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.
$4,200 / set
Italian Travertine Marble End Tables, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A substantial pair of Italian travertine marble end or side tables, Modern style/Postmodern period, circa late 20th century (1970s), Italy. Executed in travertine with a clean square...
Travertine, Marble
Side Table / Stool, Hand-Carved White Onyx, Sculptural, Panorammma, Mexico
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Olo Eclipse Nightstand Rings of white onyx tower in a light gradient descent to create Olo Eclipse Nightstand. Without compartments.
Stone, Onyx, Marble
Midcentury Postmodern Clear Glass Block End Table or Side Table after Sottsass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very cool architectural design from the 1980s. It features heavy solid glass block construction with thick clear glass top.
Glass
Memphis Milano Hyatt Table by Ettore Sottsass
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Toronto, ON
Imposing and superb, Hyatt by Ettore Sottsass evokes the structure of the classical column with the “capital” equal to the base. A side table that certainly does not go unnoticed for...
Metal, Chrome
Italian Side Tables in Metal and Round Granite Top
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Side tables, granite, metal, brass, Italy, 1980s These side tables feature a red granite tabletop in round format. The granite shows a vivid surface. A brass pedestal ends in a blac...
Granite, Metal, Brass
Post Modern Glass and Acrylic Side Table in Manner of Shlomi Haziza, c. 1980s
Located in Peabody, MA
Postmodern glass and acrylic side table in the manner of Shlomi Haziza, c. 1990s. The top is beveled glass. The colored acrylic elements are faceted, creating a prismatic effect.
Glass, Acrylic
Sculptural Coffee Table, Hand-Carved Stone & Onyx, 100cm Diameter, Panorammma
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Rounded pillars of blue calcite, pink marble, caramel onyx and green onyx carry a black marble top to create Play-time Table; An elegant rendition of children’s furniture. A piece m...
Stone, Marble, Onyx
Side Table & Stool, Hand-Carved Mexican White Onyx Marble, Panorammma, Mexico
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Cult stool / side table; a hand sculpted stone from an incredibly particular stone; Mexican White Onyx, remits to primal sculptural-architectural language while displaying materials ...
Onyx
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Travertine Square Cube Post Modern side end table or Plinth
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Travertine Square Post Modern Cube side or end table. Beautiful Stone cube table all solid Travertine hollow inside. Great condition. Listing is for (1) Table. Local Pick up avai...
Travertine
$2,400 / item
Porada Birillo side table postmodern 80s style
By Porada Arredi, Tarcisio Colzani
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Birillo side table designed by Tarcisio Colzani for Porada. This table was published in the early to middle 80s. In those days, there are another variation table such as coffee table...
Steel
Sculptural Coffee Table, Hand-Carved Stone & Onyx, Oval, Panorammma, Mexico
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Rounded pillars of blue calcite, pink marble, caramel onyx and green onyx carry a black marble top to create Play-time Table; An elegant rendition of children’s furniture. A piece m...
Stone, Onyx, Marble
Side Table & Stool, Hand-Carved Mexican Honey Onyx Marble Conglomerate
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Cult stool/ side table; a hand sculpted stone from a Mexican marble and Mexican onyx conglomerate, remits to primal sculptural-architectural language while displaying materials in a ...
Onyx, Marble
Side Table / Stool, Hand-Carved Onyx & Marble, Sculptural Design, Panorammma
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Rings of blue calcite, pink marble, black marble and green onyx tower to create Olo Nightstand Sculptural Side Table; a piece meticulously hand-sculpted from stones endemic to Mexico...
Stone, Onyx, Marble
Sculptural Side Table & Stool, Hand-Carved Green Onyx Marble Conglomerate
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Cult stool/ side table; a hand sculpted stone from a Mexican marble and Mexican onyx conglomerate, remits to primal sculptural-architectural language while displaying materials in a ...
Onyx
Ettore Sottsass Style Red Granite Side Table with Architectural Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ettore Style red granite side table with architectural metal bases. In original condition, with some wear to granite tops and metal bases, including chips and patina to the frames. W...
Granite, Metal
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Marble and Glass End / Side Tables by Kaiser Newman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A handsome matching set of glass drink tables designed and produced by Kaiser Newman in the 1990s. The tables features a black polished stone base and a spun aluminum stem with glass...
