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.
Unique Arctic Circle Series Sculpture #1 in Glass and Driftwood by Szkło Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Arctic Circle Series Sculpture #1 in Glass and Driftwood by Szkło Studio. One of a Kind. Dimensions: Available upon request. Materials: Hand-blown glass, driftwood. Coordinat...
Glass, Blown Glass, Driftwood
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Sideboard in Black Lacquered Wood
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Maxalto
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto, 'Artona' sideboard, walnut, lacquered wood, ebony, brass, Italy, 1975/1979 This sideboard with strong geometrical lines is a design by Afra & Tobia ...
Brass
$4,137Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern 1980s Design Icon "Alice" Chairs by Giorgio Cattelan for Cattelan Ita
By Giorgio Cattelan, Cattelan Italia
Located in Basel, BS
Fabulous set of Rare "Alice" chairs by Giorgio Cattelan for Cattelan Italia, Postmodern 1980s. Made of Stitched red leather. Designed in 1984, iconic design by Cattelan Italia. Feat...
Metal
1 x Hourglass Rope Dining Chair Tom Dixon Style Metal Frame UK, 1980s Postmodern
By Tom Dixon
Located in London, GB
An amazing hourglass rope chair designed after the famous 'S' chair of Tom Dixon. The chair is weaved with rushed rope weaved around a metal frame. It holds a playful and beautiful...
Iron
Italian Cubic Lounge Chair in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, leather, Italy, 1970s This striking lounge chair comes in a black leather upholstery that gives the room a vibrant and interesting touch. The design is further charact...
Leather
Vintage Vladimir Kagan Directional Cloud Sofa 1980s
Located in Chicago, IL
This spectacular Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofa was produced by Directional Furniture in the 1980s and was just newly reupholstered in a gorgeous two toned velvet, and has the lucite ce...
Textile
Polifemo Floor Lamp by Carlo Forcolini for Artemide, Italy
Located in Milano, IT
During the 1980s, Artemide produced an Italian postmodern floor lamp crafted by the renowned designer Carlo Forcolino. This lamp features...
Metal
Single Amisco Stool
Located in New York, NY
Single Amisco stool
Metal
Side Table with Hidden Compartment, Black Marble & Travertine, Sculptural
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Umbral Side Table Composed of black marble and travertine, this side table contrasts deep darkness with warm neutrality through its varicolored stone segments. The object is balance...
Stone, Onyx, Travertine, Marble
6 Post-Modern Arrben Italy 'Canasta' Armchairs Leather Enameled Tubular Steel
By Arrben
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Post-Modern set of six (6) 'Canasta' armchairs by Arrben of Italy, in stitched thick saddle-leather mounted on enameled tubular steel frames. N...
Steel
Set of 3 Vintage Faux Bamboo Lounge Chairs and Table from Kettal, Spain, 1980s
By Kettal
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern garden furniture from the spanish manufacturer kettal from the 1980s. the set consists of two armchairs and a matching table. The frame is made of plastic tubes connected...
Plastic
Italian Memphis Style Two Tiered Rolling Bar Cart with Black Frame and Glass Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Memphis style two tiered rolling bar cart with black metal frame, lacquered wood lower shelf and glass top shelf. In original condition with visible wear consistent with its ...
Metal
The "Calamobio" chest of drawers by Alessandro Mendini
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Chest of drawers "Calamobio" by the Italian designer Alessandro Mendini. Produced by Zanotta, Nova Milanese, 1988. The chest of drawers is made from a structure in natural beech wit...
Aluminum
$1,400Sale Price / set|42% Off
Post-Modern Dining Table Set by Driade & Ycami, Glass & Aluminum
Located in Miami, FL
Kitchen Table Set, Modern dining table and 4 chair set attributed to Driade & Chairs by Ycami. The sleek and stylish post modern table attributed to the renowned Italian company Driade boasts a round frosted glass top poised atop three legs crafted from cast aluminum. The sloping legs, with their elegantly tapered bodies, serve as a defining characteristic of design aesthetic, giving the table a blend of sophistication and refinement. The legs are similar in design to those of the "M" table by designer Philippe Starck. Included are uniquely designed set of 4 dining chairs by Ycami having gorgeous sculptural case...
