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 Sketchbook Clairefontaine Desk by Pierre Sala, France 1980s.
By Pierre Sala
Located in Lille, FR
Table height: 70 cm. The top panel measures 88 cm by 61 cm without the spring. Good condition. The upper board has been repainted. Some fading on the legs, with a few spots and ot...
Wood, Paper
Warren Platner Writing Desk in Oak with Black Leather Top
By Warren Platner, Florence Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll International, writing desk from the Executive Collection, leather, chromed metal, oak, United States, design 1973, production 1974-1980. In 1973, Warren Platner designed a collection of executive office furniture...
Metal, Chrome
Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl 'Directors' Writing Desk in White Polyurethane
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl, 'Directors' writing desk, polyurethane, Germany, 1970/71 Ernest Hofmann, also known by his artist name 'Igl', recently gained an international audienc...
Plastic
Postmodern Pluto Desk by Pierre Colleu for Starform and Disney, France 1980s.
By Disney Studios, Starform, Pierre Colleu 1
Located in Lille, FR
Table height: 58 cm. Total height with the head: 90 cm Good condition. No restorations. Some fading on the head and legs, with a few spots and other age-related marks.
Resin, Plastic
Postmodern Dalmatian Pongo Desk by Pierre Colleu for Starform and Disney, 1980s.
By Disney Studios, Starform, Pierre Colleu 1
Located in Lille, FR
Table height: 50 cm. Total height with the head: 80 cm Good condition. Some chips on the top.
Resin, Plastic
Desk, White Lacquered Wood, Post-Modern Design, Panorammma, Mexico
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A sleek, white-polished, sculptural piece conjuring the presence of a grand piano. Piano Desk evokes an intricate fusion of the grace in artistic expression and the discipline of w...
Wood
Ernest H. Igl for Bayer AG 'Hadi' Desk
By Ernest Igl
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernest Igl for Bayer AG, 'Hadi' desk, polyurethane, Germany, 1970s This design by Ernest Igl truly resembles the ethos of the seventies, featuring the commonly used material of that time: polyurethane. Ernest Igl strived for the creation of a desk that focused on functionality combined with an aesthetically pleasing design for daily use. This is discernible in the playful composition of curved lines and round shapes executed in the whole construction. On the left side, three drawers are situated hidden perfectly in the column of the design. At the right side there is a storage compartment placed. Taking every stylistic realization into account, this writing desk feels retro, without clashing with contemporary interiors. Ernest Hofmann...
Plastic
Original 2er Set USM Haller Schreibtische Dreieck weiß Ecktisch
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes 2er Set USM Haller Dreieck-Schreibtische in der Farbe weiß zum Verkauf an. Der Preis bezieht sich auf beide Tische und versteht sich als Setpreis. Zusta...
Metal
Ernest 'Igl' Hofmann 'Jet' Corner Desk in Polyurethane
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernest 'Igl' Hofmann for Wilhelm Werndl, corner desk, model 'Jet', polyurethane, Germany, 1970/71 Ernest Hofmann, also known by his artist name 'Igl', recently gained an internation...
Plastic
$1,977Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Desk, Writing Table by Bohumil Landsman, 1970s, Fully Restored
Located in Wrocław, Poland
Exquisitely crafted in the 1970s, this vintage desk showcases a harmonious blend of style and functionality. With its sleek and lightweight design, it exudes a timeless appeal that i...
Oak
Vittorio Introini for Saporiti Rare Sculptural Desk in White Fiberglass
By Vittorio Introini, Alberto Rosselli Saporiti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittorio Introini for Saporiti, free-standing desk, fiberglass, Italy, 1969 This admirable free-standing corner desk was designed by the Italian designer Vittorio Introini. Due to i...
Fiberglass
$1,365Sale Price / set|20% Off
Scandinavian Ergonomic Design Writing Desk and Stool, Stokke, 1980's
By Stokke
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Scandinavian ergonomic design writing desk with pivoting stool, made by Stokke, Norway 1980's. Ergonomical designed writing desk with black inlay and middle reading section w...
