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.
Full Length Mirror in Powder Coated Steel and Glass by Laylo Studio
By Laylo Studio
Located in Chicago, IL
A glossy, powder-coated steel frame with glass mirror and hardwood ply backer board. Handmade in Chicago to exacting specifications. Let us know your ideal size and finish and ...
Brass, Bronze, Steel, Stainless Steel
1970s Champagne Gold Italian "Unghia" 'Nail' / Lipstick Floor Mirror by Benetto
By Roger Lecal, Rodolfo Bonetto
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Discover this striking 1970s "Unghia" (nail) or lipstick floor mirror in a luscious champagne gold, designed by Rodolfo Benetto for Benetto Italia. Rem...
Mirror, Paint
La Celebración Natural Floor Mirror in Chuspata Fiber by Joyful Objects Yes!
Located in Geneve, CH
La Celebración Natural Floor Mirror in Chuspata Fiber by Joyful Objects Yes! Dimensions: D 15 x W 140 x H 210 cm. Materials: Mirror, chuspata fiber, and ash wood. Available in diffe...
Other
$1,446 / item
Medium Onde Mirror by Studio Kallang
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Onde Mirror by Studio Kallang Dimensions: W 80 x D 5 x H 60 cm Materials: Solid Sungkai. STUDIO KALLANG IS A SINGAPORE AND SEATTLE BASED PROJECT FOCUSING ON OBJECTS DESIGNED...
Wood
Lucille Floor Mirror in Gypsum & Fiberglass by Brent Warr Studios
By Brent Warr
Located in Bainbridge, GA
Crafted by hand, the Lucille Floor Mirror is a playful and demure piece that challenges modern clean lines and ordinary structure commonly seen on floor mirrors. A simple form inspi...
Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass, Plaster, Hardwood, Paint
Early Ultrafragola Mirror by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, Italy, 1970s
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Antwerp, BE
The iconic Ultrafragola mirror by Ettore Sottsass is both a functional mirror and an illuminated art piece, embodying the playfu...
Plastic
360 Degree Swivel Full Length Floor Mirror with Solid Poplar Lingerie Chest
Located in Germantown, MD
From its smooth top to its charming rounded swivel base, this beautiful mirror / lingerie chest brings modern charm and grace to your bedroom. Antique White / Vanilla full length fre...
Metal
Ultrarainbowla Monumental Floor Mirror, Custom Piece, Greg Palombo, 2023
Located in Culver City, CA
This mirror is simply stunning! Designed by Greg Palombo, woodworker and custom craftsman out of Hurricane, UT this large modern mirror breaths a breath of fresh sunshine into any environment. Inspired by the designs of Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass and his Ultrafragola mirror, this Post-modern / modern style mirror features large bands of color pops that almost melt into the floor. Perfect as a full body mirror, this piece can be used as a floor mirror or can be mounted / cleated to the wall. This mirror is the ultimate selfie mirror and would be prefect used as an accent piece in a maximalist home, or a home that needs a splash of color. This piece would also be incredible used in a retail environment as a display piece. This piece could be used in so many environments, and would easily flex into any Mid-Century Modern, modern or contemporary home. This would also look great in a children's room, nursery, or anywhere that needs a splash of fun color. We currently have this piece in the gallery with a Vladimir Kagan accent chair, and a Peter Shire Bel Air...
Mirror, Hardwood
Blue and Gold Mirror Maletik Collection by Borek Sipek for Maletti Italy 80'S
Beautiful Blue lacquered wood mirror with Goldporin edges. Maletik Collection designed by Borek Sipek for Maletti in the 1980s. Iconic mirror with typical 1980s design. Ideal for you...
Mirror, Wood
$952Sale Price|58% Off
1980s Regency Dressing Mirror by Marquis Collection, Tessellated Stone
By Marquis Collection of Beverly Hills 1, Maitland Smith
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A spectacular Hollywood Regency mirror from the Marquis Collection of Beverly Hills, this monumental piece embodies the glamour and sculptural artistry for which the brand is renowne...