Aluminum
Vintage Chinese Tibetan Silver Overlay Porcelain Body Teapot With Foo Dog Finial
By Alessi, Michael Graves (b.1934)
Located in San Diego, CA
A vintage Chinese / Tibetan silver overlay porcelain body teapot with foo dog finial, circa the 1970s. The pot is in very good vintage conditi...
Sterling Silver
Set Of 2 Embrace Book Ends in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Embrace Book Ends in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme Dimensions: D 6 x W 15 x H 22 cm. Materials: Powder-coated aluminum. Witty hugs to hold up and wrap up the most pr...
Aluminum, Other
Sculptural Italian Coffee Table, Grey Green Marble, Eye Shaped Design, 1980s
Located in London, London
A sculptural Italian marble coffee table from the 1980s, formed in a striking biomorphic silhouette with softly curved edges and a deeply architectural presence. Executed in richly v...
Marble
Pierre Chapo Sculptural 'S34' Chair in Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, dining chair model 'S34', elm, France, 1960s This asymmetrical chair with a twisted base is a true icon of Pierre Chapo's playful and solemn designs. The backrest is p...
Elm
Dear Morris contemporary floor Clock black 80s Postmodern, Japanese Design
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Contemporary style floor clock designed by Shigeru Uchida in 1989. This clock was designed for Hotel Il Palazzo situated in Fukuoka, Japan. Later, Italian manufacture Acerbis / Morph...
Wood
Set of Eight Postmodern Dining Chairs in Solid Ash Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of dining chairs, ash, Europe, 1980s Striking set of eight dining chairs, made in Europe in the 1980s. These chairs showcase beauty and strength due to their material, solid ash...
Ash
Vintage Post Modern Floral Print Artwork by Antoinette Letterman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Designer: Antoinette Letterman Manufacturer: Antoinette Letterman Materials: Canvas Print, Original Polished Brass Accent Frame Elevate your s...
Brass
Austrian Postmodern Pair of "Cocoon" Chandeliers by EGLO Leuchten, 1990s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty Pair of Austrian "Cocoon" Chandeliers. These Chandeliers were designed during the 1990s in Austria by Eglo Leuchten. Original “Eglo” label still shows on the structure. These...
Metal
Bitossi Ceramiche Blue Sun Figure by Aldo Londi
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Toronto, ON
From Aldo Londi’s Rimini Blu series, this radiant sun-faced figure glows with hand-stamped motifs and crystalline glaze, equal parts folk charm and modernist icon. All Bitossi ceram...
Ceramic
Vintage 1980s Postmodern Nero Marquina Marble Dining Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Absolutely stunning veining on this black marble dining table. Even the base has intricate veining on all four sides, it’s hard to pick a favorite angle. We also had the lacquer pro...
Marble
Yrjö Kukkapuro Postmodern "Cloud" Chair in Pink, Yellow & Green, Avarte 1980s
By Yrjö Kukkapuro, Avarte, Finland 1
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of Yrjö Kukkapuro's iconic chairs and one of the earliest creations in his Post-Modern style that started in the 1980s with his experiment chairs. This chair, named Pilvi (Cloud)...
Metal
$4,850 / item
Empat Arched Console Table Cherry Red
Located in New York, US
Elegant, deep detailing gives the Empat console table a sculptured appearance that makes it an artistic accent as well as a functional table. Its graceful arches add interest without...
Resin, Plywood
Loic Beuchet Trompe L'Oeil Plaster Fire Surround 1980s
Located in CA, CA
A plaster fire surround with a delicate tromp l’oeil drapery by Loic Beuchet, circa 1980. Dimensions: Width 145cm x Height 22cm x Depth 30cm Hearth opening: Height 24.41 in (62 c...
Plaster
Postmodern German Model Minispot Table Lamp from Osram, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern table or wall lamp from Osram. A functional design with postmodern details. The cubic base primarily consists of the cladding of the transformer. On the outside it is dec...
Metal
Postmodern Black Lacquered China or Display Cabinet by Millennium for Ashley
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Postmodern by Millennium for Ashley Furniture black lacquered China or display cabinet composed of 2 pieces including a lighted top hutch with glass doors...
