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.
Baltic Iris Mirror by Tom Palmer, Glass & Resin, Post-Modern UK
Located in Geneve, CH
Baltic Iris mirror by Tom Palmer Dimensions: D 140 x H 5 cm Mterials: Glass, Resin Also available: other sizes and variations available. The I...
Glass, Resin
Distorting 200 cm Vertical Mirror in Polished Stainless Steel by Julien Vidame
Located in Geneve, CH
Distorting 200 cm Vertical Mirror in Polished Stainless Steel by Julien Vidame. Dimensions: W 94 x D 3 x H 200 cm. Materials: Mirror polished stainless steel. Inspired by a serendipitous encounter in a vintage café in the San Telmo district of Buenos Aires, Julien Vidame reinvented the deforming mirror using noble materials. Unlike mass-produced plastic versions, each piece is a unique, patented work crafted from thick, mirror-polished stainless steel that reflects with clarity while offering fluid, ever-changing undulations. The result is a 'living' reflection that shifts dynamically with the observer's movement, creating a constant dialogue between the object and the space. Julien Vidame's career as a designer began with a childhood passion for sketching that evolved into a professional vocation. After gaining experience in London’s design scene, he returned to Brittany to establish Vidame Édition and develop his signature prototypes. His early success was defined by the "Vague" range, which showcased his technical ingenuity through the creation of a custom folding machine and secured the Prix Découverte at Maison & Objet in 2009. The designer achieved ultimate international acclaim in 2022 through high-profile collaborations and awards. His "Coquillage" shelf received the prestigious FD100 prize at the Elysée Palace, honoring it as one of the top projects promoting French creation globally. This period of success was further highlighted by his work for Gucci’s Milan Fashion Week show, where he provided 260 of his patented distorting mirrors...
Stainless Steel
Italian post-modern resin wall mirror by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, 2005
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian post-modern resin wall mirror by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, 2005 Fantastic and vintage wall mirror with an irregularly shaped and a curved silhouette resin frame, in shad...
Mirror, Resin
Big Day Wall Mirror Equipped with Stainless Steel Hook by Oscar Maschera
Located in Geneve, CH
Big Day Wall Mirror Equipped with Stainless Steel Hook by Oscar Maschera Dimensions: W 24 x H 79 cm. Materials: Leather, stainless steel, and mirror. “Mirrors should reflect a littl...
Stainless Steel
$1,670Sale Price / set|20% Off
Postmodern Ivory Lacquered Walnut Wall Mirror and Console Table, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This set features a walnut frame, with ivory lacquered parts. They might show slight traces of use since they are vintage, such as their original patina, but t...
Mirror, Walnut
$6,637 / item
Green Halo Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass
Located in Geneve, CH
Green Halo Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass Dimensions: Ø 94,5 cm. Materials: 24k gold luster and ceramic enamels on green glass, mixed techniques. Discover the Dome Collection...
Enamel
Postmodern Pop Art Design Red Wall Mirror "Clock" Shape - PILM Italy, 1980s
Located in Firenze, IT
Postmodern clock shaped red wall mirror Pop Art Design PILM Italy 1980s metal, glass H 45 cm 32 × 2 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use.
Metal
$8,703 / item
Classic Crystallized Mirror by Mark Sturkenboom
Located in Geneve, CH
Classic Crystallized mirror by Mark Sturkenboom Dimensions : L 90 x W 52cm Materials: Metal and natural crystals Mark Sturkenboom (Driebergen, 1983) is an artist that graduated ...
Crystal, Metal, Other
$6,637 / item
Green Aura Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass
Located in Geneve, CH
Green Aura Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass Dimensions: Ø 94,5 cm. Materials: Copper luster and ceramic enamels on green glass, mixed techniques. Discover the Dome Collection, ...
Copper, Enamel
$789Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Smoked Wall Mirror with a Triple Chrome-Plated Metal Frame, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This mirror features a tripe chrome-plated metal frame and a smoked mirror. It might show slight traces of use since it's vintage, but it can be considered as ...
