Mid-Century Modern Lighting

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

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

Emerged during the mid-20th century
Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
A heyday of innovation in postwar America
Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
Promotion of functionality

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

Charles and Ray Eames
Eero Saarinen
Milo Baughman
Florence Knoll
Harry Bertoia
Isamu Noguchi
George Nelson
Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa

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.

Style: Mid-Century Modern

Huge Vintage Murano Glass Tiered Chandelier - 78 ALABASTER WHITE glasses

$4,177

Huge Vintage Murano Glass Tiered Chandelier - 78 ALABASTER WHITE glasses

By Mazzega

Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT

Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel plated metal structure on 4 levels. The armor polished nickel supports 78 large albaster white glass tubes in a star shape. Per...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Alabaster

Mid-Century Aged Brass and Metal Pair of Wall Lamps, 1960s, Italy

$1,102

Mid-Century Aged Brass and Metal Pair of Wall Lamps, 1960s, Italy

Located in Hagenbach, DE

Mid-Century Aged Brass and Metal Pair of Wall Lamps, 1960s, Italy Lamp are in very good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use This lamps work with E14 standard light ...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Fantastic pair of Murano glass tube wall sconces—13 green alabaster glass tubes

$1,670 / set

Fantastic pair of Murano glass tube wall sconces—13 green alabaster glass tubes

By Mazzega

Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT

Italian vintage pair of wall sconces in Murano glass and nickel-plated metal structure. The polished nickel frame supports 13 large green alabaster glass tubes arranged in a star sha...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass

Murano Chandelier / ceiling light Original Palmette, two levels, 82 pink glasses

$4,061

Murano Chandelier / ceiling light Original Palmette, two levels, 82 pink glasses

By Mazzega

Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT

Luxury and GENUINE Murano Glass chandelier. HAND MADE IN MURANO. It made by 82 Murano pink glasses, two levels, in a gold painted metal frame. The chandelier also has a Murano cle...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Art Glass

Large Murano glass Chandelier - 101 turquoise tube glasses

$4,873

Large Murano glass Chandelier - 101 turquoise tube glasses

By Mazzega

Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT

Italian vintage chandelier in Murano glass and nickel plated metal structure. The armor polished nickel supports 101 large turquoise glass tubes which have a slightly textured effect...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass

Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Art Deco brass pendant light, Italy, 1940s

$6,846

Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Art Deco brass pendant light, Italy, 1940s

By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte, Oscar Torlasco, Arredoluce, Stilnovo

Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES

Compatible with US/EU standards. LED compatible. Mid-Century and Art Deco style pendant lamp by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1940s. This chandelier is composed of a brass ...

Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass, Enamel, Chrome

Pair of Lunel Sconces, Arlus Biny Era French Mid-Century Modern Lighting c.1950

$1,543

Pair of Lunel Sconces, Arlus Biny Era French Mid-Century Modern Lighting c.1950

By Maison Lunel

Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR

This sophisticated pair of wall sconces is a premier example of post-war French lighting design, produced by the renowned manufacturer Lunel circa 1950. The sconces display a minima...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Arthur Jacobs Sculpted Korina Wood Floor Lamp for Modeline of CA

$2,895

Arthur Jacobs Sculpted Korina Wood Floor Lamp for Modeline of CA

By Arthur Jacobs

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Materials: Korina Wood, Polished Brass, New Custom Linen Shade ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history ...

Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Astra Wall Light, Brass, Mid-Century Modern, Norway, 1950s

$2,901

Art Deco Astra Wall Light, Brass, Mid-Century Modern, Norway, 1950s

Located in Hillringsberg, SE

This wonderful wall mounted lamp was made in Norway in the 1950s. With its organic look made in brass this piece gives a modern as well as a midcentury look. Good vintage condition...

Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Large Gold Murano Ribbon Twist Lamps by Seguso

$5,500 / set

Pair of Large Gold Murano Ribbon Twist Lamps by Seguso

Located in New York, NY

Stunning pair of large Murano ribbon twist lamps by Seguso. The beautiful golden Murano glass lamp bodies have a white ribbon twist deign. They have been Newly rewired with adjustabl...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of vintage Murano wall sconce - green triedri - Column model

$1,160 / set

Pair of vintage Murano wall sconce - green triedri - Column model

By Venini

Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT

Fantastic pair of vintage Murano wall sconce made by 7 green prism (triedri) for each applique in a chrome metal frame. The shape of this sconce is column. The wall lamps can be inst...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Art Glass

Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Globe Wall Sconces

$2,200 / set

Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Globe Wall Sconces

Located in Rome, IT

Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, designed with a refined brass structure and spherical opaline glass diffusers. Each fixture features a round brass wall plate supp...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Rare Austrian Brass Pendant Attributed to Kalmar, Loos Manner, 1980s

$2,784

Rare Austrian Brass Pendant Attributed to Kalmar, Loos Manner, 1980s

By Adolf Loos, Kalmar Lighting

Located in Hannover, DE

An exceptionally rare and beautifully crafted Austrian pendant lamp of museum-quality craftsmanship, executed in solid brass and inspired by the timeless design philosophy of Adolf L...

Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Globe Wall Sconces

$1,900 / set

Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Globe Wall Sconces

Located in Rome, IT

Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, designed with a simple and well-balanced composition typical of mid-century Italian lighting. Each fixture features a round brass ...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Rare Set of Three Italian Capiz Shell Wall Sconces, circa 1970s

$1,787 / set

Rare Set of Three Italian Capiz Shell Wall Sconces, circa 1970s

Located in Hannover, DE

A striking and exceptionally rare set of three handcrafted wall sconces, most likely produced in Italy during the 1970s. Their elegant sculptural silhouette, combined with the natura...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Vintage White Opaline Glass Double Brass Pendant Light

$458

Vintage White Opaline Glass Double Brass Pendant Light

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Opaline glass globe 2 meter black cotton flex Brass top and bottom Weight: 1.70 kg / 3.7 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international standards...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Austrian Midcentury Set of Three Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s

$4,020 / set

Austrian Midcentury Set of Three Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s

By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting

Located in Badajoz, Badajoz

Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Three Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken...

Category

1970s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Spectacular French Mid-Century Clipper Ship Wall Light, circa 1950

$5,000

Spectacular French Mid-Century Clipper Ship Wall Light, circa 1950

Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR

Bring a distinctive maritime spirit to your interior with this exceptional French Mid-Century wall light, handcrafted in iron during the 1950s. Designed in the form of an elegant three-masted clipper ship, this sculptural lighting fixture perfectly combines decorative artistry with functional illumination, making it an outstanding statement piece for collectors of vintage French design and nautical décor. The finely worked iron structure showcases graceful sails, intricate rigging, and subtle gilt accents that beautifully catch the light. Its square composition gives the piece a bold architectural presence while preserving the elegance and balance characteristic of French decorative arts from the post-war period. Whether installed in a living room, library, office, seaside residence, or sophisticated hallway, this wall light creates a warm ambient glow and serves as a captivating focal point. The original gilt highlights display gentle age-related wear, a desirable feature that enhances the authentic vintage character and testifies to the piece's history without detracting from its visual appeal. The overall condition remains very good, with a rich patina appreciated by collectors of genuine mid-century lighting. Dimensions: Height: 28 in. (71 cm) Width: 16.9 in. (43 cm) Depth: 7.2 in. (18.2 cm) Professionally rewired and ready for immediate installation, this wall light is compatible with electrical standards in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, China, and many other countries. It also accommodates modern LED bulbs, offering energy-efficient performance while preserving its timeless aesthetic. An exceptional example of French Mid-Century lighting, this rare nautical wall sconce...

Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Iron

Expertly Restored - Gerald Thurston Sculpted Tripod Brass & Walnut Table Lamp

$2,250

Expertly Restored - Gerald Thurston Sculpted Tripod Brass & Walnut Table Lamp

By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Materials: Walnut Wood, Brass Accents & Hardware, New Linen Shade Dimensions: 26in H x 13in W x 13in D Lamp Shade: 8in H x 17in W ________________________________________ Transf...

Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

LT305 Lotus Lamp, Designed by Carlo Nason for AV Mazzega

$5,407

LT305 Lotus Lamp, Designed by Carlo Nason for AV Mazzega

Located in London, GB

Carlo Nason designed Lotus Lamp LT305 for AV Mazzega The iconic design “Lotus” Lamp LT305 by Carlo Nason and manufactured by AV Mazzega Crafted from hand-blown Murano glass, its la...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Exceptional Murano Transparent Glass Sputnik Chandelier - 51 clear glasses

$3,365

Exceptional Murano Transparent Glass Sputnik Chandelier - 51 clear glasses

By Mazzega

Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT

Italian Sputnik chandelier in brass plated metal frame, 51 rare transparent glass tips. Murano blown glass in a traditional way. 10 light points. Period: late xx century Dimensions: ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Art Glass

Celestia Ceiling Light by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy, 1980/90s

$8,122

Celestia Ceiling Light by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy, 1980/90s

By Flos, Afra & Tobia Scarpa

Located in Milano, IT

More than a lighting fixture, the Celestia ceiling lamp is a sculptural presence that reflects Tobia Scarpa’s distinctive approach to design for Flos during the 1980s. Defined by its...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair of elegant Murano wall sconces

$1,044 / set

Pair of elegant Murano wall sconces

By Vistosi

Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT

Elegant pair of wall sconces featuring a distinctive Murano glass shade. The sconce has an elongated oval shape, mounted directly on the wall. The glass showcases a highly structured...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Art Glass

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Model-170 Brass Tripod Table Lamp for Hansen

$2,895

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Model-170 Brass Tripod Table Lamp for Hansen

By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Manufacturer: Hansen Lamps Inc. Materials: Polished Brass, New Linen Shade Dimensions: 21in H x 11.50in W x 11.50in D Lamp Shade: 8in H x 17.25in W x 17.25in D _____________________...

Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pairs of Murano wall/table lamps by Attr Albano Poli, 1960s–1970s

$2,901 / set

Pairs of Murano wall/table lamps by Attr Albano Poli, 1960s–1970s

By Poliarte, Albano Poli

Located in Palermo, IT

Produced in Italy in the 1960s and 1970s. Two table or wall lamps, with a clear Murano glass shade. This is a pair of vintage bubble-glass table or wall lamps. Made of heavy, handcr...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel, Chrome

Achille Castiglioni Mid-Century Beige Flat Dome "Cocoon" Pendant, Italy 1960s

$1,508

Achille Castiglioni Mid-Century Beige Flat Dome "Cocoon" Pendant, Italy 1960s

By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni

Located in Roma, IT

Wonderful Mid-Century dome-shaped Cocoon pendant light in beige resin and steel. This gorgeous ceiling light was designed by Achille Castiglioni and produced in Italy during the 1960...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Steel

Small White Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1960s

$1,160

Small White Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1960s

By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar

Located in Hagenbach, DE

This striking small chandelier was designed by Emil Stejnar for the renowned Vienna-based lighting manufacturer Rupert Nikoll in the 1960s. Stejnar is celebrated for his poetic and c...

Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Rare Stilnovo Mid-Century Modern Pendant Lamp

$16,400

Rare Stilnovo Mid-Century Modern Pendant Lamp

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Stilnovo, pendant lamp, lacquered aluminum, satin glass, brass, steel, Italy, 1950s/60s This rare pendant lamp by Stilnovo dates back to the 1950s-1960s and is distinguished by a c...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Steel

Large Adjustable Brass Pendant Lamp with Counterweight by Florian Schulz

$5,105

Large Adjustable Brass Pendant Lamp with Counterweight by Florian Schulz

By Adolf Loos, Florian Schulz, Fog & Mørup, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Vereinigte Werkstätten München

Located in München, DE

A beautiful brass pendant lamp from the 1960s. The lamp produces a truly beautiful lighting effect. Its design and distinctive shade create a sophisticated and pleasant light. The la...

Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair of 1950s Italian Brass, Green Lacquered Metal and Opaline Glass Sconces

$1,900 / set

Pair of 1950s Italian Brass, Green Lacquered Metal and Opaline Glass Sconces

Located in Rome, IT

Pair of Italian wall sconces dating from the 1950s, characterized by a slender and angular composition typical of mid-century Italian lighting design. Each fixture is built around a ...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Sculpted Wood Floor Lamp by Roller Lamp Co.

