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.
Italian Designer, Table Lamp, Marble, Italy, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A marble table lamp designed and produced in Italy, c. 1970s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 11.25” H x 5.1” W x 6.75” D Dimensions of Shade (inches): 4.25” Top Diameter x 15.75” Bott...
Marble
Michael Angelo Menconi Art Glass Table Lamp, 2006
Located in Astoria, NY
Michael Angelo Menconi (American, b. 1935) Art Glass Table Lamp, 2006, incised name and date to base. 35" H x 16" Diameter. Provenance: From a Warren Collection.
Art Glass
Brown Marble Pipo Duoble Table Lamp by Simone & Marcel
Located in Geneve, CH
Brown Marble Pipo Duoble Table Lamp by Simone & Marcel Dimensions: D 35 x W 35 x H 60 cm. Materials: Cotton and brown marble. Also available in different marble and wood options and...
Marble
Swedish Designer, Table Lamps, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine table lamps designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 12" H x 5.65" Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inches): 4.5” Top Diameter x 10” Bottom D...
Pine
$1,004Sale Price|45% Off
Aluminium 'COLOMBA' Desk Lamp by Walter & Moretti, France 1972
By Walter & Moretti
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Design Aluminium 'COLOMBA' table or desk lamp with wireless switch by Walter et Moretti, made in France, 1970s - 1972. Marked with a makers stamp. All aluminium co...
Aluminum
Postmodern Blue Murano Glass Table Lamp with or without Fabric Lampshade, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s - 1970s. The lamp features a blue Murano glass base, that has bubbles and pleasant transparencies and veins due to the handcraft process. The wiring has been re...
Fabric, Murano Glass
$1,346 / item
White Alabaster Peono Table Lamp by Simone & Marcel
Located in Geneve, CH
White Alabaster Peono Table Lamp by Simone & Marcel Dimensions: Ø 40.6 x H 56 cm. Materials: Brass, acrylic and white alabaster. Also available in di...
Alabaster, Brass
Large pebble ceramic table lamp by François Chatain, France 1990s
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Large François Chatain lamp in speckled yellow, cobalt blue, and light red glazed ceramic, with its original lampshade. All in very good condit...
Ceramic
$2,700Sale Price|40% Off
1975 Post-Modern Chrome Bubble Ball Robot Table Lamp by Torino Lamps
Located in Van Nuys, CA
The 1970s chrome ball joint robot lamp by Torino Lamps is a striking, retro piece of functional art, combining futuristic design with a playful character. The lamp was made by the To...
Steel, Chrome
Philips Lirio Round Metal Table Lamp with Frosted Glass, Post-Modern
By Philips
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Round Metal Table lamp ,comes with a Frosted glass top . in a Off White color .Good working dimmer . model'' Lirio '' Manufactured by ...
Metal
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Ernesto Gismondi “Sintesi” Desk Lamp for Artemide, 1970s, One Available
Located in Miami, FL
Adjustable Sintesi desk or table lamp in black lacquer by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide. Italy 1970s. Sold individually. One available.
Steel
Bespoke Italian Post Modern Rose Pink Murano Glass Geometric Couture Table Lamp
Located in New York, NY
A fun modernist table / desk lamp, a contemporary organic creation entirely hand made in Italy, the geometric shape inspired by a fashion tailored suit design, the waisted middle par...
Brass
Mini Bigflow Lamp in Resin and Steel by Kimy Gringoire
Located in Geneve, CH
Mini Bigflow Lamp in Resin and Steel by Kimy Gringoire. Dimensions: W 18 x D 10 x H 25 cm. Materials: Resin and Steel. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold ...
Steel
c. 1980 American Royal Haeger Sang de Boeuf Glazed Vase Lamp
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1980 Royal Haeger sang de boeuf art glazed vase lamp, American. Graceful ovoid form; gilt base ring. Asiatic post-modern design. Vase: 11" h. 4 7/8" dia., 17" h. to top of socket.
Ceramic
$3,933 / item
Papiro Alabaster Table Lamp by Luis Gimeno
Located in Geneve, CH
Papiro Alabaster Table Lamp by Luis Gimeno Dimensions: D 24 x W 24 x H 30 cm Materials: Alabaster Finish: Natural Honed Alabaster All our lamps can be wired according to each countr...
Alabaster
Pair of Memphis Style Banker's lamps attr. to Robert Sonneman, USA 1980s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a distinctive pair of Postmodern table lamps design attr. to Robert Sonneman, showcasing his signature approach to architectural lighting and material c...