Metal
$1,950Sale Price|40% Off
Post Modern artistic funky Painted 2 Drawer narrow Desk or console table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Post Modern artistic funky painted yellow orange green splatters with 2 drawers wood narrow desk or console table. Would make a great entry way or hallway table. Beautifu...
Wood, Paint
1980s Teal Laminated Over Wood Waterfall Desk Karl Springer Style
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and one of a kind, in the style of Karl Springer, Tiffany teal laminate over solid wood desk you co...
Brass
Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl Directors Desk in Marble Look
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernest 'Igl' Hofmann for Wilhelm Werndl, corner desk, model 'Jet', painted polyurethane, Germany, designed in 1970 Ernest Hofmann, also known by his artist name 'Igl', recently gai...
Plastic
$7,360Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Italian Rosewood and Metal Writing Desk by Abbondinterni, 1970s
By Abbondinterni
Located in Detroit, MI
This exceptional vintage Italian wood and metal office desk by Abbondinterni Milan was produced in Italy circa 1970. The desk is well-crafted from premium materials and the distinctl...
Metal, Aluminum
Arquitectonica 1984 Madonna Table Desk Memphis Milano Postmodern Miami Sottsass
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Arquitectonica
Located in Munster, NRW
Madonna table by Arquitectonica Miami for Memphis Milano, 1984. Iconic an extremely rare postmodern piece and one of the only Memphis Group productions whose design was commissione...
Wood
Vintage Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller Executive Desk, Burdick Group System
By Herman Miller, Bruce Burdick
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Vintage Bruce Burdick executive desk for Herman Miller from the Burdick Group System, a rare Postmodern 1980s modular workstation executed in aluminum, glass, enameled steel, and ena...
Aluminum, Enamel, Steel
$15,548Sale Price / item|40% Off
Vittorio Introini Rare Sculptural Fiberglass Desk for Saporiti Italy
Located in Padova, IT
This sculptural free-standing desk was designed by the Italian designer Vittorio Introini. Due to its all-white design and the distinct shapes, this desk has a strong sculptural look...
Fiberglass, Wood
$6,184 / item
Wood Rino Desk by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Wood Rino Desk by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 200 x D 115 x H 76 cm Materials: Solid wood. Finishes: Solid Imbuia wood or Solid Freijo wood. About: Studio Or...
Wood
Large Bespoke Study Desk with Four Drawers / Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large burgandy color study desk is made with a powder coated steel frame and a beautiful natural linoleum top made out of linseed oil. This modern minimal desk has four steel dr...
Steel
Enjoy The Silence Study Desk in Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
Enjoy The Silence Study Desk in Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: D 100 x W 185 x H 115 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Materials: Patina...
Bronze
Original USM Haller Schreibtisch neu lackiert schwarz Design Tisch
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten mehrere USM Haller Schreibtische mit neu lackierter Tischplatte (hier in schwarz) zum Verkauf an. Wir haben mehrere Tische auf Lager, die wir auf Kundenwunsch aufarbeiten ...
Steel
$2,683 / item
Rúna White Oiled Solid Oak Desk by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Rúna White Oiled Solid Oak Desk by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D130 x W65 x H74 cm Material: White oiled solid oak Weight: 37 kg Also available in different finishes. Please contact ...
Oak
$7,166 / item
Delano 5064 Desk by Redeco
Located in Geneve, CH
Delano 5064 Desk by Redeco Dimensions: W 160 x D 60 x H 77 cm Materials: Mdf structure. One soft closing drawer, Structure in Palissandro Santos veneer with polyester matt finish. In...
Marble
Charles Swanson Writing Desk, Post Modernist, Sculpture, cerused oak / stainless
By Ray Swanson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Charlie Swanson didn’t start making art until his early 30s. After acquiring a Degree in Business and Economics, he owned a construction company for a while, and that fuelled his lov...
Stainless Steel
Ultra raro escritorio y silla Bonacina · Negro · Castiglioni
Located in Barcelona, ES
Escritorio Bonacina en acabado negro, pieza poco frecuente posiblemente realizada por Castiglioni, referente del diseño italiano del siglo XX. De líneas limpias y estructura funcion...
