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.
Bite Beige Coffee Table in Glossy Lacquered MDF by Hermhaus
Located in Geneve, CH
Bite Beige Coffee Table in Glossy Lacquered MDF by Hermhaus Dimensions: D 105 x W 190 x H 40 cm Materials: MDF with glossy lacquer finish The Bite coffee table transforms its charac...
Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF)
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi Architectural Square Oak Coffee Table
By Officina Rivadossi, Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi coffee table, oak, Italy, 1980s A beautifully crafted coffee table by Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, Italy, 1980s. Executed in ...
Oak
Bite Red Coffee Table in Glossy Lacquered MDF by Hermhaus
Located in Geneve, CH
Bite Red Coffee Table in Glossy Lacquered MDF by Hermhaus Dimensions: D 105 x W 190 x H 40 cm Materials: MDF with glossy lacquer finish The Bite coffee table transforms its characte...
Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF)
Angelo Cortesi for Fiam Italia Set of Three waterfall Nesting Tables.
By FIAM, Angelo Cortesi
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of three waterfall bent and checker board scored glass nesting tables by Angelo Cortesi for FIAM Italia. Fantastic condition with no chips, cracks or deep scratches. Rubber runne...
Glass
$2,240Sale Price / item|20% Off
Post Modern Luna Dining Table, Oval Dining Table For 6 People
Located in İnegöl, TR
Natural wood veneered on MDF. Dimensions: Lenght: 72" Width: 36" Height: 29" Custom colours are available!
Other
Vintage Pair Of Post Modern Faux Malachite Tables
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage Pair Of Post Modern Faux Malachite Tables. This great pair of post-modern side tables have been beautifully painted in a faux malachite fi...
Wood, Mirror
Opium Bamboo Coffee table by Axel Vervoordt, Belgium 1980's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Modernism Design "Opium" model Bamboo Low Coffee Table by Axel Vervoordt. Made in Belgium, 1980's period. Hardwood base with beautifully structured bamboo top. Thi...
Bamboo
Rei Kawakubo triangular coffee table, for "Comme des Garçons", by Pallucco, 1986
By Pallucco, Rei Kawakubo, Comme des Garçons
Located in London, Fitzrovia
Rei Kawakubo post modern triangular coffee table, for "Comme des Garçons", by Pallucco, 1986 Granite and black metal legs on castors.
Granite, Steel
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Concrete Cantilever Coffee Table
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Rare coffee table designed in the late 1970s by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italia.
Concrete, Metal
$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
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
Jean Claude Dresse Coffee Table in Dark Resin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Claude Dresse, large coffee table, resin, lacquered steel, Belgium, late 1970s This eccentric coffee table is a masterful creation by Belgian designer Jean Claude Dresse. Every...
Steel
Pierre Chapo Seating Set with Rare 'T21A' Table and 'S13A' Stools
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, dining table, model 'T21A', solid elm, France, 1970s This table is one of the early editions designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his hallmark use of solid elmwood and ...
Elm
Postmodern Italian-Style Black Lacquer Console Table with Wood Inlay
Located in Trenton, NJ
This console table is a compelling example of Postmodern design, characterized by its faceted, geometrically canted tabletop edges and dramatically curved, sculptural legs — a marked...
Wood
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
Memphis Milano Hyatt Table by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
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
1980s Maitland Smith Tessellated Stone Dining Table
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Indulge in the timeless elegance of this exquisite dining table, dating back to the 1980s. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this piece showcases a stunning hand crafted finish, ensuring a rich, lustrous appearance that highlights its intricate design. This tessellated Mactan stone table...
Cast Stone
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
Postmodern steel free-form table, France 1980s
Located in Antwerp, BE
French postmodern design meets sculptural simplicity in this distinctive steel table from the 1980s. Its free-form silhouette introduces a sense of movement, while the slender tubula...
Steel, Chrome
1970s Clover Shaped Coffee Table in Grey and Black Marble
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee table, marble, Europe, 1970s. A Postmodern cocktail table featuring a charming clover-shaped tabletop with softly rounded edges. The surface displays an expressive mix of mar...
Marble
Slice Me Up Sculptural Coffee Table in Plaster by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Slice Me Up Sculptural Coffee Table in Plaster by Pietro Franceschini. Dimensions: W 161cm x L 117cm x H 36 cm Materials: plaster. This listing features the Slice Me Up Coffee Table...
