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.
Set of 3 Haumea Amorph Silver Smoke M/L/XL Pendants by Eloa
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Haumea Amorph silver smoke M/L/ XL pendants by ELOA No UL listed Material: glass, steel, silver, LED Bulb Dimensions: D 35 x W 47 x H 32 / D 27 x W 39 x H 30/ D 30 x W 32 x...
Glass
Oversized Vetri Murano White Swirl Glass Egg Table or Floor Lamp, 1970s
By Vetri
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
An exceptional oversized vintage Italian Murano glass “Egg” lamp, produced by Vetri Murano circa 1970s. Measuring an impressive 24 inches high by 17 inches in diameter, this extra-large example has the sculptural presence of an illuminated work of art and may be displayed as either a statement table lamp or a low floor lamp. The beautifully proportioned shade was hand blown in opaline white Murano glass, its smooth organic egg form enveloped by a continuous spiral of gently raised ribs. This dynamic twisted pattern is associated with the traditional Murano rigadin ritorto technique, in which ribbed glass is rotated while hot to create flowing diagonal lines. The spiraling decoration accentuates the lamp’s rounded silhouette and gives the substantial glass form a sense of movement and visual lightness. When switched off, the glass presents as a soft frosted white with subtle ivory undertones. Once illuminated, the opaline glass diffuses the light into a warm atmospheric glow that may appear cream, amber or pale gold depending upon the color temperature of the bulb. The illumination also emphasizes the depth and slight relief of the hand-worked spiral ribs. At 24 inches tall, this is the desirable oversized version of the classic Vetri Murano egg lamp...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$5,431 / item
Horizon #5 Stoneware Lamp by Elisa Uberti
Located in Geneve, CH
Horizon #5 stoneware lamp by Elisa Uberti Unique Limited series of 8 numbered copies + 1 AP Dimensions: D 40 x W 20 x H 65 cm Materials: white Stoneware This product is handmade...
Stoneware
$255 / item
Plate Classic Almond Pendant Lamp by +kouple
Located in Geneve, CH
Plate Classic Almond Pendant Lamp by +kouple Dimensions: Ø 18,4 x H 20,8 cm. Materials: Powder-coated steel. Available in different color options. The PVC cord length is 200 cm. Pl...
Steel
Set of Two Table Lamps Giocasta Notte by Andrea Anastasio for Artemide 1990s
Located in München, BY
Set of two amazing table lamps. Model 'Giocasta Notte'. Designed by Andrea Anastasio for Artemide, Italy, 1990s. Executed in metal and Murano glass, each lamp comes with 2 x E14 / E12 Edison screw fit bulb sockets. They are wired, in working condition and run both on 110 / 230 volt. Max. 40 Watt each socket. Each socket can be switched on/off separately. Delivery without bulbs. Our lights are checked, cleaned and suitable for use in the USA. For usage in US you would only have to change the plug or get a holiday converter if needed. Dimensions: Height: 18.11 in. (46 cm) Width: 7.88 in. (20 cm) Depth: 7.09 in. (18 cm) Net weight of both lamps ca. 4 KG Condition: Good original vintage condition. Wear consistent with use and age. Three of the decorative Murano rods...
Metal, Chrome
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
Italian Postmodern Tizio Table Lamp by Richard Sapper for Artemide, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
The design classic from the Italian manufacturer Artemide according to a design by Richard Sapper from the 1970s. The Tizio convinces with its clear design language. A minimalist de...
Metal
$8,935 / item
Aldebaran Floor Lamp by Arch Plus Ultra
Located in Geneve, CH
Aldebaran Floor Lamp by Arch Plus Ultra Dimensions: W 36 x D 31 x H 220 cm. Materials: Macassar Wood, Patinated bronze, Silk jacquard. Also available in Table lamp. Aldebaran, the...
Bronze
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
Carlo Nason Postmodern Italian Murano Glass Chandelier for Mazzega, 1970s
By AVMazzega, Carlo Nason
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Beautiful Murano glass chandelier, made by Carlo Nason for Mazzega in the 70s, the chandelier is composed of sixteen cylindrical cannuoli and a blown glass disc, the structure is in ...
Steel
Alcove Verde Wall Lamp by Violaine d'Harcourt
Located in Geneve, CH
Alcove Verde Wall Lamp by Violaine d'Harcourt Dimensions: D 7 x W 12 x H 33 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Wall light made in Portugal, bulb included: LED E14 1W non-dimmable. Available in...
