Fairies Mfg. Co. All Brass Desk Lamp WIth Cantilever Shade, 1920's
By Fairies
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Art Deco Fairies Manufacturing Company brass desk lamp, table lamp circa 1920s. Featuring an
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Table Lamps
Brass
Fairies Mfg. Co. All Brass Desk Lamp WIth Cantilever Shade, 1920's
By Fairies
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Art Deco Fairies Manufacturing Company brass desk lamp, table lamp circa 1920s. Featuring an
Brass
$1,348
H 14.18 in Dm 5.71 in
An Art Deco Adjustable Chrome Bankers Desk Lamp, on a circular base 1920's
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An Art Deco Adjustable Chrome Bankers Desk Lamp On A Circular Base. Manufactured In 1920's.
Chrome
Gooseneck Desk Lamp with Cast Iron Base, 1920s
Located in Faversham, GB
Original gooseneck industrial desk lamp. Cast iron base with flexible gooseneck stem and spun steel
Iron
Just Andersen Desk Lamp, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
A 1920s Just Andersen desk lamp accomplished with shade in striped textile. A small piece of
Metal
Airship by Sam Rush. Desk lamp 1920s style.
By Sam Rush
Located in Bristol, GB
lighting is set from a single bulb shielding the eyes whilst desk working, but also allowing the lamp to
Brass, Stainless Steel, Nickel
$1,404Sale Price|25% Off
H 19.69 in W 17.72 in D 5.91 in
Art Deco Articulated Brass Gooseneck Desk Lamp with Decorated Shell Shade, 1920s
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Early 20th century Art Deco articulated brass gooseneck desk lamp with decorated Brassed Copper
Brass
$1,647
H 24.02 in Dm 12.6 in
1920s Danish Art Nouveau High Sculptural Desk Table Lamp of Patinated Bronze
By Just Andersen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Andersen. It's made in good and strong quality in the 1920s of patinated bronze The lamp base is designed
Bronze
$1,703
H 19.69 in W 17.72 in D 5.91 in
Art Deco Articulated Brass Gooseneck Desk Lamp with Decorated Shell Shade, 1920s
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Early 20th century Art Deco articulated brass gooseneck desk lamp with decorated Brassed Copper
Brass
1920s Brass Office Desk Lamps With Emerald Glass Shade
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1920s Brass office desk lamp with Emerald Glass Shade Articulates Switch at top Small chip on
Brass
Art Deco Brass Etched Glass Table Desk Lamp, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Art Deco Table or Desk Lamp with reeded etched frosted glass Diameter glass 21.5 cm Available
Brass
French Art Deco Brass Frosted Glass Table Desk Lamp, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Art Deco Table or Desk Lamp with etched frosted glass Available with UK / US plug Priced per
Brass
Pair of 1920s Rene Lalique "Vase Poivre" Desk Lamps
By René Lalique
Located in New York, NY
by French Jeweler René Lalique (1860-1945) made into lamps having two sockets. Vases have been
Glass
French Art Deco Brass Frosted Glass Table Desk Lamp, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Art Deco Table or Desk Lamp with frosted glass globe Diameter base 14.8 cm Available with UK / US
Brass
Brass Desk Lamp
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's English brass desk lamp. Measurements: Total height: 23" Width: 16.25" (widest
Brass
$5,274
H 13.78 in W 7.88 in D 15.75 in
Amsterdam School copper and fringe desk lamp by Conrad Fehn, 1920s
By Conrad Fehn
Located in EVERDINGEN, NL
An extremely rare version of the Conrad Fehn Amsterdamse School fringed copper desk lamp. A one off
Copper
$5,295 / set
H 15.75 in W 13.51 in D 4.53 in
Set of Two Rare Art Deco Desk or Table Lamps from an US Cruiser Ship, 1920s
Located in Munich, DE
