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.
$2,800Sale Price / set|39% Off
Pair of Fratelli Martini Bronze Floral Italian 1980s Wall Lamps (5)
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of polished bronze floral wall lamps with overlapping petals. Thick heavy bronze over 10 pounds each. Newly rewired. Made by Italia...
Bronze
Ostro Ecru Ceramic Wall Sconce by Simone & Marcel
Located in Geneve, CH
Ostro Ecru Ceramic Wall Sconce by Simone & Marcel Dimensions: D 17 x W 31 x H 31 cm. Materials: Ceramic and glass. Available in different ceramic and marbl...
Marble
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
Italian Postmodern Model Pao T2 Table Lamp by Matteo Thun for Arteluce, 1990s
By Arteluce
Located in Hamburg, DE
The large T2 table lamp version from the Pao lamp series by Matteo Thun. The Pao lamps captivate with their characteristic diffuser made of frosted glass. However, it is rather the ...
Glass, Wood
Large pebble ceramic table lamp by François Chatain, France 1990s
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Large François Chatain lamp in speckled yellow, cobalt blue, and light red glazed ceramic, with its original lampshade. All in very good condit...
Ceramic
Vintage Postmodern Balart Ceiling Lamp by Jorge Pensi for B.Lux, 1980s
By Jorge Pensi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant ceiling light from the Spanish manufacturer B.Lux after a design by Jorge Pensi from the late 1980s. A postmodern design. This lamp convinces with its elegant design languag...
Metal
Austrian Postmodern Pair of "Cocoon" Chandeliers by EGLO Leuchten, 1990s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty Pair of Austrian "Cocoon" Chandeliers. These Chandeliers were designed during the 1990s in Austria by Eglo Leuchten. Original “Eglo” label still shows on the structure. These...
Metal
$195Sale Price|40% Off
Vintage Red Pencil Table Lamp Pop Art Style, 1980s
By Lightolier
Located in Amityville, NY
Vintage Red Pencil Table Lamp Pop Art Style, 1980s. This table lamp, in the form of an oversized pencil, is representative of the 1980s trend of making large versions of everyday obj...
Wood
$1,476 / item
Alba Top Pendant by Contain
Located in Geneve, CH
Alba top pendant by Contain Dimensions: D 15x H 100 cm (custom leght) Materials: Brass, 3D printed PLA structure and optical lens. Also available i...
Brass, Other
$2,812 / item
Zenith #2 Lamp by Elisa Uberti
Located in Geneve, CH
Zenith #2 Lamp by Elisa Uberti Limited series of 8 numbered copies + 1AP Dimensions: W 25 x D 15 x H 50 cm Materials: White Stoneware. This product is hand...
Stoneware
Gino Vistosi for Vistosi Chandelier in Chrome and Murano Glass
By Gino Vistosi, Vistosi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gino Vistosi for Vistosi, chandelier, chrome, murano glass, Italy, 1970s. Wonderfull chandelier designed by Gino Vistosi and manufactured by the family company Vistosi, which has a long history of manufacturing murano glass items. This flamboyant pendant features 32 large glass disks...
Chrome
Paper Milk Large Pendant Light in Ash Wood & Industrial Rice Paper by KIMU
Located in Geneve, CH
Paper Milk Large Pendant Light in Ash Wood & Industrial Rice Paper by KIMU Unique Piece Dimensions: Ø 70 x H 45 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
Postmodern IKEA Table Lamp, Metal & Plastic, Memphis Style, 1980s
By IKEA
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern table lamp from Ikea from the 1980s. Made in Italy. Colored table lamp in Memphis style, made in Italy. Its postmodern design and color scheme are striking. Graphic eleme...
Metal
$10,569 / item
Tryst Three Chandelier by Paul Matter
By Paul Matter
Located in Geneve, CH
Tryst three chandelier by Paul Matter. Materials: brass and porcelain finish glass. Dimensions: W 114.3 x H 182.8 cm. Wight: 15 kg. Tryst chande...
