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.
Pete Sans for Taller Uno. Post-Modern table/floor lamp, Spain, 1980s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Post-Modern table or floor lamp designed by Pete Sans for Taller Uno, Spain, 1980s. "Jellyfish" model lamp, 1984. Made of polished aluminum and sewn parchment shade. Its shape evokes...
Aluminum
Brass Framework Glass Branch Chain Pendant Light BCAA X by Christopher Boots
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass Framework Glass Branch Chain Pendant Light BCAA X by Christopher Boots Dimensions: 133.5 x 37 x 66.3 cm Materials: Brass and Glass Available in different sizes, configurations...
Bronze
Postmodern Pyramide Shape Floor or Table Lamp from Heico, 1980s
By Heico
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern pyramid-shaped floor or table lamp by Heico. These lamps feature the graphic shape of a pyramid. The color scheme further enhances the clean, minimalist design. A strikin...
Plastic
$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
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
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
Postmodern Mushroom Glass Table Lamp, Italy
Located in Hamburg, DE
Imposing glass table lamp of Italian origin. Screen and foot of the luminaire are made of colored glass and show a circumferential groove structure. In contrast to the violet glass ...
Metal
$1,053Sale Price|20% Off
Post Modern Ceiling Light / Wall Light in the Style of Toshiyuki Kita, 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
A Post modern wall light, made in Italy during the Memphis Era, and therefore made, in the full taste of the 80s with vivid colors and playful s...
Metal
$11,074 / item
Halo 100 Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster
Located in Geneve, CH
Halo 100 Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster Dimensions: ø 100 x H 7 cm (Customizable Height) Materials: Alabaster, Copper (Matt Black finish) Also Available: Satin Gold, Nickel, Matt B...
Alabaster, Copper
$5,669 / item
Ripple Sconce by Katrien Van Der Schueren
Located in Geneve, CH
Ripple Sconce by Katrien Van Der Schueren Dimensions: W 35.56 x D 7.62 x H 50.8 cm Materials: Sculpted in concrete and plaster with LEDs Based in, produced and shipped from the US. ...
Concrete, Other
$3,596 / item
Cumulus Bubble Chandelier by The Light Factory
Located in Geneve, CH
Cumulus Bubble Chandelier by The Light Factory. Dimensions: W 76,2 x D 61–66 x H 45,7 cm. Materials: Hand-blown glass bubbles and refined metal hardware. Hand-blown glass bubbles fo...
Metal
Warm Tone Vibrant Multicolored Geometric Floor Lamp by Morici
Located in Geneve, CH
Venice Rialto Floor Lamp by Morici Dimensions: W 30 x D 30 x H 150 cm, Lampshade H 30 cm Materials: Wood, inlay veneer. Finish : Gloss brushed polyester. Available in other color co...
Wood
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
Large triangular 80s ceiling light made of Murano glass by LaMurrina Italy
By La Murrina
Located in München, BY
Beautiful Italian ceiling light from the 1970s. Manufactured by La Murrina. Made in Italy. Stunning postmodern design in the shape of a triangular pyramid. Crafted from solid Murano...
Metal, Chrome
$778 / 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
$1,191Sale Price|20% Off
Golden limited edition. Table lamp by Jorge Pensi for B-Lux, Spain, 1980s
By Jorge Pensi
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Post-Modern and Hollywood Regency style table lamp designed by Jorge Pensi for the Spanish brand B-Lux, 1980s. Made of polished injected aluminum, and chrome plated in gold. The shad...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass, Chrome
Vintage Moon Lamp by Kare Design done in Verner Panton Style, Spain 1980s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a Postmodern lamp, called Moon Lamp, manufactured by Kare Design. The lamp was designed after Verner Panton's Moon Pendant li...
Steel
$48,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Jo-Jo n°2072 Pendant Lamp by Gino Sarfatti, Italy, 1953
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
Tom Dixon iconic stackable floor lamp-stool 'Jack' 1994 - DESIGN AWARD WINNER
By Tom Dixon
Located in The Hague, NL
The Jack Lamp, designed by Tom Dixon in 1994, is an iconic and playful design object that combines art, functionality, and innovation. This striking lamp, also known as the "sitting,...
Acrylic
$1,827Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of "Cocktail" Jill Wall Lamps by King and Miranda for Arteluce, 1980s
By Arteluce, Perry King and Santiago Miranda
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
Light Object 018 Pendant with 1 Light Tube in Brass by Naama Hofman
By Naama Hofman
Located in Geneve, CH
Light Object 018 Pendant with 1 Light Tube in Brass by Naama Hofman. Dimensions: W 81 x D 4 x H 68 cm. Materials: Brass, Acrylic tube. Light: flexible LED strip light, 16W, 24V. All...
Brass
Early Arco lamp designed by Pier Giacomo & Achille Castiglioni for Flos, 1962
By Achille Castiglioni, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Arco Floor lamp designed by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos in 1962 manufactured by Flos, Italy ca. 1970, purchased by its prior owners in 1972. With early makers be...
