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Space Age Sofas

SPACE AGE STYLE

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.

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Style: Space Age
Space Age Italian Velvet Modular Sofa, 1970s
Space Age Italian Velvet Modular Sofa, 1970s

Space Age Italian Velvet Modular Sofa, 1970s

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Beautiful two-seater sofa in Italian velvet from the 1970s Space Age period. The Italian sofa is made of dark orange textured velvet fabric. Its lines are very rounded with soft and ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Velvet

2-seater Togo sofa, by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France
2-seater Togo sofa, by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France

2-seater Togo sofa, by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France

By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy

Located in Lyon, FR

2-seaters Togo sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Rose, made in the 2000s. In its original upholstery, a thick blue jean / lavender cotton. A true design icon, the Togo remains as com...

Category

Early 2000s French Space Age Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Space Age Italian Modular Sofa designed by Emilio Guarnacci for 1P, Italy
Space Age Italian Modular Sofa designed by Emilio Guarnacci for 1P, Italy

Space Age Italian Modular Sofa designed by Emilio Guarnacci for 1P, Italy

By Emilio Guarnacci

Located in Roma, IT

The combination offered consists of 2 modules with side armrests to form a 2-seater sofa. It is possible to add multiple modules thanks to the steel levers placed in the lower part t...

Category

1970s European Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Beech

F&T Salotti Space Age Italian Velvet and Chrome Wrapped Sofa
F&T Salotti Space Age Italian Velvet and Chrome Wrapped Sofa

F&T Salotti Space Age Italian Velvet and Chrome Wrapped Sofa

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A mid century Italian sofa by F&T Salotti. Overstuffed space age silhouette. Original chocolate brown ruched velvet and brushed steel panel. One sofa and two chairs available, all so...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Space Age Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

Tito Agnoli Original fabric sofa bed for Cinova Mod. 711
Tito Agnoli Original fabric sofa bed for Cinova Mod. 711

Tito Agnoli Original fabric sofa bed for Cinova Mod. 711

By Tito Agnoli

Located in Milano, IT

At the height of the Seventies, in an era of innovation and avant-garde design, a sofa was born that remains a testimony to the genius of Tito Agnoli and the craftsmanship of the Cin...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Metal

Space Age Three-Seater Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi in Teddy Bear & Leatherette
Space Age Three-Seater Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi in Teddy Bear & Leatherette

Space Age Three-Seater Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi in Teddy Bear & Leatherette

By Adriano Piazzesi

Located in Catania, CT

A rare three-seater sofa designed by Adriano Piazzesi, produced in Italy during the 1970s. Upholstered in its original cream teddy bear fabric and black leatherette, this piece perfe...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Space Age Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Faux Leather

Space Age Sofa by Interlübke, 1970s
Space Age Sofa by Interlübke, 1970s

Space Age Sofa by Interlübke, 1970s

By Interlübke

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Ultra rare sofa set by Interlübke with brown fabric seats and white wooden bases. Complete set with a wooden corner piece which serves as a storage space. The high back design ...

Category

1970s German Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Space Age Three Seater Orange Sofa
Space Age Three Seater Orange Sofa

Space Age Three Seater Orange Sofa

Located in Byron Bay, NSW

Space age three seater sofa in orange velvet and abs plastic base. The concept of space-age design and furniture became popular in the mid-20th century, particularly during the mid-...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Plastic

Stringa Sofa Set by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova
Stringa Sofa Set by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova

Stringa Sofa Set by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova

By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti

Located in Byron Bay, NSW

"Stringa" sofa designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltranova in 1962. A tubular chrome frame holds leather seats on top of felt upholstered cushions. The leather cushions are attached with ...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Okay Three Seater Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi In Balck Leather and Chrome 1970s
Okay Three Seater Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi In Balck Leather and Chrome 1970s

Okay Three Seater Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi In Balck Leather and Chrome 1970s

By Adriano Piazzesi

Located in Byron Bay, NSW

This sofa is a Space Age design piece created by the Italian designer, painter and sculptor Adriano Piazzesi in the 1970s. It consists of a three-seater sofa and two armchairs crafte...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Chrome

"Diplomat" Sofa by John Home for HK Furniture, 1970s
"Diplomat" Sofa by John Home for HK Furniture, 1970s

"Diplomat" Sofa by John Home for HK Furniture, 1970s

By Howard Keith

Located in Stockholm, SE

Designed by John Home and produced by Howard Keith Furniture, United Kingdom, late 1970s. Model name "Diplomat'". Dark brown and beige striped fabric. Very good and fresh conditio...

