When it comes to home decor, an atomic lamp is a term used to define interestingly shaped lamps from the 1950s or the mid-century design period. This is a time when the atomic bomb was in the news and the telltale mushroom cloud was the inspiration for the shape of these lamps. It’s a loose description of the new shapes that were being seen in lighting in this era. Shop a collection of atomic lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is an atomic lamp?

The atomic lamp was a favorite mid-century modern design. The lamp took on characteristics of the molecular composition of the atom, and were found in a variety of shapes, materials and colors. You’ll find a variety of atomic lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a sconce and a wall lamp?

The difference between a sconce and a wall lamp is that a sconce is a type of wall lamp or wall lighting fixture. The term sconce is usually used to refer to a decorative lighting fixture whereas a wall lamp might refer to recessed lighting, spotlights or track lighting.Usually installed in pairs or groups , sconces are decorative fixtures used to light hallways, or placed on either side of a door or bed. In addition to ambient illumination, they can provide upward or downward directional lighting, or both.Find antique and vintage sconces and other wall lights on 1stDibs.

Atomic Wall Lamp

Atomic Wall Lamp For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the atomic wall lamp you’re looking for. Frequently made of metal, brass and glass, every atomic wall lamp was constructed with great care. Find 42 options for an antique or vintage atomic wall lamp now, or shop our selection of 15 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the atomic wall lamp you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. An atomic wall lamp made by mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with modern — is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one atomic wall lamp that is appealing in its simplicity, but John C. Virden Co., Kalmar Lighting and Claus Bolby produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Atomic Wall Lamp?

Prices for an atomic wall lamp can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $203 and can go as high as $10,045, while the average can fetch as much as $1,497.

Finding the Right Lighting for You

The right table lamp, outwardly sculptural chandelier or understated wall pendant can work wonders for your home. While we’re indebted to thinkers like Thomas Edison for critically important advancements in lighting and electricity, we’re still finding new ways to customize illumination to fit our personal spaces all these years later. A wide range of antique and vintage lighting can be found on 1stDibs.

Today, lighting designers like the self-taught Bec Brittain have used the flexible structure of LEDs to craft glamorous solutions by working with what is typically considered a harsh lighting source. By integrating glass and mirrors, reflection can be used to soften the glow from LEDs and warmly welcome light into any space.

Although contemporary innovators continue to impress, some of the classics can’t be beat.

Just as gazing at the stars allows you to glimpse the universe’s past, vintage chandeliers like those designed by Gino Sarfatti and J. & L. Lobmeyr, for example, put on a similarly stunning show, each with a rich story to tell.

As dazzling as it is, the Arco lamp, on the other hand, prioritizes functionality — it’s wholly mobile, no drilling required. Designed in 1962 by architect-product designers Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, the piece takes the traditional form of a streetlamp and creates an elegant, arching floor fixture for at-home use.

There is no shortage of modernist lighting similarly prized by collectors and casual enthusiasts alike — there are Art Deco table lamps created in a universally appreciated style, the Tripod floor lamp by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Greta Magnusson Grossman's sleek and minimalist Grasshopper lamps and, of course, the wealth of mid-century experimental lighting that emerged from Italian artisans at Arredoluce, FLOS and many more are hallmarks in illumination innovation.

With decades of design evolution behind it, home lighting is no longer just practical. Crystalline shaping by designers like Gabriel Scott turns every lighting apparatus into a luxury accessory. A new installation doesn’t merely showcase a space; carefully chosen ceiling lights, table lamps and floor lamps can create a mood, spotlight a favorite piece or highlight your unique personality.

The sparkle that your space has been missing is waiting for you amid the growing collection of antique, vintage and contemporary lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Questions About Atomic Wall Lamp

What is atomic lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
When it comes to home decor, an atomic lamp is a term used to define interestingly shaped lamps from the 1950s or the mid-century design period. This is a time when the atomic bomb was in the news and the telltale mushroom cloud was the inspiration for the shape of these lamps. It’s a loose description of the new shapes that were being seen in lighting in this era. Shop a collection of atomic lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is an atomic lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The atomic lamp was a favorite mid-century modern design. The lamp took on characteristics of the molecular composition of the atom, and were found in a variety of shapes, materials and colors. You’ll find a variety of atomic lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a sconce and a wall lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2024
The difference between a sconce and a wall lamp is that a sconce is a type of wall lamp or wall lighting fixture. The term sconce is usually used to refer to a decorative lighting fixture whereas a wall lamp might refer to recessed lighting, spotlights or track lighting.

Usually installed in pairs or groups, sconces are decorative fixtures used to light hallways, or placed on either side of a door or bed. In addition to ambient illumination, they can provide upward or downward directional lighting, or both.

Find antique and vintage sconces and other wall lights on 1stDibs.

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Atomic Wall Lamp

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