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.
Postmodern Pair of Gold Metal Flush Mounts by Blauet, Barcelona, 1980s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Postmodern Spanish Pair of Gold metal Flush Mounts or Wall Sconces by Blauet. Model: Birimbao-2 Oro. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Blau...
Metal
Olivier Mourgue for Disderot Flower Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Olivier Mourgue for Disderot, floor lamp, model '2093-150', chrome-plated metal, aluminum, France, design 1967. An exquisitely distinctive floor lamp designed to captivate. Concei...
Metal, Aluminum
Swedish Balloon Lamp in Steel with Floral Motif Orange Shade
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Floor lamp, messing, steel, fabric, Sweden, 1970s A slender black stem supports the large spherical shade, giving this Swedish floor lamp its balloon-like shape. The orange and whit...
Brass, Steel
Monumental Mixed Metal Ceiling Light 304 cm/119in
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Very large chandelier/ceiling light, chrome-plated steel and aluminum, Europe, 1970s Measuring over three metres in length, this exceptionally large ceiling light has a truly grand ...
Aluminum
Ettore Sottsass for Design Centre/Poltronova ‘Bruco’ Wall Lights
By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ettore Sottsass for Design Centre/Poltronova, ‘Bruco’ wall light from the Mobili Grigi series, chrome-plated brass, methacrylate (translucent Perspex), enameled aluminum, Italy, 1970...
Aluminum, Brass, Chrome
Postmodern Gold Metal Flush Mount by Blauet, Barcelona, 1980s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Postmodern Spanish Gold metal Flush Mount by Blauet. Model: Birimbao-2 Oro. This fixture was designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Blauet during 1980s. This Flush ...
Metal
Ton A.C. Alberts for RAAK 'Zodiac' Floor Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ton A.C. Alberts for RAAK Amsterdam, 'Zodiac' floor lamp, glass, wengé, metal, the Netherlands, 1970s This exceptional floor lamp, designed by Ton A.C. Alberts for RAAK Amsterdam in...
Metal
Gianemilio, Piero and Anna Monti for Candle 'Luna' Table Lamp in Fiberglass
By Candle, Gianemilio Piero and Anna Monti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianemilio, Piero and Anna Monti (Studio di Architettura GPA Monti) for Candle, 'Luna' table or floor lamp, chrome-plated steel, fiberglass, Italy, 1968 This remarkable lamp acquired several affectionate nicknames in our team, like "mushroom" or "cloud" — a reflection of its playful and highly sculptural presence. Its original name, however, is Luna, a reference to the clustered fiberglass domes...
Steel, Chrome
American Craft Sculptural Verdigris Copper Table Lamp with Pierced Conical Shade
Located in Troy, MI
Artisan made copper table lamp USA circa 1980s Conical shade in verdigris copper with pierced abstract motifs and multi-tone patinated interior On a splayed tripod base with cylindr...
Copper, Metal
Postmodern Gold Metal Set of Six Flush Mounts by Blauet, Barcelona, 1980s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Postmodern Spanish Set of Six Gold metal Flush Mounts or Wall Sconces by Blauet. Model: Birimbao-2 Oro. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by B...
Metal
Postmodern Gold Metal Wall Sconce by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz Lighting, Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern Gold Wall Sconce by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model A-1149. This fixture was designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz during 1980s. “Estiluz” or...
Metal
Giovanni Battista e Giampiero Bassi for Studio Luce ‘Cactus’ Table Lamp
By Giovanni Battista, Studio Luce
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giovanni Battista e Giampiero Bassi for Studio Luce, ‘Cactus’ table lamp, chrome-plated aluminum, plexiglass, Italy, 1969 Italian design duo Giovanni Battista and Giampiero Bassi d...
Aluminum, Chrome
$13,800 / item
Gjlla Giani for Nucleo Sormani ‘Radar’ Table Lamps
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gjlla Giani for the Nucleo Division of Sormani, 'Radar' table lamps, pewter and glass, Italy, 1971 This rare pair of table lamps is designed by the Italian architect Gjlla Giani for...
Pewter
Barovier & Toso “Gotodario/9” Murano Glass Chandelier, Italy, 1990s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Sculptural nine-light “Gotodario/9” chandelier from the celebrated I Goti Luminosi series by Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy, dating from the late 20th century. The chandelier co...
