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.
Memphis Style Postmodern Mirror, 1980s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This mirror is maximalist heaven. Handmade in the late 20th century and influenced by the Memphis Design style, it features bold colors and silhouettes, With wavy edges and pointed c...
Mirror, Wood
Postmodern Square Beige Wall Mirror with a Beveled Glass, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, November 5th 1974. This mirror features a beige beveled mirror frame. The back is stamped with the date of manufacture. It might show slight traces of use since it's ...
Mirror
Serigraphy on Rectangular Mirror with a Photo by David Hamilton, 1970s-1980s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
1970s - 1980s. This is a rare and particular mirror with a serigraphy of a photo taken by David Hamilton. It features an aluminum frame. It is a vin...
Aluminum
Irregular Wavy Single Mirror with Natural Grey Stone Base by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Illusio Single Mirror by Andres Monnier One of a Kind. Dimensions: D 80 x W 25 x H 190 cm Materials: white Quarry Stone Andrés Monnier is a Mexican ar...
Stone
$1,153 / item
Mirrò Mirror by Mingardo
Located in Geneve, CH
Mirrò mirror by Mingardo Dimensions: D 26 x W 6 x H 32 cm Materials: Iron and natural brass, mirror Weight: 4 kg Also available in different finishes. Mirrò is a small des...
Brass, Iron
$8,567 / item
Classic Crystallized Mirror by Mark Sturkenboom
Located in Geneve, CH
Classic Crystallized mirror by Mark Sturkenboom Dimensions : L 90 x W 52cm Materials: Metal and natural crystals Mark Sturkenboom (Driebergen, 1983) is an artist that graduated ...
Crystal, Metal, Other
Dark Blue Eclipse X-Large Hand-Sculpted Mirror, Laurene Guarneri
Located in Geneve, CH
Dark blue Eclipse X-large hand-sculpted mirror, Laurene Guarneri Limited edition. Handmade. Materials: Dark blue mirror, white glass, sky blue mirr...
Glass, Mirror
$8,293 / item
Lunar X-Large Hand-Sculpted Mirror, Laurene Guarneri
Located in Geneve, CH
Lunar X-large hand-sculpted mirror, Laurene Guarneri Limited edition. Handmade. Materials: Sky blue colored mirror, dark blue colored mirror, da...
Glass, Mirror
$1,005 / item
Unique Handmade Grisaille Alice Mirror
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique handmade grisaille Alice mirror. Available colors: Gold on clear mirror, grey on clear mirror, black mirror Materials: Glass and steel ...
Glass
Hand-Crafted White Washed Wood Arched Wall Mirror, France, 1970
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
White bleached wood arched wall mirror. Post Modern vintage French arched topped wall mirror. This washed out twisted wood mirror offers an optimal...
Wood
$753 / item
Gio Mirror by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
Gio Mirror by Doimo Brasil Dimensions: D 60 x H 5 cm Materials: Rim: reconst. leather, Strap: reconst. leather. Also available in D 90 x H 5, D 130 x H 5 cm. Please contact us. ...
Leather
$1,736 / item
Ilario Mirror by Mingardo
Located in Geneve, CH
Ilario mirror by Mingardo Dimensions: D 47 x W 18.5 x H 47 cm. Materials: iron and natural brass, mirror. Weight: 7 kg Also available in different finishes. The name of the...
Brass, Iron
$959 / item
Mob Mirror by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
Mob Mirror by Doimo Brasil Dimensions: W 50 x D 5 x H 50 cm Materials: Veneer. Also available in W 50 D 5 x H 75 cm. Please contact us. With the intention of providing good tas...
Wood
Sharp Rectangular Double Mirror with Irregular Black Stone by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Tempus Mirror by Andres Monnier One of a Kind. Dimensions: D 35 x W 70 x H 190 cm Materials: Portoro black marble. Stone options available: grey, black and white marble, natural and ...
Stone
1970s Champagne Gold Italian "Unghia" 'Nail' / Lipstick Floor Mirror by Benetto
By Rodolfo Bonetto, Roger Lecal
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Discover this striking 1970s "Unghia" (nail) or lipstick floor mirror in a luscious champagne gold, designed by Rodolfo Benetto for Benetto Italia. Rem...
Mirror, Paint
Vintage Postmodern Oval Wall Mirror with a Beech Frame, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s-1970s. It features a curved beech frame. This mirror is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excellent o...
