When Ted Stiffel (1899–1971) founded Stiffel in 1932 in Chicago, he wanted to make functional, thoughtfully designed table lamps, floor lamps and other fixtures that were available at an accessible price. Born in Memphis, Stiffel first pursued a career in music before serving in World War I. After his discharge, he worked with the Western Electric Company in Chicago and then the Nellie J. Kaplan Company, a lighting firm also in the Windy City.
After he started his own lamp business, Stiffel began supplying area department stores and by the 1940s had opened a large factory that was producing lamps for nationwide sale, eventually competing with the likes of the Frederick Cooper Lamp Company, also based in Chicago.
In 1948, designer Edwin J. Cole joined the company and created some of the firm’s most striking table lamps. Today, Cole’s vintage mid-century modern lighting fixtures for Stiffel, frequently with distinctively tall and shapely ceramic bodies and finished with decorative brass chinoiserie details, are highly prized by collectors.
One of Stiffel’s innovations was his patented switch, which simplified turning lights on and off: All someone had to do was grasp a lamp’s pole and gently pull down. He also designed a pole lamp with a vertical tube that held a series of fixtures on the outside. The upright pole lamp was so innovative that Sears, Roebuck and Company copied it. Stiffel sued, and the case ended up in the Supreme Court in 1964. The ruling against Stiffel was influential in whether states can give a patent to objects that do not have the invention required of federal patents.
After declaring bankruptcy in 2000, the brand was revived in 2013 in Linden, New Jersey, where newly produced high-quality lamps carry the Stiffel name.
Find a collection of vintage Stiffel lamps and other lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
Mid Century Modern Lightolier Tripod Table Lamp Gerald Thurston 1954 "Profile"
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Peoria, AZ
MAGNIFICENT! Lightolier Tripod Table Lamp Brass & Walnut Gerald Thurston Designer 1954 Here is a marvelous Mid Century Modern Icon! The 1954 Tripod Brass & Walnut Table ...
Metal, Brass
Walter Von Nessen Art Deco Chrome Table Lamp! Mid Century Modern Decorator Rare
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Peoria, AZ
ONE OF THE MOST COVETED NESSEN LAMPS IN THE WORLD! MINIMALIST ART DECO STYLE! CHROME RING BASE WITH TRIPOD TOWER STRUCTURE! WHITE LINEN SHADE (APPROX. 24" TALL By 18" WIDE ) Th...
Metal, Chrome
Mid Century Modern Lightolier Tripod Custom Floor Lamp After Gerald Thurston MCM
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Peoria, AZ
Custom Lightolier Style Tripod Floor Reading Lamp Brass & Linen In the Manner of Gerald Thurston MAGNIFICENT! Here is a marvelous custom Lightolier styled tripod reading floor la...
Metal, Brass
Glorious MId Century Danish Modern Atomic Fiberglass Shade Table Lamp 1950s
By Frederic Weinberg, Hansen Lighting Co.
Located in Peoria, AZ
Sweet! Mid Century Modern Fiberglass Tripod Table / Accent Lamp! Rare design! This is a marvelous mid century lamp that features a Danish Modern styled design with fiberglass bod...
Fiberglass, Wood
Rare Rembrandt Lamp! Iconic Mid Century Modern "Twilight Zone" Lamp MCM 1950s
By Rembrandt Lamp Company
Located in Peoria, AZ
RARE MARVELOUS MODERNISM! REMBRANDT MCM LAMP! "Twilight Zone" " "Third From The Sun" HISTORIC MID CENTURY LIGHTING! ATOMIC AWESOME! DIMENSIONS: HEIGHT: 38.5" SHADE: 19" MILK GLASS DIFFUSER FABRIC SHADE WITH TEXTURED GOLD FOIL LINING CIRCA 1953 WOW! THIS IS IT! The famous wildly modern Rembrandt lamp featured in the 1960 Twilight Zone episode "Third From The Sun". In this the 14th episode of Rod Serling's Sci-Fi masterpiece two scientists plan to escape their doomed world which is about to have a nuclear war. This modernist Rembrandt lamp was used in the lead character's home, right next to some modern art, to help present an otherworldly & futuristic decor. The viewers don't know that this world is not Earth until the end of the show, but the futuristic decor, unusual camera angles and unusual vehicle sounds were subtle hints! A timeless part of television history and a coup for Rembrandt lamp designers to be chosen to depict the most advanced lamp design! This lamp was expensive new and production was never as high as their lesser quality competition. The result is that now these lamps are becoming impossible finds. The few owners privileged enough to own one never let them go. They are far too cool! Now that brash mid century optimism and outrageousness makes them even more wonderful than when they were new! This one is in very fine vintage condition with all the expected patina and minor blemishes time takes on metal, glass, wood and enamel. The fabric lamp shade with its gold foil textured lining is lost technology that would be impossible to reproduce today at any price and is also in very fine vintage condition. This showpiece lamp features a giant "Mogul" socket which was used in most floor lamps and large table lamps prior to 1955, One will be provided with the lamp, and they are still available. It truly is a modern miracle to find this tall 39" monumental lamp! Displays beautifully! If you've ever wanted to have otherworldly decor in your interiors - this is your opportunity! If you haven't seen the episode, it is a must watch...
Metal, Enamel
Mid Century Tripod Lamp! Gerald Thurston Lightolier Designer Atomic Decor
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Peoria, AZ
EXQUISITE! MID CENTURY MODERN LIGHTOLIER TRIPOD TABLE LAMP BRASS & LINEN BY GERALD THURSTON DIMENSIONS: Approximately 27" High x 18" Wide Offered is a simply fabulous mid cent...
Metal
Large Rare Midcentury Table Lamp, Germany, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
- very rare type - nice style of lighting
Chrome
Mid Century Kemp And Lauritzen Table Lamp
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage Kemp & Lauritzen Table Lamp, 1965 A true icon of Danish 1960s design. This original Kemp & Lauritzen table lamp pairs space-age styling with warm, functional light. Desi...
Chrome
Mod. 8022 Table Lamp from Stilnovo, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Brussels, BE
Mod. 8022 table lamp from Stilnovo, 1960s.
Metal
Vintage Mid Century Modern Tony Paul Westwood Swedish Table Lamp
Located in Seattle, WA
Fully Functional Cone Shaped Tall Vintage Lamp. Base of the Lamp Has Brass Toned Accent and Walnut Toned Wood. Possibly 1950s. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Ligh...
Metal
Mid Century Tri Pod Form Table Lamp Att. to Thurston, circa 1950
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Architectural design table lamp attributed to Gerald Thurston for Lightolier circa 1950's. The lamp features a ring firm base from which extend three rods that support a brass cup at...
Brass, Steel
Mid-Century Classic Table Lamp, 1960s
Located in Buzzò, Emilia-Romagna
Bring a touch of mid-century charm to your space with this vintage table lamp from the 1960s, crafted in elegant brass with timeless appeal. ...
Brass
