Vintage Space Age furniture captured post–World War II optimism with swooping shapes, bowed lines and experimentation with new materials including plastic and fiberglass.
From the launch of the Sputnik 1 satellite in 1957 to the landing of Apollo 11 astronauts on the moon in 1969, the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States propelled advancements in technology that transformed culture. Space Age design encompassed fashion, architecture, cars, furniture and objects for the home, bringing wonder and hope for the future into everyday life.
Coinciding with Pop art, Space Age style featured bold colors and forms. Eero Aarnio’s Ball chair, which debuted in 1966, used molded fiberglass for a capsule-like space while Verner Panton’s 1959 Panton chair was a single piece of molded plastic for a gravity-defying S shape. Red versions of Olivier Mourgue’s 1964 Djinn chair were futuristic enough to appear on the space station in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Today, Joe Colombo is revered as a master of modern Italian design thanks to the provocative modular furniture pieces he created, such as the Tube chair and the Elda armchair, both of which embody the future-forward spirit of the Space Age.
The Space Age spirit extended to home building too. The futuristic Case Study Houses, which were designed by the likes of Pierre Koenig, Charles and Ray Eames, Richard Neutra and Whitney R. Smith, are considered a high point of modernism and the Southern California lifestyle.
Sometimes the nods to space exploration were more literal, like moon and star motifs or the 1965 Eclisse lamp by Vico Magistretti that saw the mid-century Italian designer integrating a movable inner shade to “eclipse” the light source. Alongside the pioneering moon missions, JVC manufactured the Videosphere portable television reminiscent of the Apollo 11 space helmets.
Although the style faded in the 1970s — with the 1975 joining of the Apollo and Soyuz spacecrafts signaling a new era of cooperation and the global oil crisis impacting the availability of plastics — the era’s innovations influenced designers into the 21st century such as Zaha Hadid and Djivan Schapira.
Find a collection of vintage Space Age seating, tables, lighting and other furniture on 1stDibs.
1970s Space Age Backlit Table Mirror 'UFO' by Étienne Fermigier for PRISUNIC
By Prisunic, Etienne Fermigier
Located in Torquay, GB
Early 70s space age design backlit vanity mirror by Étienne Fermigier for Prisunic Holland. The 'UFO' backlit table mirror comes equipped with detachable cosmetic holding slots and s...
Mirror, Plastic
1970s Italian Vanity Box – Space Age Plastic Cube with Mirror and Storage
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
This vintage vanity box from Italy, dating to the 1970s, is a striking example of Space Age modular design. Molded in hard ABS plastic in a rare salmon and cream colorway, the piece ...
Glass, Plastic
$841Sale Price|44% Off
Italian Orange Space Age vanity mirror, Poltrona Frau style, velvet upholstery
Located in Valladolid, ES
Gorgeous circular table or vanity mirror in Space Age style. The mirror is supported on a cylindrical base, on which it is held at an angle of about 45º. Its exceptional modern-looki...
Metal
Italian Space Age Plastic Vanity Mirror by Olaf Von Bohr for Gedy, 1970s
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
A Space Age vanity mirror designed by Olaf Von Bohr for the Italian manufacturer Gedy during the 1970s. The piece is executed in molded thermoplastic with a deep blue finish and feat...
Plastic
1970s Italian Modular Plastic Containers by Makio Hasuike for Gedy
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
This rare modular container set was designed in the 1970s by Makio Hasuike for the Italian manufacturer Gedy, a company known for pioneering functional plastic design in postwar Ital...
Plastic
1990s Double-Sided Lighted Vanity Mirror, Ivory Plastic, Italy
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
An elegant and functional Space Age vanity mirror from the 1990s, crafted in glossy ivory-toned plastic with a fluid, compact form. The piece can be used on a tabletop or wall-moun...
Glass, Plastic
Space Age orange illuminated table mirror mod. w93, Allibert, West Germany 1960s
By Allibert
Located in Firenze, IT
Space Age Illuminated table / wall mirror Allibert, West Germany 1960s Two mirrors - one is a magnifier, perfect for toilet use, the other one is full size. Equipped with an anti-g...
Plastic
1960s Allibert Space Age Illuminated Mirror with Orange Plastic Base
By Allibert
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
An original 1960s illuminated mirror designed by Allibert, exemplifying the playful functionality of Space Age design. This striking vanity accessory is built with a bold orange plas...
