Founded in 1904 in New York and family-operated through most of its history, Lightolier was one of the pioneering American electric lighting companies, best known for its embrace of stylistic and technical innovations.
Collectors focus on vintage Lightolier lighting fixtures produced from the 1950s and into the 1970s, when an in-house design team led by Gerald Thurston — and a stellar cast of international design contributors — created an array of practical yet aesthetically lively table lamps, floor lamps, sconces and chandeliers.
Amidst the post-World War II building boom, Lightolier — the name combines “light” and “chandelier” — aggressively boosted its residential lighting division. Thurston, who was strongly influenced by the sleek designs of Gino Sarfatti and his Italian lighting firm Arteluce, towards simpler lamp designs that offered flexibility of function. His best-known designs include the Cricket task light — a lamp with an adjustable enameled metal hood that toggles on a slender bent-metal base — and the three-legged Tripod floor lamp. At the same time, Thurston had a wonderful eye for talent and sought work from some of the lesser-known greats of the era, such as Paavo Tynell, the Finnish lighting designer, who designed several brass chandeliers for Lightolier with his trademark elegant flamboyance.
And more, Thurston recognized abilities in designers not known for their work in lighting.
Edward Wormley, head of furniture design for Dunbar, produced several noteworthy chandeliers employing canisters and reflective hoods. Alvin Lustig was famed as a graphic designer. His ca. 1953 Ring ceiling fixture for Lightolier had a minimalist techno look some 30 years ahead of its time. But this was par. Designed by Michael Lax in 1964, the Lytegem high-intensity lamp — included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art — features a ball-shaped shade attached with a chromed armature to a cubic base, a form that would be widely copied in the following decade. Chandeliers designed in the early 1970s by Gaetano Sciolari, with details such as acrylic diffusers and vertical, two-bulb arms, would define the look of lighting in their day.
A look through these pages reveals just how astonishingly wide a range of lighting pieces Lightolier produced. The company never flicked off its stylistic switch.
Find a collection of vintage Lightolier lamps and other lighting fixtures on 1stDibs.
Gaetano Sciolari Sirius Silver Plated Mid-Century Chandelier, Lightolier, Italy
By Lightolier, Gaetano Sciolari
Located in Vienna, AT
An impressive Modernist chandelier from the 1960s, model Sirius, designed by Gaetano Sciolari for Lightoiler, Italy. Made from silvered brass. The chandelier has three arms and offer...
Silver, Brass
Mid Century Thurston for Lightolier Torchiere
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Classic mid century torchiere floor lamp, designed by Gerald Thurston, for Lightolier. This stunning lamp features a black base from...
Brass, Steel
Midcentury Tri Pod Table Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier C 1950s
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in New York, NY
Classic midcentury table lamp designed by Gerald Thurston, made by Lightolier, circa 1950s. The lamp has a three leg, tripod form base of black rods, which support interior diffusers...
Metal
Walnut and Chrome Table Lamp by Gerald Thurston
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Denton, TX
Walnut and chrome table lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier.
Chrome
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Vintage Louvered Lightolier Pendant Light
By Lightolier
Located in San Diego, CA
1960s louvered Lightolier dome pendant lamp in the style of Verner Panton. Sleek light gray beige enameled form features staggered concentric c...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Multi-Light Frosted Glass Pendant Chandelier by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage hanging ceiling mount pendant light chandelier circa 1960's labeled Lightolier. This unique fixture features 5 sculptural white frosted...
Brass, Metal
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Lightolier Midcentury Atomic Pendant Light
By Lightolier
Located in San Diego, CA
Lightolier midcentury, vintage atomic style pendant. The frame is metal (shiny chrome) with clear bulbs (Light Bulbs included). Style and design...
Chrome
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Mid Century Walnut and Brass Floor Lamp
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier mid century walnut and brass floor lamp This lamp measures: 15 wide x 15 deep x 54.5 inches high This lamp is in Fair Vintage Condition with some sep...
Brass
1970's Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Black Lacquered Table / Desk Lamp
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in New York, NY
Gerald Thurston for lightolier basic concept table lamp with black lacquered steel base and lamp stem, white acrylic drum shade and plastic diffuser unde...
Metal
Adjustable Floor Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Classic Thurston design Mid Century saucer top reading lamp manufactured by Lightolier. The lamp can be raised to 52 in, or lowered to 42 in H, the disk shade is 12 in. in diameter, ...
Brass, Steel
$1,900Sale Price|50% Off
Nickel-Plated Lightolier Chandelier
By Lightolier
Located in North Miami, FL
Nickel-plated Lightolier chandelier from 1950s. With the pole height 40" made in Italy.
Metal
Lightolier 1970's Tinted Lucite and Chrome Cube Form Chandelier
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Pure 1970’s glam style, this chic fixture features four tinted translucent panels, which shield the interior ( 8 ) bulbs. The metal elements are bri...