Mirror, Beech
$1,999 / item
Cordiale Medium Malva Green Mirror by Roberto Paoli
Located in Geneve, CH
Cordiale Medium Malva Green Mirror by Aki Kuroda Dimensions: D 5 x W 80 x H 110 cm. Materials: Polyethylene and mirror. Weight: 14 kg. Available in different color options. Prices m...
Other
Eryn Burnt Brass Contemporary Art Mirror by Samuel Costantini
Located in Geneve, CH
Eryn brass mirror by Samuel Costantini Dimensions: D30 x H3 cm Materials: brass, mirror A circle branch wrapped in ivy. Made entrely of brass a...
Brass
Postmodern Round Anodized Brass Vanity Mirror Attr. to Sergio Mazza, Italy
By Sergio Mazza
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. It features an anodized brass and varnished metal frame. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in ...
Brass, Metal
Postmodern Smoked Wall Mirror with a Triple Chrome-Plated Metal Frame, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This mirror features a tripe chrome-plated metal frame and a smoked mirror. It might show slight traces of use since it's vintage, but it can be considered as ...
Chrome, Metal
Postmodern Round Silver Steel Wall Mirror Attributed to Sergio Mazza, Italy
By Sergio Mazza
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This mirror features a steel frame. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excellent original cond...
Steel
Mid-Century Post Modern Large Round or Circular Wall Mirror in Beige & Brass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large and impressive wall mirror attributed to Karl Springer in the 1980's. It consists of a lacquer finish on wood with a very large round mirror and brass accent.
Brass
Postmodern Round Wall Mirror with Mirrored Steel Frame, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This mirror features a mirrored steel frame. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show traces of use and oxidation due to time, but it can be considered as...
Steel
$11,114 / item
Materia Colectiva Mirror II by Marcela Cure
Located in Geneve, CH
Materia Colectiva Mirror II by Marcela Cure Limited Edition of 8 Dimensions: W 70 x D 12 x H 90 cm Materials: Hand-pigmented resin. A sculptural seat shaped like a carved geological...
Resin
Italian Post Modern Round Shape Mirror with Square Plastic Frame, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian post modern round shape mirror with square plastic frame, 1980s. Round-shaped mirror, inserted in a square-shaped white plastic frame. 198...
Mirror, Plastic
La Celebración Small Colorful Mirror in Fiberglass by Joyful Objects Yes!
Located in Geneve, CH
La Celebración Small Colorful Mirror in Fiberglass by Joyful Objects Yes! Dimensions: D 6 x W 65 x H 60 cm. Materials: Mirror and fiberglass. Avail...
Mirror, Fiberglass
Irregular Wavy Double Mirror with Natural Grey Stone Base by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Illusio double mirror by Andres Monnier One of a Kind. Dimensions: D 80 x W 25 x H 190 cm - Each mirror Materials: White Quarry Stone Andrés Monnier i...
Stone
$7,916 / item
Mudu Ellptical Mirror, Designed by Heima
By Heima
Located in Geneve, CH
Mudu Ellptical mirror, designed by Heima Materials: Corian, steel, oak Dimensions: 170 x 123 x 45 cm. Lithuanian architecture studio Heima has developed a sculptural freestandin...
Mirror
Dark Blue Eclipse Large Hand-Sculpted Mirror, Laurene Guarneri
Located in Geneve, CH
Dark Blue Eclipse large hand-sculpted mirror, Laurene Guarneri Limited edition. Handmade. Materials: Sky blue colored mirror, dark blue colored ...
Glass, Mirror
$18,299 / item
Materia Colectiva Mirror I by Marcela Cure
Located in Geneve, CH
Materia Colectiva Mirror I by Marcela Cure Limited Edition of 8 Dimensions: W 125 x D 12 x H 225 cm Materials: Hand-pigmented resin. A sculptural seat shaped like a carved geologica...
Resin
Organic Shape Mirror with Grey Stone Base in Center by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Narciso Uno Mirror by Andres Monnier Dimensions: W 35 x D 60 x H 180 cm Materials: Eran grey mirror- glass, black marble Piece inspired by the myth of Narciso, of Greek mythology. The shape of the...
Stone
Unique Mouth-Blown Glass Brass Mirror, Ludovic Clément d’Armont
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Mouth-Blown Glass Brass Mirror, Ludovic Clément d’Armont Every creation of Ludovic Clément d’Armont can be made to order in any requested dimensions. Please contact us for cus...
