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.
Postmodern Danish Metal Bottle Opener by Bent Falk for Menu, 1980s
By Bent Falk
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Danish Metal Bottle Opener by Bent Falk for Menu, 1980s
Metal
$910Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6 Postmodern Flash One Series Coffee Service Plates, Cups, Saucers, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Flash One Series Coffee Service Plates, Cups, Saucers by Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal, 1980s, Set of 6, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an at...
Porcelain
Alessi 9093 Whistling Tea Kettle Designed by Michael Graves Post-Modern
By Michael Graves (b.1934), Alessi
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an Alessi 9093 whistling tea kettle designed by Michael Graves. Originally released in 1985, it features a conical stainless steel body and a signature bi...
Stainless Steel
1980’s Memphis Coffee Set by Marco Zanini for Bitossi Italy
By Marco Zanini, Bitossi
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Beautiful set of a coffee pot, sugar bowl with lid, creamer and two coffee cups and saucers in glossy black and matte blue and glossy white details. The set from the Hollywood colle...
Ceramic
Postmodern Pepper and Salt Shaker from Ide-Bank, Norway, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Pepper and Salt Shaker from Ide-Bank, Norway, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials:...
Plastic
Vintage Pastel Green Ceramic Ashtray, Postmodern Design, Circa 1980
Located in Toronto, CA
A stylish pastel green ceramic ashtray from the 1980s, reflecting the playful yet functional aesthetic of postmodern design. The piece features a simple round form with three rests, ...
Ceramic
Bitossi Ceramiche Blue Sun Figure by Aldo Londi
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Toronto, ON
From Aldo Londi’s Rimini Blu series, this radiant sun-faced figure glows with hand-stamped motifs and crystalline glaze, equal parts folk charm and modernist icon. All Bitossi ceram...
Ceramic
Italian Postmodern Kontessa Series Sugar Pot from Vev Vigano, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Italian Postmodern Kontessa Series Sugar Pot from Vev Vigano, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 Official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, designer ...
Brass
$3,331 / item
Dream/Reality Bar Cart by Six Dots Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Dream/Reality Bar Cart by Six Dots Design Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 54 x W 35 x H 71 cm Materials: Raw aluminum. The Dream/Reality Bar Cart is a playful and practical piece, perfe...
Aluminum
Italian Postmodern Koncord Series Espresso Maker by Walter Capp, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Italian Postmodern Koncord Series Espresso Maker by Walter Capp for Vev Vigano, 1970s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional ...
Plastic
Post Modern Memphis Design Rare Tea Kettle by Rolf Sinnemark for Rorstrand
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and beautiful ceramic teapot, circa 1980s, Made in Sweden designed by Rolf Sinnemark for Rorstrand highly collectible in great condition no chips or cracks, incredible geometric...
Porcelain
Ettore Sottsass Model 585 Oxblood Red Ceramic Vase, Il Sestante, Italy, 1961
Located in Dronten, NL
An exceptional example of Ettore Sottsass’ early ceramic production, this striking vase—model 585—was designed in 1960 and realized circa 1961 by the Società Ceramica Toscana di Figl...
Ceramic
Postmodern Gray Ceramic Braided Woven Abstract Centerpiece Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Stunning woven braided ceramic centerpiece bowl glazed in a wonderful shade of gray with some blue tones. Great size for a coffee table or entryway. Very unusual abstract shape, plea...
Ceramic
Philippe Starck Hot Bertaa Kettle for Alessi Postmodern Rare Mirror Polished
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Starck was born on 18 January 1949 in Paris. He is the son of André Starck, who was an aeronautics engineer. He says that his father often inspired him because he was an engineer, wh...
Aluminum
$256 / set
Set of 8 Drinking Glasses, 1980s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Set of 8 Drinking Glasses - Ice cream cup in postmodern Memphis Style - 80s 8 Italian vintage glasses made of press glass with a beautiful structure. The glasses can act as wine, wa...
Glass
Vintage Chrome Napkin Rings
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A set of 8 vintage chrome napkin rings.
Metal
$437Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Blue Glass Centerpiece Bowl by Rudolf Schrötter, 1970s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Poland, 1970s This is a thick and heavy blue glass bowl. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but overall it can be considered as in excellent...
Glass
Multicolor Massimo Vignelli for Heller Dinnerware - Service for Four
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Heller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Winner of the prestigious Compasso d'Oro award for Good Design in 1964, Massimo Vignelli's iconic dinnerware for Heller (likely designed with his equally talented wife Lella) has bee...
