasts of pop art, we are offering this very rare and stylized tulip floo...
Metal
Post Modern Memphis Alsy Style Squiggle Form Black Metal Table Lamp c. 1980/90s
Located in New York, NY
Wiggly, and squiggly Post Modern, Memphis school table lamp made in the USA, attributed to Alsy, circa 1980/90's, unsigned. The lamp is in very good, original, clean and working cond...
Metal
A Radical MURANO Glass TABLE LAMP by FRANCO RAGGI, by FONTANA ARTE, Italy 1970
By Fontana Arte
Located in PARIS, FR
A large and airy table lamp, Post-Modernist, Shabby-Chic, Memphis, circular base in cast aluminum with integrated dimmer, 2 axes supporting 2 sheets of glass with white diffusing dec...
Metal, Chrome
White Post Modern Torchieres Floor Lamps by Fredrick Ramond
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1987 White Post Modern Torchieres Floor Lamps by Fredrick Ramond. Constructed of aluminum painted with white acrylic paint with a texture finish. Wired for US with a full range dim...
Metal
Vintage Postmodern Olympia Floor Lamp by Jorge Pensi for B.Lux, 1980s
By Jorge Pensi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant floor lamp from the Spanish manufacturer B.Lux after a design by Jorge Pensi from the 80s. This floor lamp convinces with it's slender design language and the special materi...
Metal
$1,793Sale Price|20% Off
Huge Venini Post-Modern handl-blown murano glass table lamp. Italy, 1970s
By Venini
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Large Italian table lamp made of thick Murano glass, manufactured by Venini in the 70s, Venice. Mushroom-shaped, handcrafted in soft cream-tone glass with swirling details in white a...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Postmodern German Lumibär Bear Floor Lamp by Klein & Leidig for Flötotto, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, DE
The Lumibär is a design classic from Flötotto. THE glowing bear. Here in a very rare reclining version. Not just for the children's room. The design is so simple that it also fits w...
Plastic
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
$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 finely crafted polished bronze floral wall lights by the Italian maker, Fratelli Martini. Newly Rewired.
Bronze
Italian Postmodern Elle 55 Floor Lamp by Tommaso Cimini for Lumina, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern floor lamp from the Italian manufacturer Lumina according to a design by Tommaso Cimini from the 80s. Here is a rare version with a special version. An impressive yet fil...
Metal
Postmodern Italian Ala Table Lamp by Rodolfo Bonetto for Iguzzini, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern table lamp from the Italian manufacturer Iguzzini according to a design by Rodolfo Bonetto from the 1980s. A highly flexible and changeable design based on the game with ...
Metal
1980 Gigante for Zerbetto Postmodern Design Fluorescent Wall Lamp
By Zerbetto, Boccato Gigante Zambusi
Located in Brescia, IT
Boccato, Gigante, Zambusi for Zerbetto, 1981 Red wall lamp. Perfect working order. Excellent condition.
Metal
Rare Pair of Post-Modern Adjustable 'Orbit' Lamps by Ron Rezek
By Ron Rezek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare pair of adjustable 'Orbit' lamps by Ron Rezek, circa 1980. High-end Post-Modern design featuring adjustable height swing arms and 2 light intensity settings: full, half, off. T...
Aluminum, Steel
Post Modern 1980s Italian Relco Torchère Tapered Column Floor Lamp - Marble Base
By Relco Milano, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in St. Louis, MO
Post Modern 1980s Italian Relco torchère or floor lamp with frosted glass shade, tapered off white aluminum fluted column on round marble base. This is an early example of Italian mo...
Marble, Aluminum
Rare Jo-Jo n°2072 Lamp by Gino Sarfatti
Located in Montréal, CA
A rare five-disc variation of the iconic “Jo-Jo” pendant lamp designed by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce. Crafted from lacquered aluminum and methacrylate (lucite), the fixture is compos...
Aluminum
Iconic Postmodern Halogen Mack Floor Lamp by George Kovack for Sonneman c 1980s
By Sonneman Lighting, George Kovacs
Located in New York, NY
Quintessential 1980's Postmodern, Memphis School design floor lamp, in excellent, original, clean, and working condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with...
Metal
Italian Postmodern Model Pao T2 Table Lamp by Matteo Thun for Arteluce, 1990s
By Matteo Thun
Located in Hamburg, DE
The large T2 table lamp version from the Pao lamp series by Matteo Thun. Here in a rare version with a shaft made of light beech wood. The Pao lights impress with their characterist...
Glass, Wood
Grenat Foncé Table Lamp in Deep Burgundy Glazed Ceramic by Gazar Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Grenat Foncé Table Lamp in Deep Burgundy Glazed Ceramic by Gazar Studio Unique Piece Dimensions: Ø 13 x H 37 cm. Materials: Clay with deep burgundy glaze. All our lamps can be wire...
