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.
Small Misalliance Ral Lavender Suspended Light by Lexavala
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Misalliance ral lavender suspended Light by Lexavala Dimensions: D 16 x W 70 x H 8 cm Materials: powder coated aluminium. There are two lenghts of socket covers, extending...
Aluminum
Embrasse-moi Chandelier by Giuseppe Tortato & Riccardo Puglielli
Located in Geneve, CH
Embrasse-moi chandelier by Giuseppe Tortato & Riccardo Puglielli Dimensions: 3 meters long, 1.2 meters high and 1 meter wide (approx) The brass f...
Brass
$15,673 / set
Set of 3 Planetoide Pendants by Eloa
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Planetoide pendants by ELOA No UL listed Material: glass, steel, silver, LED bulb Dimensions: D30 x W30 x H250 cm Also available in different colours and dimensions. Canop...
Glass
7 Branch Chain Dark Bronze and Glass Pendant Light by Christopher Boots
Located in Geneve, CH
7 Branch Chain Amino Acid Pendant Light by Christopher Boots Dimensions: D 67 x W 86 x H 74 cm. Materials: Dark bronze, borosilicate glass. Available in 5, 7, 9, 11 or 15 branches. ...
Bronze
$16,403 / item
Selenite Rectangular Pendant Lamp by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Selenite rectangular pendant lamp By Aver Dimensions: D 50 x W 100 x H 25 cm Materials: Selenite, metal. Also available: silver leaf, antique si...
Stone, Crystal, Metal
$3,600 / item
Harlequin Pendant Light by Elina Ulvio
Located in Geneve, CH
Harlequin Pendant Light by Elina Ulvio. Dimensions: W 61 x D 61 x H 54 cm. Materials: Hand pleated polyester fabric, wooden beads, polished steel, crystal glass. All our lamps can b...
Steel
$2,059 / item
Two Spheres Pendant Light by Atelier Areti
Located in Geneve, CH
Two Spheres Pendant Light by Atelier Areti Dimensions: D 13.5 x W 117 x H 71.5 cm. Materials: Brushed brass. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA...
Brass
Luxury Contemporary Oval Alabaster Ring Chandelier Light by Michel Amar
Located in Geneve, CH
Luxury Contemporary Oval Alabaster Ring Chandelier Light by Michel Amar Dimensions: D 65 x W 140 x H 12 cm. Materials: Alabaster and metal. All...
Alabaster, Metal
$3,436 / item
Marais Pointe Chandelier by The Light Factory
Located in Geneve, CH
Marais Pointe Chandelier by The Light Factory. Dimensions: D 66 x H 50.8 cm. Materials: Solid unlacquered brass and hand-blown opal glass globes. A bold cluster of eight opal glass ...
Metal, Brass
$5,871 / item
Mottle Three Glass Globe Pendant by Lamp Shaper
Located in Geneve, CH
Mottle Three Glass Globe Pendant by Lamp Shaper Dimensions: D 33 x W 33 x H 152.4 cm. Materials: Brass and glass. Available in raw brass, aged brass, burnt brass, or brushed brass. ...
Brass
Oyster Pendant / Perforated in Gypsum & Fiberglass by Brent Warr Studios
By Brent Warr
Located in Bainbridge, GA
Inspired by oyster and scallop shells, the Oyster Pendant explores the juxtaposition between raw material and beauty. These pieces are composed of fiberglass, gypsum, paper pulp, and...
Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass, Plaster, Paint
$21,228 / item
Dionysos Ceiling Lamp #15 by Emilie Lemardeley
Located in Geneve, CH
Dionysos Ceiling Lamp #15 by Emilie Lemardeley Dimensions: D200 x W120 x H40 cm Materials: Steel with yellow of white gold leaves. Hand blown g...