Plastic
Grey ABS 4663 Wall Ashtray/emptying trays by Centro Kappa for Kartell, 1980s
This wall ashtray is made up by 3 main parts with an additional removable tray. this sculptural item was designed as an ashtray but I think it should be more iteresting used as an em...
Plastic
Set of 2 Vintage Postmodern German Fantasia Series Teapot and Cup, 1980s
By Matteo Thun
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Postmodern German Fantasia Series Teapot and Cup by Matteo Thun for Arzberg, 1980s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mar...
Porcelain
Vintage Crystalex Wine Glasses Set of 6 – Bohemian Glass, Czech Republic, 1990s
By Crystalex
Located in Praha, CZ
Add a bold splash of color and elegance to your collection with this stunning set of 6 vintage wine glasses by Crystalex, crafted in Czechoslovakia in the 1990s. These exquisite glas...
Crystal
$460Sale Price / set|20% Off
Postmodern Set of 6 Beveled Glass Placemats with Gold Trim
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible rare set of 6 placemats from the 1980's, beautiful beveled glass edge with gold trim by Kafka Industries, circa 1985 Memphis era this set has bo...
Glass
Sterling Silver Modernist Ashtray Handcrafted
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
This is a sterling silver ashtray handcrafted and signed. It has a modernist design and form. The bottom is stamped Sterling 925 and has the initials JLR.
Sterling Silver
Defne Koz Drinking Glass for hwc Egizia by Sottsass Associati, Italy
By Sottsass Associati, Defne Koz, Egizia
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Defne Koz Drinking Glass for hwc Egizia by Sottsass Associati, Italy, 1990's. Four drinking glasses available. The listed price is for one drinking glass.
Glass
Trinket Tray by Six Dots Design, Oiled Aluminum, Post-Modern Style, UK
Located in Geneve, CH
Trinket Tray by Six Dots Design Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 21 x W 13.5 x H 21 cm Materials: Sanded and oiled aluminum. Six Dots designs and makes bespoke furniture in North London....
Aluminum
Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games World Globe Bottle French Limited Edition, 1984
By Bernardaud, Limoges
Located in New York, NY
A chic and cool numbered limited-edition Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games world globe white porcelain cognac bottle, 1984. This chic piece, made exclusively for the USA Summer Olympic Games, Los Angeles, California, 1984. Made in France. Piece was designed and made by luxury French porcelain brand Bernardaud for luxury cognac brand, Camus Napoleon, limited edition, hand-numbered on bottom #T493...
Porcelain
Porcelain Coffee Cups B 'Chromatics' by Arzberg, 1971
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful tea/coffee cups from the 'Chromatic' series, designed by Gerald Gulotta for Arzberg Porzellan, Germany between 1971-73. The cups are part of the 'Goldbraun' sub series with...
Porcelain
Modern to Postmodern Calla Lily Blue & Clear Lucite Sculpture or Centerpiece
Located in Topeka, KS
Beautiful vintage Modern to Postmodern calla lily sculpture or centerpiece comprised of light blue frosted Lucite blooms and leaves, frosted Lucite base & leaf, and clear Lucite stems. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 20th Century. The meaning of a calla lily is purity, faithfulness, and holiness. Well, HOLY MOLY… that explains a lot! Just feast your eyes upon this PURELY GORGEOUS vintage calla lily...
Lucite
$2,505Sale Price / set|20% Off
Barcelona Olympic Games hand-blown glasses by Gordiola, Spain, 1992
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Hand-blown whiskey glasses from the Barcelona Olympic Games produced and manufactured by the glass artisans of Gordiola, 1992, set of 8. Made entirely by hand in transparent glass, w...
Glass, Murano Glass
Richard Ginori Italian Porcelain Coffee Tea Cup Brown & Gold 1 of 16 Available
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Richard Ginori coffee or tea cup and saucer porcelain set "Contessa" Pattern, Italy. 16 cups set available, each sold separately, 1 cup and one saucer se...
Porcelain
Serving tray in brutalist design, made of aluminum and brass by David Marshall
Located in München, BY
Rare heavy serving tray in a brutalist design, made of aluminum and brass by David Marshall. Made in Spain. Stamped on the brass. The underside is covered in leather. The tray is in...
