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.
Midcentury Italian Post Modern Travertine Marble 2 Piece Cocktail Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Two piece contemporary design circa 1990s from Italy. Solid travertine construction. Each table measures 55 inches from corner to corner. 27.5 inches wide. The taller table is 16 inc...
Travertine
Rosso Lepanto Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100
Located in Geneve, CH
Rosso Lepanto Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100 Dimensions: 100 x H 27 cm Materials: Rosso Lepanto Available in Kyknos, Grafite, Travertino Rosso, Grey Saint Lau...
Marble
Large Travertine Mid Century Italian Modern Trapezoidal Glass Cocktail Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An extra long coffee table from Italy circa 1970's. It features 2 triangular travertine pedestals supporting a thick clear glass top.
Travertine
$44,201 / item
Credenza Console by Studio Boheme
Located in Geneve, CH
Credenza console by Studio Boheme Gardenia collection Dimensions: W 238.7, D 44.9, H 71.4 cm Materials: Birch plywood Knobs: Black powder/brushed br...
Brass
Rosso Lepanto Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100
Located in Geneve, CH
Rosso Lepanto refined contemporary marble low round table 36/100 Dimensions: 100 x H 36 cm. Materials: Rosso Lepanto Available in Kyknos, Grafite, Trave...
Marble
$10,075 / item
Kynos Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table
Located in Geneve, CH
Kynos Refined Contemporary marble low round table Dimensions: 100 x H 36 cm Materials: Kynos Angelo is the essence of a round table in natural stone, a sculptural shape in robust material with elegant lines and refined finishes. The collection consists of a round/oval dining or conference table, side tables and lower tables. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use! All tables are made by order and finished by hand to be sure that the table top and base become one piece The basic collection consists of 9 different marbles and different standard dimensions, however on request we make to measure. Almost any size or marble is possible! All tables are signed and numbered (the low and side tables are only signed). All tables are impregnated with Lithofin Nanotop. This protection is not visible and the marble keeps its natural look and feel. With the delivery of every table, a maintenance set of Lithofin is included. The production time is standard 12 weeks. The design Angelo is the essence of a round or oval table in natural stone, it features a sculptural form, sturdy material, an elegant line and a refined finish. Two elements, table base and top, form one whole together. The bottom is one running curve from table foot to edge. The conical connection creates a stable whole. To show the marble in it’s most expressive character, different finishes are possible (polished, honed, brushed, striped, sandblasted & brushed). The basic collection consists of nine different types of marble and different sizes. On request this design can be executed in almost any type of marble and on measure. This table is perfectly suitable in a housing, retail or office environment. As the table is supported by one central foot it creates a lot of flexibility in seating. Executed in hard variations of natural stone suited for external use, this design can be a perfect garden table or sculpture. Angelo M...
Marble
Travertino Silver Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100
Located in Geneve, CH
Travertino silver refined contemporary marble low round table 27/100 Dimensions: 100 x H 27 cm Materials: Travertino Silver Available in Kyknos, Grafite, Travertino Rosso, Grey S...
Marble
Travertino Silver Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100
Located in Geneve, CH
Travertino Silver Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100 Dimensions: 100 x H 36 cm Materials: Travertino silver Available in Kyknos, Grafit...
Marble
Travertino Rosso Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100
Located in Geneve, CH
Travertino Rosso Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100 Dimensions: 100 x H 27 cm Materials: Travertino Rosso marble Available in kyknos, grafite, travertino rosso, grey ...
Marble
Picasso Green Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100
Located in Geneve, CH
Picasso Green Refined Contemporary marble low round table 27/100 Dimensions: 100 x H 27 cm Materials: Picasso Green marble Available in Kyknos, Grafite, Travertino Rosso, Grey Sai...
Marble
Mid Century Italian Post Modern Rectangular Cocktail Table in Glass & Marble
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large and substantial coffee table from Italy circa 1970's. It features a thick clear glass top with chunky solid marble marble legs in white with grey veining.
Metal, Brass
Mid Century Italian Post Modern Black & White Kidney Shape Cocktail Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large free form coffee table from Italy circa 1980's. It features cast concrete legs with textured wood and clear inlayed glass.
Concrete
Italian Postmodern Smaller Scale Marble and Glass Square Cocktail Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This cocktail table is so architectural and modern, made in Italy, circa 1990s. It’s constructed of thick slabs of marble and clear glass. Very clean and ready for immediate use.
