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.
Gianfranco Fini for New Lamp 'Programma' Wall Light in Stainless Steel
By New Lamp
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Fini for New Lamp, 'Programma' lamp, stainless steel, circa 1970 Expressive wall light by Italian designer Gianfranco Fini designed in circa 1970. Fini, who is known for...
Stainless Steel
Ettore Sottsass for Design Centre/Poltronova ‘Bruco’ Wall Lights
By Design Centre, 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 This ‘Bruco’ wall light is created by Ettore Sottsass as part of the Mobili Grigi collection for Poltronova and produced by Design Centre in 1970. The advancements in lamp technology have influenced the design of lighting fixtures. The Bruco light was created as a result of the use of breakthrough materials and technologies of the seventies. Designer...
Brass, Chrome
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
Roger Tallon for Erco 'Spot' Wall Lights
By Roger Tallon, Erco
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Tallon for Erco, 'Spot' wall lights, iron, lacquered metal, metal, plastic, France, 1970s. These wall lamps are icons made by Erco and designed by the French designer Roger Ta...
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
Guillerme & Chambron Wall Light in Oak and Glass
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, wall light, oak, glass, 1970s Charming wall light, designed by designers Guillerme and Chambron in the 1970s. The shape and materials used fo...
Glass, Oak
Italian Postmodern Warrior Wall Lamp by Emanuele Ricci for Sidecar Artemide
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare warrior wall lamp from the italian manufacturer sidecar (artemide) based on a design by emanuele ricci from the early 90s. the name is reflected in the appearance of this lamp,...
Metal
Postmodern Italian Set of Four White Wall Sconces by Targetti Sankey, 1980s
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Cool Postmodern Set of Four White Wall Sconces or Flush Mounts by Targetti Sankey. Model: 376 Blanco. These fixtures were designed and manufactured in Italy during 1980s These fixtur...
Metal
$650 / item
Roger Tallon for Erco 'Spot' Wall Lights
By Erco, Roger Tallon
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Tallon for Erco, 'Spot' wall lights, iron, lacquered metal, metal, plastic, France, 1970s. These wall lamps are icons made by Erco and designed by the French designer Roger Ta...
Metal
Malone Wall Light in Ceramic with Glossy Lacquered Finish by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Malone Wall Light in Ceramic with Glossy Lacquered Finish by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 14 x D 11 x H 40 cm. Materials: Hand-painted and hand-made ceramics, Glossy lacquered finis...
Ceramic, Lacquer
$582Sale Price / set|16% Off
Table lamp Glass murano pair by Zonca , Italie 1980s
By Zonca
Located in La xara, VC
Large pair bicolor of Post-Modern table lamp by Zonca. The design of this lamp is a typical example of the post-modern style of the 80s. The fan-shaped Murano glass takes up the past...
Murano Glass
Monica Wall Light in Linen and Wool by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Monica Wall Light in Linen and Wool by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 40 x D 9 x H 26 cm. Materials: Premium linen base structure completed with embroidered wool patterns. Fabric is ...
Wool, Linen
$6,000Sale Price / set|50% Off
Set of Five Fratelli Martini Polished Bronze 1980 Italian Wall Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A set of 5 finely crafted polished bronze floral wall lights by the Italian maker, Fratelli Martini. Newly Rewired.
Bronze
Ecorce Wall Light in Ceramic and Copper by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Ecorce Wall Light in Ceramic and Copper by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 32.5 x D 15 x H 17 cm. Materials: Handmade ceramic structure detailed with a premium copper finish. All our ...
Copper
$139Sale Price / set|78% Off
Spanish White Pair of Table Lamps by Fase, Model "Bambina", 1980s
By Fase
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Iconic piece of Spanish design by Fase from 1980s. Model "Bambina", also is called as Bambino. This pair of table lamps also have the possibility of hanging on the wall as wall scon...