Brass
Organic Shape Mirror with Irregular Marble Base by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Organic Shape Mirror with Irregular Marble Base by Andres Monnier Dimensions: D 65 x W 25 x H 170 cm Materials: Marble and mirror. This piece is a variant of the original design and...
Marble
$4,249 / item
Mirooo Limited Edition Mirror by Moure Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Mirooo Limited Edition mirror by Moure Studio Limited Edition of 8. Dimensions: D 60 x W 57 x H 57 cm Materials: Ornate bronze and brass glass and pati...
Brass, Bronze, Other
Sabbia Small Wood And Colored Mineral Lime Plaster Mirror by Dennis Kaiser
Located in Geneve, CH
Sabbia Small Wood And Colored Mineral Lime Plaster Mirror by Dennis Kaiser Dimensions: D 5 x W 60 x H 100 cm. Materials: Solid wood, mirror, and plaster. Handcrafted in Tuscany, Ita...
Mirror, Plaster, Wood
Silver Geometric Aluminum Brass Modular Totem Mirror By Studio Sol Leccia
Located in Geneve, CH
TOOOTEM Miroir Totem by STUDIO SOL LECCIA Dimensions: D 5 x H 205 cm Materials: Mirror, Aluminum and Brass. TOOOTEM's were born from the desire to create nomadic work, both strong ...
Aluminum, Brass
$4,569 / item
Cordiale Large Malva Green Mirror by Roberto Paoli
Located in Geneve, CH
Cordiale Large Malva Green Mirror by Roberto Paoli Dimensions: D 5 x W 121 x H 201 cm. Materials: Polyethylene and mirror. Weight: 39 kg. Available in different color options. Price...
Other
$30,157 / item
FL Mirror by Tipstudio
Located in Geneve, CH
FL Mirror by Tipstudio Exclusively sold by Galerie Philia. Dimensions: W 94 x D 25 x H 190 (dimensions may vary) Materials: Mirror, Bronze, other Tipstudio, Imma Matera and Tommaso ...
Bronze, Other
Large Scena Rotonda Murano Mirror by Nikolai Kotlarczyk
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Scena Rotonda Murano mirror by Nikolai Kotlarczyk Dimensions: Wall Version: D 3 x W 60 x H 90 cm Table Version: D 3 x W 60 x H 90 cm Materials: Silvered carved glass, wo...
Marble
$3,769 / item
Lunar Small Hand-Sculpted Mirror, Laurene Guarneri
Located in Geneve, CH
Lunar small hand-sculpted mirror, Laurene Guarneri Limited edition. Handmade. Materials: Sky blue colored mirror, dark blue colored mirror, dark...
Glass, Mirror
$6,282 / item
Dome Mirror by John Vieweg
Located in Geneve, CH
Dome mirror by John Vieweg Dimensions: D 107 x W 107 x H 30.5 cm. Materials: routed plywood. RELIEF refers to both a formal and psychological condition. Historically, reliefs have been made by carving away at natural materials. Thehighkey puts a contemporary spin on this technique by cutting into common industrial products such as plywood and foam. By softening the square edges of these items, their human qualities are revealed. The Glove Couch...
Plywood
“Rondò” Classic Round Mirror in Matte Brass-Plated Stainless Steel, by Mingardo
Located in Geneve, CH
“Rondò” Classic Round Mirror in Matte Brass-Plated Stainless Steel, by Mingardo Dimensions: D100 x H 100 cm Materials: Matt brass plated stainles...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$4,523 / item
Spinning Mirror by Sophia Taillet
Located in Geneve, CH
Spinning Mirror by Sophia Taillet Dimensions: D 49 x W 79 x H 79 cm. Materials: Raw aluminum and mirror. Sophia Taillet is a designer, who graduated from the Ecole Nationale des Art...
Aluminum
$15,329 / item
Glass Repeated Mirror II, by OS and OOS
By Oskar Peet and Sophie Mensen
Located in Geneve, CH
Glass repeated mirror II, by OS And OOS Dimensions: 112 x 152 x 5.5 cm Materials: Rosé glass, nero assoluto marble, champagne metal spacers and bronze mirroring foil. Studio OS ...
