'Mania' Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Magistretti introduced Mania in the early 1960s as part of Artemide’s Studio Artemide collection, reflecting his interest in balanced, minimal compositions of simple geometric forms.
Brass
'Grande Mania' Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Single Grande Mania Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1960.
Brass, Aluminum
Vico Magistretti, Grande Mania, A Wall Applique, Artemide, 1964
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Paris, FR
Vico Magistretti (1920-2006) Grande Mania A white glass wall applique, made of two superimposed opaline glass shades of different size, mounted on a round white metal frame.
Glass
Large 'Grande Mania' Wall Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Large 'Grande Mania' Wall Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide Large version of glass wall sconce called "Grande Mania" in the shape of a mushroom, designed by Vico Magistretti ...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Mania Wall Sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
A rare and striking pair of Mania wall sconces designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy.
Plexiglass
Single large 'Grande Mania' Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Single large 'Grande Mania' Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide Gorgeous glass wall sconce called "Grande Mania" in the shape of a mushroom, designed by Vico Magistretti in 19...
Metal, Brass
Set of 2 'Mania' wall lamps by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Argelato, BO
"Mania" is one of the first lamps designed by Vico Magistretti, presented at the XIII Triennale di Milano (1964); the project dates back to 1963, the year in which production began w...
Brass
Set of 2 'Mania' wall lamps by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Argelato, BO
"Mania" is one of the first lamps designed by Vico Magistretti, presented at the XIII Triennale di Milano (1964); the project dates back to 1963, the year in which production began w...
Brass
Rare Set of two Glass and brass Mania sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide.
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Catania, CT
Good vintage condition with normal trace of age and use for this set of two rare Artemide Mania in white Murano Glass. Designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide and produced in Italy...
Brass
"Mania" Sconce by Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian "Mania" wall light with white opaline polycarbonate shades mounted on white metal frame / Made in Italy, designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, circa 1960s Height...
Acrylic
"Mania" Sconce by Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian "Mania" wall light with white opaline polycarbonate shades mounted on white metal frame / Made in Italy, designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, circa 1960s Height...
Acrylic
Vico Magistretti for Artemide Mania sconces 1960s
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set di due applique modello Mania, vintage di modernariato, disegnate da Vico Magistretti per Artemide nel 1963, modello con vetri opalini bianchi di Murano e dettaglio in ottone, It...
Brass
'Mania' Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mania Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1960.
Brass
5 "Mania" Sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
(2) “Mania” sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide.
Steel
Mania Sconces in Glass by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
“Mania” wall sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide in white glass, aged brass and steel. 1960s Italian design.
Steel, Brass
Sold
H 8.67 in W 9.45 in D 3.94 in
1960s Vico Magistretti Italian Midcentury Sconces Model Mania for Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of four sconces or wall lamps model Mania designed by Italian Vico Magistretti for Artemide in 1963, white glass and brass detail.
Metal, Brass
"Mania" Wall Lamp by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in bruxelles, BE
White wall lamp in plastic and metal by Vico Magistretti with original packaging. Wear due to age and time. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Metal
Sold
H 10.75 in W 11.56 in D 5.43 in
Vico Magestretti "Mania" Sconces, Polycarbonate, Metal, Artemide, Italy, C. 1963
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of polycarbonate and metal sconces, model "mania", designed by Vico Magestretti and produced by Artemide, Italy, c. 1963.
Metal
Sold
H 12.21 in W 11.82 in D 4.73 in
Italian mid-century modern wall lamp Mania Vico Magistretti Artemide, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern wall lamp Mania Vico Magistretti Artemide, 1960s Wall lamp model Mania in opaline glass.
Brass, Metal
Sold
H 10.63 in W 11.42 in D 5.52 in
Vico Magistretti per Artemide Coppia di Lampade da Parete "Mania", Italia 1960s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Naples, IT
Applique da parete Vico Magistretti "Mania", Prodotto in Italia, anni '60. Due gusci in vetro opalino di Murano, struttura in metallo smaltato e agganci in ottone. L' applique si il...
