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Ceiling Bubble Lamp Kalmar

Kalmar Atomic Ceiling Lamps Chandeliers, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, AT
Kalmar atomic ceiling lamps chandeliers, 1960s designed and executed by Kalmar Vienna in 1969
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Nickel

Kalmar Atomic Ceiling Lamps Chandeliers, 1960s
Kalmar Atomic Ceiling Lamps Chandeliers, 1960s
H 35.44 in W 22.05 in D 20.48 in
Kalmar Donut Sconce or Ceiling Lamp, Austria 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, BY
Stunning sconce or ceiling lamp from the 1970s by J.T. Kalmar, Austria. Made from a chrome plated
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Pair of Kalmar Donut Sconces or Ceiling Lamps, Austria 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, BY
Stunning pair of sconces or ceiling lamps from the 1970s by J.T. Kalmar, Austria. Made from a
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Up of 3 Identical J.T. Kalmar Atomic Ceiling Lamps Chandeliers, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
. Kalmar Vienna in 1969. Vey impressive pieces, made of nickel-plated metal with nice ball lampshades made
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Nickel

1970s Modernist Space Age Bubble Glass Flush Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Robert and Trix Haussmann
Located in München, DE
Very impressive Sputnik ceiling lamp from the 1970s. Exceptional design and very high-quality
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Space Age Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Bubble Glass Wall Lamp or Flush Light
By Glashütte Limburg, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Doria Leuchten Germany, Helena Tynell, J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally large and beautiful bubble wall or ceiling lamp from the 1960s. Fantastic design and
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
the create a large globe. The lamp is documented in the Kalmar catalogue from 1972. The current total
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Kalmar 'Tulipan' Chandelier Pendant Light, Blown Glass, 1970, One of Two
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
arranged to the create a large globe. The lamp is documented in the Kalmar catalogue from 1972. The current
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

One of Four Huge Kalmar Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
satin brass or a matte gold tone. The hand blown and globe shaped bubble glass lamp shades have a
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

1 of 2 Monumental Kalmar Sputnik Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Brass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
similar to satin brass or a matte gold tone. The hand blown globe shaped bubble glass lamp shades have a
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum, Gold, Brass

Pair of Kalmar Sconces Flush Mount Lights 'RS 6 WA', Glass Brass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of large six-arm wall lamps or flush mount light fixtures model 'RS 6 WA' by J.T. Kalmar
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum

Large Kalmar Murano Smoke Glass Sconces or Wall Lights, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful and large Murano glass wall sconces or lights or ceiling lamps by J.T. Kalmar for Franken
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Steel, Nickel

Huge Kalmar Chandelier Pendant Light, Brass Glass, Austria, 1970s, One of Four
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
similar to satin brass or a matte gold tone. The hand blown and globe shaped bubble glass lamp shades have
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Aluminum

Large German Vintage Murano Glass and Brass Ceiling Light Flush Mount
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful flush mount with textured bubble glass lamp shade and decorative brass base. Germany
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Metal

Three Large Kalmar Sconces Flush Mount Lights 'RS 6 WA' Glass Aluminum 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of three six-arm wall lamps or flush mount light fixtures model 'RS 6 WA' by J.T. Kalmar
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel

Large Kalmar Sconce Flush Mount Lights 'RS 6 WA' Glass Aluminum 1970, 1 of 3
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of three six-arm wall lamps or flush mount light fixtures model 'RS 6 WA' by J.T. Kalmar
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum

Large German Vintage Textured Murano Glass Ceiling Wall Lights Flushmounts
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berlin, DE
One of... beautiful sculptural white blown textured bubble glass flushmount. Germany, 1960s. Lamp
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Bubble Glass Wall Lamp or Flush Light by Helena Tynell for Glashütte Limburg
By Doria Leuchten Germany, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Helena Tynell, J.T. Kalmar, Glashütte Limburg
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally large and beautiful bubble wall or ceiling lamp from the 1960s. Fantastic design and
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Large German Vintage Textured Blown Glass Ceiling Wall Light Flushmount 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berlin, DE
One of... beautiful sculptural white blown textured bubble glass flushmount. Germany, 1960s/1970s
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Space Age Flush Chandelier by Temde
By Max Bill, Rupert Nikoll, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Temde Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Extremely beautiful Space Age ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The 8 bubble glass lampshades spread a
Category

Vintage 1960s German Space Age Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Staff Bubble Glass Flush Mounts (4x) Lamps Ceiling Lights, 1960
By Glashütte Limburg, J.T. Kalmar, Staff Leuchten
Located in Vienna, AT
Two Pairs (total of 4) Staff bubble glass flush mounts lamps ceiling lights. Priced per pair. 2
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Glass, Plastic