Glass
$5,277 / item
Barbican Mirror No.4 by A Space
Located in Geneve, CH
Barbican Mirror No.4 by A Space Dimensions: D45,72 x W20,32 x H40,64cm Materials: Misc recycled. The design duo conceived the Barbican Collection over the spring/summer of 2020 ...
Other
$1,105 / item
Small Prix Hand-Sculpted Mirror by Laurene Guarneri
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Prix hand-sculpted mirror by Laurene Guarneri Limited edition Handmade Materials: mirror Sizes: ø 17 x 70 cm (Could be made to order in other dimensions) Hang hook suppli...
Mirror
Special edition Orbis Round Mirror, Brass Frame, Bevel and Bespoke Illumination
Located in London, London
Special Edition Orbis™ round bevelled mirror with a floating reflective handcrafted brushed brass frame frame and bespoke illumination. This Alguacil & Perkoff statement piece showca...
Brass
Rectangular Wall Mirror with Silver Glazed Metal Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. It features a glazed metal frame . This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use and its original, but overall it can be considered as ...
Metal
Postmodern Bronze Rectangular Wall Mirror by Giannobi, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s - 1980s. This mirror features a rose gold mirror with a brass aluminum frame. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be...
Aluminum
Postmodern Wall-Mounted Entryway Mirror and Console Table with Glass Top
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This mirror features a multi-layered beech back, a varnished metal frame, a crystal top and a multi-color serigraphed mirror. It might show slight traces of use...
Crystal, Metal
$3,141 / item
Ombrée Small Hand-Sculpted Mirror, Laurene Guarneri
Located in Geneve, CH
Ombrée small hand-sculpted mirror, Laurene Guarneri Limited edition. Handmade. Gold mirror and yellow glass. Sizes: 40 x 2.5 cm (Could be made to order in other dimensions). ...
Glass, Mirror
Postmodern Oval Wall-Mounted Entryway Mirror and Console Table with Glass Top
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1980s. This mirror features a multi-layered beech back, a varnished metal frame, a crystal top and a multi-color serigraphed mirror. It might show slight traces of use...
Crystal, Metal
Square Mirror Model "Optical" Designed by Alessandro Mendini for Glas, Italy
By Glas Italia, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1990s. This is a limited edition. The mirror was designed by Alessandro Mendini with Sanchita Ajjampur, a famous Indian fashion designe...
Mirror
Colored Mirror with Irregular Shape in the style of Ettore Sottsass, Italy 2010s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made with different colored mirrors, wood and metal. Limited production. This mirror is in excellent original condition and ready to become a piece in a home. The decorative objec...
Metal
$3,643 / item
Perspectiva Mirror by Colección Estudio
Located in Geneve, CH
Perspectiva mirror by Colección Estudio Dimensions: D 35 x W 35 x H 175 cm Materials: oak wood Also available in ebonized oak wood and tzalam wood. Collection 02, intends to improve...
Oak
$15,329 / item
Glass Repeated Mirror II, by OS and OOS
By Oskar Peet and Sophie Mensen
Located in Geneve, CH
Glass repeated mirror II, by OS and OOS Dimensions: 112 x 152 x 5.5 cm Materials: rosé glass, nero assoluto marble, champagne metal spacers and bronze mirroring foil Studio OS a...
Glass
Dark Blue Eclipse Hand-Sculpted Mirror, Laurene Guarneri
Located in Geneve, CH
Dark blue eclipse hand-sculpted mirror, Laurene Guarneri Limited edition. Handmade. Materials: Sky blue colored mirror, dark blue colored mirror, d...
Glass, Mirror
Set of 3 Marrakesh Table Mirrors by Tero Kuitunen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Marrakesh table mirrors by Tero Kuitunen. Material: slip cast terracotta, Mdf, chalk paint, mirror, brass. Dimensions: D30 x H58 cm, D20 x 53cm , D20 x H40 cm Edition of 8...
Brass
Italian Post Modern Round Wall Mirror with Hinged Side Doors, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian post modern round wall mirror with hinged side doors, 1980s Round wall mirror with fixed central part and hinged side doors, fixed to...
Metal
$753 / item
Gio Mirror by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
Gio Mirror by Doimo Brasil Dimensions: D 60 x H 5 cm Materials: Rim: leather, Strap: leather. Also available in D 90 x H 5, D 130 x H 5 cm. Please contact us. With the intentio...
Metal