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.
Giuseppe Rivadossi Hand-Carved Coffee Table in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, coffee table, oak, Italy, 1970s A beautifully crafted coffee table in solid oak by Giuseppe Rivadossi. Defined by its bold architectural f...
Oak
Rare Jean Claude Dresse Mosaic Coffee Table in Hematite
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Claude Dresse, coffee table, resin, hematite, lacquered steel, Belgium, 1970s Jean Claude Dresse’s work is typically characterized by brass and resin; his use of hematite is un...
Steel
Architectural Two-Tier Coffee Table in Oxblood Lacquer with Polished Brass Frame
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
Architectural two-tier coffee table in glossy burgundy lacquer with a brushed brass metal frame. The design is defined by two rounded rectangular surfaces: an upper tabletop and a ma...
Metal
Gabriella Crespi Limited Edition ‘Cubo Magico’ Coffee Table in Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gabriella Crespi, limited edition 'Cubo Magico' coffee table from the 'Plurimi' series, brass, aluminum, Italy, 1970 The Cubo Magico was designed by Gabriella Crespi as part of her ...
Aluminum, Brass
Pia Manu Coffee Table in Enameled Concrete and Brazilian Quartzite
By Pia Manu
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pia Manu, coffee table, enameled concrete, Brazilian quartzite, Belgium, 1970s This very rare hand-crafted coffee table was made in the 1970s by the Belgian atelier Pia Manu, known ...
Concrete
Willy Rizzo 'TRG' Circular Yellow Coffee Table
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Willy Rizzo, TRG (Tavolo Rotondo Girevole) coffee table, lacquered wood, stainless steel, design 1969 The TRG (Tavolo Rotondo Girevole), designed by Willy Rizzo in 1969, is a master...
Stainless Steel
Nerone & Patuzzi for Gruppo NP2 'C10T' Coffee Table in Wood and Crystal Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Nerone & Patuzzi for Gruppo NP2, produced by Forme & Superfici, coffee table, wood, glass, Italy, numbered A61/100, Italy, 1970s Designed by the Italian duo Nerone and Patuz...
Glass, Wood
Jean Claude Dresse Coffee Table in Brass Inlayed with Agate
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Claude Dresse, coffee table, brass, lacquered steel and wood, agate, Belgium, 1970s A luxurious square cocktail table, crafted with high attention for detail which is character...
Agate, Brass, Steel
Jean Claude Dresse Coffee Table with Geometric Sculptural Base in Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Claude Dresse, coffee table, brass, glass, Belgium, 1970s This captivating coffee table by Jean Claude Dresse is deeply reflective of the design trends that emerged in the 1970...
Brass
Willy Daro Illuminated Coffee Table in Brass and Agate
By Willy Daro
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Willy Daro, illuminated coffee table, etched brass, agate, lacquered laminated wood, Belgium, 1970s Mesmerizing coffee table by the Belgian artist Willy Daro from the 1970s. The re...
Agate, Brass
Nerone & Patuzzi for Gruppo NP2 'C10T' Coffee Table in Wood and Crystal Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Nerone & Patuzzi for Gruppo NP2, coffee table, wood, glass, iron, Italy, 1970s Designed by the Italian duo Nerone and Patuzzi, this sculptural coffee table is a true statement p...
Iron
Design "Opium" Coffee Table in Bamboo by Axel Vervoordt, Belgium 1980's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Design "Opium" Coffee Table in Bamboo by Axel Vervoordt. Made in Belgium, 1980's / 90's period. Classic Axel Vervoordt design low square coffee table. Mixed wood b...
Bamboo, Oak
Jean Claude Dresse Coffee Table in Steel and Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Claude Dresse, coffee table, brass, brushed steel, Belgium, circa 1970 This remarkable rectangular coffee table, designed by the esteemed Jean Claude Dresse in the 1970s, exemp...
Brass, Steel
Coffee Table with Marble Top and Chrome Base
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee table, marble, chrome, Europe, 1980s. Exuding simplicity, this unassuming side table exudes an aura of pure elegance. Its design showcases a square, delicately marble tablet...
Marble, Chrome
Architectural Coffee Table in Glass and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee table, glass, steel, Europe, 1970s. This sculptural coffee table features a transparent glass top resting on a striking geometric frame accented with horizontal red slats at ...
