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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Antique 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" - Juniper 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

Nura Ceiling Fixture - 18" - Cognac 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

Antique Brass Cecil Sconce - Clear 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

Max Sauze Beautiful Silver Orion 60 Lighting
Located in Geneve, CH
Max Sauze Beautiful Silver Orion 60 Lighting Materials: Silver Diameter: 60 cm. We also have it in different dimensions (48, 60, 75, 100 cm) and colors (Silver cop, gold, salmon). M...
Category

2010s French Modern Lighting

Materials

Silver

Satin Brass Cecil Sconce - Clear 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

Two ceramic ligth pendant by Roger Capron, France, 1960's
Located in Paris, FR
Two ceramic light pendant by Roger Capron, "pyjama" modele, 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

Italian Murano Glass Gold Leaves Modern Flush Mount or Ceiling Light
Located in Rome, IT
Exclusive production with precious Murano glass leaves with gold intrusion, creating a fabulous light effect. Available also with ice color glasses. Frame; gold-plated or nickel. Six...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Art Glass

Italian modern metal Spinnaker table lamp, Corsini & Wiskemann for Stilnovo 1970
Located in MIlano, IT
Spinnaker table lamp in chromed and painted metal by Corsini & Wiskemann for Stilnovo Table lamp with metal base with crackle finish and chromed metal structure and sail lampshade, i...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Perla Pendant by Gaspare Asaro-White 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

Customizable Hand-Painted Ceramic "Two Squares" Lamp by James Hicks
Located in New York, NY
The "Two Squares" table lamp features a sleek rectangular base, slip-cast in stoneware, with circular, triangular and rectangular openings - arranged to suggest a classical architect...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Flos Bespoke ‘Contract Project’ floor lamp.
By Flos
Located in Athens, Attiki
Flos Bespoke ‘Contract Project’ floor lamp based on ‘Stylos’ by Achille Castiglioni for Flos, 1984. Flos Bespoke is the division of Flos Group sp...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Modern Aluminum Wire Sphere Sculpture Chandelier Lighting
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This amazing chandelier is a work of art and is based off of an Italian iconic chandelier that retailed for over $12,000. It was purchased in 2011 by a Los Angeles interior designer ...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Crystal cascade chandelier with long hangings
Located in STRAČOV, CZ
A brass chandelier with a rich cascade of lead crystal crystal pendants. The oats are hand-ground and polished. This model is quite rare and will light up the interior day and night....
Category

1980s Belgian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Lampada a sospensione in vetro opalino
Located in Lugo, IT
Lampada a sospensione in vetro opalino e alluminio. Due vetri separati da un elemnto Altezza dei due vetri; 48 cm Un bollo di 5 cm mai visto su un vetro, possibile difetto nella prod...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

Revolve Rise and Fall Pendant Light, Brushed Brass, Green by Bert Frank
Located in Geneve, CH
Revolve rise and fall pendant light - Brushed brass - Green by Bert Frank Dimensions: 30 x 35 x 11 cm, small lamp 7.6 cm Materials: Brass, steel   When Adam Yeats and Robbie Llewell...
Category

2010s British Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel

Customizable Hand-Painted Ceramic "Facade" Lamp by James Hicks
Located in New York, NY
The "Facades" table lamp features a sleek rectangular base, slip-cast in stoneware, with circular, triangular and rectangular openings - arranged to suggest a classical architectural...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Monroe Icelandic Spar Sconce - Hardwired
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made of a naturally occurring stone, the Monroe Sconce emanates diffused light through hand-laid Icelandic spar. Expect natural variations in each unique sconce. OVERALL DIMENSIONS ...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Nura Ceiling Fixture - 12" - Cognac 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

Unique One-of-a-Kind Hand-Painted Ceramic "Cobalt Totem" Lamp by James Hicks
Located in New York, NY
The "Cobalt Totem" table lamp features a sleek rectangular base, slip-cast in stoneware, with six linear rectangular openings strategically placed to allow dimmable LED light to illu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Customizable Hand-Painted Ceramic "Cobalt Totem" Lamp by James Hicks
Located in New York, NY
The "Cobalt Totem" table lamp features a sleek rectangular base, slip-cast in stoneware, with six linear rectangular openings strategically placed to allow dimmable LED light to illu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Nura Ceiling Fixture - 12" - 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

Brushed Satin Nickel and Hammered Bronze Mia Sconce - Outdoor Use
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Mia Sconce is capped with a suspended hand-hammered bronze shade that reflects a warm glow. OVERALL DIMENSIONS 8.5" W x 12" D x 15" H, 6in Dia Globe WEIGHT 3.4 lbs LAMPING Out...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Nickel, Bronze