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Crystalex Wine Glasses Set of 6 – Bohemian Glass, Czech Republic, 1990s
By Crystalex
Located in Praha, CZ
Elevate your tableware collection with this vibrant and rare set of 6 vintage wine glasses by Crystalex, crafted in Czechoslovakia around 1990. These distinctive glasses feature rich...
Crystal
Vintage Tim Lazer Oxblood Red Vase, American Studio Art Glass, 1971
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage fused and cased glass vase features complex, multilayered composition of colored fused glass, metallic pigments, and gold foil on deep, jewel-toned, oxblood burgundy red gla...
Gold
1980s Memphis Style set of 8 Vintage Rocks Glasses with Colorful Shapes & Tray
By Neiman Marcus, Georges Briard
Located in St. Louis, MO
1980s "Memphis" style set of 8 vintage frosted rocks, highball old fashion glasses with colorful Shapes of Red, blue, yellow black and white with blue grid tray. Unmarked
Metal
Post-Modern Stainless Tea Kettle with Whistle by Michael Graves
Located in San Diego, CA
A classic post-modern stainless steel tea kettle with whistle by Michael Graves, circa the 1980s. The piece is in good vintage condition and measures 11.5"W x 7.5"D x 12"H. Cool te...
Stainless Steel
Set of 8 Bodum Postmodern Napkin Rings by Jumi Chan & Nathalie Du Pasquier
By Bodum, Memphis Milano, Ajumi Han, Memphis Group, Nathalie du Pasquier
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Striking set of 8 postmodern (two of each patten) napkin rings created for Bodum by Memphis-affiliated designers Nathalie Du Pasquier and Jumi Chan. These sculptural table accessorie...
Metal, Silver Plate, Brass
Vintage Iridescent Blue Coupe Glasses - Set of 4
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 4 vintage coupe glasses. Beautiful iridescent blue color to the glasses. Nice round shape with tapered stems. Perfect for wine, champange, or cocktails. Each measures 3.25"D...
Glass
White Braun Ksm2 Coffee Grinder Reinhold Weiss Post-Modern Design
By Braun, Reinhold Weiss
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a white Braun KSM2 coffee grinder features a clear lid for viewing the grind and a powerful 150-watt motor.Designed by Reinhold Weiss in 1979, this vintage un...
Plastic
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Post Modern Memphis Carnival Large Platter by Kato Kogei for Fujimori
Located in San Diego, CA
Postmodern Memphis colorful "Carnival" platter / serving dish by Kato Kogei for Fujimori, circa the 1980s. Wonderful colorful Memphis style.
Ceramic
White Art Glass Vase with Abstract Design Postmodern
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, tall and substantial abstract clear and white opaline art glass vase with a slight iridescence, Postmodern design, circa late-20th century. Center 'ball' area has an abstract design of clear and twisted white art glass. Very good condition as shown in images and video. No chips noted. Dimensions: 4.25" diameter x 15" height. For black and white handkerchief...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Hot Bertaa Postmodern Water Kettle by Philippe Starck for ALESSI
Located in Linkebeek, BE
"Hot Bertaa" Water Kettle by Philippe Starck for ALESSI Philippe Stark - 1990s - Italian - Alessi Measures : 32cmx17cm H:25cm Materials: Brushed Aluminium - Thermo Plastic Wear con...
Aluminum
Bormioli Rocco Matisse Vintage Whisky Glasses Set of 4, 1980s Italy
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Bormioli Rocco Matisse Italian Whisky Glasses Set of 4 heavy with a nice texture molded bottom. Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 in. Made in Italy, circa 1980s. Vintage barware set of 4 whiskey...
Glass
Purple & green Murano Glass Flasks by Venini, 1980s
By Laura Diaz de Santillana, Venini
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of 2 small decorative Murano flasks designed by Laura de Santillana and manufactured by Venini in the 1980s. the green flask shows a visible small chip at the neck as stated in p...
Murano Glass
Achille Castiglioni Zanotta Servino Wine Bottle Cooler, Ice Bucket, Italy, 1987
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful, minimalist, and quite rare postmodern floor-standing champagne, wine, and drinks cooler / ice bucket / bottle holder designed in 1987 by Achille Castiglioni and produced...
Metal
Large Vintage Porcelain Cigar Ashtray, Yellow & Black Check, 1980s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large vintage square ceramic porcelain cigar ashtray. Large collectible cigar ashtray in yellow and black and white check with gilt borders that break at cigar rests at either side. Gold lettering in the center reads “Cigar”. and there is a knight on horse...