Wood
Desk, Blue Lacquered Wood, Post-Modern Design, Panorammma, Mexico
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A sleek, blue-polished, sculptural piece conjuring the presence of a grand piano. Piano Desk evokes an intricate fusion of the grace in artistic expression and the discipline of wo...
Wood
Orange Acrylic Top Desk/ Game Table
Located in North Miami, FL
This waterfall design all acrylic desk or game table has perfect lines and scale, heavy and perfect for any space. The top is a VIVID orange and the side panels are 2 inches thick cl...
Acrylic
15x Original USM Haller Schreibtisch in Wunschfarbe Design Tisch
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen USM Haller Schreibtisch mit individuell lackierter Tischplatte zum Verkauf an. Wir haben mehrere Tische auf Lager, die wir auf Kundenwunsch aufarbeiten und dessen Ti...
Steel
$3,957Sale Price|20% Off
Writing desk space age ORIX model produced by Molteni Italia 1970s
By Molteni & C, Vittorio Parigi
Located in Milano, Lombardia
iconic vintage space age design desk model Orix designed by Vittorio Parigi and Nanni Prina, production Molteni 1971. Orange-colored ABS plastic top, the chromed steel frame, tilting...
Chrome
Desk, Black Lacquered Wood, Post-Modern Design, Panorammma, Mexico
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A sleek, black-polished, sculptural piece conjuring the presence of a grand piano. Piano Desk evokes an intricate fusion of the grace in artistic expression and the discipline of w...
Wood
$2,344Sale Price / set|53% Off
Post modern Memphis style artistic writing desk and chair, Germany 1980s
By Memphis Group, Gaetano Pesce, Ettore Sottsass
Located in ECHT, NL
Unique artistic writing desk and chair. The frame is made from steel and wrought iron in different shapes and sizes. Painted in several different colors. The glass top rest on 4 wood...
Metal
Gae Aulenti worktable / desk, Gaetano-series for Zanotta, Italy Post-Modern
By Gae Aulenti, Zanotta
Located in Stockholm, SE
Worktable / desk with original glass top with two black and red colored metal folding saw horse legs. Model Cardine, apart of the Geatano-series designed in the 1970s by Gae Aulenti ...
Metal
$32,585Sale Price|32% Off
Documented 'Kono' Dining Table / Desk by Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1984, Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptionally rare documented 'Kono' table, which works excellent as either a dining table or a desk, by Lella Vignelli and Massimo Vignelli was designed in 1984 and this example created in the mid-to-late 1980s by Casigliani in Pisa, Italy. This rare example of the 'Kono' design features a monumental Black Granite slab for the top, two thick slabs of Imperial Red Granite which connect together to form one of the bases, and the Vignellis signature Patinated Copper cone which forms the other base. The 'Kono' design was normally made as coffee tables so it is quite rare to find examples made scaled up in dining table size. In addition, typical Kono tables were made with glass tops and a single slab granite base. This example however, the Vignellis selected Black Granite instead of the typical glass tops. Also, rather than using a rectangular single-slab base, this example features an L-shaped base constructed with two slabs that connect together along one angled edge. It still employs the cone-shaped patinated copper base typical of Kono tables, however this example is much larger of course than cocktail table versions. The Vignelli Center for Design Studies, which houses the artists’ archive, confirmed this table to be one of two known drawings by the Vignellis (a copy of the Vignelli sketch, which they provided, is included in the photo gallery) though it is unknown if the other table was ever produced, making this table potentially an important one-of-a-kind. The Black Granite top in lower light settings is dark, deep and mysterious. With direct sunlight its luminosity is intense - see the photo gallery for images of the table in direct sunlight from our skylight above. It glows, shines and shimmers with incredible vibrancy, similar to diamonds - to see it in person is quite exquisite and remarkable. While we only had it set up under our skylight for a couple hours, I would describe the experience as recharging - I felt like I had just spent a couple hours meditating, this would be incredible to wake up to every day before leaving to work. The Vignellis described the 'Kono' table as: “This design exploits the relationship between geometrical figures and material finishes." Over the course of their four-decade-long design practice, Lella and Massimo Vignelli collaborated on projects that ranged from product design and brand identity to interior and furniture design. Whether designing New York City’s subway map...