Set of two rare and elegant Art Deco cast aluminium desk or table lamps from an US cruiser ship
Metal, Aluminum
Vintage French 1920s Art Nouveau Brass Glass Table Desk Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French art nouveau brass desk light / table lamp Black cotton wire and plug. Also, available with
Brass
French Art Deco Cast Iron & Frosted Glass Table Desk Light, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French 1930s, Art deco, clear glass, cast desk light / table lamp Cast Iron Base and arm with
Iron
French Empire Brass Art Deco Shell Desk Table Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
1920s Empire French brass table desk lamp Nickel Art Deco shell shade with heavy brass base Brass
Brass, Nickel
Curt Fischer Task Lamps for Midgard, 1920
By Midgard, Curt Fischer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful 1920s articulating table-mounted desk lamps by Curt Fischer for Midgard in original grey
Metal
French Boulliote Lamp with Tole Shade
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920s French bronze desk lamp with painted tole shade and two interior lights
Metal, Bronze
Rustic American Mission Style Slag Glass Table Lamp
Located in Queens, NY
American Rustic Mission style (1920s) stained oak table desk lamp with 2 pedestals supporting a
Glass, Oak
French Eagle Table Lamp in Brass, Muller Frères Style
By Muller Frères
Located in Barcelona, ES
Art Deco desk lamp bird design, brass and brass Repoussé. France, 1920s-1930s. Solid brass desk
Brass
$900Sale Price|44% Off
H 18.9 in Dm 11.03 in
Vintage Louis Poulsen PH 3/2 Table Lamp in Chrome & Opaline Glass
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Based upon a design from the late 1920s this PH 3/2 desk lamp was relaunched by Louis Poulsen in
Metal, Chrome
Bauhaus Period Red Gispen Desk Lamp, 1920s
By Gispen
Located in Brussels, Ixelles
Late 1920s desk lamp, produced by Gispen, original red paint with nickelled metal elements.
Metal
Copper Desk Lamp with Burgundy Enameled Shade, 1920s
Located in Budapest, HU
Ornate and beautifully made 1920s desk lamp with frame and base of patinated copper and brass. Its
Brass, Copper, Enamel
French Empire 1920's Bronze Bouillotte Desk Lamps
Located in Fairfax, VA
French bronze electrified candle desk lamp with adjustable shade. Beautiful design with face on
Bronze
Art Deco Enamel Desk Lamp, 1920s
Located in Handewitt, DE
Art Deco enamel desk lamp, 1920s. Lampshade in dark blue enamel paint. Base in bronze.
Bronze, Enamel
Brass Desk Lamp, Hungary, 1920s
Located in BUDAPEST, HU
Brass 1920s table or desk lamp. The lamp is in original condition except for the rewiring which
Brass
Unavailable
H 13.39 in W 7.88 in D 5.91 in
1920s Solid Brass Adjustable Bankers Desk Lamp Raised on a Terraced Base
Located in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
A good early 20th century solid brass adjustable bankers desk lamp, raised on a terraced square
Brass
Unavailable
H 17 in W 8.75 in D 6.25 in
Rare 1920s American Emeralite Brass Adjustable Desk Lamp by H.G. McFaddin & Co
Located in Chicago, IL
1920s American Emeralite brass adjustable desk lamp by H.G. McFaddin & Co with original glass shade
Brass
Unavailable
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Art Deco Danish Fog and Mørup Desk Lamp with Opaline Shade, 1920s
By Fog & Mørup
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish Fog and Mørup Art Deco desk lamp with chromed base and neck. Layer by layer paline glass
Chrome
Pair of 1920's Desk Lamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
pair of iron [bases] and aluminum [hoods]gooseneck desk lamps Eagle Student Desk Lamps
Iron, Aluminum, Metal
Desk Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful 1920's desk lamp.