Metal, Brass
"Mania" Wall Lamps by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1970, Set of 2
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of white wall lamps in plastic and metal by Vico Magistretti. Wear due to age and time.
Metal
Sold
H 9.45 in W 9.06 in D 3.94 in
Set of 4 wall lamp model. Mania by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Palermo, PA
Set of 4 wall lamp model. Mania by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, 1970s.
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 29.14 in W 86.62 in D 21.26 in
Vico Magistretti Samarcanda Sideboard in Black Wood and Skai by Poggi 1970s
By Vico Magistretti, Poggi
Located in Cascina, Pisa
He also designed a set of lamps for Artemide, including Mania (1963), Dalù (1966), Chimera (1969), the extremely famous Eclisse (1967, Golden Compass award in the same year), Teti (1...
Faux Leather, Wood
4 "Mania" Sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
(4) “Mania” sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide.
Steel
Single Grande Mania Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Single Grande Mania Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1960.
Brass
Pair of "Mania" Sconces by Artemide, 2 Pairs Available
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian "Mania" wall lights with white Murano glass shades and brass details / Made in Italy, designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, circa 1960s Height: 9.5 inches / Wid...
Murano Glass
Pair of 'Mania' Sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mania Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1960.
Brass
Sold
H 10.63 in W 11.42 in D 5.52 in
1960s Vico Magistretti Italian Midcentury "Big Mania" Sconces for Artemide
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
1960s three polycarbonate sconces or wall lamps model "Big Mania" designed by italian Vico Magistretti and manufactured by Artemide in 1963.
Metal
"Mania" Wall Lamp by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wall lamp in plastic and metal by Vico Magistretti with original packaging. Wear due to age and time.
Metal
Sold
H 10.75 in W 11.56 in D 5.43 in
Vico Magestretti "Mania" Sconces, Polycarbonate, Metal, Artemide, Italy, c. 1963
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of polycarbonate and metal sconces, model "Mania", designed by Vico Magestretti and produced by Artemide, Italy, c. 1963.
Metal
Sold
H 10.75 in W 11.56 in D 5.43 in
Vico Magestretti "Mania" Sconces, Polycarbonate, Metal, Artemide, Italy, c. 1963
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of polycarbonate and metal sconces, model "Mania", designed by Vico Magestretti and produced by Artemide, Italy, c. 1963.
Metal
Sold
H 10.75 in W 11.56 in D 5.43 in
Vico Magestretti "Mania" Sconces, Polycarbonate, Metal, Artemide, Italy, C. 1963
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of polycarbonate and metal sconces, model "Mania", designed by Vico Magestretti and produced by Artemide, Italy, c. 1963.
Metal
Sold
H 10.75 in W 11.56 in D 5.43 in
Vico Magestretti "Mania" Sconces, Polycarbonate, Metal, Artemide, Italy, C. 1963
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of polycarbonate and metal sconces, model "Mania", designed by Vico Magestretti and produced by Artemide, Italy, c. 1963.
Metal
Sold
H 11.82 in W 11.82 in D 5.32 in
Vico Magistretti 'Grande Mania' Italian Wall Sconces for Artemide, 1963
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Vico Magistretti 'Grande Mania' Italian Wall Sconces for Artemide, 1963 Gorgeous pair of glass wall sconces in the shape of mushrooms, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1963 and produ...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 9.06 in W 9.06 in D 4.34 in
'Mania' Model Single Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1960s, Italy
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Hagenbach, DE
'Mania' Model Single Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1960s, Italy Very nice high quality wall lamp.
Metal
Sold
H 3.94 in Dm 9.45 in
Italian Vico Magistretti "Mania" Glass Wall Lamps Sconces for Artemide 1960s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of four Italian sconces or wall lamps model Mania designed by italian designer Vico Magistretti for Artemide in 1963 model with white opaline Murano glass (see sticker) and brass...
Brass
Sold
H 11.62 in W 11.62 in D 5.52 in
Vico Magistretti "Mania" Italian Glass Wall Lamps Sconces Model, Artemide 1960s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of two Italian sconces or wall lamps model Big Mania designed by italian designer Vico Magistretti for Artemide in 1963 model with large white opaline Murano glass and brass deta...
