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.
Italian Mid-Century Natural Leather Space Age Armchairs, 1970s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
A stunning pair of armchairs made in Italy in the 1970s. The seat is very comfortable and supportive. The pads are still original and in very good condition. Original natural leather...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini Alpaca Sesann Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1972, Set of 2
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
The Sesann lounge chair was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. This set is composed of two lounge chairs upholstered in tobacco and chocolate brown alpaca velvet. Sesann is characterized by an organic and informal shape and is defined by the tubular metal detail that wraps around the soft, upholstered seat. In the 1970s, the Cassina catalogue...
Chrome
Space Age Vintage Modular Sofa Le Bambole Purple Lavender Mario Bellini 1970s
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age vintage authentic modular sofa Le Bambole by Mario Bellini in purple and lavender striped colors from textile fabric 1970s, Italy. A great design icon modular sofa elements Le Bambole by Mario Bellini designed 1972 for B & B Italia consists of two ( 2 ) corner elements and one ( 1 ) seater. Two modular elements show labels, all elements show underneath original jute fabric stamped with company´s name. Beautiful original striped textile fabric in purple and lavender colors. These modular sofa elements gives a lot of options for installing a space and could perfectly create a thrilling contrast with contemporary environments. The condition is fair, it shows signs of age and use like stains, abrasions, fading, damages at the fabric and worn corners. Perfect for design connoisseurs, who love and appreciate preloved authentic design icons. Images are part of the description approx. measures: 2 corner elements: width 90 cm, depth 87 cm, height 71 cm, seat height 44 cm 1 one seater: width 79 cm, depth 87 cm, height 71 cm, seat height 44 cm Mario Bellini ( 1935 ) Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini designed many important furniture designs throughout its organic and complex shapes as Le Bambole Sofa, Amante or CAB Chair. This sofa design Le Bambole features cuddly and organic spirit and helps B & B Italia to earn many awards. Also the provocative advertising campaign with the female model Donna Jordan...
Textile, Upholstery
Cor Concha 4 Piece Space Age Modular Set by Jo Otterpohl, 1970
By COR
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
With the Concha program, Jo Otterpohl created one of the most distinctive German lounge furniture pieces of the 1970s for COR. The sculptural design language, the generously upholste...
Fabric, Wood
'Karate' set by Michel Cadestin for Airborne, France 1970's
Located in Brussels, BE
This Living room set is totally reupholstered in a nice Rusty Mustard bouclé, enhancing its confort and warmness wich associated to its space age shell keeps the authenticity of vint...
Bouclé, Fiberglass
5 Modular Camaleonda Armchairs and Ottomans in Brown Corduroy by Bellini for C&B
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of modular armchairs and poufs in brown corduroy, mod. Camaleonda designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1970. The set consists of 5 elements: - 3 armchairs ( cm 71h x...
Metal, Chrome
$11,989Sale Price|25% Off
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Brown Leather Two-Seater Soriana Sofa for Cassina, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Soriana two-seater sofa, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina in 1969. It features its original brown leather upholstery. Winner of t...
Chrome
$22,754Sale Price / set|35% Off
Set of 8 Camaleonda Sittings Designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of modular armchairs and poufs in brown corduroy, mod. Camaleonda designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1970. The set consists of 8 elements: - 5 armchairs (cm 71H x 65...
Metal
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Brown Velvet Soriana Three Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Soriana three seater sofa, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina in 1969. Re-upholstered with brown ve...
Chrome
Space Age Vintage Red Coral Pink Lounge Chairs Sofa Table Yrö Kukkapuro 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age red coral pink vintage authentic pair of lounge chairs Saturn designed by Yjrö Kukkapuro Finland 1960s and a circular red pink sofa table by ...
Aluminum
Gianfranco Frattini Khaki Brown Velvet Sesann Armchair for Cassina, 1972
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann armchair, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It features khaki brown velvet upholstery and a chrome tubular cage as stru...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini Brown Alpaca Velvet Sesann Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
The Sesann lounge chair was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. This lounge chair features a chocolate brown alpaca velvet upho...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini Tobacco Alpaca Velvet Sesann Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
The Sesann lounge chair was designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. This lounge chair features a chocolate brown alpaca velvet upho...
Chrome
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Brown Velvet Soriana Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Soriana lounge chair, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina in 1969. Re-upholstered with brown velvet. Winner of the “Compasso d’Oro” pr...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini Black Leather Sesann Two-Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1972
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann two-seater sofa, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It features black leather upholstery and a chrome tubular cage as s...