Brass
Handmade Fan-Shaped Brushed Brass Glass Ceiling Mounted Lamp Maiko by Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Handmade Fan-Shaped Brushed Brass Glass Ceiling Mounted Lamp Maiko by Carla Baz Dimensions: Ø 63 x H 27 cm. Finish: Brushed Brass Color: Clear Gla...
Brass
$5,542 / item
Halo With Pipe 49 Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster
Located in Geneve, CH
Halo With Pipe 49 Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster Dimensions: D 49 x H 7 cm (Customizable Height) Materials: Alabaster, Copper (Matt Black finish) Also Available: Satin Gold, Nickel...
Alabaster, Copper
$1,188 / item
Stainless Steel Hanging Lamp 2 by Georgiev Kiril
Located in Geneve, CH
Stainless Steel Hanging Lamp 2 by Georgiev Kiril Dimensions: W 25 x H 35 cm. Materials: Stainless steel and paint. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to t...
Stainless Steel
$1,612 / item
MMM Mila L Pendant Lamp by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
MMM Mila L Pendant Lamp by MM Lampadari Dimensions: D 12 x W 116 x H 135 cm. Materials: Glass and metal. Available in two different sizes. All our lamps can be wired according to e...
Metal
$19,533 / item
Marquise Orion 24 Pendant Lamp by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Marquise Orion 24 Pendant Lamp by MM Lampadari Dimensions: Ø 180 x H 80 cm. Materials: Fabric and metal. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it...
Metal
Light Object 024 Pendant with 2 Light Tubes in Brass by Naama Hofman
By Naama Hofman
Located in Geneve, CH
Light Object 024 Pendant with 2 Light Tubes in Brass by Naama Hofman. Dimensions: W 39 x D 4 x H 96 cm. Materials: Brass, Acrylic tube. Light: flexible LED strip light. All our lamp...
Brass
$4,377 / item
HU02T Pendant Lamp L by Taiwan Lantern
Located in Geneve, CH
HU02T Pendant Lamp L by Taiwan Lantern Dimensions: D 57 x W 57 x H 50 cm. Material: Walnut & bamboo frame, Hand-colored fabrics, Metal pipes, Leath...
Metal
Suspended Sculptural Pendant Lamp, Organic Wood & Glass by Jérôme Pereira
Located in Geneve, CH
Poulie Sculpted Lighting by Je´ro^me Pereira Dimensions: 150 x 30 x 20 cm. Edition: Unique. Title: Poulie. Composition: Blown glass, beech, metal...
Metal
Chalet Elk & Fallow Deer Antler Chandelier by The Peak Antler
Located in Geneve, CH
Chalet Elk & Fallow Deer Antler Chandelier by The Peak Antler Dimensions: D 152.40 x H 152.40 cm Materials: naturally shed antlers Based...
Antler
$4,189 / item
Tube 8/100 Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster
Located in Geneve, CH
Tube 8/100 Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster Dimensions: D 8 x H 100 cm (Customizable Height) Materials: Alabaster, Copper (Matt Black finish) Also Available: Satin Gold, Nickel, Matt...
Alabaster, Copper
Oyster Pendant in Gypsum & Fiberglass by Brent Warr Studios
By Brent Warr
Located in Bainbridge, GA
Inspired by oyster and scallop shells, the Oyster Pendant explores the juxtaposition between raw material and beauty. These pieces are composed of fiberglass, gypsum, paper pulp, and...
Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass, Plaster, Paint
Fenice Gold 8 Lights Chandelier in Montecarlo Gold and Cut Glass by Aggiolight
Located in Geneve, CH
Fenice Gold 8 Lights Chandelier in Montecarlo Gold and Cut Glass by Aggiolight. Dimensions: D 80 x H 58 cm. Materials: Metal structure in Montecarlo Gold finish with Italian cut gla...
Gold
$1,765 / item
Marquise Goccia Pendant Lamp by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Marquise Goccia Pendant Lamp by MM Lampadari Dimensions: Ø 24 x H 97 cm. Materials: Metal and Murano glass. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA ...