Brass
Set of 3 'Mania' wall lamps by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Argelato, BO
"Mania" is one of the first lamps designed by Vico Magistretti, presented at the XIII Triennale di Milano (1964); the project dates back to 1963, the year in which production began w...
Brass
Sold
H 3.94 in Dm 9.45 in
Vico Magistretti Italian Glass Wall Lamps Sconces Model Mania for Artemide 1960s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of three Italian sconces or wall lamps model Mania designed by italian designer Vico Magistretti for Artemide in 1963 with Murano white glasses, 1960s XIII Triennale.
Brass
Sold
H 9.45 in W 9.85 in D 3.94 in
Rare pair of Glass Mania sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. 1960s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Catania, CT
Good vintage condition with normal trace of age and use for this set of two rare Artemide Mania in white Murano Glass. Designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide and produced in Italy...
Brass
Sold
H 3.94 in W 9.45 in D 9.45 in
Rare Pair of Glass Mania Sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1960s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Catania, CT
Good vintage condition with normal trace of age and use for this set of two rare Artemide Mania in white murano glass. Designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide and produced in Italy...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 11.03 in W 11.42 in D 5.52 in
Pair of Grande Mania Wall Lamps by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1960s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A pair of Grande Mania wall lamps designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Artemide in 1963.
Brass
Set of 2 'Mania' wall lamps by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Argelato, BO
"Mania" is one of the first lamps designed by Vico Magistretti, presented at the XIII Triennale di Milano (1964); the project dates back to 1963, the year in which production began w...
Brass
Sold
H 9.45 in W 9.45 in D 3.55 in
Pair of Vico Magistretti "Mania" White Italian Glass Sconces for Artemide, 1960s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing set of two white glass wall lamps model "Mania". Vico Magistretti designed this astonishing pair of sconces in Italy in 1963 for an Artemide production.
Metal
Sold
H 11.03 in W 11.42 in D 5.52 in
Wall Lamp, Sconce “Grande Mania” by Vico Magistretti for Artemide 1960s, 1970s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Padova, IT
Grande Mania, one of the first lamps designed by Vico Magistretti, was presented at the 13th Triennale di Milano (1964), although the project dated back to 1963, the year in which he...
Metal
Sold
H 11.03 in W 11.03 in D 4.73 in
Vico Magistretti for Artemide Italian Glass Brass Mania Sconces Wall lamps 1960s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of three italian midcentury modern design sconces or wall lamps model Grande Mania designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide in 1963 with Murano white glass models and brass deta...
Brass
Sold
H 9.45 in W 9.45 in D 3.94 in
Italian Mid-Century Wall Sconces by Vico Magistretti 'Mania' for Artemide, 1963
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Gorgeous pair of glass wall sconces in the shape of mushrooms, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1963 and produced by Artemide, Italy. Both wall sconces are in exceptional good condit...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 9.45 in W 9.45 in D 3.94 in
Italian Mid-Century Wall Sconces by Vico Magistretti 'Mania' for Artemide, 1963
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Gorgeous pair of glass wall sconces in the shape of mushrooms, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1963 and produced by Artemide, Italy. Both wall sconces are in exceptional good condit...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 11.82 in W 11.03 in D 4.73 in
Large Murano Glass Wall Lamp By Vico Magistretti For Artemide Mania Model 1960s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Palermo, IT
Large Murano glass wall lamp by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Mid-Century Mania 1960s model Intact and in excellent condition, two E27 lamps, metal and brass structure, small signs...
Metal, Brass
Vico Magistretti Mania Sconces for Artemide, 1970
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Vico Magistretti Mania sconces for Artemide, 1970. Polycarbonate.