Monroe Icelandic Spar Sconce - Plug In
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made of a naturally occurring stone, the Monroe Sconce emanates diffused light through hand-laid Icelandic spar. Expect natural variations in each unique sconce. OVERALL DIMENSIONS ...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Oil Rubbed Brass and Hammered Oil Rubbed Bronze Mia Sconce - Outdoor Use
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Mia Sconce is capped with a suspended hand-hammered bronze shade that reflects a warm glow. OVERALL DIMENSIONS 8.5" W x 12" D x 15" H, 6in Dia Globe WEIGHT 3.4 lbs LAMPING Out...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Satin Brass and Hammered Bronze Mia Sconce - Outdoor Use
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Mia Sconce is capped with a suspended hand-hammered bronze shade that reflects a warm glow. OVERALL DIMENSIONS 8.5" W x 12" D x 15" H, 6in Dia Globe WEIGHT 3.4 lbs LAMPING Out...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Brushed Satin Nickel and Hammered Bronze Mia Sconce - Indoor Use
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Mia Sconce is capped with a suspended hand-hammered bronze shade that reflects a warm glow. OVERALL DIMENSIONS 8.5" W x 12" D x 15" H, 6in Dia Globe WEIGHT 3.4 lbs LAMPING Ind...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Oil Rubbed Brass and Hammered Oil Rubbed Bronze Mia Sconce - Indoor Use
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Mia Sconce is capped with a suspended hand-hammered bronze shade that reflects a warm glow. OVERALL DIMENSIONS 8.5" W x 12" D x 15" H, 6in Dia Globe WEIGHT 3.4 lbs LAMPING Ind...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Satin Brass and Hammered Bronze Mia Sconce - Indoor Use
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Mia Sconce is capped with a suspended hand-hammered bronze shade that reflects a warm glow. OVERALL DIMENSIONS 8.5" W x 12" D x 15" H, 6in Dia Globe WEIGHT 3.4 lbs LAMPING Ind...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Satin Brass Emil Lantern - Large - Outdoor Use
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A timeless addition for an entryway rendered in bent brass, the Emil Wall Lantern is an updated classic with a nod to tradition. OVERALL DIMENSIONS 11" W x 11" D x 26" H, 10" Globe...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Oil Rubbed Brass Emil Lantern - Large - Outdoor Use
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A timeless addition for an entryway rendered in bent brass, the Emil Wall Lantern is an updated classic with a nod to tradition. OVERALL DIMENSIONS 11" W x 11" D x 26" H, 10" Globe...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Antique Brass Emil Lantern - Large - Indoor Use
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A timeless addition for an entryway rendered in bent brass, the Emil Wall Lantern is an updated classic with a nod to tradition. OVERALL DIMENSIONS 11" W x 11" D x 26" H, 10" Globe...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Satin Brass Emil Lantern - Large - Indoor Use
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A timeless addition for an entryway rendered in bent brass, the Emil Wall Lantern is an updated classic with a nod to tradition. OVERALL DIMENSIONS 11" W x 11" D x 26" H, 10" Globe...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Oil Rubbed Brass Emil Lantern - Large - Indoor Use
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A timeless addition for an entryway rendered in bent brass, the Emil Wall Lantern is an updated classic with a nod to tradition. OVERALL DIMENSIONS 11" W x 11" D x 26" H, 10" Globe...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Linear light object 015
Located in Berlin, DE
Horizontal pendant light object. Inspiring simplicity is the essence of this horizontal pendant light object. Designed to make a strong impact by using just two lines. Dimensions: 1...
Category

2010s German Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

21st Century Wabisabi 3 Led Lights Crystal Wall Lamp by Patrizia Garganti
Located in Sesto Fiorentino, IT
Wabisabi collection is inspired by the homonymous japanese philosophy, a sophisticated aesthetic vision applied to objects which expresses the desire to return to the essentials, fi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal

Plafoniera attribuita a Carlo Moretti - murrina
Located in Lugo, IT
Plafoniera attribuita a Carlo Moretti. Buone condizioni. Grazie
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass, Murrine

Modernist Hand-Blown Fluted Smoked Topaz Murano Glass & Brass Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
This exquisitely elegant Pair of Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Table Lamps in Smoked Topaz W/ Stylized Fluted Detailing originate from Italy during the 21st Century. The lamps fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Onos 55 Double Pull Brass Pendant Lamp by Florian Schulz, Germany
Located in Rijssen, NL
Fantastic pendant light Onos-55 Double Pull  by Florian Schulz, Germany, Europe. Design period: 1970-1979, production period: 2022. Two brass polished unlacquered pendants suspended...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Modern Six Light Rectangular Fixture
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modern six light silver finished rectangular pendant chandelier, set with colorless faceted crystal prisms. Modern, European. Dimensions: Height 56", Width 62", Diameter 9". CW5259
Category