People Also Browsed

Flush Mount Brass and Glass Chandelier 8 Arms, Stilnovo Style, Low Ceiling Best
By Silvio Piattelli, Stilnovo
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This chandelier is specifically designed for low ceilings, with a height of only 13 inches (32 cm). The arms and shade holders are made of brass, while the central part is made of me...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal, Brass

Brass Ceiling Flush Mount Light 'POLKA' by J.T. Kalmar, Braided Shades, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A brass ceiling or flush mount light model 'POLKA' no. 5180/5 with five arms and braided lamp shades by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, ca. 1960 (late 1950s...
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

1955! Mid Century Modern Tension Pole Lamp Brass Stiffel Era Starlight Shades
By Stiffel
Located in Peoria, AZ
HIGHLY COVETED! PURIST'S DREAM 1955 EARLY MID CENTURY MODERN TENSION POLE LAMP! THREE "STARLIGHT" SHADE BRASS & BLACK! UNRESTORED! FITS 8 FT. CEILING Mid Century Pole lamps are ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal

J. T. Kalmar "Tulipan" Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass frame white painted with six E14 bulbs and hand blow glass elements made by J.T. Kalmar. Very good condition with minimal signs of age.
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

Kalmar Atomium Sputnik Chandelier Pendant Light 'RS 14', Alu Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A fantastic and rare 14-arm chandelier / pendant light by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s - early 1970s). It is made of polished aluminum and ha...
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Nickel, Chrome

1 of 6 Large Tulipan Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier. 73 hand blown glasses suspended on white painted metal frame and brass center rod. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria....
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Murano Glass

One of 10 Kalmar 'Tulipan' Wall Lights Sconces, Blown Bubble Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of 10 large 'Tulipan' glass wall light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives from...
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass, Metal

Large Pair of Kalmar Tulipan Wall Lights Sconces Murano Glass White Brass, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega
Located in Nierstein am Rhein, DE
Large pair of signed Kalmar "Tulipan" wall appliques or sconces designed and executed in the 1960s-1970s in Germany or Austria. Each wall lamp has nine unique mouth-blown hand manufa...
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass

Impressive Large Mid-Century Modern Cloud Chandelier from Milchhalle Vienna
By Oswald Haerdtl
Located in Vienna, AT
We are offering an identical reproduction of the displayed huge cloud chandelier. Customized sizes are possible on request. An Austrian masterpiece originally mounted in the famous M...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Two Mid-Century Modern Brass Sputnik Spider Flush Mount Wall Lights Kalmar 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two 10-arm brass spider flush mount or wall light fixtures by Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The price is per fixture. They will a...
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

Kalmar Chrome Sputnik Ceiling Fixture
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Kalmar Atomic Aluminum Chandelier. Round lightbulbs make the fixture anything you want it to be! white, clear or even round balls with 1/2 chrome tops all look amazing in this fixt...
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Murano Pendant Light Huge Italian Amber Handblown Bubble Glass, Vintage 1960s
By Seguso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A nice heavy murano bubble glass Pendant Light. Vintage Hand Blown Italian Caged Glass Hanging Pendant. Attributed to Seguso made in the 1960s. It is made from handblown amber col...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Glass Cube Pendant Light in the style of Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Troy, MI
Cube shaped suspended cube light, circa 1970s made of clear molded glass panels and nickel metal joiners in the style of Kalmar of Austria. Dimensions shown are for glass fixture onl...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Nickel

Bakelite Wall or Ceiling Industrial Lamp from 1940s
Located in Vienna, AT
Bakelite wall of ceiling industial or factory lamp from late 1940s. Up to 20 pieces available.
Category

Vintage 1940s Bauhaus Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bakelite, Glass

One of Ten Kalmar Sputnik Sconces Wall Lights 'RS 3 WA', Aluminum Glass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Ten (five pairs of) large J.T. Kalmar wall lights manufactured in Austria in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). They are made of polished aluminum and handblown bub...
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Nickel, Aluminum, Chrome

1 of 3 Pairs of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each tulip-shaped glass is handmade which makes each glass piece a unique piece. E...
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Murano Glass

Recent Sales

Unique Kalmar Tulipan Pendant Lamp with 162 Glass Elements, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berkel en Rodenrijs, NL
lamp is made of a white ceiling plate and a nickel frame with below 162 blown glass elements suspended
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Glass Chandelier, Attributed to Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Cologne, DE
Beautiful ceiling chandelier from the 1960s. The structure of the slightly funnel-shaped glass
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Kalmar Palazzo Flush Light, Brutalist "Ice Effect" Glass and Gilt Brass
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in London, GB
Kalmar Palazzo flush light, Brutalist "ice effect" glass and gilt brass, Austrian, circa 1970s
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Brutalist Flush Mount