Brass
$1,453 / item
Link Two Glass Globe Wall Sconce by Lamp Shaper
Located in Geneve, CH
Link Two Glass Globe Wall Sconce by Lamp Shaper Dimensions: D 13.5 x W 11.5 x H 46 cm. Materials: Brass and glass. Different finishes available: raw brass, aged brass, burnt brass a...
Brass
Italian Large Pair of Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Barbini Alfredo, 1980s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous and unique Pair of Italian Colorful Murano glass Wall Sconces from 1980s. These fixtures were designed and munufactured during the 1980s in Italy by Alfredo Barbini. “Barb...
Metal
$9,023 / 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
Postmodern Spanish Chromed Table Lamp by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz, 1980s
By Estiluz, Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and cool Postmodern Chromed Table Lamp by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. This Table Lamp was made in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz during 1980s. Model M-1131. “Estiluz” original...
Metal
Tabla table lamp by Mario Barbaglia & Marco Colombo for Italiana Luce, 1988.
By Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo, Italiana Luce
Located in Athens, Attiki
Tabla table lamp by Mario Barbaglia & Marco Colombo for Italiana Luce, 1988. Tabla has an extendable adjustable arm, made of lightweight polycarbonate plastic, that pivots on the pea...
Metal
1970s Wall Lights in Silver-Colored Metal & Blown Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wall lights, coated brass, coated aluminum, blown glass, Europe, 1970s Elegant-designed wall lights from Europe, dating back to the 1970s. Its clean and understated structure exudes...
Aluminum, Brass
Stilnovo UFO pendant, Stilnovo, 1980
By Stilnovo
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, FR
UFO suspension of a big milky opalescent globe made by the Italian brand Stilnovo in the 1980's. Light pendant for ceiling.
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Milk Glass, Murano Glass, Opaline Glass
$6,430Sale 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
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
Swedish Designer, Sconces, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, c. 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and rattan sconces designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Sold with Lampshade. Dimensions stated are of Wall Light with S...
Brass
$1,870Sale 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
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
1970s Red Manon Lamp by Yamada Shomei
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfectly Space Age foldable desk lamp that brings playful Japanese ingenuity to mid-century modern and postmodern design loves. Designed by Yamada Shomei in the 1970s, this iconic...
Metal
Top Top 125 Ultra Blue Pendant Lamp by +kouple
Located in Geneve, CH
Top Top 125 Ultra Blue Pendant Lamp by +kouple Dimensions: D 9,5 x W 7,2 x H 27,3 cm. Materials: Powder-coated steel. Available in different color options. The PVC cord length is 2...
Steel
Contemporary Textured Brass Chandelier, Tryst Three by Paul Matter
By Paul Matter
Located in Warsaw, PL
Contemporary Textured Brass Chandelier, Tryst Three by Paul Matter Tryst chandelier explores the relationship between interlocked forms in perfect union a...
Brass
$2,560Sale Price / item|20% Off
Architectural Scale Glow Chandeliers Made in Italy by Pallucco circa 2000-2010
By Pallucco, Enrico Franzolini
Located in New York, NY
Incredible Italian design chandeliers, made in Italy by Pallucco, as part of their famous Glow series. This series was designed by Enrico Franzolini and Vincente Garcia Jimenez, thes...
Metal
Dayan White Engobe Ceramic Table Lamp by Grès Éditions
Located in Geneve, CH
Dayan White Engobe Ceramic Table Lamp by Grès Éditions Unique Piece. Dimensions: Lampshade: Ø 54 x H 18 cm. Base: H 46 cm. Materials: Ecru cotton and ceramic. Weight: 4,2 kg. Electr...
Ceramic, Cotton
Space Age 3-Line Series Table Lamps by Frandsen - A Pair
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This is a RARE pair of Model 3000-B, 3-Line series table lamps. designed by Benny Frandsen for Frandsen Lighting, Denmark. Lamps are constructed of metal, finished in blacn with w...
