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.
BLOQUE 6, Pedestal with Ettore Sottsass Veneer by Bonne Choice
Located in Toronto, ON
Designed By Bonne Choice Using Ettore Sottsass Veneer. The veneer created by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s – utilized for the first time in the Memphis collection – now becomes part ...
Wood, Plywood
BLOQUE 4, Pedestal with Ettore Sottsass Veneer by Bonne Choice
Located in Toronto, ON
Designed By Bonne Choice Using Ettore Sottsass Veneer. The veneer created by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s – utilized for the first time in the Memphis collection – now becomes part ...
Wood, Plywood
BLOQUE 2, Pedestal with Ettore Sottsass Veneer by Bonne Choice
Located in Toronto, ON
Designed By Bonne Choice Using Ettore Sottsass Veneer. The veneer created by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s – utilized for the first time in the Memphis...
Wood, Plywood
BLOQUE 1, Pedestal with Ettore Sottsass Veneer by Bonne Choice
Located in Toronto, ON
Designed By Bonne Choice Using Ettore Sottsass Veneer. The veneer created by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s – utilized for the first time in the Memphis collection – now becomes part ...
Wood, Plywood
BLOQUE 7, Pedestal with Ettore Sottsass Veneer by Bonne Choice
Located in Toronto, ON
Designed By Bonne Choice Using Ettore Sottsass Veneer. The veneer created by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s – utilized for the first time in the Memphis collection – now becomes part ...
Wood, Plywood
BLOQUE 3, Pedestal with Ettore Sottsass Veneer by Bonne Choice
Located in Toronto, ON
Designed By Bonne Choice Using Ettore Sottsass Veneer. The veneer created by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s – utilized for the first time in the Memphis collection – now becomes part ...
Wood, Plywood
Pedestal Column Stand, Goatskin Parchment, Springer Style, circa 1970s 1980s
Located in New York, NY
A cylindrical goatskin parchment-clad pedestal column, in the Modern style Postmodern Period, in the manner of design Karl Springer, circa late-20th century, 1970s–1980s. The column ...
Goatskin
Pair Matching Post-Modern Italian Travertine Marble Hexagonal Side Tables, 1970s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Italian travertine marble haxagonal side tables or pedestals. The polished travertine is beige and cream colored with beautiful variation. Notice in some areas the grain deve...
Travertine
1990s Post Modern Rough Edge Glass Pedestal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This 1990s Post Modern Rough Edge Glass Pedestal showcases a distinctive blend of rugged texture and refined form, characteristic of the postmodern design movement. Featuring thick, ...
Glass
Post-Modern Italian Travertine Marble Hexagonal Side Table, 1970s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Italian travertine marble haxagonal side table or pedestal. The polished travertine is beige and cream colored with beautiful variation. Notice in some areas the grain develops a red...
Travertine
BLOQUE 5, Pedestal with Ettore Sottsass Veneer by Bonne Choice
Located in Toronto, ON
Designed By Bonne Choice Using Ettore Sottsass Veneer. The veneer created by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s – utilized for the first time in the ...
Wood, Plywood
Postmodern Tessellated Neoclassical Fluted Column Pedestal
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Timeless Fluted Column Doric Pedestal. Tessellated Travertine with smooth base and top. Rough fluted shaft with deep channels.
Stone
Vintage Pink Tessellated Marble Pedestal, Sculptural Stand, Postmodern, c. 1980s
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A distinctive pedestal in the 1980s modern tradition, crafted from pink tessellated marble and showcasing a soft pink hue with natural veining. This piece blends timeless design with...
Stone, Marble
Vintage Boho Carved Coquina Pedestal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your interior with the raw, organic beauty of this vintage coquina stone pedestal. Masterfully carved, this piece showcases the unique texture of coquina—a natural limestone ...
Stone
Geoffrey Frost Postmodern Pedestal, Etched Glass & Concrete, USA, 1985
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pedestal by Geoffrey Frost c.1985, USA. This pedestal features an aggregate concrete tapered base with linear etched glass top. The round glass top is s...
Concrete
Italian Sculptural Mactan Stone Plinth, 1980s
Located in Memphis, TN
An Italian sculptural plinth that has been crafted from richly textured Mactan stone, dating to the 1980s. Defined by the striking contrast between its heavily carved lower section a...
Stone
Renaat Ramon Postmodern Lacquered Steel Sculpture, Belgium, 1989
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Belgian architect and artist Renaat Ramon, this abstract postmodern sculpture in lacquered steel was created in the 1990s as a functional yet artistic object. Its central...
