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Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s
Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s

Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s

By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni

Located in Arezzo, Italy

Cocoon suspension lamp, 1960s. White coated internal steel structure, sprayed with special cocoon resin. Excellent condition. Electrical system replaced by a professional, rewired. A...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Cocoon resin. Space Age pendant lamp in the style of Castiglioni, Italy, 1970s
Cocoon resin. Space Age pendant lamp in the style of Castiglioni, Italy, 1970s

Cocoon resin. Space Age pendant lamp in the style of Castiglioni, Italy, 1970s

By Estiluz Lighting, Tobia Scarpa, George Nelson, Friedel Wauer, Achille Castiglioni

Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES

Very much in the style also of Tobia Scarpa’s iconic “Nuvola” pendant lamp for Flos. Collectible item. The Cocoon material was invented after World War II to protect unarmed warshi...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Large Cocoon Bell Pendant Lamp by Goldkant, 1960s in Castiglioni, Flos Style
Large Cocoon Bell Pendant Lamp by Goldkant, 1960s in Castiglioni, Flos Style

Large Cocoon Bell Pendant Lamp by Goldkant, 1960s in Castiglioni, Flos Style

By Achille Castiglioni, Goldkant Leuchten

Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE

Large Mid-Century Modern bell shape cocoon pendant in the style of Achille Castiglioni, designed by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant Leuchten and manufactured in Germany during the 1960s. ...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Cocoon Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany
Cocoon Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany

Cocoon Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany

By Goldkant Leuchten

Located in Hagenbach, DE

Cocoon Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use with 220V and 110V for...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Resin

Large Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s
Large Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s

Large Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s

By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni

Located in Arezzo, Italy

Large Cocoon suspension lamp, 1960s. White coated internal steel structure, sprayed with special cocoon resin. Excellent condition. Electrical system replaced by a professional, rewi...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Large Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s
Large Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s

Large Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s

By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni

Located in Arezzo, Italy

Large Cocoon suspension lamp, 1960s. White coated internal steel structure, sprayed with special cocoon resin. Excellent condition. Electrical system replaced by a professional, rewi...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Lovely Cocoon Ball Hanging Lamp, 1960s Italy
Lovely Cocoon Ball Hanging Lamp, 1960s Italy

Lovely Cocoon Ball Hanging Lamp, 1960s Italy

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Lovely Cocoon lamp from the 1960s. Very impressive. Very nice condition. Socket e27. Dimmable. Adjustable hanging height! Fully functional. Works with 220V and 110V. Wiring is ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Cocoon Hanging Lamp made of Beechwood, Height Adjustable
Cocoon Hanging Lamp made of Beechwood, Height Adjustable

Cocoon Hanging Lamp made of Beechwood, Height Adjustable

Located in Hannover, DE

This one-of-a-kind hanging lamp is made of cocoon and beechwood. The height of the lamp can be adjusted however you like, thanks to the Roloflex system. This makes it perfect for you...

Category

Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Lamp Friedel Wauer or Flos Castigloni Scarpa Cocoon
Lamp Friedel Wauer or Flos Castigloni Scarpa Cocoon

Lamp Friedel Wauer or Flos Castigloni Scarpa Cocoon

By Friedel Wauer

Located in Lugo, IT

Pendant lamp Attributed to Friedel Wauer or Flos Cocoon material Excellent conditions Thank you

Category

Vintage 1980s European Other Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Plastic

Pair of Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s
Pair of Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s

Pair of Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s

By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni

Located in Arezzo, Italy

Pair of Cocoon suspension lamps , 1960s. White coated internal steel structure, sprayed with special cocoon resin. Excellent condition. Electrical system replaced by a professional,...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Pair of Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s
Pair of Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s

Pair of Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s

By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni

Located in Arezzo, Italy

Pair of Cocoon suspension lamps , 1960s. White coated internal steel structure, sprayed with special cocoon resin. Excellent condition. Electrical system replaced by a professional,...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Pair of regency wall lights, pine and stretched canvas, italy, 1970
Pair of regency wall lights, pine and stretched canvas, italy, 1970

Pair of regency wall lights, pine and stretched canvas, italy, 1970

Located in BARCELONA, ES

We specialize in vintage lighting, with particular expertise in rare mid-century cocoon lights, cocoon pendant lamps, and the iconic cocoon technique designs.Discover our curated col...

