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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Style: Modern
Alfredo Häberli Nox Wireless Lamp for Astep
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Nox Design by Alfredo Häberli Distinctive to Nox is its wireless charging system with induction technology, enabling this sophisticated and highly versatile lamp to be used unplugged...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Opaline Glass

Modern Sculptural Fabric Pendant Light from Costantini x Studio Mirei, Supernova
Located in New York, NY
Supernova Modern Collectible Sculptural Fabric Pendant Light from Costantini x Studio Mirei Supernova is the newest work from the acclaimed designer Mirei Monticelli. Dimensions ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Natural Fiber

Artemide Itka Table Light in White by Naoto Fukasawa
Located in Hicksville, NY
Magnificently simple and powerful, Naota Fukasawa’s Itka subtly but uniformly spreads light. Made of opaline frosted glass on a white lacquered metal base, the table lamp is LED and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

French Modern Wrought Iron White Lantern, Sold Individually, 4 Available
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Modern Wrought Iron White Lantern, Sold Individually, 4 Available France, Circa 1950s A rare find, Made in France circa 1950s, each sleek lantern stands 22 inches high and ha...
Category

20th Century French Modern Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

Tenfold Pendant 3TA 24inch, Polished Nickel, Brutalist, Geometric Ceiling Light
Located in Brooklyn, NY
TENFOLD PENDANT 3TA 18inch, Polished Nickel by Luft Tanaka Studio Composed of interlocking mirror polished sheetmetal panels, the Tenfold Series is inspired by brutalism and the arc...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Brass

Pao 2, table lamp in glass and wood, Arteluce, Italy 1993
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful high table lamp, model PAO 2, with a satin-finished glass base, base in laquered wood and shade in soft white opaline. Designed by Matteo Thun (Italy 1952) for Arteluce, ...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Murano Glass Leave Ceiling Light Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
Realized in pure murano glass consists of an incredible number of leaves. The structure is gilt-metal. 9 lights spread a magical light. the price is \item Available also a pair . ...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

Italian modern Boalum lamp, Livio Castiglioni Gianfranco Frattini, Artemide 1990
Located in MIlano, IT
Floor or table lamp, Boalum model, with flexible and translucent PVC structure, reinforced with resin terminals which make it practically indestructible. It emits a diffused light an...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Plastic, PVC

Vintage Pendant Olive Murano Glass
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century modern Murano pendant lamp is a beautiful olive color with brick red and burnt sienna veins concentrated at the edge, reminiscent of a jasper stone. The subtle shift...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Pair of Modern glass table lamps
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A pair of glass modern lamps
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

Pair of Plaster Lamps with Raffia Shades
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti, (after) Jean Michel Frank
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Pair of plaster lamps and custom-made raffia shades Name of model: "Palma" This production is inspired by the plaster lamp created by Giacometti for Jean-Michel Frank in the 30's. ...
Category

2010s French Modern Lighting

Materials

Raffia, Plaster

Visionnaire Isottta Chain Link Luxury Table Lamp Italian
Located in North Miami, FL
This great Italian Visionnaire Isotta table lamp is aluminum with chain link metal aluminum original chic shade. It has great ambient lighting at night through the chain link shade. ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

French Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, France, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A three-armed brass and rattan wall light designed and produced in France, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16” H x 21” W x 17.75” D Back Plate Dimensions (inches): 3.75” H x.50”...
Category

1940s French Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

"Galba" Contemporary Wall Sconce, Wall Light in White Plaster, Benediko
Located in Freiburg im Breisgau, DE
The Galba Wall Light is hand formed from two parts, which are positioned in way that provide soft ambient back light. Each piece is beautifully sculpted by our artists in our worksho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair of Terzani Antinea Wall Lights by Jean-Francois Crochet, Italy 1989
Located in Cork, IE
This most decorative and rather large pair of "Antinea" wall lamps was designed by Jean-Francois Crochet for the renowned Italian lighting company Terzani. The sconces have a rusti...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Iron

