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.
Mario Bellini for Artemide Table or Floor Lamp 'Circo' in Off-White Canvas
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Artemide, table or floor lamp, lacquered metal, canvas, Italy, 1978. Quirky and quite unique, this 'circo' table lamp designed by Mario Bellini, is a true example...
Metal
Gianemilio, Piero and Anna Monti for Candle 'Luna' Table Lamp in Fiberglass
By Gianemilio Piero and Anna Monti, Candle
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianemilio, Piero and Anna Monti (Studio di Architettura GPA Monti) for Candle, 'Luna' table or floor lamp, chrome-plated steel, fiberglass, Italy, 1968 This remarkable lamp acquired several affectionate nicknames in our team, like "mushroom" or "cloud" — a reflection of its playful and highly sculptural presence. Its original name, however, is Luna, a reference to the clustered fiberglass domes...
Steel, Chrome
Ralph Lauren Chrome and Black Leather Desk or Table Lamp
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Good-looking Ralph Lauren dual-bulb table lamp designed and made in America. Made mostly of steel throughout, chromed and overlaid with leather. This results in a super stylized look...
Chrome, Steel
Vico Magistretti for O-Luce 'Atollo' First Edition '233' Table Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for O-Luce, 'Atollo' lamp, first edition model '233', aluminum, Italy, 1977 The Atollo lighting object, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1977, stands as one of his m...
Aluminum
Italian Model Tabla Table Lamp by Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo, 1980s
By Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern table lamp from the Italian manufacturer Italiana Luce based on a design by Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo from the 80s. Sculptural table lamp with a changeable shape....
Metal
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
Vintage PAF Studio Dove Italian Table Lamp Mario Barbaglia & Marco Colombo MCM
By Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo, PAF Studio
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, iconic postmodern "Dove" desk lamp, designed by Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo for PAF Studio (later known as Italiana Luce) in Milan, Italy, around 1984....
Plastic
Ralph Lauren Chrome and Brown Leather Desk or Table Lamp
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Good-looking Ralph Lauren table lamp designed and made in America. Made mostly of steel throughout, chromed and overlaid with leather. This results in a super stylized look that stan...
Chrome
Ron Rezek Table Lamp 1980s
By Ron Rezek
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Post-modern table lamp by Los Angeles lighting designer Ron Rezek, c.1980s. The lamp features a black enameled metal frame and removable black shade with polished brass ring accent t...
Metal
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
Post-Modern hand-crafted Cocoon resin table lamps, Italy, 70s
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos, Achille Castiglioni
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Pair of sculptural hand-crafted cocoon table lamps, Italy, 1970s. Formed by several varnished pine wood elements of different shapes and sizes, creating two curious columns of a cert...
Resin, Wood, Pine
A SHABBY-CHIC BAROQUE NEO-CLASSICAL Sculptural Bronze TABLE LAMP, France 1980.
By Philippe Anthonioz
Located in PARIS, FR
An elegant and sculptural very large table lamp (or small floor lamp) of organic, plant inspiration, Post-Modernist, Neo-Baroque, rectangular base and vertical axis with sculpted bronze body with gunmetal patina, in the spirit of Philippe Anthonioz...
Bronze
Ron Rezek Table Lamp Orbit by for Bieffeplast, circa 1980
By Bieffeplast, Ron Rezek
Located in Vienna, AT
Wonderful Minimalist black metal desk lamp by American designer Ron Rezek for Bieffeplast, Italy. The counter balance arm allows to pivot and mov...
Brass
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
Post-Modern Missoni Table Lamp by Massimo Valloto, Italy, 1980s
By Missoni, Missoni Home
Located in Vienna, AT
An amazing colorful postmodern Missoni table or side lamp from the 1980s, designed by Massimo Valloto, executed by Ceramiche Viba, Bassano, Italy. This light has a conical unusual ce...
Metal, Brass
Orange Ceramic Table Lamp by Louis Drimmer, France, Late 20th Century
Located in Barntrup, DE
French orange ceramic table lamp by Louis Drimmer from the late 20th Century. This colorful Post-Modern table lamp features an impressive lamp base - pebble-shaped irregularly stacke...
Brass
Rare Pair of Post-Modern Adjustable 'Orbit' Lamps by Ron Rezek
By Ron Rezek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare pair of adjustable 'Orbit' lamps by Ron Rezek, circa 1980. High-end Post-Modern design featuring adjustable height swing arms and 2 light intensity settings: full, half, off. T...
