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Modern Lighting

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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2,068
1,517
1,475
930
813
772
673
615
490
386
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8,292
6,351
2,694
2,464
16,153
9,272
3,228
2,768
1,309
981
875
629
486
424
Style: Modern
‘Opposée’ Table Lamp - Green 'Matte'
Located in London, GB
Matte Green base with a Matte Finish and Shade. Estimated processing time is 2 weeks from order confirmation. Pictured with a Mini Globe LED E27 Bulb. Bulb not included. To pair t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Globe Flush Mounts by Research.Lighting, Brushed Nickel, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 2x Globe Flush Mounts in brushed nickel designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Brushed Nickel Electronics: 1x G9...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair of Globe Flush Mounts by Research.Lighting, Polished Nickel, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 2x Globe Flush Mounts in polished nickel designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Polished Nickel Electronics: 1x ...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel

T Sconce Offset, by Research.Lighting, Black with glass globes, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1x T Sconce Offset designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Steel, Glass Finish: Powder Coated Steel in black Electronics: 2x G9 Sockets, 2x 2...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair Of Modern Murano Greige Blown Double Wall Lights, Contemporary
Located in Westport, CT
A beautiful pair of greige cone shaped cups fused with gold glass an upheld with solid unlacquered brass arms connecting to a square shaped canopy. May be installed either horizonta...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass

Serpente Ceiling Light by Gaspare Asaro- Brass Finish
Located in New York, NY
The Serpente ceiling light features a gently winding frame to which are mounted six organic shades. Each shade cradles one of our Sfera glasses on the inside and a clear molded glass...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Hollywood Regency Flower Brass Wall Light, Willy Daro for Massive Lighting 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Elegant Willy Daro flower light for ‘Massive Lighting', 1970s. Cast brass flower wall or ceiling light, the light attaches by a plate so can be used either way. The light is wired an...
Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Volterra Ceiling Light by Gaspare Asaro-Satin Nickel and Satin Brass Finish
Located in New York, NY
The Volterra ceiling light is an ode to the historic Tuscan city by the same name known for its striking architecture and its precious stone quarries. The fixture exemplifies these q...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Alabaster, Brass

Perforated Galvanized Steel Lin Table Lamp by Muhly Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Muhly's Lin Lighting Collection was inspired by environmental artist Maya Lin's 2001 work, Ecliptic, in which the locations of stars were envisioned as points of light embedded in a concrete floor. Taking cues from the night sky in abstraction — and paying homage to traditional punched tin lighting...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Steel

Angel 14 Contemporary Lamp Crystal Bowl Craquele, colored Silvered Glass Ring
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
This object is a contemporary piece, entirely made in Tuscany, Italy and 100% of Italian origin. Inspired by the universal love, drawn as a planet, with its clean lines, Angel wil...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Spectacular Pink and White Murano Glass Petals Chandelier with Brass Frame
Located in Rome, IT
Fabulous Italian chandelier made by 90 pink and white lattimo Murano glass petals supported by a brass frame by Veneziani Arte . We can customize the frame, brass or chrome. Price ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass

Very large 'Manubri' MURANO Glass Chandelier (clear/ light pink/ smoke).
Located in Berlin, Berlin
A very large Manubri (dumbbell) Chandelier. Italy, Murano. Chandelier with well over 150 'Manubri' shaped glass pieces in a variety of colours. Clear, light pink and smoked glass p...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Modernist Articulating Seven Shade Honey Comb Chandelier in Brass & Black Enamel
Located in New York, NY
This bold geometric fixture originates from the United States during the latter, half of the 20th century. featuring a black enamel frame of hexagonal elements, linearly oriented tha...
Category

