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.
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
Large Mid Century Italian Post Modern Travertine Marble Cube Table or End Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A simple modern cube table from Italy circa 1970's. It features thick cream colored travertine construction. Heavy slab construction.
Travertine
Will Stone Style Postmodern Marble Side Table
By Will Stone
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bold and sculptural, this striking postmodern side table is a masterful expression of form and material in the style of Will Stone. The table features a dramatic conical base crafted...
Marble
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
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
Lorenzo Burchiellaro Large Coffee Table in Copper 230cm/90.5 in
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lorenzo Burchiellaro, coffee table, copper, stained beech, Italy, 1960s This substantial coffee table, crafted in the 1960s by Italian designer and sculptor Lorenzo Burchiellaro (19...
Copper
Richard Himmel Post Modern Corner Console/Desk, 1970
Located in San Francisco, US
Designed by Richard Himmel, this corner console doubles as a writing desk, merging sculptural presence with quiet utility. Its angled form is engineered to anchor a room’s corner, tu...
Laminate, Acrylic
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
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
$7,800 / set
Pair Romeo Rega Brass Glass Occassional Tables
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Romeo Rega occassional tables constructed of heavy brass with tempered and embossed Fontana Arte contract glass (Milan/Rome production). International Orders: All internatio...
Brass
A Pair of RADICAL POSTMODERN Side or COFFEE TABLES, by KAPPA, France 1970
By Kappa
Located in PARIS, FR
A pair of rare, elegant and architectural '"T" square coffee tables, Post-Modernist, Bauhaus, Space-Age, massive cubic structures, thick square inox metal tops, in the spirit of the ...
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
Design Institute of America Black & Brass Revolving Two Tier Coffee Table
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Modern and sleek black and brass two tier revolving coffee table made by Design Institute of America and designed by Richard Berry in the late 1970s. Chic and luxurious. High design look. With a gentle slight of hand, the top tier swivels smoothly to double the table's surface size making it a perfect choice for entertaining. Glass tops mean no need for coasters - easily wipes clean. Highly functional with lots of space for decor. Throw a sexy cocktail party and dress it up with a champagne bucket, Veuve Clicquot and a charcuterie board. Brass double rings with inset black glass rest atop a black drum base. Top tier swivels out into multiple configurations so you can select the look that's right for you - the table's width can go from 36" to 55". 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 with and also currently available in our shop - Pair of Milo Baughman Style Sheepskin & Chrome Slipper Chairs c. 1970s Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa...
Brass
Shipping Box Coffee Table in Stainless Steel by Metalmorphosis Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Shipping Box Coffee Table in Stainless Steel by Metalmorphosis Studio Dimensions: D 35 x W 35 x H 35 cm. Materials: Stainless steel. A volume conceived for transport, now fixed in s...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Post Modern Stainless Steel Pedestals Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition This vintage Postmodern stainless steel pedestal side table, circa 1980s, features a clean geometric cube form with a sleek reflective surface....
Steel
Armand Jonckers Unique Coffee Table in Green Resin and Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Armand Jonckers, unique coffee table, resin, copper, lacquered steel and wood, brass, Belgium, 1984 A visual pleasure for the eyes, this unique coffee table by the multi-disciplinar...
Brass, Copper, Steel
Bamboo and Formica Demilune Console Table with a Lower Shelf, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. It features a bamboo frame with a formica veneered top. The lower shelf has a missing band (as you can see in the pictures) but this doesn't affect its stabili...
Formica, Bamboo
1980s Postmodern Green Marble Coffee Table with Plinth Base
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A substantial 1980s postmodern coffee table executed in vivid green marble. The stone displays high-contrast figuring in deep green and ...
Marble
Vintage Italian Regency Travertine Stone Brass & Glass Console Hall Sofa Table
Located in Dayton, OH
A stately Italian Regency Console or Sofa Table, circa 1980s. Features a beveled glass top with canted corners supported by a robust frame made from four faceted travertine stone co...
Travertine, Brass
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
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 steel console table with spiral squiggle design USA 1980s / 1990s
Located in Hastings, GB
Stylish skinny postmodern steel console table with spiral squiggle design. USA 1980s/ 90s. Some wear to surface on right hand side (see video) Dimensions: width 120.5cm, depth 30.5c...