Glass, Plastic
1970s Space Age Lipstick Table Mirror Yellow Plastic Made in Holland Design
By Flair
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Offered is an original 1970s Space Age lipstick table mirror made in Holland, a compact work of pop plastic design that balances utility with sculptural presence. The cylindrical yel...
Glass, Plastic
Vintage Dual Vanity Mirror with Lights by Schott Space Age Decor 1970s
By Schott AG
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
A striking Space Age vanity mirror by Schott, West Germany, circa 1970s. Molded in vibrant orange plastic, the square body swivels to reveal a double-sided setup: one standard mirror...
Glass, Plastic
White Table Mirror / Vanity, Italy ca. 1970
Located in Firenze, IT
White Table Mirror / vanity in ABS 1970's Italy. Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 30 cm Conditions: excellent, no defects
Metal
Italian Space Age Adjustable Table Mirror in Plastic by Filippo Panseca, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian space age adjustable table mirror in cream white ABS plastic by Filippo Panseca, 1970s Table mirror with round mirror and round base, in cr...
Plastic
Nickel Plated Metal & Mirrored Glass 1960s Table Mirror in the Style of S. Mazza
By Sergio Mazza, Artemide
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Table mirror made from brushed nickel-plated metal with pivotable mirror. Its design and production period resembles similar Artemide products. Very good condition.
Brass, Metal, Nickel
Large Circular Mirror / Psyche in Brushed Aluminum by Pierre Vandel
Located in MOUGINS, FR
Large circular mirror / psyche by French designer Pierre Vandel in aluminum. This mirror dates from the beginning of Vandel's career as a designer and is usually dated 1972, a perio...
Aluminum
$270Sale Price|60% Off
H 13.25 in W 12.6 in D 7.5 in
Two Mid-Century Two-Sided Lucite Vanity Table Mirrors
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Two American Mid-Century Modern two-sided vanity table mirrors in the style Charles Hollis Jones. Please note that the list price is per mirror and that they are sold individually.
Mirror, Acrylic, Lucite
Venetian Murano Glass Table Mirror Bohemian Vanity Mirror Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Lovely desktop Murano glass vanity mirror from Italy. Decorated with handmade Bohemian flowers and supported with a wooden back. Original label on the mirror. Mirror Glass Size: 6 ...
Mirror, Wood, Art Glass
Chrome Double Sided Magnifying Vanity Mirror
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Chrome tilting double sided mirror with magnifying mirror on the other side mounted on glass base in the style of Karl Springer or Charles Hollis Jones. Only mirror is 13" diameter. ...
Chrome
Karl Springer Vanity Mirror, 1970s
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer Vanity Mirror, 1970s, chrome-plated steel and gold-tone brass. 15.25" H x 21" W x 5" D. Provenance: From a New York City Coll...
Brass, Steel, Chrome
Backlit Vanity Mirror, Italy, 1960s
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A round vanity mirror in painted wood with backlight. The mirror is possible to tilt. In good working condition.
Mirror, Wood
Art Nouveau Style Brass Vanity Mirror
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Art Nouveau style brass vanity tilting mirror with swan motifs. Only mirror is 14" x 10"
Brass
$650
H 19.75 in W 15.5 in D 5 in
1950s Double-Sided Brass Swivel Vanity Table Mirror from North America
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Large solid brass oval double sided swivel vanity table mirror.
Glass, Mirror
Italian Adjustable Table Vanity Mirror in Brass, Italy, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant Italian Mid-Century adjustable table mirror entirely made in solid brass. This charming and unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s. Fully original and in amazin...
Brass
Vintage Italian Space Age Round Plastic Mirror with Shelf, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
Distinctive 1970s Italian round wall mirror crafted from vibrant orange plastic, featuring an integrated shelf for added utility and bold retro style. This statement piece is iconic ...
Mirror, Plastic
Strawberry Hill Style Chinoiserie Japanned Vanity Mirror
Located in Bruton, GB
A highly decorative Strawberry Hill style mirror, featuring a shaped and faceted mirror plate set within a black japanned frame adorned with delicate gilt chinoiserie decoration. The...
Mirror, Wood
$513Sale Price / item|10% Off
H 11.82 in Dm 11.82 in
D30 Double Sided Mirror in Concrete 100% Handmade in Italy
Located in Rome, Lazio
This double sided mirror will create a focal point on a bedroom dresser or in an entryway. Entirely handcrafted, has a semi-spherical base in concr...
