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.
Ettore Sottsass Memphis Milano Diva Vintage Wall Mirror, Italy, 1984
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Vienna, AT
A post-modern wall-mounted mirror, Model „Diva" designed in 1984 by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano, Italy. This mirror is a vintage original from the 1980s, made from wood and mi...
Glass, Mirror, Laminate, Wood
Full Length Mirror in Powder Coated Steel and Glass by Laylo Studio
By Laylo Studio
Located in Chicago, IL
A glossy, powder-coated steel frame with glass mirror and hardwood ply backer board. Handmade in Chicago to exacting specifications. Let us know your ideal size and finish and ...
Brass, Bronze, Steel, Stainless Steel
A vintage “elephant tusk” mirror after Karl Springer, circa 1979
Located in View Park, CA
A gorgeous elephant tusk mirror with brass detail, circa 1970. Possibly Karl Springer. The tusks are hand-poured resin. Ready to hang as shown on ...
Brass
Post Modern Screen Printed mirror with a Pair of Black Panthers, Art Deco Style
Located in Roma, IT
We offer for sale a stunning serigraph mirror made in Italy around the 1980s. Like many pieces produced during the postmodern movement, its design recalls and reinterprets Art Deco. In this case, the decorative motif of black panthers, characterized by a minimalist and elegant style, is typical of the 1930s. Their silhouette gives an organic shape to the mirror, which is frameless. This mirror, in my opinion, can dialogue with a wide range of interior design styles because, like an art installation, it doesn't have to "match" anything but speaks its own language. This mirror, in my mind, blends together various cultural influences: the seductive black panthers of the bronze sculptures of the 1930s, in technique and result, and the iconic mirror by Man Ray, an exponent of Dadaism and Surrealism, still produced today by Cassina. But, for its minimalism and the immediacy of its graphics, it's also reminiscent of the crazy graphics on the '80s skateboard decks designed by Jim Phillips...
Mirror
Brueton Post Modern "Fist" Mirror/Torchère Designed by Stanley Jay Friedman
By Stanley Jay Friedman, Brueton
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Brueton Large Post Modern "Fist" Mirror, designed by Stanley Jay Friedman, is a striking addition to any space. Its bold brass and stainless steel designed round mirror is flank...
Stainless Steel
$440Sale Price|53% Off
Large Post Modern Memphis Style Zebra & Wenge Wood Asymmetrical Wall Mirror
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Very cool and unusual asymmetrical Memphis style exotic wood wall mirror. This large mirror is made of thick slabs of irregularly shaped wenge wood and includes striped zebra wood on...
Mirror, Zebra Wood, Wood, Wenge
La Celebración Natural Floor Mirror in Chuspata Fiber by Joyful Objects Yes!
Located in Geneve, CH
La Celebración Natural Floor Mirror in Chuspata Fiber by Joyful Objects Yes! Dimensions: D 15 x W 140 x H 210 cm. Materials: Mirror, chuspata fiber, and ash wood. Available in diffe...
Other
EBRU 2 Tone Stone wall mirror
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Ebru Mirror is a sculptural design that blends modern curves with classic elegance, offering a timeless presence in any space. Its distinctive two-tone stonework creates a sense ...
Onyx, Travertine, Marble
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
A HUGE SPECTACULAR SHABBY-CHIC Wall MIRROR by JEAN-CLAUDE MAHEY, France 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional and spectacular octogonal mirror, Post-Modernist, Shabby-Chic, thick lacquered wood with patinated bronze edges, around a wide mirror area, signed on the lower part by Jean Claude Mahey, France 1970. The wide and angular frame features a beautiful black and celadon green zebra lacquer area, with creamy beige lacquered areas, and patinated bronze edges. This is a rare example of Jean-Claude Mahey's dimension in french design. Un exceptionnel et opulent miroir mural...
Talosel
Set Of 7 Perfect Day Monocolor Wall Mirrors by Oscar Maschera
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 7 Perfect Day Monocolor Wall Mirrors by Oscar Maschera Dimensions: Mirror 1: Ø 16 x H 27 cm. Mirror 2: Ø 16 x H 39 cm. Mirror 3: Ø 19,5 x h 39 cm. Mirror 4: Ø 18 x H 54,5 cm. ...