Steel
1970's Glass & Travertine Coffee Table
Located in Bern, CH
1970’s glass topped travertine lounge table. Round glass tabletop set on a two part solid natural stone base. The heavy travertine base is can be set as required to enable changeable...
Travertine
$650 / item
Italian Coffee Tables in Granite and Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee tables, granite, brass, black lacquered steel, Italy, 1980s These Italian side tables showcase a rectangular brown granite tabletop with a striking, vivid surface. The granit...
Granite, Brass, Steel
Iron and Brass Cocktail Table
Located in Houston, TX
Iron and brass cocktail table featuring tapered legs with brass feet, flat bar bracing, and glass top.
Metal, Brass
Faceted Postmodern Style Coffee Table in Hand-Lacquered Custom RAL Colors
Located in New York, NY
Coffee table lithic collection explores the tension between primitive, rock-like formations and refined, architectural silhouettes. This set features a low-profile coffee table and a...
Wood, Lacquer
Large Majestic Thick Lucite Coffee Table Trunk Box Minimalist with Rope Handles
Located in San Diego, CA
Large unique lucite trunk box .5" thick lucite with rope and chrome handles can be used as a coffee table great stricking piece very nice condition.
Chrome
$1,560Sale Price|35% Off
Pair of 1970's Italian Travertine Coffee/Side Tables
Located in Bern, CH
Pair of identical 1970’s Travertine Coffee / Side Tables. Marked beneath tabletop: 'Made in Italy'. Solid travertine tabletop and base. Perfect use as side tables, bedside tables or...
Travertine
1980s Sculptural Eye Shaped Coffee Table in Fossil Marble
Located in London, London
A sculptural low table in dark fossil stone or marble, dating to the late 20th century. The organically shaped top is supported by four substantial cylindrical and panel-form legs, ...
Marble
Chi Wing Lo ‘Tiche’ Coffee Table for Giorgetti, Italy, 1990s
By Chi Wing Lo, Giorgetti S.p.A.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and sculptural “Tiche” coffee table designed by Chi Wing Lo for Giorgetti, Italy, circa 1990s. This sophisticated piece exemplifies Giorgetti’s masterful blend of craftsmansh...
Glass, Stained Glass, Fruitwood
1980s Postmodern Pink Marble Coffee Table
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Postmodern Pink Marble Coffee Table. Circa 1980s Features a square-shaped top with concave edges and a soft pink color with gorgeous ...
Marble
$2,500 / item
Clover Flower Onyx Coffee Table
Located in New York, US
Introducing the Latte Coffee Table, an uncomplicated piece of solid onyx stone featuring soft elegant veining. Available in two striking variations — a round top or a captivating fou...
Onyx
Marlo Coffee Table in Fiberglass, Wood and Lacquer by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Marlo Coffee Table in Fiberglass, Wood and Lacquer by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: W 160 x D 65 x H 35 cm. Materials: Medium density fiberboard top and solid turned rubberwood legs wi...
Fiberglass, Wood, Lacquer
Ecorce Coffee Table in Ceramic, Copper and Resin by POPUS EDITIONS
Located in Geneve, CH
Ecorce Coffee Table in Ceramic, Copper and Resin by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 110 x H 50 cm. Materials: Handmade ceramic with a copper finish and a high-density resin base covere...
Copper
$1,400Sale Price|35% Off
1980s Laminated waterfall Scroll table by Jeffrey Craig
Located in Toronto, CA
A large vintage laminated waterfall scroll coffee table from the 1980s. It was created in Canada by renowned expert Jeffrey Craig, known for crafting high-quality laminated furniture...
Laminate
A Lacquered JAPANESE Style COFFEE TABLE by ROCHE & BOBOIS ALDO TURA France 1970
By Roche Bobois
Located in PARIS, FR
An elegant and luxurious coffee table, of a Japanese inspiration, Post-Modern, Memphis, Constructivist, geometric structure of two, terrace-like overlapping trays in lacquered wood: ...
Wood, Lacquer
Monumental three-tier Post-Modern wooden coffee table, Italy, 1980s
Located in Argelato, BO
This coffee table embodies the bold aesthetic of 1980s Italian postmodern design through a functional nest-like structure. The piece unfolds across three staggered, concealed levels,...
