Second Hand Space Age Furniture: Lamps, Chairs and Decor

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Space Age furniture looks as if it came straight out of a space capsule: round shells, tulip bases, spheres and chrome. At 2nd home you will find second hand and vintage Space Age furniture, lamps and decor from the 1960s and 70s, along with design classics in this idiom that are still made today. Lighting from the period is collected in our category Space Age lamps.

The era gave the style its name: the Space Age began with the launch of Sputnik 1 in October 1957, and in 1969 Apollo 11 landed on the Moon. Furniture designers turned that optimism into new materials. Fibreglass, moulded plastic, aluminium, chrome plated steel, smoked glass and acrylic replaced wood and upholstery, and colours grew bold: orange, red, white, purple. How the Space Age look grew out of postwar modernism is shown on our page mid century modern furniture.

Some icons of the style: Verner Panton designed the Panton Chair, first made by Vitra in 1967 and described by the manufacturer as the first cantilever chair made from a single piece of plastic; a smaller Panton Junior exists for children. More of his designs under Verner Panton. With the Tulip chair and Tulip table for Knoll, Eero Saarinen set out to clear away the clutter of legs under tables and chairs and put each on a single pedestal; see Eero Saarinen. For his 1966 Knoll collection, Warren Platner had hundreds of steel rods welded into armchairs and tables. Arne Jacobsen designed the Drop in 1958 for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, and Fritz Hansen has made it again since 2014.

Space Age is more than a chair. The style also covers coffee tables and dining tables in glass and chrome, magazine racks in perforated metal, plastic wine racks, modular candle holders, egg cups, wall clocks and barometers. Sideboards and chests of drawers with plastic fronts or rounded grips speak the same language. If you are furnishing a Space Age living room, pieces like these often work best next to calmer 1960s furniture, so that form and colour can stand out.

What to check on second hand Space Age furniture: plastic and fibreglass show scratches and can fade in sunlight, and fine cracks are easiest to spot in raking light. Check chrome for rust and chips, and glass tops for scratches and chipped edges. Some icons are still in production; the manufacturer's label, embossing or stamp tells you whether a piece is vintage or a later edition. If in doubt, ask for a photo of the underside. For background on the style and its designers, read our guide Space Age interior.

Buying used space age furniture: materials and designers

  • Find space age furniture here, from sofa to dresser, described with condition, dimensions and photos: plastic, chrome and the round forms of the late 1960s. The light to match is among the space age lamps, more shapes among the sofas and the dressers.

    History meets modernity: The rebirth of Space Age design

    In the late 1950s, marked by the launch of Sputnik 1, the world officially entered the Space Age - an era that not only symbolized the beginning of space travel, but also ushered in a revolutionary phase in interior design. Space Age design, with its futuristic feel and use of innovative materials such as plastic, fiberglass and molded plywood, reflected the optimism and experimentation of the time and created iconic Space Age furniture. Today, these iconic designs are experiencing a renaissance and are finding their way into contemporary interiors as used furniture. They give every room a feeling of retro-futurism that is both nostalgic and timelessly modern. Discover with us how you can give your home a unique character with vintage furniture and vintage lamps from this special mid-century era.

    The material revolution: plastic, fiberglass and molded plywood

    The Space Age era brought a revolution in the use of materials. Plastic, fiberglass and molded plywood became groundbreaking for furniture design - materials that enabled designers to create shapes and structures that were previously impossible. These innovations led to pieces of furniture that are unique not only in their functionality but also in their aesthetic expression. Used furniture from this period bears the traces of the past and tells stories of innovation and design courage. They fit seamlessly into modern interiors and prove that good design stands the test of time. In our range you will find vintage furniture and used furniture that combine the best of the material innovations of Space Age design and give your room a futuristic but warm character.

  • Iconic designers and their unforgettable creations

    Space Age design would be unthinkable without the visionary designers of the era. Greats such as Verner Panton with his Panton Chair, Arne Jacobsen with the Egg Chair, Eero Aarnio, who created the Ball Chair, and Eero Saarinen, known for the Tulip Chair, designed pieces of furniture that are still considered the epitome of futuristic design today. These designers created not just furniture, but true design classics and interior works of art that redefined the boundaries of what was possible in their form and function. Their creations, available from us as used furniture, are not only sought-after collector's items, but also timeless additions to any interior that make a statement and enrich the room with a history and a touch of retro-futurism. With us you will find a carefully curated selection of vintage furniture, vintage lamps and vintage decorations from these legendary designers that will give your home a touch of mid-century modern elegance.

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Frequently asked questions and answers

What is Space Age design and what characteristics characterize this style?

Space Age design is a futuristic style that became popular in the 1960s during the space race. This style is characterized by organic shapes, innovative materials such as plastic and fiberglass, and bright colors. Typical features include spherical elements, curved lines, and an overall futuristic look inspired by space travel and technology.

