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 Space Age Pair of Red Plastic Chairs by Carlo Bartoli for Kartell, 1970s
By Kartell, Carlo Bartoli
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Space Age pair of red plastic chairs by Carlo Bartoli for Kartell, 1970s Pair of chairs with rounded shapes, in red plastic with removable l...
Plastic
Sculptural Hand Chair from the 80's
Located in Mortsel, BE
This unique stool chair is a standalone piece in the form of a hand. Highly sculptural and well-made, it is both strong and sturdy. Its bright red color makes it a beautiful statemen...
Polyester
Black Dorsal Chair by G. Piretti & E. Ambas, Italy, 1980s
By Emilio Ambasz, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in KUTNO, PL
Designed in 1980 by Italian-Argentinian duo Giancarlo Piretti & Emilio Ambasz, exposing modernity and ergonomics - Piretti was already known for his innovative designs, such as the f...
Textile, Plastic
Iconic 1970s Space Age Fiberglass Lounge Chairs by Carl Straub
Located in Antwerp, BE
Make a bold statement with this exceptionally rare pair of lounge chairs, designed and produced by Carl Straub GmbH in Germany during the 1960s. The chairs feature a striking, biomor...
Leather
Space Age Vintage Yellow Plastic Chair Kangaroo Chair Ernst Moeckl 1960s Germany
By Ernst Moeckl
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age vintage chair or side chair model kangaroo chair or Z chair from yellow plastic by Ernst Moeckl for Baydur, W-Germany, 1960s. Very rare to find in the happy making sunshine...
Plastic
20th Century Fiberglass Space Age Chair, 1970's
Located in Paris, FR
20th century vintage white fiberglass chair of space age design with futuristic curves. In the style of the Orbit chair by Walter Grunder and M...
Fiberglass, Lacquer
Space Age Red Plastic Vintage Chair Selene by Vico Magistretti, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age red vintage plastic chair model Selene designed by Vico Magistretti 1968 for Artemide Milano, Italy. The chair shows a very good vintag...
Plastic
$385Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Chair By Kovona In Faux Leather And Chrome, Czechoslovakia 1970s
By Kovona
Located in Zohor, SK
This elegant mid-century modern chair was produced by Kovona in the 1970s and features a distinctive bent tubular chrome frame paired with its original beige leatherette seat and bac...
Chrome
A space age Italian chair in the style of Gastone Rinaldi, circa 1970s
Located in Houston, TX
A space age Italian chair in the style of Gastone Rinaldi, circa 1970s. Featuring a sculptural chrome frame and distinctive cantilevered design...
Metal
Set of 4 American 70's Brushed Aluminum and Eggshell Chairs
By Burke, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 American 70's brushed aluminum and eggshell chairs by Burke, Inc. of Texas. Stamped BURKE, INC. DALLAS, TEXAS. Great for a small dining room or a ...
Aluminum
Set Of 4 American 70's Brushed Aluminum And Eggshell Chairs
By Burke, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 American 70's brushed aluminum and eggshell chairs by Burke, Inc. of Texas. Stamped BURKE, INC. DALLAS, TEXAS. Great for a small dining room or a ...
Aluminum
Set of 4 American 1970s Brushed Aluminum and Eggshell Chairs
By Burke, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 American 1970s brushed aluminum and eggshell chairs by Burke, Inc. of Texas. Stamped BURKE, INC. DALLAS, TEXAS. Great for a small dining room or a breakfast table.
Aluminum
Space Age Aluminum Vintage Lounge Chair Side Karl-Erik Ekselius 1965 Sweden
By Karl-Erik Ekselius, JOC Mobler Vetlanda
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age vintage lounge chair or club chair or side chair from aluminum and black faux leather by Karl- Erik Ekselius for JOC Vetlanda Sweden. Throughout its aluminum frame in sil...
Aluminum
Pair of Caprice Dining / Side Chairs by Philippe Starck for Cassina
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of modernist chairs with a retro / space age feel. This model is called the Caprice chair, they were designed by Philippe Starck in 2007 ...
