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.
Pair of Chinese Green Marble Foo Dog Guardian Lion Bookends Sculptures, 1970s
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking pair of hand-carved green marble Foo Dog (Guardian Lion) sculptures fashioned as decorative bookends. Rendered from richly veined green marble with natural variations rang...
Marble
Philipp Mainzer Set of 2 'Stop' Bookends in Onyx 'Fantastico' for E15 Selected
Located in Tilburg, NL
Philipp Mainzer Set of 2 'Stop' bookends in Onyx 'Fantastico' for E15 Selected. One 10cm version and one 17cm version. New, current production. With its cubic form, the book end STOP ONYX is a valuable accessory. Carved from finest onyx, in warm spice tones of Fantastico, the sculptural shape emphasizes pure material, making it a refined and striking desk or shelf accessory...
Onyx
Set Of 2 Embrace Book Ends in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Embrace Book Ends in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme Dimensions: D 6 x W 15 x H 22 cm. Materials: Powder-coated aluminum. Witty hugs to hold up and wrap up the most pr...
Aluminum, Other
Postmodern Italian Alabaster Egg Paperweight by Ducceschi
Located in San Diego, CA
Fantastic genuine alabaster egg paperweight, hand carved by Ducceschi in Italy, originating from Volterra, a town famous for its alabaster craftsmanship. Solid marbleized alabaster, ...
Alabaster
$175 / set
Pair of Marble and Brass Dice Bookends
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Marble and Brass Dice Bookends Artist Unknown Have Books - Need Bookends
Marble
Fun! Vintage Post-Modern Ostrich / Emu Bookends by Quon Quon, Japan, 1980
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ostrich / Emu Bookends by Quon Quon, 1980, Japan Post-Modern / Vintage Novelty Ceramic Bookend incised QQ and paper label roman numerals MCML XXX = 1980 " life is to short to not o...
Ceramic
Vintage Faux Granite Stone Postmodern Handcrafted Bookends. Circa 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Faux Granite Stone Postmodern Handcrafted Bookends. Circa 1980s Feature a 1980s Postmodern ArtDeco Revival design in a faux granite stone finish. In Excellent original condi...
Resin
Pair of Sculptural Bronze Cat Bookends on Burl Wood Bases, Postmodern / Organic
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking and sculptural pair of bronze cat bookends, each figure captured in a playful yet elegant crouching pose, draped over richly figured burl wood plinths...
Bronze
$204Sale Price / set|20% Off
Post Modern Italian Column Green Marble Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of postmodern marble bookends from Italy. These sizeable pieces of marble are captivating as they are commanding. The veining that develops on the green marble with gr...
Marble
$625 / set
Metal Geometric Abstract Bookends, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A substantial pair of metal bookends with a geometric abstract design and a copper-rose gold hue, in the Post-Modern Deconstructivist design style. Pair could work well as individual...
Metal
$300Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Marble Post-Modern Column Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of marble post-modern column bookends, circa 1980s. They are in very good vintage condition with a nice patina and measure 6"W x 5.75"D x 6.75"H. Great looking set! #2445. ...
Marble
Pair of Post-Modern Carrara Marble Horse Head Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous pair of post-modern white carrara marble horse head bookends, circa 1980s. The bookends are heavy, solid and well crafted. They measure 9.5"W x 3"D x 7"H and would make a gr...
Carrara Marble
$89Sale Price / set|40% Off
Vintage Pair of Chunky Post Modern "6" Shaped Curved Bracket Lucite Bookends
Located in Amityville, NY
A pair of vintage lucite bookends with a chunky, curving, bracket shape, similar to the number "6" or letter "G". Each folded from a single thi...
Lucite
Pair of 1970s Palm Tree Bookends by Randall Schwartz for Moxie
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A charming 1970s tropical-inspired pair of palm tree bookends designed by Randall Schwartz for Moxie. This pair features detailed palm tree silhouettes crafted from metal with a gr...
