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
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
Vintage Postmodern White Illuminated Wall Unit Dry Bar Display Case
Located in Lutz, FL
1980’s Post Mod White Lacquered Wall Unit Dry Bar Display Cabinet. An incredible wall unit/dry bar to take you straight to Miami in the 80s! This cam...
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
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
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
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
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
$1,249 / 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
Abracadabra by De Pas D'Urbino Lomazzi for Zerodisegno
By Zerodisegno, Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
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
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
$4,892 / 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
$33,018 / 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
$4,031Sale 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
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
$16,953Sale 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
$4,927 / 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
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
$1,697Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
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
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
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
$1,673 / 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
$12,460 / 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
$4,927 / 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
$3,302Sale Price|40% Off
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
Custom Modernist Steel and Wood Bookshelf
Located in Alhambra, CA
Inspired by futurist design of the 1960s, our two-tier bookshelf combines powder-coated steel and wood for an organic meets atomic aesthetic. Streamlined floating shelves, powder-coa...
Steel
$14,145Sale Price|20% Off
Custom steel and glass bookcase by Johan Bruynseraede, Netherlands 1990s
By Matteo Thun, Ettore Sottsass, Gaetano Pesce, Memphis Group
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
$4,892 / 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
$6,306 / 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
$2,310 / 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
$14,263 / 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
$10,373 / 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
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
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
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
$2,310 / 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
$18,377 / 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
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
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
$2,180 / 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
Bücherregal Søborg Møbelfabrik Børge Mogensen Palisander
By Søborg Møbelfabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Bücherregal vom dänischen Qualitätshersteller Soborg Mobelfabrik aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Borge Mogensen, einem der b...
Rosewood
$188 / 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
$5,846Sale 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
$2,416 / item
Object 009 Shelves by NG Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 009 shelves by NG Design Dimensions: D160 x W40 x H190 cm Materials: Powder coated steel. Also Available: All of objects available in different materials and colors on de...
Steel
$707 / 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
Postmodern Bookcase by Roberto Pamio and Renato Toso for Stilwood, Italy, 1970s
By Stilwood, Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Roberto Pamio and Renato Toso for Stilwood in 1972, this exceptional sideboard combines post-modern aesthetics with refined Italian craftsmanship. The piece features a dy...
Formica, Wood
$6,483 / 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
$4,892 / item
Booky 4 Powder Blue Bookcase by Giò Colonna Romano
Located in Geneve, CH
Booky 4 Powder Blue Bookcase by Giò Colonna Romano Dimensions: D 40 x W 184 x H 70 cm. Materials: Polyethylene. Weight: 40 kg. Available in different co...
Other
$2,593 / 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
$24,896 / 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
$39,172 / item
Metal Eresia Bookcase by Amura Lab
Located in Geneve, CH
Metal Eresia Bookcase by Amura Lab Dimensions: W 322 x D 40 x H 206 cm Materials: FRAME: Metal. Amura Lab: In their gaze, they carry the strong and poignant beauty of Southern Italy...
Metal
$7,296 / 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
$12,448 / item
Meets Credenza by Andrea Giomi
Located in Geneve, CH
Meets credenza by Andrea Giomi Dimensions: D 47 x W 175 x H 80 cm Materials: Stone Andrea Giomi, was born in Castelfiorentino in the province of Florence in 1970. Develops his ...
Stone
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
Lacquered Finish with Walnut Modular Library by Ultramobili
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique, Mina Vintage Modular Library Wall Units by Ultramobili Dimensions: W 222 x D 164 x H 194 cm Materials: Vintage Bronze effect handmade lacquered finish with Walnut Noce. Mod...
Wood, Lacquer
$24,157 / item
Cafofo Shelves by Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
Cafofo shelves by Mameluca Material:Various Brazilian reclaimed wood & acrylic & carbon steel Dimensions: D125 x W60 x H195 cm Favela (slum) was a place of high inspiration for ...
Steel
$8,192 / 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
Brown Geometric Wood Contemporary 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