Enamel, Brass
Modernist Bakelite Desk Lamps, circa 1920s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Modernist Bakelite desk lamps, circa 1920s. - Price is per lamp - Made from a dark brown
Desk Lamp by Bunte & Remmler, circa 1920s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Desk Lamp By Bunte & Remmler, circa 1920s - Vitreous Olive green shade - Porcelain On/Off
Steel
Model 574 Kandem Desk Lamp, Circa 1920s
By Kandem
Located in Gloucester, GB
Model 574 Kandem desk lamp Circa 1920s - Original dark green paint - Pressed steel shade with
Steel
1920's Brass Clerks Desk Light
Located in Altrincham, GB
1920's Brass Clerks Desk Light with Adjustable Height and Angle with Swivel Brass Hood - 8.5"w x
Brass
1920s Articulated Industrial Desk Lamp
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
1920s Articulated Industrial Desk Lamp
Iron
Marianne Brandt Kandem Desk Lamp, circa 1920s
By Marianne Brandt
Located in Gloucester, GB
Marianne Brandt Kandem desk lamp, circa 1920s. - Cast iron base - Angled steel shade
Desk Lamp from the 1920s
Located in Opole, PL
We present you an electric lamp on a brass base with a material lamp shade. The shade is black
Brass
Factory Office Desk Lamp by Viktoria, circa 1920s
By Viktoria Lampe
Located in Gloucester, GB
Factory office desk lamp by Viktoria circa 1920s Product code #OA471 - Vitreous green enamel
Bankers Desk Lamp by Gebruder Jacob, circa 1920s
By Gebruder Jacob
Located in Gloucester, GB
Bankers desk lamp by Gebruder Jacob, circa 1920s - Cast iron base - Vitreous green enamel shade
Art Deco Desk Lamp by Pirouette, circa 1920s
By Pirouette
Located in Gloucester, GB
Art Deco desk Lamp by Pirouette, circa 1920s Product code #OA521 - Chrome base and arm
Chrome
Art Deco Desk Lamp by Pirouette, circa 1920s
By Pirouette
Located in Gloucester, GB
Art Deco desk lamp by Pirouette, circa 1920s. Product code #OA522. - Chrome base and arm
Chrome
Bauhaus Desk Lamp By Christian Dell Circa 1920s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Bauhaus Desk Lamp By Christian Dell Circa 1920s - Cast iron base with letter and pen holder
Steel
Art Deco Factory Desk Lamp by Erpe, circa 1920s
By Erpé
Located in Gloucester, GB
Model 52 Art Deco factory desk lamp by Erpe, circa 1920s. Product code #OA472 - Black
Factory Office Desk Lamp by Gebruder Jacob, circa 1920s
By Gebruder Jacob
Located in Gloucester, GB
Factory office desk lamp by Gebruder Jacob, circa 1920s Product code #OA474 - Heavy cast iron
1920s Art Deco Brass Desk Lamp
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Quality brass desk lamp circa 1920. Excellent round shape which has no dents or dings. Some
Brass
Antique Silver Plated Bankers Lamp Desk Lamp 1920s
Located in London, GB
This is a truly superb antique silver plated bankers lamp, circa 1920 in date. It is silver
Silver Plate
Ornate Hungarian Bankers Desk Lamp, circa 1920s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Ornate Hungarian bankers desk lamp, circa 1920s. - Cast Iron base - Vitreous green enamel shade
Steel
Art Deco Desk Lamp by Pirouette, circa 1920s
By Pirouette
Located in Gloucester, GB
Art Deco desk lamp by Pirouette, circa 1920s. - Ornate base - Articulated shade and arm
Sold
H 21.5 in W 10.5 in D 8.5 in
Bradley & Hubbard Arts and Crafts Harp Desk Lamp or Table Lamp, Circa 1920s
By Bradley & Hubbard
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period bronze patina harp desk lamp or table lamp By Bradley
Metal
Sold
H 18.12 in W 5.91 in D 7.09 in
Bauhaus Desk Lamp by Christian Dell for Schreibzeug Tischleuchte, Circa 1920s
By Christian Dell
Located in Gloucester, GB
Rondella (1927/1928) desk lamps. Both were manufactured first by the Rondella factory at Oberursel and then
Steel
Art Deco Desk Lamp by Pirouette, Circa 1920s
By Pirouette
Located in Gloucester, GB
Art Deco desk lamp by Pirouette Circa 1920s - Nickel base and arm - Takes E27 fitting bulbs
Nickel
1920s Art Deco Brass Glass Table Desk Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Art Deco Brass Ship table desk lamp with frosted glass shade. ca. 1920 The lamp stabilizes itself
Brass
Art Deco Table or Desk Lamp, circa 1920s
Located in Vienna, AT
Old Beautiful Art Deco Table Lamp, Europe 1920s Column profile - square shape The entire lamp has
Brass
Antique Pair of Silver Plate Bankers Lamps Desk Lamps 1920s
Located in London, GB
This is a truly superb pair of antique silver plated on brass bankers lamps, circa 1920 in date
Silver Plate
Reissued 1920s French Desk Lamp by Edouard Wilfred Buquet
By Buquet
Located in New York, NY
A signature desk lamp designed by Edouard Wilfred Buquet in France, circa 1920. This is an exact
Andre Delatte French Art Deco Eagle Table Desk Lamp, Late 1920s
By Andre Delatte
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Deco desk table lamp by Andre Delatte, Jarville (Nancy), late 1920s. The shade is made
Bronze
André Delatte French Art Deco Desk or Table Lamp, Late 1920s
By Andre Delatte
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