Plaster
$8,880Sale Price|40% Off
SuperCalif Crystal Dining Table by Luigi Massoni for Galotti & Radice, 1970s
By Luigi Massoni, Galotti & Radice
Located in Brooklyn, NY
SuperCalif Crystal Dining Table by Luigi Massoni for Galotti & Radice, 1970s. Oval Glass Top Dining Table, on four fluted glass L-shaped supports. Provenance: New York City Coll...
Glass
Laurel Fyfe Sculptural Handkerchief Art Glass Coffee Table, 1991
By Laurel Fyfe
Located in Hamburg, PA
A Laurel Fyfe Sculptural Handkerchief Art Glass Coffee Table. This cocktail table is signed and dated "L.E.I. 1991 #74" for the company name, Lumen Essence Inc. The glass coffee tabl...
Glass
$21,672 / item
Vanity Desk in Aluminium by Six Dots Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Vanity Desk in Aluminium by Six Dots Design. Unique Piece. Dimensions: W 185 x D 85 x H 75 cm. Materials: Raw aluminum. Please note the stool in the image is not included. A truly ...
Aluminum
Postmodern Dining Table Geometrical Base Round & Glass Top Style Memphis Group
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Postmodern dining table w/geometrical pedestal base & scalloped edge glass top in the style of the Memphis Group. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this...
Metal
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
Vintage Post Modern Waterfall Glass Coffee Table or Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Curved Glass, Metal Base This sculptural Post Modern glass table from the 1980s features a striking waterfall design crafted from a...
Metal
1980s Maitland Smith Mactan Tessellated Stone Brass Dining Table
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Indulge in the timeless elegance of this exquisite Sculptural Maitland Smith Style, Tessellated Mactan Stone Brass & Beveled Glass Dining Table. Dating back to the 1980s.. Crafted wi...
Stone, Brass
Astra Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer, Straw Marquetry and Lacquer by Pendhapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Astra Low Table in Natural Oak Veneer, Straw Marquetry and Lacquer by Pendhapa. Dimensions: W 194 x D 134 x H 40 cm. Materials: Natural Oak Veneer, Straw Marquetry and Lacquer. You ...
Oak, Lacquer, Straw Marquetry
Dining table Filicudi by Ettore Sottsass for Zanotta - 1990s
Located in Uccle, Bruxelles
Filicudi dining table designed by Ettore Sottsass for Zanotta in the 1990s. This magnificent round pearwood table features a stunning patterned laminate tabletop. The combination of...
Wood
American Studio Silas Seandel Style Modernist Metal, Wood and Glass Coffee Table
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Very cool and unique hand made coffee table in the style of Silas Seandel. This high quality table has thick twisted metal stretchers attached t...
Metal
1990's Postmodern Italian Frosted Glass Dining Table by Calligaris
By Ello Furniture, Philippe Starck, Calligaris
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1990's dining table for sale. It was manufactured by Calligaris, and was made in Italy. It's in excellent condition, and has a solid wood frame with frosted glass inserts. Th...
Glass, Wood
Anthony Redmile Bespoke Octagonal Pedestal Table, London 1970s
Located in Houston, TX
1970s Octagonal pedestal table produced by the London workshop of Anthony Redmile. The top is a hand-painted faux-malachite surface and edged with c...
Malachite, Metal
$3,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Industrial Post-Modern Design Bar Height Table and Stools by Robert Josten
Located in San Diego, CA
Industrial post-modern design bar height table and two stools by Robert Josten, circa 1970s. The table and the stool frames are made of cast aluminum with solid maple seats. The bistro table measures 28"W x 27.5"D x 41.5"H and the stools are 18.5"W x 18.5"D x 47.5"H with a seat height of 30.5". This very hard to find set is in good vintage condition with some minor discoloration to the top of the table (please see pictures). A really cool bar...
Aluminum
Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti "Archipenko" Nightstands, PAIR
Located in North Miami, FL
Two drawers with black nickel metal semi-circular handles, soft close mechanism, shiny black lacquer over wood. Foil manufacturer's label to underside "Minotti Made in Italy"
Nickel
Horn Collection Post-Modern Dining Table in Red Polyurethane Plastic 1970s
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Horn Collection, dining table, lacquered polyurethane plastic, Germany, 1970s Created for the Horn collection in the seventies, this well-formed table is made entirely from polyuret...