Category

1970s British Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Metal

Alessandro Becchi Black Leather Anfibio Three Seater Sofa for Giovannetti, 1972
Alessandro Becchi Black Leather Anfibio Three Seater Sofa for Giovannetti, 1972

Alessandro Becchi Black Leather Anfibio Three Seater Sofa for Giovannetti, 1972

By Alessandro Becchi, Giovannetti

Located in Vicenza, IT

Anfibio sofa-bed by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti, 1972. Fully restored and upholstered with high-quality black Italian natural leather. Mattress upholstered with soft sheepski...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin, Cotton, Foam

Gianfranco Frattini Alpaca Sesann Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1972, Set of 2
Gianfranco Frattini Alpaca Sesann Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1972, Set of 2

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...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Vintage 1980s Italian Sofa in Black Leather and Lacquer Wood, Space Age Style
Vintage 1980s Italian Sofa in Black Leather and Lacquer Wood, Space Age Style

Vintage 1980s Italian Sofa in Black Leather and Lacquer Wood, Space Age Style

By Acerbis

Located in Milano, IT

Very cool and unusual, imposing, three-seater sofa in black calf leather with a black lacquer wood structure. In true 1980s fashion, the structure is avant-garde and almost "aerodyna...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Space Age Vintage Modular Sofa Le Bambole Purple Lavender Mario Bellini 1970s
Space Age Vintage Modular Sofa Le Bambole Purple Lavender Mario Bellini 1970s

Space Age Vintage Modular Sofa Le Bambole Purple Lavender Mario Bellini 1970s

By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia

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...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Textile, Upholstery

Space Age Vintage Green Modular Freestanding Sofa Wittmann Rhombos 1970s Austria
Space Age Vintage Green Modular Freestanding Sofa Wittmann Rhombos 1970s Austria

Space Age Vintage Green Modular Freestanding Sofa Wittmann Rhombos 1970s Austria

By Wittmann

Located in Vienna, AT

Space Age vintage freestanding modular sectional sofa elements model Rhombos from stitched corduroy in pastel green color by Wittmann 1970s Austria. A joyful and livable freestanding...

Category

Late 20th Century Austrian Space Age Sofas

Materials

Metal

Mushroom Armchair, 1970s
Mushroom Armchair, 1970s

Mushroom Armchair, 1970s

Located in Marinha Grande, PT

Elegant low "mushroom" armchair from the 70s, with an original shape. Soft original ivory white fabric in good condition Features a hidden zipper at the back

Category

1970s Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Space Age Modular Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi, Cream Teddy Bear & Leatherette, 1970
Space Age Modular Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi, Cream Teddy Bear & Leatherette, 1970

Space Age Modular Sofa by Adriano Piazzesi, Cream Teddy Bear & Leatherette, 1970

Located in Catania, CT

A rare modular sofa designed by Adriano Piazzesi, produced in Italy during the 1970s. This set includes a corner unit and a single-seat module with one armrest, both upholstered in t...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Space Age Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Faux Leather

Vintage Italian Sofa in Black Leather and Glossy Lacquered , 1970's Timeless
Vintage Italian Sofa in Black Leather and Glossy Lacquered , 1970's Timeless

Vintage Italian Sofa in Black Leather and Glossy Lacquered , 1970's Timeless

By Acerbis

Located in Milano, IT

Vintage Italian Sofa - Mid Century Designer Sofa - 1970's sofa Very cool and unusual, imposing, three-seater sofa in black calf leather with a black lacquer wood structure. In true...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Special Moduline Hanging Sofa by Cado, Denmark, 1960s
Special Moduline Hanging Sofa by Cado, Denmark, 1960s

Special Moduline Hanging Sofa by Cado, Denmark, 1960s

By Torben Lind, Cado, Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen

Located in Haderslev, DK

Moduline two seater designed by Ole Gjerløv Knudsen and Torben Lind for Cado (Poul Cadovius) 1968. This rare wall mounted two seater is green colored pleather and in good condtio...

Category

1960s European Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Pop Art Foam Childrens Sofa
Vintage Pop Art Foam Childrens Sofa

Vintage Pop Art Foam Childrens Sofa

Located in Saarbrücken, SL

good condition with signs of use and patina. very comfortable seating for adults and children.

Category

1880s German Antique Space Age Sofas

Materials

Foam

Olivier Morgue Djinn Sofa
Olivier Morgue Djinn Sofa

Olivier Morgue Djinn Sofa

By Olivier Mourgue, Airborne International

Located in Greensboro, NC

Olivier Morgue Djinn Sofa, Manufactured by Airborne International, France. The Djinn sofa gained significant fame after its appearance in the 1968 Stanley Kubrick film 2001: A Space...

Category

1960s French Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Steel

Space Age Leather Armchair, 1970s
Space Age Leather Armchair, 1970s

Space Age Leather Armchair, 1970s

Located in Neuss, NW

Unique Space Age armchair from the 1970s. High-quality padding with the original cover made of black leather and stainless steel legs. Quality Features: very good workmanship high-q...

Category

1970s German Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

Space Age Leather Armchair, 1970s
Space Age Leather Armchair, 1970s

Space Age Leather Armchair, 1970s

Located in Neuss, NW

Unique Space Age armchair from the 1970s. High-quality padding with the original cover made of black leather and stainless steel legs. Quality Features: very good workmanship high-q...