Stone
Seasons Floor Full Length Standing Mirror by Oscar Maschera
Located in Geneve, CH
Seasons Full Length Floor Standing Mirror by Oscar Maschera Dimensions: W 72 x H 188 cm. Materials: Wood, mirror, and vegetable leather. Our work is research: we give our fantasy fr...
Faux Leather, Wood, Mirror
$4,748 / item
Helle Clear Polished Edge Wall Mirror by Bowen Liu
Located in Geneve, CH
Helle Clear Polished Edge Wall Mirror by Bowen Liu Dimensions: D 7 x W 26.25 x H 30.75 cm Materials: Hardwood, White Oak, Glass Based in, produced and shipped from the US. Availabl...
Other
$2,135 / item
Snap Floor Mirror by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
Snap Floor Mirror by DAaZ Dimensions: D 53.9 x W 76 x H 185 cm. Materials: Ash wood, mirror. DAaZ Furniture honors the spirit of adventure. We embrace the escape of the ordinary an...
Mirror, Wood
Irregular Wavy Single Mirror with Natural Grey Stone Base by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Illusio Single Mirror by Andres Monnier One of a Kind. Dimensions: D 80 x W 25 x H 190 cm Materials: white Quarry Stone Andrés Monnier is a Mexican ar...
Stone
Sitiera Floor Mirror in Solid Wood, Aged Bronze & Aged Mirror by Estudio Andean
Located in Geneve, CH
Sitiera Floor Mirror in Solid Wood, Aged Bronze & Aged Mirror by Estudio Andean Dimensions: D 4 x W 60 x H 180 cm. Materials: Solid wood, aged bronze, and aged mirror. Floor mirror...
Bronze
$2,158 / item
Large Onde Mirror by Studio Kallang
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Onde Mirror by Studio Kallang Dimensions: W 180 x D 5 x H 70 cm Materials: Solid Sungkai. STUDIO KALLANG IS A SINGAPORE AND SEATTLE BASED PROJECT F...
Wood
Organic Shape Mirror with Grey Stone Base in Center by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Narciso Uno Mirror by Andres Monnier Dimensions: W 35 x D 60 x H 180 cm Materials: Eran grey mirror- glass, black marble Piece inspired by the myth of Narciso, of Greek mythology. The shape of the...
Stone
$3,850 / item
Beige Standing Mirror by Studio Christinekalia
Located in Geneve, CH
Beige Standing mirror by Studio Christinekalia Dimensions: W 50 x D 90 x H 200 cm. Materials: Wood, Mirror, Burl veneer. This mirror piece acts as a natural diffuser in the liv...
Mirror, Wood, Burl
$12,823 / item
Iconic Mirror, Dan Yeffet and Lucie Koldova
By Dan Yeffet
Located in Geneve, CH
Iconic is a mirror that stands as a statue. The wood pedestal contrasts with the thickness of the mirror it supports. The metal cylinder sealed to the base makes the structure litera...
Marble
$8,086 / item
Mudu Ellptical Mirror, Designed by Heima
By Heima
Located in Geneve, CH
Mudu Ellptical mirror, designed by Heima Materials: Corian, steel, oak Dimensions: 170 x 123 x 45 cm. Lithuanian architecture studio Heima has developed a sculptural freestandin...
Mirror
Iter Unique Floor Mirror in Puebla Travertine Stone by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Iter Unique Floor Mirror in Puebla Travertine Stone by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 25 x W 70 x H 180 cm. Materials: Puebla travertine and glass mirror. Available in di...
Travertine
Irregular Wavy Double Mirror with Natural Grey Stone Base by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Illusio double mirror by Andres Monnier One of a Kind. Dimensions: D 80 x W 25 x H 190 cm - Each mirror Materials: White Quarry Stone Andrés Monnier i...
Stone
$6,067 / item
Wood Espelho Vela by Atelier Andre Ferri
Located in Geneve, CH
Wood Espelho Vela by Atelier Andre Ferri Dimensions: W 68 x D 25 x H 188 cm Materials: Wood. ANDRÉ FERRI André Ferri is from Belo Horizonte, born in 1990, graduated in Architectu...