Category

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

Materials

Pine, Canvas

Large Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Floor Lamp, 1960s
Large Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Floor Lamp, 1960s

Large Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Floor Lamp, 1960s

By Goldkant Leuchten

Located in Hagenbach, DE

This extraordinary cocoon floor lamp from the 1960s, crafted by Goldkant Leuchten in Germany, is a true design marvel. Resembling the shape of a cactus, the lamp features a cocoon st...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Synthetic

Cocoon lamp attr. to Achille & Giacomo Castiglioni, 60s
Cocoon lamp attr. to Achille & Giacomo Castiglioni, 60s

Cocoon lamp attr. to Achille & Giacomo Castiglioni, 60s

By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni

Located in Kiel, SH

Large cocoon lamp in the shape of the famous Taraxacum lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castilglioni

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Organic Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Rare Taraxacum Flos Cocoon Suspension Lamp, First Edition, 1960s
Rare Taraxacum Flos Cocoon Suspension Lamp, First Edition, 1960s

Rare Taraxacum Flos Cocoon Suspension Lamp, First Edition, 1960s

Located in Catania, CT

Rare Taraxacum first-edition suspension lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, an iconic and highly sculptural lighting design distinguished by its organic, cloud-lik...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Resin

Mid-Century Minimalist Cocoon Teak Ceiling Lamp, 1960s
Mid-Century Minimalist Cocoon Teak Ceiling Lamp, 1960s

Mid-Century Minimalist Cocoon Teak Ceiling Lamp, 1960s

Located in Hamburg, DE

Mid Century ceiling lamp with a striking teak frame. The lamp consists of a flat cube that is mounted directly under the ceiling. It consists of a white metal frame that is covered ...

Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Cocoon flower pendent lamp -Goldkant- Friedel Wauer
Mid-Century Cocoon flower pendent lamp -Goldkant- Friedel Wauer

Mid-Century Cocoon flower pendent lamp -Goldkant- Friedel Wauer

By Achille Castiglioni

Located in The Hague, NL

This Cocoon Lamp is a real beauty in an exceptional good condition. A masterpiece of Mid-Century modern design, celebrated for its innovative use of materials and organic forms. Achi...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Epoxy Resin

Iconic Italian Cocoon Lamp – Attributed to Castiglioni for Flos
Iconic Italian Cocoon Lamp – Attributed to Castiglioni for Flos

Iconic Italian Cocoon Lamp – Attributed to Castiglioni for Flos

By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos

Located in Hannover, DE

A true icon of Italian design, this Cocoon lamp, attributed to Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, is more than lighting—it is a sculptural masterpiece. Crafted from del...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Iron

Lamp Friedel Wauer of Flos Castigloni Scarpa Cocoon , 1970s
Lamp Friedel Wauer of Flos Castigloni Scarpa Cocoon , 1970s

Lamp Friedel Wauer of Flos Castigloni Scarpa Cocoon , 1970s

By Friedel Wauer

Located in Delft, NL

Lamp Friedel Wauer of Flos Castigloni Scarpa Cocoon , 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Pair of large Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s
Pair of large Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s

Pair of large Cocoon Suspension Lamp, Italian Manufacture, 1960s

By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni

Located in Arezzo, Italy

Large Cocoon suspension lamps , 1960s. White coated internal steel structure, sprayed with special cocoon resin. Excellent condition. Electrical system replaced by a professional, re...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Pair of Regency Wall Lights, Pine and Stretched Canvas, Italy 1970
Pair of Regency Wall Lights, Pine and Stretched Canvas, Italy 1970

Pair of Regency Wall Lights, Pine and Stretched Canvas, Italy 1970

Located in BARCELONA, ES

We specialize in vintage lighting, with particular expertise in rare mid-century cocoon lights, cocoon pendant lamps, and the iconic cocoon technique designs.Discover our curated col...

