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.
Jean Claude Dresse 'Crescendo' Dining or Center Table in Dark Resin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Claude Dresse, dining or center table, resin, lacquered steel, Belgium, 1970s This eccentric table is a masterful creation by Belgian designer Jean Claude Dresse. Every inch o...
Steel
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
"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
Antonio Citterio x B&B Italia "Simplice" Tables, 2
By Antonio Citterio, B&B Italia
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
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
Papaia Unique Side Table in Carved Green Onyx by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Papaia Unique Side Table in Carved Green Onyx by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 20 x W 30 x H 50 cm. Materials: Onyx. Available in different finishes and material options...
Onyx
Vintage IKEA Ry Chrome & Glass Side Table Designed by Tord Björklund, ca. 1980s
By IKEA, Memphis Group, Tord Bjorklund
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
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
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
$3,047 / item
Organic Modern Center Table Catus in Green Guatemala
Located in Lisbon, PT
Catus center table is unique in its conception with Organic Modern inspiration. Natural Stone is unrepeatable in its individuality, this way each Catus table is unique featuring the ...
Travertine, Marble, Metal
$4,798Sale Price|35% Off
"Helix Spiral Swivel" glass table, France, Circa 1980
By Danny Lane
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful vintage oval table inspired by the style of Danny Lane, in stacked glass with removable top. The unique design of the helical spiral tabl...
Chrome
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 Day Bed in Ivory 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
$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
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
Kanzō Unique Coffee Table in Oak Wood & Travertine Stone by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Kanzō Unique Coffee Table in Oak Wood & Travertine Stone by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 70 x W 120 x H 40 cm. Materials: Oak wood and travertine. Available in differen...
Travertine
$773 / 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
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
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
Postmodern Italian Marcuso Coffee Glass Table by Marco Zanuso for Zanotta
By Marco Zanuso, Zanotta
Located in Hamburg, DE
Heavy glass coffee table from the Italian manufacturer Zanotta based on a design by Marco Zanuso from the late 1960s. A classic of Italian design. The design impresses with its simp...
Stainless Steel
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
Contemporary Riviera Chair in Lacquered Salmon 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
1970s Italian Postmodern Rosso Levanto Marble Dining Table
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An exceptional 1970s Italian Postmodern dining table crafted entirely from richly veined Rosso Levanto marble. This monumental piece showcases the bold sculptural presence and refine...
Marble
Postmodern Vintage Marble Dining Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning marble dining table with channel bases. This table is so solid and can be used as table for 6 or maybe a desk? The perfect blend of neutrals - ivory gray brown.
Marble
Original 2er Set USM Haller Schreibtische Dreieck weiß Ecktisch
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes 2er Set USM Haller Dreieck-Schreibtische in der Farbe weiß zum Verkauf an. Der Preis bezieht sich auf beide Tische und versteht sich als Setpreis. Zusta...
Metal
Organic Modern Side Table Catus in Terrazzo Sage Marble
Located in Lisbon, PT
Open since 1997 and based in Lisbon, Portugal, a country with a long crafts tradition, Mambo Unlimited Ideas' design team researches for innovation and creativity developments around...
Travertine, Marble, Metal
$14,237 / 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
$2,850Sale Price|25% Off
Studio Craft Sculptural and Organic Coffee Table Signed Walsh, Dated 1989
Located in Peabody, MA
Studio craft freeform coffee table of carved wood in aquamarine lacquer signed Walsh, 1989 and titled Nui Nalu No. 1 (translates to "big waves" in Hawaiain). It was purchased by the...
Wood
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
1990 Post Modern Demi-Lune Hall Table Designed by Kaiser Newman in Beech
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Crafted by Kaiser Newman in 1990, this Demi-Lune Hall Table is a timeless design in stunning Beech wood. Its elegant curve and clean lines add a touch of sophistication to any entryw...
Glass
Contemporary Riviera Armchair in lacquered Salmon 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 Clover Artistic Pedestal Dining Table
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, rare, hand sculpted and painted dining or versatile table you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. J...
Glass, Plaster, Wood
Contemporary Aluminium Coffee Table by Colo Studio, France
Located in London, GB
'Cosmo' by Colo Studio Mirror polished aluminum Dimensions : Ø 120 cm / H 33 cm Limited edition of 8 + 4 AP Signed and numbered Made in France COSMO Series Future Primitive Inspir...
Aluminum
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
$1,250Sale Price|50% Off
Post modern round maple butcher block dining table on chrome base
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Post modern round maple butcher block dining table on chrome base. Has a 1.75" thick solid maple butcher block round table top. Chrome base is in excellent condition with 4 adjustabl...
Chrome
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
Pierre Table, by George J. Sowden, for Memphis Milano Collection
By George Sowden, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
George J. Sowden 1981 Table made of lacquered wood and covered with decorative laminate, metal frame. The surprising optical effect of Pierre is the result of the alternation of two ...
Metal
French Designer, Coffee Table, Metal, Glass, France 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A metal and glass coffee or cocktail table, designed and produced in France, 1970s.
