Vintage Space Age furniture captured post–World War II optimism with swooping shapes, bowed lines and experimentation with new materials including plastic and fiberglass.
From the launch of the Sputnik 1 satellite in 1957 to the landing of Apollo 11 astronauts on the moon in 1969, the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States propelled advancements in technology that transformed culture. Space Age design encompassed fashion, architecture, cars, furniture and objects for the home, bringing wonder and hope for the future into everyday life.
Coinciding with Pop art, Space Age style featured bold colors and forms. Eero Aarnio’s Ball chair, which debuted in 1966, used molded fiberglass for a capsule-like space while Verner Panton’s 1959 Panton chair was a single piece of molded plastic for a gravity-defying S shape. Red versions of Olivier Mourgue’s 1964 Djinn chair were futuristic enough to appear on the space station in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Today, Joe Colombo is revered as a master of modern Italian design thanks to the provocative modular furniture pieces he created, such as the Tube chair and the Elda armchair, both of which embody the future-forward spirit of the Space Age.
The Space Age spirit extended to home building too. The futuristic Case Study Houses, which were designed by the likes of Pierre Koenig, Charles and Ray Eames, Richard Neutra and Whitney R. Smith, are considered a high point of modernism and the Southern California lifestyle.
Sometimes the nods to space exploration were more literal, like moon and star motifs or the 1965 Eclisse lamp by Vico Magistretti that saw the mid-century Italian designer integrating a movable inner shade to “eclipse” the light source. Alongside the pioneering moon missions, JVC manufactured the Videosphere portable television reminiscent of the Apollo 11 space helmets.
Although the style faded in the 1970s — with the 1975 joining of the Apollo and Soyuz spacecrafts signaling a new era of cooperation and the global oil crisis impacting the availability of plastics — the era’s innovations influenced designers into the 21st century such as Zaha Hadid and Djivan Schapira.
Find a collection of vintage Space Age seating, tables, lighting and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Tapestry, Brazilian Artist, 1980 Sign Renot
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Tapestry Design Renot Brazilian artist 1980 The tapestry is restored. Sign: Renot 1980 Bahia Brazil original Atelier Studio Renot Salvador- ...
Tapestry
Tapestry Genaro Antônio Dantas de Carvalho, Brazilian Artist, 1960
By Genaro de Carvalho
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Tapestry Genaro Antônio Dantas de Carvalho Brazilian artist 1960 Upholsterers, painter, designer. Genaro Antonio Dantas de Carvalho began his painting studies with his father. In 1944, he went to Rio de Janeiro and studied drawing with Henrique Cavalleiro at the Brazilian Society of Fine Arts. He is considered one of the main activists for the renewal of art in Bahia, along with Carlos Bastos, Caribé and Mario Cravo...
Tapestry
Mira-X Circular Pattern Textile Panel by Verner Panton
By Verner Panton, Mira-X
Located in Paris, FR
This Mira-X textile panel designed by Verner Panton features a bold circular composition rendered in concentric rings of saturated color. The rhythmic geometry and optical depth exem...
Wool, Natural Fiber
Wall Tapestry by Aimé Kakon, Space Age Design, Wool, France, 1976
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Exceptional tapestry designed by Aimé Kakon in 1976 Architect, sculptor, ceramicist, visual artist, Aimé Kakon is an artist in his own right. His work is timeless, his graphics as w...
Wool
Italian Space Age Chromed Steel Decorative Wall Lamp, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian space age chromed steel decorative wall lamp, 1970s. Wall lamp with chromed steel support and geometric sculpture with parallelepipeds of various sizes welded together, with...
Steel
$3,335Sale Price|20% Off
Tiziano Campi italian wall print decoration space age, signed
Located in Milano, IT
Wonderful artistic wall print signed by Tiziano Campi - Work from 1976 numbered No. 260 This fascinating and eccentric decorative wall print signed by Tiziano Campi represents an au...
Aluminum
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
Leonardo Nierman Eclipse Serigraph Pencil Signed Edition 24/300
Located in San Diego, CA
Leonardo Nierman signed and number serigraph published by Merrill Chase Galleries the frame its in good condition nicely frame with gold leaf finish some...
Paper
Rare Italian Retro Pop Art Metal Wall Panel, 1970s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Rare Italian Retro Pop Art Metal Wall Panel, 1970s, Italy Measurements : 106 cm x 71 cm x 6 cm NOTE: There 4 hanger at the backside of the panel. Please do not hesitate to ask u...