Category

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

Materials

Canvas, Pine

Mid-century design cocoon hanging by George Nelson  lamp , 1970s
Mid-century design cocoon hanging by George Nelson  lamp , 1970s

Mid-century design cocoon hanging by George Nelson lamp , 1970s

By George Nelson

Located in Delft, NL

Mid-century design cocoon hanging by George Nelson lamp , 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Plastic

Lovely Geometric Cocoon Hanging Lamp by Goldkant Leuchten, 1960s Germany
Lovely Geometric Cocoon Hanging Lamp by Goldkant Leuchten, 1960s Germany

Lovely Geometric Cocoon Hanging Lamp by Goldkant Leuchten, 1960s Germany

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Lovely Cocoon lamp from the 1960s. Very impressive. Very nice condition. Socket e27. Dimmable. Fully functional. Works with 220V and 110V. Wiring is suitable for all countries.

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Rare Cocoon Two-Light Pendand Lamp Castiglioni, Flos Style, Italy, 1970s
Rare Cocoon Two-Light Pendand Lamp Castiglioni, Flos Style, Italy, 1970s

Rare Cocoon Two-Light Pendand Lamp Castiglioni, Flos Style, Italy, 1970s

By Achille Castiglioni

Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE

Rare, extra long Mid-Century Modern Cocoon two-light pendant lamp or flush mount in the style of Achille Castiglioni, Flos era, Italy, 1970's.

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

1960 Cocoon Italian Space Age Design Chandelier Ceiling Lamp
1960 Cocoon Italian Space Age Design Chandelier Ceiling Lamp

1960 Cocoon Italian Space Age Design Chandelier Ceiling Lamp

By Flos

Located in Brescia, IT

Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1960s. Enameled metal, resin. Plastic polymer resin was applied with spraying technique on to the enameled metal frame. No straps. No crack...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Space Age Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Satin Silk Fabric Ceiling Lamp in Cocoon Shape, 1960s, Italy
Satin Silk Fabric Ceiling Lamp in Cocoon Shape, 1960s, Italy

Satin Silk Fabric Ceiling Lamp in Cocoon Shape, 1960s, Italy

Located in Hagenbach, DE

Satin Silk Fabric Ceiling Lamp in Cocoon Shape, 1960s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulb Wired and suitable to use with 220V a...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Satin, Silk

Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany
Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany

Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany

By Goldkant Leuchten

Located in Hagenbach, DE

Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany Brass Hardware Lampshade is in great vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E14 light bulbs. Wired a...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany
Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany

Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany

By Linus Bopp

Located in Hagenbach, DE

Cocoon Ceiling Lamp with Rope by Linus Bopp, Limbach, 1960s, Germany Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use w...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Resin, Rope, Wood

Lovely Cocoon Counterweight Hanging Lamp by Münchener Werkstätten, 1950s Germany
Lovely Cocoon Counterweight Hanging Lamp by Münchener Werkstätten, 1950s Germany

Lovely Cocoon Counterweight Hanging Lamp by Münchener Werkstätten, 1950s Germany

By Münchner Werkstätten

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Lovely Cocoon lamp from the 1960s. Very impressive. Very nice condition. Socket e27. Dimmable. Fully functional. Works with 220V and 110V. Wiring is suitable for all countries.

Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by Goldkant, 1960s, Germany
Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by Goldkant, 1960s, Germany

Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by Goldkant, 1960s, Germany

By Achille Castiglioni

Located in Hagenbach, DE

Gorgeous cocoon large flush mount ceiling lamp by Goldkant. Achille Castiglioni Era 1960s Germany. Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with 4x E14 ...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Resin

Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany
Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany

Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany

By Goldkant Leuchten

Located in Hagenbach, DE

Gorgeous Cocoon Large Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp by GOLDKANT, 1960s, Germany Lampshade is in great vintage condition. This lamp works with 4x E14 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to ...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

60s 70s Lamp Light Rudolph Dörfler Artolux Cocoon Plastic Design
60s 70s Lamp Light Rudolph Dörfler Artolux Cocoon Plastic Design

60s 70s Lamp Light Rudolph Dörfler Artolux Cocoon Plastic Design

Located in Neuenkirchen, NI

60s 70s lamp light Rudolph Dörfler Artolux Cocoon plastic design 70s Object: ceiling lamp Manufacturer: Artolux Condition: good Age: around 1960-1970 Dimensions: Di...