Granite, Copper
Early Gerard Van Den Berg for Montis Burled Wood Desk with Cast Aluminum Legs
By Gerard Van Den Berg, Montis
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An early Gerard Van Den Berg desk for Montis. The design is almost Saporiti meets Sottsass in appearance, and the table is expertly crafted from handsome burled wood with cast alumin...
Aluminum
AD6 Desk in Solid White Oak and Cold Rolled Steel by Atlas Industries
Located in Geneve, CH
AD6 Desk in Solid White Oak and Cold Rolled Steel by Atlas Industries. Dimensions: W 194 x D 71 x H 75 cm. Materials: Solid White Oak and Cold-Rolled Steel. This listing features th...
Steel
Architectural Desk or Table in Solid Wengé Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Table or desk, solid wengé wood, Europe, 1970s A beautifully restrained European modernist desk or table, dating from the 1970s and executed in richly figured wengé wood. Its straig...
Wenge
Vintage British Chrome Table by Tim Bates for Pieff Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning table was designed by Tim Bates for Pieff Furniture in 1976. A classic piece of British design it was known as the 'TT' table due to the striking shape of the chrome fr...
Chrome
Postmodern vintage Italian small lacquer dining table / desk by Cidue, 1980s
By Cidue
Located in Hastings, GB
Postmodern small dining table / desk by Cidue, Italy 1980s. Deep red lacquered top with sharp angled edges; triangular matt black legs . Condition is overall good- a very tiny ding ...
Metal
$2,683 / item
Rúna Teak Oiled Oak Desk by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Rúna teak oiled oak desk by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D130 x W65 x H74 cm Material: Teak oiled solid oak Weight: 37 kg Also available in different finishes. Timeless desk with ...
Oak, Teak
$6,559Sale Price|20% Off
1980s Postmodern Marble Stone Executive Two Sided Desk
Located in Madison, WI
Incredible 1980s Postmodern Marble designer desk. Great for use as an executive desk or a two sided desk. The black pieces supporting the marble writing...
Marble
Post-War Chrome and Marble Desk by Skidmore Owings, Green Top, 1960s
Located in Queens, NY
American Post-War Design (1960s) rectangular chrome base office desk with a green marble top and 2 light wood side drawers. Designed by Skidmore Owing for Chase Bank...
Marble, Chrome
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Mix-Metals and Glass Dining Table by Rick Lee for DIA
By Kaizo Oto, Design Institute America
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A sculptural postmodern dining table or desk design by Rick Lee for Design Institute of America in 1993 The base is made out of mix metals (brass, chrome, br...
Brass, Stainless Steel, Chrome
$3,648 / item
Ideale Writing Desk by Dale Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Ideale Writing Desk by Dale Italia Dimensions: D 65 x W 105 x H 88 cm. Materials: Walnut. Writing desk with top in walnut veneer blockboard. Structure and legs in solid walnut Inclu...
Walnut
1970s Italian Travertine Dining, Conference Table, Desk, Rectangle Post-Modern
By Stone International, Willy Rizzo
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Simple is so often better! This elegant rectangular dining table shows us that. Filled and polished travertine-marble, with just the right amount of attractive natural grain. And a b...
Travertine, Marble
Hans Eichenberger, Secretary mod. HE for the Kollektion Röthlisberger Schweiz
By Kollection Röthlisberger Schweiz, Hans Eichenberger
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Postmodern secretary desk by Hans Eichenberger for Kollektion Röthlisberger Schweiz. Two drawers and glass shelves on the inside.
Metal
Roberto Fallani "IONICA" Desk with chair for Formitalia, Italy, 1991.
Located in Padova, IT
Roberto Fallani "IONICA" Desk with chair for Formitalia, Italy, 1991. Chair dimensions cm 72x63xH112 Lacquered wood with gilded and silver inserts. Literature: F. D'Amico, M. Do...