Space Age design is a style from the 1960s and 1970s that was inspired by the enthusiasm for space travel and future technology. Typical features of this design are:
- Organic, futuristic forms
- Use of bright colors such as orange, white and silver
- Materials such as plastic, fiberglass and metal
- Smooth, shiny surfaces
- Furniture and lights reminiscent of spaceships or space capsules
- Innovative and often unconventional designs

These design elements reflect the optimistic view of the future and the fascination with the space age. Space Age furniture, lighting and
Decorations are characterized by their unique and avant-garde appearance, which still finds fans today. Vintage and second-hand pieces in the Space Age style are particularly popular and give every room a touch of retro-futurism. The Space Age design underlines your style.

What types of furniture, lamps and decoration are typical for the Space Age style?

Typical Space Age furniture and decorative items include:

  • Spherical armchairs and chairs, againBall Chairby Eero Aarnio.
  • Futuristic lamps, as theSputnik lamp.
  • Organically shaped tables and cabinetswith shiny surfaces.
  • Decorative objectsHowvasesandsculpturesin abstract forms

Typical furniture, lighting and decoration in the Spaceage style are futuristic and innovative in design. For example, a Space Age table or Space
Age coffee table is characterized by curved lines and often unusual materials such as plastic or glass. Space Age lamps, especially a Space Age
Ceiling lamp or mushroom lamp, often have spherical or organic shapes and shine in strong colors. Geometric patterns dominate the decoration
and shiny surfaces. Vintage and second-hand pieces are particularly sought after because they retain the authentic retro charm of Space Age design.

Where can I find Space Age furniture and decoration, both new and used?

At2nd homeyou will find a wide selection ofSpace Age furniture and decorationOur collection includes both original vintage pieces and well-preserved second-hand items. Browse through our categories and discover pieces for your home.

You can find Space Age furniture and decoration both new and used in shops and at flea markets. For new pieces,
Specialized designer furniture stores and some large furniture stores offer a selection. You can find used Space Age furniture and decoration in excellent quality and a unique selection here at 2nd home. We offer a large collection that we curate and develop further for you. Here you will also find every service, a convenient purchase of your Spaceage furniture with our buyer protection and full delivery to your home or office.

How can you distinguish authentic Space Age pieces from imitations or replicas?

You can recognize authentic Space Age pieces by:

  • manufacturer or designer markings: Many originals have labels or signatures.
  • material quality: Originals often use high-quality materials such as fiberglass or ABS plastic.
  • patina and signs of aging: Slight signs of wear may be an indication of age.
  • documentation: Certificates or original invoices increase authenticity.

To distinguish authentic Space Age pieces from imitations or replicas, you should pay attention to a few important features:
1. Materials: Original Space Age furniture and lighting were often made of high-quality materials such as plastic, chrome and glass. Check the
Quality of the materials exactly.
2. Markings and labels: Many original pieces have markings or labels from the manufacturer. Look for such markings.
3. Design features: Look for typical design features of the Space Age era, such as futuristic shapes, organic lines and bold colors.
4. Age and patina: Original pieces often have a certain patina or signs of wear that are absent in replicas.
5. Documentation and origin: Reliable sellers can often document the origin and history of a piece. Ask for such
Information.
6. Expert advice: We at 2nd home are always happy to help and advise you. Consult us to verify authenticity.
These tips can help you distinguish genuine Space Age furniture, lighting and decoration from imitations

What tips are there for the care and preservation of Space Age furniture and decoration?

To care for and preserve Space Age furniture and decoration, follow these tips:
1. Cleaning: Use mild detergents and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage surfaces.
2. Storage: Keep furniture and decorations away from direct sunlight and moisture to avoid discoloration and damage.
3. Repairs: Minor damage can often be repaired with special adhesives or repair kits. For larger damages, consult a specialist.
4. Upholstery: Clean upholstery regularly with a vacuum cleaner. If there are stains, use a suitable upholstery cleaner.
5. Metal parts: Polish metal parts regularly to prevent rust.
6. Wooden parts: Care for wooden parts with special wood care products to protect the surface.
7. Lamps: Check the wiring regularly and replace defective bulbs immediately.
These measures will help extend the life of your Space Age furniture and decoration.

  • curation, selection and active search

    Every product you find on 2nd home comes from our curation and quality process . This includes our vintage Icons of Mid-century Space Age furniture and design .

    Our team is constantly looking for trends and new items to offer you high-quality vintage and second-hand goods and plenty of inspiration.

    And if you are looking for something specific, you can contact us at any time.

  • Delivery

    At 2nd home you buy what already exists: our furniture , carpets , lights and decorative objects are available and ready to ship, with no production lead time as with new furniture. Another advantage when you buy vintage and second hand.

    For more information about shipping and delivery , see Returns & Refunds .

  • service

    At 2nd home we place great importance on quality and customer satisfaction. Sellers are selected by 2nd home, and every piece is described with its condition, dimensions and photos.

    If you have any questions, our customer service will help you You can find further information about our buyer protection, legal guarantee and right of return in our cancellation policy .

  • Pre-owned instead of new

    Every piece has already been made and stays in use; there is no new production.

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