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.
Bibliothèque étagère modulable style Bauhaus vintage en métal rouge, chrome
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Bibliothèque étagère Bauhaus vintage style Space Age et post-moderniste des années 70, dans le goût de Marc Held, structure en métal rouge et métal chromé, 4 étagères ouvertes en ver...
Metal
Set of 5 SPACE-AGE Concrete BOOKCASES by WILLY GUHL for ETERNIT, Swiss 1970
By Willy Guhl
Located in PARIS, FR
A set of 5 (on a total of 20 identical pieces!!!) modular concrete bookcases, Modernist, Free Form, Brutalist, rectangular loop cases with rounded edges, with a great grey patina wit...
Concrete
$3,042Sale Price|20% Off
Iconic Michel Dumas Plexiglas Bookcase – 1970s French Space Age Design
By Michel Dumas
Located in Oirlo, LI
This striking bookcase by Michel Dumas is a powerful expression of 1970s French space-age design. Crafted from high-quality Plexiglas, the piece showcases Dumas’s mastery of trans...
Plexiglass
Libreria Modulare in Legno Laccato - Carlo De Carli per Fiarm - Italia - Anni 70
Located in Milano, IT
La libreria in foto, attribuita a Carlo De Carli, prodotta da Fiarm negli anni '70 del XX secolo, è composta da due corpi distinti ma offre la possibilità di unirli in un unico eleme...
Bentwood
Bibliothèque étagère italienne style Bauhaus vintage en métal rouge et verre
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Bibliothèque étagère italienne vintage style Bauhaus et post-moderniste des années 70, structure en métal rouge tubulaire et métal noir, petites et grandes étagères, fixations murale...
Metal
Italian Space Age plastic bookcase Dodona 300 by Ernesto Gismondi Artemide, 1970
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Space Age plastic bookcase Dodona 300 by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, 1970s Dodona 300 bookcase with rectangular shape, made entirely of plastic. The rectangular shelves ar...
Plastic
Italian Space Age plastic bookcase Dodona 300 by Ernesto Gismondi Artemide, 1970
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Space Age plastic bookcase Dodona 300 by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, 1970s Dodona 300 bookcase with rectangular base, entirely made of white plastic. The rectangular shelv...
Plastic
Italian Space Age plastic magazine rack or bookcase by Aramis, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Space Age red, orange and white plastic magazine rack or bookcase by Aramis, 1970s Modular bookcase or magazine rack composed of eight compartments in white, orange and red A...
Plastic
Italian Space Age bookcase with lamp in plexiglass and metal, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Space Age bookcase with lamp in plexiglass and metal, 1970s Single column bookcase with lamp in plexiglass and metal structure. The column features four shelves and the botto...
Metal
Italian Space Age bookcase with lamp in plexiglass and metal, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Space Age bookcase with lamp in plexiglass and metal, 1970s Two-column bookcase with lamp in plexiglass and metal structure. Each column features four shelves and the bottom ...
Metal
Italian Space Age Modular Bookcase in White Fiberglass Glass by Astrarte, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian space age Modular bookcase in white fiberglass and glass by Astrarte, 1970s Modular bookcase with semi-cylinder structure in white fiberglass...
Glass, Fiberglass
Vintage Arched Rattan Accordion Etagere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional vintage etagere is a masterwork of Hollywood Regency design, perfectly capturing the breezy elegance and sophisticated whimsy of 1970s Palm Beach style. Crafted from...
Wicker, Rattan, Glass
Small 80s bookcase
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Small 1980s bookcase with yellow lacquered metal tubular frame and 5 white laminate shelves. Easily placed in all rooms of the house.
Metal
Wood & Glass Vitrine Cabinet or Bookcase LB65 by Marco Zanuso for Poggi, 68
By Marco Zanuso Jr., Succ. Carlo Poggi
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This bookcase or vitrine cabinet is made from a wooden structure with a grid design front side. It features a unique door with a magnetic closure and 4 thi...
Glass, Wood
$3,380 / item
XL Space Age bookcases in black
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
Rare set of two tall Space Age bookcases from the 1970s. The cylindrical cabinets are made of black polycarbonate, creating a futuristic and elegant look. The inside of each cabinet...
Wood
André Stern (20th century) bookcase made of steel rods 1970
Located in Charmes, FR
André Stern (20th century) Bookcase made of chromed steel rods, eight glass shelves. Integrated spotlights by Alain Richard. Disderot edition. France, circa 1970. Fully modular.