Metal
$12,374 / item
Mano Standing Lamp by Umberto Bellardi Ricci
Located in Geneve, CH
Mano standing lamp by Umberto Bellardi Ricci. Dimensions: D 18" x W 12" x H 73 in. Materials: Brass, Aluminium base, Led strip. All our lamps can b...
Aluminum, Brass
$1,218 / item
White Alabaster Edna Table Lamp by Simone & Marcel
Located in Geneve, CH
White Alabaster Edna Table Lamp by Simone & MarcelMarcel Dimensions: D 15 x W 44 x H 46 cm. Materials: Cotton, brass and white alabaster. Also available in different marbles and cer...
Alabaster, Brass
"Estela" Lamp BRAZIL - 1997
By Fernando and Humberto Campana
Located in Forest, BE
Designed by the Brazilian due Humerto and Fernando Campana for Oluce in 1997, and integrating the permanent collection of Vitra, the “Estela” lamp uses a simple solution consisting o...
Metal
1980s Fluorescent Floor or Wall Lamp by Gian Nicola Gigante for Zerbetto
By Dan Flavin 1, Gian Nicola Gigante, Zerbetto
Located in Dronten, NL
A striking fluorescent floor or wall lamp designed by Gian Nicola Gigante for Zerbetto, produced in the 1980s, exemplifying the experimental and architectural approach to lighting de...
Steel
Postmodern Zen Table Lamp by Sergio & Oscar Devesa for Metalarte, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
A rare table light from the Spanish manufacturer Metalarte after a design by Sergio & Oscar Devesa from the 80s. The shape of this design is based on the properties and possibilitie...
Metal
Hero Lamp by Panorammma, Stainless Steel & Acrylic Sphere, Sculptural Floor Lamp
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Hero Lamp is a sculptural floor lamp virtuously crafted in stainless steel which holds a lightly tinted acrylic globe that gives off a warm candle-like light. This unique light pie...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$644 / item
14.1 Single Pendant by Bocci
Located in Geneve, CH
14.1 Single pendant by Bocci Dimensions: D 11.6 x H 300 cm Materials: brushed nickel Weight: 2 kg Adjustable lengths, Other materials and dimensions can be ordered. All our la...
Nickel
Italian Postmodern Wall Light, 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Monumental Italian Postmodern wall light. Carries 3 light bulbs.
Metal
Post-Modern Table Lamps by Gae Aulenti, Chrome & Acrylic, Italy, 1970s
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of 1970s Italian "Quadrifoglio" Table Lamps by Gae Aulenti for Harvey Guzzini Exude classic Italian Space Age sophistication with this stunning, rare pair of "Quadrifoglio" (Fou...
Chrome
Maratus 12 Blue Smoke Glass and Polished Bronze Hanging Lamp by Isabel Moncada
Located in Geneve, CH
Maratus 12 Blue Smoke Glass and Polished Bronze Hanging Lamp by Isabel Moncada Dimensions: Ø 110 x H 155 cm. Materials: Cast bronze, blown glass and turned brass. Maratus gets its n...
Brass, Bronze
Callimaco floor lamp in metal Black by Ettore Sottsass for Artemide, Italy 1982
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Callimaco floor lamp designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982 for Artemide. Limited edition, black version, metal structure, emblematic lamp of Sottsass Radical Design that brings artisti...
Steel
No. 13 Circle Green, Grey Contemporary Art Wall Sconce by Sander Bottinga
Located in Geneve, CH
Circle Blue Grey Wall Sconce by Sander Bottinga. Handmade in brass, leather, wood, and hand-printed and painted linen. Dimensions: H 35 x W 27 x D 23 cm. (A dimmer is inlaid with le...