Chrome, Metal
Set of 2 Field Of Silence Wall Sculptures by NITUSH AROOSH
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Field Of Silence Wall Sculptures by NITUSH AROOSH Dimensions: W 105 x D 8 x H 120 cm Materials: Stainless Steel. Crafted entirely in stainless steel, these works explore th...
Stainless Steel
Set of 2 postmodern mirrors by Deknudt, 1980s Belgium.
By Deknudt
Located in Landgraaf, NL
Set of 2 postmodern mirrors by Deknudt, 1980s Belgium. Graphic mirrors with a chrome frame. The print is screen printed. Because the middle is open, it’s still a functional mirror. S...
Chrome
Umlauf Wall Mirror in Chromed Aluminum & Mirrored Glass by Medium Small
Located in Geneve, CH
Umlauf Wall Mirror in Chromed Aluminum & Mirrored Glass by Medium Small Dimensions: D 10,2 x W 38.1 x H 53.3 cm. Materials: Aluminum and mirrored glass. Available chromed or anodize...
Aluminum
$2,610 / item
Giotto 110 Malva Green Wall Mirror by Roberto Paoli
Located in Geneve, CH
Giotto 110 Malva Green Wall Mirror by Roberto Paoli Dimensions: D 8 x W 110 x H 110 cm. Materials: Polyethylene and mirror. Weight: 18 kg. Available in different color options. Pric...
Other
$2,552 / item
Bronze Stone Eclisse 900 Round Mirror by Disain1971
Located in Geneve, CH
Bronze Stone Eclisse 900 Round Mirror by Disain1971 Dimensions: D 90 x H 2.5 cm Materials: bronze, mirror / bronzo, specchio. Weight: 25 kg. Code: DS1021S Semi-circular mirror wit...
Mirror
Lapis 10 Sculptural Silver Mirror with Handblown Glass by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Lapis 10 Sculptural Silver Mirror with Handblown Glass by Homa. Dimensions: W 36 x D 15 x H 54 cm. Materials: Blown Glass. Silver Mirror. Colour: Silver. Shaped by hand, heat, and b...
Glass, Mirror
$10,977 / item
The Eye of the Universe VI Mirror by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
The Eye of the Universe VI Mirror by Homa Dimensions: D 97 x H 7 cm Materials: Concave Mixed Technique Mirror, Hanger: Brass. HOMA is a contemporary design atelier based in Istanbul...
Brass
Unique Mouth-Blown Glass Brass Mirror, Ludovic Clément d’Armont
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Mouth-Blown Glass Brass Mirror, Ludovic Clément d’Armont Every creation of Ludovic Clément d’Armont can be made to order in any requested dimensions. Please contact us for cus...
Brass
$18,589 / item
Materia Colectiva Mirror I by Marcela Cure
Located in Geneve, CH
Materia Colectiva Mirror I by Marcela Cure Limited Edition of 8 Dimensions: W 125 x D 12 x H 225 cm Materials: Hand-pigmented resin. A sculptural seat shaped like a carved geologica...
Resin
Space Age Rectangle Wall Mirror in Orange Lacquer, Custom Retro-Futuristic Mod
By Jhon Ortiz, The Tailored Home
Located in Greenwich, CT
Bold geometry meets mid-century futurism in this segmented rectangular wall mirror. Finished in a high-contrast orange and white marine lacquer, the layered frame creates a striking ...
Lacquer, Mirror
$5,105 / item
Jura Stool by Ah Um Design Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Jura Stool by Ah Um Design Studio Handmade Dimensions: D 35.5 x W 35.5 x H 53.3 cm. Materials: Mahogany wood, brown mohair, hand-glazed tiles. Available in other finish options. Ple...
Mahogany, Mohair
$6,637 / item
Pink Aura Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass
Located in Geneve, CH
Pink Aura Wall Mirror by OOM Contemporary Glass Dimensions: Ø 96 cm. Materials: 24k gold luster and ceramic enamels on pink glass, mixed techniques. Discover the Dome Collection, wh...
