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Post-Modern Table Mirrors

POSTMODERN STYLE

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

  • Emerges during the 1960s; popularity explodes during the ’80s
  • A reaction to prevailing conventions of modernism by mainly American architects
  • Architect Robert Venturi critiques modern architecture in his Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture (1966)
  • Theorist Charles Jencks, who championed architecture filled with allusions and cultural references, writes The Language of Post-Modern Architecture (1977)
  • Italian design collective the Memphis Group, also known as Memphis Milano, meets for the first time (1980) 
  • Memphis collective debuts more than 50 objects and furnishings at Salone del Milano (1981)
  • Interest in style declines, minimalism gains steam

CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Dizzying graphic patterns and an emphasis on loud, off-the-wall colors
  • Use of plastic and laminates, glass, metal and marble; lacquered and painted wood 
  • Unconventional proportions and abundant ornamentation
  • Playful nods to Art Deco and Pop art

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 Mendinia 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.

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Style: Post-Modern
20th C. Leather and Wood Foldable Beveled Mirror by French Brand Hermès Paris
Located in North Miami, FL
20th century leather and wood foldable beveled mirror by french luxury design house Hermès Paris By: Hermès Paris Material: glass, leather, wood, mirror Technique: embossed, polishe...
Category

20th Century French Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Glass, Leather

Mirror Moods Make Up Table, Brass, Steel & Wood, Hand Made in UAE
Located in دبى, DU
A pop of fun intended to uplift the make-up experience. This table comprises of simple forms but speaks brightly with salmon colored bases contrasted with a pistachio countertop. A backlit, soft glow...
Category

2010s Emirian Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Brass, Steel

Small Onde Mirror by Studio Kallang
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Onde Mirror by Studio Kallang Dimensions: W 40 x D 5 x H 40 cm Materials: Solid Sungkai. STUDIO KALLANG IS A SINGAPORE AND SEATTLE BASED PROJECT FOCUSING ON OBJECTS DESIGNED ...
Category

2010s Singaporean Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Wood

Afrodita Mirror by Cuit Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Afrodita Mirror by Cuit Studio One of a Kind. Dimensions: D 12 x W 41 x H 34 cm. Materials: Textured natural finish stoneware and mirror. Sculptural table mirror...
Category

2010s French Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Stoneware, Mirror

Vintage Shagreen Table Mirror from London
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This stand-alone tabletop mirror is framed in authentic Shagreen. The symmetrical blue/brown Shagreen sections stand out against the creamy finish of the framework. A crown cornice g...
Category

Late 20th Century British Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Shagreen

Barbican Mirror No.2 by A Space
Located in Geneve, CH
Barbican Mirror No.2 by A Space Dimensions: D38,1 x W17,78 x H38,1 cm Materials: Misc recycled. The design duo conceived the Barbican Collection over the spring/summer of 2020 w...
Category

2010s American Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Other

Barbican Mirror No.3 by a Space
Located in Geneve, CH
Barbican mirror No.3 by A Space Dimensions: D 64,77 x W 11,43 x H 58,42 cm Materials: Misc recycled. The design duo conceived the Barbican Collection over the spring/summer of 2...
Category

2010s American Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Other

Astra Table Mirror-24 by Clemence Birot
Located in Geneve, CH
Astra table mirror-24 by Clemence Birot Dimensions: Mirror Ø 24 x 20 cm Materials: mirror, glass, cork. Clemence Birot started her career in Copenhagen, Denmark, and discovered...
Category

2010s French Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Cork

Astra Table Mirror-30 by Clemence Birot
Located in Geneve, CH
Astra table mirror-30 by Clemence Birot Dimensions: Mirror Ø 30 x 33 cm Materials: mirror, glass, cork. Clemence Birot started her career in Copenhagen, Denmark, and discovered...
Category

2010s French Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Cork

Marrakesh Small Table Mirror by Tero Kuitunen
Located in Geneve, CH
Marrakesh small table Mirror by Tero Kuitunen Material: slip cast terracotta, Mdf, chalk paint, mirror, brass. Dimensions: D20 x H40 cm Edition o...
Category

2010s Finnish Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Brass

Astra Table Mirror-34 by Clemence Birot
Located in Geneve, CH
Astra Table Mirror-34 by Clemence Birot Dimensions: Mirror Ø 34 x 50 cm Materials: mirror, glass, cork. Available in shiny and sandblasted version. Clemence Birot started her ...
Category

2010s French Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Cork

Selfish Table Mirror Large Polished Brass by decarvalho atelier
Located in São Paulo, BR
selfish table mirrors The name of the collection is a pun, self and selfishness – it is a ``critique`` of the current quest for perfection, the pressure we suffer to always be tidy a...
Category

2010s Brazilian Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Brass

Set of 3 Astra Table Mirrors by Clemence Birot
Located in Geneve, CH
A set of 3 astra table mirrors by Clemence Birot Dimensions: Ø 34 x 50 cm; Ø 30 x 33 cm; Ø 24 x 20 cm. Materials: mirror, glass, cork. Clemence Birot started her career in Cope...
Category

2010s French Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Cork

Marrakesh Large Table Mirror by Tero Kuitunen
Located in Geneve, CH
Marrakesh large table mirror by Tero Kuitunen Material: slip cast terracotta, Mdf, chalk paint, mirror, brass. Dimensions: D 30 x H 58 cm Edition of 8 Also available: different c...
Category