Metal
1980's Pair of Brass Tennis Players Bookends
By Curtis Jeré
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical pair of solid brass tennis players bookends circa 1980's light patina great gift for a tennis lover.
Brass
Philipp Mainzer Set of 2 'Stop' Bookends in Onyx for E15 Selected
Located in Tilburg, NL
Philipp Mainzer Set of 2 'Stop' Bookends in Onyx for E15 Selected. One 10cm version and one 17cm version. New, current production. With its cubic form, the book end STOP ONYX is a valuable accessory. Carved from finest onyx, chosen in pale green Verde or warm spice tones of Fantastico the sculptural shape emphasizes pure material, making it a refined and striking desk or shelf accessory...
Onyx
$380Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Solid Brass & Marble Bookends Postmodern Memphis Era
Located in San Diego, CA
fabulous pair of solid patinated brass with beautiful solid black marble ball, circa 1980s great for Memphis decor.
Belgian Black Marble, Brass
Pair of 1980s Polished Fossilized Beige Limestone Column Form Bookends Italy
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Classic 1980s Italian post modern polished beige tone Fossiliferous limestone column form bookends. In fine condition, no chips or damaged noted. no labels.
Limestone
$333 / item
Crystal and Brass Bookend by Dainte
Located in Geneve, CH
Crystal and Brass Bookend by Dainte Dimensions: D 19 x W 18 x H 15 cm. Materials: Crystal and brass. The multifaceted triangular bookend is brilliantly designed with light-bending c...
Crystal, Brass
Contemporary Black Lime Cement Mixture And Solid Wood Bookstand by Dennis Kaiser
Located in Geneve, CH
DK Oiled And Waxed Lime Cement Mixture And Solid Wood Bookstand by Dennis Kaiser Dimensions: D 30 x W 34 x H 12 cm. Materials: Solid wood and cement mixture. Handcrafted in Tuscany...
Cement
$1,705 / item
Glossy Pink Tube Bookends by Maha Alavi Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Glossy Pink Tube Bookends by Maha Alavi Studio Dimensions: W 29 x D 13 x H 17 cm Materials: Stainless Steel, Metal. Maha Alavi is a Tokyo-based Can...
Metal, Stainless Steel
Ceramic Lowercase Letter A Splatter Painted Bookend in Orange and Brown - 1981
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A ceramic lowercase letter A bookend. This piece was created in 1981 and painted in an orange, red, and brown splatter pattern. Dimensions: 6" Wide 2.75" Deep 5.5" Tall
Ceramic, Paint
Postmodern Marble Bookends, Set of 2, Memphis Style, Gray Stone, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Marble Bookends, 1980s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. Additional information: Material: Stone Color: Gray Styles: Memphis, Postmodern Item Typ...
Stone
Pair of Mid-Century Style Polished Brass "Wall Street" Bull and Bear Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of Mid-Century Style Polished Brass "Wall Street" Bull and Bear Bookends, circa 1980. An exceptional pair of sculptural desk accessories capturing the timeless, high-stakes ene...
Brass
Hand Carved Carrara White Marble Books Stacked Bookends Italy 1970's
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pair vintage Post Modern white hand carved marble bookends, handmade in Italy, 1970s. Pair of hand carved Italian Carrara marble in the shaped of stalked books bookends. They are han...
Marble
Pair of Post Modern Italian White Marble Bookends, 1970s
Located in Toronto, CA
This striking pair of sculptural marble bookends showcases the elegance of minimalist design. Crafted in Italy during the 1970s, they are carved from solid white marble with natural ...
Marble
Postmodern Wood Bookends in Memphis Milano Style, USA, 1980s Design
By Peter Shire, Ettore Sottsass
Located in San Diego, CA
Postmodern wood bookends. 1980s production in the Memphis Milano style. Retains the original 1984 label. USA
Wood
Pair of “Cubisme” Bookends – Tulum Collection by L’Objet, Designed by Elad Yifra
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Bring a touch of modern art and Mayan inspiration to your library with this striking pair of “Cubisme” bookends from the Tulum collection by L’Objet. Designed by Elad Yifrach, these ...