Porcelain
1980's Italian Futura Silver-Plate, Wood, Resin Tray By Larry Laslo For Towle
By Larry Laslo, Towle Silversmiths
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous vintage 1980's postmodern Italian tray was designed by Larry Laslo for Towle Silversmiths in Italy. It is rectangular of silver-plate, wood handles with red resin. This...
Silver Plate
$326Sale Price|20% Off
White, Black and Blue Hand-Painted Ceramic Jug / Vase in the Style of Picasso
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in France, 1960s - 1970s. It is made in white hand-painted ceramic with blue and black motifs, that recalls Pablo Picasso's style. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show ...
Ceramic
$1,300 / item
Stained Glass Butterfly by Ed Gilly
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Stained glass butterfly by Ed Gilly. Gilly owned Gilly Glass in the village back in the late 1979 - 1980. It was open for a short time and we visited the shop. Butterfly measures ...
Stained Glass
Set of Three Postmodern Octagon Tea Glasses, Finland, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Set of 3 Postmodern Octagon Tea Glasses, 1980s
Glass, Plastic
Vintage 1983 Alessi Original 3cp La Conica Espresso Coffee Maker Italy MINT
By Aldo Rossi, Alessi
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Vintage 1983 Alessi Original 3cp La Conica Espresso Coffee Maker Italy MINT Iconic, 1983, original 3-cup, " La Conica" Espresso Coffee Maker, model "La Tavola di Babele" ,designed...
Copper, Stainless Steel
Peter Saenger Sculptural Porcelain Creamer Pitcher
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage studio pottery porcelain creamer pitcher by ceramicist, Peter Saenger. Matte white glaze and a wonderful sculptural shape. Signed on the bottom.
Ceramic
Postmodern Minimalist Metal Fruit Bowl, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Minimalist Metal Fruit Bowl, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Silver Period: 1980s Item Type: Vintage...
Metal
Monumental pink marble ashtray, 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
An enormous pink marble ashtray, probably late 20th century.
Marble
London Souvenir Porcelain Round Ashtray Dish with UK Landmarks
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Round Decorative Ashtray, London Souvenir Porcelain Dish with UK Landmarks.Bring a touch of London into your home with this vibrant porcelain ashtray featuring iconic landmarks from ...
Porcelain
Michael Graves "Piazza" Limited Edition Coffee & Tea Set, .925 Silver for ALESSI
Located in Tinton Falls, NJ
Michael Graves (USA) ALESSI SpA (Crusinallo, Omega, Italia) Italian 925 Pure Silver Limited Edition Coffee & Tea Piazza w/ Tray Edition # 64 / 99 (Design: 1984 / Production: 2003...
Silver
Vintage Tea Pot by M. Iosa Ghini For Naj Oleari – Wiggly Turquoise & Yellow, 80s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Vintage Tea Pot by M. Iosa Ghini for Naj Oleari – Wiggly Turquoise & Yellow, 80s This vintage teapot, designed by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Naj Oleari in the 1980s, is a playful an...
Ceramic
$500Sale Price|20% Off
Swedish Postmodern Centerpiece Bowl by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien, 1990s
By Kosta Boda, Ulrica Hydman-Vallien
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Postmodern Swedish art glass centerpiece bowl by artist and designer Ulrica Hydman-Vallien, circa 1990s, for Kosta Boda, Sweden. Centerpiece ...
Glass
1980's Coca Cola Classic Ice Bucket New Never Used Rare Collectible
Located in San Diego, CA
A very collectible original Coca cola , Ice bucket never used in its box, foam plastic super cool and rare item .
Plastic
1980s Vintage Arcoroc Black Glass Domed Cake Plate and Five Cups and Saucers
By Arcoroc
Located in San Gabriel, CA
This is a beautiful set of 5 black glass tea cups, saucers, and a cake plate with glass dome cover from the renowned French manufacturer Arcoroc. Part of the much loved Octime range ...
Glass
ROSA Lazy Susan - Handcrafted in Canada by Le Tenon & la Mortaise
Located in Saint-André-de-Kamouraska, CA
Practical, fun, and festive, the ROSA lazy susan stylishly rotates small dishes and condiments. This essential for impromptu aperitifs invites joy and conviviality to the table. Ma...
Hardwood, Cherry, Maple, Oak, Walnut, Fir