Metal
$897Sale Price|19% Off
Tableau type sérigraphie en damier cinétique sur aluminium, design abstrait
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Tableau type sérigraphie en damier cinétique sur plaque d’aluminium des années 70, design abstrait italien dans le style de Victor Vasarely, couleurs noir, vert et jaune fluo, encadr...
Metal
$2,382 / set
Pair of vintage multicolored resin panels, 70's
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Spectacular 70's multicolor resin panels, on black lacquered wood support, size 69x109 per panel.
Resin
2x Unique Aluminium Mural with Enamel by Jung 1977, Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Absolutely unique. Handmade pictures from aluminium and enamel. One picture is a little tarnished at the back. See pictures. Absolute eye-catchers.
Metal, Aluminum, Enamel
Fabric Boards by Verner Panton for Mira Spectrum, 1970S, set of 2
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of Fabric boards by Verner Panton in a wooden frame. Signed Verner Panton. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Fabric, Wood
Amaizing Marquetry Optical Ball, 1950, France, Material: Wood
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Amaizing Marquetry Material: wood Country: France We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982.If you have any questions we are at your ...
Iron
$2,500 / set
Pair of Relief Collages
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Located in new york.
Paper
Renato Volpini, Space Scene, 1969, Collage and Tempera
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Renato Volpini, collage and tempera depicting space scene. Certificate of authenticity available. Provenance Volpini studio. Detailed information on the Volpini Foundation website.
Paper
Renato Volpini, Original Multiple Element of Useless Machine, 1970s, Screenprint
Located in Montelabbate, PU
R. Volpini, Multiple of Useless Machine. Renato Volpini bottom signed and written original multiple. Silkscreen on plastic-coated paper. Certificate of authenticity available. Proven...
Paper
$1,179
H 26.38 in W 39.38 in D 0.79 in
Abstract Vibrant Wall Tapestry, Hand Knotted Wool, 1960s, Excellent
Located in London, GB
Colorful hand knotted wool hanging is probably a translation of the work of an artist. This was a time when modern artists work began to work with weavers...
Wool
Verner Panton Exhibition poster Visiona 1970 Cologne
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Here is a very rare and desirable vintage Exhibition poster by the Danish designer Verner Panton for the representing Visiona 1970 in Cologne. Shipping services: Ask for our competi...
Paper
Jean Lurcat Mid-Century Aubusson Tapestry
By Jean Lurçat
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century tapestry designed by Jean Lurcat and woven at Atelier Suzanne Goubely-Gatien in Aubusson, France. Hand woven in wool, it dates to the 1950s and entitled "Bahia La Rouge...
Wool, Tapestry
$2,950
H 0.25 in W 74.5 in D 51.5 in
Large Woven Wool Rug / Wall Art-Tapestry "Essence of Absurd #2" by Calman Shemi
By Calman Shemi
Located in San Diego, CA
Large soft painting woven wool rug / wall art-tapestry "Essence of Absurd #2" by Argentinian-Israeli artist Calman Shemi, circa 1984. This a vibrant and expressive tapestry that sho...
Natural Fiber, Textile
Hans Agne Jakobsson Yellow Space Age Wall Lamp, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Practical adjustable wall sconce or bedside table lamp designed by Hans Agne Jakobsson and made by Elidus in Sweden during the 1970s. Measurements: W: 18 cm, Dept: 12 cm, H: 9 cm. ...
Steel
1970s earthenware wall decoration with thistle decorations
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
1970s earthenware wall decoration with thistle decorations. Earthenware wall decoration / dish with glazed front with thistle decorations and a matte backside signed by the ceramicis...
Earthenware, Ceramic
Vintage French Tapestry by Georgette Owens. Size: 3 ft x 4 ft 10 in
By Georgette Owens
Located in New York, NY
Vintage French Tapestry by Georgette Owens, France, Mid-Twentieth Century. Size: 3 ft x 4 ft 10 in (0.91 m x 1.47 m)
Wool
Large Italian Silk Embroidery Textile Panel
Located in Bradenton, FL
Large Scale Framed Italian Silk Embroidery Textile Panel, dating from the 18th century. The textile displays a finely balanced symmetrical design of scrolling acanthus vines and abundant blossoming flowers in soft tones of rose, blue, green, and gold on a neutral background. Each stitch reveals the exceptional craftsmanship typrical of Italian embroidery of the period, likely originating from a noble household or religious setting. The embroidery is bordered with its original fringe edge and preserved under a custom gilt frame, lending the piece both protection and an elegant presentation. This panel will be perfect as a statement piece in a hallway, dining room, or above a console. This framed antique...