Metal
BHA Table Lamp in Travertine and Handcrafted Shoji Paper by Megarisiotis
Located in Geneve, CH
BHA Table Lamp in Travertine and Handcrafted Shoji Paper by Megarisiotis Dimensions: Ø 52 x H 52 cm. Materials: Travertine, paper, and acrylic. All our lamps can be wired according ...
Travertine
Michel Aroutcheff, postmodern blue Pencil table lamp, Ed. Vilac France 1980s
Located in Firenze, IT
Postmodern blue Crayon table lamp designed by Michel Aroutcheff Ed. Vilac France 1980s Neon light. Lacquered wood 51 cm H - 9 cm diam. Conditions: excellent, no defects
Wood
LOP Big Square Orange by BằNG - Unboring Object
Located in Geneve, CH
LOP Big Square Orange by BằNG - Unboring Object Dimensions: W 24 x D 25.5 x H 24 cm. Materials: Casted acrylic, stainless steel, matte opal glass. Light bulb included and replaceab...
Stainless Steel
Postmodern Model Ara Table Lamp by Philippe Starck for Flos, 1980s
By Flos
Located in Hamburg, DE
A design classic from flos according to a design by designer philippe starck from the 80s. A postmodern design of special materiality and a unique function. Postmodern accents are s...
Metal
$300Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Black Industrial Belux Table Lamp by Guillermo Capdevila Abate
By Belux
Located in Los Angeles, CA
26” high x 12” wide x 12” deep 1980s black metal and plastic table lamp by Belux. Made in Spain. Very heavy metal base and swivel fixture. In good condition with some wear to plastic...
Metal
Sweet Thing Small Lamp in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Sweet Thing Small Lamp in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 25 x H 40-45 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Materials: Patinated...
Bronze
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
Metalarte Zen Table Lamp by Sergi & Oscar Devesa, 1984, Spain.
Located in Brussels, BE
Sergi & Oscar Devesa Zen model table lamp for Metalarte, 1984, Spain. Round radial ribbed conical chromed metal, polycarbonate screen inside. Dimensions: 17 cm H, 11 cm diameter....
Metal
Pamela GM Table Lamp in Solid Beech with Lacquer and AJ Linen by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Pamela GM Table Lamp in Solid Beech with Lacquer and AJ Linen by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 34.5 x H 87 cm. Materials: Hand-turned solid beech wood with a high-gloss lacquer finis...
Linen, Wood, Beech, Lacquer
$1,346 / item
White Alabaster Peono Table Lamp by Simone & Marcel
Located in Geneve, CH
White Alabaster Peono Table Lamp by Simone & Marcel Dimensions: Ø 40.6 x H 56 cm. Materials: Brass, acrylic and white alabaster. Also...
Alabaster, Brass
$2,326Sale Price / set|20% Off
Postmodern Table Lamps Italy 1980s Attributed Giorgetti
Located in Den Haag, NL
Two outstanding and rare Postmodern table lamps. Brass wings and base. Frosted glass tube shade beautiful made. Like a totem. Halogen with good work...
Brass
Explosion Proof Mining Lamp, 1970s, Germany
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible 1970s explosion proof mining lamp from Germany. To meet the criteria for the explosion proof rating, an enclosure must be able to contain any explosion originating within ...
Metal
1980s Natural Textured Coastal Coral Stone Shell Table Lamps, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare coral stone lamps you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful set is statement pi...
Stone, Coral
Italian Postmodern Model Pao T1 Table Lamp Spare Glass Matteo Thun Arteluce, 90s
By Arteluce, Matteo Thun
Located in Hamburg, DE
Replacement glass for the small T1 table lamp version from the Pao lamp series by Matteo Thun for Arteluce. A very rare replacement glass for the Pao T1. Unfortunately, Pao table la...
Metal
$1,151 / item
The Seeker’s Lamp by Deetee Home
Located in Geneve, CH
The Seeker’s Lamp by Deetee Home Dimensions: W 34.29 x D 34.29 x H 66.04 cm Materials: Stoneware All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it will be ...
Stoneware
Pair of Gibigiana Lamps, Designed by Achille Castiglioni for Flos, Italy 1980
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
A pair of Gibigiana lamps, designed by Achille Castiglioni in 1980. Enameld steal and aluminium, plastic. Manufactured by Flos in the early to mid 19...