Marble, Steel
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
Papiro Floor Lamp by Sergio Calatroni for Pallucco (sold individually)
Located in Dallas, TX
A vintage Papiro floor lamp designed by Sergio Calatroni for Pallucco. Inspired by the organic form of the papyrus plant, the lamp’s sinuous, reed-li...
Nickel, Pewter
Postmodern Grey Metal Pair of Halogen Flush Mounts by Blauet, Barcelona, 1980s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Postmodern Spanish Pair of grey metal Flush Mounts by Blauet. Model: Birimbao-2. These fixtures were made in Barcelona (Spain) by Blauet during 1980s. They have never been use...
Metal
Postmodern Light Lite Ceiling Lamp by Philippe Starck for Flos, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Light Lite Ceiling Lamp by Philippe Starck for Flos, 1990s - Design classics from Flos, by the designer Philippe Starck from the early 90s - The lamp is made entirely fro...
Plastic
Pacific Table Lamp, Acrylic Pearl Beads and Nylon Thread by Lady Sister
Located in Geneve, CH
Pacific Table Lamp, Acrylic Pearl Beads and Nylon Thread by Lady Sister Dimensions: W 37 x D 72 x H 35 cm Materials: Acrylic Pearl Beads, Nylon Thread, Epoxy Clay, Wire, CNC Cut Sta...
Stainless 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
Candelabrum Purple Crystal Antique Chandelier Ceiling Lustre Art Nouveau
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our exquisite antique crystal chandelier, a masterpiece that embodies the elegance of Italy. At 100cm high (70cm without chain) and 55cm in diameter, this chandelier exudes timeless charm. It weighs approximately 6kg and features 6 E14 bulb holders that provide an enchanting glow. Crafted from cut glass and crystal, this chandelier reflects the finest craftsmanship and exudes a sense of opulence and sophistication. The purple crystals make the chandelier a symbol of lifelong love. The overall length is variable so the chandelier can be adapted to different spaces. Moreover, it works seamlessly worldwide, making it a versatile and adaptable lighting solution. For safe transportation, the chandelier is carefully packed in a custom-made wooden crate to ensure safe delivery worldwide. This makes shipping hassle-free for everyone. You can be assured that the chandelier is wired to work perfectly worldwide without modifications, even in the USA. It will be plug and light ready upon arrival. Before shipping, the chandelier is thoroughly cleaned and missing crystals are carefully added to ensure it arrives in perfect condition. You are purchasing from a specialty chandelier store with years of experience and a true passion for these exquisite pieces. Don't miss the opportunity to own this finely crafted antique candelabra crystal...
Crystal, Brass
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
Vintage "Yuki" floor lamp by Paolo Francesco Piva for Stefano Cevoli, 1980
Located in Den Haag, NL
Lamp produced in the 1980s by Stefano Cevoli based on a design by Paolo Francesco Piva. model Yuki Hemispherical base in black painted metal. Double stem in black painted metal that ...
Metal
Light Object 017 Pendant with 1 Light Tube in Brass by Naama Hofman
By Naama Hofman
Located in Geneve, CH
Light Object 017 Pendant with 1 Light Tube in Brass by Naama Hofman. Dimensions: D 3 x H 90 cm. Materials: Brass, Acrylic tube. Light: flexible LED strip light, 16W, 24V. All our la...
Brass
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
$2,198 / item
Pea Head Lamp in Aluminium by Six Dots Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Pea Head Lamp in Aluminium by Six Dots Design. Unique Piece. Dimensions: W 30 x D 50 x H 160 cm. Materials: Raw aluminum. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If so...
Aluminum
Michele de Lucchi Oceanic Memphis Milano Postmodern
By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Michele de Lucchi's oceanic lamp. Materpiece of 1980s design.
Stainless Steel
$1,191Sale Price|20% Off
R. Beretta & A. Macchi Cassia Italian Stilnovo Parchment Table Lampshade 1980s
By Antonio Pio Macchi Cassia, Stilnovo, Roberto Beretta
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian table lamp model “Paralume” designed by Roberto Beretta and Antonio Macchi Cassia and produced by Stilnovo with black painted metal frame, height-adjustable parchment paper l...
Metal
Postmodern Floor Lamp by Aqua Creations
Located in London, GB
An unusual and rare sculptural postmodern floor lamp by Aqua Creations, c. 1990’s. Organic form covered throughout in hand worked Indian pleated silk. Wonderfully delicate with a s...
Silk
Neri & Hu 3T09 Bronze Structure and Ivory Fabric 3 Modules Lamp for Cassina
NYC Handmade Ceramic Table Lamp, Postmodern Memphis-Inspired Design
Located in Istanbul, TR
NYC is a handmade ceramic table lamp inspired by the vibrant energy, movement, and visual rhythm of New York City. Its sculptural ceramic body is individually hand-built and decorat...
Ceramic
Postmodern Pair of Chandeliers by Estiluz by Leornado Marelli, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz, Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern Pair of Chandeliers/Flushmounts by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: T-1166 Negro. These fixtures were manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) during 1980s. The conditio...
