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.
Dafne 160 Unique Silvered Brass Finish Pendant Lamp by Morghen Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Dafne 160 Unique Silvered Brass Finish Pendant Lamp by Morghen Studio Materials: Silvered Brass Finish Dimensions: D 160 x W 70 x H 60 cm All our lamps can be wired according to eac...
Brass
$21,616 / item
Candelera 02 Brass Hanging Lamp by Federico Stefanovich
Located in Geneve, CH
Candelera 02 hanging lamp by Federico Stefanovich Dimensions: D 120 x H 240 cm Material: Brass. Steel. Polypropylene light diffusers. Dimmable LED strips....
Steel, Brass
$6,589 / item
Small Simple Shade 01 Pendant Lamp by Naomi Paul
By Naomi Paul
Located in Geneve, CH
Small simple shade 01 pendant lamp by Naomi Paul. Dimensions: D 50 x H 8 cm. Materials: metal frame, Egyptian cotton cord. Available in other colors and in 3 sizes: D50, D60, D80 ...
Metal
$3,506 / item
Route I Pendant Light by Square in Circle
Located in Geneve, CH
Route I Pendant Light by Square in Circle Dimensions: D117 x W6 x H63 cm Materials: Brushed brass/ brushed grey metal Other finishes available. An ambitious linear pendant displayin...
Metal, Brass
Light Object 033 Pendant Lamp in Waxed Brass by Naama Hofman
By Naama Hofman
Located in Geneve, CH
Light Object 033 Pendant Lamp in Waxed Brass by Naama Hofman Dimensions: W 65 x H 220 cm. Materials: Brass, Glass. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to t...
Brass
Austrian Postmodern Set of Three "Cocoon" Chandeliers by EGLO Leuchten, 1990s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique and beauty Set of Three Austrian "Cocoon" Chandeliers. These Chandeliers were designed during the 1990s in Austria by Eglo Leuchten. Original “Eglo” label still shows on the s...
Metal
Charles Eames Helena Black Pendant Lamp Large Version by Cassina
By Cassina, Charles Eames
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charles Eames Helena Black Pendant Lamp by Cassina HARMONIOUS INTERPLAY OF LIGHT AND SHADOW A pendant lamp designed by Charles Eames to illuminate the interior of the St. Mary chur...
Aluminum
$341 / item
SO5 Spot White Pendant Lamp by +kouple
Located in Geneve, CH
SO5 Spot White Pendant Lamp by +kouple Dimensions: Ø 10,4 x H 22 cm. Materials: Powder-coated steel and oiled solid ash. Available in different color options. The PVC cord length i...
Steel
Linear Rectangular Brass Frame with Crystal 180 Pendant Light, Christopher Boots
Located in Geneve, CH
Abacus 180 Pendant Light by Christopher Boots Dimensions: D 6.5 x W 180 x H 34 cm. Materials: Natural uncut quartz crystals, Aged brass. Available in 90cm, 120cm, 150cm, 180cm, 210c...
Quartz, Crystal, Brass, Bronze
Antares Suspension Light in Bronze and Brass by Aggiolight
Located in Geneve, CH
Antares Suspension Light in Bronze and Brass by Aggiolight. Dimensions: D 15 x H 35 cm. Materials: Dark Antique Bronze, Brushed Brass, and authentic mouth-blown glass (traditional M...
Brass, Bronze
Kuulas Hand Blown Glass Chandelier by Cameron Design House
Located in Geneve, CH
Kuulas Hand Blown Glass Chandelier by Cameron Design House Dimensions: D 120 x H 300 cm Materials: Hand-blown glass, polished steel. Available in 150, 300, 450, or 600 meters in le...
Glass
$2,560Sale Price / item|20% Off
Architectural Scale Glow Chandeliers Made in Italy by Pallucco circa 2000-2010
By Enrico Franzolini, Pallucco
Located in New York, NY
Incredible Italian design chandeliers, made in Italy by Pallucco, as part of their famous Glow series. This series was designed by Enrico Franzolini and Vincente Garcia Jimenez, thes...
Metal
Brass & Glass Chandelier by Vaughan Lighting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid brass and hand-blown glass lantern light designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom by Vaughan Designs. The piece has beautiful lines and is perfect for mid-century to ...
Brass
$15,003 / item
Vesper 230B Pendant Lamp by Morghen Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Vesper 230B Pendant Lamp by Morghen Studio Dimensions: 230 x 220 x 110 cm Materials: Blackened brass, Satin brass, LED light, Silicone Standard features: Light source: COB LED - 24v...
Brass
Asymmetrical Satin Glass Post Modern Light Fixture Made in Italy by Foscarini
By Foscarini
Located in New York, NY
Chic Post Modern Italian design frosted glass pendant chandelier by noted and respected maker, Foscarini, circa 2000 -2010. The fixture is in very fine, original, clean and working c...
