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.
Mid Century Italian Post Modern Off White Plaster Pedestal Table after Sirmos
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful off white textured pedestal. Heavy plaster rock form in very good condition.
Plaster
Italian Modern Polished Travertine Pedestal
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Polished Travertine Pedestal. Offered is an Italian Post Modern Mangiarotti style travertine pedastal with beautiful variegation and a highly polished surface. This lo...
Travertine
Wide & Tall Mid Century Italian Modern Dark Green Marble Pedestal or Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A simple yet elegant green marble pedestal table from Italy circa 1980's. It features beautiful veining of solid slab marble construction. ...
Marble
Postmodern Plaster Sculpture Pedestal / Plant Stand
By Sirmos, Emilio Terry
Located in Round Top, TX
Minimalist plaster pedestal or plant stand, circa 1980s with stippled Organic Modern texture. Plaster furniture enjoys a long history, with the earliest attribution to Emilio R. Te...
Plaster
Post-Modern Italian Travertine Marble Frosted Glass Illuminated Pedestal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Simple, sleek, elegant and well-made - an illuminated travertine-marble pedestal. This pedestal was made in Italy in the mid to late 1970s and imported into the US thereafter. Featur...
Travertine, Marble
$2,200
Marble Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
A black and white 'Nero Marquina' marble pedestal column or end/side/drinks table, Postmodern design period, circa late-20th century. Piece can be used to support art/sculpture, as a...
Marble
Postmodern Tessellated Stone Pedestal
Located in Houston, TX
1980s Tesselated stone pedestal.
Travertine
Black Pedestal Cube End Table
Located in New York, NY
A black gloss laminate veneered pedestal or cube end table, '70s Modern/Postmodern period, circa late-20th century, 1970s or later. A great piece for sculpture, art, display, or as a...
Laminate, Wood
Postmodern White Carrara Marble Flower Stand Pedestal Table, Italy, 1980s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Italian post-modern pedestal / flower table / plant stand with a white marble base and top and a black metal stem. Made in Italy in the 1980s, in good condition, with mar...
Marble, Carrara Marble, Metal
A Pair of Postmodern Travertine Pedestals. Circa 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
A Pair of Postmodern Travertine Pedestals. Circa 1980s Feature a minimalist design and square polished travertine bases with beautiful stone grain In excellent original condition, w...
Travertine
$1,400 / item
1970's Tall Mirror & Oak Hexagon Art Pedestal
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A tall hexagon shape pedestal circa 1970's. Solid oak wood trim on both top and bottom frame the 6 mirrored side panels and top. This piece is solid. Top surface measures 7-1/2" X 7...
Mirror, Oak
$25,195 / item
Source Bois Déchiré Sculptural Basin by Meubles Thouret
Located in Geneve, CH
Source Bois Déchiré Sculptural Basin by Meubles Thouret. Numbered and signed by the artists. Delivered with a Certificate of Authenticity. Dimensions: D 48 x H 91 cm. Materials: Oak,...
Metal
1970s Italian Postmodern Octagonal Marble Pedestal Table
Located in High Point, NC
This 1970s Italian postmodern octagonal marble pedestal table exemplifies the bold geometry and sculptural presence characteristic of the era. Crafted entirely from richly veined mar...
Marble
Postmodern Black Lacquered Illuminated Pedestal
Located in Astoria, NY
Postmodern Black Lacquered and Chrome Illuminated Triangular Pedestal, with frosted Plexiglas to the top and chrome base. 40" H x 35" W x 12" D. Provenance: From a 422 East 72nd St...
Chrome
A Pair of Postmodern Marble Pedestals. Circa 1980s.
Located in Miami, FL
A Pair of Postmodern Marble Pedestals. Circa 1980s. Circa 1980s Feature a minimalist design, rounded edges, row stone fronts and backs, and a beautiful marble veins In excellent orig...
Marble
Post Modern Octagonal Lacquered Pedestal
By Marquis Collection of Beverly Hills 1, Maitland Smith, Enrique Garcel, Karl Springer, Casa Bique
Located in Houston, TX
Post Modern Octagonal Lacquered Pedestal. Offered is a beautiful Hollywood Regency or Post Modern Lacquered Pedestal. This stunning pedestal is the perfect accent to display your pri...
Wood
Post Modern Memphis Style Wavy Steel Plant or Speaker Stand, 5 Available
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Fun and wavy post modern metal plant stands or speaker stands. These stands are made of steel with a wavy 3 bar design and have a fresh coat of black paint on them. Look great indivi...
Steel
Italian Mario Bellini Style Fluted Travertine Pedestal or Table Base
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Mario Bellini
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Mario Bellini style fluted travertine pedestal or table base. This stunning postmodern honed travertine pedestal is substantial enough for a ...