$1,695

Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Sculpted Wood Floor Lamp by Roller Lamp Co.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Designer: Roller Lamp Co. Manufacturer: Roller Lamp Co Materials: Walnut-Stained Oak Wood, Brass Accents, New Custom Linen Shade Dimensions: 63in H x 11in W x 11in D Lamp Shade: 15...

Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of articulated "Cocoon" wall lights, resin and pine, Italy, Circa 1970's

$2,146 / set

Pair of articulated "Cocoon" wall lights, resin and pine, Italy, Circa 1970's

Located in BARCELONA, ES

Beautiful pair of articulated "cocoon" wall lights, Italy, 1970s. Each sconce showcases masterful hand-applied resin threads over a metal frame, creating the iconic cocoon effect — a...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Pine, Resin

Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s

$2,547 / set

Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s

By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting

Located in Badajoz, Badajoz

Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...

Category

1970s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Italian vintage Murano chandelier - 52 amber green petals

$2,901

Italian vintage Murano chandelier - 52 amber green petals

By Mazzega

Located in Gaiarine Frazione Francenigo (TV), IT

Huge Italian vintage Murano chandelier made by 52 glasses, green colors, nickel metal structure. The glasses are very high quality, the photos do not do the beauty, luster of these ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Art Glass

Colette Houtmann Pink Ceramic Table Lamp, Ruelland Style - France c.1980

$1,102

Colette Houtmann Pink Ceramic Table Lamp, Ruelland Style - France c.1980

By Colette Houtmann

Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR

A signed French studio ceramic table lamp by potter Colette Houtmann, circa 1980. It features a rounded globular shape with a beautiful glossy mottled red and pink glaze. This charm...

Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Rare Modernist Florian Schulz Brass Pendant Lamp Model Duan, Germany 1970s

$4,699

Rare Modernist Florian Schulz Brass Pendant Lamp Model Duan, Germany 1970s

By Florian Schulz

Located in München, BY

Rare and elegant Mid-Century Modern ceiling lamp model “Duan” designed by Florian Schulz, Germany 1970s. Featuring polished brass frame and two circular round brass shades - lacquer...

Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

"Pillola di Studio" Table Lamp by Da for Nai, designed by Cesare Casati, 1968

$1,740

"Pillola di Studio" Table Lamp by Da for Nai, designed by Cesare Casati, 1968

By Cesare Casati and Emanuele Ponzio

Located in Milano, MI

Pillola table lamp, designed by Cesare Casati and Emanuele Ponzio in 1968, produced by Studio Da for Nai. There are signs of wear, consistent with normal use. More information and im...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Italian Yellow Murano Wall Sconce by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, 1970s

$1,699

Italian Yellow Murano Wall Sconce by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, 1970s

By Mazzega, AVMazzega, Carlo Nason

Located in Badajoz, Badajoz

Cool, beauty and unique Italian Yellow Murano glass Wall Sconce from 1970s by Carlo Nason. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy for the Venice Company ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce Pair of '259/2' Wall Lights

$12,800 / set

Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce Pair of '259/2' Wall Lights

By Massimo Vignelli, Arteluce

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce, pair of '259/2' wall lights, aluminum, fabric, Italy, 1964 In the 259/2 wall lights, designed by Massimo Vignelli for Arteluce in 1964, the interplay...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Original John Saladino Modern Blown Glass Cylindrical Table Lamps, Pair

$4,200 / set

Original John Saladino Modern Blown Glass Cylindrical Table Lamps, Pair

By John Saladino, Pyrex

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Pair of original Model #999 table lamps designed by John Saladino, circa 1970's. These iconic lamps are constructed of heavy-walled, industrial-grade clear Pyrex glass. One lamp ha...

Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Chrome

Large J.T. Kalmar Curved Basket Chandelier, Brass & Textured Glass, Vienna, 1950

$4,200

Large J.T. Kalmar Curved Basket Chandelier, Brass & Textured Glass, Vienna, 1950

By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar

Located in Vienna, AT

An elegant Austrian Mid-Century Modern brass chandelier from the 1950s, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar Vienna, Austria. Measuring 21.5 inches in diameter, this refined chandelier featur...