Marble
Picasso Green Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table, 36/100
Located in Geneve, CH
Picasso Green Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table, 36/100 Dimensions: 100 x H 36 cm. Materials: Picasso green marble Available in Kyknos, Grafite, Travertino Rosso, Grey Sain...
Marble
Grafite Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100
Located in Geneve, CH
Grafite Refined Contemporary marble low round table 36/100 Dimensions: 100 x H 36 cm Materials: Grafite marble Angelo is the essence of a round tab...
Marble
Kyknos Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100
Located in Geneve, CH
Kyknos Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100 Dimensions: 100 x H 27 cm Materials: Kynos Angelo is the essence of a round table in natural stone, a sculptural shape in ro...
Marble
Travertino Rosso Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100
Located in Geneve, CH
Travertino Rosso refined Contemporary marble low round table 36/100 Dimensions: 100 x H 36 cm Materials: travertino rosso marble Available in kyknos,...
Marble
Grafite Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100
Located in Geneve, CH
Grafite refined Contemporary marble low round table 27/100 Dimensions: 100 x H 27 cm Materials: Grafite marble Angelo is the essence of a round table in natural stone, a sculptu...
Marble
Bianco Statuarietto Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100
Located in Geneve, CH
Bianco Statuarietto refined contemporary marble low round table 27/100 Dimensions: 100 x H 27 cm Materials: Bianco Statuarietto Available in Kyknos, Grafite, Travertino Rosso, Gre...
Marble
Grey Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 27/100
Located in Geneve, CH
Grey Saint Laurent refined contemporary marble low round table 27/100 Dimensions: 100 x H 27 cm Materials: Grey Saint Laurent marble Available in Kyknos, Grafite, Travertino Rosso...
Marble
Bianco Statuarietto Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100
Located in Geneve, CH
Bianco Statuarietto Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100 Dimensions: 100 x H 36 cm Materials: Bianco Statuarietto Available in Kyknos, Gra...
Marble
Grey Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100
Located in Geneve, CH
Grey Saint Laurent Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table 36/100 Dimensions: 100 x H 36 cm Materials: Grey Saint Laurent marble Available in Kyknos, Grafite, Travertino Rosso, G...
Marble
$800
H 12 in W 26 in D 22.88 in
Ole Gjerlov-Knudsen France & Sons Teak Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee Table
By Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind, France & Søn
Located in Wayne, NJ
France & Sons teak Danish Scandinavian Modern coffee table. Designed by Ole Gjerlov-Knudsen and Torben Lind. If you are in the New Jersey , New York City Metro Area , please contact...
Teak
$2,986 / item
H 30.32 in W 35.83 in D 15.75 in
French Directoire Style Console Table in Solid Cherry Wood, Secret Drawer
Located in Landivy, FR
This rectangular console table is a craft handed re-interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. The Directoire period style is remarkable with its ...
Brass
$4,000
H 15.36 in W 24.81 in D 24.81 in
Painted Iron and Glass Low Table by Curtis Jere, United States, circa 1960
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Painted iron and glass low table by Curtis Jere. United States, circa 1960. Glass dimensions: 80 x 80 cm.
Iron
$6,003
H 29.53 in W 35.44 in D 70.87 in
Midcentury Italian Post Modern Travertine Marble Rectangular Dining Table
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Introducing our stunning rectangular Travertine dining table, a true masterpiece of Italian design from 1980. Crafted with exquisite attention to detail, this table features a luxuri...
Travertine
Well Carved Chippendale Style Low Boy
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Vintage Chippendale style low boy with a scalloped edge over top drawer with three divided drawers accented with brass hardware, the middle drawer with a deeply carved Shell motif. S...
Brass
$2,280 / item
H 31.5 in W 37.41 in D 14.57 in
French Directoire console in cherry with red grey striped drawer
Located in Landivy, FR
This console is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timeless lines. The ...
Wood, Cherry
Travertine Stone Console by Studio Glustin
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Elegant console in massive travertine stone with brass inlays by Studio Glustin. France, 2022.
Travertine, Brass
$1,801
H 21.26 in W 49.61 in D 13.78 in
1950s Art Deco Mid-Century Regency Italian Burl and Brass Low Consolle Sidetable
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco low consolle side table with decorated glass top, ideal as TV stand, in walnut with applied burl elm, three drawers and original antique brass handles. ...