Ceramic
Vintage Italian Totem Terra Floor Lamp by Valerio Bottini for Foscarini, Late90s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare floor lamp from the Italian manufacturer Foscarini based on a design by Valerio Bottini from the late 90s. By playing with open and closed surfaces, this design appears particu...
Metal
Small Rio Sandstone Table Lamp by Harshita Jhamtani Designs
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Rio Sandstone Table Lamp by Harshita Jhamtani Designs Dimensions: D 15.2 x H 17.8 cm Materials: Sandstone. Available in Green Forest marble, Sandstone, Travertine, or White ma...
Sandstone
Ennio Lucini for Harvey Guzzini Dh 'Cespuglio' Table Lamp
By Ennio Lucini, Harvey Guzzini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ennio Lucini for Harvey Guzzini DH (Design House), 'Cespuglio' table lamp, aluminum, acrylic, Italy, 1968 This provocative 'Cespuglio' table lamp (1968) is designed by Ennio Lucini ...
Aluminum
$1,555 / item
Caramel Medium Sonora Linen Table Lamp by NASSI
Located in Geneve, CH
Caramel Medium Sonora Linen Table Lamp by NASSI Dimensions: W 35 x D 35 x H 58 cm. Materials: Lampshade: coated iron, warm white Cotton Lining. Base: wood-fired clay with beeswax fi...
Clay, Cotton
$1,230 / item
Silhouette Black Noir Floor Lamp by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Silhouette Black Noir floor lamp by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D45 x W59 x H140 cm Material: Lacquered steel, Solid brass Weight: 3 kg Also available in different colors. A scul...
Brass, Steel
Three Arms Linear Brass and Alabaster Pendant Light by Christopher Boots
Located in Geneve, CH
Iris Tria Pendant Light by Christopher Boots Dimensions: D 90 x H 12 cm. Materials: Brass, alabaster. Available in Aged Brass, Brushed Brass, Hand Rubbed Brass, or Dark Bronze Pleas...
Alabaster, Brass
$255 / item
Plate Classic Forest Pendant Lamp by +kouple
Located in Geneve, CH
Plate Classic Forest Pendant Lamp by +kouple Dimensions: Ø 18,4 x H 20,8 cm. Materials: Powder-coated steel. Available in different color options. The PVC cord length is 200 cm. Pl...
Steel
The Shape Ceiling Lamp, 21512, by Stillux Illuminazione
Located in Geneve, CH
The Shape Ceiling Lamp, 21512, by Stillux Illuminazione Dimensions: D 5 x W 162 x H 4 cm. Materials: Steel, glass. Available in velvet black, blue, green, sand, bronze, or copper. P...
Steel
Set of 2 Red Vintage Table Lamps Postmodern Memphis Design Italy, 1980s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Set of 2 red vintage table lamps Postmodern Memphis design Italy, 1980s This extraordinary set of 2 minimalist table lamps comes from Italy around the 1980s. The lamps with swivelin...
Metal
X-shaped table lamp, black ceramic, glazed and angled, handmade
By Manolo Eirin
Located in Carballo, ES
Handmade ceramic table lamp, designed and signed by the artisan Rulo and the artist Manolo Eirin. Vitrified piece in black. The electrical connection of the lamp is suitable for both...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Table lamp Hand-woven rattan and brass top. Italy 1970s.
Located in København K, 84
A striking and generously scaled table lamp from Italy 1970s. Its substantial circular base is composed of meticulously hand-woven horizontal layers of rattan, each band revealing th...
Brass
Mantis 9 Coffee and Olive Glass with Polished Bronze Pendant by Isabel Moncada
Located in Geneve, CH
Mantis 9 Coffee and Olive Glass with Polished Bronze Pendant Lamp by Isabel Moncada Dimensions: D 100 x W 190 x H 110 cm. Materials: Cast bronze, blown glass ...
Brass, Bronze
$5,268 / item
38.3 Pendant by Bocci
Located in Geneve, CH
38.3 Pendant by Bocci Dimensions: D20.3 x H300 cm Materials: brushed nickel round canopy Weight: 8.2 kg Also available in different dimensions and models. All our lamps can be...
Nickel
Postmodern W.O. Table Lamp by Sacha Ketoff for Aluminor, France, 1980s
By Sacha Ketoff
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare, postmodern table lamp from the French manufacturer Aluminor after a design by Sacha Ketoff from the 80s. This draft was created in a competition as part of the exhibition "Lum...