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Brass Table Lamp, Desk Lamp, Egon Hillebrand-Model 7613, Germany, 1960s

$696

Brass Table Lamp, Desk Lamp, Egon Hillebrand-Model 7613, Germany, 1960s

By Egon Hillebrand

Located in Schwerin, MV

Large Bauhaus-style lamp from the 1960s: Large brass table lamp by the company Egon Hillebrand from West Germany, model 7613. This very solid lamp stands out with its large, curved l...

Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Mid Century, Danish Modern, Hourglass Teak lamps

$925 / set

Pair of Mid Century, Danish Modern, Hourglass Teak lamps

Located in Montréal, QC

Pair of Mid Century, Danish Modern, Hourglass Teak lamps Spectacular pair of teak lamps in pristine condition. Unknown origin but appear to be Danish. Height to socket: 18" Height ...

Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Teak

Large Mid-Century Modern Valinte Table Lamp in Brass & Rattan, Finland 1950s

$4,966

Large Mid-Century Modern Valinte Table Lamp in Brass & Rattan, Finland 1950s

By Valinte Oy

Located in Helsinki, FI

A striking and unusually large Finnish Mid-Century Modern table lamp by Valinte, manufactured in the 1950s. Elegant in its simplicity yet sculptural in its form, the lamp is defined ...

Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Metal

Red "Equator" Pendant Lamp by Fog & Morup, 1960s, Denmark

$928

Red "Equator" Pendant Lamp by Fog & Morup, 1960s, Denmark

By Fog & Mørup

Located in Hagenbach, DE

This striking red “Equator” pendant lamp was produced by Fog & Mørup in Denmark during the 1960s and is a distinctive example of Scandinavian mid-century lighting design. Its sculptu...

Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Italian Mid-Century Amber Murano Glass Wall Sconce by Mazzega, 1970s

$1,172

Italian Mid-Century Amber Murano Glass Wall Sconce by Mazzega, 1970s

By Mazzega 1946, AVMazzega, Mazzega

Located in Badajoz, Badajoz

Unique and beauty Italian Amber Murano glass Wall Sconce from 1970s. This fixture was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Italy by Mazzega. This Wall Sconce is equipped wit...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Chandelier Wrought Iron and Hammered Glass by Longobard, Italy, 1970s

$2,784

Midcentury Chandelier Wrought Iron and Hammered Glass by Longobard, Italy, 1970s

By Poliarte, Longobard

Located in Rome, IT

Midcentury amazing chandelier in wrought iron and multi-color hammered glass produced by Longobard the concurrent of Poliarte at the 1960s / 1970s. Made in Italy in the 1970s. ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Iron

1990s Gorgeous "Commedia dell'Arte" table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonange

$590

1990s Gorgeous "Commedia dell'Arte" table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonange

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Milano, IT

This exceptional "La Commedia dell'Arte" table lamp represents a prestigious collaboration between the Piero Fornasetti and the avant-garde Milanese lighting house Antonangeli Illumi...

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Plastic

Mid-Century Modern Italian Chandelier in Reticello Murano Glass and Teak

$22,700

Mid-Century Modern Italian Chandelier in Reticello Murano Glass and Teak

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Chandelier, Reticello Murano glass, teak, chrome-plated brass, Italy, 1940s How charming is this 1940s Italian chandelier, featuring a beautifully carved fixture in teak with an ele...

Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Karl Springer Orb Brass Large And Small Table Lamps

$8,500 / set

Karl Springer Orb Brass Large And Small Table Lamps

Located in New York, NY

Amazing pair of late 1970's solid brass Orb small and large table lamps designed by Karl Springer, in vintage original condition, with some noticeable wear and patina to the brass du...

Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Large Mid Century Modern Glass & Brass Chandelier 97cm/38in Wide

$23,800

Large Mid Century Modern Glass & Brass Chandelier 97cm/38in Wide

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Chandelier, glass, brass, Europe, 1960s These elegant chandelier embodies the refined glamour of European mid century lighting design. Its sculptural composition of textured glass e...

