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.
Luigi Saccardo 'Topline' Wall Unit in Vibrant Green and Black Color
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Saccardo, 'Beehive' bookcase from the 'Topline' series, lacquered laminated wood, metal, Italy, circa 1976 Back in the seventies, Topline was a newly introduced collection by ...
Metal
Post Modern Sculptural Asymmetrical Open Bookcase Room Divider in Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Storage unit or room divider, lacquered steel, Italy, 1970s This captivating bookcase hails from Italy, a period marked by a break from traditional forms and a playful embrace of sp...
Steel
Gray metal italian bookcase postmodern by Cappellini
By Cappellini
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of Cappellini Bookcases, Italy, 1980s A refined pair of bookcases produced by Cappellini in the 1980s, embodying an elegant industrial design that seamlessly combines formal ri...
Metal, Steel
Italian Architectural Grid-Structured Higboard or Bookcase in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Highboard or bookcase, walnut, Italy, 1980s Exceptional bookcase made in Italy that perfectly balances architectural elegance with a natural approach. The design is defined by a gra...
Walnut
$512Sale Price|60% Off
Postmodern Sculpted White Stucco Etagere/Bookshelf
Located in Delray Beach, FL
The Postmodern Sculpted White Stucco Etagere/Bookshelf is a unique addition to any space, blending artistic design with functionality. Its sculpted form...
Glass
Italian post modern modular curved edges black and white wooden bookcase, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian post modern modular curved edges black and white wooden bookcase, 1980s Modular bookcase in black and white lacquered wood with a matte finish. The modules, which make up bot...
Wood
Philippe Starck Black Enameled Metal "John Ild" Bookshelf, 1977
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black enameled metal, single "John Ild" bookshelf by French design legend Philippe Starck for Italian manufacturer Disform, 1977. The shelf consists of five ascending black lacquered...
Metal
Two Bruno Munari 'Vademecum' bookcase carts for Robots, Italy 1974
By Robots, Bruno Munari
Located in Milan, IT
Bruno Munari two 'Vademecum' bookcase cart for Robots 1974 Chromed steel, aluminum. One measures 35.5 x 35.5 x H 128.5 cm. Second measures 35.5 x 35.5 x H 68.3 cm.
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
$1,272 / item
Pangea Open Furniture by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Pangea Open Furniture by Morica Design Dimensions: D 28 x W 150 x H 30 cm. Materials: Marsala red lacquered wood. Available in Canaletto Walnut, Laguna Oak, or natural oak wood. Ple...
Wood
$4,983 / item
Booky 4 Sweet Fuchsia Bookcase by Giò Colonna Romano
Located in Geneve, CH
Booky 4 Sweet Fuchsia Bookcase by Giò Colonna Romano Dimensions: D 40 x W 184 x H 70 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 40 kg. Available in different color options. Prices may var...
Other
Post Modern Memphis Salvatore Campos Art Brute Red Cat Metal Letter Desk Holder
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Post Modern Memphis Salvatore Campos Art Brute Red Cat Metal Letter Desk Holder Wonderful, whimsical, bright Red Cat desk file by Brutalist American artist Salvatore Campos. The c...
Sheet Metal
$4,983 / item
Booky 4 Flame Red Bookcase by Giò Colonna Romano
Located in Geneve, CH
Booky 4 Flame Red Bookcase by Giò Colonna Romano Dimensions: D 40 x W 184 x H 70 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 40 kg. Available in different color options. Prices may vary. T...
Other
I Found You In The Forest Dreaming Shelves by Michael Gittings
Located in Geneve, CH
I Found You In The Forest Dreaming Shelves by Michael Gittings One of a Kind Dimensions: D 50 x W 110 x H 200 cm Materials: Stainless steel, copper, enamel. Michael Gittings Melbour...
Stainless Steel, Copper, Enamel
Vintage Post Modern Aluminum & Glass Bookcase Shelf Unit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Aluminum, Glass, Has Key This vintage Post Modern aluminum and glass bookcase shelf unit, c.1980’s, offers a sleek and functional de...
Aluminum
Booky Mini Milky White Bookcase by Giò Colonna Romano
Located in Geneve, CH
Booky Mini Milky White Bookcase by Giò Colonna Romano Dimensions: D 40 x W 70 x H 70 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 21 kg. Available in different color options. Prices may var...
Other
$5,019 / item
Yellow Bookcase by Rejo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Yellow Bookcase by Rejo Studio. Dimensions: D 200 x W 50 x H 168 cm. Materials: wood. Also available in different colour. REJO is a design stu...
Wood
$91,144 / item
Booking Library by Christian Friedl
Located in Geneve, CH
Booking Library by Christian Friedl Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 55 x W 320 x H 164 cm. Materials: Walnut, brass. „A tree trunk – a unique piece of furniture“..., that is the idea of...