Steel
$907 / item
Shiro Table Lamp by Deetee Home
Located in Geneve, CH
Shiro Table Lamp by Deetee Home Dimensions: W 27.94 x D 27.94 x H 45.72 cm Materials: Metal All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it will be wired...
Metal
Postmodern "Bonsai" Pair of Wood Table Lamps by Jordi Lluscà for Blauet, 1990s
By Josep Llusca, Blauet
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique and pretty Postmodern Spanish Pair of "Gran Bonsai" Beech Wood Table Lamps by Blauet. Model: B1458-12 Cherry / Satin Nickel. These Table Lamps were designed by Jordi Lluscà fo...
Metal
$707 / item
Small I Sonora Rattan Table Lamp by NASSI
Located in Geneve, CH
Small I Sonora Rattan Table Lamp by NASSI Dimensions: W 27 x D 27 x H 34 cm. Materials: Lampshade: coated iron, Natural rattan, cotton trimmings Base: wood-fired clay with beeswax f...
Clay, Cotton, Rattan
Postmodern yellow Gaucho Desk Lamp by Studio Per for Egoluce, 1980s
By Egoluce
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Italian postmodern lamp by Studio P.E.R for Egoluce. Iconic adjustable mechanism which not only looks great, which is also usefull. By adjusting upwards, the light can be shone on ...
Metal
Pair of Goffredo Reggiani 4 Arm Post Modern Chrome Table Lamps
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning pair of post-modern chrome spotlight lamps by Goffredo Reggiani. These Italian made lamps each feature four spotlight heads. The heads are are articulating, they adjust - bo...
Chrome, Metal
Vintage Red and Black Desk Lamp with Metal Shade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An arresting 1980s adjustable desk lamp with round enameled black base and stem, red metal shade, and power switch on the cord. Adjustable height, angle, and cord clips. In very go...
Metal
$1,058 / item
Venice Laguna Table Lamp by Morici
Located in Geneve, CH
Venice Laguna Table Lamp by Morici Dimensions: W 21 x D 21 x H 46 cm, Lampshade H 20 cm Materials: Wood, inlay veneer. Finish : Gloss brushed polyest...
Wood
Shogun Mario Botta black and white Table Lamp for Artemide, 1986 set of 2
By Mario Botta
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Shogun Mario Botta Table Lamp for Artemide. The project is one of the most iconic examples of design of the Eighties, in which geometric rigor and formal experimentation come togethe...
Metal
$965 / item
Popcorn Lamp Up in Ceramic by Liliana Silva
Located in Geneve, CH
Popcorn Lamp Up in Ceramic by Liliana Silva. Signed by Liliana Silva. Dimensions: W 30 x D 30 x H 55 cm. Materials: Ceramic, Fabric lampshade. “Popcorn L...
Ceramic
Embossed Brown Umu Sculptural Table Lamp by Drusch Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Embossed Brown Umu Sculptural Table Lamp by Drusch Design Dimensions: W 27 x D 27 x H 43 cm Materials: 2-inch iron pipe and 13cm diameter frosted glass screen. Weight: 5 kg. The UM...
Iron
$744 / item
Medium Sonora Rattan Table Lamp by NASSI
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Sonora Rattan Table Lamp by NASSI Dimensions: W 30 x D 30 x H 45 cm. Materials: Lampshade: coated iron, Natural rattan, cotton trimmings Base: wood-fired clay with beeswax fi...
Clay, Cotton, Rattan
Black, Chrome, and Glass Table Lamp by Putzler, 1970s, Made in Germany
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A Peill and Putzler table lamp. Similar in design to Poul Henningsen. Featuring a black base, chrome hardware and a thick white frosted ...
Chrome
Limited Edition Shouting Lights Sculptural Lamp 2 in Bordeaux by Tamara Barnoff
Located in Geneve, CH
Limited Edition Shouting Lights Sculptural Lamp 2 in Bordeaux by Tamara Barnoff. Limited Edition of 5. Signed inside by Tamara Barnoff. Dimensions: W 59 x D 57 x H 34 cm. Materials:...
Granite
1980s Postmodern Dove Table Lamp Mario Barbaglia & Marco Colombo For PAF Studio
By Mario Barbaglia and Marco Colombo
Located in Norwich, England
Postmodern "Dove" yellow table lamp designed by Mario Barbaglia & Marco Colombo for PAF Studio - Italy. Circa 1980. The lamp has a weighed metal circular base on two prong supports ...