Steel
Postmodern Column Pedestal Karl Springer Style With Brass Band
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A sophisticated Postmodern cylindrical pedestal or covered vessel clad in cream-colored goatskin and accented with a recessed polished brass band in the manner of Karl Springer. The ...
Goatskin, Lacquer
Pedestal Column Modern, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A cylindrical off-white/cream laminate pedestal with gold brass-plate accent, '70s Modern/Post-Modern period, circa late-20th century, 1970s. Piece has a weighted bottom for stabilit...
Metal, Brass
Brushed Stainless Steel Dining Table Base/ Pedestal Column, French 1970's
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing brushed stainless steel column/ pedestal base which can also be used as a dining table base by adding a custom thick round glass. The beautiful finish is modern and ind...
Stainless Steel
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Italian Marble Low Pedestal / End Table
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful design simple Italian marble pedestal circa the 1980s, great shape and condition, with beveled corners beautiful color, no chips or cracks coned shape.
Marble
$3,068Sale Price|20% Off
Italy Hand-Carved Solid Oak Wood Column Base
By DD Dimore
Located in Brescia, IT
This engaging contemporary wooden made column has the surface finely hand sculpted in solid oak wood and then it is finished in moka color. The result is a stunning piece that is an ...
Oak
Italy Hand-Carved Oak Wood Column in Post Modern Style
By DD Dimore
Located in Brescia, IT
This engaging contemporary wooden made column has the surface finely hand sculpted in solid oak wood and then it is finished in moka color. The result is a stunning piece that is an ...
Oak
$2,100Sale Price|25% Off
Italian Travertine Marble Dining Table Bases Side Tables Display Pedestals
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering one of our recent palm beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of a Set of 2 vintage polished italian travertine marble dining table bases...
Travertine, Marble
Vintage Boho Hand Painted Geometric Pedestal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your decor with this Vintage Boho Hand Painted Geometric Pedestal. This striking piece features a vibrant, hand-painted geometric design that adds a pop of color and pattern ...
Wood, Paint
$560Sale Price|48% Off
Postmodern Lavender Textured Laminate Hexagonal Nesting Side Tables/Pedestals
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Amazing vintage postmodern hexagonal nesting tables/pedestals. Each feature a textured lavender and pink laminate. Medium measures 28”H Small m...
Laminate, Wood
$11,125 / item
Copper Pedestal by Kodai Suga
Located in Geneve, CH
Copper Pedestal by Kodai Suga Dimensions: W 70 x D 35 x H 35 cm Materials: Bronze Kodai Suga’s work features an evocative modernistic silhouette that has been imbued with dramatic c...
Other, Copper
$2,440
H 43.31 in W 13 in D 11.03 in
20th Century Unique Pillar or Pedestal or Column, Veneer, England, Victorian
Located in Berlin, DE
Unique English column pedestal, Victorian. Solid wood with tulip veneer and rich inlaid work. Profiled and stepped base leg. (K-).
Wood, Tulipwood
Ebonized Pedestal with Gilt Bronze Decoration
Located in Dallas, TX
Ebonized pedestal with gilt bronze decoration. Marble top Gilt decoration on three sides
Marble, Bronze
Postmodern Tessellated Neoclassical Fluted Column Pedestal
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Timeless Fluted Column Doric Pedestal. Tessellated Travertine with smooth base and top. Rough fluted shaft with deep channels.
Stone
$2,278Sale Price / set|65% Off
H 28.35 in W 28.35 in D 28.35 in
Pair of Karl Springer Pedestals, Anigre Wood Veneer, Leather, 1970s
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These two beautiful crafted pedestal which have been produced by Karl Spinger Ltd., have a Anigre- Wood Veneer and the base and top is covered in dark Lea...
Leather, Wood
Solid Iron Wood Pedestal with Stunning Wood Texture
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
An incredibly heavy and solid Iron Wood Pedestal sourced from Kalimantan, Indonesia. This lovely sculptural object was crafted from a solid block of wo...
Wood
$1,104
H 39.38 in W 14.57 in D 14.57 in
Restored Art Deco Pedestal, Beech, Oak Veneer, Revived Polish, Czech, 1920s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This item features classic Art Deco elements. Art Deco is a style that originated in France in the early 20th century. Its furniture designs are meticulously crafted, usually using e...