these beautiful pieces. French Art Deco desk or table lamp by Andre Delatte, Jarville near Nancy, France
Bronze
1920s Art Nouveau Brass Opaline Glass Table Desk Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Art Nouveau Brass table desk lamp with opaline glass globe. ca. 1920 2,5 meter black cotton flex
Brass
Daum Ranc French Art Deco Eagle Table or Desk Lamp, Early 1920s
By Daum, Charles Ranc
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Deco table-desk table lamp by Daum (Nancy) and Ranc (Paris), France, early 1920s. Blown
Bronze
1920s Art Deco Desk Lamp by Magilux, brass, copper and bakelite - Italy
Located in Girona, Girona
Art Deco desk lamp, brass, copper and bakelite, swivel lampshade, originally with variable light
Brass, Copper
1920s Vintage Industrial Black Enamel Desk Lights
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Black enamel desk light 1920 2,5 meter black cotton flex, plug and switch Also available with US
Enamel, Iron
Sold
H 31.5 in Dm 2.76 in
Black Machinist Desk Light Flex Arm Enamel Shade Vintage Industrial, 1920s (2x)
By Edl
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Very rare vintage English army lamp, machinist table / work light. Including original wooden box
Enamel, Iron
Vintage 1920s French Brass & Glass Table Desk Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Brass tabel desk lamp with glass globe. ca. 1920 2,5 meter black cotton flex with plug and switch
Brass
Vintage French 1920s Art Deco Brass Glass Table Desk Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French 1920s brass desk light. Brass Base and arm with flower shaped glass shade. Black cotton wire
Brass
Vintage French 1920s Art Deco Cast Iron Glass Table Desk Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French 1920s desk light. Cast Iron Base and arm with Holophane glass shade. Black cotton wire and
Iron
Vintage French 1920s Art Deco Cast Iron Glass Table Desk Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French 1920s desk light. Cast Iron Base and arm with Holophane glass shade. Black cotton wire and
Iron
Vintage French 1920s Art Deco Cast Iron Glass Table Desk Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French 1920s desk light. Cast Iron Base and arm with Holophane glass shade. Black cotton wire and
Iron
Sold
H 8.67 in W 4.93 in D 9.06 in
Vintage French 1920s Art Deco Cast Iron Holophane Glass Table Desk Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French 1920s desk light. Cast Iron Base and arm with Holophane glass shade. Black cotton wire and
Iron
Sold
H 12.6 in W 5.52 in D 14.97 in
Vintage French 1920s Art Deco Cast Iron Frosted Glass Table Desk Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French 1930s, Art deco, frosted glass, cast desk light / table lamp 2,5 meter black cotton wire
Iron
Sold
H 9.85 in W 6.3 in D 9.06 in
Vintage French 1920s Art Deco Iron Brass Clear Glass Table Desk Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French 1930s, Art deco, clear glass, cast desk light / table lamp 2,5 meter black cotton wire, plug
Iron, Brass
Black 2-Arm Metal Machinist Work Desk Light Peter Behrens AEG, 1920s
By AEG, Peter Behrens
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Black enamel industrial 2 arm work light by Peter Behrens for AEG, circa 1920s adjustable in
Metal, Enamel
Curt Fischer Task Lamps for Midgard, 1920
By Midgard, Curt Fischer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful 1920s articulating table-mounted desk lamps by Curt Fischer for Midgard in original grey
Metal
Sold
H 11.82 in W 7.09 in D 11.82 in
Danish Art Nouveau Table Lamp in Brass and Pin-Striped Glass, 1920s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This Danish 1920s desk lamp has a solid brass frame and base. It is mounted with a pin-striped
Brass
Sold
H 16.2 in Dm 12.2 in
Perfect Size and Shape Art Deco Brass Table or Desk Lamp with Art Glass Shade
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful and practical 1920s desk lamp. This sizeable and great looking Art Deco desk lamp has
Brass
Sold
H 15 in W 8.5 in D 7.5 in
Banker's/ Desk Lamp by "Pittsburgh Lamp Co." Reverse Painted Shade, ca. 1920's
By Pittsburgh Lamp, Brass and Glass Company
Located in Petaluma, CA
This beautiful little lamp can be used as a desk lamp by just adjusting the lower knuckle to the
Metal
French Flambe' Glaze 1920s Table Desk Lamp
Located in Montclair, NY
A lovely 1920s French blue and cafe' au last flambe' glaze small table lamp with gilt mounts
Gold Plate
Art Deco Desk Lamp By Erpe Circa 1920s
By Erpé
Located in Gloucester, GB
Art Deco Desk Lamp By Erpe Circa 1920s - Black bakelite shade - On/Off switch on the base - Takes
Steel
$3,305 / item
H 14 in W 48 in D 8 in
4-foot Pendant Light in Black Walnut with Brass Fixtures by Hinterland Design
By Hinterland Design
Located in Vancouver, BC
It’s believed that ancient Egyptians may have had the technology to harness electricity and create light thousands of years ago. This technology is referred to as the light of the De...