Ceramic
1980's Solid Marble Postmodern Pair of Italian Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Great and unique pair of solid marble bookends , gorgeous Italian black Carrara marble,
Marble
Postmodern Blackened Iron “Loki” Bookends by Pulp Design Studios, Sculptural
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking pair of sculptural blackened iron bookends known as the “Loki” model by Pulp Design Studios. These architectural forms feature intersecting rectilinear elements and a cent...
Iron
$381 / item
Mister T Bookend by Rampinelli Edizioni
Located in Geneve, CH
Mister T Bookend by Rampinelli Edizioni Designed by Philippe Tabet Dimensions: D 6.3 x W 12 x H 16 cm. Materials: Steel. PHILIPPE TABET Mister T takes shape from a semi-finished pro...
Steel
Op Art Engraved Clear Glass Arched Book Ends
By Veritas
Located in New York, NY
Pair of arched Op Art engraved clear solid glass book ends by Veritas, circa 2017.
Art Glass
Pair of Solid Marble Postmodern Bookends circa 1980's.
Located in San Diego, CA
postmodern solid marble bookends nice lines great shape and design, classic 1980's Memphis-era design.
Marble
1980's Controlled Bubble Glass Oval bookend
Located in San Diego, CA
Clear glass single glass egg shaped bookend with intentional bubble pattern flat on one side to press on the books solid and heavy.
Blown Glass
$320Sale Price / set|38% Off
Vintage Pink Marble Bookends with Etched Gothic “B”, Late 20th Century
Located in View Park, CA
A very unique pair of monumental bookends in triangular chunks of pink marble, late 20th century. Each has the initial “B” in Gothic lettering carved into the back and painted black....
Marble
Volcanic Stone, Lava Book Holder by Tenam Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Volcanic Stone, Lava Book Holder by Tenam Studio Dimensions: W 6.5 x D 12 x H 15 cm. Materials: Volcanic stone. Weight: 2.5 kg About: Founded in 2024, Tenam is a contemporary desi...
Stone
1980 Italy Post-Modern Alessandro Guerriero Abstract Sculpture Portabuono Quo
Located in Brescia, IT
This artwork was created by the Italian artist Alessandro Guierriero, it is a multiple of a serie of specimens made in limited edition not numbered. The set is forged in aluminum and...
Aluminum
1980 Italy Post-Modern Abstract Sculpture Alessandro Guerriero Portabuono Qua
Located in Brescia, IT
This artwork was created by the Italian artist Alessandro Guierriero, it is a multiple of a serie of specimens made in limited edition not numbered. The set is forged in aluminum and...
Aluminum
Post Modern Solid Lucite Majestic Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
An incredible pair of solid thick majestic bookends, 2" thick beautiful piece nice clean condition.
Lucite
$595Sale Price / set|24% Off
Rare Bookmatched Black Petrified Wood Polished Monolithic Bookends
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Good weight, bookmatched, felted on two edges. Measured while set together, which is 10 inch wide.
Petrified Wood
20th Century Mid Century Modern Ice Block Bookends Sculptures by, Curtis Jeré
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Englewood, NJ
A scarce and rare Vintage American Mid Century Modern Pair of Ice Block bookends by, Curtis Jere. One bookend is decorated with a steel plated ice tong set onto the glass ice cube an...
Steel
1980 Italy Post-Modern Abstract Sculpture Alessandro Guerriero Portabuono Qua
Located in Brescia, IT
This artwork was created by the Italian artist Alessandro Guierriero, it is a multiple of a serie of specimens made in limited edition not numbered. The set is forged in aluminum and...
Aluminum
1980 Italy Post-Modern Alessandro Guerriero Abstract Sculpture Portabuono Quo
Located in Brescia, IT
This artwork was created by the Italian artist Alessandro Guierriero, it is a multiple of a serie of specimens made in limited edition not numbered. The set is forged in aluminum and...
