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.
Pair of blue murrine Idra table lamps, murano, Rosanna Toso, Leucos, Italy, 1982
By Leucos, Rosanna Toso
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, FR
Hand made Murano blown glass table lamp, manufactured by Leucos during the 1980's. It was designed by Rosanna Toso in 1982 and originally produced in two size in the color blue/gree...
Blown Glass, Glass, Art Glass, Milk Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine, Opalin...
$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
Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide First Edition 'Sintesi' Red Clamp Light
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, multi-way clamp lamp, model 'Sintesi Faretto Morsetto', first edition, coated iron, coated steel, aluminum, rubber, plastic, Italy, design 1976 The fo...
Metal, Iron
Gianfranco Fini for New Lamp 'Programma' Wall Light in Stainless Steel
By New Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Fini for New Lamp, 'Programma' lamp, stainless steel, circa 1970 Expressive wall light by Italian designer Gianfranco Fini designed in circa 1970. Fini, who is known for...
Stainless Steel
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
Italian Modern Glass Lamp Designed By Giusto Toso
By Arredoluce, Giusto Toso, Mazzega, Leucos, Angelo Lelii
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
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
Midcentury Italian Postmodern Steel & Frosted Glass Floor Lamp after Sottsass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super heavy and well made floor from the Postmodern 1990s era. It features stainless steel and frosted glass construction. Works with one Halogen bulb.
Stainless Steel
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
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. The Pao lights impress with their characteristic diffuser made of frosted glass. What is particularly specia...
Glass
Rare Arteluce Acrylic Glass Chandelier, Italy, 1970s
By Arteluce
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This extraordinary chandelier by the renowned Italian lighting manufacturer Arteluce is a true collector’s piece and a striking example of 1970s Space Age design. With its sculptural...
Metal
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
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
Postmodern Aluminium Sconce "Cyrano" by Bernard Dequet for Lucien Gau, 1990s.
By Maison Lucien Gau, Philippe Starck
Located in Lille, FR
Postmodern Aluminium Sconce "Cyrano" by Bernard Dequet for Lucien Gau, 1990s.
Aluminum
$418Sale Price|62% Off
1980 Italy Post-Modern Black Metal and Satin Glass Wall Light
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an engaging wall light in satin glass that has the base in aluminum lacquered in polished black color. The two satin sheet glass are put as lampsh...
Aluminum
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
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 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
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
Edizioni del Pesce Ghost Lamp by 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
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
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
Large Unique Postmodern Table Lamp in Brushed Steel 1970s
Located in Meer, VAN
Large Unique Postmodern Table Lamp in Brushed Steel 1970s A truly remarkable one-off postmodern table lamp in brushed steel. The Netherlands, late 1970s. This sculptural table lamp...
Steel
Post Modern Murano Chandelier in the style of Ponti for Venini
Located in New York, NY
Brightly colored art glass chandelier made in Murano, Italy, in the style of Gio Ponti, for Venini, circa 1980/90's. The chandelier features eight arms, in polychrome saturated col...
Art Glass
Ron Arad Aerial Light for One Off, UK 1982
Located in Chicago, IL
Ron Arad Aerial Light for One Off, UK (1982) Rare, robotic lamp designed by Ron Arad, adjustable via a wireless controller. The controller features a printed manufacturer’s mark: "On...
Aluminum, Steel, Wire
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, Paint, Blown Glass, Art Glass
$1,020Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Italian Floor Torchiere Lamp Glass & Metal
By Fontana Arte
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful elegant floor torchiere lamp with 3/4" thick glass column, with white enameled metal base and shade, perfect condition with dimmer switch, ci...
Metal
Post-Modern Torchiere Floor Lamp by Kovacs
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Cool 1980’s Post-Modern Sculptural torchiere floor lamp by Robert Sonneman for Kovacs. In beautiful original condition. It takes 150 W halogen bulb. New inline dimmer. Measuremen...