Aluminum, Steel
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
80s Pop Art Desk Lamp in the Postmodern Memphis Style
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
80s Pop Art desk lamp in the postmodern Memphis Style 80s 90s Postmodern desk lamp that can be extended to different heights. In the base there is a screw...
Metal
Postmodern Martini Lamp by David Krys
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A rare 1993 postmodern martini lamp designed by David Krys. Metal wire forms the glass' shape with a skewered green olive stuffed with a red light bulb disguised as a pimento. Great ...
Chrome
$1,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pr. Mid Century Cast Plaster Cactus Table Lamps by Bon Art
Located in New York, NY
Tres chic pair of cast plaster cactus table lamps, in very fine original condition. Both lamps are in working condition, original shades included, but s...
Plaster
Ingo Maurer Gaku lamp - Germany, 1998
By Ingo Maurer
Located in London, GB
The Gaku table lamp by Ingo Maurer is a study in finesse, defined by a shade reminiscent of a Calla in bloom. With a palpable fragility, it diffuses light into a gentle glow. The com...
Fabric
Post Modern Desk Lamp by Ron Rezek, ca. 1980's
Located in New York, NY
Chic 1980's desk lamp by Ron Rezek, in excellent original, clean and working condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age. The hood shade (6.5 in. diam...
Metal
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. Here in a rare version with a shaft made of light beech wood. The Pao lights impress with their characterist...
Glass, Wood
Large White Vintage Post Modern Plaster Beehive Jar Table Lamps - A Pair
By Elite
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A pair of large post-modern table lamps in plaster. We love a good plaster lamp, and two is better than one! Each is created from a textured creamy plaster and features raised coils ...
Metal
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
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
Ettore Sottsass Style Memphis Group Metal & Acrylic Lamp Set
By Ettore Sottsass, Pierre Cardin, Memphis Group
Located in Bensalem, PA
This listing is for the set please look at pictures for overall detail stunning black electroplatied metal with acrylic rings feel free to reach out with any questions
Metal
Tabla table lamp by Mario Barbaglia & Marco Colombo for Italiana Luce, 1988.
By Italiana Luce, Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo
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
$1,155Sale Price|30% Off
David Grant Maul Blown Glass Neon Lamp Sculpture, 1983
By Rudi Stern
Located in Miami, FL
Artisan blown glass neon lamp sculpture on black acrylic base by David Grant Maul, 1983. Singed and dated.
Glass, Acrylic
1 (of2) ART-DECO NEOCLASSICAL Lacquer TABLE LAMP by PHILIPPE BARBIER France 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
An elegant and singular table lamp, Pop, Post-Modernist, Psychedelic, Shabby-Chic, in lacquered metal in shades of khaki, with cylindrical lampshade, by Philippe Barbier, France 1970...
Metal
Vintage Brass Saturn Table Lamp, Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, 1980
By George Kovacs, Robert Sonneman
Located in San Carlos, CA
Vintage Brass "Saturn" Table Lamp by Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, United States, circa 1980 A definitive example of American postmodern lighting design. Robert Sonneman's "Sat...
Brass
E63 Robot Table Lamp by Umberto Riva for Bieffeplast
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
Postmodern German Model Minispot Table Lamp from Osram, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern table or wall lamp from Osram. A functional design with postmodern details. The cubic base primarily consists of the cladding of the transformer. On the outside it is dec...
Metal
Chrome Stacked Ball Table Lamp c. 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Classic chrome stacked ball table lamp by George Kovacs, circa 1970's. This example is in very good original, clean and working condit...
Chrome
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
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
A RADICAL POST-MODERN Neon TABLE or DESK LAMP by GERALD ABRAMOVITZ, England 1970
By Gerald Abramovitz, Best & Lloyd
Located in PARIS, FR
A rare table lamp, Post-Modernist, Memphis, Kinetic, Radical Design, Minimalist, rectangular base with aluminum cover housing a transformer, vertical axis and adjustable aluminum arm...
Metal
Pair of 1980s Italian Murano Glass Cone Table Lamps
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Elegant pair of Murano glass lamps crafted in the 1980s with a striking conical form. Each lamp is made with clear and white glass featuring black speckled details that create a refi...
Murano Glass
Skymning (Twilight) Lamp by Ehlén Johansson, 1990s
By IKEA
Located in Hanover, MA
Skymning (Twilight) lamp by Ehlén Johansson, 1990s for Ikea, Sweden. Chrome, brass, and opaline glass shade. Single Edison screw socket takes a 60 watt lightbulb.