20th Century American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Italian modern red metal Adjustable table lamp Daphine by Cimini Lumina 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern red metal Adjustable table lamp Daphine by Tommaso Cimini for Lumina, 1980s Adjustable table lamp mod. Daphine, in bright red painted metal. The semi-cylindrical dif...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Custom Exclusive Polished Nickel & Murano Glass Molecular Snowflake Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and dramatic polished Nickel and Handblown Murano glass Molecular "Snowflake" Chandelier was realized in Murano, Italy- the islands off the coast of Venice, renowned fo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Gold, Nickel

Volterra Ceiling Light by Gaspare Asaro-Polished Brass Finish
Located in New York, NY
The Volterra ceiling light is an ode to the historic Tuscan city by the same name known for its striking architecture and its precious stone quarries. The fixture exemplifies these q...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Alabaster, Brass

Serpente Ceiling Light by Gaspare Asaro- Brass Finish
Located in New York, NY
The Serpente ceiling light features a gently winding frame to which are mounted six organic shades. Each shade cradles one of our Sfera glasses on the inside and a clear molded glass...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Dumais Made, Contemporary, Ceramic Table Lamps, Dark Brown Walnut Glaze, 2021
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair Contemporary Stoneware Ceramic Rectangular Table / Desk Lamps, Walnut Glaze Studio made stoneware table lamps each having a walnut glazed. The lamps are fitted with antique bra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Argo Spot by Centro Stile Esperia for Esperia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Decorative spot light with central body made of brass mesh and solid brass details. Adjustable. Available in the ceiling, wall and suspension version.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pyramid table lamp, stained glass by Friend of All, abstract brushstroke design
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Brushstroke Pyramid Lamp", is a collaborative piece as part of Jason Andrew Turner's "Welcome Home" collection. This piece features Jason Andrew Turner's signature abstract brushstr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Wire

Casa Wall Light No3
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Casa Wall Light No 3 in white Designed by Project 213A in 2023 Artisanal ceramic light with textured finish, made in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. Each piece is unique due to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Brass and Lucite Torchieres Floor Lamps
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s Glamorous pair of polish brass and clear acrylic floor lamps. In original vintage condition, Brass shows some age spots (see detail photos). They take one 100w max Edison lig...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Italian steel and crystal floor lamp by Gyula Pap, Tecnolumen, 1970
Located in MIlano, IT
Floor lamp model BST23, with satin-finished steel frame and circular crystal shade, with a small perforated copper bell that rests on the bulb and allows the light to be directed. Pr...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Steel

Murano glass chandelier, La Murrina, circa 1970
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The magnificent chandelier adorned with yellow Murano glass elements is a masterpiece of rare beauty, crafted by the esteemed manufacturer La Murrina. This luminous creation encapsul...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Art Glass

Pair of Pink Amethyst Murano Glass Leave Ceiling Light or Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
Realized in pure pink amethyst color Murano glass consists of 45 delicious hand blown leaves. The structure is gilt-metal.Five E27 lights spread a magical light. the price is \item...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

Pair of Round Plaster Table Lamps
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Pair of plaster round shaped table lamps, contemporary made for the galerie Glustin Luminaires.
Category