Metal
"Calotta" pendant lamp by Elio Martinelli for Martinelli Luce, 1970s
By Elio Martinelli, Martinelli Luce
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
"Calotta" pendant lamp manufactured by Martinelli Luce; an iconic lamp from the 1960s, Designed by Elio Martinelli in 1963. The design is in true Space Age style. It consists of sh...
Steel
Ca Rezzonico III 12 Lights Chandelier in Gold Plate & Murano Glass by Aggiolight
Located in Geneve, CH
Ca Rezzonico III 12 Lights Chandelier in Gold Plate & Murano Glass by Aggiolight. Dimensions: D 110 x H 160 cm (+ 100 cm adjustable chain). Materials: Gold Plate, Artisan Murano Glas...
Gold Plate
Large Misalliance Ral Ultramarine Suspended Light by Lexavala
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Misalliance Ral ultramarine suspended light by Lexavala Dimensions: D 16 x W 130 x H 8 cm Materials: powder coated aluminium. There are two lenghts of socket covers, exten...
Aluminum
$3,035 / item
Sama Medium Pendant Lamp by Euroluce Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Sama Medium Pendant Lamp by Euroluce Lampadari Dimensions: Ø 50 x H 100 cm. Materials: Metal, glass, and plexiglass. Available in different colors and three sizes. Prices may vary. ...
Metal
$1,965 / item
Sama Small Pendant Lamp by Euroluce Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Sama Small Pendant Lamp by Euroluce Lampadari Dimensions: Ø 50 x H 80 cm. Materials: Metal, glass, and plexiglass. Available in different colors and three sizes. Prices may vary. Al...
Metal
$1,317 / item
Pulse 116Hz Sculptural Pendant Light by Radar
Located in Geneve, CH
Pulse 116Hz Sculptural Pendant Light by Radar. Dimensions: Diameter 60 x H 20 cm. Materials: Reinforced Plaster of Paris, available in matte white or raw. G9 LED system with a brass ...
Metal, Brass
$9,743 / set
Set of 2 Sirius L Pendants by Eloa
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Sirius L pendants by Eloa. No UL listed Material: LED Bulb, glass. Dimensions: D39 x W40 x H32 cm. Also Available in different colours and dimensio...
Glass
Medium Pink Moon Twilight Set Pendant Lamp by Atelier Robotiq
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Pink Moon Twilight Set pendant lamp by Atelier Robotiq Dimensions: D 55 x H 49 cm Materials: Resin-impregnated industrial fiber. Available ...
Resin
Handmade Verdigris Blue Brass Clear Glass Ceiling Mounted Lamp Maiko, Carla Baz
By Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Handmade Verdigris Blue Brass Clear Glass Ceiling Mounted Lamp Maiko, Carla Baz Dimensions: Ø 63 x H 27 cm. Finish: Verdigris Color: Clear Glass Weight: 8 kg. Available in different...
Metal
Small Misalliance Ex Ultramarine Suspended Light by Lexavala
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Misalliance Ex Ultramarine suspended light by Lexavala Dimensions: D 16 x W 70 x H 8 cm Materials: powder coated shade with details made of brass or stainless steel. There...
Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel
$12,084 / item
Mikado S12 Pendant Lamp by Euroluce Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Mikado S12 Pendant Lamp by Euroluce Lampadari Dimensions: D 84 x W 148 x H 149 cm. Materials: Metal and glass. Available in different colors. Prices may vary. All our lamps can be w...
Metal
$12,908 / item
Lever Rounded Pendant Light by Atelier Areti
Located in Geneve, CH
Lever Rounded Pendant Light by Atelier Areti Dimensions: D 108.5 x H 96.5 cm. Materials: Powder-coated metal, white glass. Available in black, brass, nickel, or color. Please contac...
Metal
$741 / item
LL2 Grey Pendant Lamp by +kouple
Located in Geneve, CH
LL2 Grey 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 is 200...