Iron
Bookcase and bar, 1960, italian , Material: Wood and (parchment leather)
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Bookcase Year: 1960 Country: French Wood and parchment leather It is an elegant and sophisticated bookcase. You want to live in the golden years, this is the bookcase that your pro...
Wood, Leather
Bookcase in Glass and Iron, 1960, French
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Iron
$4,250 / set
H 79 in W 42 in D 16 in
Design Institute America Chrome and Glass Etageres / Bookcases, 1970s - A Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of 1970s chrome and glass shelf bookcases or etageres attributed to Milo Baughman by DIA Design Institute America. Large Shelf Surface Area: W40.5" x D14.5" Small Shelf Surf...
Chrome
$17,600Sale Price / set|44% Off
H 94.49 in W 14.18 in D 133.86 in
Willy Guhl 46 Piece Modular Concrete Cube Bookcase, 1978 Switzerland
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Stunning monumental 46 piece concrete bookcase by Willy Guhl. Made up of 2 different sized hand-made concrete cubes.36 big size and 10 small size, Completely modular and able to be ...
Concrete
Willy Guhl Concrete Octagonal Vase
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete vase by Willy Guhl. Made of fiber cement. 8 sided with small base. Great vintage condition. Great oversized vase.
Cement
$3,250
H 39.25 in W 40.25 in D 19 in
Italian Metal Etagere or Bookshelf in the style of Diego Giacometti
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Italian Metal Etagere or Bookshelf, in the style of Diego Giacometti, Italy, circa 1960s. The finials at the top of the bookcase look very similar to Giacometti's "Pommeau...
Metal
$1,400
H 74 in W 32 in D 11 in
Post Modern Space Age Plastic Shelves by Olaf Von Bohr for Kartell c. 1970's
By Kartell, Olaf von Bohr
Located in New York, NY
Space Age, Postmodern plastic shelf unit, designed by Olaf Von Bohr for Kartell, made in Italy circa 1970's. This example is in very good, original, clean and ready to use condition,...
Plastic
Vintage Art Deco Rotating Bookshelf Bibliotheque
By Paul Frankl
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Art Deco style rotating library, bookshelf, bibliotheque, constructed of solid wood, probably walnut, walnut veneers. The piece features interior cubbies which have adjus...
Wood
$3,596Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 75.5 in W 30 in D 18 in
1970s Bernhardt Chinoiserie 3-Piece Modular Bookcase Wall Unit
By Bernhardt
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Extraordinary 3-piece Chinoiserie wall-unit by Bernhardt. This captivating Asian inspired system is comprised of three individual cabinets. The cabinets are stand alone and can be us...
Brass
$2,106 / set
H 20.28 in W 39.77 in D 14.18 in
Danish Modern Modular Oak and Hessian bookcases by HG, 1970s. Set of 6.
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Hansen & Guldborg Møbler
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Modular Oak Bookcases by HG Furniture, 1970s. Set of 6. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern set of six bookcase modules in oak. Designed by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørense...
Oak
Etagere Bookcase Shelving Unit in Walnut and Metal
Located in North York, ON
This exquisite etagere bookcase is sure to make a statement in any room with its traditional styling and modern flare. The 6 stunning walnut shelves are supported by long metal tubed...
Metal
$2,300
H 76 in W 42 in D 16 in
Milo Baughman Style Mid-Century Modern Chrome and Glass A-Symmetrical Étagère
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Classic 1970s design in the style of Milo Baughman. This étagère features a chrome-plated steel construction with inlayed glass shelving. In beautiful well cared for condition.
Steel, Chrome
Milo Baughman Style Chrome Étagère
Located in Redding, CT
Milo Baughman style chrome étagère with four glass shelves. Great for display piece for living room, office or bedroom. Domed open top makes...
Chrome
1940's Italian Bookcase by Vittorio Lombardi
By Vittorio Lombardi
Located in Hanover, MA
Standing open double bookcase with two single drawers with brass bow-tie handles and decorative painted ribbon detail on both sides, like pin striping. The edges are outlined in butterfly molding. The top and bottom flare outwards giving it the silhouette of the letter "K". On the back is an engraved brass plate which reads "Made by Vittorio Lombardi...