Brass
$515Sale 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
No. 13 Circle Green, Grey Contemporary Art Wall Sconce by Sander Bottinga
Located in Geneve, CH
Circle Blue Grey Wall Sconce by Sander Bottinga Handmade in brass, leather, wood, and hand-printed and painted linen. A dimmer is inlaid with leathe...
Brass
Contemporary Stainless Steel Conical Wall Light by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Stainless Steel Conical Wall Light by Henry Wilson Dimensions: W 19 x D 20 x H 12 cm Materials: Stainless Steel Lost wax cast in solid stainless st...
Stainless Steel
$1,078Sale 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
Post-Modern Octaëder Floor Lamp or Light Object by Marcel Simons, 1993
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magical and rare Post-Modern Octaëder floor lamp or light object. Design by Marcel Simons. Striking Dutch design from the 1990s Made out of glass plates and yellow plastic pyramid in...
Glass
$1,400Sale Price|50% Off
1980s Space Age Triangular Murano Glass Flush / Wall Light
By La Murrina
Located in New York, NY
A hand Blown Murano Glass Triangular pyramid clear and white with gold fitting. Made by La Murrumbidgee 1980. Golden brass fixture. Rewired I’m. Three candelabra sockets. Signed.
Brass
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
Ostro Green Ceramic Wall Sconce by Simone & Marcel
Located in Geneve, CH
Ostro Green Ceramic Wall Sconce by Simone & Marcel Dimensions: D 17 x W 31 x H 31 cm. Materials: Ceramic and glass. Available in different ceramic and marble options and finishes. C...
Ceramic, Glass
$1,839 / item
Medium Geo Sconce by The GoodMan Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Geo Sconce by The GoodMan Studio Dimensions (May vary): ⌀ 28 x H 6 cm (with ⌀ 11 cm sphere) Materials: Glass, Metal, Silver Leaf Blown glass with silvered leaf glass pearl ce...
Metal, Other
Achille Castiglioni Teli Kd51/R light Flos - Italy 1970s
Located in London, GB
Light is tempered and diffused by these rare pendants, an elegant contrast of primary modernist shapes and textured fabric. Achille Castiglioni (1918-2002) and his brother Pier Giaco...
Steel
No. 11 Circle Blue Grey Contemporary Art Floor Lamp by Sander Bottinga
Located in Geneve, CH
Light object, floor lamp, circle blue grey Handmade in brass, leather, wood and hand printed and painted linen. A dimmer is inlaid with leather. Dimensions: H 146 x W 27 x D 16 cm. T...
Brass
$1,113 / item
Alba Simple Wall Alabaster Light by Contain
Located in Geneve, CH
Alba Simple Wall Alabaster Light by Contain Dimensions: D 15 x H 9.5 cm. Materials: alabaster structure and optical lens. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If so...
Alabaster
Miro 1980s Post Modern Table Lamp by Murano Due
Located in New York, NY
Murano Due is a lighting company renowned for combining the ancient glassmaking traditions of Murano, Italy with modern technological innovations to create high quality, handcrafted ...
Metal
$1,992 / item
Stainless Steel Floor Lamp 1 by Georgiev Kiril
Located in Geneve, CH
Stainless Steel Floor Lamp 1 by Georgiev Kiril Dimensions: W 35 x H 140 cm. Materials: Stainless steel. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it w...
Stainless Steel
Dan Chelsea and Rudi Stern Neon Torchiere Floor Lamp for George Kovacs, 1980s
By Rudi Stern and Don Chelsea, George Kovacs
Located in Miami, FL
Rare post modern neon floor lamp with torchiere uplight designed by Dan Chelsea and Rudi Stern for George Kovacs, 1980s. The neon lamp is diffused by a thick piece of original PVC f...
Metal
Small Rio Travertine Table Lamp by Harshita Jhamtani Designs
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Rio Travertine Table Lamp by Harshita Jhamtani Designs Dimensions: D 15.2 x H 17.8 cm Materials: Travertine. Available in Green Forest marble, Sandstone, Travertine, or White ...
Travertine