Brass
Sasco Semi-Flush Mount Brass Light Fixture, Custom Finishes
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
The Sasco is a versatile custom-made solid brass and glass globe light fixture, which can be mounted on the ceiling or wall. Shown here in our factory brass, an uneven unfinished br...
Brass
Smoked Murano Glass Wall Sconces with Central Brass Plate
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Wall sconces made of a piece of curved and wavy Murano glass with a central brass plate. Two lights per sconce. Price per sconce
Brass
$500 / item
H 18.7 in W 13.2 in D 3 in
Manly P Hall, the Secret Teachings of All Ages, First Edition Book & 4 Prints
By TASCHEN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The classic encyclopedia of the arcane in an expanded edition. Renowned philosopher and lecturer Manly P. Hall’s masterful encyclopedia of ancient symbols, hidden rituals, and arcan...
Foil
$2,800 / set
H 14.75 in W 8.5 in D 4 in
Pair of Art Deco Style Murano Glass Demi Lune Wall Sconces, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Art Deco style Murano glass demi lune wall sconces, in stock Black glass sphere and brass fittings. Textured Murano glass, Wired to the American standard Multiple available ...
Brass
French Designer, Table Lamp, Iron, Fabric, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An iron and white fabric table lamp designed and produced in France, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12.75"H x 16"W x 5"D Bulb Specifications: B22 (Bayonet) Bulbs are not i...
Iron
French Designer, Table Lamp, Metal, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered metal table lamp designed and produced in France, c. 1950s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 10.9"H x 6.5"W x 6.5"D Dimensions of Lamp with Shade (inches): 14.4” H x ...
Metal
$1,155Sale Price / item|30% Off
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
LU Louis Sconce AS
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome LU Louis sconce AS. An all brass wall sconce in an aged silver finish with patterned perforations by Lumfardo Luminaires. Made contemporary in the US. Multiples available fo...
Brass, Nickel
Sculptural Scandinavian Modern Chair in Wood Denmark - 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Sculptural Scandinavian Modern Chair in Wood, Denmark - 1960s.
Wood
Linden Table Lamp, Short, by Studio DUNN
By Studio DUNN
Located in Rumford, RI
The Linden table lamp features a cream linen shade and lamp body, solid hardwood walnut base, and brass details. A study in duality, the piece explores the balance between soft, flow...
Brass
Danish Designer, Floor Lamp, Bronze, Fabric, Denmark, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable bronze and fabric floor lamp designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1930s. Dimensions of Lamp with Shade (inches): 60.25“ H x 18.5” W x 20.5” D Bulb Specifications: E-2...
Bronze
On Hold|$2,950
H 30.125 in W 17 in D 19.75 in
Set of Six "SE 05" Rattan Dining Chairs by Martin Visser For 't Spectrum, 1960
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous set of 6 dining chairs created by Martin Visser in 1960 for Dutch furniture manufacturer 't Spectrum. The model features a wicker seat and backrest on black square tubular e...
Metal
$7,950 / set
H 33.27 in W 32.68 in D 35.44 in
French Upholstered Lounge Chair with Footstool, France 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The post-war period in France saw a wide array of inventive and creative contributions to the history of design. What made this particular period so prolific and influential is that ...
Metal
$10,600 / set
H 31.5 in W 29.14 in D 29.14 in
Pair of Modernist Lounge Chairs, by Martin Eisler, Brazilian Mid-Century Design
By Martin Eisler
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This pair of lounge chairs designed by Martin Eisler showcase the mid-century modern Brazilian style with a classic yet innovative design that harmonizes form and function. These pi...
Fabric
Brazilian Pair of Easy Chairs
Located in Brussel, BE
Brazilian pair of easy chairs with new fabric.