Aluminum
1980 Italy Post-Modern Alessandro Guerriero Abstract Sculpture Portabuono Quo
Located in Brescia, IT
This artwork was created by the Italian artist Alessandro Guierriero, it is a multiple of a serie of specimens made in limited edition not numbered. The set is forged in aluminum and...
Aluminum
1980 Italy Post-Modern Abstract Sculpture Alessandro Guerriero Portabuono Qua
Located in Brescia, IT
This artwork was created by the Italian artist Alessandro Guierriero, it is a multiple of a serie of specimens made in limited edition not numbered. The set is forged in aluminum and...
Aluminum
Italy 1980 Post-Modern Bronze Abstract Sculpture Graziano Pompili
Located in Brescia, IT
This very interesting abstract bronze sculpture, it is a multiple in limited edition not numbered, in white. The title Paesaggio con ombra, translate in Landscape with shadow. These ...
Bronze
Italy 1980 Post-Modern Bronze Abstract Sculpture by Graziano Pompili
Located in Brescia, IT
This intense abstract bronze sculpture, it is a multiple in limited edition not numbered. The title "Paesaggio con ombra", translated in Landscape with shadow. These bronze sculpture...
Bronze
Set Of 2 Llamas Bookends in Verdigris Patinated Bronze by Estudio Andean
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Llamas Bookends in Verdigris Patinated Bronze by Estudio Andean One Of A Kind Dimensions: D 11 x W 8,5 x H 23,5 cm. Materials: Verdigris patinated bronze. LLAMAS is a one...
Bronze
Satin Stainless Steel Tube Bookends by Maha Alavi Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Satin Stainless Steel Tube Bookends by Maha Alavi Studio Dimensions: W 29 x D 13 x H 17 cm Materials: Stainless Steel, Metal. Maha Alavi is a Tokyo-based Canadian industrial design...
Metal, Stainless Steel
$1,705 / item
Glossy Blue Tube Bookends by Maha Alavi Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Glossy Blue Tube Bookends by Maha Alavi Studio Dimensions: W 29 x D 13 x H 17 cm Materials: Stainless Steel, Metal. Maha Alavi is a Tokyo-based Can...
Metal, Stainless Steel
$1,705 / item
Glossy Black Tube Bookends by Maha Alavi Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Glossy Black Tube Bookends by Maha Alavi Studio Dimensions: W 29 x D 13 x H 17 cm Materials: Stainless Steel, Metal. Maha Alavi is a Tokyo-based Ca...
Metal, Stainless Steel
$1,705 / item
Glossy Green Tube Bookends by Maha Alavi Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Glossy Green Tube Bookends by Maha Alavi Studio Dimensions: W 29 x D 13 x H 17 cm Materials: Stainless Steel, Metal. Maha Alavi is a Tokyo-based Ca...
Metal, Stainless Steel
$691 / set
Set Of 2 Balance Bookends by Essesi
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Balance Bookends by Essesi Limited Edition Of 50 Pieces Dimensions: D 11,2 x W 11,2 x H 6,6 cm. Materials: Mirror-polished aluminum. Essesi is a growing collection that c...
Aluminum
$333 / item
Crystal and Brass Bookend by Dainte
Located in Geneve, CH
Crystal and Brass Bookend by Dainte Dimensions: D 19 x W 18 x H 15 cm. Materials: Crystal and brass. The multifaceted triangular bookend is brilliantly designed with light-bending c...
Crystal, Brass
Set Of 2 Igor Bookends in Lacquered Wood, Stainless Steel & Horn by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 2 Igor Bookends in Lacquered Wood, Stainless Steel & Horn by Arcahorn Designed by Filippo Dini Dimensions: D 15 x W 15 x H 22 cm. Materials: Wood with lacquered black gloss fi...
Other, Stainless Steel
$1,705 / item
Glossy White Tube Bookends by Maha Alavi Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Glossy White Tube Bookends by Maha Alavi Studio Dimensions: W 29 x D 13 x H 17 cm Materials: Stainless Steel, Metal. Maha Alavi is a Tokyo-based Ca...
Metal, Stainless Steel