Brass
$4,106Sale Price|55% Off
oak console bookcase, Charlotte Perriand, 1970s
Located in Milano, MI
Bookcase cabinet of 1970s production attributed to Charlotte Perriand, composed of large 160 cm long oak shelves resting on black metal corners. The 85 cm height and distinctive sha...
Sheet Metal
$25,361 / item
Riflesso Oak Bookshelf by Baka Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Riflesso Oak Bookshelf by Baka Studio Limited Edition Dimensions: D 112 x W 45 x H 190 CM Materials: Oak wood, lacquered wood, veneered finish. A totemic étagère: soft-edged shelves...
Oak
$16,994Sale Price / item|20% Off
'Carlton' Room Divider and Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano, Italy
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in London, GB
Probably the most iconic of all Ettore Sottsass' designs, the colourful Carlton is half room divider, half bookcase and full size sculptural marvel. Des...
Laminate, Wood
$5,019 / item
Red Bookcase by Rejo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Red Bookcase by Rejo Studio Dimensions: D 180 x W 45 x H 145 cm Materials: Wood Also Available in different colour. REJO is a design studio based in Ri...
Wood
Postmodern Tempered Glass and Steel Etagere by Gallotti & Radice with a Shelf
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s - 1980s. This etagere / side table is made in tempered glass and features a glass shelf and steel parts. It may show slight traces of use since it's vintage, bu...
Steel
$3,430Sale Price|30% Off
Self Bookcase by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, Vitra, France, 2005
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Designed as a tribute to Charlotte Perriand by Ronan & Erwan BOUROULLEC, this Self model bookcase was designed in the 2000s and is no longer produced today. Entirely dismountabl...
Plastic
$118,883 / item
Infinity Bookcase by Pol Quadens
Located in Geneve, CH
Infinity Bookcase by Pol Quadens Limited Edition Of 8+4 Pieces. Dimensions: D 30 x W 420 x H 360 cm. Materials: Polished stainless steel. Pol Quadens was born in Brussels. His fath...
Stainless Steel
$7,433 / item
Marianne Bookshelf by Mingardo
Located in Geneve, CH
Marianne bookshelf by Mingardo Dimensions: D62 x W30 x H240 cm Materials: Matte nickel structure, tempered glass shelves. Natural brass details w...
Brass, Nickel
Postmodern Modular Bookcase, Italy, 1980s
Located in Antwerp, BE
This striking black bookcase, crafted in the 1980s, embodies the bold aesthetics of the postmodern design movement. Its modular grid structure is both functional and sculptural, offe...
Wood
Abracadabra by De Pas D'Urbino Lomazzi for Zerodisegno
By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Zerodisegno
Located in Milano, IT
Iconic Abracadabra bookshelf designed by the renowned Italian design trio De Pas, D'Urbino, Lomazzi. Produced by Zerodisegno, this stunning piece features a unique and playful design...
Aluminum, Iron
Oak Console Height Bookcases Custom Designed (Two Available)
Located in North Miami, FL
This is a wonderful pair of low console height bookcases in solid oak and porcelain top in natural stone finish. These are sold separately but make a great pair if you need. ONLY t...
Porcelain, Oak
$1,140 / item
Oak Stedge Shelf 60 by Leonard Aldenhoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak Stedge shelf 60 by Leonard Aldenhoff. Materials: Metal, oak. Dimensions: D 22 x W 60 x H 120 cm. Available in oak, smoked oak, black oak or white oak. Also available add-on s...
Metal
$11,888 / item
Shelf Bookcase by Pol Quadens
Located in Geneve, CH
Shelf Bookcase by Pol Quadens Limited Edition Of 8+4 Pieces. Dimensions: D 25 x W 75 x H 200 cm. Materials: Patinated rust steel. Pol Quadens was born in Brussels. His father was a...
Steel
“Zink” Magazine Stand, Källemo, Sweden
By Jonas Bohlin
Located in Brussels, BE
Jonas Bohlin — “Zink” Magazine Stand, Källemo, Sweden, Post-1984 Designer: Jonas Bohlin (b. 1953) Manufacturer: Källemo, Värnamo, Sweden Design Year: 1984 A bold expression of Swedi...
Concrete, Metal
Modular Bookcase "Skeleton" by Julius Esser
By Julius Esser
Located in Wien, AT
The Skeleton Shelf is a striking modular shelving system that merges art, design, and natural metaphor. Inspired by the image of an animal skeleton slowly returning to the earth, Jul...
