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 Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
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
Rare: Shiro Kuramata for Arata Isozaki "Tsukuba Center Hotel" Wall Mirror (1983)
Located in 足利市, JP
An exceptionally rare and historically important wall mirror, custom-designed in 1983 by Shiro Kuramata for the guest rooms of the Tsukuba Center Hotel (Tsukuba Daiichi Hotel). This...
Mirror, Wood, Oak
$8,925Sale Price|30% Off
Brueton Post Modern "Fist" Mirror/Torchère Designed by Stanley Jay Friedman
By Brueton, Stanley Jay Friedman
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
Floral Layered Mirror by David Marshall
Located in Denton, TX
Floral Red Daffodil layered mirror by David Marshall. This could make a great bathroom vanity mirror or for above a dresser.
Mirror
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
Giuseppe Rivadossi Sculptural Hand-Carved Mirror in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, mirror, oak, Italy, 1980s This finely crafted mirror is a work by Italian artist and designer Giuseppe Rivadossi, celebrated for his poeti...
Oak
bieffeplast Double Mirror / articulating swivel arm 1980s Italy/ Rodney Kinsman
By Rodney Kinsman, Bieffeplast
Located in Buffalo, NY
This Modernist Double Mirror by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast is a beautiful vintage piece from Italy in the 1980s . It’s a Two-piece swivel double mirror on iron frame which can be...
Metal, Steel
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
An Elegant POST-MODERN MODERNIST Rectangular Bronze WALL MIRROR, France 1990
Located in PARIS, FR
An elegant rectangular wall mirror, Art-Deco, Post-Modernist, Bauhaus, Constructivist, with an offset rectangular frame in American box style in bronze inlaid wood with a gunmetal pa...
Brass, Bronze
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
Man Ray, Mirror Les Grand Trans-Parents, Simon Gavina (First Edition)
By Man Ray, Gavina, Simon Gavina Editions
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
Ebru Two-Tone Stone Wall Mirror, Onyx & Marble, Post-Modern Design
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, Marble, Travertine
Asymmetric Wall Mirror with several different layers created by David Marshall
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Asymmetric Wall Mirror with several different layers created by David Marshall. David Marshall has been designing and manufacturing furniture accessories since 1972, specializing in ...
Mirror
$863 / item
Venezia Laguna Mirror by Morici
Located in Geneve, CH
Venezia Laguna Mirror by Morici Dimensions: W 57 x H 81 cm Materials: Wood, inlay veneer. Finish : Gloss brushed polyester. About: Driven by a passion for craftsmanship, Luciano Mor...
Wood
Distorting Square Wall Mirror in Polished Stainless Steel by Julien Vidame
Located in Geneve, CH
Distorting Square Wall Mirror in Polished Stainless Steel by Julien Vidame. Dimensions: W 94 x D 3 x H 94 cm. Materials: Mirror polished stainless steel. Inspired by a serendipitous encounter in a vintage café in the San Telmo district of Buenos Aires, Julien Vidame reinvented the deforming mirror using noble materials. Unlike mass-produced plastic versions, each piece is a unique, patented work crafted from thick, mirror-polished stainless steel that reflects with clarity while offering fluid, ever-changing undulations. The result is a 'living' reflection that shifts dynamically with the observer's movement, creating a constant dialogue between the object and the space. Julien Vidame's career as a designer began with a childhood passion for sketching that evolved into a professional vocation. After gaining experience in London’s design scene, he returned to Brittany to establish Vidame Édition and develop his signature prototypes. His early success was defined by the "Vague" range, which showcased his technical ingenuity through the creation of a custom folding machine and secured the Prix Découverte at Maison & Objet in 2009. The designer achieved ultimate international acclaim in 2022 through high-profile collaborations and awards. His "Coquillage" shelf received the prestigious FD100 prize at the Elysée Palace, honoring it as one of the top projects promoting French creation globally. This period of success was further highlighted by his work for Gucci’s Milan Fashion Week show, where he provided 260 of his patented distorting mirrors...
Stainless Steel
$3,514 / 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
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
Mod Op Art Plywood, Glass and Fiberglass Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Black and silver circles and dots alternate with mirror to form a checkerboard mirror surface. Very decorative modernist item, works well with Clas...