Chrome
Arthur Umanoff Wood and Rush Sculptural Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural Arthur Umanoff chairs with signature rush back, slatted wood seat, and iron legs. Floating backrest. Look great from all angles. Good vintage condition. Five available. Pr...
Iron
$4,755 / set
H 33.08 in W 17.72 in D 19.69 in
Set of 8 chairs by Carlo Bartoli for Matteo Grassi, 1980
By Carlo Bartoli, Matteo Grassi
Located in MONTESSON, FR
This chair was designed by Italian designer Carlo Bartoli for the manufacturer Matteo Grassi in the 1980s. It is the Carol model. It is made entirely of leather and features a handle...
Leather
$1,890 / item
H 30.32 in W 17.72 in D 20.48 in
Dark Red Wine Kangaroo Chair Designed by Ernst Moeckl, Germany, 1968
By Ernst Moeckl
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
This model is called Z-chair. Designed in 1968 in the GDR by Ernst Moeckl and Siegfried Mehl, German Version of the Panton chair. Also called kangaroo chair or variopur chair. Produc...
Fiberglass
$6,876 / set
H 35.04 in W 24.81 in D 19.69 in
Tito Agnoli x Calligaris Italian Postmodern Leather Dining Chairs, 1980s, Italy
By Matteo Grassi, Tito Agnoli, Calligaris
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
A set of six Postmodern sculptural dining chairs designed by Tito Agnoli and handmade by Calligaris in Italy, 1980s. They feature a...
Leather
$2,062 / set
H 26.78 in W 16.93 in D 15.75 in
Set of 4 yellow chairs “4875” mod. by Carlo Bartoli for Kartell-70s
By Carlo Bartoli, Kartell
Located in Padova, IT
The almost comical appearance, soft curves and compact proportions of Carlo Bartoli's 4875 chair are very reminiscent of two famous previous Kartell models, the 1960 stackable childr...
Plastic
Carlo Bartoli Chair Model 4875 for Kartell, Italy, 1970s
By Carlo Bertoli & Piero Menichetti, Kartell
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early pair of Italian Modernist Polypropylene chairs designed by Carlo Bartoli for Kartell Italia in the 1970s model 4875, unusual color, art furniture, Nic...
Plastic
Sculptural Mango Wood Chair Modern Organic
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This wonderfully sculptural chair was crafted from a single block of mango wood. The chair sits on 4 slender legs. Its neutral pigment makes it perfect for any space. A uniquely scul...
Wood, Fruitwood
Mid Century Lounge Chairs By Carl Straub 1970s, Set Of 2
By Carl Straub
Located in ECHT, NL
Mid-Century Lounge Chairs by Carl Straub 1970s, Set of 2 New Upholstery in Soft Grey / Taupe Fabric.
Fabric, Beech
$2,165 / set
H 31.5 in W 17.33 in D 19.3 in
Pair of black Leather Chairs by Tito Agnoli for Matteo Grassi, Italy, 1980s
Located in Berlin, DE
A refined pair of chairs defined by clean lines, a lightly curved backrest, and a restrained, architectural silhouette. Fully wrapped in hand-stitched black saddle leather, they re...
Metal
Mid century 1970's Carl Straub Brutalist oak sling lounge chairs
By Carl Straub
Located in Liberty, NY
Great 1970's Carl Straub sling lounge chairs - price is for one chair, only one available., as two have sold. Beautiful dark stained heavy oak frames display through mortis and tenon...
Wool, Oak
$2,250
H 34 in W 39.5 in D 37 in
Safari Lounge Chair in Oak and Leather by Carl Straub, Sergio Rodrigues Style
By Carl Straub, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Straub lounge chair with a safari-inspired silhouette referencing Sergio Rodrigues' Mole chair. The solid oak frame features four tapered, gently splayed legs joined by curved s...
Leather, Oak
$1,375 / item
H 30.32 in W 17.72 in D 20.48 in
White Glossy Kangaroo Chair Designed by Ernst Moeckl, Germany, 1960s
By Ernst Moeckl
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
This model is called Z-chair. Designed in 1968 in the GDR by Ernst Moeckl and Siegfried Mehl, German Version of the Panton chair. Also called kangoroo chair or variopur chair. Produc...