Aluminum
$14,410Sale Price|20% Off
Custom steel and glass bookcase by Johan Bruynseraede, Netherlands 1990s
By Ettore Sottsass, Gaetano Pesce, Memphis Group, Matteo Thun
Located in ECHT, NL
Large custom made bookcase. It was designed by architect Johan Bruynseraede issued by bureau Contrast. It was designed specifically for an interior design project by bureau Contrast...
Steel
Carlton 30th Anniversary Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Design
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Ravenna, IT
Carlton is the most famous and iconic of all the objects designed for Memphis Milano. The piece was designed by Ettore Sottsass and first presented at the historic Memphis exhibition...
Laminate, Wood
Unique Emiel Veranneman, 1996
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Sideboard designed by the Belgian designer Emiel Veranneman produced by Decoene. Made of lacquered wood in gray-blue color with a yellow accent in the door. One-of-a-kind furniture made for the previous owner. "From 1960 Emiel Veranneman began to concentrate his efforts exclusively on furniture creations and interior decorations for clients, an evolution due to a profound dissatisfaction with the prevailing rules of the furniture industry. The result was an impressive series of unique creations with the most important characteristics: harmony, monumental, tension, power and intellectual outflow. One could call Emiel Veranneman's art furniture more radical and stubborn. an art form that is not impressed by the rules of the economy, nor by the fashionable desires of the public, least of all by the promptings of its clients or by artistic trends. All this makes it possible to really call Emiel Veranneman a monument in furniture art. His art stands alone among his contemporaries." (Veranneman, Visie & Passie, p.162-163) Please note that the piece is in good vintage condition with some minor user damage. Comes with the original design drawing...
Wood
$1,705 / item
Low Frame Bookcase by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
Low Frame Bookcase by Doimo Brasil Dimensions: W 150 x D 30 x H 65 cm Materials: Structure: painted metal, Top: leather, Shelf: venner. With the intention of providing good tas...
Steel
$720 / item
Parade 3 Shelves Oxide Red by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Parade 3 shelves Oxide Red by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D100 x W30 x H104 cm Material: Powder coated steel Weight: 12 kg Also available in different...
Steel
$15,851 / item
Foundation Bookshelf by Goons
Located in Geneve, CH
Foundation bookshelf by Goons Dimensions: W 74 x D 30 x H 150 cm Materials: Birch plywood. Oak finish. Dimensions can be adjusted +/- 10 cm Goons is located in Paris, France. All o...
Wood
$2,353 / item
Classy Medium Bookshelf by Pastform
Located in Geneve, CH
Classy Medium Bookshelf by Pastform Dimensions: D 25 x W 100 x H 165 cm. Materials: Stained and varnished wood. Available in different wood color finishes: Whiskey, Rum, BPA, Nobel,...
Wood
Italian Vintage Bookcase in green Bamboo, Rattan and Brass
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant 80's ItalianDiscover the timeless elegance of this refined vintage Italian bookcase, made of bamboo and rattan, which is a perfect exa...
Brass
$2,221 / item
Step Bookcase by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
Step Bookcase by Doimo Brasil Dimensions: W 100 x D 30 x H 200 cm Materials: Structure: Aged steel, Shelf: Veneer or lacquer. With the intention of...
Steel
Meritalia Cross Shelf, Black by Carlo Contin
Located in Toronto, ON
Bookcase in ashwood, supported and structured by the primary design geometry of a diagonal cross. Current production. Includes Certificate of Authenticity.
Wood
$6,424 / item
Parentesi Oak Wood Bookshelf by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Parentesi Oak Wood Bookshelf by Morica Design Dimensions: D 40 x W 160 x H 180 cm. Materials: Oak wood, Marmorino Terracotta lacquered wood. Available in Canaletto Walnut, Laguna Oa...
Wood
$2,533 / item
Classy Extra Large Bookshelf by Pastform
Located in Geneve, CH
Classy Extra Large Bookshelf by Pastform Dimensions: D 25 x W 140 x H 165 cm. Materials: Stained and varnished wood. Available in different wood color finishes: Whiskey, Rum, BPA, N...
Wood
Black Oak Elevate Shelving I by Camilla Akersveen and Christopher Konings
Located in Geneve, CH
Black oak elevate shelving I by Camilla Akersveen and Christopher Konings Materials: Metal, oak. Dimensions: D 40 x W 120 x H 44.3 cm Available in matt lacquered oak or black oak....
Metal
$14,530 / item
BIS Bookshelf by MOB
Located in Geneve, CH
BIS bookshelf by MOB Limited editions of 15 + 1 prototype Designer: Benjamin Ossa (Chile) Dimensions: H 210 x D 50 x W 210 cm Material: Cherry tree veneer 18mm, steel chrome unions, reflective brown glass The BIS project for MOB seeks to be installed as a sort of island in space, accentuating its semi-translucent composition and operability on both sides of the furniture. In some way this "screen" modifies the space, divides it and conditions its use, allowing to dispose objects or not, on both sides of the furniture. Thanks to the use of reflective glasses as separators; the objects and the traffic can be observed from the opposite side. Its modular, basic and simple way, together with the use of transparency, try to connect conceptually with the use of the oriental screen...