2010s French Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Serpente Ceiling Light by Gaspare Asaro- Polished Nickel and Satin Brass Finish
Located in New York, NY
The Serpente ceiling light features a gently winding frame to which are mounted six organic shades. Each shade cradles one of our Sfera glasses on the inside and a clear molded glass...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Murano Glass and Brass Modern Lamps
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of modern lamps made with brass structures and clear Murano glass elements. Each piece has hand-blown circular pieces of glass stacked around a brass center. They have been newl...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Cupper Ring Pendant Led Light, 21st Century
Located in Roeselare, BE
Pendant in brass in ring form with flexible led strips, power supply either on distance, or in the ring itself or in the canopy. Overall height can be chosen.
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Longton in Aluminium by Volker Haug
Located in Geneve, CH
Longton in aluminium by Volker Haug Anton series Dimensions: W 18 x H 51 x D 10 cm. Materials: Cast aluminium Finish: Raw (aluminium) Lamp: S14s LED, Opal (240V / 120V US) Weight: 4kg Longton is cast as raw aluminium or polished gunmetal. Form follows force. The Anton series explores the structural weight of light through cast materials. Punctuated by the lamp, the internal lit face of the Anton holds light and reflects its surrounds. Each cast surface is unique and variations may occur. Volker Haug Studio...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Frosted Murano Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Frosted Murano glass wall sconces with brass hardware holding four sources of light.
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Pendant Lamps by Jorn Utzon for Nordisk Solar
Located in San Francisco, CA
A spun aluminum pendant lamp. Designed in 1947 for the Tivoli amusement park in Copenhagen and became known by the same name. Decades later Nordisk Solar lost the rights to call it '...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Contemporary, Handmade Floor Lamp, Natural Rattan, White, Mediterranean Objects
Located in Barcelona, ES
AMÀ - Floor lamp Amà , comes from the Catalan '' a mà '', which means '' handmade '', and it is how this contemporary lamp is made. With hand-turned beech wood, white metal details,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

1980s Murano glass one-light ceiling lamp with clear and black glass edge.
Located in Caprino Veronese, VR
Rare 1980s white Murano glass ceiling/wall one-light lamp. Very charming its thick clear glass edge with black inclusion, see photo. The lamp can be hung from the ceiling or wall. Th...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair of Small Alabaster Conical Table Lamps with Globes
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Pair of table lamps made of two pieces of alabaster, a cone foot, topped with a globe diffusing the light.
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Lighting

Materials

Alabaster

Pendant Lamp by Jorn Utzon
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pendant lamp in anodized brass, painted with a bright orange on the inside. Very good vintage condition. Original wiring.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Brass "Pulsar Completo" Chandelier
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass "Pulsar Completo" chandelier. Dimensions: 40 height x 82 diameter cm. Materials: Brass, crystal. 30 brass rings with a satin brass finish, light source inserted in the hollow ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp by Keramos, c. 1940
Located in New York City, NY
Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp, Keramos, France, c. 1940 This large table lamp is decorated with painterly glazing techniques and patterned texture. Subdued colors complement the meticul...
Category

20th Century French Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp by Keramos, France, c. 1940
Located in New York City, NY
Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp, Keramos, France, c. 1940 Monumental glazed ceramic table lamp by Keramos, France. The yellow glaze beautifully highlights the patterned stoneware body of ...
Category

20th Century French Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 2 Murano glass wall sconces, Roberto Pamio, Leucos, Italy, 1970s
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Pair of precious Murano glass wall lamps, designed in the late 1960s by Roberto Pamio and produced by Leucos. The condition is perfect and both lamps have no defects. Of considerable...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Contemporary, Handmade Pendant Lamp Natural Rattan, White, Mediterranean Objects
Located in Barcelona, ES
AMÀ - Pendant suspendend lamp Amà , comes from the Catalan '' a mà '', which means '' handmade '', and it is how this contemporary lamp is made. With hand-turned beech wood, solid b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Uno Classico Semi-Flush Mount by Gaspare Asaro-Bronze Finish
Located in New York, NY
The Uno ceiling light exemplifies simple elegance via its clean profile designed around a single Murano glass shade. Starting pricing by size-10% upcharge for specialty finishes: 1...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Garnier & Linker, Plaster Pendant Light
Located in Paris, FR
Plaster pendant light This luminaire was conceptualized by Garnier & Linker in 2022. This pendant light is composed out of a lamp shade in plast...
Category

2010s French Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Glass, Steel, & Lacquered Metal Table Lamp by Tronconi Illumiazione, circa 1970
Located in New York City, NY
Glass, Steel, and Lacquered Metal Table Lamp by Tronconi Illumiazione, Italy Distinctive, adjustable table lamp by Tronconi. The body of the lamp swivels on the steel base, acting a...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Taccia Table Lamp by Achille & Pier G. Castiglioni for Flos, Italy 20th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Table lamp model Taccia, which was designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos in the 1960s. The lamp rests on a fluted round base, on which the large glass shade with ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