Modern Chrome Pendant Lighting with 6 Glass Globes
Located in Pasadena, CA
This Modern Chrome Pendant Lighting in the '70s style features six glass globes suspended from sleek chrome branches. The pendant lighting's six branches are interwoven in what could...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Black Bronze Jewel Lamps by Elan Atelier (IN STOCK)
Located in New York, NY
One pair of Jewel Table Lamps immediately available. Crated in a wooden crate and shipping from California. The shipping cost is additional. The Jewel is elliptical, carefully holdi...
Category

2010s European Modern Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Tall 'Pyramide' Brass Console Lamps by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of tall 'Pyramide' brass console lamps by Design Frères. Designed to create a captivating ambiance, these Pyramide™ console or floor lamps casts a soft, indirect glow onto the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Metal

Daisy contemporary Table Lamp 44 champagne Silk, silvered necklace Glass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
DAISY A contemporary-Renaissance lady, adorned by a bright four-leaf necklace The House of Sabrina Landini is a step into a world of elegance and design, home décor items meticulo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

“Flame” Mini Contemporary Wall Sconce Rose Silvered art Glass, brass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
FLAME A leaf, a drop, a shield . Love first’s step Nature’s beauty has always inspired Sabrina Landini creations - such as these exquisite earrings wall lamps that evoke leaves, fl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

“Flame” Mini Contemporary Wall Sconce Sun Silvered art Glass, brass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
FLAME A leaf, a drop, a shield . Love first’s step Nature’s beauty has always inspired Sabrina Landini creations - such as these exquisite earrings wall lamps that evoke leaves, fl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

“Flame” contemporary small wall sconce White Silvered art Glass, brass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
FLAME A leaf, a drop, a shield . Love first’s step Nature’s beauty has always inspired Sabrina Landini creations - such as these exquisite earrings wall lamps that evoke leaves, fl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

"Trilogy" Mini Contemporary Wall Lamp, Sun Silvered Art Glass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
TRILOGY Three in one. Rays of lights embracing each other For 20 years we explore the three-dimensionality of each item, sculpted by the artisan hands in our Atelier. The Trilogy's...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Iron

“Flame” Mini Contemporary Wall Sconce Aquamarine Silvered art Glass, brass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
FLAME A leaf, a drop, a shield . Love first’s step Nature’s beauty has always inspired Sabrina Landini creations - such as these exquisite earrings wall lamps that evoke leaves, fl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

"Trilogy" Mini Contemporary Wall Lamp, Fumè Silvered art Glass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
TRILOGY Three in one. Rays of lights embracing each other For 20 years we explore the three-dimensionality of each item, sculpted by the artisan hands in our Atelier. The Trilogy's...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

"Trilogy" Mini Contemporary Wall lamp, aquamarine Silvered art Glass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
TRILOGY Three in one. Rays of lights embracing each other For 20 years we explore the three-dimensionality of each item, sculpted by the artisan hands in our Atelier. The Trilogy's...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Iron

"Trilogy" Mini Contemporary Wall lamp, Black Silvered art Glass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
TRILOGY Three in one. Rays of lights embracing each other For 20 years we explore the three-dimensionality of each item, sculpted by the artisan hands in our Atelier. The Trilogy's...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

“Flame” contemporary small wall sconce Cerulean Blue Silvered art Glass, brass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
FLAME A leaf, a drop, a shield . Love first’s step Nature’s beauty has always inspired Sabrina Landini creations - such as these exquisite earrings wall lamps that evoke leaves, fl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

