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.
$840Sale Price|20% Off
Robert Sonnomen for George Kovacs, White Enamel Post Modern Halogen Floor lamp.
By Robert Sonneman, George Kovacs
Located in Chicago, IL
Robert Sonneman for Kovacs Lighting Torchiere floor lamp. White enamel over metal, halogen lighting element with glass cover. Rectangular shaped ste...
Metal, Enamel
LOP Small Rectangle Clear by BằNG - Unboring Object
Located in Geneve, CH
LOP Small Rectangle Clear by BằNG - Unboring Object Dimensions: W 18 x D 19.5 x H 38 cm. Materials: dichroic acrylic, stainless steel, matte opal glass. Light bulb included and rep...
Stainless Steel
$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
$1,295 / set
Postmodern Plaster Table Lamps, a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of postmodern urn shaped table lamps made of plaster. Shoulders are embossed with a textured pattern of green and light blush hexagons. Below, the body is concertina shaped, p...
Linen, Plaster
Midcentury Pair of Gold Metal Wall Sconces by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz, Estiluz Lighting
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
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
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
Brittish Designer, Table Lamp, Ceramic, United Kingdom, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A black and white-glazed ceramic table lamp designed and produced in Great Britain, c. 1970s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 12.45” H x 4.5” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inches): 7” ...
Ceramic
Set of 4 Minimalist Postmodern Typ V607 Wall Lamps from Ikea, 1980s
By IKEA
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern metal wall lamps from Ikea. A minimalist design in terms of shape and color. The body of the light consists of a sheet of metal folded into a funnel shape. The fold cre...
Metal
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
1970's 18" Bent Lucite Ribbon Chandelier
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Exceptional extra large vintage Hollywood regency gold lucite ribbon loop chandelier. In the style of Carlo Nason this curved clear lucite prism chandelier...
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
$808Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern "Bonsai" Wood Table Lamp by Josep Llusca for Blauet, Barcelona, 1990s
By Josep Llusca, Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique and pretty Postmodern Spanish "Gran Bonsai" Beech Wood Table Lamp by Blauet. Model: B1458-12 Cherry / Satin Nickel. This Table Lamp was designed by Josep Llusca for Blauet, S....
Metal
$4,487Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pair of French Fondica Golden Bronze 90’s Table Lamps
By Stephane Galerneau, Fondica
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated pair of golden bronze lamps with twisted coral column bodies. The sculptural French dore table lamps were designed by Stephane G...
Gold, Bronze
Winnie Table Lamp in Rattan, Wood and Printed Cotton by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Winnie Table Lamp in Rattan, Wood and Printed Cotton by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 30 x H 57 cm. Materials: Painted natural rattan frame structure completed with a printed cotton ...
Rattan, Lacquer, Wood
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
Pair of Floor Lamps/Torchieres by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, USA 1987
By George Kovacs, Robert Sonneman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Illuminate your space with this stunning pair of Floor Lamps/Torchieres by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, crafted in the USA in 1987. These sleek and modern lamps feature a strik...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Winnie Floor Lamp in Rattan, Wood and Printed Cotton by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Winnie Floor Lamp in Rattan, Wood and Printed Cotton by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: ⌀ 45 x H 122 cm. Materials: Painted natural rattan frame structure completed with a printed cotton...
Wood, Lacquer, Cotton, Rattan
$1,283Sale Price / set|25% Off
Postmodern Gold Pair of Wall Sconces by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz, Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz Lighting
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
Set of 2 Vintage Italian Postmodern Meridiana Table Lamps by Paolo, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Set of 2 Vintage Italian Postmodern Meridiana Table Lamps by Paolo Francesco Piva for Stefano Cevoli, 1980s Two elegant table lights from the Italian manufacturer Stefano Cevoli aft...
Metal
Gian Nicola Gigante for Zerbetto — Adjustable Fluorescent Pendant, Italy, 1980s
By Zerbetto, Gian Nicola Gigante
Located in Dronten, NL
A striking Italian modernist pendant designed by Gian Nicola Gigante for Zerbetto. The minimalist fixture is suspended from four slender steel wires, allowing the pendant to be posit...
Steel
$1,480Sale Price|57% Off
William Leslie Light Sculpture Signed 1994
By William Leslie
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Beautiful large paper & burlwood light sculpture. Signed William Leslie 1994. Gorgeous dramatic design with multiple curves that looks great from any an...
Resin, Wood, Paper
Postmodern Vertebrae Floor Lamp by Elio Martinelli for Martinelli Luce
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
1980s Postmodern Vertebrae floor lamp by Elio Martinelli Flex floor lamp, also known as Vertebrae, Model 2164 by Elio Martinelli for Martinelli Luce. The lamp is full flexible with swivel shade. Organic shape of the flexible arm is similar to a human spine. First designed for the Turin exhibition 1970. metal base and bracket, "backbone" body movable in both rotation and bending, Condition: Good working order, minor scratches to hood and some cracks (Please see pictures) Given the age, this vintage lamp in good condition, normal usage by age. Normal cap into E27 / Max. 100W. Material: plastic, aluminum, metal and chrome. Marked: Martinelli Luce. Martinelli Flex desk lamp...