Aluminum, Steel
$19,510 / item
Avalon Large Chandelier by CTO Lighting
By CTO Lighting
Located in Geneve, CH
Avalon large chandelier by CTO Lighting Materials: satin brass with alabaster stone. Also available in different finishes and materials. Dimensions: D 101 x H 43.5 cm All our l...
Alabaster, Brass
The Line Ceiling Lamp, 21500, by Stillux Illuminazione
Located in Geneve, CH
The Line Ceiling Lamp, 21500, by Stillux Illuminazione Dimensions: D 62 x H 90 cm. Materials: Steel, iron, brass, glass, shadow gold. Available in nickel, chrome, satin nickel, blac...
Steel, Iron, Brass
Organic Form Pendant Darkened Brass Finish Light Sculpted by Morghen Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Dafne pendant darkened brass finish light sculpted by Morghen Studio Materials: Brass, LED Light Dimensions: 200 x 90 x 90 cm Custom size with brass mesh. Made to order dimensions are possible. We can customize all its details and give a complete service of 3D modelling, in order to create custom creations specifically for each interior. Standard features Light source: 220 cm LED light source - 24v - 37,5 w - 2.000 Lumen - dimmable Light color temperature: 2.700/3.000 k Driver: external - 50 Watt (AC 110-220v/DC 24v) Canopy: satin brass or white Custom features Dimming option: dali - pwm - 0-10V (all options are remotely mounted) Materials: brass, copper, bronze Finish: brushed, semi gloss Sizes: min length n/a - max length n/a Canopy: position, Size and finish of the canopy can be customized upon request All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it will be wired for the USA for instance. Dafne was born after a journey to Africa. Its shapes are inspired by the Umbrella...
Brass
$1,835 / item
Sino P Pendant Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Sino P Pendant Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 20 x D 20 x H 116 cm, H: Custom made. Materials: Cast metal, stainless steel chain and rock crystal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass o...
Metal, Stainless Steel
$682 / item
Amphora Pendant Lamp by Yalanzhi Objects
Located in Geneve, CH
Amphora Pendant Lamp by Yalanzhi Objects Dimensions: D 25 x W 25 x H 35 cm. Materials: Cellulose. Cellulose is a recycled material that was once fo...
Other
Contemporary Sculpted Brass Pendant, Satellite 3 by Paul Matter
By Paul Matter
Located in Warsaw, PL
Contemporary Sculpted Brass Pendant, Satellite 3 by Paul Matter Satellite is inspired by the conceptual and minimalist movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Th...
Brass
Denti Di Cane Chandelier by Valentina Giovando, Iron & Crystal, Italy
Located in Geneve, CH
Denti Di Cane Chandelier by Valentina Giovando Dimensions: D 120 x H 100 cm. Materials: Iron, Crystals, Fiberglass, Glass. Valentina Giovando, Lives and works in Sarzana, in Ligur...
Crystal, Iron
$7,766 / item
Japan 95 Pendant Lamp by WJ Luminaires
Located in Geneve, CH
Japan 95 Pendant Lamp by WJ Luminaires Dimensions: Ø 95 x H 500 cm. Materials: Aluminum and travertine romano. Available in different aluminum color options. Available in two diffe...
Travertine, Metal
$4,247 / item
Atollo S3 Pendant Lamp by Euroluce Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Atollo S3 Pendant Lamp by Euroluce Lampadari Dimensions: D 20 x W 80 x H 100 cm. Materials: Metal and glass. Available in different sizes and colors. Prices may vary. All our lamps ...
Metal
$6,366 / item
PU02M Pendant Lamp XL by Taiwan Lantern
Located in Geneve, CH
PU02M Pendant Lamp XL by Taiwan Lantern Dimensions: D 65 x W 65 x H 55 cm. Material: Walnut & bamboo frame, Hand-colored fabrics, Metal pipes, Leather l...
