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.
Free-Standing Double-Sided Bookcase and Room Divider in Oak by Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, bookcase, oak, glass, Italy, 1970s This bookcase by Giuseppe Rivadossi is conceived as a freestanding architectural element rather than si...
Glass, Oak
Philippe Starck Black Enameled Metal "John Ild" Bookshelf, 1977
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by Italian manufacturer Disform in 1977, the John Ild bookshelf is one of Philippe Starck's earliest documented furniture designs. Five ascending black lacquered metal shelv...
Metal, Enamel
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
Two Bruno Munari 'Vademecum' bookcase carts for Robots, Italy 1974
By Bruno Munari, Robots
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
Giuseppe Rivadossi Unique Large Freestanding Round Display Cabinet Sculpted Oak
By Giuseppe Rivadossi, Officina Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, showcase unit, oak and glass, Italy, circa 1980 This tall oak cabinet by Giuseppe Rivadossi is defined by its broad, rounded frame, which ...
Glass, Oak
Flyer Sculptural Bookcase, designed and assembled in Italy by Dario Nasuti
Located in Parma, IT
The Flyer bookshelf, designed by Dario Nasuti, is a visionary tribute to the dawn of aviation. Inspired by the internal structures and fuselages of early aircraft, Flyer brings the '...
Iron
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
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
Infinity Bookcase by Pol Quadens in Polished Stainless Steel, Belgium
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
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
$1,215 / 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
$32,096 / item
Proportions of Stone Shelf 03 by Lee Sisan
Located in Geneve, CH
Proportions of Stone Shelf 03 by Lee Sisan Dimensions: W 120 x D 40 x H 200 cm Materials: Stainless steel, natural stone Each piece is made to order and u...
Stone, Steel
$7,726 / item
Babele Bookcase by De Castelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Babele Bookcase by De Castelli Dimensions: D 28 x H 263 cm Materials: DeSalt Brass 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...
Brass
$1,627 / 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
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
$16,654Sale Price / item|20% Off
'Carlton' Room Divider and Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano, Italy
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
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
$12,116 / 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
Oak Console Height Bookcases Custom Designed (One Available)
Located in North Miami, FL
This is a wonderful low and narrow console height bookcases in solid oak and porcelain top in natural stone finish. ONLY ONE is available.
Porcelain, Oak
$7,095 / 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
$2,120 / 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
$48,121 / item
Airframe Bookcase by De Castelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Airframe Bookcase by De Castelli Dimensions: W 220 x D 55 x H 180 cm Materials: Brushed Brass The Airframe bookcase celebrates the art of hammered metal, highlighting the savoir-fai...
Brass
$558Sale Price|25% Off
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
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
Grey Geometric Stainless Steel Minimalist Infinity 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
$4,791 / 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
$5,685Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Italian design bookcase wood and leather Jumbo Line L. Massoni - Frau 70s
By Luigi Massoni, Paltrona Frau
Located in Milano, Lombardia
An authentic piece of Italian design from the postmodern period of the late 1980s/early 1990s, the Jumbo Line bookcase is the brainchild of Massoni/Morozzi for Poltrona Frau, a histo...
Chrome
Brera A Bookshelf in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme
Located in Geneve, CH
Brera A Bookshelf in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme Dimensions: D 34 x W 96 x H 105 cm. Materials: Powder-coated aluminum. Available in different sizes and finishes. Prices an...
Aluminum, Other
Black Oak Elevate Shelving ii by Camilla Akersveen and Christopher Konings
Located in Geneve, CH
Black oak elevate shelving II by Camilla Akersveen and Christopher Konings Materials: metal, oak. Dimensions: D 40 x W 120 x H 78.7 cm Available in matt lacquered oak or black oak...
Metal
$13,870 / 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
$3,920Sale Price|55% Off
oak console bookcase, Charlotte Perriand, 1970s
Located in Milano, Lombardia
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
$2,246 / item
Wall Bookcase by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
Wall 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 providing good taste and per...
Steel
$2,246 / 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
$15,131 / 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
$17,870 / 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
$6,132 / 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
$10,087 / 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
$2,418 / 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
$4,791 / 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
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
Modular Wooden Bookcase by Giovannetti - Italian Postmodern Design
Located in Milano, IT
Modular Wooden Bookcase by Giovannetti A striking wooden bookcase by Giovannetti, characterized by a bold geometric design that evokes the iconic Italian postmodern aesthetic of the...