Leather, Mirror
Looking At You 2.0 Mirror in Cast Aluminum and Brass by Jordan Fleming
Located in Geneve, CH
Looking At You 2.0 Mirror in Cast Aluminum and Brass by Jordan Fleming. Limited series, strictly governed by a yearly cap to ensure artisanal quality. Dimensions: W 44 x D 5 x H 80 c...
Aluminum, Brass
$3,571 / item
Bare Bronze Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass
Located in Geneve, CH
Bare Bronze Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass Dimensions: Ø 95 cm. Materials: Silver nitrate on 4 mm bronze curved glass. Discover the Dome Collection, where glass artistry meet...
Other
$3,571 / item
Bare Green Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass
Located in Geneve, CH
Bare Green Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass Dimensions: Ø 95 cm. Materials: Silver nitrate on 5 mm green curved glass. Discover the Dome Collection, where glass artistry meets ...
Other
Large Postmodern Coco Wood Wall Mirror by Robb & Stucky. Circa 1990s
Located in Miami, FL
Large Postmodern Coco Wood Wall Mirror by Robb & Stucky. Circa 1990s Features an asymmetrical solid wood frame with a beautiful lacquered coco wood texture with chrome metal trims. ...
Mirror, Wood
Ultrafragola Mirror, Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova, 1970
By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Ultrafragola light mirror was designed by Ettore Sottsass, with its sinuous silhouette, evocative of a wavy feminine hair, belongs to the series of Mobili Grigi, a complete bedro...
Mirror, Plastic
Python Mirror, Harold Zimmerman Collection, 1988
Located in Chicago, IL
Python Mirror, Harold Zimmerman Collection, 1988. Original stunning large mirror.o. In the style of Karl Springer. Measures 48” wide 60” tall 3” deep.
Python
1980s Postmodern Jean Royère Insp Lacquer Spiral Framed Danish Metal Wall Mirror
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Postmodern Jean Royère Insp Lacquered Spiral Framed Danish Metal Wall Mirror 80s Post Modern, Dramatically minimalist,Danish Modernist Wall Mirror framed in a focal Black lacquered,...
Enamel, Iron
Perfumer Extra Large Wall Mirror With Hand-Molded Bronze Frame by Vogel Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Perfumer Extra Large Wall Mirror With Hand-Molded Bronze Frame by Vogel Studio Dimensions: Ø 71 x H 107 cm. Materials: Cast bronze and mirror. Available in three different sizes. Pr...
Bronze
$553 / item
Large Chic Mirror by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Chic Mirror by Morica Design Dimensions: D 2.2 x W 82 x H 100 cm. Materials: Mirror, brass. Round mirrors in silver mirror finish, with metal detail in brushed brass finish. T...
Metal
$2,156Sale Price|20% Off
John Richard Faux Tortoise Beveled Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
Chic faux tortoise and ebonized wood wall mirror having beveled mirror by John Richard can be hung either way
Mirror, Wood
Maitland Smith Post Modern Octagonal Emerald Green Tessellated Marble Mirror
By Maitland Smith, Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Maitland Smith Post Modern / Art Deco style Octagonal Emerald Green Tessellated Marble Wall Mirror with brass inlay.
Stone, Brass
$12,698 / item
Slit Mirror Steel by Phillip Jividen
Located in Geneve, CH
Slit Mirror Steel by Phillip Jividen Dimensions: W 84 x D 3 x H 112 cm Materials: Stainless Steel. Taking cues from Lucio Fontana’s Slash paintings, the Slit Mirror merges the boun...
Brass
$14,020 / item
Slit Mirror by Phillip Jividen
Located in Geneve, CH
Slit mirror by Phillip Jividen Limited Edition of 25 Dimensions: W 71 x D 3 x H 94 cm Materials: Brass Also available in H 112. Please contact us. Tak...