Enamel
40x60" Le' stud Mirror in Gypsum & Fiberglass by Brent Warr Studios
By Brent Warr
Located in Bainbridge, GA
Introducing the Le Stud Mirror, a bold, architectural wall mirror that celebrates texture, form, and irreverent style. This sculptural piece redefines the traditional mirror with i...
Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass, Plaster, Hardwood, Paint
Gioielli Contemporary Signed Ceramic Mirror by Renzo Maar
Located in Geneve, CH
Gioielli Contemporary Signed Ceramic Mirror by Renzo Maar Handmade Dimensions: D 25 x H 5 cm (dimensions are approximate) Materials: Ceramic, white stoneware, mirror. Custom orders ...
Ceramic
Italian Post Modern Round Shape Mirror with Square Plastic Frame, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian post modern round shape mirror with square plastic frame, 1980s. Round-shaped mirror, inserted in a square-shaped white plastic frame. 198...
Mirror, Plastic
$16,593 / item
Exposè II Mirror in Glass and Plywood by Animate Objects
Located in Geneve, CH
Exposè II Mirror in Glass and Plywood by Animate Objects. Limited Edition of 8 pieces. Dimensions: W 150 x D 4 x H 185 cm. Materials: Mirror Glass, Glossy Lacquered Black Plywood. E...
Mirror, Plywood
Geoffrey Bradfield Modern Wall Mirror with Black Velvet & Crystals
Located in Queens, NY
Modern skull & crossbones wall mirror with Swarovski crystal embellishments, black velvet backing, and a black Louis XV-style frame. (THE QUICK AND THE DEAD...
Crystal
Reflecting XL Hanging Mirror Sculpture by Milena Kling
Located in Geneve, CH
Reflecting XL Hanging Mirror Sculpture by Milena Kling Unique Piece. Dimensions: Ø 39 x 59 cm. Materials: Mouth-blown mirror. Each hanging or standing Mirror Sculpture is one of a k...
Mirror
INO Medium Wall Mirror in Polished Aluminum by Martens & Visser
Located in Geneve, CH
INO Medium Wall Mirror in Polished Aluminum by Martens & Visser Dimensions: D 5 x W 28 x H 50 cm. Materials: Aluminum. Mounting: easily hangs with a single attachment point. Cus...
Aluminum
Perfumer Extra Large Wall Mirror With Hand-Molded Bronze Frame by Vogel Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Perfumer Extra Large Wall Mirror With Hand-Molded Bronze Frame by Vogel Studio Dimensions: Ø 71 x H 107 cm. Materials: Cast bronze and mirror. Available in three different sizes. Pr...
Bronze
Beio Unique Wall Mirror in Puebla Travertine Stone by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Beio Unique Wall Mirror in Puebla Travertine Stone by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 5 x W 40 x H 140 cm. Materials: Puebla travertine stone and glass mirror. Available i...
Stone
$707 / item
Venezia Laguna Mirror by Morici
Located in Geneve, CH
Venezia Laguna Mirror by Morici Dimensions: W 57 x H 81 cm Materials: Wood, inlay veneer. Finish : Gloss brushed polyester. About: Driven by a passion for craftsmanship, Luciano Mor...
Wood
$2,297 / item
Fiore Handmade Ceramic Mirror by Renzo Maar
Located in Geneve, CH
Fiore Handmade Ceramic Mirror by Renzo Maar Handmade Dimensions: D 28 x H 10 cm (dimensions are approximate) Materials: Ceramic, white stoneware, enamel, mirror. Available in smoked...
Ceramic
Erasmo Square Wall Mirror in Dark Horn & Lacquered Black Glossy Wood by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Erasmo Square Wall Mirror in Dark Horn & Lacquered Black Glossy Wood by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 10 x W 100 x H 100 cm. Materials: Horn, mirror, and lacquered wood. Colours and shades...
Other
$37,248 / item
Briccole Mirror by Vetralia
Located in Geneve, CH
Briccole Mirror by Vetralia Designed by Giovanni Luca Ferreri Dimensions: W 165 x D 5 x H 165 cm Materials: Ancient briccole wood, mirror, engraved glass, bronze. VETRALIA Function...