“Flame” Mini Contemporary Wall Sconce Black Silvered art Glass, brass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
FLAME A leaf, a drop, a shield . Love first’s step Nature’s beauty has always inspired Sabrina Landini creations - such as these exquisite earrings wall lamps that evoke leaves, fl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Achille Castiglioni & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Viscontea, Pendant Light Flos
Located in Paris, FR
Achille Castiglioni (1918-2002) & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni (1913-1968) Viscontea A resin and metal pendant light, the internal metal frame covered with a sprayed resin coated shad...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair of Custom Drip Glaze Lamps in Moss, Oxblood and Yellow Ochre
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning pair of drip glaze ceramic vessels as custom lamps. Beautiful scale and form with highlights of moss, oxblood and yellow ochre. Expertly built using components of only the finest quality. Exquisite jewelry! Excellent restored condition. Wired using brown silk cord; new brass three-way sockets with brass turn switch. Complete with new linen shades (color: stone; size: 17 x 18 x 12 inches high) and custom-made carved stone basket...
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair Contemporary Green Blown Glass Table Lamps with Black White Paper Lampshade
Located in Brescia, IT
This engaging and contemporary pair of green blown glass table lamps are two high craftemenship pieces and they were made in United Kingdom. These table lamps can be considered as ob...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass, Paper

Handmade Athos Chandelier by Gobo Lights
Located in Geneve, CH
Handmade Athos chandelier by Gobo Lights Dimensions: 190 L X 110 L X 170 H Materials: Brass, Opaline This lamp takes the shape of the bow used by Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. ...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

'Akaari' Ceiling Light by Vico Magistretti for Oluce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Akaari' Ceiling Light by Vico Magistretti for Oluce. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1980s. The Akaari pendant features three tiered glossy black diffusers. The bottom...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Steel, Aluminum

Large & Tall Hollywood Regency Italian Brass & Glass Chandelier for Foyer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large and impressive tall chandelier circa 1980's and probably Italian. It features gold-plated brass framing with art glass shades in a spiral form. Tested and working. Takes 12 ...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Belux System lamp designed by Guillermo Capdevilla, 1981.
Located in FERROL, ES
Belux System lamp designed by Guillermo Capdevilla, 1981. Two mobile arms made of red lacquered metal, the plastic lampshade. Plastic table holder. E27 bulb The arms measure 110 c...
Category

1980s Spanish Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Plastic

Luci Milano Table Lamp, 1980s Pop Design, Memphis Style, Italian Collectible
Located in Milano, IT
Memphis Style Lamp - 1980s Pop Design - Decorative Table Lamp Vintage 1980s table lamp by Luci Milano, with a cone-shaped base and a slender adjustable arm. Finished in black, it ha...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Steel

Monarch Table Lamp with Glass Dome, Carla Baz
Located in Geneve, CH
Monarch table lamp with glass dome - Carla Baz Dimensions: ø 24 x H 50 cm Weight: 8.5 kg Material: Painted metal, Brass, Marble Monarch lighting series has been developed with ...
Category

2010s Lebanese Modern Lighting

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

Light object 001 _ Black
Located in Berlin, DE
LIGHT OBJECT 001 Suitable for ceiling, wall, floor and table. The iconic Light Object 001 is the first light object that Naama Hofman designed and developed. It has an even warm glow...
Category

2010s German Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

1970s Brown and Amber Murano Glass Italian Square Wall Sconces
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A pair of square wall sconces designed and manufactured in Italy in the Seventies, the semi curved brown and amber glass depicts two different figures of woman. They are in working o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Italian Designer, Wall Light, Copper, Fabric, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A copper and white fabric wall light designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12” H x 13” W x 7” D Back Plate Dimensions (inches): 4” H x 4” W x .75”D ...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Copper

Ingo Maurer. Lamp model “Bibibibi”. 1980s.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Ingo Maurer, par. “Bibibibi” model lamp. Shaft representing red bird legs, with its adjustable diffuser in black lacquered metal ending in a feather. Round colored white porcelain b...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Native Floor Light 10 by Hot Wire Extensions
Located in Geneve, CH
Native floor light 10 by Hot Wire Extensions Limited edition Materials: Waste SLS 3D nylon powder, sand from sustainable sources Dimensions: L 34 x W 18 x H 66 cm All our lamps can...
Category

