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Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

POSTMODERN STYLE

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

  • Emerges during the 1960s; popularity explodes during the ’80s
  • A reaction to prevailing conventions of modernism by mainly American architects
  • Architect Robert Venturi critiques modern architecture in his Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture (1966)
  • Theorist Charles Jencks, who championed architecture filled with allusions and cultural references, writes The Language of Post-Modern Architecture (1977)
  • Italian design collective the Memphis Group, also known as Memphis Milano, meets for the first time (1980) 
  • Memphis collective debuts more than 50 objects and furnishings at Salone del Milano (1981)
  • Interest in style declines, minimalism gains steam

CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Dizzying graphic patterns and an emphasis on loud, off-the-wall colors
  • Use of plastic and laminates, glass, metal and marble; lacquered and painted wood 
  • Unconventional proportions and abundant ornamentation
  • Playful nods to Art Deco and Pop art

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 Mendinia 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.

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492
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Style: Post-Modern
Coil Circle Cabinet Wall Mounted / Side Table by Bram Kerkhofs
Located in Geneve, CH
Coil circle cabinet wall mounted / side table by Bram Kerkhofs Dimensions: D 40 x W 40 x H 75.2cm Materials:Stainless steel, aluminium, elastic rope (natural rubber, polyethylene)....
Category

2010s Belgian Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum, Stainless Steel

Meander I2 Side Table / Low Cabinet by Bram Kerkhofs
Located in Geneve, CH
Meander I2 side table / low cabinet by Bram Kerkhofs. Dimensions: D 51 x H 73cm. Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum, elastic rope (natural rubber, polyester). Other dimensions are available. Meander is the latest fruit of an ongoing research that started from the system ‘Coil’ in which round elastic rope is connected to a stable material, resulting in screens from parallel stretched strings. Using flat elastic band with different widths and playing with interspacing, meander allows to create semi-transparent screens with a lot of variations. Out of its system Meander can be implemented exterior, as architectural screens packing buildings or dividing space, or interior, as room dividing screens. But above all it allows to create sensual objects that play with shape, transparency, motion and optical confusion. The possibilities are endless! Bram Kerkhofs (° 1977) is a Belgian furniture designer looking for new forms and methods to challenge the functionality and flexibility of a furniture piece. Educated as a goldsmith he is fascinated by connections, hinges, knots and joints, and especially by the functional opportunities they generate. His work is filled with mathematical principles resulting in intelligible algorithms to make them understandable. He draws particular attention to the relationship between construction and material, bringing simplicity into complexity, with a lasting alertness to the final function. This time-intensive design and development process results in innovative construction systems automatically expressing his signature. Many of his designs must be seen in a bigger picture, as parts to a whole, in which he explores the endless possibilities for links, combinations and variations. Bram wants to clarify complex constructions and gives the consumer and the spectator insight into his thinking process. That is why his work partly revolves around people, as the manipulators...
Category

2010s Belgian Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum, Stainless Steel

Black Marquina Marble and Brass Morse Shelf by OxDenmarq
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Marquina marble and brass Morse shelf by OxDenmarq Dimensions: D 21 x W 80 x H 87 cm Materials: Brass, black marquina marble Also Available: Different marble and frame optio...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Marble, Brass

Fossil N.10 by The Whole Elements
Located in Geneve, CH
Fossil N.10 by The Whole Elements 2018 Unique piece Dimensions: W 100 x D 20 cm Materials: hand carved, oak, 2 vessels: hand-formed pottery clay gla...
Category

2010s Polish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Clay, Oak

Lowbo S Cabinet by Phormy
Located in Geneve, CH
LOWBO S cabinet by Phormy Dimensions: D 40 x W 119 x H 53 cm. Materials: acrylic engraved or flat laminate, oak, powder coated steel base Different materials and sizes available...
Category

2010s Polish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Thandi Tall Girl by TheUrbanative
Located in Geneve, CH
Thandi tall girl by TheUrbanative Dimensions: W50 x L50 x H100 cm Material: Kiaat, Ash and Powder coated, Powdercoated MDF TheUrbanative is a contemporary South African furnitur...
Category

2010s South African Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Other

Lyn Small Grey Black Cabinet by Pulpo
Located in Geneve, CH
Lyn small grey black cabinet by Pulpo Dimensions: D60 x W45 x H110 cm Materials: glass; powder coated steel Also available in different colours. Studio Visser & Meijwaard des...
Category

2010s German Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Steel

Pagoda 01 Display Cabinets by Sing Chan
Located in Geneve, CH
Pagoda 01 display cabinets by Sing Chan Edition Of 15 + 2 AP Dimensions: D 70 x H 190 cm Materials: Stainless steel, electroplating. Sing Chan ( Chinese: 陈星...
Category

2010s Chinese Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Stainless Steel, Other

Smoked Oak Stedge Shelf 80 by Leonard Aldenhoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Smoked Oak Stedge shelf 80 by Leonard Aldenhoff. Materials: metal, oak. Dimensions: D 22 x W 80 x H 120 cm. Available in oak, smoked oak, black oak or white oak. Also available a...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