Steel
$9,390 / item
Palissandro Santos Bookcase by Petra Madalena
Located in Geneve, CH
Palissandro Santos Bookcase by Petra Madalena Dimensions: W 45 x D 45 x H 165 cm Materials: palissandro santos veneer. Weight: 70 kg (± 5 kg for packaging) Elevate your living space...
Wood
$63,404 / item
Infinity II Bookcase by Pol Quadens
Located in Geneve, CH
Infinity II Bookcase by Pol Quadens Limited Edition Of 8+4 Pieces. Dimensions: D 30 x W 150 x H 220 cm. Materials: Polished stainless steel. Pol Quadens was born in Brussels. His f...
Stainless Steel
$18,721 / item
Palm Bookcase by Marioni
Located in Geneve, CH
Palm Bookcase by Marioni Dimensions: W 177 x D 40 x H 186 cm. Materials: Brass structure, glazed decorative ceramic elements and wooden shelves. Product code: 02961 Palm bookcase w...
Brass
Unique, Smoked Mina Int 2 Modular Bookcase Library Wall Units by Ultramobili
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique, Smoked Eucalyptus Mina Int 2 Modular Bookcase Library Wall Units by Ultramobili Dimensions: W 240 x D 47.5 x H 194 cm Materials: Smoked Eucalyptus. Modular composition of b...
Wood
$564 / item
Reading Horse by Made by Choice
Located in Geneve, CH
Reading horse, book stand by Made By Choice with Katrín Ólína Dimensions: 33 x 20, H34 cm Materials: Birch plywood Also available: natural oak / painted black or custom colors on request. Icelandic designer Katrín Ólína has collaborated with Made by Choice to create home products that celebrate reading. Small Reading...
Plywood
2x Bonaldo Cabinet de Curiosité Regal Bücherregal Fabrice Berrux
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eins von insgesamt elf Bonaldo "Cabinet de Curiosité" Bücherregale aus dem Jahr 2023 zum Verkauf an. Die Regale wurden von Fabrice Ber...
Wood
$12,692 / item
Capanna S 150 Bookcase by Dale Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Capanna S 150 Bookcase by Dale Italia Dimensions: D 29/38 x W 302 x H 201 cm. Materials: Walnut and metal. Bookcase in solid Canaletto walnut composed from single modules. The packa...
Metal
$5,043 / item
Elle C 90 Bookcase by Dale Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Elle C 90 Bookcase by Dale Italia Dimensions: D 36/48 x W 90 x H 270/283 cm. Materials: Walnut and glass. Bookcase in solid Canaletto walnut composed from single modules. The packag...
Walnut, Glass
$29,324 / item
Nami Bookcase by De Castelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Nami Bookcase by De Castelli Dimensions: W 140 x D 37 x H 200 cm Materials: Striped DeLabré Brass Other versions are available. Please contact us for any request. Modular bookcase c...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$6,976 / item
Babele Bookcase by De Castelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Babele Bookcase by De Castelli Dimensions: D 36 x H 263 cm Materials: Orbitale DeLabré Copper Other versions are available, please contact us for any request. Aspirations of higher knowledge find three-dimensional representation in the striking verticality of this tower bookcase...
Copper
Green Beige Lacquered 3-Tier Bookshelf with Rounded Inserts by Ultramobili
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique, Mina LW Modular Library Wall Units by Ultramobili Dimensions: W 301.3 x D 96.5 x H 124 cm Materials: Green Beige mat lacquered finish with Walnut Canaletto. Three-level boo...
Wood, Lacquer
$5,283Sale Price|20% Off
Post-Modern Metal Shelving Unit by Orezero, Italian Design, 1980s
By Bieffeplast
Located in Antwerp, BE
Memphis, industrial, post-modern shelving unit, by Orezero, Italy, 1980s Orezero is a palindrome.
Metal
$192 / item
Repeat Shelf Rusty Red Left by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Repeat shelf rusty Red Left by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D60 x W23 x H26cm Material: Powder coated aluminum Weight: 5 kg Also available in different colors. Flexible shelf...
Aluminum
$192 / item
Repeat Shelf Rusty Red Right by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Repeat Shelf Rusty Red Right by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D60 x W23 x H26cm Material: Powder coated aluminium Weight: 5 kg Also available in different colours. Please contact us. Flexible shelf...
Aluminum