Mirror, Fiberglass, Plywood
$6,899 / item
Green Aura Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass
Located in Geneve, CH
Green Aura Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass Dimensions: Ø 104 cm. Materials: Copper luster and ceramic enamels on green glass, mixed techniques. Discover the Dome Collection, w...
Copper, Enamel
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
Unique piece, Large mirror by Mario Eichmann, Switzerland 1984 Post Modern
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
A unique piece, a very large triangular mirror by Swiss artist Mario Eichmann. The lozenge-shaped frame is partially painted with a surrealist decoration. Created for the "Hommage...
Wood
Hand Crafted Post Modern Wall Mirror by Robert Field
Located in Peabody, MA
A postmodern artisan made mirror featuring an assemblage of hand carved and lacquered overlays. This whimsical and sculptural construction, by the central Massachusetts artist...
Mirror, Wood, Lacquer
1980s Postmodern Marbleized Formica Wall Mirror
Located in Miami, FL
Large Vintage Postmodern marbleized wall mirror. Circa 1980s Features a minimalist fully faux stone / marbleized pattern laminated frame with an arc...
Formica
$4,224 / 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
Garouste & Bonetti Unique Frame for Christian Lacroix, 1987, France.
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare Elisabeth Garouste & Mattia Bonetti frame, designed and only produced in 1987 for Maison de Haute Couture Christian Lacroix, Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris, France. Black painted perforated frame with Christian Lacroix signature on a gold metal square...
Mirror, Wood
Organic Form White Ceramic Coral Wall Mirror by Vlada Kavalchuk
Located in Geneve, CH
Coral Wall Mirror by Vlada Kavalchuk Dimensions: D 10 x W 60 x H 60 cm. Materials: Ceramic and mirror. The Ceramic Mirror and Mushroom Seat are inspire...
Ceramic, Mirror
$13,798 / 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
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
Postmodern Danish Round Wall Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A chic Post-Modern Scandinavian Danish off-white cream and black round wall mirror, circa late-20th century, Denmark. Mirror's frame is an off-...
Mirror, Plastic
Late 20th Century Postmodern Lacquered Large Scale Sculptural Mirror
By Costantini
Located in Topeka, KS
Phenomenal vintage Postmodern lacquered sculptural large-scale mirror. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. Black...
Mirror, Wood, Lacquer
$5,680 / item
Jura Stool by Ah Um Design Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Jura Stool by Ah Um Design Studio Handmade Dimensions: D 35.5 x W 35.5 x H 53.3 cm. Materials: Mahogany wood, brown mohair, hand-glazed tiles. Available in other finish options. Ple...
Mahogany, Mohair
$8,982 / item
Drop of Silver on Copper V Mirror by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Drop of Silver on Copper V Mirror by Homa Dimensions: W 49 x D 5 x H 49 cm Materials: Blown Glass. Silver Mirror. Copper Frame. HOMA is a contemporary design atelier based in Istan...
Glass
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
$3,905 / 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
Post-Modern Italian Wall Mirror in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mirror, walnut, Italy, 1980s This Italian wall mirror from the 1980s is defined by its sleek design. The tall, narrow format emphasizes verticality, while the solid walnut frame add...
Mirror, Walnut
$2,579 / item
Domina I 80 Wall Mirror by Atlas Project
Located in Geneve, CH
Domina I 80 Wall Mirror by Atlas Project Dimensions: D 4/6 x Ø 80 cm. Materials: Calacatta Gold marble, brushed brass, mirror, and wood. Available in different finishes and sizes. ...
Marble, Brass
$6,638 / item
Ash Mirror II by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Ash Mirror II by Homa Dimensions: D 80 x H 4 cm Materials: Smoke and Silver Mirror. Clear Glass. HOMA is a contemporary design atelier based in Istanbul. The atelier’s trademark pro...
Mirror, Glass
$8,982 / item
Drop of Silver on Copper III Mirror by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Drop of Silver on Copper III Mirror by Homa Dimensions: W 49 x D 5 x H 49 cm Materials: Blown Glass. Silver Mirror. Copper Frame. HOMA is a contemporary design atelier based in Ist...