Fabric, Wood
Well-crafted antique and vintage table lamps do more than provide light; the right fixture-and-table combination can add a focal point or creative element to any interior.
Proper table lamps have long been used for lighting our most intimate spaces. Perfect for lighting your nightstand or reading nook, table lamps play an integral role in styling an inviting room. In the years before electricity, lamps used oil. Today, a rewired 19th-century vintage lamp can still provide a touch of elegance for a study.
After industrial milestones such as mass production took hold in the Victorian era, various design movements sought to bring craftsmanship and innovation back to this indispensable household item. Lighting designers affiliated with Art Deco, which originated in the glamorous roaring ’20s, sought to celebrate modern life by fusing modern metals with dark woods and dazzling colors in the fixtures of the era. The geometric shapes and gilded details of vintage Art Deco table lamps provide an air of luxury and sophistication that never goes out of style.
After launching in 1934, Anglepoise lamps soon became a favorite among modernist architects and designers, who interpreted the fixture as “a machine for lighting,” just as Le Corbusier had reimagined the house as “a machine for living in.” The popular task light owed to a collaboration between a vehicle-suspension engineer by the name of George Carwardine and a West Midlands springs manufacturer, Herbert Terry & Sons.
Some mid-century modern table lamps, particularly those created by the likes of Joe Colombo and the legendary lighting artisans at Fontana Arte, bear all the provocative hallmarks associated with Space Age design. Sculptural and versatile, the Louis Poulsen table lamps of that period were revolutionary for their time and still seem innovative today.
If you are looking for something more contemporary, industrial table lamps are demonstrative of a newly chic style that isn’t afraid to pay homage to the past. They look particularly at home in any rustic loft space amid exposed brick and steel beams.
Before you buy a desk lamp or table lamp for your living room, consider your lighting needs. The Snoopy lamp, designed in 1967, or any other “banker’s lamp” (shorthand for the Emeralite desk lamps patented by H.G. McFaddin and Company), provides light at a downward angle that is perfect for writing, while the Fontana table lamp and the beloved Grasshopper lamp by Greta Magnusson-Grossman each yield a soft and even glow. Some table lamps require lampshades to be bought separately.
Whether it’s a classic antique Tiffany table lamp, a Murano glass table lamp or even a bold avant-garde fixture custom-made by a contemporary design firm, the right table lamp can completely transform a room. Find the right one for you on 1stDibs.
No one knows for sure who invented the desk lamp, as many engineers worked on designs for lamps during the 1920s. Many experts cite the Anglepoise lamp, however, as the earliest iteration of the modern desk lamp. Since its 1934 debut, this ingenious task light has become one of the most celebrated examples of industrial design.
How the Anglepoise came to be is the stuff of design legend: In 1932, a vehicle-suspension engineer by the name of George Carwardine joined forces with a West Midlands springs manufacturer, Herbert Terry & Sons, to create a mechanism by which opposed springs would, as Carwardine explained, exert a “unidirectional constant force” on a pivoted lever that could counteract the force of gravity.
This invention was not destined for an auto but for a lamp Carwardine was developing. The innovation would allow the piece’s articulated arm to be moved with ease to almost any position and remain there. As the product of engineering acumen rather than fashion, the Anglepoise soon became a favorite among modernist architects and designers, who interpreted it as “a machine for lighting,” just as Le Corbusier had reimagined the house as “a machine for living in.”
The Angelpoise's rivals include the 1930 Bestlite, which was one of the earliest Bauhaus-influenced designs, created by Robert Dudley Best, who had studied under Walter Gropius at the Bauhaus in Dessau. German modernist Karl Trabert’s 1930s desk lamp for Schanzenbach & Co. was notable for its domed shade above a hinged arm.
Find vintage table lamps and other lighting on 1stDibs.
Working with resin, a tricky material, has created moments of failure — and enlightenment.
Commissioned for the lakeside villa of a Finnish industrialist, it illuminated visits with dignitaries.
Across New York, there’s no shortage of statement lighting on view.
The 1920s design is a thrilling combination of saturated colors, ancient motifs and modern aesthetics.
Designed by a giant of Swedish lighting, the large-scale fixtures bring major drama.
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Before founding the Memphis Group, Sottsass bent the rules of lighting design with the wonderfully wavy Cometa.
Warm chalet style meets cool Bauhaus functionality in Pietro Cascella’s cleverly carved creation.