Steel
Post Modern Brushed Metal Dual Light Table Lamp by Michael Graves
Located in San Diego, CA
Post Modern Brushed Metal Dual Table Lamp by Michael Graves, circa 1990s. Add a bold Postmodern touch with this Brushed Metal Dual Table Lamp by Michael Graves. This lamp is in good ...
Metal
'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
$390 / 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
$6,491Sale 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
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
$892Sale 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
$818Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern "Bonsai" Wood Table Lamp by Josep Llusca for Blauet, Barcelona, 1990s
By Blauet, Josep Llusca
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
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
up-lighter Floor lamp Tronconi - design Barbieri & Marianelli - model 'Frack'
Located in Den Haag, NL
Vintage 1980s floor lamp designed by the Italian company Tronconi, designed by Barbieri and Marianelli, model 'Frack' Stylish and sleek design, design from 1984. The lamp consists o...
Metal
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
$3,450 / item
Kinetic Ingo Maurer 'Ilo Ilu' Light Sculpture
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ingo Maurer for Ingo Maurer GmbH, kinetic light sculpture model 'Ilo Ilu', steel, wood, plastic, metal, glass, Germany, 1986. This eccentric light sculpture named ‘Ilo Ilu’ is desig...
Metal, Steel
E.T.A Floor Lamp by Guglielmo Berchicci for Kundalini
By Kundalini, Guglielmo Berchicci
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
$331 / 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
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
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
A Sculptural POST-MODERN LUCITE TABLE LAMP by ALESSIO TASCA, FUSINA, Italy 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional and sculptural table lamp in prism, Post-Modernist, Seventies, Kinetic, Pop, body in a rectangular block of solid plexiglass with curved cut sides, forming a kind of p...
Lucite, Plexiglass
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
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
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
A Large POST-MODERN MODERNIST TABLE LAMP by PHILIPPE BARBIER, France 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
A very large and elegant table lamp, Post-Modernist, large cubic base in thick nickel-plated bronze plates, topped by a thin cylindrical axis and a beautiful circular lampshade, by P...
Bronze, Nickel
Vintage Italian Postmodern Glass Wall Lamp Sconce from Lucente, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant glass wall lamp from Italian manufacturer LUCENTE. This piece has an attribution mark, It is completely authentic for any authenticity issues arising from misattribution, Up ...
Metal
Hala Zeist Halogen Table Lamp Post Modern 1980s Holland
By Hala Zeist
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice futuristic Post Modern Table lamp . Good quality lamp . Halogen ,comes with a good working dimmer .
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
Tizio Adjustable Black Table Lamp from Richard Sapper for Artemide, 1972
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This is a highly sought-after adjustable table lamp, designed by the renowned Richard Sapper for the prestigious Italian design brand Artemide. Originally conceived and manufactured ...
Aluminum
Michael Taylor Style Sculptural Modern Plaster Twist Spiral Column Table Lamp
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Chunky and substantial Michael Taylor style twisted spiral table lamp, circa 1980's. This architectural column form lamp features a textural warm matte white/cream plaster finish. La...
Plaster
1980s Koch-Lowy Floor Lamp by Piotr Sierakowski
By Koch & Lowy, Piotr Sierakowski
Located in Oakland, CA
1980s Koch-Lowy floor lamp, cast iron base metal rod stem and adjustable painted aluminum shade. The main stem swivels from side to side and the shade can be turned 360 degrees. The...
Aluminum, Iron
Chrome finish Three Spheres lighting pendant by Tom Dixon, 21st century
By Tom Dixon
Located in View Park, CA
A mirror ball trio pendant light by Tom Dixon, early 21st century.
Acrylic
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
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
Hero Lamp by Panorammma, Brass-Plated Stainless Steel, Stone Sphere, Sculptural
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Hero Lamp is a sculptural floor lamp virtuously crafted in stainless steel with a brass plated finish which holds a stone globe that gives off a warm candle-like light. This unique...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Kazuhide Takahama Totem Floor Lamp, Sirrah Italy 1981
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare Kazuhide Takahama “Totem” floor lamp is one of his most sculptural and architectural lighting designs, designed in the late 70s for Sirrah...
Cement, Metal, Brass