Steel
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
Nerone & Patuzzi for Gruppo NP2 'C10T' Coffee Table in Wood and Crystal Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Nerone & Patuzzi for Gruppo NP2, produced by Forme & Superfici, coffee table, wood, glass, Italy, numbered A61/100, Italy, 1970s Designed by the Italian duo Nerone and Patuz...
Glass, Wood
Contemporary Riviera Bar Chair in Lacquered Ivory 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 DIA Dining Circular Oval Glass Table and 8 Chairs, Set of 9
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s dining set. The ultra rare set exudes an air of luxury and refinement. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The lu...
Steel
$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
Marlo Coffee Table in Fiberglass, Wood and Lacquer by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Marlo Coffee Table in Fiberglass, Wood and Lacquer by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 160 x D 65 x H 35 cm. Materials: Medium density fiberboard top and solid turned rubberwood legs wi...
Fiberglass, Wood, Lacquer
$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
$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
Gordon Guillamier Teka 009 Coffee Table For Roda, 2015s
Located in Skokie, IL
Gordon Guillamier model Teka 009 coffee table for RODA, Italy 2015. The table was developed around a particular prism-shaped geometric construction of great impact which, at the sam...
Slate
Italian Dining Table in Oak with Aluminum Inlays 250cm/98.43in.
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, oak, aluminum, Italy, 1980s This Italian table, dating from the 1980s, is made in oak and has a long rectangular top with softly rounded edges. Narrow aluminium secti...
Aluminum
Post Modern Low Profile Square Coffee Table
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Big on style but not on size, this petite low profile, Post Modern coffee table is perfect for that small space that needs a unique piece. The rounded square corners and bullet shape...
Wood
1980s Heavy Metal Chrome Elephant Floor Lamp as Side Table Postmodern Design
Located in München, DE
Very rare chrome metal elephant as a floor lamp or table lamp. Great postmodern design from the 1980s. Made entirely of chromed metal, very high quality and solid. Many details su...
Metal, Chrome
$9,765Sale Price / set|30% Off
1990s Multi-Colored Sculptural Memphis Style Dining Table & 6 Chairs
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The extremely rare Memphis style sculptural dining set is statement piece which is also comfortable and packed with personality! Just look at the lines and sculptural shape on this beauty! Just stunning, but then your eyes are immediately drawn to the stunning colors oval table top by Benjamin Le. Influenced by the mid 20th century designs. This mid century modern race track table...
Metal
Modern Sculptural Console Table in "Hermes" Orange Lacquer
Located in Norwalk, CT
Dynamic form on this cantilevered console. Newly lacquered in high gloss Benjamin Moore Electric Orange (Hermes? orange). The heavy, weighted base makes the table very stable. Excell...
Wood
Rosalie 70 Coffee Table in MDF Board, Pine Wood and Fabric by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Rosalie 70 Coffee Table in MDF Board, Pine Wood and Fabric by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: ⌀ 70 x H 35 cm. Materials: Solid beech frame combined with MDF, fir panels, and tailored fab...
Wood, Hardwood, Beech, Pine
Java Coffee Table in Tinted Rattan & Imitation Grained Leather by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Java Dining Table in Tinted Rattan & Imitation Grained Leather by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 120 x D 73 x H 34 cm. Materials: Tinted rattan and grained imitation leather finished ...
Faux Leather, Rattan
$650 / item
Italian Coffee Tables in Granite and Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee tables, granite, brass, black lacquered steel, Italy, 1980s These Italian side tables showcase a rectangular brown granite tabletop with a striking, vivid surface. The granit...
Granite, Metal, Brass
Italian Postmodern White Marble & Glass Side Tables, Pair
By Metaform Holland, Hank Kwint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Italian Postmodern side tables, each featuring a thick square clear glass top supported by an L-shaped white marble slab base with chrome risers. The marble displays bold Gra...
Marble, Chrome
Lucite Coffee Table in Cobalt Blue by Cain Modern, USA 2023
By Cain Modern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the stunning Lucite Coffee Table in Cobalt Blue by Cain Modern, USA 2023. This exquisite piece of furniture will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your living...
Lucite
Antonio Citterio x B&B Italia "Simplice" Tables, 2
By B&B Italia, Antonio Citterio
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia "Simplice" Collection End Tables, chromed steel, with labels to undersides. 20.25" H x 18.25" W x 18.25" D. Provenance: From a SoHo, New...