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Lacquer
Post Modern Bleached Oak and Tinted Glass Console Table by Lou Hodges c. 1980's
By Lou Hodges
Located in New York, NY
Chic Post Modern console table designed by Lou Hodges, circa 1980's. The table is constructed of solid oak in original bleached finish, with a beveled and tinted glass insert panel t...
Smoked Glass, Oak
Santa Fe Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Santa Fe by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano. Ceramic pendant lamp. Light is E26 or E27. Shade size is F 30/H 20 cm. cable 120cm.
Ceramic
$1,250Sale Price|50% Off
Post modern round maple butcher block dining table on chrome base
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Post modern round maple butcher block dining table on chrome base. Has a 1.75" thick solid maple butcher block round table top. Chrome base is in excellent condition with 4 adjustabl...
Chrome
$7,500 / item
Bloom Marquetry Bar Credenza
Located in New York, US
A centerpiece in any space, the Bloom Cabinet is crafted from a combination of teak and walnut, creating a beautiful contrast. Inspired by hibiscus flower, each petals are brought to...
Mahogany, Oak, Teak, Walnut
Postmodern Modern Silver Chrom Round Chandelier Art Nouveau XXL
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of postmodernism and experience pure elegance with our breathtaking silver/chrome chandelier decorated with crystals. This work of art of li...
Crystal
Set of Four Chrome and Leather Dining Chairs by Gavina c 1960/1980's
Located in New York, NY
Set of four leather and chrome dining chairs designed by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina circa 1960-1970's. The chairs feature leather seats, arm rests and backs, on bright chrome fram...
Chrome
Jean Claude Dresse Coffee Table in Brass Inlayed with Agate
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Claude Dresse, coffee table, brass, lacquered steel and wood, agate, Belgium, 1970s A luxurious square cocktail table, crafted with high attention for detail which is character...
Agate, Brass, Steel
Murano Candleholder Postmodern Memphis Milano Design, 1980s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Murano candleholder Postmodern Memphis Milano Design, 1980s Vintage Murano glass candlestick made in Italy! Ettore Sottsass would be proud of this...
Murano Glass
Joe Colombo for Comfort 'Elda' Lounge Chairs in Red Leather and Fiberglass
By Joe Colombo, Comfort, Italy
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Joe Colombo for Comfort, lounge chairs ‘Elda’, fiberglass, leather, Italy, design 1963 The ‘Elda’ chair is one of the most well-known designs of Italian designer Joe Colombo. This l...
Leather, Fiberglass
Post Modern Rectangular Verde Green Marble Dining Table
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Absolutely stunning Post Modern Verde Green marble, rectangular dining table. The beveled edges of the top set this piece off perfectly. It is the ultimate statement maker for that s...
Marble
Hand Signed Limited Edition Serigraph "Golf Winners" by Leroy Neiman
By LeRoy Neiman
Located in San Diego, CA
Hand signed limited edition serigraph "Golf Winners" by Leroy Neiman, circa 1984. The print is in very good vintage condition and is signed in lower right by the artist as well as in...
Paper
Tizio Adjustable Black Table Lamp from Richard Sapper for Artemide, 1972
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This is a highly sought-after adjustable table lamp, designed by the renowned Richard Sapper for the prestigious Italian design brand Artemide. Originally conceived and manufactured ...
Aluminum
1980's Postmodern Advertising Wall Clock by RADO of Switzerland
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare Rado wall clock advertizing for store owners double tone silver and black beautiful condition the face is made of polished acrylic and aluminium back , battery operated clock ci...
Aluminum
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Set of 4 Midcentury Post Modern Black Dining Chairs by Pietro Costantini Italy
By Ello Furniture, Pietro Costantini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Amazing Set of 4 midcentury Post Modern Dining Chairs by Italian Designer Pietro Costantini. Very delicate Post Modern Designed Black Lacquer dining chairs with upholstered Seats. Al...
Wood, Lacquer
Pierre Chapo Cabinet Model 'R18' in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, cabinet model 'R18', solid elm, France, 1960s This exquisitely crafted 'R18' cabinet combines a simplified yet complex design combined with nifty, solid construction d...