Plastic
'Canna Fiorita' Wall or Ceiling Lights by Castiglioni & Menghi for Fontana Arte
By Roberto Menghi, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Canna Fiorita' Wall or Ceiling Lights by Castiglioni & Menghi for Fontana Arte (Italy, 1981) This pair of 'Canna Fiorita' wall or ceiling lights by Piero Castiglioni and Robert...
Brass
Set of 4 Minimalist Postmodern Typ V607 Wall Lamps from Ikea, 1980s
By IKEA
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern metal wall lamps from Ikea. A minimalist design in terms of shape and color. The body of the light consists of a sheet of metal folded into a funnel shape. The fold cre...
Metal
Jade Wall Light in Glazed Ceramic by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Jade Wall Light in Glazed Ceramic by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 25 x D 17 x H 24 cm. Materials: High-quality handmade ceramic structure. All our lamps can be wired according to e...
Ceramic
$150 / item
4 Luxo Angle Poise Task Lamps
By Luxo
Located in New York, NY
Adjustable flex arm task lamp made by LUXO made in Denmark c 1960-1980's. The lamps are designed to be attached with screws, each has two flex arms, each arm approximately 20 inches ...
Steel
Artemide Wall Lights Steve Lombardi Filicudara Sconces, 1980
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair (2) aluminum post modern wall lamps by Steve Lombardi for Artemide, circa 1980 Italy Original, marked pair of post-modern sconces, 100W each, Edis...
Aluminum
$412Sale Price|62% Off
1980 Italy Post-Modern Black Metal and Satin Glass Wall Light
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an engaging wall light in satin glass that has the base in aluminum lacquered in polished black color. The two satin sheet glass are put as lampsh...
Aluminum
$920Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Murano Vistosi Glass Wall Sconce Designed by Mauro Olivieri
By Mauro Olivieri, Vistosi
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of halogen mouth-blown tapered glasses with a metal frame wall sconces designed by Mauro Olivieri for Murano Vistosi, excellent condition no chips or cracks on the glass.
Glass
French Ceramic Sconce Depicting Muscular Arm with Dumbbell by J.C. Peiré, 1980s
By JC Peire
Located in Lille, FR
Table Lamp or Sconce by Jean-Claude Peiré, 1980s Matt black ceramic. Good condition.
Ceramic
Vintage Italian Postmodern Glass Wall Lamp Sconce from Lucente, 1990s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant glass wall lamp from Italian manufacturer LUCENTE. This piece has an attribution mark, It is completely authentic for any authenticity issues arising from misattribution, Up ...
Metal
1 of the 3 Pairs Postmodern Filicudara Sconces by S. Lombardi for Artemide, 1980
By Artemide
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 5 impressive pairs of Postmodern style wall sconces designed by Steve Lombardi for Artemide Italy. Model Filicudara designed in the 1980s. A wonderful shape. Real statement ...
Aluminum
$1,127Sale Price / set|20% Off
F. Fabbian murano glass Post-Modern sconces, Italy, 1970s
By F. Fabbian
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Pair of Italian Murano glass wall lamps (1 of 5 pairs available) by F. Fabbian, 70s. Gold chromed steel metal base and hand-blown and hand-crafted murano glass diffuser. This diffuse...
Steel, Chrome
Sputnik Chandelier with in Glass and Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sputnik chandelier, brass, opaline glass, Europe, 1970s. This Sputnik chandelier features six exquisite glass globes. The fixture is an elegant and striking design with six gracefu...
Brass
Conrans Chrome Elliptical Sconce
Located in Riverdale, NY
Chrome Half Moon Up Light Elliptical Sconce retailed by Conran's in the 1980's in original box. Made in France. 15.5" x 8" deep x 3" high.
Chrome
Eden Wall Lamp in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme
Located in Geneve, CH
Eden Wall Lamp in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme Dimensions: D 10 x W 46 x H 70 cm. Materials: Powder-coated aluminum. Luxuriant “Garden of Eden” and its sins are depicted in ...
Aluminum, Other
Wireless Moon Small Table Lamp by United Alabaster
Located in Geneve, CH
Wireless Moon Small Table Lamp by United Alabaster Dimensions: ⌀ 18 cm (Customizable Height) Materials: Alabaster, Copper (Matt Black finish) Also Available: Satin Gold, Nickel, Matt...