Metal
A sculptural post modern floor lamp, circa 1980s
Located in Houston, TX
A sculptural post modern floor lamp, circa 1980s, often attributed to Frederick Cooper though unmarked. A gorgeous example of the best of mid c...
Gold
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
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
Challenger Point Peak Mule Deer Antler Chandelier by The Peak Antler
Located in Geneve, CH
Challenger Point Peak Mule Deer Antler Chandelier by The Peak Antler Dimensions: D 76.20 x H 91.44 cm Materials: naturally shed antlers Based in, produced and shipped from the US. ...
Antler
Leonardi & Stagi 'Bowling' Table Lamp for Lumeform, Italy 1960s
By Lumenform, Cesare Leonardi and Franca Stagi
Located in Argelato, BO
Franca Stagi; Cesare Leonardi 'Bowling' table light, 1969 H. 25 cm, Ø 22 cm. Made by Lumenform, Scorzè. Sheet metal, painted yellow and white, clear glass, black plastic. Literature: Ferrari...
Metal
Memphis Milano Super Lamp, Blue by Martine Bedin
By Memphis Milano, Martine Bedin
Located in Toronto, ON
Demonstrating the playful spirit of Memphis, Martine Bedin's Super can be dragged along like a puppy on a leash (with a back arched like a stegosaurus' armour). Super consists of a f...
Metal
$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
Tabono Table Lamp in Ceramic by Soheila Mahmoodi
Located in Geneve, CH
Tabono Table Lamp in Ceramic by Soheila Mahmoodi Dimensions: D 13 x W 34 x H 33 cm. Materials: Ceramic Available in different colors. Please contact us. All our lamps can be wired...
Ceramic
$12,002 / item
Signature Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster
Located in Geneve, CH
Signature Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster Dimensions: W 185 x D 11 x H 21 cm (Customizable Height) Materials: Alabaster, Copper (Matt Black finish) Also Available: Satin Gold, Nicke...
Alabaster, Copper
Artemide Wall Lights Steve Lombardi Filicudara Sconces, 1980
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair (2) aluminum post modern wall lamps by Steve Lombardi for Artemide, circa 1980 Italy Original, marked pair of post-modern sconces, 100W each, Edis...
Aluminum
Endless Summer Wall Sconce, Right Side by Katrien Van Der Schueren
Located in Geneve, CH
Endless Summer Wall Sconce, Right Side by Katrien Van Der Schueren Dimensions: W 30.48 x D 12.7 x H 101.6 cm Materials: Sculpted in concrete and plaster, with a liquid bronze finish ...
Concrete, Other, Bronze
$2,760 / item
Saturno Floor Lamp with a Tilting Disc by Disain1971
Located in Geneve, CH
Saturno Floor Lamp with a Tilting Disc by Disain1971 Dimensions: D 60 x H 160 cm Materials: Gold, Bronze / Oro, Bronzo. Weight: 12 kg. Code: DL1032 Floor lamp with a tilting dis...
Bronze
Vintage Postmodern Italian Nestore Table Lamp by Carlo Forcolini, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant table lamp from the Italian lighting manufacturer Artemide after a design by Carlo Forcolini from the late 1980s. The lights of the Nestore series impress with their eleganc...
Metal
Duo Candle Warmer Table Lamp in Walnut Color Coated Metal & Linen by KIMU
Located in Geneve, CH
Duo Candle Warmer Table Lamp in Walnut Color Coated Metal & Linen by KIMU Unique Piece Dimensions: D 8 x W 23,5 x H 26 cm. Materials: Linen and metal. Available in different finishe...
Metal
Mt Elbert Elk & Mule Deer Series Antler Chandelier by The Peak Antler
Located in Geneve, CH
Mt Elbert Elk & Mule Deer Series Antler Chandelier by The Peak Antler Dimensions: D 182.88 x H 182.88 cm Materials: naturally shed antlers Based in, produced and shipped from the US...
Antler
$451Sale Price|30% Off
Italian Sculptural White Ceramic Cactus Table Lamp with Opaline Bulb, 1970s
Located in Toronto, CA
This sculptural Italian table lamp from the 1970s beautifully blurs the line between lighting and art. Crafted from glossy white glazed ceramic, the stylized cactus form cradles a la...
Ceramic
$1,534 / item
Frame Miroir Small Wall Lamp by Violaine d'Harcourt
Located in Geneve, CH
Frame Miroir Small Wall Lamp by Violaine d'Harcourt Dimensions: D 11 x W 24 x H 35 cm. Materials: Lacquered steel and paper. Wall light in lacquered steel, made in Portugal, bulb in...
Steel
$858 / item
Giaco Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Giaco Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 18 x D 12 x H 23 cm Materials: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Al...
Crystal, Metal, Steel
Vintage Bilia Lamps by Claudio Salocchi for Lumenform, Italy, 1970s – Set of 2
Located in Buzzò, Emilia-Romagna
A rare pair of vintage “Bilia” lamps designed by Claudio Salocchi in 1971 and produced by Lumenform, Italy. Crafted from bent sheets of chrome-plated stainless steel, each lamp eleg...
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