Plexiglass
Vico Magistretti Mania Sconces for Artemide, 1970
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Vico Magistretti Mania sconces for Artemide, 1970. Polycarbonate.g
Metal
$1,882 / set
H 21.66 in W 24.02 in D 35.83 in
Pair of Italian Mid-Century-Modern Lounge Chairs in Ochre Boucle, 1970s Italy
Located in Zagreb, HR
Pair of Vintage Italian Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs or club chairs. Modules can be used as a modular sofa or modular seating set. Beautiful and unique shape. A 1970 design and p...
Bouclé, Foam, Wood
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 25 in W 25 in D 7 in
Single 'Lola' Sconce by Sergio Mazza and Guiliana Gramigna for Quatrifollio
By Quattrifolio, Sergio Mazza
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Single 'Lola' Sconce by Sergio Mazza and Guiliana Gramigna for Quatrifollio. Designed and manufactured in Italy, in 1974. Four large plastic petals make up this visually striking se...
Plastic
$1,650 / item
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
Mamun Bedside (Dark Brown/Dusty Blue)
Located in Singapore, SG
Mamun, which translates to trustworthy in Arabic, was designed by Studio Kallang in 2021 as a playful take on both midcentury and brutalist forms. Designer Faezah Shaharuddin intende...
Teak
LU Louis Sconce AS
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome LU Louis sconce AS. An all brass wall sconce in an aged silver finish with patterned perforations by Lumfardo Luminaires. Made contemporary in the US. Multiples available fo...
Brass, Nickel
$2,890 / item
H 4.72 in Dm 14.57 in
Stilnovo Bruno Gatta Ceiling Lamps Glass Flush Mounts Model 1152, Italy 1960
By Stilnovo, Bruno Gatta
Located in Vienna, AT
Very scarce set of multiple flush-mounts by Stilnovo (marked), Italy 1960 Sold and priced per item. 7 out of 23 are still available. Dimensions re 14.57" x 4.72" Early vintage origi...
Brass, Aluminum
$2,800 / set
H 17.5 in W 10.5 in D 6.5 in
Pair of Art Deco Murano Smoked Glass Wall Sconces, Italy Contemporary
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Art Deco style Murano smoked glass wall lights, contemporary Smoked / fume color and horizontal striation texture Black opaline finial and brass accents Art Deco inspired de...
Brass
Set of 4 Slender 'Campagne' Counter Stools by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 slender 'Campagne' counter stools by Design Frères. Comfortable, with a minimal footprint. Extra support under the rush seat. Feet pads to protect flooring.
Steel
$4,800
H 23.63 in Dm 31.5 in
Large Ten-Arm Chandelier Rupert Nikoll Brass Wood Opaline Glass, Austria, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, J.T. Kalmar, Stilnovo
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A beautiful and large ten-arm chandelier by Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, fmanufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). A nice mixture of materials: large opaline /...
Brass
Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue
By Streicher Goods, Ethan Streicher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Every mushroom lamp is hand-made and hand-painted by Ethan Streicher, the founder and designer behind the Streicher Goods brand in Brooklyn, NY. The lamp's silhouette is simple and c...
Brass
$1,120 / item
H 15.7 in W 5.5 in D 4.7 in
Curl Contemporary Wall-Mounted Sculpture in White Plaster, Hannah Woodhouse
By Hannah Woodhouse
Located in London, GB
Handmade Curl wall-mounted sculpture, in silky smooth white plaster, created by artist Hannah Woodhouse in her London studio. Contemporary design inspired by nature and midcentury Eu...
Plaster
Pata de Elefante Large Floor Lamp, Sculptural Parota Wood Base
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
Pata de Elefante Large Floor Lamp — Atomic Collection by Isabel Moncada Floor-standing and fully commanding, the Pata de Elefante Large brings the iconic ""Elephant's Foot"" silhoue...
Fiberglass, Linen, Textile, Wood
Italian Modern Diabolo Sconce Stilnovo Style, Wall Light
By Stilnovo
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Italian modern diabolo sconces. The lampshades are adjustable and can light in different directions. Two bulbs per lampshade. Excellent condition, beautiful sculptural and decorati...