Iron
Postmodern Large Four of Glass Metal Wall Sconces by Blauet, Barcelona, 1990s
By Josep Llusca, Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and unique Horizontal Postmodern Spanish Four of Glass Metal Wall Sconces by Blauet. Model: Blow 1327. These Wall Lights were made in Barcelona (Spain) by Blauet during 1990s...
Metal
Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide 'Sintesi Faretto' Wall Light in Green
By Artemide
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, wall light, model 'Sintesi Faretto', first edition, Cornalux bulb included, coated iron, coated steel, aluminum, rubber, plastic, Italy, 1976 The foun...
Aluminum, Iron
Sergio Asti for Martinelli Luce ‘Profiterole’ Floor or Table Lamp in Fiberglass
By Sergio Asti, Martinelli Luce
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Asti for Martinelli Luce, ‘Profiterole’, floor or table lamp, model ‘640’, fiberglass, plastic, Lucca, Italy, 1968 A captivating fusion of both functionality and artistic exp...
Plastic, Fiberglass
Italian Postmodern Pao T2 Table Lamp by Matteo Thun for Arteluce, 1990s
By Arteluce, Matteo Thun
Located in Hamburg, DE
The large T2 table lamp from Matteo Thun’s Pao lighting series. Shown here in a rare version with a light-colored beech wood base. The Pao lamps are distinguished by their characte...
Metal
Post Modern George Kovacs Robert Sonneman Modern chrome floor Lamp
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Robert Sonneman Chromed Steel Tube bent Floor Lamp. Circa. 1970s Comes with light bulb. 120v plug H 46" L 24"
Steel, Chrome
1970s Glamorous Guido Polloni Chandelier in Colored Glass (80cm/31.5in)
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guido Polloni chandelier, glass, Italy, 1970s This exquisite chandelier by glass artist Guido Polloni is crafted in Italy in the 1970s. This light embodies the extreme glamour and b...
Glass
Postmodern Spanish 8 of White "Arqui" Wall Sconces by Metalarte, 1990s
By Metalarte, Metalarte Spain, Sergi & Oscar Devesa
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty and unique Postmodern Spanish Set of Eight White Molten Aluminium Wall Sconces by Metalarte. Model: Arqui 1273 Matt/Graphite White. These Wall Lights were designed and manufac...
Aluminum
Beautiful Swirl Flush Mount Ceiling- or Wall Lamp made of Glass and Brass Base
Located in München, BY
Beautiful 1980s swirl flush mount ceiling lamp. Round glass shade on a brass base. Can also be used as a wall lamp. The shade features a white and transparent swirl design. Produces...
Brass
Vintage Wrought Iron Chandelier Candleholder by Ehlén Johansson for Ikea, 1990s
By IKEA
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Wrought Iron Chandelier Candleholder by Ehlén Johansson for Ikea, 1990s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1990 to 1999 I have ...
Wrought Iron
Postmodern Dimmable Gold Wall Sconce by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Estiluz Lighting, Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty and unique Dimmable Postmodern Black Wall Sconce by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: A-1069 Oro. This fixture was designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz...
Metal
Bořek Šípek “Luigi” Chandelier for Driade, Italy, 1989
French Postmodern Ceramic Table Lamp, Private Detective, by J.C. Peiré, 1980s
By JC Peire
Located in Lille, FR
Jean-Claude Peiré built his signature in the 1980s with a series of ceramic light fixtures reimagining everyday objects at full scale — a tennis racket, a weightlifter's arm, a boxin...
Ceramic
Postmodern T+L Royal Series Typ L 133 Glas Wall Lamp from Keuco, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern glass wall light from the t+l royal bathroom cabinet series by keuco. the striking shape of the lamp is particularly eye-catching. A halved cone standing on top. The lamp...
Metal
Vintage Danish Spherical Ceramic Table Lamp w. Pink Glaze, 1980s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A 1980s Danish table light by Lamperiet Aarhus. The ceramic ball base features a monochrome pink glaze and the light comes installed with a fluted white shade. Measurements: H: 36 ...
Ceramic
Italian Model Tabla Table Lamp by Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo, 1980s
By Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern table lamp from the Italian manufacturer Italiana Luce based on a design by Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo from the 80s. Sculptural table lamp with a changeable shape....
Metal
Ralph Lauren Chrome and Black Leather Desk or Table Lamp
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Good-looking Ralph Lauren dual-bulb table lamp designed and made in America. Made mostly of steel throughout, chromed and overlaid with leather. This results in a super stylized look...
