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.
Bosco Contemporary Signed Ceramic Mirror by Renzo Maar
Located in Geneve, CH
Bosco Contemporary Signed Ceramic Mirror by Renzo Maar Handmade Dimensions: D 31 x H 5 cm (dimensions are approximate) Materials: Ceramic, white stoneware, mirror. Custom orders are...
Ceramic
16 x 20" 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...
Mirror, Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass, Plaster, Hardwood, Paint
INO Large Wall Mirror in Polished Aluminum by Martens & Visser
Located in Geneve, CH
INO Large Wall Mirror in Polished Aluminum by Martens & Visser. Dimensions: D 5 x W 39 x H 50 cm. Materials: Aluminum. Mounting: easily hangs with a single attachment point. Cus...
Aluminum
Atlas Itinera Insula II 120 Wall Mirror by Atlas Project
Located in Geneve, CH
Atlas Itinera Insula II 120 Wall Mirror by Atlas Project Dimensions: D 3/5 x Ø 120 cm. Materials: Black powder painted iron, Nero Marquina marble, brushed brass, mirror, and wood. ...
Marble, Brass
$3,516 / item
Stone Silver Eclisse 1200 Round Mirror by Disain1971
Located in Geneve, CH
Geometric Silver Eclisse 1200 Round Mirror by Disain1971 Dimensions: D 120 x H 2.5 cm Materials: silver, graphite, mirror / argento, grafite, specchio. Weight: 25 kg. Code: DS1024S...
Silver
Bindoo Kama Triangular Wall Mirror in Aluminum & Glass Mirror by altreforme
Located in Geneve, CH
Bindoo Kama Triangular Wall Mirror in Aluminum & Glass Mirror by altreforme Design by Kumar La Noce Studio Dimensions: D 4 x W 60 x H 60 cm. Materials: Aluminum, paint, and glass mir...
Aluminum
$14,226 / item
Dark Matter Tafla Q1 Sculptural Wall Mirror by Zieta
Re Di Fiori Contemporary Signed Ceramic Mirror by Renzo Maar
Located in Geneve, CH
Re Di Fiori Contemporary Signed Ceramic Mirror by Renzo Maar Handmade Dimensions: D 25 x H 25 cm (dimensions are approximate) Materials: Ceramic, white stoneware, mirror. Custom ord...
Ceramic
Vintage Brass & Burlwood Architectural Mirror
By Romeo Rega
Located in Dallas, TX
A striking study in clean geometry, this vintage mirror in the style of Romeo Rega blends polished brass with warm burlwood corner insets for a look that’s unmistakably late-70s/earl...
Brass
Contemporary Kubi Mirror by Mavo Atelier with Decorative Cubes in Brass
By Mavo Atelier
Located in Trofa, PT
A fusion of art and function, the Kubi Mirror transcends reflection and redefines spatial perception through its bold, sculptural presence. Precise, straight-line cuts give way to ge...
Brass
$4,397 / item
Vulcano 1500 Round Mirror by Disain1971
Located in Geneve, CH
Vulcano 1500 Round Mirror by Disain1971 Dimensions: D 150 x H 2.5 cm Materials: silver, mirror / argento, specchio. Weight: 35 kg. Code: DS1034 Round frameless mirror with a textu...
Silver
$1,415 / item
Polished Cast Brass Rino Corpo Mirror by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Rino Corpo Mirror by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 60 x D 12 x H 160 cm Materials: Cast Metal ang Glass. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum. Abo...
Metal
$371 / item
Snail Shelf by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Snail Shelf by Morica Design Dimensions: D 24 x W 68 x H 28 cm Materials: Dark Burnished metal. Available in Champagne or Dark Burnished metal finish. Please contact us. Shelf in c...
Metal
Limited Edition Blue Nebula Concave Multicolor Oxidized Mirror by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Limited Edition Blue Nebula Concave Multicolor Oxidized Mirror by Homa Dimensions: D 97 x H 7 cm Materials: Concave Oxidized Mirror, Hanger: Brass. HOMA is a contemporary design ate...