Wood, Beech, Oak, Lacquer
Vintage Boho Carved Coquina Pedestal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your interior with the raw, organic beauty of this vintage coquina stone pedestal. Masterfully carved, this piece showcases the unique texture of coquina—a natural limestone ...
Stone
Solid Iron Wood Pedestal with Stunning Wood Texture
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
An incredibly heavy and solid iron wood pedestal sourced from Kalimantan, Indonesia. This lovely sculptural object was crafted from a solid block of wo...
Wood
Geoffrey Frost Postmodern Pedestal, Etched Glass & Concrete, USA, 1985
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pedestal by Geoffrey Frost c.1985, USA. This pedestal features an aggregate concrete tapered base with linear etched glass top. The round glass top is s...
Concrete
Rouge Marble Pedestal with Bronze E. Piccault Statue
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This impressive Rouge marble pedestal surmounted by a monumental bronze sculpture by Émile Louis Picault (1833–1915) is a breathtaking work of French decorative art, combining the gr...
Marble, Bronze
Marco Wicker Pedestal with Urn by Creel and Gow
Located in New York, NY
Creel and Gow Wicker (Rattan) pedestal with Urn. Measures: 19.5" x 27.75" x 65.75" Introducing Creel and Gow's exclusive wicker and rattan collect...
Wicker, Rattan
French Mahogany Marble-Top Pedestal with Ormolu Mounts
Located in New York, NY
Date: 19th century Origin: French Dimension: 43 1/2 in. x 14 1/4 in
Ormolu
Sold
H 37.5 in W 12.5 in D 12.5 in
1980's Chrome Mirror Base with Rounded Top Mirror Italian & Black Ball Feet
Located in San Diego, CA
Unique mirrored stainless steel scaloped base , with rounded corners mirrored top and ball plastic feet , circa 1980's good condition we have polished the base the mirrored top shows...
Stainless Steel
BLOQUE 6, Pedestal with Ettore Sottsass Veneer by Bonne Choice
Located in Toronto, ON
Designed By Bonne Choice Using Ettore Sottsass Veneer. The veneer created by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s – utilized for the first time in the Memphis...
Wood, Plywood
BLOQUE 3, Pedestal with Ettore Sottsass Veneer by Bonne Choice
Located in Toronto, ON
Designed By Bonne Choice Using Ettore Sottsass Veneer. The veneer created by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s – utilized for the first time in the Memphis...
Wood, Plywood
Sold
H 24 in W 24 in D 24 in
Massive Postmodern White Wash Solid Butcher Block Oak Pedestal Side Table
Located in San Diego, CA
Angular geometric Table pedestal in solid oak white wash finish, great for an end table next to a sofa between 2 chairs, great condition it was ordered for a project and the customer...
Oak
Sold
H 35.25 in W 8.75 in D 10 in
Three Unique Italian Travertine Hexagonal Graduated Pedestals PostModern 1970s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
In the style of Stone International, this matching set of travertine pedestals share the excellent construction quality common of Italian products, but a more dynamic design than man...
Travertine
Sold
H 36.75 in W 10 in D 11.5 in
Postmodern Mirrored Hexagonal Wooden Framed Pedestal Side Tables - a Pair
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Add elegance and sophistication to your home with the Mirrored Hexagonal Wooden Tables, a postmodern pair that artfully combines contemporary design, mirrored aesthetics, and functio...
Mirror, Wood
Postmodern Black Gloss Rectangular Prismic Pedestal
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Notable vintage postmodern rectangular pedestal. Features a glossy black plastic construction.
Plastic
Postmodern Mirrored Hexagonal Pedestal
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Elevate your space with our wonderful vintage postmodern hexagonal pedestal. It showcases mirrored sides and top, complemented by wooden framing aro...
Mirror, Wood
Postmodern Mirrored Rectangular Pedestal
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Exceptional postmodern pedestal. Features mirrored side with each side split into three rectangular beveled sections.
Mirror
Postmodern Mirrored Rectangular Pedestal
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Amazing postmodern rectangular pedestal. The top of each side features three beveled mirrors above a rectangular mirror.
Mirror
Postmodern Pink Textured Finish Cylindrical Pedestals - a Pair
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Amazing vintage pair of postmodern cylindrical pedestals. Each feature a bubble gum pink testified finish. Small pedestal measures 15”H
Wood
Pair of Bronze Triangular Totem Pedestals by Rod Kagan
By Rod Kagan
Located in San Diego, CA
A super cool pair of bronze triangular totem pedestals by Rod Kagan circa 2007. The set can be used as small display pedestals or as decorative...
Bronze