Category

1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Adjustable Rattan Pendant Hanging Light, Italy, 1970

$1,856

Adjustable Rattan Pendant Hanging Light, Italy, 1970

Located in Antwerp, BE

Large Spiral-wrapped pencil reed pendant in diabolic shape, Italy 1970s, the stem can be extend by pulling out at 80-130 cm and with a rotating technique, the shade can be placed in ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Bamboo

Square Mid-Century Flush Mounts, 1960s, Italy

$1,160 / item

Square Mid-Century Flush Mounts, 1960s, Italy

By Stilnovo

Located in Hagenbach, DE

A refined pair of square Mid-Century flush mounts, produced in Italy during the 1960s. The lamps feature a clean geometric form with dark metal frames and softly textured acrylic gla...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Lisa Johansson-Pape, 1950s Large Flush Mount, ORNO, Finland

$2,402

Lisa Johansson-Pape, 1950s Large Flush Mount, ORNO, Finland

By Stockmann-Orno, Lisa Johansson-Pape

Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi

Large flush mount plafondier by the renown designer LIsa Johansson-Pape for ORNO, Finland. The light is Designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape in the 1950s, this large flush mount light by ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Decora Z Lamp by Louis Kalff for Philips, Belgium, 1950s

$1,895

Decora Z Lamp by Louis Kalff for Philips, Belgium, 1950s

By Louis Kalff

Located in Bristol, GB

Iconic Decora Z Lamp designed by Louis Kalff for Philips in the mid 1950s. Black original paint finish with brass arm and detailing. Philips manufaturer's stickers still present to ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Hans Agne Jakobsson 'B140' Table Lamp in Brass with Silk Fringe

$4,250

Hans Agne Jakobsson 'B140' Table Lamp in Brass with Silk Fringe

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, Sweden, 'Fringe' table lamp, model 'B-140', brass, silk, Sweden, 1960s An iconic Fringe table lamp designed by Hans-Agne...

Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

1990s Rare "Aquarium" Floor Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonangeli

$1,980

1990s Rare "Aquarium" Floor Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonangeli

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Milano, IT

1990s Gorgeous "Aquarium" Floor Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonangeli in polypropylene. The lamp features a continuous, brilliantly silk-screened polypropylene shade adorned with ...

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Plastic

Semi transparent opaline glass Art deco ceiling lamp ca 1920

$275

Semi transparent opaline glass Art deco ceiling lamp ca 1920

Located in Amsterdam, NL

White / semi transparent opaline glass Art deco ceiling lamp ca 1920 Aluminium glass holder with porcelain bulb holder Weight: 0.95 kg / 2.1 lb Priced per individual item. All lamp...

Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Large Vintage Mid Century Brutalist Table Lamps by Laurel Lamp Co.

$2,799 / set

Pair of Large Vintage Mid Century Brutalist Table Lamps by Laurel Lamp Co.

Located in Oxnard, CA

Here is a fantastic pair of patinated Brutalist metal table lamps by Laurel Lamp Co., circa 1960s. The large cylindrical brass forms feature an acid etched bronze finish, accented b...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel

Fairy Tale style gilt wrought iron wall lights by Ferro Art, Spain, 1940s

$6,034 / set

Fairy Tale style gilt wrought iron wall lights by Ferro Art, Spain, 1940s

By Willy Daro, Maison Charles, Maison Jansen, Hans Kögl, Ferro Art

Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES

Compatible with US/EU standards. LED compatible. Mid-Century and Tudor Revival style wrought iron wall lights by Ferro Art (also known as Ferroarte), Spain, 1940s. Composed of a wro...

Category

1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf

Mid-century Modern lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern lighting 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 lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern lighting made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Germany pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lighting, popular names associated with this style include Fabio Ltd, J.T. Kalmar, Stilnovo, and Glashütte Limburg. 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 lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $60 and tops out at $649,671 while the average work can sell for $2,162.

This Paavo Tynell Chandelier Is a Radiant Bouquet

The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.

Why Is Italy Such a Hotbed of Cool Design?

Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.

See How New York City Designers Experiment on Their Own Homes

There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.

Jeff Andrews Captures Old Hollywood Glamour in His Cinematic Spaces

Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.

New Orleans’ Lee Ledbetter Makes Design Magic by Mixing Past and Present

The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.

Desert Modern Designer Arthur Elrod Finally Gets His Day in the Sun

The Palm Springs interior decorator developed a mid-century style that defined the vacation homes of celebrities and other notables, including Bob Hope and Lucille Ball.