Granite, Aluminum, Brass
Side Table / Stool, Hand-Carved White Onyx, 45cm, Sculptural, Panorammma
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Olo Eclipse Nightstand Rings of white onyx tower in a light gradient descent to create Olo Eclipse Nightstand. Without compartments.
Stone, Onyx, Marble
Rodolfo side table 90s Y2K style Baleri Italia
By Enrico Baleri, Baleri Italia
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Rodolfo side table designed by Enrico Baleri for Baleri Italia. This table was published in the 90s. Half transparent table top and steel legs in polished finish. Really good exampl...
Steel
Tord Bjorklund Post-modern Side or Coffee Table, Memphis Style, Sweden, 1980s
By Tord Bjorklund, IKEA
Located in Vienna, AT
A round folding Memphis style coffee / side / occasional flip-top table in yolk-yellow. Designed in 1986 by Tord Björklund for Ikea. This collapsible table is made of metal, has love...
Metal
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 End or Side Table with Mirror Top & Black Laquered Pedestal Base
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Postmodern end or side table comprised of a black lacquered pedestal base with beveled edges & gold base trim and a rounded square shaped top with gold trim edges and mirror surface. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. No outstanding flaws seen but there are a couple small dots on the mirrored top where the silvering is missing along with some scratches, and a few scuffs in the black paint. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 20th Century. Mirror, Mirror on the…. End Table?? That’s right folks! It doesn’t get any more 1980’s than this little gem!!! Only the coolest houses had furniture with mirror...
Composition
Fidji Side Table in Rattan and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Fidji Side Table in Rattan and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 43 x H 50 cm. Materials: rattan and HR foam. Fabric is not included. Please contact us for further informati...
Rattan, Foam
Rosalie 50 Side Table in MDF Board, Wood and Fabric by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Rosalie 50 Side Table in MDF Board, Wood and Fabric by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 50 x H 55 cm. Materials: Solid beech frame, particle board, and HR foam padding wrapped in cust...
Wood, Hardwood, Beech, Foam
Portofino Side Table in Natural Stained Rattan and Glass by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Portofino Side Table in Natural Stained Rattan and Glass by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: ⌀ 50 x H 52 cm. Materials: Tinted natural rattan, glass tabletop structure finished in a polyu...
Rattan, Glass
Pair of Casprini Italian Postmodern Side Tables in Brass, Grey Glass and Lacquer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking pair of Italian postmodern side tables by Casprini, produced in the 1980s and defined by their sculptural, architectural form. Each table features a circular grey glass to...
Brass
Java Side Table in Tinted Rattan & Imitation Grained Leather by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Java Side Table in Tinted Rattan & Imitation Grained Leather by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 50 x H 53 cm. Materials: Tinted rattan and grained imitation leather finished with a pol...
Faux Leather, Rattan
Pair of Vintage Leather Parsons Side Tables, Vintage Design, USA
By Pierre Cardin, (after) Jean Michel Frank, Maitland Smith, Karl Springer, Harrison Van Horn
Located in Round Top, TX
Postmodern Leather Parsons Side Tables A pair of genuine leather wrapped side tables with protective glass tops. Whimsical yet neutral tables in peach-hued tones. Original glass top...
Leather, Glass, Wood
Peter Ghyczy for Horn Collection Pair of Nesting Tables in Yellow Fiberglass
By Peter Ghyczy
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Peter Ghyczy for Horn Collection, pair of nesting tables, lacquered polyurethane, Germany, 1970s This set of tables is designed by Peter Ghyczy (1940-2022), who is particularly kno...
Plastic
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
Sunburst Lung 1.0 Side Table in Hand Molded Resin by Szymon Keller
Located in Geneve, CH
Sunburst Lung 1.0 Side Table in Hand Molded Resin by Szymon Keller. Dimensions: W 25 x D 25 x H 50 cm. Materials: Hand-molded resin. Available in Transparent, Sand Matte, Honey Matt...
Resin
Toffee GM Side Table in Stained Rattan and Glass Top by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Toffee GM Side Table in Stained Rattan and Glass Top by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 60 x H 65 cm. Materials: Tinted rattan weave base with a glass tabletop surface. Fabric is not ...