Brass
$4,894 / item
Jura Mirror by Ah Um Design Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Jura Mirror by Ah Um Design Studio Handmade Dimensions: D 5 x W 91.4 x H 185.4 cm. Materials: Mahogany wood, glass. Available in other finish options. Please contact us. A bold and...
Mahogany, Glass
Man Ray, Mirror Les Grand Trans-Parents, Simon Gavina (First Edition)
By Gavina, Simon Gavina Editions, Man Ray
Located in Argelato, BO
Man Ray, Mirror Les Grand Trans-Parents, Simon Gavina (First Edition), Italy, 1970s An enigmatic play on words for a mirror that has now become a tr...
Glass, Wood
Pelle mirror by Danilo Vale – size S – with a leather upholstered frame
Located in Brasilia, Distrito Federal
Pelle Mirror The Pelle Mirror is born from the intention to give new meaning to leather remnants from our furniture production, applied to its upholstered frame. By reusing this nob...
Leather, Mirror
$10,633 / item
Esprit V1 Wall Mirror by Simone Fanciullacci
Located in Geneve, CH
Esprit V1 Wall Mirror by Simone Fanciullacci Limited Edition of 150 pieces. Signed and numbered. Dimensions: D 16.5 x W 97 x H 87 cm. Materials: Resin with hand-molded plaster finish...
Resin, Plaster
$4,930 / item
Alentejo Brass Square Mirror by InsidherLand
Located in Geneve, CH
Alentejo Brass Square Mirror by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 3 x W 85 x H 85 cm. Materials: Patinated cast brass, clear mirror. 22 kg. Available in other finishes. Alentejo mirror has...
Brass
$3,571 / item
Bare Blue Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass
Located in Geneve, CH
Bare Blue Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass Dimensions: Ø 95 cm. Materials: Silver nitrate on 6 mm dark blue curved glass. Discover the Dome Collection, where glass artistry mee...
Other
Bare Ultrawhite Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass
Located in Geneve, CH
Bare Ultrawhite Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass Dimensions: Ø 95 cm. Materials: Silver nitrate on 5 mm low iron curved glass Discover the Dome Collection, where glass artistry...
Other
$2,224 / item
Large Onde Mirror by Studio Kallang
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Onde Mirror by Studio Kallang Dimensions: W 180 x D 5 x H 70 cm Materials: Solid Sungkai. STUDIO KALLANG IS A SINGAPORE AND SEATTLE BASED PROJECT F...
Wood
Postmodern Hollywood Regency Mirror, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
A mirror of imposing size and heavy quality. A metal plate serves as a support. The mirror surface is bordered and widens upwards. On the sides there are black moldings. Above and be...
Metal
$2,669 / item
Itinera Via VI Standing Mirror by Atlas Project
Located in Geneve, CH
Itinera Via VI Standing Mirror by Atlas Project Dimensions: D 3 x W 55 x H 170 cm. Materials: Black powder painted Iron, mirror, copper, Black Marquinia marble, and wood. Our Proje...
Marble, Iron, Copper
Perfumer XXL Wall Mirror With Hand-Molded Bronze Frame by Vogel Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Perfumer XXL Wall Mirror With Hand-Molded Bronze Frame by Vogel Studio Dimensions: Ø 82 x H 123,5 cm. Materials: Cast bronze and mirror. Available in three different sizes. Prices a...
Bronze
Flow Line II Contemporary Sculptural Silver and Black Mirror by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Flow Line II Contemporary Sculptural Silver and Black Mirror by Homa. Dimensions: W 46 x D 23 x H 14 cm Materials: Blown Glass. Silver Mirror. HOMA is a contemporary design atelier ...
Glass, Mirror
Polished Cast Brass Rino Rosto Mirror by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Rino Rosto Mirror by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 60 x D 12 x H 80 cm Materials: Cast Metal ang Glass. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum. Abou...
Metal
$3,968 / item
Sammukhin Wall Mirror by Studio Indigene
Located in Geneve, CH
Sammukhin Wall Mirror by Studio Indigene Dimensions: D 17.78 x W 91.44 x H 152.4 cm Materials: Reclaimed Teak Wood, Brass. Colors Brown; Natural Wooden Finish Sammukhin / समुखन्, s...