Chrome
$39,673 / set
Complete lounge seating area by Gian Pietro Arosio
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
This complete Italian lounge seating area, designed by Gian Pietro Arosio in the 1970s, is a striking example of sculptural Space Age design. The set consists of a 3-seater sofa, two...
Chrome
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Light Blue Alcantara Soriana Chaise Lounge for Cassina, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” chaise longue, Alcantara and metal, Italy, 1969. The Soriana lounge chair is low and soft and invites the sitter to sink in. Its peculiar feature is the...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini Beige Wool Bouclé Sesann Two-Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann two-seater sofa, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It features wool bouclé upholstery and a chrome tubular cage as s...
Chrome
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Brown Velvet Soriana Living Room Set for Cassina, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Soriana living room set, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina in 1969. The set is composed of a three-seater sofa, a lounge chair and a...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini Black Leather Sesann Living Room Set for Cassina, 1972
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann dining room set, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It is composed of a two-seater sofa and two armchairs. It features...
Chrome
Gianfranco Frattini Ocher Velvet Sesann Living Room Set for Cassina, 1972
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann dining room set, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It is composed of a three-seater sofa and an armchair. It features o...
Chrome
1960s Burke Maurice Design Years for Arkana British Prod Chairs, Set of 4
Located in Biella, IT
Burke Maurice design years '60 for Arkana British prod. set of four chairs tulip good vintage condition for the entire set and no every cushions for all material is metal, acryl...
Plastic, Acrylic
Arflex 'Solar' Lounge Set in Fiberglass by Carlo Bartoli, Italy, 1960s
By Arflex, Carlo Bartoli
Located in Antwerp, BE
Iconic 'Solar' lounge set, designed by Carlo Bartoli for Arflex in 1965, an iconic blend of Italian elegance and modern innovation. Comprising two armchairs and a matching table, thi...
Fiberglass, Polyester
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Midcentury Brown Velvet Soriana Ottoman for Cassina, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Vicenza, IT
Soriana ottoman, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina in 1969. Re-upholstered with brown velvet. Winner of the “Compasso d’Oro” prize i...
Chrome
Gaudì Space Age Brown Living Room Set by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1974
Located in Vicenza, IT
Gaudì living room set, designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide in 1970. It is composed of three chocolate brown Gaudì armchairs and a Demetrio 70 coffee table. Excellent vintage condition. The Gaudi and Vicario armchairs...
Fiberglass
1970 Terry Luigi Saccardo Arrmet Space Age Italian Design Black Leather Chairs
By Luigi Saccardo, Arrmet
Located in Brescia, IT
"Terry" Chairs _ Set of 4 Luigi Saccardo Arrmet Italy, 1970 Metal Chrome Frame and Black Leather Rare Set Very Good Condiction Publication on Magazine Arredorama n. 75
Metal, Chrome
5 Modular Camaleonda Armchairs and Ottomans in Brown Corduroy by Bellini for C&B
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of modular armchairs and poufs in brown corduroy, mod. Camaleonda designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1970. The set consists of 5 elements: - 2 armchairs ( cm 71h x...
Metal, Chrome
Boris Tabacoff Dining Set: Marble & Chrome, Space Age Design, 1970
Located in London, England
Boris Tabacoff's set in the 1970s is a perfect example of the fusion between elegance and modernity. Composed of a table with a white and cream veined marble top, exceptionally rare ...
Marble, Steel
5 Modular Camaleonda Armchairs and Ottomans in Brown Corduroy by Bellini for C&B
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of modular armchairs and poufs in brown corduroy, mod. Camaleonda designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1970. The set consists of 5 elements: - 4 armchairs ( cm 71h x 65...
Metal, Chrome
Italian Space Age White Plastic Round Chairs, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian space age white plastic round chairs, 1970s. Set of 6 chairs with round seat, entirely in white plastic. The round seat joins the backr...
Plastic
Set of 7 Camaleonda Sittings Designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia, 1970
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of modular armchairs and poufs in brown corduroy, mod. Camaleonda designed by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia in 1970. The set consists of 7 elements: - 4 armchairs ( cm 71 H x ...
Metal
$3,733Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of mid century french style SPACE AGE cocktail sofa and chairs - 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia, around 1970s - beautiful space age design - dimensiosn of chairs : height: 80cm, depth: 67, width: 63cm - the set is predestined to be newly upholstered in new tex...
Chrome
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Brown Soriana Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Cassina, 1969
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Vicenza, IT
Soriana lounge chair and ottoman, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina in 1969. Re-upholstered with brown velvet. Winner of the “Compas...
Chrome