Elm
Set of 2 Vintage Postmodern German Fantasia Series Teapot and Cup, 1980s
By Matteo Thun
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Postmodern German Fantasia Series Teapot and Cup by Matteo Thun for Arzberg, 1980s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mar...
Porcelain
Post Modern Square Mersman End Table designed by Lou Hodges for Mersman c. 1970s
By Mersman, Lou Hodges
Located in New York, NY
Chic, architectural sidebar end, table designed by Lou Hodges for Mersman, circa 1970's. The table features a sculptural solid oak frame with a bevelled tinted glass top. This exampl...
Glass, Oak
Set of 4 Minimalist Postmodern Typ V607 Wall Lamps from Ikea, 1980s
By IKEA
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern metal wall lamps from Ikea. A minimalist design in terms of shape and color. The body of the light consists of a sheet of metal folded into a funnel shape. The fold cre...
Metal
$300Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Italian Chrome Pipping Single Stool by Effezeta
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice cantilever tubular chrome single stool by Ezzefeta Italy , great condition all original circa 1980s.
Chrome
1980s Italian Fior Di Pesco Marble Postmodern Vintage Dining Table
Located in Chicago, IL
A classical marble with a muted, tonal palette of soft grey with tints of rose and teal, strongly accented by stunning veins in pearl white, blush, raisin, and the rich peach that gi...
Marble
$3,800 / item
Jarvits Arched Console Table in Espresso Walnut
Located in New York, US
The minimal, stylistic arches of Jarvits Consoles give it a sculptured appearance, transforming it into both an artistic accent and a functional table ...
Wood, Walnut
Monumental three-tier Post-Modern wooden coffee table, Italy, 1980s
Located in Argelato, BO
This coffee table embodies the bold aesthetic of 1980s Italian postmodern design through a functional nest-like structure. The piece unfolds across three staggered, concealed levels,...
Metal
$1,300 / item
Stained Glass Butterfly by Ed Gilly
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Stained glass butterfly by Ed Gilly. Gilly owned Gilly Glass in the village back in the late 1979 - 1980. It was open for a short time and we visited the shop. Butterfly measures ...
Stained Glass
$6,000Sale Price / set|50% Off
Set of Five Fratelli Martini Polished Bronze 1980 Italian Wall Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A set of 5 finely crafted polished bronze floral wall lights by the Italian maker, Fratelli Martini. Newly Rewired.
Bronze
Elsa Peretti "Thumbprint" blue glass bowl for Tiffany Co .
By Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful deep blue glass bowl designed by Elsa Peretti, and made for Tiffany Co. signed
Glass
$1,042Sale Price|54% Off
Early 1990s Postmodern Waterfall Marbleized Formica Chest of Drawers / Dresser
Located in Miami, FL
Early 1990s Postmodern waterfall marbleized formica chest of drawers / dresser. Features the perfect sizing to fit in any small room, a six draw...
Brass
Postmodern Zen Table Lamp by Sergio & Oscar Devesa for Metalarte, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
A rare table light from the Spanish manufacturer Metalarte after a design by Sergio & Oscar Devesa from the 80s. The shape of this design is based on the properties and possibilitie...
Metal
$1,502Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Design Brass Fluted Torchiere Floor Lamp by Relco, Italy 1980's
By Relco Milano
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Italian Design Brass Fluted "TORCHIERE" Floor Lamp by Relco. Made in Milano, Italy, 1980's period. Marked on the dimmer switch. Design in the style of Terra A. Ton...
Brass
Post-Modern Memphis Style Side Table Fontana Arte, solid Glass, Italy 1980s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Mid-Century Memphis Style Side Table Fontana Arte, solid Glass, Italy 1980s- very heavy, very solid. perfect condition.
Glass
Postmodern Italian Chromed Metal Lounge Armchair, Italy 80s
Located in Lucija, SI
Very rare Postmodern armchair Made in Italy in the 80s Unknown designer and maker High quality
Metal, Chrome
The Beatles 'Yellow Submarine' Original Vintage Movie Poster, Japanese, 1969
Located in Devon, GB
Issued for the first Japanese release of the film in 1969, this fantastically bizarre Japanese B2 poster offers some of the best artwork created to promote the Beatles' 1968 hit psyc...
Paper