Chrome, Steel
1980 Mega 2 by Prisma Italian Design Wall Lamp Flush Mount
By Prisma
Located in Brescia, IT
Prisma “Mega 2” Ceiling / Wall Lamp, Italy The Mega 2 is a striking architectural light by Italian manufacturer Prisma, conceived in the late 20th century as part of their professio...
Metal
Midcentury Pair of Gold Metal Wall Sconces by Estiluz, Barcelona, 1980s
By Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz Lighting, Estiluz
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern Pair of Gold Wall Sconces by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: A-1184 Oro. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by Estiluz during 198...
Metal
Adjustable Brass Pharmacy Style Floor Reading Lamp att. to Koch and Lowy c 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Sleek adjustable pharmacy style floor lamp, in sophisticated satin brass finish. The lamp is adjustable in height ( 52.5" - 57" ) the shade tilts, and the vertical post swivels ton ...
Brass
Postmodern Gold Metal Set of Eight Flush Mounts by Blauet, Barcelona, 1980s
By Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Pretty Postmodern Spanish Set of Eight Gold metal Flush Mounts or Wall Sconces by Blauet. Model: Birimbao-2 Oro. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) by...
Metal
$1,466Sale Price / set|20% Off
Post-Modern style. Sculptural ceramic table lamps, Spain, 1980s
By Cerámicas BONDIA, Hispania CH
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Sculptural ceramic table lamps, Spain, 1980s. Made of ceramic with an abstract shape similar to a rock, with a light gray glazed finish and hand-painted with splashes of black paint....
Ceramic, Opaline Glass, Paint
Francesco Castiglione Morelli 'Afrodisia' Table Lamp for Artemide, Italy 1992
By Artemide
Located in Debrecen, HU
"Afrodisia" is a distinctive table lamp designed by Francesco Castiglione Morelli for Artemide in 1992; the piece reflects the inventive approach to Italian lighting design character...
Metal
Postmodern German Lumibär Bear Floor Lamp by Klein & Leidig for Flötotto, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, DE
The Lumibär is a design classic from Flötotto. The bright bear. Not just something for the children's room. The design is so simple that it also fits wonderfully as a light object...
Plastic
Vintage Space Age Papillona Floor Lamp by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern floor lamp by the Italian manufacturer Flos after a design by Afra & Tobia Scarpa from the 70s. This design convinces with its imposing height of almost 2m. The filigree ...
Metal
Italian Postmodern Tebe Floor Lamp by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Imposing standing lamp from the Italian manufacturer Artemide after a draft by Ernesto Gismondi from the late 1980s. A postmodern design with special proportions. This floor lamp is...
Metal
Vintage German Postmodern Table Lamp by Matteo Thun for Nachtmann Leuchten 1980s
By Matteo Thun
Located in Hamburg, DE
Table lamp from the German manufacturer Nachtmann, designed by Matteo Thun. A draft in a postmodern design language. The classic luminaire shape meets bright color in the basic colo...
Metal
Ico Parisi Palpebra Red Table Lamp by Cassina
By Ico Parisi
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ico Parisi Palpebra Matt Black Table Lamp by Cassina The creative flair of Ico Parisi in a playful invention of mimicry. This artistic lamp is engineered to open and close, mimicki...
Aluminum
Pendant Chainmail Droplet, Hand-Linked, 80cm, Steel, Panorammma, Mexico
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Single Pendant Chainmail Droplet Sculptural Chandelier is a beautiful hand made light piece. A chainmail web hugs the lamp’s canopy, as the knit gets tighter the chainmail envelopes ...
Steel
Postmodern Modern Black Round Chandelier Art Nouveau
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of postmodernism and experience pure elegance with our breathtaking black chandelier decorated with crystals. This work of art of lighting m...
Crystal, Metal
Postmodern Model Z-Lite Zig Zag Flexible Table Lamp, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern table lamp with a transformable design. The Z-Lite or Zig Zag desk lamp is characterized by its complex construction and versatility. It ...
Metal
Italian Large Pair of Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Barbini Alfredo, 1980s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous and unique Pair of Italian Colorful Murano glass Wall Sconces from 1980s. These fixtures were designed and munufactured during the 1980s in Italy by Alfredo Barbini. “Barb...
Metal
Cobweb Chainmail Chandelier, Hand-Linked, Steel, Post-Modern, Panorammma
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A fusion of medieval craftsmanship and modern gothic elegance, the Chainmail Cobweb Chandelier evokes the ethereal beauty of a spider’s web. Meticulously handcrafted from interwoven ...