Metal
$5,651 / item
Shadow #2 Pendant Light by Margaux Leycuras
Located in Geneve, CH
Shadow #2 pendant light by Margaux Leycuras One of a Kind, Signed and numbered Dimensions: D 55 x H 20 cm Material: Ceramic, sand stoneware tops with a porcelain engobe finish. The piece is signed, numbered and delivered with a certificate of authenticity. The Shadow collection was born from a desire to create a piece that challenges the notion of balance and gravity while maintaining the same language as the mural sculptural design pieces. These pieces compliment the space in height and with specific lighting ambiance: a game between shadows and light...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Stoneware
Mario Tsai, Aluminium Champagne Painted Tsai Table Lamp by Cassina
By Ico Parisi
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mario Tsai, Aluminium Champagne Painted Tsai Table Lamp by Cassina UNIT OF LIGHT A collection of modular metal lamps in which the base unit alludes to the shape of a brick. A simpl...
Aluminum
Austrian Postmodern Set of Six "Cocoon" Chandeliers by EGLO Leuchten, 1990s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique and beauty Set of Six Austrian "Cocoon" Chandeliers. These Chandeliers were designed during the 1990s in Austria by Eglo Leuchten. Original “Eglo” label still shows on the str...
Metal
Italian Modern Murano Glass Table Lamp
By Angelo Lelii, Giusto Toso, Leucos, Mazzega, Arredoluce
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Murano Glass Table Lamp . Offered is a striking Post-Modern Murano glass lamb by Vetro Eseguito Da Maestri. This most unusual scul...
Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$1,914 / item
21.3 Pendant by Bocci
Located in Geneve, CH
21.3 Pendant by Bocci Dimensions: D15.2 x H300 cm Materials:brushed nickel,round canopy. Weight: 1.8 kg Also available in different dimensions. All our lamps can be wired acco...
Nickel
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
$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
$1,102 / item
Walnut Peono Table Lamp by Simone & Marcel
Located in Geneve, CH
Walnut Peono Table Lamp by Simone & Marcel Dimensions: Ø 40.6 x H 61 cm. Materials: Brass, acrylic and walnut wood. Also available in different marbl...
Brass
Vintage Hanging Globe Ball Fixture by Glowtex after Heifietz c 1970s Mint in Box
Exceptional hanging ball globe(s) chandelier, in orange with circular applied white line motif decoration. The globes are in exceptional original condition, they are new, old stock, never installed or used. The plastic globe hangs from a long ( approximately 90 inch ) rubberized white cord, and includes the cap, and ceiling canopy. Both are still in their original shipping boxes...
Plastic
$3,678 / item
Sculptural Light No. 30 by Milla Vaahtera
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculptural light No. 30 by Milla Vaahtera Dimensions: D 5 x W 78 x H 60 cm Materials: Glass, brass In 2020 Milla Vaahtera started a series of unique sculptural lights made out of br...
Brass
Postmodern Heron Lamp by Isao Hosoe for Luxo
By Isao Hosoe
Located in Oslo, NO
Iconic table lamp designed by Isao Hosoe for the Norwegian lamp maker Luxo. Moulded plastic in a lacquered silver coating. The lamp is fully working and in ...
Plastic
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
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
Italian Postmodern Wall Light, 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Monumental Italian Postmodern wall light. Carries 3 light bulbs.
Metal
Floor Lamp by Casella Lighting
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
The lamp has many details, it is not wired, the light bulb is out, it is unstable and part of the chrome is falling off, it is practically to be restored. If you have any questions, ...
Chrome
$5,361 / item
Haumea Amorph Silver Smoke XL Pendant by Eloa
Located in Geneve, CH
Haumea Amorph silver smoke XL pendant by Eloa No UL listed Material: glass, steel, silver, LED Bulb Dimensions: D35 x W47 x H32 cm Also available in differ...
Glass
$510Sale Price|20% Off
German Post-Modern Desk Lamp by Brilliant Leuchten AG, Plastic, 1985
Located in Den Haag, NL
German postmodern desk lamp, designed by Linke Plewa for Brilliant Leuchten in the 1980s. Halogen. Revolving base. Works perfect.
Plastic
Contemporary Aged Brass Wall Sconce, Goddess Sconce by Paul Matter
By Paul Matter
Located in Warsaw, PL
Contemporary Aged Brass Wall Sconce, Goddess Sconce by Paul Matter The Goddess Sconce explores the relationship between two interlocked forms in perfec...
Brass
Postmodern Articulated Pair of Gold Wall Sconces by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz Lighting, Estiluz, Leonardo Marelli
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
Table Lamp “Praxi” by Bruno Gecchelin for iGuzzini, Italy, 1982
By iGuzzini
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This is the iconic “Praxi” table lamp designed by Bruno Gecchelin for iGuzzini, Italy, in 1982. A hallmark of 1980s Italian industrial design, the lamp features a sleek, articulated ...