Metal
Shipping Box Coffee Table in Stainless Steel by Metalmorphosis Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Shipping Box Coffee Table in Stainless Steel by Metalmorphosis Studio Dimensions: D 35 x W 35 x H 35 cm. Materials: Stainless steel. A volume conceived for transport, now fixed in s...
Stainless Steel
Mario Bellini, Gli Scacchi, 5 elements, Table / Seating for C&B Italia 1971
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini, C&B Italia
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Mario Bellini set of 5 Gli Scacchi for C & B Italia, designed in 1971 Incredible modular tables or seating - end tables, coffee table or seating or sit on the table? Designed by ...
Foam, Plastic
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Concrete Cantilever Coffee Table
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Rare coffee table designed in the late 1970s by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italia.
Concrete, Metal
Post Modern Black Marble Pedestal Base Coffee Table Made in Italy c 1970’s
Located in New York, NY
Stunning graphic back and white marble coffee table having a square pedestal base ( 16 x 16 x H 15 ) with a square top ( 39 x 39 x 1 ). The table is in excellent original condition ...
Marble
Vintage Italian Verde Alpi Green Marble Coffee Table, Circa 1970s
Located in Winston-Salem, NC
This vintage Italian marble coffee table features a sculptural square-octagonal silhouette carved entirely from richly veined Verde Alpi marble. The form feels substantial in scale w...
Marble
Jean Claude Dresse 'Crescendo' Dining or Center Table in Dark Resin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Claude Dresse, dining or center table, resin, lacquered steel, Belgium, 1970s This eccentric table is a masterful creation by Belgian designer Jean Claude Dresse. Every inch o...
Steel
Coffee Table by Piero De Longhi Catalan Italia Travertine Glass and Brass 1980s
Located in London, GB
The Dielle coffee table, is a timeless piece designed in 1984 by Piero De Longhi for Catalan Italia is a sophisticated design. The transparent glass top allows you to fully appreciat...
Travertine, Metal, Brass
1980s, Post Modern Black Lacquer Coffee Table in the Roger Rougier Style
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage, large scale post modern sculptural Black Lacquer Coffee Table with a Triangular Glass top in the of Roger Rougier's Style. Circa 1980s. Features a glossy lacquered six inch...
Glass, Lacquer
$27,554 / item
Rosso Levanto Marble Rocky Coffee Table By OMER OZTURK
Located in Geneve, CH
Rosso Levanto Marble Rocky Coffee Table By OMER OZTURK Dimensions: W 125 x D 60 x H 40 cm. Materials: Rosso Levanto Marble. Can be customized upon request. About: Design, in particu...
Marble
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Postmodern glass waterfall coffee table
By FIAM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Post modern coffee table with a waterfall top. Glass is very clean no chips or major scratches. May have light normal use wear to surface. Rounded polished edges. Annealed glass has ...
Glass
Ovni Uovo Black Marble Glass Sculptural Coffee Table
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
The Ovni Uovo Sculptural Coffee Table presents a retro-futurist fantasy. Performing as a past vision of the future Ovni Uovo constructs over mysterious tales of speculative technolog...
Stone, Marble
$2,600 / item
Solid Onyx Coffee Table
Located in New York, US
Introducing the Latte Coffee Table, an uncomplicated piece of solid onyx stone featuring soft elegant veining. Available in two striking variations — a round top or a captivating fou...
Onyx
Rare Enzo Testa for Bernini Coffee Table in Walnut Briar Burl and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Enzo Testa for Bernini, coffee table, walnut briar burl, coated steel, rubber, Italy, circa 1980 A rare masterpiece designed by Enzo Testa for Bernini arou...
Walnut, Burl
$6,525 / item
Clover Blue Jeans Solid Marble Bar Table
Located in New York, US
Featuring the stunning four-leaf clover form from the table top all the way to the base, each curve gives a soft touch to this colossal bar table. Made entirely from solid marble sto...
Marble
Sculptural Italian Coffee Table, Grey Green Marble, Eye Shaped Design, 1980s
Located in London, London
A sculptural Italian marble coffee table from the 1980s, formed in a striking biomorphic silhouette with softly curved edges and a deeply architectural presence. Executed in richly v...
Marble
Postmodern Mactan, Glass and Pastor Stone Coffee Table.