Materials

Brass, Gold Plate

'Tulipan' Flush Mount Lamp by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Steenwijk, NL
Large ceiling mounted lamp with 41 bubble glass balls on a white lacquered fixture with brass
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal, Brass

One of Three Large Staff Bubble Glass Flush Mounts Lamps Ceiling Lights, 1960
By Glashütte Limburg, J.T. Kalmar, Staff Leuchten
Located in Vienna, AT
Set of 3 (three) 15 inch staff bubble glass ceiling fixtures from the 1960s. Three large bulbs
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Plastic, Glass

Bubble Glass Wall Lamp or Flush Light
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Glashütte Limburg, Helena Tynell, J.T. Kalmar, Doria Leuchten Germany
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally large and beautiful bubble wall or ceiling lamp from the 1960s. Fantastic design and
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Austrian Midcentury Blown Glass Tulipan Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
the ceiling decoration elements still could be seen. The lamp is documented in the Kalmar catalogue
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Space Age Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Tulipan Chandelier by J.T Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Paris, FR
plate. The glasses are arranged to create a large globe. The lamp is documented in the Kalmar catalogue
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Pair of Kalmar Murano Opal Clear Glass Sconces or Wall Lights, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful and large murano glass wall sconces or lights or ceiling lamps by J.T. Kalmar for Franken
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Steel, Nickel

1970s Carlo Nason LS185 Mazzega Murano one-light in clear and grey smoked glass
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega
Located in Caprino Veronese, VR
steel structure from which starts the steel wire for hanging the lamp at the ceiling and the power cable
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Pair of Large Staff Bubble Glass Flush Mounts Lamps Ceiling Lights, 1960
By Glashütte Limburg, Staff Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of large staff bubble glass flush mounts lamps ceiling lights. Three large bulbs with 60 W
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Glass, Plastic

One of Two Large Staff Bubble Glass Flush Mounts Lamps Ceiling Lights, 1960
By Glashütte Limburg, Staff Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Two large staff bubble glass flush mounts lamps ceiling lights. Priced individually. Three large
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Glass, Plastic

Two Kalmar 'Tulipan' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
. The lamp is documented in the Kalmar catalogue from 1972. The price is per lamp. They will be sold
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Three Kalmar 'Tulipan' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
globe. The lamp is documented in the Kalmar catalogue from 1972. The current total height is 55" (140
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Kalmar 'Tulipan' Chandelier Pendant Light, Blown Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
a white enameled ceiling plate. The glasses are arranged to the create a large globe. The lamp is
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Kalmar Murano Smoke Glass Sconces or Wall Lights, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful and large murano glass wall sconces or lights or ceiling lamps by J.T. Kalmar for Franken
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Steel, Nickel

Pair of Large Glass and Brass Wall Ceiling Lights Flush Mounts, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of beautiful flush mounts with textured bubble glass lamp shade and decorative brass base
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

Petite Glashutte Limburg Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp, 1960
By Glashütte Limburg
Located in Vienna, AT
Nice bubble glass ceiling light fixture from the 1960s by Limburg/Germany. It holds three bulbs
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Glass

Large German Vintage Blown Glass Globe Ceiling Hanging Pendant Light, 1960s
By Mazzega, Carlo Nason, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berlin, DE
Wonderful hand blown textured bubble glass globe and brass pendant. Germany, 1960s. Measures: Glass
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Pair of Limburg Pendant Lights, Brass and Topaz Iron Glass, 1960
By Hillebrand
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of pendant lamps by Glashütte Limburg, Germany. Topaz (gold brown) tone. Bubble glass with a
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Huge Rare 'Tulipan' Glass Pendant Chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, Vienna
on a white wooden ceiling plate. The glasses are arranged to the create a large globe. The lamp is
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Glass

J.T. Kalmar Atomic Molecule Modern Midcentury Chrome Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Pasadena, CA
ceiling lamp with twelve arms. Handmade from nickel-plated metal with polished chrome lining. Rated for
Category

Late 20th Century Austrian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Kalmar flower chandelier glass & brass, 1965, Sische Lighting
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in London, GB
Often attributed to Kalmar Lighting this flower chandelier is by Sische Lighting of Germany. This
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Post-Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

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Ceiling Bubble Lamp Kalmar For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the ceiling bubble lamp kalmar you’re looking for. Frequently made of glass, metal and blown glass, every ceiling bubble lamp kalmar was constructed with great care. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect ceiling bubble lamp kalmar — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. When you’re browsing for the right ceiling bubble lamp kalmar, those designed in mid-century modern styles are of considerable interest. You’ll likely find more than one ceiling bubble lamp kalmar that is appealing in its simplicity, but J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting and Hillebrand produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Ceiling Bubble Lamp Kalmar?

Prices for a ceiling bubble lamp kalmar can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $1,517 and can go as high as $19,600, while the average can fetch as much as $3,192.

A Close Look at Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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.