High Walnut and Black Tray Shelf IV by Hanne Willmann
Located in Geneve, CH
High walnut and black tray shelf IV by Hanne Willmann. Materials: Metal, walnut. Dimensions: D 40 x W 100 x H 201 cm. Also available in different tray conbinations and 2 sizes: H8...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

High Walnut and Black Tray Shelf III by Hanne Willmann
Located in Geneve, CH
High walnut and black tray shelf III by Hanne Willmann. Materials: metal, walnut. Dimensions: D 40 x W 100 x H 201 cm Also available in different tray conbinations and 2 sizes: H ...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

High Walnut and Black Tray Shelf VII by Hanne Willmann
Located in Geneve, CH
High walnut and black tray shelf VII by Hanne Willmann. Materials: Metal, walnut. Dimensions: D 40 x W 100 x H 201 cm. Also available in different tray conbinations and 2 sizes: H...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

High Oak and Black Tray Shelf III by Hanne Willmann
Located in Geneve, CH
High oak and black tray shelf III by Hanne Willmann. Materials: metal, oak. Dimensions: D 40 x W 100 x H 201 cm. Also available in different tray conbinations and 2 sizes: H 81, H...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

High Oak and Black Tray Shelf V by Hanne Willmann
Located in Geneve, CH
High oak and black tray shelf V by Hanne Willmann Materials: Metal, oak. Dimensions: D 40 x W 100 x H 201 cm. Also available in different tray combinations and 2 sizes: H81, H 201...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

High Oak and Black Tray Shelf VI by Hanne Willmann
Located in Geneve, CH
High oak and black tray shelf VI by Hanne Willmann. Materials: Metal, oak. Dimensions: D 40 x W 100 x H 201 cm. Also available in different tray conbinations and 2 sizes: H81, H 2...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

High Oak and Black Tray Shelf VII by Hanne Willmann
Located in Geneve, CH
High oak and black tray shelf VII by Hanne Willmann Materials: metal, oak. Dimensions: D 40 x W 100 x H 201 cm Also available in different tray conbinations and 2 sizes: H81, H 20...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Oak Elevate Shelving III by Camilla Akersveen and Christopher Konings
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak elevate shelving III 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. D...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

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...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Low Black Oak Tray Shelf by Hanne Willmann
Located in Geneve, CH
Low black 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 ...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Low Oak and Black Tray Shelf II by Hanne Willmann
Located in Geneve, CH
Low Oak and Black Tray shelf II by Hanne Willmann. Materials: Metal, oak. Dimensions: D 40 x W 100 x H 81 cm. Also available in different tray conbinations and 2 sizes: H81, H 201...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Low Walnut Tray Shelf by Hanne Willmann
Located in Geneve, CH
Low Walnut Tray shelf by Hanne Willmann. Materials: Metal, walnut. Dimensions: D 40 x W 100 x H 81 cm. Also available in different tray conbinations ...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Low Walnut and Black Tray Shelf II by Hanne Willmann
Located in Geneve, CH
Low walnut and black tray shelf II by Hanne Willmann Materials: metal, walnut. Dimensions: D 40 x W 100 x H 81 cm. Also available in different tray combinations and 2 sizes: H81, ...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

High Walnut and Black Tray Shelf II by Hanne Willmann
Located in Geneve, CH
High walnut and black tray shelf II by Hanne Willmann. Materials: metal, walnut. Dimensions: D 40 x W 100 x H 201 cm. Also available in different tray conbinations and 2 sizes: H8...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

White Oak Array Highboard 80 by Says Who
Located in Geneve, CH
White oak array highboard 80 by Says Who Materials: Oak, metal Dimensions: D 44 x W 80 x H 160 cm Also available in different colours and materials. Th...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Black Tree Console Shelf by Elisabeth Hertzfeld
Located in Geneve, CH
Beige tree console shelf by Elisabeth Hertzfeld Materials: Fenix Laminate Dimensions: D 35 x W 53 x H 6.5 cm The founders, Mia and Torben Koed, deci...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Laminate

Flamingo, Storage Unit by Hagit Pincovici
Located in Geneve, CH
Flamingo, storage unit by Hagit Pincovici Dimensions: W 41 x D 26 x H 85 cm Materials: Brass Hagit Pincovici founded her eponymous bespoke luxury furniture and lighting atelier ...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Object 024 TV Cabinet by NG Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 023 TV cabinet by NG Design Dimensions: D160 x W46 x H56 cm Materials: Powder coated steel, Tempered Glass. Also Available: All of objects available in different material...
Category

2010s Polish Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Steel

Tableau Shelf by Mingardo
Located in Geneve, CH
Tableau Shelf by Mingardo Dimensions: D55 x H55 cm Materials: Iron with brassed details Weight: 12 kg Also Available in different finishes. Tableau is a functional painting, ...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass, Iron

Post-modern case pieces and storage cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Post-Modern case pieces and storage cabinets 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 case pieces and storage cabinets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Post-Modern case pieces and storage cabinets made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original case pieces and storage cabinets, popular names associated with this style include Cosulich Interiors & Antiques, Ettore Sottsass, LapiegaWD, and Luigi Saccardo. 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 case pieces and storage cabinets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $166 and tops out at $176,085 while the average work can sell for $4,431.

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