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.
Vintage French Post Modern Console Table - Circa 1980s - Maple Entry Table
Located in Decatur, GA
Vintage post modern squiggle leg console table, France circa 1980s. Gorgeous from any angle. Finished on all sides allowing it to float in a room. Very good original condition with m...
Maple
Play Time Toy Table Oval, Stone and Onyx
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
Postmodern Italian Oak Dining Table, Sottsass Inspired, Fat Cylindrical Legs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian oak dining table embodies the playful spirit of Postmodern design with exaggerated proportions inspired by Ettore Sottsass and the Mem...
Oak
Vintage Post Modern Waterfall Glass Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition This vintage Post Modern waterfall coffee table makes a striking statement through its clean geometry, sculptural silhouette, and all-glass con...
Glass
Postmodern Maitland Smith Style Tessellated Mactan Stone Coffee Table. C 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern Maitland Smith Style Tessellated Mactan Stone Coffee Table. Circa 1980s Features four independent peach, emerald, and ivory geometric stone bases with built-in slots to ho...
Stone
Post Modern Oak and Tinted Glass Coffee Table att. to Lou Hodges for Mersman
By Mersman, Lou Hodges
Located in New York, NY
Classic mid century, postmodern coffee table design attributed to Lou Hodges, for Mersman, circa 1970's. The table features it's original tinted glass top, which rests in the solid ...
Glass, Oak
Coffee Table Kyoto attributed to Gianfranco Frattini for Knoll, Italy, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Coffee table, model Kyoto, attributed to Gianfranco Frattini for Knoll. Featuring a glass top and lattice base on rounded beech legs. In unrestored original condition.
Glass, Wood
Brueton “Gepetto” Side Table, Designed by Stanley Jay Friedman, Circa 1990
By Stanley Jay Friedman, Brueton
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Brueton “Gepetto” Side Table, Designed by Stanley Jay Friedman USA, circa late 1980s–1990s Red-stained ash wood, inset black glass top 23.5" diameter x 21" H This sculptural Gepetto...
Glass, Ash
Rare Jean Claude Dresse Mosaic Coffee Table in Hematite
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Claude Dresse, coffee table, resin, hematite, lacquered steel, Belgium, 1970s Jean Claude Dresse’s work is typically characterized by brass and resin; his use of hematite is un...
Steel
Pair of 1970s Chrome and Glass Side Tables
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A captivating pair of 1970s chrome and glass side tables in the style of Milo Baughman and John Mascheroni. Showcasing the refined minimalism of sophisticated mid-century modern desi...
Chrome
Postmodern Pluto Desk by Pierre Colleu for Starform and Disney, France 1980s.
By Disney Studios, Pierre Colleu 1, Starform
Located in Lille, FR
Table height: 58 cm. Total height with the head: 90 cm Good condition. No restorations. Some fading on the head and legs, with a few spots and other age-related marks.
Resin, Plastic
“Calder” Square Coffee Table by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti, Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The “Calder” coffee table, designed in 1999 by Rodolfo Dordoni and manufactured in Italy by Minotti, exemplifies Dordoni’s refined approach to modern design, defined by clean lines, ...
Stainless Steel
1970s Chrome and Glass Coffee Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning 1970s chrome and glass coffee table in the style of Milo Baughman and John Mascheroni. Exemplifying the sleek sophistication of mid-century modern design, this piece featu...
Chrome
Pair of Burl Wood Drinks Tables with Turned Legs and Brass Bound Tops
Located in Duxbury, MA
Unusual pair of burl wood drinks tables featuring brass bound tops and sculptural turned legs. The tops display richly figured burl veneer surrounded by a brass edge, creating a warm...
Brass
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
1970's Glass & Travertine Coffee Table
Located in Bern, CH
1970’s glass topped travertine lounge table. Round glass tabletop set on a two part solid natural stone base. The heavy travertine base is can be set as required to enable changeable...
Travertine
$1,800
Bubble Glass Side Table
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
The Bubble Glass Side Table embodies a retro-futuristic fantasy. Inspired by past visions of the future, it draws from mysterious tales of speculative technologies and flying saucers...
Glass
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi Dining Set in Carved Pine
By Giuseppe Rivadossi, Officina Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, unique set of seven dining armchairs with table, solid pine, Italy, 1970s This unique dining ensemble is among the finest works we have en...
Pine
$14,307 / item
Burgundy Lacquer Paint Rocky Coffee Table By OMER OZTURK
Located in Geneve, CH
Burgundy Lacquer Paint Rocky Coffee Table By OMER OZTURK Dimensions: W 125 x D 60 x H 40 cm. Materials: Burgundy Lacquer Paint. About: Design, in particular the subtlety of quiet lu...