Travertine
1970's Mirror & Oak Hexagon Art Pedestals 30" Tall
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A pair of hexagon shape mirrored pedestals, circa 1970's. Solid oak wood trim on both top and bottom frame the 6 mirrored side panels and top. Top surface measures 7-1/2" X 7-1/2"
Mirror, Oak
Midcentury Italian Post Modern off White Plaster Cube Pedestal or Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Heavy textured plaster pedestal from Italy circa 1990s. Casted plaster table in bone white color. Very good condition and ready to use.
Plaster
$2,490 / item
Block Pedestal by DUISTT
Located in Geneve, CH
Block Pedestal by DUISTT Dimensions: W 35 x D 35 x H 100 cm Materials: Black Limed Oak, High Gloss Black Lacquered Wood and Bronze The BLOCK pedestal is a strong piece composed of ...
Bronze
French Plaster Spiral Column or Pedestal on Wooden Base
Located in Chicago, IL
This 1980s French pedestal features a playful spiral silhouette rendered in plaster and set on a sturdy wooden base. Its totemic shape and soft ochre finish lend architectural intere...
Plaster, Wood
Contemporary Ceramic Pedestal Tables by Clément Brazille, France
Located in London, GB
Pedetal Tables by Clément Brazille Material: Stoneware, turquoise glaze Dimensions: H 33 x Ø 27 cm / H 42 x Ø 27 cm / H 51 x Ø 27 cm Year: 2025 Unique pieces, dated and signed. -- B...
Stoneware
Postmodern Black and Clear Acrylic Pedestal
Located in Astoria, NY
Postmodern Black and Clear Acrylic Pedestal, with black top upon a square base. 39.5" H x 12" W x 12" D. Provenance: From a Long Island Estate.
Acrylic
Post Modern Curtis Jere Circular Pedestal of Brass and Smoked Glass, c. 1984
By C. Jeré Artisan House, Curtis Jeré
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Any object placed atop this circular Curtis Jeré Pedestal is highlighted and enhanced. Sophisticated glamour from every angle. This sultry Post Modern pedestal features a smooth circular brass base over a black base. The brass glows warmly and with distinction. Smoked Glass top sets a dark backdrop and brings attention any object displayed. A chic modern pedestal that will enhance and elevate the design esthetic of any room. Accessories not included. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Photographed along with and also currently available in our shop - Post Modern Charles Hollis Jones Style lucite Rocker in White Shearling C. 1980s Pair of Directional Post Modern Swivel Chairs in Soft Camel Teddy Bear Fabric Vladimir Kagan Zoe Sofa...
Brass
$2,020 / item
Aspen Pedestal by Giulio D'Amore
Located in Geneve, CH
Aspen Pedestal by Giulio D'Amore Dimensions: D 60 x W 91 x H 66 cm. Available in these materials and finishes: - Ash, Jet black - Ash, White - Ash, Natural - Walnut, Natural Client...
Ash, Walnut
Dione Pedestal in Amboyna Burl and Stainless Steel by Animate Objects
Located in Geneve, CH
Dione Pedestal in Amboyna Burl and Stainless Steel by Animate Objects. Dimensions: W 48 x D 48 x H 115 cm. Materials: Plywood, Amboyna Burl Veneer, Stainless Steel. A relic of grace...
Stainless Steel
Eero Saarineen Set of Two Black and White Low Tables in Wood and Aluminum 1990s
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of two coffee tables with a black pedestal base in painted die-cast aluminum and an oval-shaped top in white lacquered wood. These two tables were manufactured in the 1990s in the style of the designer Eero Saarinen Eero Saarinen was a Finnish-born-American architect born on August 20, 1910. Son of an architect and sculptor, Eero went to public schools in Michigan and in 1929 joined Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris to study studied sculpturing. Later he studied architecture at Yale University from 1931 to 1934 and won a chance to travel around Europe and North Africa from 1934 to 1935. Eero started off his professional life from the United States by doing research about housing and city planning with the Flint Institute of Research and Planning in Michigan, in 1936. After working here for two years he joined his father’s firm in 1938. The first international recognition for Eero came during his collaboration with his father. It started off with a chair design and later in time, this duo of father and son managed to win many other competitions for their innovative designs and projects. Furthermore, he went on with furniture design for quite a long period of time. After the death of his father in 1950, Saarinen founded his own firm ‘Eero Saarinen & Associates’ in Birmingham, worked there until the time of his death in 1961. During this time he dedicated a huge chunk of his time for furniture design and other home furnishing design ideas. Some of his major architectural structures and contributions to the field of design are: the Bell Labs...
Aluminum
$8,398 / item
Cubic Crystal Pedestal by Dainte
Located in Geneve, CH
Cubic Crystal Pedestal by Dainte Dimensions: D 28 x W 29 x H 38 cm. Materials: Crystal. This clear crystal display pedestal is finely crafte...