Chrome
Japanese Style Grid Floor Lamp for Lightolier, 1970's
By Lightolier
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Four sided floor lamp evoking a Japanese Shoji screen. The frame of solid walnut set on an ebonized recessed plinth base with the frame having a...
Birch, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern 14-Arm Chrome Chandelier by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and graphic chandelier was realized by the esteemed American producer, Lightolier, circa 1970. It features 14 gently bowed chrome arms emanating from a circular body, a...
Chrome
Lightolier Gooseneck Desk Reading Lamp
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Adjustable desk, reading lamp. Classic Post Modern design in the Italian School.
Metal
Gerald Thurston Lightolier Floor Lamp
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Classic Mid Century floor lamp, designed by Gerald Thurston , manufactured by Lightolier, circa 1950/1960's. This example features a sculpted tri pod base of solid brass, solid walnu...
Brass
Large Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Brass, Iron and Glass Chandelier
By Sciolari Lighting, Gaetano Sciolari, Gerald Thurston, Lightolier, Stilnovo
Located in Houston, TX
Large Gerald Thurston for Lightolier brass, Iron and glass chandelier. Rare large Mid-Century Modern chandelier by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. This stunning modernist chandelier...
Brass, Iron
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Modern Frosted White Glass Hanging Pendant Light by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage ceiling pendant lamp manufactured by Lightolier circa 1960s. This unique shade is made of frosted glass that emits a glowing light. Perfect to use in the hallway, bedroom, or...
Metal
$2,062Sale Price|25% Off
Lightolier German Glass and Brass Flush Mount Chandelier
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
German cut glass dome flush mount chandelier with brass rim and finial by Lightolier, circa 1960s. Paper label attached.
Brass
Pair of Venetia Table Lamps by Lightolier, Light Blue and White Striped Glass
By Lightolier
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of "Venetia" table lamps by Lightolier. Striped with custom shades matching the originals. Glass is mint. The brass bases show signs of light wear with one having a small dent t...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Atomic Chrome and Glass Sputnik Style Chandelier
By Lightolier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage sixteen light chrome and white glass shade chandelier by Lightolier. Fixture features a chrome frame with trumpet form arms, round glass shades and great Sputnik form. Chande...
Chrome
Vintage Desk Lamp by Lightolier, White Metal Shade & Brass Arm, 1970s
By Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Adjustable white metal shade and white metal base with brass arm, HI-LO dimmer switch on top of the shade, medium base socket.
Brass, Metal, Wire
Torchere Floor Lamp by Gerald Thurston / Carl Moser for Lightolier, 1953
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Classic uplight torchère floor lamp with three vertical brass rods supporting a shallow brass bowl and wider glass shade. The base designed by Gerald Thurston with a textured, fire a...
Brass
Midcentury Pendant Lobby Light Forget Metal and Opaline Lampshade
By Massive Lighting
Located in Verviers, BE
Hanging pendant lights from the 1960s, designed by Massive Belgium with an opaline lampshade Its Classic modernist form and simplicity in design, mak...
Metal, Brass
$400Sale Price|30% Off
H 22.45 in Dm 9.45 in
Midcentury Murano Pendant Light, with Opaline Shade and Wooden Details
Located in Verviers, BE
Hanging pendant light from the late 1960s on an adjustable cable, designed in the Murano style with wood and an opaline shade. Its Classic modernist form and simplicity in design, ma...
Opaline Glass
Lightolier Yellow Chandelier, Mid-Century Modern
By Lightolier
Located in Fulton, CA
A canary yellow 5-light chandelier or pendant light by Lightolier. Can be installed as a pendant light with use of 8 foot chair or shortened to hang as a chandelier with desired depth achieved by shorting chain. Excellent original condition. Retains Lightolier paper label. Nice! Milk glass globes measure 6" diameter. Yellow chandelier...
Steel
$1,450
H 24.13 in Dm 17 in
Gerald Thurston Walnut and Brass Tripod Table Lamp for Lightolier, USA, 1950s
By Gerald Thurston
Located in Hamburg, PA
Illuminate your space with this iconic mid-century modern tripod table lamp designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier in the United States during the 1950s. Featuring a sculptural b...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A striking mid-century modern table lamp designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier, featuring its original molded white acrylic shade and rare perforated metal light diffuser. This ...
Metal
Gaetano Sciolari Italian Midcentury Brass Chandelier
By Gaetano Sciolari
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful patina. Italian brass chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari, from the early second half of the 20th century. Unusual and elegant. Great for transitional spaces.
Brass
Vintage Pendant Light by Massive, Belgium, 1960s
By Massive Lighting
Located in Verviers, BE
Vintage pendant light by Massive, Belgium. Last 2 pictures were taken in daylight Photography fails to capture the simple elegant illumination p...
Art Glass
Gerald Thurston Orange Saucer Floor Lamp for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Gerald Thurston Orange Saucer Floor Lamp for Lightolier. Overall great vintage condition with age appropriate wear. This item is in our NYC private showroom and can be viewed by a...