Metal
Post Modern Travertine Side Table by Stone International. Circa 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Post Modern Travertine Side Table by Stone International. Circa 1980s Features a minimalist design with a light tan polished travertine stone, beautiful natural stone veins a...
Travertine
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
Silent Block Sculptural Table in Stainless Steel by Veliento
Located in Geneve, CH
Silent Block Sculptural Table in Stainless Steel by Veliento. Dimensions: W 35 x D 35 x H 45 cm. Materials: Hand textured Stainless Steel. All pieces are made to order. Custom finis...
Metal, Stainless Steel
$1,100Sale Price|50% Off
Post Modern 1980s artistic Painted narrow forced perspective console table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Post Modern artistic forced perspective design softly painted light pink and off white splatters with narrow console table. Would make a great entry way hallway or sofa t...
Wood, Paint
$3,304 / item
Desa Teak Wood Coffee Table by Mary Verspoor
Located in Geneve, CH
Desa Teak Wood Coffee Table by Mary Verspoor Dimensions: D 58.5 x W 43 x H 40 CM Materials: Teak wood Mary Verspoor, of Indonesian-Dutch descent, is a Bali-based designer and creato...
Other
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
Ernest H. Igl for Bayer AG 'Hadi' Desk
By Ernest Igl
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernest Igl for Bayer AG, 'Hadi' desk, polyurethane, Germany, 1970s This design by Ernest Igl truly resembles the ethos of the seventies, featuring the commonly used material of that time: polyurethane. Ernest Igl strived for the creation of a desk that focused on functionality combined with an aesthetically pleasing design for daily use. This is discernible in the playful composition of curved lines and round shapes executed in the whole construction. On the left side, three drawers are situated hidden perfectly in the column of the design. At the right side there is a storage compartment placed. Taking every stylistic realization into account, this writing desk feels retro, without clashing with contemporary interiors. Ernest Hofmann...
Plastic
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
BOX Italian Travertine Marble Dining Table Architectural Design by Joaquín Moll
By Meddel, Joaquín Moll
Located in VALVERDE DEL MAJANO, CL
BOX Italian Travertine Marble Dining Table Architectural Design by Joaquín Moll BOX travertine marble dining table is a bold, architectural statement piece designed by Joaquín Moll f...
Crystal, Travertine, Marble, Metal, Iron
Vittorio Livi for FIAM Italy Curved Glass Waterfall Table
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian Vintage Glass Coffee Tables A refined and highly collectible curved-glass waterfall table by Vittorio Livi for FIAM Italy, crafted in the 1980s using FIAM’s pioneering glass...
Glass
Maurizio Salvato Rotating Burlwood Coffee Table for Saporiti Italia, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern rotating coffee table with burl wood lacquered tops and powder-coated burgundy colored steel legs by Maurizio Salvato for Saporiti Italia, 1980s. Taller Table Height: 14....
Metal
Postmodern Triangular Pedestal in Black Lacquered Wood & Chrome
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
$5,500 / item
Round 'Upsilon' Coffee Table by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round 'Upsilon' marble and blackened steel coffee table by Design Frères. Polished round rain forest green veined marble over a heavy m...
Marble, Steel
Set of 1970s Scandinavian Round Side Tables in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of two side or coffee tables, solid pine, Scandinavia, 1970s Wonderful set of side tables that encapsulate the essence of 1970s design, featuring strong, robust shapes that comm...
Pine
1980s Postmodern Curvaceous Aluminum Bilevel Bar Cart Attributed to Woodard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This 1980s Postmodern Curvaceous Bilevel Bar Cart is a unique and stylish addition to any home bar or entertaining space. Designed and attributed to Woodard, this bar cart features a...
Aluminum
Postmodern Italian Rosewood and Metal Writing Desk by Abbondinterni, 1970s
By Abbondinterni
Located in Detroit, MI
This exceptional vintage Italian wood and metal office desk by Abbondinterni Milan was produced in Italy circa 1970. The desk is well-crafted from premium materials and the distinctl...
Metal, Aluminum
Ialino One Of A Kind Sculptural Coffee Table in Crystal & Quartz by Alex Turco
Located in Geneve, CH
Ialino One Of A Kind Sculptural Coffee Table in Crystal & Quartz by Alex Turco One Of a Kind Dimensions: D 40 x W 63 x H 50 cm. Materials: Crystal and quartz. This sculptural co...
Crystal, Quartz
$1,675 / 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
1970's Italian Design Travertine Nesting Side Table Set
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage 1970's Italian Design set of 3 Travertine Nesting Side Tables. Made in Italy in the 1970's. Square with rounded edges on each table. All are in good condition, the largest mo...
Travertine
Postmodern Plaster Coffee Table
Located in West Chester, PA
Plaster postmodern coffee table circa 1970 with column like round legs and rounded corners. Incised design on the top with blue accent.
Plaster
Pacific Green "Mendi" Hall Table, 2000s
Located in Coronado, CA
A charming and incredibly versatile "hall" table or petite console made by Pacific Green Furniture. The table features 100-year-old palm wood construction with leather accents. The t...
Iron