Metal
$16,438 / item
Tryst Six Chandelier by Paul Matter
By Paul Matter
Located in Geneve, CH
Tryst six chandelier by Paul Matter Materials: Brass and porcelain finish glass Dimensions: D205.7 x W111.7 x H 182.8 cm Wight: 30 kg Tryst chandelier explores the relationship...
Brass
Sculptural Branch Design Contemporary Brass Linear Pendant by Morghen Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Prometeo chandelier by Morghen Studio Materials: Brass, LED light, silicone Dimensions: 165 x 20 x 50 cm Light source: LED 24v - 20 w - 2.500 lm - 2.700/3.000 k - dimmable Prom...
Brass
$5,683 / item
Tube 8/120 Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster
Located in Geneve, CH
Tube 8/120 Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster Dimensions: D 8 x H 120 cm (Customizable Height) Materials: Alabaster, Copper (Matt Black finish) Also Available: Satin Gold, Nickel, Matt...
Alabaster, Copper
$5,907 / item
Sculptural Light No. 68 by Milla Vaahtera
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculptural light No. 68 by Milla Vaahtera Dimensions: W 30 x L 85 x H 60 cm Materials: Glass, Brass In 2020 Milla Vaahtera started a series of un...
Brass
$741 / item
LL2 Ultra Blue Pendant Lamp by +kouple
Located in Geneve, CH
LL2 Ultra Blue Pendant Lamp by +kouple Dimensions: D 126 x W 9 x H 5 cm. Materials: Powder-coated steel, aluminum and plastic. Available in different color options. The rod length ...
Steel, Aluminum
$2,235 / item
Fenda Large Pendant Lamp by WJ Luminaires
Located in Geneve, CH
Fenda Large Pendant Lamp by WJ Luminaires Dimensions: Ø 40 x H 500 cm. Materials: Aluminum. Available in different metal color options. Available in two different sizes. The wire ...
Aluminum
Vintage Hanging Globe Ball Fixture by Glowtex after Heifietz c 1970s Mint in Box
Exceptional hanging ball globe(s) chandelier, in orange with circular applied white line motif decoration. The globes are in exceptional original condition, they are new, old stock, never installed or used. The plastic globe hangs from a long ( approximately 90 inch ) rubberized white cord, and includes the cap, and ceiling canopy. Both are still in their original shipping boxes...
Plastic
Beautiful 1970s Limburg Smoked Glass Ceiling Lamp in Octagonal Shape
Located in München, BY
Beautiful original 1970s smoked glass ceiling lamp in an octagonal shape. The shade has a light brown tint. Manufactured by Limburg. Very high-quality workmanship. Made in Germany. ...
Brass
Iridescent Finished Branch Bubble Chandelier by The Light Factory
Located in Geneve, CH
Iridescent Finished Branch Bubble Chandelier by The Light Factory. Dimensions: W 121.9 x D 55.9 x H 40.6 cm. Materials: Hand-blown iridesce...
Metal
Austrian Postmodern "Cocoon" Chandelier by EGLO Leuchten, 1990s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty Austrian "Cocoon" Chandelier. This Chandelier was designed during the 1990s in Austria by Eglo Leuchten. Original “Eglo” label still shows on the structure. This "Cocoon" Cha...
Metal
$21,616 / item
Candelera 03 Hanging Lamp by Federico Stefanovich
Located in Geneve, CH
Candelera 03 hanging lamp by Federico Stefanovich Dimensions: Ø90 x H 190 cm Material: Structure and volumes made of brass with an aged and sealed finis...
Brass
$6,989 / set
Tango III, Sculpted Pendant by Paul Matter
By Paul Matter
Located in Geneve, CH
Tango III, sculpted pendant by Paul Matter Blackened brass with aged brass details. Shade in blackened brass (also available in aged brass) exterior and a...
Brass
Beautiful 1970s Limburg glass ceiling lamp in octagon shape, Model 2756
Located in München, BY
Beautiful original 1970s glass ceiling lamp in an octagonal shape. Manufacturer: Limburg, Model: 2761. Very high-quality workmanship. Made in Germany. Mounts directly to the ceiling...
Brass
$2,059Sale Price|30% Off
Carlo Nason Postmodern Italian Murano Glass Chandelier for Mazzega, 1970s
By Mazzega, Carlo Nason
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Beautiful Murano glass chandelier, created by Carlo Nason for Mazzega in the 1970s, the chandelier is composed of eight cylindrical cannulas 31 cm high and a blown glass disc, the st...