Brass
$1,515 / item
Diamond Large Mirror Emerald
Located in Geneve, CH
Diamond large mirror emerald Dimensions: W 72 x D 6.2 x H 100 cm Material: 4 mm faceted mirror on black painted MDF Weight: 12.8 kg The Diamond large mirror illustrates a perfect combination of function and art. This unique mirror is inspired by the dazzling Art Deco era with its striking diamond shaped wedges, and yet it still manages to invoke a classic feel when placed in the right setting. Reflections Copenhagen, a collection of handmade decorative mirrors and Crystal pieces, finely balanced to challenge the traditional styles and shapes of todays’ homes by adding new dimensions and possibilities to interior decorating. Julie Hugau and Andrea Larsson, inspired by the graphic expression of Art Deco, the vast contrasts of the 1980s and the opportunity to explore the delicate materials that the mirrors are made of, combined their visions and the start of Reflections was a fact. The collection sums up their perspectives of how to provide new expressions through strength and form, the mirrors are designed with a strong visual structure to create a contrast of light and reflections through non-traditional mirror images. A concept built on Julie’s flair for design and production, Andrea’s eye for interior and colors together with their shared vision of creating a product that unites art and decor. Remember, everything in your life is a reflection of a choice you made. If you want a different result, make a different choice Welcome to the world of Reflections. The beauty of craftmanship All Reflections...
Mirror
$1,860 / item
Barbera 'Bronze' Makeup Mirror, Cast Solid Bronze
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Designed by Daniel Barbera, the 'Bronze' make-up mirror is made from a sandcast solid bronze form that is hand finished to a smooth mirror polish, with the option of a satin or black...
Metal, Aluminum, Bronze
Reflecting XL Hanging Mirror Sculpture by Milena Kling
Located in Geneve, CH
Reflecting XL Hanging Mirror Sculpture by Milena Kling Unique Piece. Dimensions: Ø 39 x 59 cm. Materials: Mouth-blown mirror. Each hanging or standing Mirror Sculpture is one of a k...
Mirror
Ultrarainbowla Monumental Floor Mirror, Custom Piece, Greg Palombo, 2023
Located in Culver City, CA
This mirror is simply stunning! Designed by Greg Palombo, woodworker and custom craftsman out of Hurricane, UT this large modern mirror breaths a breath of fresh sunshine into any environment. Inspired by the designs of Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass and his Ultrafragola mirror, this Post-modern / modern style mirror features large bands of color pops that almost melt into the floor. Perfect as a full body mirror, this piece can be used as a floor mirror or can be mounted / cleated to the wall. This mirror is the ultimate selfie mirror and would be prefect used as an accent piece in a maximalist home, or a home that needs a splash of color. This piece would also be incredible used in a retail environment as a display piece. This piece could be used in so many environments, and would easily flex into any Mid-Century Modern, modern or contemporary home. This would also look great in a children's room, nursery, or anywhere that needs a splash of fun color. We currently have this piece in the gallery with a Vladimir Kagan accent chair, and a Peter Shire Bel Air...
Mirror, Hardwood
$12,012 / item
Esprit V2 Wall Mirror by Simone Fanciullacci
Located in Geneve, CH
Esprit V2 Wall Mirror by Simone Fanciullacci Limited Edition of 150 pieces. Signed and numbered. Dimensions: D 19.5 x W 86 x H 123 cm. Materials: Resin with hand-molded plaster finis...
Resin, Plaster
Post Modern Full-Length Wall Mirror in Gold Wood and Metal, 1980s Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful Full-length wall mirror with wooden and metal profiles. The upper and lower profile has two semi-ovals in wood with gilded golden finish. On the sides it has two thin meta...
Wood
“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
$34,066 / item
Camerlengo Mirror by Vetralia
Located in Geneve, CH
Camerlengo Mirror by Vetralia Designed by Giovanni Luca Ferreri Dimensions: W 125 x D 8 x H 205 cm Materials: Deformed mirror with charred wood elements. Bronze details. VETRALIA F...