Clay
$1,174 / item
Several Glass Amber Pedant Lights, Doria, 1960s
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the18 Cascade lamps in a bubble design, model 4309, manufactured by Doria. It is suitable especially for high ceilings and lounge areas. The four large glass bubbles create a be...
Metal
Italian Postmodern Aggregato Pendant Lamp by Enzo Mari & Giancarlo Fassina 1970s
By Artemide
Located in Hamburg, DE
Train pendant lamp from the aggregato series from the italian manufacturer artemide according to a design by enzo mari and giancarlo fassina from the 197...
Metal
Ron Rezek Table Lamp Orbit by for Bieffeplast, circa 1980
By Bieffeplast, Ron Rezek
Located in Vienna, AT
Wonderful Minimalist black metal desk lamp by American designer Ron Rezek for Bieffeplast, Italy. The counter balance arm allows to pivot and mov...
Brass
$51,919 / item
Untitled III Sculptural Floor Lamp by Aeny Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Untitled III Sculptural Floor Lamp by Aeny Studio. Signed and dated by Nayara Nascimento. Dimensions: W 43 x D 95 x H 175 cm. Materials: Recycled steel, cellulose-mineral bronze comp...
Steel, Other
Holtkotter Saucer Top Table Lamp Model 6233 c. 1980's
By Holtkoetter
Located in New York, NY
Chic dome top desk, or table lamp by Holtkotter Leuchen model 6233, circa 1980's. The lamp is in very good, original, clean and working condition, showing only inconsequential cosme...
Brass
Post Modern Sonneman for Boxland Holland Saucer Floor Lamp c. 1980's
By Sonneman Lighting, Robert Sonneman
Located in New York, NY
Rare Robert Sonneman designed Post Modern, Memphis style saucer form floor lamp, made in the Netherlands, by Boxland Holland circa 1980/90's. The lamp features a glass ring shade ...
Metal
Italian Postmodern Tebe Floor Lamp by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Imposing standing lamp from the Italian manufacturer Artemide after a draft by Ernesto Gismondi from the late 1980s. A postmodern design with special proportions. This floor lamp is...
Metal
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
$4,232Sale Price / item|20% Off
Profana Sculptural Floor Lamp • Handmade Edition Steel • by Pedro Paulo-Venzon
Located in Florianopolis, Santa Catarina
According to Giorgio Agamben, to profane is to bring into the human realm that which was only devoted to the gods. This discussion about inversion is the point of departure for Prof...
Steel
Postmodern Modern Silver Chrom Round Chandelier Art Nouveau XXL
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of postmodernism and experience pure elegance with our breathtaking silver/chrome chandelier decorated with crystals. This work of art of li...
Crystal
Guillerme & Chambron Pair of Wall Lights in Oak and Glass
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of wall lights, oak, glass, 1970s Charming wall lights, designed by designers Guillerme and Chambron in the 1970s. The shape and materia...
Glass, Oak
$707Sale Price / item|25% Off
Ico Parisi Palpebra Aluminium Table Lamp by Cassina
By Ico Parisi
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ico Parisi Palpebra Matt Black Table Lamp by Cassina The creative flair of Ico Parisi in a playful invention of mimicry. This artistic lamp is engineered to open and close, mimicki...
Aluminum
Vintage Modern Obelisk Floor Lamp With Textured Stone Finish
Located in Trenton, NJ
This vintage modern floor lamp makes an immediate impression with its clean geometry and richly textured surface. The tall obelisk base rises confidently from the floor, its form enh...
Stone
Postmodern Martini Lamp by David Krys
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A rare 1993 postmodern martini lamp designed by David Krys. Metal wire forms the glass' shape with a skewered green olive stuffed with a red light bulb disguised as a pimento. Great ...
Chrome
Vintage Wrought Iron Chandelier Candleholder by Ehlén Johansson for Ikea, 1990s
By IKEA
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Wrought Iron Chandelier Candleholder by Ehlén Johansson for Ikea, 1990s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1990 to 1999 I have ...
Wrought Iron
$1,050Sale Price|40% Off
Zefiro3 Arteluce Frosted Glass Pendant 80s 90s Style
By Arteluce, Pier Giuseppe Ramella
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Frosted glass pendant lamp designed by Pier Giuseppe Ramella for Arteluce. It was designed in the late early 90s. Made of blue and white frosted glasses. Gentle light is shining thro...
Steel
Postmodern Philips Table Lamp 1980s
By Philips
Located in Čelinac, BA
Philips Postmodern Table Lamp Germany 1980s
Plastic
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