Textile, Silk
Woven Wool Tapestry in the Style of Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful vintage modern wall hanging of an outdoor scene with people, animals, and trees in the styled of Evelyn Ackerman. Very good condi...
Wool
$5,750
H 13.39 in W 6.7 in D 0.08 in
St Joseph Late Medieval Orphrey Panel, Circa 1480, Embroidery Textile
Located in Doha, QA
An extraordinarily rare and important late medieval English orphrey panel, dating to circa 1480, executed in sumptuous sacred embroidery and remarkably preserved in untouched conditi...
Metallic Thread
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 60.5 in W 33.25 in D 1 in
Large Bohemian Woven Wall Art / Tapestry by Don Freedman
By Don Freedman
Located in San Diego, CA
Large bohemian woven wall art / tapestry by Don Freedman, circa 1970's. The piece is in very good condition with no holes or tears and measures 33.25W x...
Natural Fiber
$1,727
H 18.9 in W 2.76 in D 33.47 in
Earthy Colored Framed Wall Tapestry by Riitta-Maija Oksanen, Finland, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Framed wall tapestry made by Finnish artist Riitta-Maija Oksanen for Helmi Vuorelma OY. Jute, straw and wool used creating a minimalistic 3-dimensional ...
Wool, Jute, Straw
Italian Space Age modular decorative aluminum panel, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Space Age modular decorative aluminum panel, 1970s Vintage and fantastic deecorative wall modules composed of thirty square aluminum panels. Some panels are plain, while othe...
Aluminum, Metal
Vintage Abstract Wall Decoration Red Ceramic Set of 2
Located in Poperinge, BE
Cool vintage wall decoration, glazed red, black and turquoise ceramic on wood, circa 60s-70s, unsigned, completely in the style of Juliette Belarti or Perignem. This nice set of 2 h...
Ceramic, Wood
Space Age Convex Plexi-view Mirror for Ram Products
By Ram Products
Located in Denton, TX
Plexiglass convex bubble designed mirror with a silver metal frame for that pop art ambiance of reflective materials.
Metal
Space Age Wall Decoration or Roomdivider, 1960s
Located in Oirlo, LI
Space Age Wall Decoration or Roomdivider, 1960s This is a beautiful vintage wall decoration made of plastic with the real colors (orange, brown and white) from the 60s. The rings h...
Aluminum
Bas relief unicorn sculpture, 1960s.
Located in Lisboa, PT
Sculpture in low relief representing a "Young woman with a unicorn", carved wood, signed on the side. France, 1960s.
Wood
Sold
H 2.76 in W 13.39 in D 18.51 in
Unique German Ceramic Wall Plate by Ruscha/Space Age Design/Fatlava Style
By Ruscha
Located in Hamburg, DE
Transport yourself back to the Space Age era with this exquisite ceramic wall art piece, meticulously crafted in Germany. This glazed ceramic artwork captures the essence of the era's design aesthetic, reminiscent of the iconic Fat Lava lamps...
Ceramic
Verner Panton Fabric Wall Art for Mira x, Denmark, 1960s
By Verner Panton, Mira-X
Located in Antwerp, BE
Verner Panton; Mira X; Space Age; Wall Art; 20th century; Denmark; Danish Design; Geometric; Pop Art; Wall Hanging; Fabric Wall Art; Fabric wall hanging design...
Fabric
Large Modernist Decorative Panel, 1960s-1970s
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Large Scenic panel dating back to the 1960s-1970s. The particularity of this panel is the set of materials used. The whole surface is made of plywood and colored figures of plastic...
Plastic, Polystyrene, Wood
1970 Claustra, Set 13 Elements
Located in Perpignan, FR
Very cool set of 13 elements - Claustra / wall decoration. It is in perfect condition from 1970. resin - Plastic. Yellow.
Resin, Epoxy Resin, Plastic
Sold
H 24.41 in W 24.41 in D 11.03 in
Italian Space Age Metal and Wood Sculpture Lamp by Studio Ef, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Space Age metal and wood sculpture lamp by Studio Ef, 1970s Space age lamp composed of a square panel in signed solid wood and painted in...
Metal
1971, Verner Panton Set of 5 Original Advert Posters Opart Design
Located in Perpignan, FR
Very rare poster advert for textile Mira-X designed by Verner Panton 60 x 90 cm - silver paper With frame (Purple) Complete serie of 5 units.
Wood, Paper
1971, Verner Panton Original Advert Poster Opart Design
Located in Perpignan, FR
Very rare poster advert for textile Mira-X designed by Verner Panton 60 x 90 cm - Silver paper With Frame (Purple) Part serie of 5 units differents , see other announcements or c...
Wood, Paper