Wood
Splendo White Sandblasted Larch Frame And Gold Leaf Floor Mirror by Casa Casati
Located in Geneve, CH
Splendo White Sandblasted Larch Frame And Gold Leaf Floor Mirror by Casa Casati Dimensions: D 12 x W 150 x H 216 cm. Materials: Larch wood, MDF, gold leaf, veneer, and glass mirror...
Other, Gold Leaf
Sharp Rectangular Double Mirror with Irregular Black Stone by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Divergente Double Mirror by Andres Monnier One of a Kind Dimensions: W 120 x L 90 x H 180 cm Materials: grey quarry stone, glass (mirror). The piece in...
Stone
Winter Four Seasons Decorative Full Length Mirror by PANOPTIKUM COLLECTIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Winter Four Seasons Decorative Full Length Mirror by PANOPTIKUM COLLECTIONS Limited Edition Dimensions: D 10,8 x W 90 x H 210 cm. Materia...
Iron
$5,565 / item
Cluster Mirror by DUISTT
Located in Geneve, CH
Cluster Mirror by DUISTT Dimensions: W 88 x D 4 x H 170 cm Materials: Brushed Stainless Steel and Light Bronze Details CLUSTER mirror, crafted with great attention to detail, has a...
Bronze, Stainless Steel
$4,632 / item
Floor Mirror by Estudio Andean
Located in Geneve, CH
Floor mirror by Estudio Andean Dimensions: W 60 x D 4 x H 180 cm Materials: steel, wood, bronze. Floor mirror made of steel rod frame and solid seike wood with a natural oil fin...
Bronze, Steel
$7,920Sale Price|31% Off
Postmodern Rare Standing Mirror in the Style of Gaetano Pesce, Italy, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
A striking postmodern standing mirror, attributed to Gaetano Pesce, crafted for the iconic Annabella luxury shop in Pavia, Italy, during the 1970s. Its sculptural form is bathed in a...
Mirror, Resin
80s Modern Disco Gold Full Length Wall or Floor Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A gold '70s Modern Disco style full length wall or floor mirror, Postmodern period, 1985, USA. Mirror has a gold 'Disco' style frame with a rounded edge. Mirror is marked 1985 on bac...
Mirror, Laminate
Leaf Bronze Maxi Sculptural Standing Mirror by GTG Design Couture
Located in Geneve, CH
Leaf Bronze Maxi Sculptural Standing Mirror by GTG Design Couture Special Edition of 7 Pieces + 1 AP Dimensions: D 20 x W 145 x H 250 cm. Materials: Mirror, clear float glass, stain...
Stainless Steel
Sonoma Mirror in Rattan with Samuel & Sons Piping by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Sonoma Mirror in Rattan with Samuel & Sons Piping by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 100 x D 15 x H 200 cm. Materials: Natural rattan structure, premium mirror glass, and signature Sam...
Fabric, Mirror, Glass, Rattan
Erasmo Floor Mirror in Dark Horn & Lacquered Black Glossy Wood by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Erasmo Floor Mirror in Dark Horn & Lacquered Black Glossy Wood by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 10 x W 100 x H 190 cm. Materials: Horn, mirror, and lacquered wood. Colours and shades of ho...
Other
Elyra Sculptural Illuminated Mirror in Citrine Crystals by Sev Art Gallery
Located in Geneve, CH
Elyra Sculptural Illuminated Mirror in Citrine Crystals by Sev Art Gallery. Dimensions: W 60 x D 4 x H 160 cm. Materials: Mirror glass, citrine crystals, epoxy resin, integrated LED....
Mirror, Epoxy Resin
1970s Two Panel Double Sided Mirror Screen / Room Divider
Located in Elkton, MD
Bi-fold floor mirror with slim brass-tone frames and integrated arched detailing. Minimal architectural form with clean lines and a softly reflect...
Metal
La Celebración Natural Floor Mirror in Colored Fiberglass by Joyful Objects Yes!