Fiberglass
Pierre Paulin, Little Tulip chair, Artifort, 1960
Located in Uppsala, Uppsala
Little Tulip chair (originally known as the F163), designed in the 1960s by Pierre Paulin. The Artifort Tulip collection remains a true Mid-Century Modern icon. A perfect fusion of e...
Metal, Chrome
1969 Executive Armchairs Leather & Fiberglass Shell, Lübke
By Eero Saarinen, Joe Colombo, Konrad Schäfer, Lübke
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Stunning 1969 leather and fiberglass shell executive armchairs by Konrad Schäfer. The now iconic Space Age style invokes design elements of contemporaries, including Joe Colombo's E...
Metal
Set of Four "Sail" Chairs by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti
Located in Milano, IT
This stunning set of four 'Sail' chairs is a masterpiece of 1970s Italian design, created by the genius mind of Giovanni Offredi and produced by Saporiti in 1973. The 'Sail' chairs e...
Velvet, Bentwood
Sold
H 32.29 in W 19.3 in D 22.05 in
Rare 1st edition Panton chair by Verner Panton for Herman Miller 1968.
By Verner Panton, Herman Miller
Located in Landgraaf, NL
Rare 1st edition Panton chair by Verner Panton for Herman Miller 1968. The design concept for a stackable chair in one molded piece started in the 50’s. With the help of Willi Fehlba...
Fiberglass
Sold
H 29.93 in W 25.2 in D 22.05 in
Pair of 'Scimitar' Chairs by Boris Tabacoff for Mobilier Modulaire Moderne, 1970
By Mobilier Modulair Moderne, Boris Tabacoff
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Stunning pair of ‘Scimitar’ chairs in the style of Boris Tabacoff and made in Belgium during the 1970s. An exceptional design thanks to the half-moon shape of the chromed steel base....
Metal
Sold
H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
8810 Flower Chair and Table Leg by Pierre Paulin for Boro Belgium, 1973
By BORO Belgium, Pierre Paulin
Located in Hyères, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Originally made as outdoor furniture in 1972 this 8810 model flower chair and table is now a very rare and sought after iconic piece of plastic design history. Designed by Pierre Pau...
Plastic
Rare 1970s Space Age Italian Swivel Accent Chair New Fabric
By Eero Saarinen, Maurice Burke
Located in San Diego, CA
Great and rare unique chair freshly recover in beautiful colorful fabric, the metal base shows a nice patina we polished and cleaned but left its original condition. nice solid and s...
Metal
Iconic Red Embryo Chair by Marc Newson, Steel & Foam, Italy, 1988
By Marc Newson
Located in Brussels, BE
Embryo chair created in Sydney Australia in 1988. tubular steel, polyurethane and neoprene. Three legs and a chromed steel structure padded with moulded p...
Steel
Harry Bertoia side chairs in chrome 1980s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Iconic Harry Bertoia side chair . Chrome wire chairs .with there slabs ,in Black limitation leather. Very good condition .
Chrome
Sold
H 32.5 in W 19 in D 28 in
Willy Guhl Style Side / Lounge Fiberglass Chairs..Garden, Poolside , Spaceage
By Willy Guhl
Located in Buffalo, NY
Willy Guhl Style Side / Lounge Fiberglass Chairs..Garden, Poolside ,Space age,, Possibly Italian ? Incredible design!!.. Extremely comfortable..Will be great for interior or exterior...
Fiberglass
Universale Chair Joe Colombo for Kartell, Italy, 1967
By Joe Colombo
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Universale chair by legendary designer Joe Colombo. First adult-sized plastic chair to be produced using a single injection cast mold. ABS plastic wit...
Plastic
"Melaina" Fiberglass Chair by Rodolfo Bonetto for Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Melaina" chair, designed by Rodolfo Bonetto(1929-1991) for Driade in 1970. Manufactured in Italy. Original gloss white finish. Benetto was a Milan native with a passion for ABS p...
Fiberglass