Metal
Yellow and green double Murano Glass pendant light
By Vistosi
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, FR
In the style of Vistosi or Venini pendant light in the 60's. This is an older manufacture around 1970. In glass, possibly Murano. Had a green and yellow glass lampshade.
Metal
Namibia Leather Cone Large Lamp by Cuero Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Namibia Leather Cone Large Lamp by Cuero Design Dimensions: Ø 45 x H 30 cm. Materials: Leather, metal, and cord. Finish: Crude Nature leather, black metal, and black cord. Available...
Metal
$294 / item
Spotty Forest Pendant Lamp by +kouple
Located in Geneve, CH
Spotty Forest Pendant Lamp by +kouple Dimensions: D 5,4 x W 11,5 x H 39,5 cm. Materials: Powder-coated steel. Available in different color options. The PVC cord length is 200 cm. P...
Steel
Lucrezia Chandelier in Hand-Engraved Brass & Horn by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Lucrezia Chandelier in Hand-Engraved Brass & Horn by Arcahorn Dimensions: Ø 130 x H 175 cm. Materials: Horn and hand-engraved brass. All our lamps can be wired according to each cou...
Brass, Other
$5,648 / item
Natura Vertical Pendant Lamp by WJ Luminaires
Located in Geneve, CH
Natura Vertical Pendant Lamp by WJ Luminaires Dimensions: Ø 13 x H 100 cm. Materials: Aluminum and travertine romano. Available in different aluminum color options. Please contact ...
Travertine, Aluminum
Maria Theresa 45 Lights Gold and Silver Chandelier by Aggiolight
Located in Geneve, CH
Maria Theresa 45 Lights Gold and Silver Chandelier by Aggiolight. Dimensions: D 135 x H 120 cm. Materials: Polished Chrome, Gold Teak, Silver and Clear Full Cut Crystal. Equipped wi...
Chrome, Gold, Silver
$14,709 / item
L 2500 Prisms Pendant Lamp C by Tanuj Arora
Located in Geneve, CH
L 2500 Prisms Pendant Lamp C by Tanuj Arora Dimensions: D 53 x W 250 x H 100 cm. Materials: Solid Brass. There are two kinds of prisms, 500 mm lengt...
Brass
$353 / item
BLT_4 Ultra Blue Pendant Lamp by +kouple
Located in Geneve, CH
BLT_4 Ultra Blue Pendant Lamp by +kouple Dimensions: D 6,3 x W 13,4 x H 15,5 cm. Materials: Powder-coated steel and textile. Available in different color options. The rod length is...
Steel
Maria Theresa 20 Lights Chandelier in Polished Chrome and Crystal by Aggiolight
Located in Geneve, CH
Maria Theresa 20 Lights Chandelier in Polished Chrome and Crystal by Aggiolight. Dimensions: D 150 x H 175 cm. Materials: Polished Chrome, Full Cut Crystal. Equipped with 20 x E14 (...
Crystal, Chrome
$2,494 / item
Beran Antique Brass Large Wall Light by Bert Frank
Located in Geneve, CH
Beran Antique Brass Large Wall Light by Bert Frank Dimensions: D 6,5 x W 36 x H 36 cm. Materials: Brass and alabaster. Available in two different sizes. Available in different finis...
Alabaster, Brass
Diamond Hanging Lamp in Polished Chrome and Crystal by Aggiolight
Located in Geneve, CH
Diamond Hanging Lamp in Polished Chrome and Crystal by Aggiolight. Dimensions: D 30 x H 41 cm. Materials: Polished Chrome, Full cut Crystal. The Diamond hanging lamp embodies moder...
Crystal, Chrome
$17,474 / item
H Pendant Lamp 300 by OHLAB
Located in Geneve, CH
H Pendant Lamp 300 by OHLAB Dimensions: D 4.5 x W 300 x H 100 cm (custom length). Materials: Brass structure, tubes or tensioners. Available in different finishes and dimension...
Brass, Other