Steel
Unique Set of Wings Crystal and Brass Pendant Lights by Christopher Boots
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of Wings Of Pegasus Pendant Lights by Christopher Boots Dimensions: D 70 x W 87.5 x H 18 cm (each wing). Materials: Brass, clear quartz crystal, smoky quartz crystal. WINGS OF P...
Quartz, Brass
Postmodern Titania Pendant For LUCEPLAN By Alberto Meda and Paolo Rizzatto 1980s
By Lucepan
Located in Čelinac, BA
Postmodern TITANIA Pendant Lamp By Alberto Meda and Paolo Rizzatto for Luceplan Italy 1980s
Aluminum
$1,164 / item
73.1 Pendant by Bocci
Located in Geneve, CH
73.1 pendant by Bocci Dimensions: D 11.6 x H 300 cm Materials: brushed nickel round canopy Weight: 2.7 kg Also available in different dimensions and colours. All our lamps can b...
Other, Nickel
$1,412 / set
Set Of 2 Raim Pendant Lamps by United Alabaster
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Raim Pendant Lamps by United Alabaster Dimensions: ⌀ 12 cm each (Customizable Height) Materials: Alabaster, Copper (Matt Black finish) Also Available: Satin Gold, Nickel, Ma...
Alabaster, Copper
Contemporary Ceiling Lamp 'Particle' by Kueng Caputo, Blue, Green and Yellow
By Kueng Caputo
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Particles come together to become something new. The artists melt PS-particles in different colors into a sheet and bend it. The sheet is lit up by the neon tube...
Plastic
$3,306 / item
Temper L Pendant Lamp by Max Lipsey
Located in Geneve, CH
Temper L Pendant Lamp by Max Lipsey Dimensions: D 85 x W 45 x H 60 cm. Materials: Steel. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it will be wired fo...
Steel
Vintage 1990s Black Pendant Lamp with Glass Top Shade. Italy
Located in Catania, CT
Elegant pendant lamp from the 1990s featuring a distinctive modernist design. The lamp showcases a glossy black finish and a sculptural double-dome structure — a large glass shade pa...
Metal
$4,436 / item
Marquise Fontaine Chandelier by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Marquise Fontaine Chandelier by MM Lampadari Dimensions: Ø 60 x H 71 cm. Materials: Metal, crystal and blown glass. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to ...
Crystal, Metal
Stilnovo Milkglass and Brass Chandelier, Italy, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Rijssen, NL
Playful brass and milkglass chandelier designed by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, around 1960. This magnificent chandelier has a beautiful shape and is richly decorated with crysta...
Metal, Brass
$4,377 / item
HU03T Pendant Lamp L by Taiwan Lantern
Located in Geneve, CH
HU03T Pendant Lamp L by Taiwan Lantern Dimensions: D 57 x W 57 x H 50 cm. Material: Walnut & bamboo frame, Hand-colored fabric...
Metal
$9,613 / item
Rectangular 14.11 Chandelier Lamp by Bocci
Located in Geneve, CH
Rectangular 14.11 chandelier lamp by Bocci Dimensions: D 28.4 x W 85 x H 300 cm Materials: brushed Nickel, cast glass, blown borosilicate glass, braided metal coaxial cable, elect...
Metal, Nickel
Cirque 2 Drop Double Swagged Chandelier by Brent Warr Studios
By Brent Warr
Located in Bainbridge, GA
Sculptural, bold, and unmistakably modern, the 2 Drop Double Swagged Chandelier transforms any space into a statement. Handcrafted in our Georgia, USA studio, this artful fixture beg...
Steel
$1,600 / item
Many Pendant Light II by Atelier Areti
Located in Geneve, CH
Many Pendant Light II by Atelier Areti Dimensions: D 16 x W 16 x H 86 cm. Materials: Powder-coated metal, brass, glass, acrylic. Available in white or black. All our lamps can be w...
Metal, Brass
$1,941 / item
21.3 Porcelain Chandelier Lamp by Bocci
Located in Geneve, CH
21.3 Porcelain chandelier lamp by Bocci Dimensions: diameter 15.2 x height 300 cm Materials: porcelain, borosilicate glass, braided metal coaxial cable, electrical components, bru...
Steel, Nickel
Deditos Unique Pendant Lamp in White Marble & Aluminum by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Deditos Unique Pendant Lamp in White Marble & Aluminum by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 15 x W 20 x H 25 cm. Materials: Aluminum and white marble. Available in different...
Marble, Aluminum
Vintage Metal Ceiling Lamp Postmodern Memphis Style, 1980s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Vintage Metal Ceiling Lamp – 1980s Postmodern Memphis Style, Purple, Green, Silver, Striped Cable, Pop Art Interior, Retro Room Light Bring a vibrant touch to your space with this e...