Glass
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
$2,852 / item
Domina II 90 Wall Mirror by Atlas Project
Located in Geneve, CH
Domina II 90 Wall Mirror by Atlas Project Dimensions: D 4/6 x Ø 90 cm. Materials: Leather, brushed brass, mirror, and wood. Available in different finishes and sizes. Please contac...
Marble
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
Round Black Metal + Brass Wall Mirror, 1980s
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage round wall mirror featuring a minimalistic black metal frame. Patinated brass notches secure the frame to the glass, giving this piece an elegant floating effect. 1980s. C...
Metal
$8,591 / 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
Postmodern Hollywood Regency Wall Mirror, Glass & Metal, Vintage 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
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
$2,343 / item
Fiore Handmade Ceramic Mirror by Renzo Maar
Located in Geneve, CH
Fiore Handmade Ceramic Mirror by Renzo Maar Handmade Dimensions: D 28 x H 10 cm (dimensions are approximate) Materials: Ceramic, white stoneware, enamel, mirror. Available in smoked...
Ceramic
Vintage Carved Wood Lotus Blossom Beveled Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage Carved Wood Lotus Blossom Beveled Mirror. Offered is a stunning Post-Modern carved wood mirror in the shape of lotus blossoms surrouning a round beveled central mirrored pane...
Mirror, Wood
Pair of Late 20th Century Large Postmodern Beveled Mirrored Bifold Screens
Located in Elkton, MD
A pair of large contemporary mirrored bifold screens featuring three beveled mirror panels on each side, folding in half for versatile placement. Dimens...
Metal
Set Of 2 Unique L Door Handles Casted In Oilsanded Bronze by Vogel Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Unique L Door Handles Casted In Oilsanded Bronze by Vogel Studio One Of A Kind Dimensions: Ø 4 x H 12,7 cm. Materials: Cast bronze. Dimensions may vary. Please contact us. ...
Bronze
Mid-Century Post Modern Large Wall Mirror or Console Table Shelf by Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large, rare and impressive wall mirror designed by Jay Spectre in the 1980's. It consists of a faux marble finish on wood with a very large round mirror. Frame could easily be pain...
Mirror, Wood
$1,041 / 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
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
Contemporary Seeing Glass Big Round Wall Mirror 1000, Multi-Color
By Sabine Marcelis, Brit van Nerven
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Seeing glass is a collaborative project by Rotterdam-based designers Sabine Marcelis and Brit van Nerven, both graduates of the Design Academy in Eindhoven. Invisible metal mounting system. More color options available Custom sizes available Sizes: Big round 770, 770 x770 x38cm Big round 1000, 1000 x 100 x 38mm Big round 1220, 1220 x 1220 x 38mm Big round 1300, 1300 x 1300...
Foil
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
$2,769 / item
Dark Grey Dune 1200 Round Mirror by Disain1971
Located in Geneve, CH
Dark Grey Dune 1200 Round Mirror by Disain1971 Dimensions: D 120 x H 2.5 cm Materials: dark grey, mirror / grigio scuro, specchio. Weight: 13 kg. Code: DS1043 Round frameless mir...
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
Limestone Inspired Handmade Ceramic Wall Mirror by Maku Ceramic
Located in Geneve, CH
Limestone Inspired Handmade Ceramic Wall Mirror by Maku Ceramic Dimensions: W 23 x H 35 cm Materials: Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay Maku Ceramic is an Istanbul-based ceramic studio found...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
$4,650 / item
Scena Olympic Murano Mirror by Nikolai Kotlarczyk
Located in Geneve, CH
Scena olympic murano mirror by Nikolai Kotlarczyk Dimensions: D 1 x W 30 x H 45 cm Materials: silvered carved glass, golden carved polished steel. Nembro marble (base) Also avail...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Decorative Op Art Post Modern Wall Mirror by Hal Bienenfeld c 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional decorative, Post Modern, Op Art style wall mirror by noted glass/mirror artist Hal Bienenfeld, circa 1970's. The mirror features a silvered mirror ground, with tinted bow...
Mirror
Fracture Mirror by Simon Johns
By Simon Johns
Located in East-Bolton, Quebec
Made of glass and smashed gypsum cement, the Fracture Mirror references the striations and accidental geometries of sedimentary stone. This statement m...
Cement
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
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