Category

1970s German Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

Divano vintage anni '70 a tre posti in velluto multicolore design Italiano
Divano vintage anni '70 a tre posti in velluto multicolore design Italiano

Divano vintage anni '70 a tre posti in velluto multicolore design Italiano

Located in None, IT

Divano a tre posti con struttura in legno, rivestimento in velluto multicolore, gambe e inserti in metallo cromato, design italiano, anni '70. CONDIZIONE: In buone condizioni, potre...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Metal

Alessandro Becchi Grey Leather “Anfibio” Three Seater Sofa for Giovannetti, 1972
Alessandro Becchi Grey Leather “Anfibio” Three Seater Sofa for Giovannetti, 1972

Alessandro Becchi Grey Leather “Anfibio” Three Seater Sofa for Giovannetti, 1972

By Giovannetti, Alessandro Becchi

Located in Vicenza, IT

Anfibio sofa-bed by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti, 1972. Fully restored and upholstered with high-quality grey Italian natural leather. Mattress upholstered with soft sheepskin wool. The Anfibio sofa ranks among the most outstanding cult products of Italian design. It is innovative, original, and highly functional; it is a revolutionary sofa-bed, a symbol of high quality and sapient artisanry. It is possible to find it in the permanent collection of 13 museums worldwide, among which the MoMa in New York, since 1972. Alessandro Becchi designed the “Anfibio” sofa for the Italian manufacturer Giovannetti in 1970. It is characterized by generous dimensions and soft, embracing shapes that invite relaxation and comfort. It reminds a floating dinghy thanks to its lack of rigid mechanism. This feature inspired its name, which means amphibious. Furthermore, the sofa presents a rectangular steel structure and padding in non-deformable high-density polyurethane, covered with acrylic thermo-welded fibers and protective fabric. The Anfibio sofa by Giovannetti is available covered in leather or fabric and several colors. This artwork is the ideal convertible solution, the perfect combination of aesthetic research and innovative household living. Alessandro Becchi was born in Florence in 1946. He studied at ISIA in his hometown, and in the late 60s, he began his career as a designer. In 1970 he designed the revolutionary Anfibio sofa for Giovannetti. In 1972, thanks to the success of Anfibio, he was invited to the exhibition “Italy: the New Domestic Landscape” at the Museum of Modern Arts in New York. This date opens in close collaboration with Giovannetti. He designed a series of sofa-beds, such as Only You, Brando, Diletto, and the famous armchairs Le Bugie...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Cotton, Foam, Leather, Sheepskin

Space age sofa by Emilio Guarnacci
Space age sofa by Emilio Guarnacci

Space age sofa by Emilio Guarnacci

By Emilio Guarnacci

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Rare space age sofa by Emilio Guarnacci, Italy circa 1968. A sculptural drawing, all in curves and volumes, typical of the formal revolution of the lat...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Other

Modular Space Age Vintage Blue Velvet Lounge Chair Rhombos Wittmann 1970 Austria
Modular Space Age Vintage Blue Velvet Lounge Chair Rhombos Wittmann 1970 Austria

Modular Space Age Vintage Blue Velvet Lounge Chair Rhombos Wittmann 1970 Austria

By Wittmann

Located in Vienna, AT

Space Age vintage modular element or sofa or lounge chair model Rhombos from stitched velvet fabric in blue color by Wittmann 1970s Austria. A wonderful modular sofa element or loung...

Category

Late 20th Century Space Age Sofas

Materials

Fabric

extra large leather sofa by Poltrona Frau
extra large leather sofa by Poltrona Frau

extra large leather sofa by Poltrona Frau

By Pierluigi Cerri

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Iconic sofa made by Poltrona Frau in the 1970's in beige leather with large cozy cushions Sofa is made of two pieces ( 220cm & 160cm ) that could be held together of used as an angle...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Space Age Sofas

Materials

Leather

Elco Production Daybed by Rodolfo Bonetto in Fibreglass
Elco Production Daybed by Rodolfo Bonetto in Fibreglass

Elco Production Daybed by Rodolfo Bonetto in Fibreglass

By Rodolfo Bonetto

Located in Byron Bay, NSW

Experience the bold, futuristic design of the "Elco" daybed by Rodolfo Bonetto. This piece epitomizes mid-century Italian modernism, showcasing Bonetto's forward-thinking approach to...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Fiberglass

Mario Bellini White Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set Of 2
Mario Bellini White Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set Of 2

Mario Bellini White Velvet Camaleonda Sofa for B&B Italia, 1972, Set Of 2

By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini

Located in Vicenza, IT

“Camaleonda” sofa, in white velvet upholstery, designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia in 1972. Fully restored and reupholstered in Italy. The sofa is very comfort...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Foam, Chenille

2-seater Togo sofa, by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France
2-seater Togo sofa, by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France

2-seater Togo sofa, by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France

By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy

Located in Lyon, FR

2-seaters Togo sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Rose, made in the 2000s. In its original upholstery, a thick blue jean / lavender cotton. A true design icon, the Togo remains as com...

Category

Early 2000s French Space Age Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Space Age sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Space Age sofas for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sofas created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, decorative objects, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, plastic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Space Age sofas made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Germany pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sofas, popular names associated with this style include Cassina, B&B Italia, Mario Bellini, and Afra & Tobia Scarpa. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for sofas differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $943 and tops out at $55,892 while the average work can sell for $9,613.