Brass
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 14.75 in W 66 in D 40.25 in
Mid Century Modern Cast Hardstone Indoor/Outdoor Cocktail Table w/Fossils 20thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced Delivery Rates - See Below or Click “Ask The Seller” to Request a Quote*** A Mid Century Modern Cast Hardstone Indoor/Outdoor Coffee Table with Fossils and Fossil Imprint...
Cast Stone, Concrete
$2,440
H 19.1 in W 43.12 in D 17.72 in
19th Spanish Low Console Table with Solomonic Legs & Two Carved Drawers
Located in Miami, FL
This lox Spanish table late 19th century, features a beautiful one plank rectangular top over two carved drawers. Each drawer, featuring slightly different hardware, is adorned wit...
Iron
Italian Modern Travertine Cocktail Table
By Romeo Rega, Angelo Mangiarotti, Up & Up
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Travertine Cocktail Table. Offered is a stunning cream colored Italian Parsons style square travertine cocktail table in the style of Angleo Mangiarotti. This lovely c...
Travertine
$1,789
H 10.24 in W 20.87 in D 18.12 in
Low stoneware wood firing ceramic low coffee table by Brigitte Chassang
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Brigitte Chassang Low stoneware wood firing ceramic coffee table by Brigitte Chassang Original brutalist ceramic table Original perfect condition Realised in 2024 Unique handma...
Ceramic
Picasso Green Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table, 36/100
Located in Geneve, CH
Picasso Green Refined Contemporary Marble Low Round Table, 36/100 Dimensions: 100 x H 36 cm. Materials: Picasso green marble Available in Kyknos, Grafite, Travertino Rosso, Grey Sain...
Marble
Sold
H 18.5 in W 53.5 in D 38 in
Mid Century Italian Post Modern Glass & Gunmetal Tear Drop Form Cocktail Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning S Form coffee table from Italy circa 1990's. It features a gunmetal steel finish base with brass colored trim and a clear glass top.
Steel
Sold
H 15 in W 51 in D 33 in
Mid Century Italian Post Modern Travertine Marble Cocktail Table in Triangular
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A chunky and substantial cocktail in travertine from Italy circa 1992. It features heavy travertine construction with extra thick bullnose edge and column form legs. Clean ready to u...
Travertine
Mid-Century Post Modern Glossy Black Scrolled Rectangular Cocktail Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A heavy substantial coffee table from Italy circa 1980's. It features solid wood construction with a high gloss lacquer finish.
Wood
Post Modern Mid Century Bamboo Rattan Coffee or Cocktail Table, 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Post-Modern mid century geometric design coffee or cocktail table rendered in rattan bamboo with a glass top, 1970s.
Bamboo, Rattan, Glass
Mid Century Italian Post Modern Black Marble 3 Legged Cocktail Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A chic post modern Italian design coffee table from the early 1990's. It consists of black marble slab construction with white and grey veining.
Marble
Sold
H 15.5 in W 55 in D 38.5 in
Mid Century Italian Post Modern Beige Marble Cocktail Table in an Eye Form
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning vintage marble coffee table made in Italy circa 1980's. It features a 3 piece design constructed of thick marble slabs.
Marble
Sold
H 16 in W 73.5 in D 33.5 in
Large Oval Post Modern Space Age Modern Cocktail Table in Black Metal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large an impressive post modern design coffee table. It features all enameled metal construction with racetrack oval top.
Steel
Sold
H 16.25 in Dm 35.5 in
Mid Century Italian Post Modern Circular Coffee Table in Marble with X Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek modern round cocktail table made in Italy in the 1980's. It features a beige colored slab marble with an X base and chrome ring acc...
Marble
Monumental Midcentury Postmodern Italian Travertine Marble Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A larger scale and substantial cocktail table from Italy, circa 1980s. The piece is constructed of two base parts with a large honed travertine top. In excellent overall condition.
Travertine
Sold
H 16 in W 50 in D 30 in
Midcentury Italian Postmodern Black and White Pop Art Triangular Cocktail Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible Postmodern design circa 1980s. This table consists of two triangular forms made of heavy wood construction with a seamless textured lacquer finish. Heavy and well made.
Wood
Sold
H 19.5 in W 28.75 in D 21.5 in
Pair of Giovanni Offredi Postmodern Nightstands or Bedside Tables for Saporiti
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern nightstands or bedside tables rendered bird's-eye Maple drawer fronts and tops with an inset matte black case or frame and oval plinth...
Wood, Birdseye Maple, Paint