Brass
$4,235 / item
Geometric Gold Totem 90200 Mirror by Disain1971
Located in Geneve, CH
Geometric Gold Totem 90200 Mirror by Disain1971 Dimensions: W 200 x D 90 x H 2.5 cm Materials: gold, bronze, mirror / oro, bronzo, specchio. Weight: 35 kg. Code: DS1051 Rectangula...
Mirror
$4,235 / item
Geometric Gold Totem 90200 Mirror by Disain1971
Located in Geneve, CH
Geometric Gold Totem 90200 Mirror by Disain1971 Dimensions: W 200 x D 90 x H 2.5 cm Materials: silver, graphite, mirror / argento, grafite, specchio. Weight: 35 kg. Code: DS1052 Re...
Silver
Contemporary Black Slate Mirror "Narcisse" by Frédéric Saulou
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Slate Mirror "Narcisse" by Fre´de´ric Saulou Designer: Fre´de´ric Saulou. Materials: Black slate, black perfect mirror. Dimensions: 190 x 50 x 4 cm. Edition of eight. Signed and numbered. “While wandering in the streets I have been observing buildings construction toward the sky and found myself eagerly interested in slate material and ornamental stones. I am wondering about Post-Industrial...
Slate
$18,357 / item
Tuna Kvarn Mirror by InsidherLand
Located in Geneve, CH
Tuna Kvarn Mirror by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 11 x W 165 x H 95 cm. Materials: Cast brass with patinated effect, clear mirror. 100 kg. After creating the bookcase Into the Woods t...
Brass
$8,807 / item
Drop of Silver on Copper I Mirror by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Drop of Silver on Copper I 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 Istan...
Glass
Orizzonte 70160 Long Silver Oval Mirror by Disain1971
Located in Geneve, CH
Orizzonte 70160 Long Silver Oval Mirror by Disain1971 Dimensions: W 120 x D 70 x H 2.5 cm Materials: silver, mirror / argento, specchio. Weight: 9 kg. Code: DS1017 Oval mirror wit...
Silver
Geometric Silver Eclisse 1200 Round Mirror by Disain1971
Located in Geneve, CH
Geometric Silver Eclisse 1200 Round Mirror by Disain1971 Dimensions: D 120 x H 2.5 cm Materials: silver, graphite, mirror / argento, grafite, specchio. Weight: 25 kg. Code: DS1024 ...
Silver
$10,977 / item
Abyss Rose Contemporary Sculptural Mirror by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Abyss Rose Contemporary Sculptural Mirror by Homa Dimensions: D 97 x H 7 cm Materials: Convex Oxidized Mirror. HOMA is a contemporary design atelier based in Istanbul. The atelier’...
Mirror
Selfportrait, Make-up Mirror - I.Innocenti & G.Laboratore
Located in Geneve, CH
The appeal of the Silk Road – the route which connected the East to the West, reaching as far as Venice –is brought back to life by this object inspired by Chinese fans, where the mi...
Mirror
$986 / item
Boudoir Small Wall Mirror by Tero Kuitunen
Located in Geneve, CH
Boudoir small wall mirror by Tero Kuitunen Material: glass mirror, mdf board, textile fringes. Dimensions: ⌀ 38 x H 2 cm Also Available: Different Size, models and colors. Playful wall mirrors with fringe...
Textile, Mirror
Lapis 2 Sculptural Silver Mirror with Handblown Glass by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Lapis 2 Sculptural Silver Mirror with Handblown Glass by Homa Dimensions: W 35 x D 15 x H 39 cm Materials: Blown Glass. Silver Mirror. HOMA is a contemporary design atelier based in...
Glass, Mirror
$8,935 / item
Quarter Mirror by Laylo Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Quarter Mirror by Laylo Studio Dimensions: D 5 x W 106.6 x H 106.6 cm. Materials: Brass. LAYLO is the practice of Sam and Lydia Link. Founded with the intention of building through...