Aluminum, Metal
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
First edition of Febo, Leucos, Roberto Pamio and Renato Toso, 1962
By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Leucos
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, FR
First edition of the Wall light Febo by Leucos and designed by Renato Toso and Roberto Pamio circa 1965. Very rare as few were made. The shade simply pose on the brass arm. The gla...
Brass
Unique Prickly Pear Velvet 2 Opalines Wall Light by Mickael Koska
Located in Geneve, CH
UniquePrickly Pear Velvet 2 Opalines Wall Light by Mickael Koska Dimensions: Ø 24 cm x H 40 cm. Materials: Opaline glass, velvet finish, ceramic, and textile cord. All our lamps can...
Ceramic, Cord, Opaline Glass
Andreé Putman, Compass Dans L’Oeil table lamp for Baldinger & Sons, 1980
By Andree Putman, Louis Baldinger & Sons
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
The “Compass Dans L ́Oeil” lighting range is built on a design of great clarity, where simple geometric forms combine with balanced precision. Brushed stainless steel, satin brass a...
Metal, Brass, 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 cobalt blue tiered glass crystal shade with decorative chrome pointed finial. ...
Metal
$10,920 / item
Pivot Double Wall Lamp by Gentner Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Pivot double wall lamp by Gentner Design. Dimensions: D 140 x W 5 x H 40.6 cm. Materials: hand rubbed brass. Available in polished tarnished brass, dar...
Brass
Pair of Rare Postmodern Floor Lamps by Ligne Roset Extensia Fluo Torchiere
By Ligne Roset
Located in San Diego, CA
These pair of rare floor torchiere lamps have a fluorescent tube and halogen light, ribbed perspex on reverse, brushed aluminum sides, and perforated front with a movable halogen top shade with dimmer switch, we have rewired the pair of lamps, a classic 1980...
Aluminum
Medium Light Indigo Night Twilight Single Pendant Lamp by Atelier Robotiq
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Light Indigo Night Twilight Single pendant lamp by Atelier Robotiq Dimensions: D 55 x H 49 cm Materials: Resin-impregnated industrial fiber. Available in different colors: Lig...
Resin
Post Modern Halogen floor lamp Switzerland 1980s
By Lumess
Located in Den Haag, NL
A minimal and Post Modern floor lamp, Bauhaus, Constructivist, square black lacquered metal base with ''Switzerland" label, vertical axis of square section, adjustable halogen spot...
Metal
Small Misalliance Ex Antique Pink Suspended Light by Lexavala
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Misalliance Ex antique pink suspended light by Lexavala Dimensions: D 16 x W 70 x H 8 cm Materials: powder coated shade with details made of brass or stainless steel. Ther...
Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel
German Postmodern Wandering Finger Ceiling Lamp by Ingo Maurer, 1990s
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Hamburg, DE
The Wandering Finger is a delicate ceiling light by the lighting designer Ingo Maurer. The thin bar protrudes from the ceiling at a fixed angle. The ...
Metal
Pleto Biocomposite Orbita Sculptural Floor Lamp by Pleto Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Pleto Biocomposite Orbita Sculptural Floor Lamp by Pleto Studio Dimensions: W 45 x D 45 x H 220 cm Materials: Pleto Biocomposite (clay, hemp fibers, cellulose, wood shavings, eco-fri...
Other
Mezquite Sculptural Pine Wood Floor Lamp with Linen Shade by Isabel Moncada
Located in Geneve, CH
Mezquite Sculptural Pine Wood Floor Lamp with Linen Shade by Isabel Moncada Dimensions: Ø 60 x H 181 cm. Materials: Linen and pine wood. Like a chess bishop, Mezquite makes its pres...
Linen, Pine
$3,353 / item
Chalk #1 Wall Light by Margaux Leycuras
Located in Geneve, CH
Chalk #1 wall light by Margaux Leycuras One of a Kind, Signed and numbered Dimensions: D 6 x W 46 x H 40cm Material: Ceramic, sand stoneware tops with a porcelain engobe finish. ...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Stoneware
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
Double Corrugation Sconce / Wall Light in Natural Ash Veneer and Sapphire Blue
By Tino Seubert
Located in London, GB
Double sconce made from ash veneered plywood (clear coated) and sapphire blue powder-coated aluminium tube. Technical information: - Comes with dimmable bulb (Class A60, 8W, 720 Lum...
Aluminum