Parchment Paper
606 Wall Shelving System, Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, circa 1970
By Dieter Rams
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Model 606 wall shelving system designed by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe in Germany from 1960 onwards. Composed of wall-mounted aluminium uprights, white lacquered wooden shelves and suspe...
Metal
Sold
H 78.75 in W 33.86 in D 65.36 in
Libreria angolare in plastica vintage anni 70 design Olaf Von Bohr per Kartell
By Olaf von Bohr, Kartell
Located in Torino, Piemonte
LIbreria arancione angolare in plastica ABS, modulabile ad incastro, design Olaf von Bohr per Kartell, anni 70 CONDIZIONI: In buone condizioni, presenta segni d'usura dati dal tempo...
Plastic
Sold
H 56.5 in W 66 in D 12 in
Large UMBO "Architectural Wall" Modular Shelving System by Kay Leroy Ruggles
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking UMBO modular shelving system designed by Kay Leroy Ruggles and produced by Umbo Design Inc. during the 1970s. This iconic modular furniture system exemplifies the bold exper...
Plastic
1970s French Smoked Plexiglass Floor Stands Space Age Design
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
A pair of smoked plexiglass floor stands produced in France during the 1970s. Their design captures the transition between late-Mid-Century clarity and the sculptural optimism of the Space Age era. Each stand is crafted from thick molded plexiglass with solvent-bonded joints, achieving both structural strength and refined transparency. The smoked amber tone filters light softly, creating luminous reflections that bring warmth to contemporary interiors. Measuring 40 × 30 × 30.5 cm, the pieces function beautifully as floor displays, modular pedestals, or record holders. Their form recalls the experimental use of acrylic and lucite in 1970s French furniture...
Plastic
Sold
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
French 1970s Plexiglass Modular Cubes Smoked Acrylic Space Age Design
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
This rare pair of French 1970s plexiglass modular cubes represents the innovative use of plastics in the Space Age era. Each cube is crafted from smoked PMMA sheets, heat-bent into s...
Plastic
1970’s UMBO Shelves, Kay Leroy Ruggles for Directional
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Very hard to find 10 piece 1970’s UMBO Shelves, Kay Leroy Ruggles for Directional. Original white has faded to varying degrees of beige, as typical, and ...
Plastic
Sold
H 43.31 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Space Age Illuminated bookcase attributed to Joe Colombo, Italy, 1970
By Joe Colombo
Located in Padova, IT
Space Age revolving sculptural illuminated bookcase attributed to Joe Colombo; aluminum base, fiberglass structure, 8 bulbs inserted in the lower part controlled by a foot switch. Ve...
Aluminum
Sold
H 86.62 in W 38.43 in D 14.57 in
Orange Coral steel freestanding Congress Bookcase by Lips Vago, 1968
By Lips Vago
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Congress model bookcase produced by Lips Vago since the 60s in painted steel. The bookcase is completely dismantled and its shelves adjustable in height. This is one of the best book...
Steel
UMBO Modular Bookcase by Kay Leroy Ruggles for Directional
By Directional
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Fun and functionality coalesce with this customizable, space-age design. Perfectly suitable for your 12" vinyl collection. 1970's white and ivory, molded ABS plastic, modular "U...
Plastic
Sold
H 74.81 in W 86.62 in D 11.82 in
Libreria "Multiplo", Rodolfo Bonetto, Guzzini, Vintage for Sale, 1970 ITA
Located in Milano, IT
Libreria "Multiplo" disegnata da Rodolfo Bonetto per Guzzini storico marchio italiano creato da Enrico Guzzini nel 1912 a Recanati. La libreria è modulabile pertanto si può modula...
Plastic
Sold
H 33.47 in W 88.59 in D 16.54 in
Red Fiberglass Library from Mim Roma - space age style design by Luigi Pellegrin
By MIM Roma
Located in Milano, IT
Space Age LIBRARY - Manufactured by MIM ROMA Stunning fiberglass library made between 1965-1975 for MIM ROMA a famous forniture retail in the center of Rome. The set is composed o...
Fiberglass
Sold
H 66.54 in W 61.03 in D 19.69 in
Large set of modular red and white shelves by Prisunic, France, 1970s
By Prisunic
Located in Lyon, FR
Unique set of modular shelves by Somm Paris for Prisunic, made in France in the 1970s. Prisunic is the ancestor of Monoprix, a big French supermarket, where you can also find clothes and designed furniture. Red, beige and white shelves...
Plastic