Brass
$3,910 / item
Domina II 120 Wall Mirror by Atlas Project
Located in Geneve, CH
Domina II 120 Wall Mirror by Atlas Project Dimensions: D 4/6 x Ø 120 cm. Materials: Leather, brushed brass, mirror, and wood. Available in different finishes and sizes. Please cont...
Brass
$1,972 / item
Itinera Lamina I 90 Wall Mirror by Atlas Project
Located in Geneve, CH
Itinera Lamina I 90 Wall Mirror by Atlas Project Dimensions: D 3/5 x Ø 90 cm. Materials: Black powder painted iron, Green Guatemala marble, antique brass, mirror, and wood. Availab...
Marble, Brass
$18,844 / item
Indo Mirror by Vetralia
Located in Geneve, CH
Undo Mirror by Vetralia Designed by Leo De Carlo Dimensions: W 64.5 x D 5 x H 121 cm Materials: Engraved golden mirror, golden leaf coated wood. VETRALIA Functional Art based in Ve...
Mirror, Wood
$12,427 / item
Drift #01 Mirror by Vetralia
Located in Geneve, CH
Drift #01 Mirror by Vetralia Designed by Anna Resei Dimensions: W 142 x D 3.5 x H 149 cm Materials: Mirrored coloured baked glass, handmade mirror and painted wood structure. VETR...
Glass, Wood
$3,666 / item
MG401 Large Mirror by Malte Gormsen
Located in Geneve, CH
MG401 Large MIrror by Malte Gormsen Dimensions: D 3 x W 80 x H 165 cm. Materials: Browned brass. Available in different dimensions. Please contact us. Malte Gormsen Møbelsnedkeri i...
Brass
$707 / item
Venezia Sestiere Mirror by Morici
Located in Geneve, CH
Venezia Sestiere 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 M...
Wood
$2,375
Vintage Mold Mirror
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Constructed from heavy wooden round frames painted in beautifully aged muted tones, these round mirrors make a statement in any powder room or entr...
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Paint
Michelangelo Mirror by Studio 2046, Carved Wood & Brass, Italy
Located in Geneve, CH
Michelangelo Mirror by Daniele Daminelli (Italy, 2021) Capsule Colection Reinassance Dimensions: D120 cm Materials: Carved wood, glossy lacquered ...
Brass
Walnut Rectangular Guillotine Mirror by Jeffrey Huyghe
Located in Geneve, CH
Walnut rectangular Guillotine mirror by Jeffrey Huyghe. Dimensions: D 30 x W 80 x H 156.5 cm Materials: Walnut natural oiled, mirror. Also available in different materials. Gu...
Mirror, Walnut
A Pair of Large Gilt Mirrors with lovely 2.5” wide moulded Gilt fra
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Pair of Large Gilt Mirrors The mirrors have lovely 2.5” wide moulded Gilt frames, they are in good condition, there is some minor signs of use to the gilt frames but nothing notic...
Glass
$8,006 / item
Small Arizona Estremoz Marble Mirror by InsidherLand
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Arizona Estremoz Marble Mirror by InsidherLand Dimensions: D 4 x W 81 x H 95 cm. Materials: Estremoz marble, polished nickel, clear mirror. 40 kg. Available in other finishes. ...
Marble, Nickel
Livelli 1850 Wall Mirror with White Colored MDF by Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Geneve, CH
Livelli 1850 Wall Mirror with White Colored MDF by Barberini & Gunnell Limited Edition of 30 + 2 AP + 1 p. Dimensions: W 75 x H 185 cm. Materials: Mirror and MDF. Limited Edition, ...
Other
Sitiera Wall Mirror in Solid Wood, Aged Bronze & Aged Mirror by Estudio Andean
Located in Geneve, CH
Sitiera Wall Mirror in Solid Wood, Aged Bronze & Aged Mirror by Estudio Andean Dimensions: D 3,5 x W 40 x H 79 cm. Materials: Solid wood, aged bronze, and aged mirror. Wall mirror ...