Rattan, Glass
Rare Adjustable Cassina 'Kick' Side Table by Toshiyuki Kita
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare 1980’s Cassina 'Kick' side table by renowned Japanese designer Toshiyuki Kita. Constructed of powder coated charcoal gray steel with black lacquered with rubber edges. Design w...
Steel
Sculptural Coffee Table, Hand-Carved Stone & Onyx, 70cm Diameter, Panorammma
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Rounded pillars of blue calcite, pink marble, caramel onyx and green onyx carry a black marble top to create Play-time Table; An elegant rendition of children’s furniture. A piece m...
Stone, Onyx, Marble
Sunburst Lung 2.0 Side Table in Hand Layered Resin by Szymon Keller
Located in Geneve, CH
Sunburst Lung 2.0 Side Table in Hand Layered Resin by Szymon Keller. Dimensions: W 46 x D 34 x H 36 cm. Materials: Hand layered resin. Available colors include Green, Amber, Transpa...
Resin
Dino Gavina Studio Simon for Cassina brass top Constantin table
By Cassina, Ultramobile Collection, Dino Gavina, Studio Simon
Located in Ferndale, MI
Constantin side table designed by Dino Gavina Studio Simon distributed by Cassina . Part of Cassina Ultra Mobil collection . Solid oak base holds eighth of an inch thick brass top f...
Brass
Nightstand / Side Table, Hand-Carved White Onyx Marble, with Compartments
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Rings of blue calcite, pink marble, black marble and green onyx tower to create Olo Nightstand Sculptural Side Table; a piece meticulously hand-sculpted from stones endemic to Mexico...
Stone, Onyx, Marble
Post Modern Abstract Steel & Glass Side Table by Carl Muller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Designer: Carl Muller Manufacturer: Elite Studio Corp.
Steel
$419Sale Price / set|40% Off
Pair of Pierre Vandel Paris side tables, 1970s
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Pair of Pierre Vandel Paris side tables circa 1970, black lacquered aluminum structure, gold band inclusion, original beveled glass resting on black rubber glides. All in good condi...
Aluminum
Vintage brass side tables - set of 2, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage brass Z-shaped side table or plant stand with smoked glass. Good condition. Late 1970s - Belgium Height: 55cm Diameter: 34cm Ref.: 25071811
Brass
Nightstand / Side Table, Hand-Carved Onyx & Marble, with Compartments
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Rings of white onyx tower in a light gradient descent to create Olo Eclipse Nightstand. This iteration of our beloved nightstand hides two secret compartments which are revealed with...
Stone, Onyx, Marble
$778 / item
Side Table 01 by Iranzo
Located in Geneve, CH
Side Table 01 by Iranzo Dimensions: D 85 x W 85 x H 45 cm. Material: Epoxy resin & polypropylene Available in: White / Black - at the same price Light pink / Blue / Pastel gree...
Epoxy Resin
$1,250
Red Side Drinks Table
Located in New York, NY
A red geometric side/drinks table, Postmodern period, circa late-20th century. A chic red resin geometric side drinks table. Hue is a 'Coca-Cola' red. A great statement piece for a l...
Plastic, Resin
Bubble Glass Side Table in Blown & Tempered Glass by Panorammma
Located in Geneve, CH
Bubble Glass Side Table in Blown & Tempered Glass by Panorammma Dimensions: Ø 45 x H 38 cm. Materials: Blown and tempered glass. Custom colors & materials available to quote. Prices...
Glass
Sculptural Coffee Table by Maker Magnussen, Mactan Stone Base, 1980s
By Magnussen Furniture, Maitland Smith
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Mora Viñal Sep 4, 2025, 2:25 PM (12 days ago) to me A stunning interplay of organic form and architectural drama, this vintage 1980s coffee table features a gracefully arched ba...
Stone
Post Modern Golden Metal Ash Vintage Side Table Sergio Terzani Italy 1985
Located in Vienna, AT
Post modern golden metal vintage side table or table with maple top by Sergio Terzani and Jean Crochet and Scandicchi Italy 1985. A stunning side table with an adjustable plate, from...
