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.
De Sede Camel Leather Patchwork Storage Ottoman, Switzerland 1970s
By De Sede
Located in leucate, FR
Camel patchwork leather storage ottomans with open top by Swiss designer De Sede. Original soft leather with beautiful patina. Good condition. 1970s. Many colors and sizes avail...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
$23,504Sale 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
De Sede Design Black Leather Patchwork Storage Ottoman, Switzerland 1970s
By De Sede
Located in leucate, FR
Black patchwork leather storage ottomans with open top by Swiss designer De Sede. Original soft leather with beautiful patina. Good condition. 1970s. Many colors and sizes avail...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
1970s Cassina Soriana Ottoman by Afra and Tobia Scarpa
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Soriana ottoman designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina in 1969. This iconic ottoman has been beautifully upholstered in a luxurious sage ...
Steel
Space Age Vintage Pair Duo Plastic Stools Tabouret Red Green 1970s Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Space age vintage pair duo stools or tabourets from plastic in the colors fresh green and and light red 1970s Italy. A wonderful pair or duo stools or tabourets from plastic in fresh...
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
Yellow bench Locus Solus Gae Aulenti
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Locus Solus is a collection designed by the unpredictable flair of Gae Aulenti in 1964. The retro design of circular lines envelops any room with a touch of irresistible playfulness....
Metal
"COCKTAIL" Ottoman by FABIAN FREYTAG STUDIO
Located in Berlin, DE
OTTOMAN COCTAIL by Fabian Freytag Studio As displayed at the MILAN DESIGN WEEK Alcova Milano 2023. The Ottoman by Fabian Freytag Studio is inspired by the compact but upholstered c...
Stainless Steel
$970
H 13.78 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Patchwork leather Sqaure storage ottoman by De Sede, Switzerland, 1970s.
By De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
Patchwork leather Sqaure storage ottoman by De Sede, Switzerland, 1970s. Patchwork leather Sqaure storage ottoman, designed by Swiss designer De Sede. This original soft leather pie...
Leather
De Sede Tan Patchwork Leather Ottoman, 1960s Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful tan colored leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork. Wonderful faded patina of varying degrees of tan, beige and brown. Perfect accent piece. G...
Leather
$16,900 / set
H 29.53 in W 63 in D 33.47 in
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, 1971, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” sofa for B&B Italia, Mongolian faux-fur, Italy, 1971, set of two. This is a timeless Postmodern design icon. The starting point was a shopping bag contain...
Faux Fur, Foam
$37,200 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 6
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of six. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage...
Plastic, Velvet
$25,900 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Sofa for B&B Italia, Rust Brown, 1970, Set of 4
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, rust brown alpaca velvet, Italy, 1970, set of four. “Camaleonda” is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modula...
Alpaca, Velvet
De Sede Leather Patchwork Ottomans
By De Sede
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Large collection of patchwork leather pouf/ottomans by Swiss designer De Sede with patchwork leather and wonderful selection of colors. Original soft leather with beautiful patina ...
Leather
De Sede Deep Tan Leather Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous deep tan-colored leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork. Handmade with wonderful faded patina. Gorgeous accent piece. Good vintage condition. W...
Leather
Cassina Soriana Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Italy, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
Sofa; Afra; Tobia; Scarpa; Cassina; Soriana; Settee; Couch; Italy; 1970's; Hollywood Regency; Minimalist; Italian Design; Soriana sofa in original upholstery, designed by Afra &...
Wool
$27,500 / set
H 27.5 in W 37.5 in D 37.5 in
Mario Bellini for C&B Italia First Edition 'Camaleonda' Modular Sofa, 1970
Located in New York, NY
'Camaleonda' First Edition modular sofa, designed by Mario Bellini, for C&B Italia, 1970. The structure is constructed of wood and upholstery in fabric. Original label. Prod. C&B,...
Fabric, Wood
De Sede Black Leather Patchwork Ottoman, 1960s Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sophisticated black leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork. Handmade with wonderful faded patina. Gorgeous accent pie...
Leather
1970s De Sede Style Natural Leather Patchwork Ottoman, Dutch
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous Dutch Mid-Century square ottoman from the 1970s. This piece features a unique and luxurious design that brings the design employed by Swiss luxury leather furniture maker De...
Leather
Pall Stool by K. J. Pettersson & Söner, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pall stool by K. J. Pettersson & Söner, Sweden, 1970s, often attributed to Axel Einar Hjorth. In very good original condition with minor signs of use and ...