Located in Geneve, CH
La Celebración Natural Floor Mirror in Colored Fiberglass by Joyful Objects Yes! Dimensions: D 10 x W 140 x H 210 cm. Materials: Mirror and fibergla...
Mirror, Fiberglass
Pelle mirror by Danilo Vale – size G – with a leather upholstered frame
Located in Brasilia, Distrito Federal
Pelle Mirror The Pelle Mirror is born from the intention to give new meaning to leather remnants from our furniture production, applied to its upholstered frame. By reusing this nob...
Leather, Mirror, Foam
Conjoined Mirrors in Industrial Obsidian, Resin & Wood by Panorammma
Located in Geneve, CH
Conjoined Mirrors in Industrial Obsidian, Resin & Wood by Panorammma Dimensions: D 20 x W 60 x H 80 cm. Materials: Industrial obsidian, resin, and wood. Each edition’s patterns and ...
Other
AM1 Full Length Mirror in Solid Walnut with Bronze Accents by Atlas Industries
Located in Geneve, CH
AM1 Full Length Mirror in Solid Walnut with Bronze Accents by Atlas Industries. Dimensions: W 61 x H 213.5 cm. Materials: Solid Walnut with bronze accents This elegant, full-length ...
Bronze
$7,957 / item
Helle Clear Polished Edge Floor Mirror by Bowen Liu
Located in Geneve, CH
Helle Clear Polished Edge Floor Mirror by Bowen Liu Dimensions: D 7 x W 32.5 x H 72 cm Materials: Hardwood, White Oak, Glass Based in, produced and shipped from the US. Available i...
Other
$20,535 / item
Monolith Mirror by Atelier Dutré
Located in Geneve, CH
Monolith Mirror by Atelier Dutré Dimensions: W 80 × D 20 × H 190 cm Materials: Black Smoke Soapstone The Monolith Mirror is conceived as a void carved from mass. Rather than functio...
Soapstone
Spring Four Seasons Decorative Full Length Mirror by PANOPTIKUM COLLECTIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Spring Four Seasons Decorative Full Length Mirror by PANOPTIKUM COLLECTIONS Limited Edition Dimensions: D 10,8 x W 90 x H 210 cm. Materia...
Iron
$34,047 / item
SIN Mirror by Ayse Zelal Tugrul
Located in Geneve, CH
SIN Mirror by Ayse Zelal Tugrul. Limited Edition. Dimensions: D 68 x H 180 cm. Materials: Mirror with Handmade Copper structure. “Sin” is the Mesopotamian moon god, symbolizing the ...
Copper
Mr. Giò Specchio Milky White Lighted Mirror by Giò Colonna Romano
Located in Geneve, CH
Mr. Giò Specchio Milky White Lighted Mirror by Giò Colonna Romano Dimensions: D 7 x W 70 x H 207 cm. Materials: Polyethylene and mirror. Weight: 13 kg. Available in different color ...
Other
$30,803 / item
FL Mirror by Tipstudio
Located in Geneve, CH
FL Mirror by Tipstudio Exclusively sold by Galerie Philia. Dimensions: W 94 x D 25 x H 190 (dimensions may vary) Materials: Mirror, Bronze, other Tipstudio, Imma Matera and Tommaso ...
Bronze, Other
$1,178 / item
Round 60 Onde Mirror by Studio Kallang
Located in Geneve, CH
Round 60 Onde Mirror by Studio Kallang Dimensions: W 5 x D 60 cm Materials: Solid Teak. STUDIO KALLANG IS A SINGAPORE AND SEATTLE BASED PROJECT FOCUSING ...
Teak
$3,722 / item
Perspectiva Mirror by Colección Estudio
Located in Geneve, CH
Perspectiva mirror by Colección Estudio Dimensions: D 35 x W 35 x H 175 cm Materials: oak wood Also available in ebonized oak wood and tzalam wood. Collection 02, intends to improve...
Oak
$1,528 / item
Round 80 Onde Mirror by Studio Kallang
Located in Geneve, CH
Round 80 Onde Mirror by Studio Kallang Dimensions: W 5 x D 80 cm Materials: Solid Teak. STUDIO KALLANG IS A SINGAPORE AND SEATTLE BASED PROJECT FOCUSING ...