Plastic
Iron and Ultrasuede Game Table by Marjorie Shushan Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful game table designed and manufactured in the United States by Marjorie Shushan Studio. The table is made in solid Iron with an aged finish, the top is upholstered in ultra...
Cut Steel
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Chrome and Glass Tubular Side Table
Located in Southampton, NJ
Sculptural Z form Mid-Century Modern chrome and glass end or accent table with tubular frame with removable 1/2" glass top. 1970's production; Italy.
Chrome
MOD Italian Progetti Memphis Style Bistro Table and Chair Set
By Progetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
MOD Italian Memphis Progetti bistro table and chair set. A unique, modern style table set perfect for a nook or a cozy well covered outdoor spa...
Metal, Aluminum
“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
Pierangelo Caramia Arcadia Swing Table Phillipe Starck XO 1987 Side Glass Chrome
Located in London, GB
Signed Arcada Swing table by Pierangelo Caramia for the Phillipe Starke Label XO-Design, 1987 This an amazing petite side table featuring a futuristic aerodynamic figure in postmode...
Metal, Aluminum
$2,600 / item
Solid 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
Postmodern Mactan, Glass and Pastor Stone Coffee Table.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Postmodern Mactan, glass and pastor stone coffee table This coffee table measures: 48 wide x 29 deep x 16 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as ...
Stone
$1,380Sale Price|25% Off
Post Modern 1980's Laminated Turquoise Waterfall Console Table by Jeffrey Craig
Located in Toronto, CA
This 1980s turquoise laminated waterfall console table is a striking example of postmodern design by Jeffrey Craig, a distinguished Canadian designer known for his craftsmanship and ...
Laminate, Wood
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
$1,171Sale Price|20% Off
MARCUSO model Modernist Design Coffee Table, Italy 1970's
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Modernist Italian Design "MARCUSO" model Coffee Table in the manner of Marco Zanuso for Zanotta. Made in Italy, 1970's / 80's period. Thick glass top with chrome cylindrical ...
Metal, Chrome
Gaetano Pesce, Nobody's Perfect Zerodesegno Dining Table, Multicolor Resin
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare and exceptional Gaetano Pesce Nobody's Perfect Zerodesegno dining table. Tubular resin legs support a sturdy resin grid top with a resin "tab...
Resin
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
$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
Ecorce Coffee Table in Ceramic, Copper and Resin by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Ecorce Coffee Table in Ceramic, Copper and Resin by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 110 x H 50 cm. Materials: Handmade ceramic with a copper finish and a high-density resin base covere...
Copper
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...
Faux Leather, Rattan
Hand Painted Faux Malachite Console / Desk, Alessandro, Baker, 1980's
By Alessandro Gambrielli, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Culver City, CA
This rare desk / console was designed by European designer and artist Alessandro Gambalogna, known simply as “Alessandro,” for Baker Furniture in the 1980s ~ and she is not your stan...
Malachite
Modern Multifunctional 'X' Steel Side Table and Rack
By Erik Johnson, Argosy Designs
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
Rare Giovanni Offredi Steel and Concrete Dining or Center Table for Saporiti
Located in Miami, FL
Round glass top dining or center table with concrete base and postmodern designed steel supports by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Itália, 1980s. The steel beams supporting the glass...
Concrete, Steel
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
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Post-modern sculptural memphis style pedestal table, 1980s
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Original side table or pedestal in a radical postmodernist design, composed of black-painted folded sheet metal and red-lacquered particleboard. Its dimensions make it ideal as a so...
Steel
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
Contemporary Riviera Day Bed in Earth lacquered metal for Outdoors
Located in Lisbon, PT
Our newly unveiled collection is meticulously handcrafted in Portugal. Departing from conventional norms, we embrace a palette of unconventional materials, including different marble...
Metal
1980s Sculptural Helix Spiral Swivel Top Glass Dining Table
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, dining table you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it being a most spectacular and beautifully-presented table. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful table is a statement piece and packed with personality!! In the style of Danny Lane. The vintage helix spiral...
Stainless Steel
Cabaret 02 Console Table in Licorice Glossy Varnished Aluminum by CASPAL
Located in Geneve, CH
Cabaret 02 Console Table in Licorice Glossy Varnished Aluminum by CASPAL Dimensions: D 40 x W 180 x H 114 cm. Materials: Varnished aluminum. Available in different color options. P...
Aluminum