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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
$3,266Sale 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
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
$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
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
$878Sale 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
$2,333 / 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
$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
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
$1,162
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
Rene Perrot Aubusson Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury tapestry designed by Rene Perrot 91912-1979) and woven at Atelier Riviere des Borderies in Aubusson, France. Handwoven in wool, it dates to 1946...
Wool, Tapestry
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
$460
H 9.88 in W 16.63 in D 0.5 in
Fossil Bonefish Fish Copper Wall Decoration Wall Panel Picture Vintage, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful, vintage copper Bone Fish themed wall decor picture. It would make a beautiful ornament at your wall. Vibrant colors and excellent craftsmanship. Also a great wall hangin...
Copper
Belgium Handcrafted Ceramic Wall Art, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage ceramic wall art. Brown earthenware with hand painted accents. Design of 8 figures in ceramic and glazed in the tones blue, gold, whit...
Ceramic
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
A Jutland Flat Weave Mills Rug after Verner Panton
By Verner Panton, Jutland Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A rare Jutland Flat Weave Mills rug or tapestry, after a design by Verner Panton. Wool, cotton and jute. In amazing preserved condition. Featuring repeating green and blue geometric ...
Wool, Jute, Cotton
$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
Crane Copper Wall Decoration Wall Panel Plaque Vintage, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful, vintage copper crane themed wall decor. It would make a beautiful wall decoration in a seating or living area. Vibrant colors and excellent craftsmanship. Made in the 19...
Copper
Art Wall Panel handcrafted in Italy by Cupioli Available
Located in Rimini, IT
Modern Blue wall decorative panel handcrafted in Italy by Cupioli Available. Artistic wall panel, a tribute to the artist Alfred Roller. This art...
Scagliola
Pair Metal Swallow Wall Animal Sculptures, Signed, 1970s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Pair of wall sculptures crafted from metal, designed in the shape of swallows in flight. The surface presents a patinated shiny metallic finish. Each piece is signed by the artist on...
Metal
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
Sold
H 35.44 in W 23.63 in L 35.44 in
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