Metal
$1,188 / set
Pair of large blue crakle glaze lamps
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Smart pair of large blue crackle glaze lamps on turned ebonised wood bases. This decorative pair of lamps date to the 1980's and are in good condition just waiting to be re-wired to...
Ceramic
$3,198 / item
Chub Mush Lamp by Kilzi
Located in Geneve, CH
Chub Mush lamp by Kilzi Dimensions: Top shade: D 55 x W 26 x H 22 cm, Lower shade: D 23 x W 23 x H 22 cm. (Total Height 40cm). Materials: Fiberglass, St...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Postmodern Brushed Steel and Brass Columnar Lamps Metal Shade
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Striking post modern steel and brass columnar lamps. Dramatic presence with a metal shade topped with a heavy brass finial and brass interior to cast soft yet adequate lighting. 5 sl...
Brass, Steel
Vintage Atollo lamp by Vico Magistretti for Oluce, 1977
Located in Athens, Attiki
This is perhaps Vico Magistretti’s most famous lamp. The Oluce Atollo table lamp consists of two main parts. Firstly, the pattern of simple geometric figures. It seems to translate...
Metal, Aluminum
$4,293 / item
Umbra Alabaster Table Lamp by Luis Gimeno
Located in Geneve, CH
Umbra Alabaster Table Lamp by Luis Gimeno Dimensions: D 30 x W 30 x H 36 cm Materials: Alabaster Finish: Natural Honed Alabaster All our lamps can be wired according to each country...
Alabaster
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Large post-modern table lamp in glazed ceramic by Lampes D'Albret, France 1990s
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Large ceramic lamp by Lampes D'Albret, which was a sister company of Drimmer, which were renowned for their post-modernist productions mostly in glazed ceramic, the lamp was produced...
Ceramic, Fabric
Vintage 1980s Italian Desk Lamp by Veneta Lumi, Metal, Post-Modern
By Veneta Lumi
Located in Montréal, CA
A sculptural black desk lamp by Veneta Lumi, produced in Italy in the 1980s. Defined by its elegant, continuous arc, the lamp creates a fluid line from base to shade—both functional ...
Metal
Vintage German Postmodern Table Lamp by Lungean + Pellmann, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Filigree table lamp from Brilliant Leuchten based on a design by Lungean + Pellmann from the 1980s. This lamp speaks a postmodern language in form and color. The lamp head and base ...
Metal
Rice Ball Table Light in Ash Wood & Industrial Rice Paper by KIMU
Located in Geneve, CH
Rice Ball Table Light in Ash Wood & Industrial Rice Paper by KIMU Unique Piece Dimensions: Ø 38,5 x H 39 cm. Materials: Ash wood and rice paper. Available in different sizes and col...
Paper, Ash
X-shaped table lamp, black ceramic, glazed and angled, handmade
By Manolo Eirin
Located in Carballo, ES
Handmade ceramic table lamp, designed and signed by the artisan Rulo and the artist Manolo Eirin. Vitrified piece in black. The electrical connection of the lamp is suitable for both...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$707 / item
Small II Sonora Rattan Table Lamp by NASSI
Located in Geneve, CH
Small II Sonora Rattan Table Lamp by NASSI Dimensions: W 27 x D 27 x H 49 cm. Materials: Lampshade: coated iron, Natural rattan, cotton trimmings Base: wood-fired clay with beeswax ...
Clay, Cotton, Rattan
Vintage Postmodern Jackson Pollock Style Splatter Glaze Lamps - a Pair
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Pair of vintage, pink and white graphic splatter glaze over black finish table lamps in the style of Jackson Pollock. Height to top of socket is approx. 20" Chrome neck, lucite base ...
Glass
Post-Modern Italian Design Steel Chrome Abstract Table Lamp
Located in Brescia, IT
This Italian table lamp is designed by Edmondo Cirillo, an Italian sculptor (born 1931). Italian hand made in steel chrome finished. EU wiring 240V....
Steel
Gioiello III Table Lamp in Stainless Steel and Glass by Studio Marine Breynaert
Located in Geneve, CH
Gioiello III Table Lamp in Stainless Steel and Glass by Studio Marine Breynaert. Dimensions: Ø 14 × H 17.5 cm. Materials: Solid stainless steel, Cast glass shade. Available in bespo...
Stainless Steel