2010s British Modern Lighting

Materials

Nylon

Burnt Brass Plus Four Chandelier by Paul Matter
Located in Geneve, CH
Burnt Brass Plus Four Chandelier by Paul Matter Dimensions: W 48 x D 33 x H 53 cm (Minimun drop lenght) Materials: Burnt Brass Drop Length/Height can be customized. Other versions of...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Dark Aged Brass Plus Ten Chandelier by Paul Matter
Located in Geneve, CH
Dark Aged Brass Plus Ten Chandelier by Paul Matter Dimensions: W 120 x D 33 x H 53 cm (Minimun drop lenght) Materials: Dark Aged Brass Drop Length/Height can be customized. Please co...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Aged Brass Plus Ten Chandelier by Paul Matter
Located in Geneve, CH
Aged Brass Plus Ten Chandelier by Paul Matter Dimensions: W 120 x D 33 x H 53 cm (Minimun drop lenght) Materials: Aged Brass Drop Length/Height can be customized. Please contact us f...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Euphoria Glass Table Lamp
Located in İstanbul, TR
Inspired by the iridescent wonders of nature, “Euphoria” is designed to be more than just a source of light. It is an art piece that creates a luminous dreamscape, enchanting those w...
Category

2010s European Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

Light object 019_Natural brass
Located in Berlin, DE
Pendant light object. Beautiful with a clear presence, a light object that can fit in many locations, in residences, restaurants or hotels. Lead time: 8 weeks Dimensions: 120 cm x 4...
Category

2010s German Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Scarlet Sunset Glass Decorative Lamp
Located in İstanbul, TR
Inspired by the breathtaking beauty of a radiant sunset, this lamp embraces the rich and alluring shades of red, transitioning seamlessly from deep crimson to vibrant scarlet. Let it...
Category

2010s European Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

Mermaid Glass Decorative Lamp
Located in İstanbul, TR
nspired by the iridescent beauty of the ocean depths, this lamp showcases a mesmerizing gradient of blue hues, reminiscent of the ever-changing colors of the sea.Immerse yourself in ...
Category

2010s European Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

Lampada a sospensione nello stile di Stilnovo - vetro opalino
Located in Lugo, IT
Lampada a sospensione in vetro opalino. Buone condizioni. 39 cm altezza vetro Grazie
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

Ceramic pendant by Roger Capron, France, 1960's
Located in Paris, FR
ceramic light pendant by Roger Capron, signed
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Pyjama light pendant by Roger Capron, 1960's
Located in Paris, FR
ceramic lignt pendant by Roger Capron, Pyjama model, stamped on the top
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Two light ceramic pendants by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, 1960's
Located in Paris, FR
Two ceramic light pendant by Roger Capron, circa 1960's One is signed and open on the top, the other is stamped and closed on the top
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Perla Pendant by Gaspare Asaro-Black and Satin Brass
Located in New York, NY
The Perla Pendant features an organic brass shell nestling our Sfera glass handblown in Tuscany. Also available as a flush mount or wall light. See the Perla Mini for the smaller ver...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Luxurious Contemporary Italian Murano Glass Triedi Ceiling Light
Located in Rome, IT
Spectacular and large ceiling light with a myriad of handmade Murano glass "Triedi" with a fabulous light effect. Bold contemporary form ideal for luxurious interiors. 16 x E 27 ligh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass

Satin Brass Cecil Sconce - Milk Glass Globe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Form and function meet with the Cecil Sconce’s undulating bent brass arm and swiveling backplate. Choose either a milk glass globe for ambiance or a clear glass globe for maximum ill...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Nura Ceiling Fixture - 18" - Au Lait Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Nura Ceiling Fixture combines hand-stitched leather over walnut accented by a brass pole and canopy. This fixture can either be hung as a ceiling surface mount or a pendant suppo...
Category

2010s American 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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