2010s Finnish Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Brass

Mirrò Mirror by Mingardo
Located in Geneve, CH
Mirrò mirror by Mingardo Dimensions: D 26 x W 6 x H 32 cm Materials: Iron and natural brass, mirror Weight: 4 kg Also available in different finishes. Mirrò is a small des...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Brass, Iron

Roger Lecal Chabrieres Co. "Lipstick" Table Mirror
Located in Norwalk, CT
A unique post-modern form, Roger Lecal designed this vanity/table mirror for Chabrieres & Co. The "Lipstick" Vanity mirror, circa 1970s, resembles a tube o...
Category

1970s French Vintage Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Resin

Match Table and Hand Mirror by Studio Lievito
Located in Geneve, CH
Match table and hand mirror by Studio Lievito Dimensions: D 27 x W 7 x H 17 cm Materials: bianco carrara marble/ nero marquina marble, mirror. Weight: 0.8 kg An ironic take on the idea of challenging the image reflected back at you in the mirror. A double-sided mirror is shaped like a table tennis...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Marble

Marrakesh Medium Table Mirror by Tero Kuitunen
Located in Geneve, CH
Marrakesh medium table mirror by Tero Kuitunen Material: slip cast terracotta, Mdf, chalk paint, mirror, brass. Dimensions: D20 x H53 cm Edition of 8 Also Available : different c...
Category

2010s Finnish Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Brass

Set of 3 Marrakesh Table Mirrors by Tero Kuitunen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Marrakesh table mirrors by Tero Kuitunen. Material: slip cast terracotta, Mdf, chalk paint, mirror, brass. Dimensions: D30 x H58 cm, D20 x 53cm , D20 x H40 cm Edition of 8...
Category

2010s Finnish Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Brass

Ossi Mori Mirror by Studiopepe
Located in Geneve, CH
Ossi Mori mirror by Studiopepe Dimensions: W 36 x D 22 x H 36 cm Materials: Onyx, copper, limestone. Multifaceted design agency Studiopepe was founded in Milan in 2006. Eclectic...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Onyx, Limestone, Copper

Selfish Table Mirror Small Polished Brass by decarvalho atelier
Located in São Paulo, BR
selfish table mirrors The name of the collection is a pun, self and selfishness – it is a ``critique`` of the current quest for perfection, the pressure we suffer to always be tidy a...
Category

2010s Brazilian Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Brass

Ilario Mirror by Mingardo
Located in Geneve, CH
Ilario mirror by Mingardo Dimensions: D 47 x W 18.5 x H 47 cm. Materials: iron and natural brass, mirror. Weight: 7 kg Also available in different finishes. The name of the...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Brass, Iron

Burnt Mirror by Daniel Elkayam
Located in Geneve, CH
Burnt mirror by Daniel Elkayam One of a Kind Dimensions: D 10 x W 27 x H 42 cm Materials: Burnt beech wood Jerusalem-born Art-designer and phot...
Category

2010s Israeli Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Wood

Burnt Mirror with Cuts by Daniel Elkayam
Located in Geneve, CH
Burnt mirror with cuts by Daniel Elkayam One of a Kind Dimensions: D 10 x W 27 x H 42 cm Materials: Burnt beech wood Jerusalem-born Art-designer and Photographer based in Te...
Category

2010s Israeli Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Wood

Karl Springer Brass and Nickel Vanity Mirror
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Karl Springer brass and Nickel Vanity mirror.
Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Harp Table Top Vanity Mirror in Blackened Steel and Brass by Steven Bukowski
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Perfect size to check your pretty self out in the AM. The angle of the mirror is fully adjustable with the locking knob located on the rear. Blackened steel with brass details. 10" d...
Category

2010s American Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Brass, Steel

Barbera 'Bronze' Makeup Mirror, Cast Solid Bronze
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Designed by Daniel Barbera, the 'Bronze' make-up mirror is made from a sandcast solid bronze form that is hand finished to a smooth mirror polish, with the option of a satin or black...
Category

2010s Australian Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Bronze

Vanity Mirror Yukka by Anna Anselmi for Bieffeplast, 1980
Located in Weesp, NL
1980 Bieffeplast stylish vanity mirror designed by Anna Anselmi in fantastic condition as can be seen in the images. This rare piece with on one side a regular mirror and on the othe...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Harp Table Top Vanity Mirror in Satin Brushed Copper by Steven Bukowski
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Perfect size to check your pretty self out in the AM. The angle of the mirror is fully adjustable with the locking knob located on the rear. Solid copper with stainless details. 10" ...
Category

2010s American Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Copper, Stainless Steel

Postmodern Round Anodized Brass Vanity Mirror Ascribable to Sergio Mazza, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. It features an anodized brass and varnished metal frame. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Post-Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Brass, Metal

Post-modern table mirrors for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Post-Modern table mirrors for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage table mirrors created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include mirrors, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Post-Modern table mirrors made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original table mirrors, popular names associated with this style include Decarvalho Atelier, Steven Bukowski, Anna Anselmi, and Daniel Barbera. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for table mirrors differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $228 and tops out at $6,400 while the average work can sell for $1,121.

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