Steel
Neri & Hu 3T09 Bronze Structure and Ivory Fabric 3 Modules Wall Lamp for Cassina
Rare Pop Art Tulip Floor Lamp in Green & Red Painted Metal by Peter Bliss 1980s
By Bliss
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and very cool British Pop Art floor lamp by Peter Bliss. For the collectors, design lovers and enthousiasts of pop art, we are offering this very rare and stylized tulip floo...
Metal
Vintage PAF Studio Dove Italian Table Lamp Mario Barbaglia & Marco Colombo MCM
By PAF Studio, Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, iconic postmodern "Dove" desk lamp, designed by Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo for PAF Studio (later known as Italiana Luce) in Milan, Italy, around 1984....
Plastic
Pair of Vintage 1980s Metal and Glass Wall Sconces, Italian Design
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Pair of wall lamps with a chrome-plated metal frame and transparent hemispherical glass, Italian design, 1980s. CONDITION: In good condition, in working order; may show signs of wea...
Metal
$4,995Sale Price|50% Off
1980s Rare Huge Italian Floor Lamp Odue Astralis by Quaia, Italy
By Fabio Lenci
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Massive sensuous shaped red acrylic shade with opale diffuser on top and under , mounted on a heavy stainless steel structure and base . Shade pivot a full 360 degree and measure 20 in. wide by 18 in. high. Light bulb is a round fluorescent tube with a North American 120 voltage system and US 2 prong wall plug...
Stainless Steel
$1,900
Murano Gilt Glass Lamp
Located in Houston, TX
1980s Italian Murano glass table lamp with gold gilt bands and a lucite base. Newly wired. Dimensions include lamp shade.
Murano Glass, Lucite
TSAO Designs Chrome and Glass Mushroom Table Lamp, Design Award Lighting
By TSAO Designs
Located in New Windsor, NY
Fine stylish mushroom table lamp with a polished chrome base and milk glass mushroom shaped shade. Black dimmer switch. Signed on the base, TSAO Designs, Inc. New Canaan, Conn. Desig...
Chrome
Postmodern Large Three of Glass Metal Wall Sconces by Blauet, Barcelona, 1990s
By Josep Llusca, Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and unique Horizontal Postmodern Spanish Three of Glass Metal Wall Sconces by Blauet. Model: Blow 1327. These Wall Lights were made in Barcelona (Spain) by Blauet during 1990...
Metal
$1,440Sale Price|40% Off
Post-Modern Missoni Table Lamp by Massimo Valloto, Italy, 1980s
By Missoni, Missoni Home
Located in Vienna, AT
An amazing colorful postmodern Missoni table or side lamp from the 1980s, designed by Massimo Valloto, executed by Ceramiche Viba, Bassano, Italy. This light has a conical unusual ce...
Metal, Brass
up-lighter Floor lamp Tronconi - design Barbieri & Marianelli - model 'Frack'
Located in Den Haag, NL
Vintage 1980s floor lamp designed by the Italian company Tronconi, designed by Barbieri and Marianelli, model 'Frack' Stylish and sleek design, design from 1984. The lamp consists o...
Metal
$1,900Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pair of Pierre Disderot Verre Lumiere French 1980s Gold Wall Lamps
By Verre Lumière, Pierre Disderot
Located in New York, NY
An original pair of French Post Modern gold plated steel modernist wall lamps designed by Pierre Disderot for Verre Lumiere, 1982. Rewired. A sleek Post Deco design. Signed. Verre L...
Gold, Steel
Murano Due wall lighting 24 ct Gilt gold , Italy 1990
By Murano Due
Located in La xara, VC
Murano Due lighting is highly sought after for several compelling reasons: • Exceptional Artistic Craftsmanship: Murano Due lights are made using centuries-old hand-blown glass tech...
Murano Glass
Ceramic "Weightlifter" Sconce, Muscular Arm with Dumbbell, by J.C. Peiré, 1980s
By JC Peire
Located in Lille, FR
This wall sconce or table lamp, depicting a muscular arm with a dumbbell, was made by J.C. Peiré Productions, a small Marseille-based workshop run by ceramicist Jean-Claude Peiré (19...
Ceramic
Ralph Lauren Chrome and Brown Leather Desk or Table Lamp
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Good-looking Ralph Lauren table lamp designed and made in America. Made mostly of steel throughout, chromed and overlaid with leather. This results in a super stylized look that stan...
Chrome