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Postmodern Mactan, glass and pastor stone coffee table This coffee table measures: 48 wide x 29 deep x 16 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as ...
Stone
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Post modern low long oval taupe lacquer coffee table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Post modern low long oval taupe lacquer coffee table. Beautiful table with off center oval chrome weighted base. Very heavy and solid coffee table. Very nice light taupe gloss lacque...
Chrome
Postmodern Design XL Wengé Coffee Table
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Modernist Design XL Wengé Coffee Table in the manner of Axel Vervoordt or Linteloo Designs. Made in Belgium, 1980's / 1990's period. Beautifully constructed low co...
Oak, Wenge
Postmodern Maitland Smith Style Tessellated Mactan Stone Coffee Table. C 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern Maitland Smith Style Tessellated Mactan Stone Coffee Table. Circa 1980s Features four independent peach, emerald, and ivory geometric stone bases with built-in slots to ho...
Stone
1970s Clover Shaped Coffee Table in Grey and Black Marble
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee table, marble, Europe, 1970s. A Postmodern cocktail table featuring a charming clover-shaped tabletop with softly rounded edges. The surface displays an expressive mix of mar...
Marble
Kanzō Unique Coffee Table in Oak Wood & Travertine Stone by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Kanzō Unique Coffee Table in Oak Wood & Travertine Stone by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 70 x W 120 x H 40 cm. Materials: Oak wood and travertine. Available in differen...
Travertine
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi Architectural Square Oak Coffee Table
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi coffee table, oak, Italy, 1980s A beautifully crafted coffee table by Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, Italy, 1980s. Executed in ...
Oak
“Calder” Square Coffee Table by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti, Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The “Calder” coffee table, designed in 1999 by Rodolfo Dordoni and manufactured in Italy by Minotti, exemplifies Dordoni’s refined approach to modern design, defined by clean lines, ...
Stainless Steel
Paolo Piva B&B Italia Alanda 1980s Black Steel Square Glass Coffee Table sofa
By Paolo Piva
Located in London, GB
An iconic design by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, this coffee table made in Italy around the 1980s. This coffee table consists of a geometric black lacquered iron base giving the illus...
Metal
Design Institute of America Post Modern Cantilevered Coffee Table
Located in Miami, FL
Black beveled glass with black lacquered wood base cantilevered coffee or cocktail table by Design Institute of America. Signed on the inside of base.
Smoked Glass, Wood
Jean Claude Dresse Coffee Table in Dark Resin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Claude Dresse, large coffee table, resin, lacquered steel, Belgium, late 1970s This eccentric coffee table is a masterful creation by Belgian designer Jean Claude Dresse. Every...
Steel
Jean Claude Dresse Coffee Table in Steel and Resin Inlayed with Agate
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Claude Dresse, coffee table, stainless steel, agate, resin, wood, Belgium, 1970s This striking coffee table by Belgian artist-designer Jean Claude Dresse is a masterwork of 197...
Agate, Stainless Steel
Jansen Style Faux Tusk and Glass Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
With a rectangular smoked glass top with rounded corners supported on a pair of two "tusks", each on lacquered wood and brass stepped plinth bases. Very chic and high quality in the ...
Brass
Design Institute of America Black & Brass Revolving Two Tier Coffee Table
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Modern and sleek black and brass two tier revolving coffee table made by Design Institute of America and designed by Richard Berry in the late 1970s. Chic and luxurious. High design look. With a gentle slight of hand, the top tier swivels smoothly to double the table's surface size making it a perfect choice for entertaining. Glass tops mean no need for coasters - easily wipes clean. Highly functional with lots of space for decor. Throw a sexy cocktail party and dress it up with a champagne bucket, Veuve Clicquot and a charcuterie board. Brass double rings with inset black glass rest atop a black drum base. Top tier swivels out into multiple configurations so you can select the look that's right for you - the table's width can go from 36" to 55". Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Photographed with and also currently available in our shop - Pair of Milo Baughman Style Sheepskin & Chrome Slipper Chairs c. 1970s Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa...
Brass
Lucite Coffee Table in Cobalt Blue by Cain Modern, USA 2023
By Cain Modern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the stunning Lucite Coffee Table in Cobalt Blue by Cain Modern, USA 2023. This exquisite piece of furniture will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your living...
Lucite