Passage Table Lamp by LK Edition
Located in Geneve, CH
Passage table lamp by LK Edition Dimensions: L 180 x 75 x 10 cm Materials: Bronze It is with the sense of detail and requirement, this research of the exception by the selection of noble materials and his culture of the french know-how , that LK has built up its principles and set up his skills. LK will meet your expectations and your requirements in residential, hotel, trade, yachts ... And custom made furniture...
Category

2010s French Modern Lighting

Materials

Bronze

"Il Pezzo 12 Wall Sconce" - satin brass - crystal - LEDs - Made in Italy
Located in Firenze, IT
Il Pezzo 12 is a female figure suspended in the air, carrying in her womb the light. It’s nimble, refined, addictive. The solid clearest crystal, brilliantly illuminated by two LEDs, diffuses ambient light and casts mesmerizing patterns throughout the room. It’s suspended between brass stems and brass casting rings, available in different finishes. The fixture is adorned with two additional LEDs at the ends of the stem to provide a warm direct lighting...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass

Y Sconce by Research.Lighting, Black, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1x Y sconce in black designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Steel & Glass Finish: Powder-coated steel Electronics: 2x G9 Sockets, 2x 2.5 Wat...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Dome Flush Mount by Research.Lighting, Black, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1x Dish Flush Mount in Black designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Steel, Glass Finish: Powder Coated Steel ...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Steel

In-stock, Black Doggy Lamp, Wood Black Table Light with White Pleated Shade, Dog
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Black Doggy Lamp by Wan Wan Wonderland (Tokyo, Japan) Delightful and whimsical table lamp with white pleated shades and expertly hand-crafted black wooden ...
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Vespera Light by WDSTCK Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Vespera Light by WDSTCK Studio Dimensions: 10 D x W 7 x H 15 cm Materials: Brass, LED Dimmable Input voltage: 110V or 220V Color temperature: 2.200-2....
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Vico Magistretti, Monumental Floor Lamp, Metal, Methacrylate, Italy, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A monumental black-lacquered metal and methacrylate floor lamp or outdoor light designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by O-Luce, Italy, 197...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Curtis Jere Tall Brass & Chrome "Reeds" Illuminating Uplight, Floor Lamp, 1970s
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels for Curtis Jere abstract botanical Brass, Steel and lacquered Metal Lampadaire, Light Sculpture, Floor Lamp, Table Lamp. Small footprint. Featuring mult...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel, Metal

Two-arm ceiling light, Italy, 1950s
Located in London, GB
Bifurcating out from the stem of this ceiling light are two cupped shades, reminiscent of Calla lilies. Pointed in opposing directions the shades project a warm glow across any room.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Paco Ponte Table Lamp, circa 2022, Spain
Located in Girona, Spain
Pair of Paco Ponte table lamps. Very decorative. Made with bisque ceramic. Signed by the designer. Circa 2022, Spain. Very good condition. Paco Ponte ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Late 20th Century Silver Blown Murano Glass Elements & Brass Sputnik Chandelier
Located in Firenze, Tuscany
Stunning sputnik chandelier with silver hand blown Murano art glass elements and 16 light bulbs E14 type with brass domes.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Iron

Vintage Modern Brass and Lucite Bouillotte
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Great modern twist on the classic bouillotte lamp. Brass candle sticks lucite panel to separate. Clean sophisticated lines in the manner of Tommi Parzinger.
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Helios 66 Ceiling Light by Gaspare Asaro-Satin Brass and Satin Nickel Finish
Located in New York, NY
The Helios ceiling light features an imposing composition of illuminated Murano glass shades gravitating around a central tinted mirror. The first images show the fixture in a satin ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Modern lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique 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 Modern lighting made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lighting, popular names associated with this style include Vistosi, Artemide, Flos, and DOOQ. 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.

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