Lacquer
Play Time Toy Table, Mexican White Onxy Stone, 70cm Diameter
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Rounded pillars of white Mexican onyx carry a white marble top to create Play-time Table; An elegant rendition of children’s furniture. A piece meticulously hand-sculpted from stone...
Stone, Onyx, Marble
Klein Blue Silk Matt Lacquer Paint, Klavelle Console By OMER OZTURK
Located in Geneve, CH
Klein Blue Silk Matt Lacquer Paint, Klavelle Console By OMER OZTURK Dimensions: W 150 x D 45 x H 95 cm. Materials: Boucle Fabric Light Brown Natural Oak Wood, Gold Spheres. About: D...
Lacquer
Cult Stool, Sculptural Side Table, Mexican White Onyx / Marble
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
Brutalist Round Coffee Table in Black Stone Look Resin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cocktail table, resin, Northern-Europe, 1970s. This deep brown robust coffee or cocktail table is from the 1970s. The thick round shaped top is supported by a smaller column with ar...
Resin
1970s Vintage Rainforest Green Marble Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Remarkable coffee table. Not only is this in impeccable condition, the green color is stunning. A muted but vibrant green. Usually I assume green marble to almost black, not this. It...
Marble
Post Modern Italian Travertine Console Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Crafted in Italy during the 1980s, this Post Modern console table features clean, architectural lines in natural travertine. The elongated to...
Travertine
Lola Classic Dining Table in Solid European Cherry by Standard Practice
Located in Geneve, CH
Lola Classic Dining Table in Solid European Cherry by Standard Practice. Limited Edition. Dimensions: W 80 x D 180 x H 74 cm. Materials: European Cherry (Solid). Sustainability 'Dig...
Hardwood
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Postmodern glass waterfall coffee table
By FIAM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Post modern coffee table with a waterfall top. Glass is very clean no chips or major scratches. May have light normal use wear to surface. Rounded polished edges. Annealed glass has ...
Glass
$4,850 / item
Empat Arched Console Table Hunter Green
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
$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
Pair of Bench Made Steel Fan Side Tables in Manner of Pierre Chareau
Located in Peabody, MA
A pair of bench made steel fan tables in the manner of the French Constructivist Architect Pierre Chareau. His extraordinary design work from the 1920s and 30s, which often utilized ...
Steel
$2,500 / item
Clover Flower Onyx Coffee Table
Located in New York, US
Introducing the Latte Coffee Table, an uncomplicated piece of solid onyx stone featuring soft elegant veining. Available in two striking variations — a round top or a captivating fou...
Onyx
Coco Chanel gold French coffe Table by Robert Goossens Ca. 1970
By Robert Goossens
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
Robert Goossens (1927-2016) Coffee table - 'Coco Chanel' model Gilt brass and glass Designed circa 1970 H 45 × Ø 80 cm Robert Goossens was a French jeweller who became known as Mons...
Bronze
Mid Century Italian Square Onyx & Blush Marble Dining Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning marble dining from Italy, circa 1980's. It features a large 38 x 40 top that seats 4 comfortably. Beautiful natural onyx top. Traditional column base in a blush colored ma...
Marble, Onyx
Christopher Guy Lacquered and Gilt Coffee "Harper" Table
Located in Peabody, MA
A coffee table in highly polished lacquer with gilt wood accents from the "Harper" line, by the celebrated British designer Christopher Guy (1960-2020). Displays a fusion of modern m...
Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer
Paolo Piva B&B Italia Alanda 1980s Black Steel Square Glass Coffee Table sofa
By Paolo Piva
Located in London, GB
An iconic design by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, this coffee table made in Italy around the 1980s. This coffee table consists of a geometric black lacquered iron base giving the illus...
Metal
Italian Post Modern Travertine Triangular Marble 2 Piece Cocktail Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Italian post-modern cocktail table is crafted from luxurious travertine marble, showcasing two pieces that seamlessly fit together. The timeless design adds a touch of elegance ...
Travertine
Ultra raro escritorio y silla Bonacina · Negro · Castiglioni
Located in Barcelona, ES
Escritorio Bonacina en acabado negro, pieza poco frecuente posiblemente realizada por Castiglioni, referente del diseño italiano del siglo XX. De líneas limpias y estructura funcion...
Wood
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
1980's Memphis Style 'La Vuelta' Desk by Perry King and Santiago Miranda
By Perry King and Santiago Miranda
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1980's Memphis Style 'La Vuelta' desk by Perry King & Santiago Miranda. Named after a Spanish bicycle race this large versatile desk has attractive curves and unique accents that...
Metal
1980s Postmodern Lucite Waterfall Vanity Desk With Chair
Located in Elkton, MD
Vintage Lucite waterfall desk dating to the 1970s–1980s. The desk features a clean-lined waterfall silhouette constructed from thick, clear acrylic, accented with an inset glass top ...