Pine
Pair of vintage 80s orange fabric poufs Italian design
Located in None, IT
Pair of poufs with wooden frame and orange fabric cover, Italian design, 1980s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear given by time. SIZING: Height 42 cm; width 42 ...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 13.78 in W 39.38 in D 19.69 in
Very Rare Huge Design 1970s De Sede Leather Patchwork Storage Ottoman
By De Sede
Located in leucate, FR
The timeless elegance of this huge leather patchwork storage ottoman by De Sede, an iconic piece of 1970s design. This stunning furniture item perfectly combines functionality and aesthetics, adding a touch of vintage sophistication to your interior. Design and Features This storage ottoman stands out with its genuine leather upholstery, arranged in a beautiful patchwork of natural shades, offering a rich visual texture and a luxurious feel. The artisanal leatherwork, characteristic of De Sede’s renowned craftsmanship, gives this piece a unique and authentic charm. The geometric patchwork design creates a subtle play of shades and reflections, enhanced by the natural patina of the leather, showcasing its authenticity and vintage character. With its clean lines and compact shape, it delivers a minimalist aesthetic while maintaining a warm, inviting look thanks to the rich tones of the leather. Functionality and Versatility More than just a decorative piece, this ottoman also serves as a practical storage unit, perfect for discreetly stowing away your belongings while optimizing space in your home. Its padded lid ensures comfortable seating, making it an ideal accent piece in a living room, bedroom, or entryway. Dimensions Length: 39.37" / 100 cm Height: 13.78" / 35 cm Depth: 19.68" / 50 cm This vintage model is in good condition for its age, with a subtle patina that enhances its vintage character without compromising its integrity. It embodies the essence of 1970s Swiss design, where quality and functionality blend seamlessly with timeless style. Why Choose This De Sede Storage Ottoman...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 13.78 in W 16.54 in D 16.54 in
De Sede Design Dark Green Leather Patchwork Storage Ottoman, Switzerland 1970s
By De Sede
Located in leucate, FR
Dark green patchwork leather storage ottomans with open top by Swiss designer De Sede. Original soft leather with beautiful patina. Good con...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Mushroom Ottoman in Textured Wool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A classic mid century mushroom ottoman. Newly reupholstered in a cream and beige textured wool fabric.
Wool, Upholstery
1960s Fiberglass Space Age Ottoman Verner Panton chromcraft era
By Michel Cadestin, Verner Panton, Chromcraft
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1960’s fiberglass ottoman in the manner of Verner Panton, Chromcraft or Michel Cadestin’s Karate Chair. A unique form that will add interest and ext...
Velvet, Fiberglass
Sold
H 13.78 in W 16.54 in D 16.54 in
De Sede Design Dark Green Leather Patchwork Storage Ottoman, Switzerland 1970s
By De Sede
Located in leucate, FR
Dark green patchwork leather storage ottomans with open top by Swiss designer De Sede. Original soft leather with beautiful patina. Good con...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 13.78 in W 16.15 in D 16.15 in
De Sede Design Camel Leather Patchwork Storage Ottoman, Switzerland 1970s
By De Sede
Located in leucate, FR
Camel patchwork leather storage ottomans with open top by Swiss designer De Sede. Original soft leather with beautiful patina. Good condition. 1970s. Many colors and sizes avail...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Contemporary Modernist 3-piece seating manner of Etienne Henri Martin
By Etienne-Henri Martin, Verner Panton
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pair of iconic Space Age / Contemporary Modernist 3-piece suite,,,,, reminiscent to Iconic design of the series 1500' lounge chairs by Etienne Henri Martin,,,France 1960s. Unique out...
Chrome
Sold
H 17.5 in Dm 22.5 in
Set of Eight Bernhardt Apel Poufs or Stools, Pairs in Pink, Grey, Orange, Green
By Bernhardt
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These eight Bernhardt Apel poufs were designed by Jessica Pell. Bright fabrics and pleasing proportions will look great in any modern home or office. All have accompanying tags on ...
Fabric, Upholstery
Sold
H 27.56 in W 40.16 in D 35.44 in
Straccio Armchair by De Pas, D'Urbino and Lomazzi for Zanotta, Italy 1960s
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Paris, FR
Vintage Straccio armchair by De Pas, D'Urbino and Lomazzi for Zanotta. Reupholstered in a bouclé "autumn" fabric from Casal.
Bouclé
Sold
H 12.6 in W 20.08 in D 23.63 in
1970s Ottoman by Paul Geoffroy for Uginox in Brushed Stainless Steel France
Located in London, GB
A rare model of the ottoman or footrest from the 70s in brushed stainless steel by Paul Geoffroy, very little produced by the Uginox factory. His works are in the same spirit as cre...
Stainless Steel
Custom Leather Ottomans Style of De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Custom vintage ottomans from the estate of a well known designer. Beautiful cognac leather in like-new condition. Please see our listings for the sofa they were designed with (DS85 d...
Leather