Crystal
$2,796Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Travertine Marble Dining Table Bases Side Tables Display Pedestals
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering one of our recent palm beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of a Set of 2 vintage polished italian travertine marble dining table bases...
Travertine, Marble
$1,468 / item
Medium Piedra Pedestal by Algo Studio
By Algo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Piedra Pedestal by Algo Studio Designed by Diego Garza Dimensions: D 37 x W 30 x H 48 cm Materials: Formica, paper paste coating, plywood structure. These side tables ...
Formica, Plywood, Paper
$960Sale Price|36% Off
Ron Arad Postmodern "Hotel Zeus" TV Stand for Zeus Milano, Italy, 1980s
"Hotel Zeus" TV stand designed in 1992 by Ron Arad. Made in Italy for Zeus, a design collective with a similar spirit to the influential 1980s Memphis desig...
Metal
$11,600Sale Price|20% Off
Inca Console Table, Angelo Mangiarotti, Skipper, Italian Design, 1978
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Skipper
Located in Antwerp, BE
Development on the previous "Eros" system, the “Incas" range features the same structural idea in a different material, extra strong stone (initially proposed in Pietra Serena sandst...
Stone
Italian Modern Pedestal Column in Wood Painted as Stone, 1990s-2000s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern pedestal column in wood painted as stone, 1990-2000s Pedestal column with base and square top in wood, painted in gray as if it were s...
Wood
$1,527 / item
Tall Piedra Pedestal by Algo Studio
By Algo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Tall Piedra pedestal by Algo Studio Designed by Diego Garza Dimensions: D 31 x W 33 x H 56 cm Materials: Formica, paper paste coating, plywood structure. These side tables ar...
Formica, Plywood, Paper
Modern Multifunctional 'X' Steel Side Table and Rack (Display Model)
By Argosy Designs, Erik Johnson
Located in Treadwell, NY
Collection I: X Rack The X Rack is an elegant, minimal, and modern object that is both sculptural and functional - a crisp silhouette creating the illusion that the form and its c...
Steel
Postmodern Marbleized Laminated Pedestal. Circa 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Postmodern Marbleized Laminated Pedestal. Circa 1980s Features a minimalist, fully faux stone-pattern laminated frame. In excellent, near mint original condition with very mi...
Formica, Wood
$845 / item
Aura Sculptural Metal Pedestal by Veliento
Located in Geneve, CH
Aura Sculptural Metal Pedestal by Veliento. Dimensions: 40 x 40 x 50 cm Materials: Hand textured Metal. All pieces are made to order. Custom finishes available, please contact us fo...
Metal
$1,875Sale Price|33% Off
Octagon Plaster Dining Table Pedestal
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Unique octagonal pedestal, plaster over wood, faux finished to look like verdigris copper. Can be used as a table base or oversized pedestal. Base is in overall excellent vintage c...
Plaster
Post-Modern black ceramic pedestal, Italy, 1980s
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Postmodern column or pedestal in glazed black ceramic, Italy, 1980s. Made entirely and from a single piece of ceramic in a glossy black finish. Neoclassical style, emulating the colu...
Ceramic
$2,500 / item
Modern Multifunctional 'Y' Steel Side Table and Rack
Located in Treadwell, NY
Collection I: Y Rack The Y Rack is an elegant, minimal, and modern object that is both sculptural and functional - a crisp silhouette creating the ill...
Steel
$6,072 / item
Handmade High Table by Henry D'ath
Located in Geneve, CH
Handmade High Table by Henry D'ath Dimensions: D 25 x H 135 cm Materials: Wood, calligraphy ink. Piece is handmade by artist. Carved by hand from a single wooden log over many mont...
Wood
$2,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 3 post modern pink laminate hexagon pedestals or plinths
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of 3 post modern pink laminate hexagon pedestals or plinths All in great condition The largest is 42” high at 18” diameter Listing is for th...
Laminate
Monumental Memphis Styled Lucite Light Up Column Pedestal
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A Lucite Memphis styled column pedestal finished in a gun metal gray hammer coating with step up base and thick frosted Lucite light up top and foot control switch the top diameter i...
Lucite
Modern Multifunctional 'X' Steel Side Table and Rack
By Argosy Designs, Erik Johnson
Located in Treadwell, NY
Collection I: X Rack The X Rack is an elegant, minimal, and modern object that is both sculptural and functional - a crisp silhouette creating the illusion that the form and its c...
Steel
Arc Wave Sculptural Vinyl Record Stand in Stainless Steel by Veliento
Located in Geneve, CH
Arc Wave Sculptural Vinyl Record Stand in Stainless Steel by Veliento. Dimensions: W 32 x D 18 x H 15 cm. Materials: Brushed stainless steel. All pieces are made to order. Custom fi...