Metal
$27,825 / item
Verde Guatemala Marble Rocky Coffee Table By OMER OZTURK
Located in Geneve, CH
Verde Guatemala Marble Rocky Coffee Table By OMER OZTURK Dimensions: W 125 x D 60 x H 40 cm. Materials: Verde Guatemala Marble. About: Design, in particular the subtlety of quiet lu...
Marble
Ovni Uovo Black Marble Glass Sculptural Coffee Table
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
The Ovni Uovo Sculptural Coffee Table presents a retro-futurist fantasy. Performing as a past vision of the future Ovni Uovo constructs over mysterious tales of speculative technolog...
Stone, Marble
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
Warren Platner Bronze Coffee Table
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Oakland, CA
Architect Warren Platner bronze finish coffee with a circular glass top. A 1980s production from Knoll. The design consists of an array of bronze finish...
Bronze
$280Sale Price|20% Off
Pink Laminated Post Modern Side End Table
By Parsons
Located in Toronto, ON
Post modern Light pink laminated end/side table. This Parsons style side table is finished in light pink. The laminated veneer has a textured feel. The lines of the table are seamles...
Laminate
$15,543 / item
Vulcano Dining Table by Marsica Fossati
Located in Geneve, CH
Vulcano Dining Table by Marsica Fossati Dimensions: D 200 x W 90 x H 75 cm. Materials: Lacquered steel structure, glass top, volcanic stone base. Dimensions and finishes available u...
Stone, Steel
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Superb Post modern gloss lacquer tan round oval dining table with 1 leaf
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Post modern gloss lacquer tan round dining table with 1 leaf. Taupe gloss Lacquered expanding oval dining table with one leaf that seats 4-6 chairs. Has curved popsicle shaped legs. ...
Wood, Lacquer
$2,400Sale Price|25% Off
Post modern chrome with glass top Tobia Scarpa for Knoll Dining Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Post modern chrome with glass top Tobia Scarpa for Knoll Dining Table. Very heavy solid steel chrome frame with thick chrome tube legs. Designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Knoll. Squ...
Chrome
Postmodern Design XL Wengé Coffee Table
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Modernist Design XL Wengé Coffee Table in the manner of Axel Vervoordt or Linteloo Designs. Made in Belgium, 1980's / 1990's period. Beautifully constructed low co...
Oak, Wenge
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
Coffee Table by Piero De Longhi Catalan Italia Travertine Glass and Brass 1980s
Located in London, GB
The Dielle coffee table, is a timeless piece designed in 1984 by Piero De Longhi for Catalan Italia is a sophisticated design. The transparent glass top allows you to fully appreciat...
Travertine, Metal, Brass
Iron Forged Coffee Table with Cast Glass Top in Three Pieces, Germany, 1980’s
By Lothar Klute
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iron Forged Coffee Table with Cast Glass Top in Three Pieces, Germany, 1980’s H: 22 Diam. 33.5 in.
Iron
$1,650Sale Price|26% Off
Massimo Vignelli Inspired Bent Glass Coffee Table with Black Marble Support
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This truly impressive coffee table, drawing clear inspiration from the design philosophy of Massimo Vignelli, anchors any room with its commanding presence and modern geometric form....
Marble
2-Piece Up & Up Triangular Nesting Staggered Coffee Tables in Travertine Stone
By Stone International, Up & Up
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in Italy, these were most likely manufactured by Stone International and distributed by retailers like Up&Up and Roche Bobois. This pair was bought from Up&Up by th...
Stone, Travertine, Marble
Washington Corona Coffee Table by David Adjaye for Knoll, Signed
By Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Washington Corona Coffee Table reflects Sir David Adjaye's architectural and sculptural vision on a new scale. The table is constructed from four die-cast aluminum panels, conn...
Aluminum
$9,660 / item
Piano desk black lacqued wood
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A sleek, black-polished, sculptural piece conjuring the presence of a grand piano. Piano Desk evokes an intricate fusion of the grace in artistic expression and the discipline of w...
Wood
$9,195 / item
Blush No.2 Round Dining Table in Jesmonite by Perler
Located in Geneve, CH
Blush No.2 Round Dining Table in Jesmonite by Perler. Dimensions: D 120 x H 76 cm. Materials: Jesmonite. Color: The piece features a subtle warm white or ivory tabletop with a decor...
Other
Eclipse Olo Sculptural Nightstand / Side Table, 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, Marble, Onyx
Cult Stool, Sculptural Side Table, Mexican Green Onyx
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
Iconic Knoll Hat Trick Table & Chairs Dining Set by Frank Gehry Stamped & Dated
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in San Diego, CA
Iconic Knoll Hat Trick Table & Chairs Dining Set by Frank Gehry Stamped & Dated, circa 1992. An exquisite and collectible Frank Gehry sculptural design...
Wood, Maple, Bentwood