Metal, Brass
$4,800
H 17 in W 19 in D 19 in
Gerald Thurston Mid-Century Modern 1950s Tripod Table Lamp in Walnut & Brass
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very nice early example of this lamp in brass, walnut & off white enameled shades. Very hard to find lamp. Fully working in very good condition.
Brass, Steel
$1,299
H 62 in W 17 in D 16 in
Three Shade Midcentury Modern Floor Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Attractive and space efficient floor lamp designed by Gerald Thurston and manufactured by Lightolier. Both names are icons in the field of American midcentury modern lighting design ...
Metal
$1,275Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.25 in Dm 18.5 in
Gerald Thurston Tripod Table Lamp for Lightolier, Brass & Walnut
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Littleton, CO
Elegant and sculptural, this rare tripod table lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier embodies the refined sophistication of the best 1950s–60s American modern design. Its patinated ...
Brass
$3,850 / set
H 64.5 in W 28 in D 12 in
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Articulated Floor Lamps Mid Century Modern
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Articulated Mid Century Floor Lamps, designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier, American, circa 1960s. The floor lamps are fully adjustable, with the central shade adjusting...
Metal, Brass
Lightolier Adjustable Height Pull Down Brass Pendant Light Fixture
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gerald Thurston pull down pendant with glass shade and perforated brass elements a beautiful rare pendant 1950s.
Brass
Donald Deskey Halo Desk Lamp Lightolier
By Lightolier, Donald Deskey
Located in New York, NY
Donald Deskey Halo Desk Lamp for Lightolier. Rare Lightolier Desk Lamp Halo model attributed design of Donald Deskey, early Mid Century Modern 1935-55. ...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Gerald Thurston Mid-Century Modern Wishbone Lamp with Laurel Shade
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Masterfully crafted and strikingly elegant, this Gerald Thurston “Wishbone” lamp is a sculptural triumph of mid-century modern lighting. At its heart stands a beautifully turned soli...
Metal, Brass
Sixteen Light Candle Style Chandelier in Black Finished Metal by Lightolier
By Tommi Parzinger, Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Hollywood Regency, Mid-Century Modern chandelier manufactured by Lightolier, often attributed to Tommy Parzinger. This chic hanging fixture features 16 arms, each having an elegant elongated candle style top with bulb. This example is in very fine, original, clean and working condition, it comes with its original chain and ceiling canopy. Total H 33 x H w/o chain...
Metal
Sold
H 34 in W 18 in D 18 in
Mid Century Sciolari by Lightolier Tiered Brass and Glass Block Chandelier
By Lightolier, Gaetano Sciolari
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Gaetano Sciolari chandelier by Lightolier. A mid-century original, this piece is glamourous and sculptural. The piece has multiple lev...
Brass
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Walnut and Brass Tapered Table Lamp
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Vintage 1950s table lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. The lamp is comprised of a brass rod embellished with an elegantly tapered wood mid-section. The wood is so beautifully tu...
Metal
Sold
H 17 in Dm 13 in
1950s Paavo Tynell Style Blooming Brass & White Daisies Chandelier by Lightolier
By Paavo Tynell, Lightolier
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Springtime hope and renewed optimism emanate from this whimsical 1950s blooming daisies Chandelier in the style of Paavo Tynell by Lightolier. Organic. Happy. Uplifting. This unique chandelier gently stands on its own as a work of art and adds a special sense of joy and wonder to any space. Rare and hailing from the 1950s, this chandelier is a perfect choice for buyers seeking that unexpected WOW factor not seen anywhere else. This Paavo Tynell style chandelier...
Brass, Enamel
Pr. Adjustable Floor Lamps with Saucer Shades Thurston for Lightolier
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in New York, NY
Pair of adjustable floor, reading, lamps designed by Gerald Thurston, for Lightolier. Iconic saucer shade lamps, in creme, tan color, with brass elements. The saucer shade ( 12 in di...
Metal
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Table Lamp
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in New Windsor, NY
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier PL-79424 Basic Concept table lamp. Bright royal blue lacquered metal base with plastic drum shade and clear plastic diffuser. Circa 1970. Original work...
Steel
Sold
H 22.75 in W 17.75 in D 12 in
Mid Century Brass and Chrome Adjustable Swing Arm Lamp by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage swing arm brass and chrome table lamp manufactured by Lightolier Lighting Co. circa 1960's. This versatile piece functions with a classic swi...
Brass, Chrome
Lightolier Cone Shaped Mauve Color Table Lamp with Mushroom Shade
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Unique table lamp from famed producer, Lightolier. Designed by Gerald Thurston, the lamp has a few Lightolier labels present. The minimalist design cuts a clean silhouette with its t...
Metal
Sold
H 6.75 in W 12.25 in D 6.25 in
Pair Sconces by Lightolier, Chromed Steel Half Circles, Signed with Paper Label
By Lightolier
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of chrome wall sconce light fixtures manufactured by LIghtolier. Half circle / round design. Signed.
Steel, Chrome