Metal
$3,177 / item
Suspension Osaka 35, Roberto Pamio, Leucos 1965
By Leucos, Roberto Pamio
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, FR
The pendant "Osaka" is part of the earliest design of the brand Leucos. The designer is, nonetheless, the founder of the brand, Roberto Pamio. You can see the parallel between this...
Metal
Maratus Sculptural Horsehair and Bronze Pendant Lamp by Isabel Moncada
Located in Geneve, CH
Maratus Sculptural Horsehair and Bronze Pendant Lamp by Isabel Moncada Dimensions: Ø 165 x H 90 cm. Materials: Bronze, brass and horsehair tassels. Weight: 14 kg. A chestnut horse w...
Bronze, Brass, Other
$13,779 / item
Avalon Medium Chandelier by CTO Lighting
By CTO Lighting
Located in Geneve, CH
Avalon medium chandelier by CTO Lighting Materials: satin brass with alabaster stone. Also available in different finishes and materials. Dimensi...
Alabaster, Brass
Scandinavian Danish Postmodern Red Pendant Lights by NordLux, Pair
By Nordlux
Located in New York, NY
A pair/set of two (2) Danish Postmodern pendant lights in red gloss enamel by NordLux, circa late-20th century, Denmark. Each are marked "Made in Den...
Enamel
$771Sale Price|33% Off
Postmodern Black Chandelier by Estiluz by Leornado Marelli, Barcelona, 1980s
By Leonardo Marelli, Estiluz, Estiluz Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern Chandelier/Flushmount by Leonardo Marelli for Estiluz. Model: T-1166 Negro. This fixture was manufactured in Barcelona (Spain) during 1980s. The condition is excellen...
Metal
$1,482 / item
Croisé Echino Chandelier by LAFABLIGHT
Located in Geneve, CH
Croisé Echino Chandelier by LAFABLIGHT Dimensions: D 87 x H 125 cm Materials: Wooden structure woven with ecru cotton, textile cable with metal/wood rosette. LAFABLIGHT was born fro...
Metal
Pharos Hand Sculpted Natural Stone Pendant III by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Pharos Hand Sculpted Natural Stone Pendant III by Aver Dimensions: D 190 x W 15 x H 24 cm. Materials: Natural stone, metal. Available in different metal finish options. ¨Please cont...
Stone, Metal
Torpedo Chandelier by Nason for AV Mazzega, Murano, Italy
By AVMazzega
Located in Rijssen, NL
Torpedo chandelier by ldo Nason for AV Mazzega. Manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (at the end of 1960s and beginning of 1970s). Handmade and high quality piece. 3 hand blown Mur...
Crystal, Chrome, Iron
$4,530 / item
14.7 Pendant by Bocci
Located in Geneve, CH
14.7 single pendant by Bocci Dimensions: D 20.3 x H 300 cm Materials: Brushed nickel Weight: 14 kg Adjustable lengths, Other materials and dimensi...
Nickel
Candelera 04 Blued Steel Hanging Lamp by Federico Stefanovich
Located in Geneve, CH
Candelera 04 Blued Steel Hanging Lamp by Federico Stefanovich Dimensions: D 120 x H 240 cm Material: Steel. Polypropylene light diffusers. Dimmable LED st...
Steel
Zefiro3 Arteluce Frosted Glass Pendant 80s 90s Style
By Arteluce, Pier Giuseppe Ramella
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Frosted glass pendant lamp designed by Pier Giuseppe Ramella for Arteluce. It was designed in the late early 90s. Made of blue and white frosted glasses. Gentle light is shining thro...
Steel
Organic Gradient Cluster of Crystal Medium Pendant Light by Christopher Boots
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Goliath Pendant Light by Christopher Boots Dimensions: D 44 x W 50 x H 100 cm. Materials: Clear quartz, smoky quartz, gradient quartz Available in different finishes. Availab...
Quartz
$976 / item
Black Aballs T Pe Pendant Lamp by Parachilna
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Aballs T Pe Pendant Lamp by Parachilna Dimensions: D 18 x H 40 cm. Materials: Ceramic, Glass. Weight: 2.1 kg Shiny and eye-catching collection. Matching two nobel materials: ...
Ceramic, Glass
$1,000 / item
Black Corda Pendant Lamp by Wentz
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Corda Pendant Lamp by Wentz Dimensions: D 20 x W 22 x H 55 cm Materials: Aluminum, Blown Glass. WEIGHT: 1,2kg / 2,6 lbs Colors: Black, White LIGH...
Aluminum
$5,118 / item
Roller 120 Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster
Located in Geneve, CH
Roller 120 Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster Dimensions: D 120 x W 10 x H 8,5 cm (Customizable Height) Materials: Alabaster, Copper (Matt Black finish) Also Available: Satin Gold, Nic...
Alabaster, Copper