Teak
Silhouette Mirror in Pele de Tigre Marble by MANTA Handmade Stone Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Silhouette Mirror in Pele de Tigre Marble by MANTA Handmade Stone Design Limited Edition of 5 Pieces. Dimensions: D 70 x W 50 x H 185 cm. Materials: Pele de Tigre marble and mirror....
Marble
Autumn Four Seasons Decorative Full Length Mirror by PANOPTIKUM COLLECTIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Autumn Four Seasons Decorative Full Length Mirror by PANOPTIKUM COLLECTIONS Limited Edition Dimensions: D 10,8 x W 90 x H 210 cm. Materia...
Iron
Strip Glass Mirror, Golden Antique Strips And Brass Floor Mirror by Casa Casati
Located in Geneve, CH
Strip Glass Mirror, Golden Antique Strips And Brass Floor Mirror by Casa Casati Dimensions: D 5 x W 120 x H 210 cm. Materials: MDF, brass, and glass mirror. Available in different...
Other, Brass
$2,590 / item
Itinera Via VI Standing Mirror by Atlas Project
Located in Geneve, CH
Itinera Via VI Standing Mirror by Atlas Project Dimensions: D 3 x W 55 x H 170 cm. Materials: Black powder painted Iron, mirror, copper, Black Marquinia marble, and wood. Our Proje...
Marble, Iron, Copper
Sabbia Large Wood And Colored Mineral Lime Plaster Floor Mirror by Dennis Kaiser
Located in Geneve, CH
Sabbia Large Wood And Colored Mineral Lime Plaster Floor Mirror by Dennis Kaiser Dimensions: D 5 x W 65 x H 220 cm. Materials: Solid wood, mirror, and plaster. Handcrafted in Tuscan...
Plaster, Wood, Mirror
Sabbia Nero Large Wood And Mineral Lime Plaster Floor Mirror by Dennis Kaiser
Located in Geneve, CH
Sabbia Nero Large Wood And Mineral Lime Plaster Floor Mirror by Dennis Kaiser Dimensions: D 5 x W 65 x H 220 cm. Materials: Solid wood, mirror, and plaster. Handcrafted in Tuscany, ...
Mirror, Plaster, Wood
Sharp Rectangular Double Mirror with Irregular Black Stone by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Tempus Mirror by Andres Monnier One of a Kind. Dimensions: W 40 x L 75 x H 190 cm Materials: Portoro black marble. Stone options available: grey, black and white marble, natural and ...
Stone
Summer Four Seasons Decorative Full Length Mirror by PANOPTIKUM COLLECTIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Summer Four Seasons Decorative Full Length Mirror by PANOPTIKUM COLLECTIONS Limited Edition Dimensions: D 10,8 x W 90 x H 210 cm. Materia...
Iron
$6,825 / item
Constantine Mirror by DUISTT
Located in Geneve, CH
Constantine Mirror by DUISTT Dimensions: W 130 x D 13 x H 180 cm Materials: Gradient High Gloss lacquered wood The Constantine mirror was built to pursue the beauty of volume and f...
Mirror, Wood
Manitas Unique Floor Mirror in Black Marble & Glass Mirror by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Manitas Unique Floor Mirror in Black Marble & Glass Mirror by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 20 x W 90 x H 170 H cm. Materials: Black marble and glass mirror. Available i...
Marble
$4,025 / item
Itaca Floor Mirror by Atlas Project
Located in Geneve, CH
Itaca Floor Mirror by Atlas Project Dimensions: D 35 x W 58 x H 175 cm. Materials: Black powder painted iron, Calacatta Gold marble, brushed brass, mirror, blue leather, and wood. ...
Marble, Brass, Iron
$13,745 / item
Black Marble Iconic Mirror, Dan Yeffet and Lucie Koldova
By Dan Yeffet
Located in Geneve, CH
Iconic is a mirror that stands as a statue. The wood pedestal contrasts with the thickness of the mirror it supports. The metal cylinder sealed to the base makes the structure litera...
Marble