Bronze
Sitiera Wall Mirror in Solid Wood, Aged Bronze & Aged Mirror by Estudio Andean
Located in Geneve, CH
Sitiera Wall Mirror in Solid Wood, Aged Bronze & Aged Mirror by Estudio Andean Dimensions: D 3,35 x W 39,5 x H 39,5 cm. Materials: Solid wood, aged bronze, and aged mirror. Wall mi...
Bronze
Lapis 17 Sculptural Silver Mirror with Handblown Glass by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Lapis 17 Sculptural Silver Mirror with Handblown Glass by Homa Dimensions: W 25 x D 13 x H 45 cm Materials: Blown Glass. Silver Mirror. HOMA is a contemporary design atelier based i...
Glass, Mirror
$2,375
Vintage Mold Mirror
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Constructed from heavy wooden round frames painted in beautifully aged muted tones, this round mirror makes a statement in any powder room or entry...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Jeu Des Nose Timber Hardwood Wall Mirror by Marco Calhau
Located in Geneve, CH
Jeu Des Nose Timber Hardwood Wall Mirror by Marco Calhau Dimensions: D 50 x W 70 x H 70 cm. Materials: Timber hardwood, and mirror. All pieces are handmade and under order at our wo...
Hardwood
$951 / item
Champagne Ficus Coat Rack by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Champagne Ficus Coat Rack by Morica Design Dimensions: D 47 x W 42 x H 175 cm Materials: Champagne metal. Available in Champagne or Dark Burnished metal finish. Please contact us. ...
Metal
$6,962 / item
Ash Hardwood Mirror by BNF Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ash Hardwood Mirror by BNF Studio Dimensions: W 33 x L 29 in, Custom width, length, height. Materials: Ash. Finishes and Colors: White, Black, Green, Pink, Purple, Custom, Natural f...
Ash
$1,752 / item
Atlas Insula 90 Wall Mirror by Atlas Project
Located in Geneve, CH
Atlas Insula 90 Wall Mirror by Atlas Project Dimensions: Ø 90 cm. Materials: Mirror. Available in different finishes and sizes. Please contact us. ATLAS The geometry is reflected ...
Mirror
Seven Years Wall Mirror with Gold-Plated Wooden Frame by Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Geneve, CH
Seven Years Wall Mirror with Gold-Plated Wooden Frame by Barberini & Gunnell Limited Edition of 15 + 2 AP + 1 p. Dimensions: L 180 x W 105 cm. Materials: Mirror, gold-plated wood, a...
Gold Plate
$533 / item
Large Chic Mirror by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Chic Mirror by Morica Design Dimensions: D 2.2 x W 82 x H 100 cm. Materials: Mirror, brass. Round mirrors in silver mirror finish, with metal detail in brushed brass finish. T...
Metal
$3,794 / item
Mouth Artistic Mirror
Located in Geneve, CH
Mouth artistic mirror Materials: 4mm faceted mirror on black painted MDF Dimensions: W 120 x H 79 x D 7 cm The pop art inspired mouth mirror is witty, geometric, brightly colore...
Glass, Mirror
Lapis 9 Sculptural Silver Mirror with Handblown Glass by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Lapis 9 Sculptural Silver Mirror with Handblown Glass by Homa Dimensions: W 25 x D 13 x H 48 cm Materials: Blown Glass. Silver Mirror. HOMA is a contemporary design atelier based in...
Glass, Mirror
$15,572 / item
Glass Repeated Mirror II by OS and OOS
By Oskar Peet and Sophie Mensen
Located in Geneve, CH
Glass repeated mirror II by OS And OOS Dimensions: 112 x 152 x 5.5 cm Materials: Rosé glass, nero assoluto marble, champagne metal spacers and bronze mirroring foil Studio OS an...