Alabaster, Copper
Italian Postmodern Icaro Sconce by Carlo Forcolini for Artemide, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Elegant wall lamps from the italian manufacturer artemide based on a design by carlo forcolini from the 80s. the artemide icaro is a design classic of ...
Metal
Italian Designer, Wall Lights, Bamboo, Rattan, Italy, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of bamboo and rattan wall lights, designed and produced in Italy, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions: 11.75" H x 4.75" W x 5.5" D Backplate Dimensions (inches): 12.25" H x 1.5" W...
Bamboo, Rattan
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
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
Guillerme & Chambron Pair of Wall Lights in Oak and Glass
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, pair of wall lights, oak, glass, 1970s Charming wall lights, designed by designers Guillerme and Chambron in the 1970s. The shape and materia...
Glass, Oak
$650 / item
Roger Tallon for Erco 'Spot' Wall Lights
By Erco, Roger Tallon
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Tallon for Erco, 'Spot' wall lights, iron, lacquered metal, metal, plastic, France, 1970s. These wall lamps are icons made by Erco and designed by the French designer Roger Ta...
Metal
Set of 8 original Memphis style "Jill" Arteluce wall sconces, 1980's
By Arteluce, Perry King and Santiago Miranda
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A large set of 8 original Memphis style "Jill " Arteluce wall sconces by Perry King and S. Miranda, available for purchase per piece. The design i...
Metal
Postmodern Danish Light Blue Perforated Metal Pendant from Abo Randers, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Wall lamp by Danish manufacturer Abo Randers from the 1980s. The lamp body consists of a metal sheet bent into a large radius and painted blue. The front part is designed as a shade...
Metal
$710 / item
Sino Meio P Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Sino Meio P Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 10 x D 7 x H 21 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also available in Polished Cast ...
Metal
A Sculptural POSTMODERN Ceiling Fixture, in DIEGO GIACOMETTI Style, France 1990
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional ceiling lighting sculpture, handcrafted white plaster on a complex geometric metal/brass structure, featuring 5 lights (allow...
Brass
Three Fontana Arte Wall Lights, Gianni Celada, 1980
By Fontana Arte, Gianni Celada
Located in Vienna, AT
Set of three large Postmodern wall lights designed by Gianni Celada for Fontana Arte, 1980. Set at an angle of 45° these large wall lights (model ‚Sisten‘) are made of chromed and la...
Steel, Chrome
Postmodern Glass & Chrome Sconces in the Manner of Fontana Arte, a Pair
By Fontana Arte
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This pair of sconces of postmodern design are constructed of chrome and glass and have a very unusual look to them they will complete any post-modern room.
Chrome
$1,480Sale Price|57% Off
William Leslie Light Sculpture Signed 1994
By William Leslie
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Beautiful large paper & burlwood light sculpture. Signed William Leslie 1994. Gorgeous dramatic design with multiple curves that looks great from any an...
Resin, Wood, Paper
Small Embrace Wall Sconce by Katrien Van Der Schueren
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Embrace Wall Sconce by Katrien Van Der Schueren Dimensions: W 30.48 x D 30.48 x H 10.16 cm Materials: Sculpted in concrete and plaster with LEDs Based in, produced and shipped...
Concrete, Other
$1,316 / item
Pulse 116Hz Sculptural Wall Lamp by Radar
Located in Geneve, CH
Pulse 116Hz Sculptural Wall Lamp 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 bulb...
Metal, Brass
$896 / item
Sino Meio G Wall Lamp by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Sino Meio G Wall Lamp by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 15 x D 10 x H 30 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum Also available in Polished Cast...
Metal
Art Deco Revival. Post-Modern style ceramic sconces, Italy, 1980s
By Cerámicas BONDIA, Capo Di Monte, Hispania CH, Bassano
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Art Deco Revival and Post-Modern style ceramic sconces, Italy, 1980s. Each wall light is made of black glazed ceramic in the shape of a hand holding a spherical diffuser. The diffuse...