Wood
$687 / 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
MyBook 4x5 Pumpkin Orange Bookcase by Giò Colonna Romano
Located in Geneve, CH
MyBook 4x5 Pumpkin Orange Bookcase by Giò Colonna Romano Dimensions: D 40 x W 184 x H 230 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 80 kg. Available in dif...
Other
$2,155 / item
Frame Bookcase by Doimo Brasil
Located in Geneve, CH
Frame 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 providing good taste and pe...
Steel
$687 / item
Parade 3 Shelves Green Olive by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Parade 3 shelves Green Olive by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D100 x W30 x H104 cm Material: Powder coated steel Weight: 12 kg Also available in differe...
Steel
$8,964 / 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
Wood Sistema Parere Bookcase by Amura Lab, Metal & Wood, Italy
Located in Geneve, CH
Wood Sistema Parere Bookcase by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 388 x D 38 x H 240 cm Materials: STRUCTURE: wood SHELVES: metal and wood DOORS: wood, glass, leather and cuoio. Amura Lab: In...
Metal
Magnolia bookcase by Andrea Branzi, 1983
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Bibliothèque dite magnolia par Andréa Branzi vers 1983. Les deux montants evidés permettent d’insérer des plantes vertes.
Stainless Steel
Shakespeare & Company Bookshelf in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme
Located in Geneve, CH
Shakespeare & Company Bookshelf in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme Dimensions: D 36 x W 192 x H 192 cm. Materials: Powder-coated aluminum. Crossword-shaped bookcase to facilita...
Aluminum, Other
Italian Post Modern Travertine, Wood and Polished Stainless Steel Bookcase
Located in Weesp, NL
Postmodern Italian Masterpiece: A Fusion of Art and Functionality Elevate your interior with this stunning postmodern Italian bookcase, a true statement piece that blends timeless d...
Travertine, Stainless Steel
Open Cube 45 Lime Green Modular Display by SLIDE Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Open Cube 45 Lime Green Modular Display by SLIDE Studio Dimensions: D 43 x W 43 x H 43 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 6 kg. Available in different color options. Available in ...
Other
$3,347 / item
Low Oak Tray Shelf by Hanne Willmann
Located in Geneve, CH
Low Oak Tray shelf by Hanne Willmann. Materials: Metal, oak. Dimensions: D 40 x W 100 x H 81 cm. Also available in different tray conbinations and 2 ...
Metal
Oak Elevate Shelving IV by Camilla Akersveen and Christopher Konings
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak elevate shelving IV by Camilla Akersveen and Christopher Konings Materials: metal, oak. Dimensions: D 40 x W 120 x H 147.9 cm Available in matt lacquered oak or black oak. Dif...
Metal
$7,966 / item
Raw Bookshelves by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
Raw Bookshelves by DAaZ Dimensions: D 47.5 x W 221 x H 180 cm. Materials: Ash wood. DAaZ Furniture honors the spirit of adventure. We embrace the escape of the ordinary and revel i...
Ash
Oak Elevate Shelving V by Camilla Akersveen and Christopher Konings
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak elevate shelving V by Camilla Akersveen and Christopher Konings Materials: metal, oak. Dimensions: D 40 x W 86.8 x H 182.6 cm Available in matt lacquered oak or black oak. Dif...
Metal
$183 / 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
MyBook 3x3 Pumpkin Orange Bookcase by Giò Colonna Romano
Located in Geneve, CH
MyBook 3x3 Pumpkin Orange Bookcase by Giò Colonna Romano Dimensions: D 40 x W 138 x H 138 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 36 kg. Available in dif...
Other
$2,521 / item
Booky Mini Flame Red Bookcase by Giò Colonna Romano
Located in Geneve, CH
Booky Mini Flame Red 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 vary....
Other
Booky Mini Pumpkin Orange Bookcase by Giò Colonna Romano
Located in Geneve, CH
Booky Mini Pumpkin Orange Bookcase by Giò Colonna Romano Dimensions: D 40 x W 70 x H 70 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 21 kg. Available in diffe...
Other
$6,304 / item
Mett Bookcase by Andrea Giomi
Located in Geneve, CH
Mett bookcase by Andrea Giomi Dimensions: D 45 x W 90 x H 200 cm Materials: various types of recycled wood o material on request. Andrea Giomi, was born in Castelfiorentino in t...
Wood
Bo Concepts Copenhagen Wall System Freestanding Bookcase Cupboard
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning Bo Concepts Copenhagen wall unit bookcase RRP £7000 A very well made piece that offers huge amounts of s...
Wood