Metal, Stainless Steel
Post Modern Curtis Jeré Brass and Smoked Glass Pedestal Signed 1984
By C. Jeré Artisan House, Curtis Jeré
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Any object placed atop this 1984 Curtis Jeré Pedestal is highlighted and enhanced. Sophisticated glamour from every angle. This sultry Post Modern pedestal features concave angled sides that float over a similarly shaped black base. The brass glows warmly and with distinction. Smoked Glass top sets a dark backdrop and brings attention to the object displayed. A chic modern pedestal that will enhance and elevate the design esthetic of any room. Signed Jeré 1984. Accessories pictured not included. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Photographed along with and also currently available in our shop- Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Chair & Custom Ottoman in Ivory Holly Hunt Alpaca Pair of Directional Post Modern Swivel Chairs in Soft Camel Teddy Bear Fabric Vladimir Kagan Zoe Sofa...
Brass
Large Tessellated Stone and Brass Pedestal
By Robert Marcius, Casa Bique, Karl Springer, Maitland Smith, Enrique Garcel
Located in Houston, TX
Large tessellated stone and brass pedestal. This shapely postmodern pedestal is perfect for a sculpture, bust or vase.
Stone
$6,848 / item
Uniquely Shaped Pedestal by Dainte
Located in Geneve, CH
Uniquely Shaped Pedestal by Dainte Dimensions: D 30 x W 30 x H 35 cm. Materials: Crystal. This asymmetrical crystal display pedestal is fine...
Crystal
BLEO Pedestal in Red Oak Wood with Cream Wash Tint by Daniel Couttolenc
Located in Geneve, CH
BLEO Pedestal in Red Oak Wood with Cream Wash Tint by Daniel Couttolenc Dimensions: D 42 x W 42 x H 89 cm. Materials: Red Oak Wood Also available in black finish and Tzalam wood upo...
Hardwood
Large White Pedestal by Philippe Starck. Draped Table Motif. Expertly Restored
Located in Kansas City, MO
White Pedestal / Table designed by Philippe Starch as a store display piece in Los Angeles, 1990s. Undulating, organic, draped fabric table cloth d...
Wood
$2,454 / item
Jura Pedestal by Ah Um Design Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Jura Pedestal by Ah Um Design Studio Handmade Dimensions: D 29.2 x W 33 x H 38.1 cm. Materials: Walnut wood, oil finish. Available in other finish options. Please contact us. This ...
Walnut
$24,349 / item
Hourglass Alpi Verde Marble Pedestal by Studio TOOJ
Located in Geneve, CH
Hourglass Alpi Verde Marble Pedestal by Studio TOOJ Designed by Johan Wilén Dimensions: D 35 x H 80 cm. Materials: Alpi Verde marble. Introducing "Hourglass" by Johan Wilén, a pedes...
Marble
Plaster Postmodern Pedestal, 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Plaster Postmodern pedestal, 1970.
Plaster
$14,471 / item
Onyx Pedestal iii by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Onyx pedestal III by Pietro Franceschini. Materials: Onyx Dimensions: D 25 x W 25 x H 57 cm. Pietro Franceschini Architect // designer Pietro Franceschini is an architect and ...
Onyx
$7,728 / set
Set Of 2 Royal Ebony Pedestals by Memoir Essence
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Royal Ebony Pedestals by Memoir Essence Dimensions: D 35 x W 35 x H 110 cm. Materials: Polished brass, lacquer and Royal ebony. Also available in brushed brass. Please cont...
Brass
$9,302 / item
Boudoir Side Table by Senimo
Located in Geneve, CH
Boudoir Side Table by Senimo Dimensions: W 48 x D 33 x H 89 cm Materials: Laquered Wood (MDF) Each piece is unique or in very small series. Entirely handmade. The structure is made ...
Wood
$7,811 / item
Lavish Pedestal by Memoir Essence
Located in Geneve, CH
Lavish Pedestal by Memoir Essence Dimensions: D 35 x W 35 x H 100 cm. Materials: Brushed brass and polished stainless steel. One more exquisite product from Lavish collection. Inspi...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$7,811 / item
Lavish Pedestal by Memoir Essence
Located in Geneve, CH
Lavish Pedestal by Memoir Essence Dimensions: D 35 x W 35 x H 100 cm. Materials: Brushed brass and polished stainless steel. One more exquisite product from Lavish collection. Inspi...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$15,117 / item
Onyx Pedestal V by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Onyx pedestal V by Pietro Franceschini Materials: onyx Dimensions: D 50 x W 50 x H 38 cm. Pietro Franceschini Architect // designer Pietro Franceschini is an architect and des...
Onyx