Late 20th Century European Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Iron

Plafoniera in vetro attribuita a VeArt xl - Murano vortice
Located in Lugo, IT
Plafoniera xl attribuita a VeArt in vetro vorticoso. Buone condizioni Grazie
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Set of Four Earthenware Wall Sconces by Françoise Bergaglia
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Set of four wall sconces made of a wood backplate with incased lighting, two brass rods and a thin layer of textured handmade earthenware. Made and signed on the back by French artist Françoise Bergaglia.
Category

2010s French Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Coppia di lampade att. a Stilnovo Stilux Arredoluce Lux
Located in Lugo, IT
Coppia di lampade da tavolo o comodino in ottone e diffusore in metallo. Patina Buone condizioni. Grazie
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Modernist Pair of Handblown X-Form Lamps in Handblown Murano Mercury Glass
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pair of table lamps were hand blown in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. They feature tapere...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Cave Table Lamp by kar
Located in Geneve, CH
Cave Table Lamp by kar Dimensions: W 22 x D 29 x H 31 cm Materials: Fiberglass. We are delighted to share the news with you that Cave Table Lamp is officially launched. This is the...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Lighting

Materials

Fiberglass

Vintage Tall Silver Table Lamps Silver and Sky Blue Modern Table Lamps Vase Lamp
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Vintage a pair tall modern mercury silver colored vase lamps table lamps Old silver with blue lampshades ( new condition ) Style: Modern , timeless, design, French Country, French pr...
Category

1990s French Modern Lighting

Materials

Silk, Glass, Acrylic

Light object 015 _ ARC
Located in Berlin, DE
Horizontal pendant light object. A refreshing take on LO015 combined with the arc shape of the successful PT01, LO015 ARC is dynamic and makes a delicate impact in any room or space...
Category

2010s German Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Standing lamp - Spain 1970
Located in Girona, ES
Standing lamp with body made of ceramic balls in shades of blue-green and ochre, held in place by chrome-plated metal parts, such as the base. Renewed lampshade in green fabric. Sp...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Contemporary, Handmade, Wall Lamp, Rattan Cone, by Mediterranean Objects
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Costa collection was conceived to provide a natural and simple touch to the spaces. All have been designed by Mediterranean Objects, and are handmade in Barcelona also by us. Wov...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Vintage "Carnaby Table Lamp by Jonathan Adler
Located in San Diego, CA
A super attractive vintage "Carnaby" table lamp by Jonathan Adler, circa 1990s. The lamp is in very good vintage condition and measures 5.25"D x 28.25"H (it is 21"H to the top of th...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Gash (Gash) - Black Marquina Marble Contemporary Wall Lamp by Sfero Design
Located in Cologna Veneta, IT
This sculptural wall lamp, named after the Italian word "gash" exudes a singular character. A symbol of the light that can also spring from a wound, the lamp features a sculpted Ner...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Marble

Luigi Caccia Dominioni, Floor Lamp, Italy, 1980
Located in Barcelona, ES
Luigi Caccia Dominioni (1913-2016) Floor lamp Manufactured by Azucena, Italy, 1980. Cast iron, copper-plated metal, brass, pressed glass Measurements 40cmx185hcm 101,6 in x 469,9 ...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron

Puntali Sputnik Chandelier by Fabio Ltd
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian modern Sputnik chandelier with clear Murano glass shards spikes, mounted satin brass frame with black enameled centre, designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd, made in Italy ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Puntali Sputnik Chandelier by Fabio Ltd
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian modern Sputnik chandelier with clear Murano glass shards spikes, mounted satin brass frame with black enameled centre, designed by Fabio Bergomi for Fabio Ltd, made in Italy ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Table lamp model "Kongelys" (Royal Light)
Located in Kastrup, DK
Niels Rasmussen Thykier (Danish, 1883 - 1978). Table lamp model "Kongelys" (Royal Light) with patinated brass stem, base, top and shade ring. Mounted with a white acrylic shade. Desi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Italian Table Lamp "Palio" by Perry King for Arteluce '80s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
"Palio" table lamp by Perry King and Santiago Miranda designed for Arteluce, Italy 1980s. The lamp has two opal glass diffusers, a floating copper metal lampshade and a solid metal b...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

21st Century Wabisabi 4 Led Lights Crystal Suspension Lamp by Patrizia Garganti
Located in Sesto Fiorentino, IT
Wabisabi collection is inspired by the homonymous japanese philosophy, a sophisticated aesthetic vision applied to objects which expresses the desire to return to the essentials, fi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Crystal

Set of 4 Hive Sconces by Research.Lighting, Polished Nickel, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 4x Hive Sconces in polished nickel designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Polished Nickel Electronics: 1x G9 Soc...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel

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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