Bronze
Pop Art Style Green Teal Circular Plastic Wall Mirror 1990s Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Post-Modern Pop Art style wall mirror circular like from plastic and mirror in bold green teal color 1990s Italy. A wonderful colorful wall mirror in very good condition with steppe...
Mirror, Plastic
Italian post-modern resin wall mirror by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, 2005
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian post-modern resin wall mirror by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, 2005 Fantastic and vintage wall mirror with an irregularly shaped and a curved silhouette resin frame, in shad...
Mirror, Resin
Narcisse Mirror by Elsa Foulon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Post-modern mirror by French artist, ceramicist and dealer of 20th century decorative arts, Elsa Foulon. Elsa has now developed her own plate technique and works with materials that ...
Ceramic, Mirror
Pelle mirror by Danilo Vale – size M – with a leather upholstered frame
Located in Brasilia, Distrito Federal
Pelle Mirror The Pelle Mirror is born from the intention to give new meaning to leather remnants from our furniture production, applied to its upholstered frame. By reusing this nob...
Leather, Mirror, Foam
$4,292 / item
Gaelle Mirror by Philippe Colette
Located in Geneve, CH
Gaelle mirror by Philippe Colette Dimensions: D 60 x H 90 cm Materials: mineral lime plaster. With or without indirect lighting. All shapes and sizes can...
Plaster
Autumn Four Seasons Decorative Full Length Mirror by PANOPTIKUM COLLECTIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Autumn Four Seasons Decorative Full Length Mirror by PANOPTIKUM COLLECTIONS Limited Edition Dimensions: D 10,8 x W 90 x H 210 cm. Materia...
Iron
Postmodern Rare 1980s Italian Solid Burlwood Wall Mirror by Masterly Italy Milan
By Roche Bobois, Masterly
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant beautiful postmodern wall mirror solid birdseye maple with accents and beveled mirror , made in Italy by Masterly Milan , for Roche Bobois in a Memphis Style from the 1980's ...
Mirror, Wood, Birdseye Maple
$6,878 / item
Green Halo Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass
Located in Geneve, CH
Green Halo Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass Dimensions: Ø 94,5 cm. Materials: 24k gold luster and ceramic enamels on green glass, mixed techniques. Discover the Dome Collection...
Enamel
Contemporary Post-Modern David Marshall Layered Floral Butterfly Mirror
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
David Marshall signature styling. Frosted Floral mirror wit Butterfly. Very soothing color palette.
Glass, Mirror
Sandstorm Silver Mirror with Copper Pigment Sculptural Design by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Sandstorm Silver Mirror with Copper Pigment Sculptural Design by Homa Dimensions: D 80 x H 0.4 cm Materials: Silver Mirror with Copper Pigment. HOMA is a contemporary design atelie...
Copper
Looking At You 3.0 Mirror in Cast Aluminum and Brass by Jordan Fleming
Located in Geneve, CH
Looking At You 3.0 Mirror in Cast Aluminum and Brass by Jordan Fleming. Limited series, strictly governed by a yearly cap to ensure artisanal quality. Dimensions: W 21 x D 5 x H 28 c...
Aluminum, Brass
Apricot Gold Ziggurat Mirror
Located in Hanover, MA
Custom made 1980’s glam wall mirror signed by "ER" in 1982 in a horizontal ziggurat cruciform clad with horizontals and verticals of golden apricot bronze colored beveled mirrored gl...
Mirror, Wood
Memphis Style 1980's Modern Antique Wall Hanging Mirror
Located in Taranto, IT
Memphis Style 1980's Modernism Wall Hanging Mirror. Memphis Style 1980's Modern Antique Wall Hanging Mirror Measures: Height 186cm Width 63 cm In good conservative condition,...
Metal
Lapis 26 Sculptural Gold Mirror with Handblown Glass by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Lapis 26 Sculptural Gold Mirror with Handblown Glass by Homa Dimensions: W 40 x D 21 x H 40 cm Materials: Blown Glass. Gold Mirror. HOMA is a contemporary design atelier based in Is...
Glass, Mirror