Steel, Chrome
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
Matek Pyrite Side Table in Recycled Composite by Project Materia
Located in Geneve, CH
Matek Pyrite Side Table in Recycled Composite by Project Materia. Designed by Onno Adriaanse. Dimensions: W 83 x D 64 x H 50 cm. Materials: MATEK™ recycled composite. A side table i...
Composite
Cicla Unique Dining Table in Solid Oak Wood by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Cicla Unique Dining Table in Solid Oak Wood by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 80 x W 120 x H 72 cm. Materials: Solid oak wood. Available in different finishes and materia...
Oak
Vittorio Introini for Saporiti Rare Sculptural Desk in White Fiberglass
By Alberto Rosselli Saporiti, Vittorio Introini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittorio Introini for Saporiti, free-standing desk, fiberglass, Italy, 1969 This admirable free-standing corner desk was designed by the Italian designer Vittorio Introini. Due to i...
Fiberglass
Postmodern Industrial Dining Table Designed by Robert Josten
Located in Culver City, CA
This dining table is equal parts post modern and industrial modern and just oozes California modernism. This dining table or writing desk was designed by Robert Josten in the 1970's. Made of aluminum, this metal grille / grid style is a staple of Robert Josten's work. This dining table is a great transitional piece that could easily flex into any contemporary environment. The table has an almost Allsaints, industrial modern feel with a slight steampunk vibe as well. The table could also be used in an ultra modern environment and would look great in a new modern designed home. This piece could also be used as a retail display table...
Aluminum
Pair of Postmodern Carrara Marble Pedestal Side Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition A sculptural pair of Postmodern Carrara marble pedestal side tables, circa 1980s. Each table features a square marble top with softly beveled ...
Carrara Marble
Contemporary Riviera Bar Chair in Lacquered Mint 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
Vintage IKEA Ry Chrome & Glass Side Table Designed by Tord Björklund, ca. 1980s
By Tord Bjorklund, IKEA, Memphis Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage 1980s side table features a U-leg chrome base and round glass table top. Similar to pieces by the Memphis Group, Tord Björklund's design exemplifies the postmodern aesth...
Chrome
Olo Nightstand, Hand-Carved Onyx & Marble, Sculptural Side Table, 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
$1,977Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Desk, Writing Table by Bohumil Landsman, 1970s, Fully Restored
Located in Wrocław, Poland
Exquisitely crafted in the 1970s, this vintage desk showcases a harmonious blend of style and functionality. With its sleek and lightweight design, it exudes a timeless appeal that i...
Oak
Postmodern 1980s Art Deco Revival Style Console/ Entry Table. Circa 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Postmodern 1980s Art Deco Revival Style Console/ Entry Table. Circa 1980s Features two Art Deco-inspired soft pink columns supporting a 5/8" thick removable glass top. In e...
Glass, Plaster, Wood
Square Italian Dining Table in Oak and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, oak, glass, Italy, 1970s This Italian dining table from the 1970s is defined by its clear structure and careful craftsmanship. The square top is arranged in a grid-lik...
Glass, Oak
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Post modern low long oval taupe lacquer coffee table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Post modern low long oval taupe lacquer coffee table. Beautiful table with off center oval chrome weighted base. Very heavy and solid coffee table. Very nice light taupe gloss lacque...
Chrome
"Triple Play" Side Table by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, Italy 2017
Located in Hellouw, NL
Gaetano Pesce, an influential Italian designer, was known for pushing boundaries in furniture design. His work combined art and function, often reflecting his bold approach to form a...
Resin
French Modern Coffee Table by Carole Gratale in Bronze and Limestone
By Carole Gratale
Located in Queens, NY
French Modern Grecian-style textured dark patinated bronze coffee table with double stretcher sides and a limestone top. (manner of ALBERTO GIACOMETTI)
Limestone, Bronze
Fisherman Coffee Table by Panorammma, Onyx Top, Reclaimed Metal & Steel, Mexico
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
The Fisherman Table is an object created by a hypothetical dialogue between a found material (overused electroplating rods) and a fictional character to whom I attributed the provena...
Onyx, Metal, Nickel, Chrome, Steel
1980s Nanda Vigo Italian Postmodern design Blue Coffee Table Memphis Style
By Nanda Vigo
Located in Brescia, IT
Nanda Vigo, coffee table. Glass Design Macherio, 1981 Enameled metal frame with wood feet Crystal top. Excellent condiction Available bibliography
Crystal, Metal
$1,177Sale 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