Concrete, Stainless Steel
Mid Century Style Vanity Mirror
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid century modern style round vanity mirror on a faux marble base by Schreiber
Mirror
Sold
H 11.82 in W 11.82 in D 3.15 in
1960s Allibert Space Age Illuminated Mirror with Orange Plastic Base
By Allibert
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
An original 1960s illuminated mirror designed by Allibert, exemplifying the playful functionality of Space Age design. This striking vanity accessory is built with a bold orange plas...
Plastic, Glass
Sold
H 25.6 in W 23.63 in D 14.18 in
1970s Space Age Vanity Set with Stool, Flair Holland – Plastic, White & Orange
By Flair
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Offered here is a rare and complete 1970s Space Age vanity set designed by Flair in Holland. Characterized by its compact, modular design and dynamic color contrast, the piece is mad...
Glass, Plastic
Sold
H 7.88 in W 12.01 in D 5.12 in
1970s Italian Vanity Box – Space Age Plastic Cube with Mirror and Storage
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
This vintage vanity box from Italy, dating to the 1970s, is a striking example of Space Age modular design. Molded in hard ABS plastic in a rare salmon and cream colorway, the piece ...
Glass, Plastic
Vintage 1970s Red Vanity Box in Plastic with Mirror – Space Age
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
This vintage vanity box from the 1970s is a striking example of functional Space Age design. Crafted from glossy red plastic, it appears as a minimal cube when closed, then opens to ...
Glass, Plastic
Sold
H 9.85 in W 12.8 in D 6.3 in
Vintage Dual Vanity Mirror with Lights by ABC, Orange Space Age Decor 1970s
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Stunning 1970s illuminated vanity mirror, a true design gem made in West Germany. With its bold orange base and white frame, it perfectly embodies the playful yet functional aesthet...
Glass, Plastic
Sold
H 2.76 in W 9.85 in D 10.63 in
Space Age Portable Vanity Box with Mirror by Makio Hasuike for Gedy, 70s
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Makio Hasuike’s groundbreaking approach to industrial design finds one of its most compelling expressions in this 1970s portable vanity set for Gedy. A fusion of bold aesthetics and ...
Plastic
Sold
H 7.88 in W 12.01 in D 5.12 in
Vintage 70s Vanity Box – Retro Portable Beauty Organizer with Mirror
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Step into the glamour of the 1970s with this vintage vanity box, a compact and stylish beauty organizer. Made in Hong Kong under a UK patent, this charming piece features a bold red...
Plastic, Glass
Sold
H 2.76 in W 9.85 in D 10.63 in
Space Age Portable Vanity Set by Makio Hasuike for Gedy in Vibrant Yellow, 70s
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Makio Hasuike’s groundbreaking approach to industrial design finds one of its most compelling expressions in this 1970s portable vanity set for Gedy. A fusion of bold aesthetics and ...
Plastic
Sold
H 8.5 in W 10 in D 6 in
Vintage Rialto Chrome and Lucite Mid-Century Modern Lighted Vanity Mirror
By Rialto
Located in Charleston, SC
Double sided chrome and lucite lighted vanity mirror by Rialto. In excellent working condition. On side of mirror is 5x magnification the other is normal. Knob allows for adjusting b...
Metal
Sold
H 11.42 in W 9.06 in D 5.12 in
Vintage Dual Vanity Mirror with Lights by Schott, Space Age Decor 1970s
By Schott AG
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Step back into the glamorous 70s with this exquisite tabletop vanity mirror designed by Roberto Maderna for GEDY. Crafted in the 70s, this vintage piece is a perfect blend of functio...
Plastic, Glass
Pair of Dennie-O space age mirrors with hidden storage 70's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Pair of Dennie-O Space Age Mirrors with Secret Compartments (1970s) Add a touch of retro-futuristic charm to your space with this pair of Dennie-O Space Age mirrors from the 1970s. ...
Plastic
Sold
H 11.82 in W 11.82 in D 3.15 in
Rare 1960s Space Age Mirror with Light - Vintage Design by Allstar Germany
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
This rare Space Age mirror with light by Allstar is a prime example of West German craftsmanship from the 1960s, combining form and function in a highly collectible design. Its cream...
Glass, Plastic