Metal
Tessellated Horn Drum Table After Karl Springer
By Karl Springer, Casa Bique, Maitland Smith, Enrique Garcel, R & Y Augousti
Located in Houston, TX
Tessellated Horn Drum Table. Offered is a handsome round Post-Modern Karl Springer inspired tessellated horn table on a raised plinth. This is the perfect side table for between two ...
Horn
Dutch Postmodern Red Side Drinks Table w/Shelf by Erik van Buijtenen for Nebu
By Nebu, Erik van Buijtenen
Located in New York, NY
A Dutch Postmodern red lacquered side drinks table with shelf by designer Erik van Buijtenen for Nebu, circa 1970s, Holland. This Post-Modern / '70s Modern table is round, has a 'Coc...
Composition
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Postmodern Clear Glass Block End Table or Side Table after Sottsass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very cool architectural design from the 1980s. It features heavy solid glass block construction with thick clear glass top.
Glass
Postmodern Design Bamboo Side Table by Axel Vervoordt, Belgium 1980's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Design Bamboo Side Table by Axel Vervoordt. Made in Belgium, 1980's / 90's period. Wood construction with tops in bamboo finish. Square two tier side table. This c...
Bamboo
Postmodern Glass Top Side Table with Black Sphere Faux Marble Lacquer Base 1980s
Located in Toronto, CA
A sculptural Postmodern pedestal side table in the Memphis style, circa 1980s, featuring a high-gloss black lacquered base with stepped plinth detail and a floating tempered glass to...
Glass, Wood, Lacquer
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
Magnussen Ponte Mactan Stone Coffee or Fossil Stone Table, 1980s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Lovely Postmodern 1980s design, coffee or side table by Magnussen Ponte. The base of this cute table is made of rough edged brick motif Mactan stone or Fossil Stone. Three stone b...
Travertine
Italian Side Table in Metal and Round Granite Top
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Side table, granite, metal, brass, Italy, 1980s This side table features a red granite tabletop in round format. The granite shows a vivid surface. A brass pedestal ends in a black ...
Granite, Metal, Brass
Ugo La Pietra Side Table Flessuosa Series Busnelli Italy, Post Modern 1985
By Ugo La Pietra, Ettore Sottsass, Busnelli
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare table from the Flessuosa series by Ugo La Pietra for Busnelli, Italy, 1985 Museal table by Ugo La Pietra, one of the former founding members of famous...
Wood
Gary Knox Bennett Side Table From His Personal Collection, USA C. 2011
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Gary Knox Bennett Side/ Occasional table, white painted bentwood with glass top. Provenance: Collection of Sylvia and Gary Knox Bennett. Table is signed - underside as pictured. ...
Glass, Wood
$840Sale Price / set|43% Off
Post-Modern Cantilever Side Tables by Interlude Home, Pair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Pair of gray tone birdseye maple top, chrome base cantilever side tables. These tables are great for multiple seating styles and can be very convenient for long sofas or benches. Goo...
Chrome
Postmodern Side Table in Beech Plywood by Ekornes Stressless, Norway 1980s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this losting you will find a sleek, playful triangle side table by Ekornes and their Stressless line. Crafted out of beechwood in a lovely warm light wood color. Excellent quality...
Plywood
Postmodern Swedish Model OTI Lounge Chair by Niels Gammelgaard for Ikea, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
A design classic from the 1980s by Danish architect Niels Gammelgaard. At first glance, the OTI Chair is somewhat reminiscent of the classic Diamond Chair, but it has entirely diffe...
Metal
Hybrid Objects Small Side Table in Natural Stone & Aluminum by Estudio Material
Located in Geneve, CH
Hybrid Objects Small Side Table in Natural Stone & Aluminum by Estudio Material. Signed and numbered by Estudio Material. Dimensions: W 25.4 x D 17.8 x H 40.6 cm Materials: Natur...
Stone, Aluminum
Memphis Milano Mimosa Table by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in Toronto, ON
With its elementary shapes and delicate pastel colours, Mimosa by Ettore Sottsass seems to have come out of the world of childhood or dreams. This work asks us to free our imaginatio...
Glass, Laminate, Wood