Chrome, Brass
Table Lamp “Bugia” by Giuseppe Cormio for iGuzzini, Italy, 1980s
By iGuzzini
Located in Hagenbach, DE
The “Bugia” table lamp, designed by Giuseppe Cormio for iGuzzini in the 1980s, is a standout example of Italian postmodern lighting design. With its name meaning "candle" or "lie" in...
Metal, Aluminum
An ART-DECO NEOCLASSICAL TABLE LAMP by PHILIPPE BARBIER, France 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
An elegant table lamp, Post-Modernist, NeoClassical, Shabby-Chic, a nickeled metal cylindrical base and 2 spherical body with a final cylindrical lampshade, by Philippe Barbier, Fran...
Metal
$5,850 / set
Pair of Murano Glass Lamps by Vetri
Pair of Murano glass lamps by Vetri. Large pair of Postmodern Murano glass pyramid or triangular shaped lamps. This unusual and rare pair of Italian lamps was manufactured by Vetri, ...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
1990s Multicolored Lucite and Chrome Time Tunnel Lamp
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fantastic cylindrical table lamp with blue and red lucite rings, a mesh interior, and a chrome frame that gives perfect 1990s vibes! In very good vintage condition with wear con...
Chrome
Italian modern table lamp Daphine Classic by Tommaso Cimini for Lumina, 2010s
By Lumina, Tommaso Cimini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern table lamp Daphine Classic by Tommaso Cimini for Lumina, 2010s Adjustable table lamp model Daphine Classic in black painted metal. The compact base, complete with a sw...
Metal
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
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
Very cool pop art Post Modern table lamp with colorful Resin Pretzels sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Very cool pop art Post Modern lamp featuring a central frosted white light column supporting a vertical stack of resin pretzels. Each pretzel topped with a crystalline granular textu...
Resin, Acrylic
Adjustable Post Modern Halogen Desk Lamp by Holtkotter Made in Germany c. 1980's
By Holtkoetter
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Post-Modern style desk lamp by noted German maker Holtkotter, circa 1980's. The lamp features several adjustments, including a swivel and tilt point at the base, as well...
Brass
$3,534Sale Price|20% Off
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
$511Sale 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
Pimlico Table Lamp in Solid Beech with Lacquer and Linen by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Pimlico Table Lamp in Solid Beech with Lacquer and Linen by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 32 x H 49 cm. Materials: Hand-turned solid beech wood finished in a premium glossy lacquer. ...
Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Postmodern Pair of "Bonsai" Wood Table Lamps by Blauet, Barcelona, 1990s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique and pretty Postmodern Spanish "Gran Bonsai" Pair of Beech Wood Table Lamps by Blauet. Model: B1458-15 Natural / Chrome. These Table Lamps were designed by Josep Llusca for Bla...
Metal
A POP POST-MODERN Lucite TABLE LAMP by MARIE-CLAUDE DE FOUQUIERES France 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
DESCRIPTION: An exceptional and sculptural monolythic table lamp or night light, Post-Modernist, Pop, Space-Age, in a block of massive yellow amber fractal resin, illuminated transpa...
Lucite, Plexiglass
Postmodern Vintage Table Lamp from Artimeta, 1980s
By Artimeta
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare table lamp from Artimeta in black, white and chrome. An elegant design with a minimalist foot and postmodern elements. The wide-curved arm, which is stabilized over a simple, b...
Metal
Holtkotter Saucer Top Table Lamp Model 6233 c. 1980's
By Holtkoetter
Located in New York, NY
Chic dome top desk, or table lamp by Holtkotter Leuchen model 6233, circa 1980's. The lamp is in very good, original, clean and working condition, showing only inconsequential cosme...
Brass
$2,150 / item
Ceiba Lamp
Located in Mérida, MX
This lamp reads as a small ceramic totem that lives somewhere between the domestic object and sculpture. Its compact, archetypal conical silhouette can evoke a popular mexican tree k...
Clay, Resin
Francesco Buzzi Ceriani 'Cuffia' Table Lamp in Black Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Francesco Buzzi Ceriani 'Cuffia' table lamp, aluminum, steel, chrome, Italy, design 1960s The Cuffia table lamp, designed by Francesco Buzzi Ceriani in 1960s Italy, is a refined exa...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Vintage French Model Dum-Dum Egg Glass Table Lamp from SCE, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Table lamp in the form of the French manufacturer SCE. The elegant glass diffuser shows the shape of a simple egg. In addition to the function as a functional light source, this lam...
Glass
$800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Robert Sonneman Saturn Desk Table Lamps Pair
By George Kovacs, Robert Sonneman
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Metal