Bronze
$707 / item
Venezia Rialto Mirror by Morici
Located in Geneve, CH
Venezia Rialto Mirror by Morici Dimensions: W 57 x H 81 cm Materials: Wood, inlay veneer. Finish : Gloss brushed polyester. About: Driven by a passion f...
Wood
Beautiful People IV Mirror in Stainless Steel by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Beautiful People IV Mirror in Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: D 9 x W 55 x H 85 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Materials: Patinated ca...
Bronze, Stainless Steel
TORI Circular Wall Mirror in Aluminum by Martens & Visser
Located in Geneve, CH
TORI Circular Wall Mirror in Aluminum by Martens & Visser. Dimensions: D 25 x W 130 x H 130 cm. Materials: Aluminum. Custom dimensions and alternative finishes, including steel,...
Aluminum
$4,722 / item
Jura Mirror by Ah Um Design Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Jura Mirror by Ah Um Design Studio Handmade Dimensions: D 5 x W 91.4 x H 185.4 cm. Materials: Mahogany wood, glass. Available in other finish options. Please contact us. A bold and...
Mahogany, Glass
Postmodern Round Wall Mirror with Mirrored Steel Frame, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This mirror features a mirrored steel frame. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show traces of use and oxidation due to time, but it can be considered as...
Steel
$10,977 / item
Abyss Purple Mirror by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Abyss Purple Mirror by Homa. Limited Edition Dimensions: D 97 x H 7 cm. Materials: Convex Oxidized Mirror. HOMA is a contemporary design atelier based in Istanbul. The atelier’s tr...
Mirror
Astrid Wall Mirror in Hand Engraved 24K Gold Plated Brass & Horn by Arcahorn
Located in Geneve, CH
Astrid Wall Mirror in Hand Engraved 24K Gold Plated Brass & Horn by Arcahorn Dimensions: D 10 x W 100 x H 100 cm. Materials: Horn, mirror, and 24K gold-plated brass. Colours and sha...
Brass, Other, Gold Plate
INO Small Wall Mirror in Polished Aluminum by Martens & Visser
Located in Geneve, CH
INO Small Wall Mirror in Polished Aluminum by Martens & Visser Dimensions: D 5 x W 21 x H 33 cm. Materials: Aluminum. Mounting: easily hangs with a single attachment point. Cust...
Aluminum
$22,975 / item
Rock Mirror by Katrien Van Der Schueren
Located in Geneve, CH
Rock Mirror by Katrien Van Der Schueren Dimensions: W 86.36 x D 25.4 x H 121.92 cm Materials: Sculpted in concrete and plaster with a painted finish Based in, produced and shipped f...
Concrete, Other
$37,248 / item
Schegge Mirror by Vetralia
Located in Geneve, CH
Schegge Mirror by Vetralia Designed by Giovanni Luca Ferreri Dimensions: W 140 x D 5 x H 190 cm Materials: Engraved mirror, charred wood VETRALIA Functional Art based in Venice Act...
Mirror, Wood
A HUGE SPECTACULAR SHABBY-CHIC Wall MIRROR by JEAN-CLAUDE MAHEY, France 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional and spectacular octogonal mirror, Post-Modernist, Shabby-Chic, thick lacquered wood with patinated bronze edges, around a wide mirror area, signed on the lower part by Jean Claude Mahey, France 1970. The wide and angular frame features a beautiful black and celadon green zebra lacquer area, with creamy beige lacquered areas, and patinated bronze edges. This is a rare example of Jean-Claude Mahey's dimension in french design. Un exceptionnel et opulent miroir mural...
Talosel
Liquid Days Wall Mirror with Faux Leather Frame by Oscar Maschera
Located in Geneve, CH
Liquid Days Wall Mirror with Faux Leather Frame by Oscar Maschera Dimensions: W 66 x H 163 cm. Materials: Mirror and vegetable leather. Liquid days is a mirror from the Miroirs et T...