Ceramic, Paint, Blown Glass, Art Glass
$1,400Sale Price|50% Off
French 1980s Space Age Wall Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A pair of French Space Age wall lights composed of polished brass fixtures and frosted glass shades. Newly Rewired with one candelabra socket each.
Brass
Mythos 2 Lights LED Wall Light in Satin Nickel by Aggiolight
Located in Geneve, CH
Mythos 2 Lights LED Wall Light in Satin Nickel by Aggiolight. Dimensions: W 14 x D 9 x H 20 cm. Materials: Satin Nickel. The Mythos series by Aggiolight is a masterclass in archite...
Nickel
Fontana arte and Candle, E770, red wall light, Murano Opaline glass, Italy, 1980
By Candle
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, FR
Candle and Fontana Arte are two glass factories of Murano Island. Both from special background, they have featured this rare model of outside wall light. Made out of a red lacquered ...
Aluminum
Tecton Wall Lamp in Travertine by Félix Millory for Monitillo 1980
Located in Geneve, CH
Tecton Wall Lamp in Travertine by Félix Millory for Monitillo 1980. Dimensions: W 13.3 x D 20.6 x H 70 cm. Materials: Travertine. Custom finishes available upon request, including m...
Travertine
Göran Slöjdare, Wall Light, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine wall light designed and produced by Göran Slöjdare, Sweden, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 9.75” H x 5.75” W x 5” D Back Plate Dimensions (inches): 9.75” H x 4.95” W ...
Pine
Set of 2 Murano glass wall lamps by Aureliano Toso for Itre, 1975
By ITRE, Aureliano Toso
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
The 2 polychrome wall sconces offered here were made with the complex technique of incalmo, a technique used to heat join two or more pieces of blown glass, often of different colors...
Steel
Single Sconce by Jean-Pierre Vitrac for Verre Lumière
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant wall light (Model 20572Y) designed by Jean‑Pierre Vitrac for Verre Lumière in the 1980s is a superb example of late‑modern French lighting. It has a lacquered metal fr...
Metal
Delphe White Cream Matt Ceramic Table Lamp by Grès Éditions
Located in Geneve, CH
Delphe White Cream Matt Ceramic Table Lamp by Grès Éditions Unique Piece. Dimensions: Lampshade: Ø 32 x H 26 cm. Base: H 35 cm. Materials: Jute and ceramic. Weight: 2,8 kg. Dimensio...
Ceramic, Jute
Lune Matte Speckled Grey Ceramic Table Lamp by Grès Éditions
Located in Geneve, CH
Lune Matte Speckled Grey Ceramic Table Lamp by Grès Éditions Unique Piece. Dimensions: Lampshade: Ø 16 x H 23 cm. Base: H 20 cm. Materials: Jute and ceramic. Weight: 1,2 kg. Electri...
Ceramic, Jute
Vintage Red Live Entertainment Tonight Neon Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Red "Live Entertainment Tonight" Neon Sign A perfect blend of nostalgia and modern flair. This eye-catching piece not only enhances your decor but also sets the mood for unf...
Metal
$1,444 / item
Parefeuille Wall Light by Bosc Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Parefeuille Wall Light by Bosc Design Dimensions: W 17 x D 7 x H 32 cm Materials: Brass finish, marine varnish. It all started years ago. They were about to complete an architectu...
Brass
$1,164 / item
Small Drop Brass Wall Sconce Two by Lamp Shaper
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Drop Brass Wall Sconce Two by Lamp Shaper Dimensions: D 15.5 x W 14 x H 41 cm. Materials: Brass. Different finishes available: raw brass, aged ...
Brass
TF410 Wall Lamp in Satin Brass with Two Orientable Tubular Diffusers by Daluce
Located in Geneve, CH
TF410 Wall Lamp in Satin Brass with Two Orientable Tubular Diffusers by Daluce Dimensions: D 13,4 x 6 x H 25,8 cm. Materials: Brass. Available in different finish options: light sa...
Brass