Metal
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
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. Fabric is ...
Wool, Linen
Rare solid pair of french 1970s table lamps crafted in brass and travertine.
Located in København K, 84
This rare solid pair of French 1970s table lamps exemplifies the minimalist elegance and material sophistication characteristic of postmodern design. Crafted from brass and travertin...
Travertine, Marble
1980s Postmodern Poul Henningsen Style Floor Lamp, Bone Enamel, Multi-Disc Shade
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced in Denmark during the 1980s, this floor lamp draws directly from Poul Henningsen's foundational multi-disc shade system while incorporating Postmodern proportions and materi...
Metal, Enamel
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
Postmodern Spanish "Fina" Wood Table Lamp by Blauet, Barcelona, 1990s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique and pretty Postmodern Spanish "Fina" Beech Wood Table Lamp by Blauet. Model: B-1485 Natural. This Table Lamps was designed by Josep Llusca for Blauet, S.A. This Table Lamp was...
Beech, Textile
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
Vintage TPB Table Lamp in Black Model 3014, Italy, 1980s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Vintage TPB table lamp in black - Model 3014 - Postmodern Memphis Design - Italy 1980s Discover our modern desk lamp made of black steel and plastic, which was manufactured by TPB i...
Steel
Paul Evans for Directional 'Cityscape' Floor Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, 'Cityscape' floor lamp, model PE-4010 from the PE200 series, chrome-plated steel, brass, United States, circa 1975 This distinctive floor lamp from the ...
Brass, Steel, Chrome
An Important POST-MODERN MEMPHIS Floor or TABLE LAMP, France or Italy 1980
Located in PARIS, FR
An enormous table lamp or rather, floor lamp, Post-Modernist, Bauhaus, Memphis, thick triangular base in wood veneered with varnished cork burr, white lacquered metal tube topped wit...
Cork
E.T.A Floor Lamp by Guglielmo Berchicci for Kundalini
By Guglielmo Berchicci, Kundalini
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
A striking and instantly recognisable Italian floor lamp, the E.T.A designed by Guglielmo Berchicci for Kundalini is one of the most iconic lighting pieces of the late twentieth cent...
Fiberglass
1980 Mega 2 by Prisma Italian Design Wall Lamp Flush Mount
By Prisma
Located in Brescia, IT
Prisma “Mega 2” Ceiling / Wall Lamp, Italy The Mega 2 is a striking architectural light by Italian manufacturer Prisma, conceived in the late 20th century as part of their professio...
Metal
E63 Robot Desk Lamp by Umberto Rivafor Bieffeplast, Italian Design 1960s
Located in London, London
The E63 “Robot” desk lamp by Umberto Riva, deigned in 1963 and produced by Bieffeplast, is an iconic example of Italian postmodern lighting design. Characterised by its distinctly a...
Plastic
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
Memphis Style Modern Bedside Lamps Table Lamp Black White Glass 1990s
Located in Vienna, AT
Memphis Style Post- Modern style bedside lamps or table lamps from black and white glass and brassed metal 1990s Italy. Fantastic bedside lamps or table lamps from black and white gl...
Glass
Stunning François Chatain Post Modern Ceramic table lamp 1980s France
Located in Den Haag, NL
Stunning Round Ceramic Table lamp . Cubistic shaped . in typical 1980s Colors , Brown and Yellow's . Comes complete with its Yellow Shade .adjustable in Height , Excellent conditio...
Ceramic
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
Gioiello III Table Lamp in Stainless Steel and Glass by Studio Marine Breynaert
Located in Geneve, CH
Gioiello III Table Lamp in Stainless Steel and Glass by Studio Marine Breynaert. Dimensions: Ø 14 × H 17.5 cm. Materials: Solid stainless steel, Cast glass shade. Available in bespo...
Stainless Steel
Pair of 'Canna Fiorita' Table Lamps by Castiglioni & Menghi for Fontana Arte
By Roberto Menghi, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pair of 'Canna Fiorita' table lamps by Piero Castiglioni and Roberto Menghi for Fontana Arte, produced in Italy in the early 1980s, embodies the experimental spirit of late-Mode...
Brass
Italian Modern Glass Lamp Designed By Giusto Toso
By Arredoluce, Giusto Toso, Mazzega, Angelo Lelii, Leucos
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Glass Lamp Designed By Giusto Toso. Offered is a postmodern conical shaped lamp designed by Giusto Toso For Leucos in the 1970's.. Our lamp has an opaline blown glass...
Glass
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
A Pair Missoni Post-Modern Table Side Lamps by Massimo Valloto, Italy, 1980s
By Missoni, Missoni Home
Located in Vienna, AT
An amazing pair of colorful postmodern Missoni table or side lamps, nightstand lights from the 1980s, designed by Massimo Valloto. This light has an ...