Glass
Contemporary Italian Postmodern Orange Copper Enamel Fiber Glass Round Mirror
By Cosulich Interiors & Antiques
Located in New York, NY
Italian entirely handcrafted as a sculptural artistic work, this round mirror of flat shape with an offset round mirrored plate acquires a modern interesting individuality, with the ...
Enamel, Gold Leaf
$4,154 / item
Galt Mirror by Gentner Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Galt mirror by Gentner Design Dimensions: D 45.7 x H 2.5 cm Materials: bronze, mirror Available in 3 sizes: D45.7cm, D91.4cm, D122cm. Gentner Design Ro...
Bronze
$1,404 / item
Nouveau Design Colorful Mirror
Located in Geneve, CH
Nouveau design colorful mirror, NOUVEAU 90 Mirror 4mm faceted mirror on black painted mdf Measure: Diameter: 90 cm. NOUVEAU 90 The Nouveau 70/80/90 round mirror serie unites elegance with simplicity and is characterised by its geometric color detailing. The mirrors, which comes in three different sizes with different color combinations has references to the 1980s time period but is able to add personality to every contemporary setting and enrich the decoration, whether it is a bedroom, bathroom, hallway or a dressing room. Reflections Copenhagen, a collection of handmade decorative mirrors and Crystal pieces, finely balanced to Challenge the traditional styles and shapes of todays’ homes by adding new dimensions and possibilities to interior decorating. Julie Hugau and Andrea Larsson, inspired by the graphic expression of Art Deco, the vast contrasts of the 1980s and the opportunity to explore the delicate materials that the mirrors are made of, combined their visions and the start of Reflections was a fact. The collection sums up their perspectives of how to provide new expressions through strength and form, the mirrors are designed with a strong visual structure to create a contrast of light and reflections through non-traditional mirror images. A concept built on Julie’s flair for design and production, Andrea’s eye for interior and colors together with their shared vision of creating a product that unites art and decor. Remember, everything in your life is a reflection of a choice you made. If you want a different result, make a different choice Welcome to the world of Reflections. The beauty of craftmanship All Reflections...
Crystal
Medium Walnut Wood Eye Mirror by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Walnut Wood Eye Mirrors by Morica Design Dimensions: D 4 x W 104 x H 68 cm Materials: Mirror, Canaletto walnut. Available in Canaletto Walnut, Laguna Oak, or Oak wood. Please...
Mirror, Wood
Seoul Wall Mirror with Cast Bronze Frame And Stained Mirror by Vogel Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Seoul Wall Mirror with Cast Bronze Frame And Stained Mirror by Vogel Studio Dimensions: Ø 24 x H 36,5 cm. Materials: Cast bronze and mirror. We designed several bespoke pieces for t...
Bronze
$2,541 / set
Set of 3 Ruby Mirrors by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Ruby Mirrors by Morica Design Dimensions: D 1.8 x W 78 x H 89 cm, D 1.8 x W 61 x H 69 cm, D 1.8 x W 43 x H 49 cm. Materials: Mirror. Hexagonal mirrors in smoked mirror fini...
Metal
Lapis 18 Sculptural Silver Mirror with Handblown Glass by Homa
Located in Geneve, CH
Lapis 18 Sculptural Silver Mirror with Handblown Glass by Homa Dimensions: W 36 x D 18 x H 40 cm Materials: Blown Glass. Silver Mirror. HOMA is a contemporary design atelier based i...
Glass, Mirror
$336 / item
Masquerade Round Mirror by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Masquerade round mirror by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D53.1 x W0.8 x H55 cm Material: Mirror glass Weight: 3.5 kg Also available in different dimensions. Sophisticated mirrors ...
Mirror
Small Laguna Oak Wood Eye Mirror by Morica Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Laguna Oak Wood Eye Mirrors by Morica Design Dimensions: D 4 x W 73 x H 48 cm Materials: Mirror, Laguna oak. Available in Canaletto Walnut, Laguna Oak, or Oak wood. Please con...
Mirror, Wood