Brass
Deco Sconce by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Art Deco style wall light with amethyst Murano glass shade hand blown with bubbles inside the glass using Bollicine technique, mounted on bronzed finish frame / Designed by F...
Brass
LUrman Sconce LALB
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Part of our Lumfardo Luminaires contemporary collection, the LUrman Sconce LALB is an adjustable reading sconce in a lightly aged lacquered brass finish. Single E12 based socket. Max...
Brass
Tiled Mirror
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
TILED MIRROR, designed in 2025. This mirror is crafted with hand-built tiles that are available in customer's own choice of glaze. Crafted by skilled artisans in Northern Portugal....
Ceramic, Mirror, Walnut
As one of the founding fathers of modern Italian design, prolific architect and industrial designer Ludovico Magistretti (known by his nickname Vico) was guided by his philosophy, “There is no excuse for bad design.” His architectural projects are widely revered, and an ingenious meld of form and function can be found in his stylish and deceptively simple table lamps, sofas, armchairs and other mid-century furnishings.
Born in Milan, Magistretti followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather (both architects) to study architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. At the outbreak of World War II, he fled to Switzerland, and it was there he met his role model and mentor, renowned humanist architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers. Magistretti was inspired by Rogers’s vision to revive postwar Italy, and they collaborated on several reconstruction projects. Among Magistretti’s first architectural designs is a “poetic” round church, which he created for the QT8, an experimental Milanese neighborhood.
When Magistretti returned to Milan in 1945, he worked at his father’s architectural firm. It wasn’t until the early 1950s that he expanded his talents into design while working with furniture artisans.
In the 1960s, Magistretti began his 30-year working relationship with famed entrepreneur Cesare Cassina of the Cassina furniture manufacturing company. In their design approach, the two men shared a vision of the relationship between modernity and tradition and enjoyed a close bond (Magistretti designed Cassina’s luxurious villa in 1965). However, their friendship was not without contention.
Legend has it that upon seeing the prototype for Magistretti’s Maralunga sofa, Cassina hated it so much that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumpled into itself.
“Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that,” an unfazed Magistretti allegedly responded, and the Maralunga’s slumped, adjustable-height backrest was born. Incidentally, the Maralunga sofa won Italy’s Compasso d’Oro award as did his Eclisse lamp for Artemide and his Atollo lamp for Oluce.
Magistretti died in 2006, but his designs live on in galleries, museums and private residences and offices around the world.
Find a range of vintage Vico Magistretti furniture and lighting on 1stDibs.
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
From the kitchen to the bedroom and everywhere in between, there is one major part of home decor that you definitely want to master: lighting. Carefully selected vintage sconces and wall lights can do wonders in establishing mood and highlighting your distinctive personality.
We’re a long way from the candelabra-inspired chandeliers of the medieval era. Lighting is no longer merely practical, and lighting designers have been creating and reinventing lighting solutions for eons. Because of the advancements crafted by these venturesome makers, we now have the opportunity to bring unique, customizable lighting solutions into our homes.
It’s never been easier to create dramatic bedrooms, cozy kitchen areas and cheerful bars than it is today. Think of an elegant wall sconce as functional and as a work of art, adding both light and style to your hallways, whimsical kids’ rooms and elsewhere.
When choosing a lighting solution, first determine what your needs are: Will you opt for a moody or a bright feel? The room that will serve as your home office will need adequate lighting — think “the brighter, the better” for this particular setting.
For the bedroom, bedside wall lamps with warm-temperature bulbs instead of bedside table lamps could be the way to go to induce a sense of calm or intimacy. Try to match the style of the wall light or sconce that you’re installing to the overall design scheme of your room. It’s never “just a light.” You should approach the lighting of a room with a mindset that is one part practical and one part aesthetics-driven.
Let 1stDibs help you set the mood with the right antique and vintage wall lights and sconces for your home. Our collection includes every kind of fixture, from sculptural works by Austrian craftsman J.T. Kalmar to chic industrial-style wall sconces, from adjustable painted aluminum wall lamps designed by Artemide to a wide variety of minimalist mid-century modern masterpieces.