Metal
Ettore Sottsass for Design Centre/Poltronova 'Cometa' Floor Lamp in Perspex
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ettore Sottsass for Design Centre/Poltronova, 'Cometa' floor lamp, model 'L026', acrylic, lacquered metal, chrome, Italy, design 1970 A funky and irresistibly charming floor lamp d...
Metal, Chrome
Flute of Chicago Postmodern Corrugated Cardboard Table Lamp in Red, 1980s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A bold, sculptural table lamp by Flute of Chicago, designed by Gregory Van Pelt in the 1980s Postmodern idiom — often cited as "in the manner of" Frank Gehry's Easy Edges cardboard f...
Corrugated Cardboard
Rare G. Fantinato for Febo Luce 'Faro' Floor Lamp in Steel and Marble
Located in Waalwijk, NL
G. Fantinato for Febo Luce, 'Faro' floor Lamp, chrome-plated steel, Carrara marble, glass, Italy, 1970s A striking floor lamp designed by Italian designer G. Fantinato, titled Faro,...
Marble, Steel, Chrome
Ceramic Owl Table Lamp, French Studio Design, 1980s, Sculptural Form
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A singular ceramic lamp conceived as a stylized owl, emblematic of the expressive freedom of French studio ceramics in the 1980s. This piece transcends its function to become a true ...
Ceramic
$691 / item
Lounge Jade Green Wall Sconce by MUG
Located in Geneve, CH
Lounge Jade Green Wall Sconce by MUG Dimensions: Ø 8,5 x H 25 cm (customizable height) Materials: Borosilicate glass, Mouth-blown glass, LEDs, Alumin...
Aluminum, Bronze, Pewter
Claudio Salocchi for Lumenform Post-Modern 'Tulpa' Table Lamp
By Claudio Salocchi, Lumenform
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Claudio Salocchi for Lumenform, 'Tulpa' lamp, marble, steel, chrome-plated steel, methacrylate, Italy, 1971 Designed in 1971 by the Italian architect and industrial designer Claudio...
Marble, Steel, Chrome
Paper Milk Medium Pendant Light in Ash Wood & Industrial Rice Paper by KIMU
Located in Geneve, CH
Paper Milk Medium Pendant Light in Ash Wood & Industrial Rice Paper by KIMU Unique Piece Dimensions: Ø 55 x H 39 cm. Materials: Ash wood and rice paper. Available in different sizes. Prices may vary. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it will be wired for the USA for instance. Please contact us. “In Taiwanese life, the most overlooked thing is the lamp... it's hard to find old Taiwanese lamps...
Ash, Paper
Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs Eyeball Floor Lamp in Orange Finish c 1970's
By Robert Sonneman, George Kovacs
Located in New York, NY
Cool post modern eyeball floor lamp designed by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs. The lamp features a ball shade which pivots, and tilts to direct the light, it accepts a standard s...
Metal
Lumenform Table Lamp in Glass and Chrome 1970s
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lumenform table lamp, chrome-plated steel, glass, Italy, 1970s This striking table lamp, crafted by Lumenform in Italy and stands out as a remarkable piece. Its ingenious design cre...
Steel, Chrome
Meritalia Some of Us Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Metal
Modernist Dome Top Table Lamp by Paul Mayen for Habitat
By Habitat International, Paul Mayen
Located in New York, NY
Classic Mod design table lamp designed by Paul Mayer for Habitat. The lamp features a black dome shade with a chrome base. The lamp accepts two standard siz...
Steel, Chrome
Giancarlo Mattioli for Sirrah 'MT' Floor or Table Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giancarlo Mattioli for Sirrah, 'MT' floor or table lamp, lacquered aluminum, chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1969 The versatile Italian designer, architect, and urban planner Giancarlo...
Aluminum, Steel
Arizona Table Lamp in Travertine Romano Stone by InsidherLand
Located in Geneve, CH
Arizona Table Lamp in Travertine Romano Stone by InsidherLand. Dimensions: Ø 36 x H 72 cm. Materials: Romano Travertine stone. This listing features the Arizona Table Lamp in its Tr...
Stone, Travertine
1980s Heavy Metal Chrome Elephant Floor Lamp as Side Table Postmodern Design
Located in München, DE
Very rare chrome metal elephant as a floor lamp or table lamp. Great postmodern design from the 1980s. Made entirely of chromed metal, very high quality and solid. Many details su...
Metal, Chrome
$328 / item
Amber Magma Lamp by Mana
Located in Geneve, CH
Amber Magma Lamp by Mana Dimensions: D 19.5 x W 16.5 x H 27 cm. Materials: Recycled pet from post-consumer plastics, mainly discarded bottles/single use food packaging, collected and...
Plastic
1 of the 3 Pairs Postmodern Filicudara Sconces by S. Lombardi for Artemide, 1980
By Artemide
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 5 impressive pairs of Postmodern style wall sconces designed by Steve Lombardi for Artemide Italy. Model Filicudara designed in the 1980s. A wonderful shape. Real statement ...
Aluminum