Faux Leather, Mirror
Looking At You 2.0 Mirror in Cast Aluminum and Brass by Jordan Fleming
Located in Geneve, CH
Looking At You 2.0 Mirror in Cast Aluminum and Brass by Jordan Fleming. Limited series, strictly governed by a yearly cap to ensure artisanal quality. Dimensions: W 44 x D 5 x H 80 c...
Aluminum, Brass
Roma Contemporary Signed Ceramic Mirror by Renzo Maar
Located in Geneve, CH
Roma Contemporary Signed Ceramic Mirror by Renzo Maar Handmade Dimensions: D 24 x W 24 x H 7 cm (dimensions are approximate) Materials: Ceramic, white stoneware, colors, mirror. Cus...
Ceramic
Organic Form White Ceramic Coral Wall Mirror by Vlada Kavalchuk
Located in Geneve, CH
Coral Wall Mirror by Vlada Kavalchuk Dimensions: D 10 x W 60 x H 60 cm. Materials: Ceramic and mirror. The Ceramic Mirror and Mushroom Seat are inspire...
Ceramic, Mirror
Morphed Mega Wall Mirror in Aluminum, Ash & Mirrored Glass by Medium Small
Located in Geneve, CH
Morphed Mega Wall Mirror in Aluminum, Ash & Mirrored Glass by Medium Small Dimensions: D 7 x W 61 x H 61 cm. Materials: Aluminum, ash, and mirrored glass. Morphed is a visualization...
Aluminum
Post-Modern Wall Mirror in the Shape of a Handheld Fan
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Playful wall mirror in the shape of a handheld fan.
Mirror
$12,427 / item
Drift #02 Mirror by Vetralia
Located in Geneve, CH
Drift #02 Mirror by Vetralia Designed by Anna Resei Dimensions: W 100 x D 3.5 x H 160 cm Materials: Mirrored coloured baked glass, handmade mirror and painted wood structure. VETR...
Glass, Wood
$14,040 / item
Narcisse Mirror by Emilie Lemardeley
Located in Geneve, CH
Narcisse mirror by Emilie Lemardeley. Dimensions: D 82 x H 115 cm. Materials: Hammered steel and mirror. Weight: 15 kg. As Narcisse who plunged into his reflection and drowned,...
Steel
$9,004 / item
Drop of Silver on Copper VIII Mirror by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Drop of Silver on Copper VIII Mirror by Homa. Dimensions: W 49 x D 5 x H 49 cm Materials: Blown Glass. Silver Mirror. Copper Frame. HOMA is a contemporary design atelier based in I...
Copper
Livelli 1750 Wall Mirror with White Colored MDF by Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Geneve, CH
Livelli 1750 Wall Mirror with White Colored MDF by Barberini & Gunnell Limited Edition of 30 + 2 AP + 1 p. Dimensions: W 100 x H 175 cm. Materials: Mirror and MDF. Limited Edition,...
Other
Limited Edition Nebula V Concave Multicolor Oxidized Mirror by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Limited Edition Nebula V Concave Multicolor Oxidized Mirror by Homa Dimensions: D 97 x H 7 cm Materials: Concave Oxidized Mirror, Hanger: Brass. HOMA is a contemporary design atelie...
Brass
$11,290 / item
Materia Colectiva Mirror II by Marcela Cure
Located in Geneve, CH
Materia Colectiva Mirror II by Marcela Cure Limited Edition of 8 Dimensions: W 70 x D 12 x H 90 cm Materials: Hand-pigmented resin. A sculptural seat shaped like a carved geological...
Resin
Flow Line III Contemporary Sculptural Silver and White Mirror by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Flow Line III Contemporary Sculptural Silver and White Mirror by Homa. Dimensions: W 43 x D 21 x H 19 cm. Materials: Blown Glass. Silver Mirror. HOMA is a contemporary design atelie...
Glass, Mirror
$22,975 / item
Fine Angled Mirror by Katrien Van Der Schueren
Located in Geneve, CH
Fine Angled Mirror by Katrien Van Der Schueren Dimensions: W 86.36 x D 17.78 x H 101.6 cm Materials: Sculpted in concrete and plaster with a liquid bronze finish Based in, produced ...
Concrete, Other, Bronze