Wood
Postmodern Industrial Dining Table Designed by Robert Josten
Located in Culver City, CA
This dining table is equal parts post modern and industrial modern and just oozes California modernism. This dining table or writing desk was designed by Robert Josten in the 1970's. Made of aluminum, this metal grille / grid style is a staple of Robert Josten's work. This dining table is a great transitional piece that could easily flex into any contemporary environment. The table has an almost Allsaints, industrial modern feel with a slight steampunk vibe as well. The table could also be used in an ultra modern environment and would look great in a new modern designed home. This piece could also be used as a retail display table...
Aluminum
$2,683 / item
Rúna Smoked Oak Desk by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Rúna Smoked Oak Desk by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D130 x W65 x H74 cm Material: Smoked solid oak Weight: 37 kg Also available in different finishes. Please contact us. Timeless ...
Oak
Extraordinary, One of a Kind, Sculptural Desk and Chair, Japan, 1970s/80s
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A striking, unique, sculptural desk and chair, Japan, 1970s/80s. Fast shipping worldwide. Desk: W63 D43 H86cm Chair: W37 D34 H63cm
Metal
Large flat desk by A.G. Barcelona – 1970
Located in Girona, Girona
Large flat desk in mahogany veneer and light beech, 4 drawers in front, removable legs and top, waxed finishing. Design and manufacture by A.G. Barcelona Spain, Barcelona circa 1970
Beech, Mahogany
Vintage 1980s Deco Postmodern Burlwood Writing Desk
By Steve Chase, Ward Bennett, Karl Springer, Maitland Smith, Milo Baughman
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A striking vintage 1980s burlwood desk featuring a clean-lined postmodern silhouette and beautiful burl veneer throughout. Finished in warm cognac and caramel brown tones, the veneer...
Wood, Burl
Italian Glass Top on Chrome Executive 'Nomos' Desk by Norman Foster for Tecno
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A Large Executive Desk, designed by Sir Norman Foster and manufactured by Tecno, Italy. This vintage example dates to late 1980s and in superb original condition. A modern and sleek ...
Aluminum, Chrome
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Executive Desk, Italy, 1980s Maple Wood
Located in Sacile, PN
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, executive desk, bird’s-eye maple, Italy, 1980s. This postmodern pieces is sculptural and holds various striking elements. Firstly the execution of the...
Birdseye Maple
Memphis Writing Desk, Aldo Cibic, Memphis Milano, 1985
Located in Renens, CH
Rare "Sophia" Writing Desk by Aldo Cibic for Memphis Milano, 1985. Aldo Cibic, an associate of Ettore Sottsass, co-founded the Memphis Group in 1981 and produced some fifteen fur...
Laminate, Wood
Pierre Chapo “B40” Desk for Atelier Pierre Chapo, 1970
By Chapo Creation, Pierre Chapo
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Pierre Chapo “B40” Desk for Atelier Pierre Chapo, elm, France, 1970 Designed in the early 1970s by Pierre Chapo, the B40 desk exemplifies the sculptu...
Elm
Giovanni Michelucci Geometric Inlaid Wood Desk, Italy, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Giovanni Michelucci, Geometric Inlaid Wood Desk, Italy, 1970s A sculptural and architecturally inspired desk attributed to Italian architect Giovanni Michelucci, dating from the 197...
Hardwood, Beech, Walnut
Lupa Desk by Gisbert Pöppler, High Gloss Black Walnut, Germany
Located in Geneve, CH
Lupa desk by Gisbert Pöppler. Dimensions: D 170 x W 74,5 x H 76 cm. Materials: high gloss lacquered wood, black walnut. Work should not dominate our lives, so Lupa is a dainty d...
Walnut
$3,059 / item
BC Desk by DAaZ
Located in Geneve, CH
BC Desk by DAaZ Dimensions: D 50 x W 155 x H 74 cm. Materials: Albizzia wood, Ink stone. DAaZ Furniture honors the spirit of adventure. We embrace the escape of the ordinary and re...
Stone