Category

Vintage 1970s European Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Rare Cocoon Two-Light Pendand Lamp Castiglioni, Flos Style, 1970's
Rare Cocoon Two-Light Pendand Lamp Castiglioni, Flos Style, 1970's

Rare Cocoon Two-Light Pendand Lamp Castiglioni, Flos Style, 1970's

By Achille Castiglioni, Goldkant Leuchten

Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE

Rare, extra long Mid-Century Modern Cocoon two-light pendant lamp or flush mount in the style of Achille Castiglioni, Flos era, 1970's.

Category

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

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Cocoon Wave Hanging Lamp in the Style of Castiglioni, Italy 1960s
Cocoon Wave Hanging Lamp in the Style of Castiglioni, Italy 1960s

Cocoon Wave Hanging Lamp in the Style of Castiglioni, Italy 1960s

By Achille Castiglioni

Located in Hannover, DE

I'm sure you'll agree that this lamp reminds us of the designs of Achille Castiglioni. This little hanging lamp is sure to be a real eye-catcher. The cocoon features a very beautiful...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Iron

Cocoon Hanging Lamp in the Shape of Tulipan made with Turquoise Stripes
Cocoon Hanging Lamp in the Shape of Tulipan made with Turquoise Stripes

Cocoon Hanging Lamp in the Shape of Tulipan made with Turquoise Stripes

By Vereinigte Werkstätten München

Located in Hannover, DE

This lamp is one of the rarest and most beautifully designed cocoon lamps available on the international market.Its design is exremely beautiful. Its color matches almost to all othe...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Scandinavian Resin Cocoon Lamp by Hans Bergström, Sweden, 1950s
Mid-Century Scandinavian Resin Cocoon Lamp by Hans Bergström, Sweden, 1950s

Mid-Century Scandinavian Resin Cocoon Lamp by Hans Bergström, Sweden, 1950s

By Hans Bergström, Ateljé Lyktan

Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län

Metal and resin ceiling lamp by Hans Bergström, where the resin has been sprayed onto the frame. It has an organic quality and looks amazing when lit. Hans Bergström was the owner...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Viscontea cocoon lamp Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Flos 1960 mid-century
Viscontea cocoon lamp Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Flos 1960 mid-century

Viscontea cocoon lamp Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Flos 1960 mid-century

By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Designed by the Castiglioni brothers in 1960 for Flos, the Viscontea lamp is a classic of Italian design. Its organic, light form is achieved through an innovative technique for the...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Large and Heavy Marble Base Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Floor Lamp, 1960s, Italy
Large and Heavy Marble Base Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Floor Lamp, 1960s, Italy

Large and Heavy Marble Base Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Floor Lamp, 1960s, Italy

By Achille Castiglioni

Located in Hagenbach, DE

A cocoon floor lamp made in Italy in the 1960s. The lamp has been manufactured in the design of the lamps made by Achille Castiglioni. The lamp shade is of original cocoon and has a ...

Category

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Synthetic

UFO shaped Cocoon Lamp by Goldkant like Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
UFO shaped Cocoon Lamp by Goldkant like Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos

UFO shaped Cocoon Lamp by Goldkant like Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos

By Flos, Friedel Wauer, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Goldkant Leuchten

Located in Cork, IE

Check our store for a wide variety of Cocoon lamps! This rare and unusually shaped 1960s cocoon pendant light is in very good condition and given its age only shows very little sin...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

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Cocoon Pendant Lamp For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the cocoon pendant lamp you’re looking for. Frequently made of organic material, resin and metal, every cocoon pendant lamp was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer cocoon pendant lamp, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. A cocoon pendant lamp, designed in the Mid-Century Modern or Scandinavian Modern style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Many designers have produced at least one well-made cocoon pendant lamp over the years, but those crafted by Achille Castiglioni, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and Ateljé Lyktan are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Cocoon Pendant Lamp?

Prices for a cocoon pendant lamp start at $258 and top out at $3,925 with the average selling for $1,092.

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 celebrated 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.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. 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 Chandeliers-pendant-lights for You

Chandeliers — simple in form, inspired by candelabras and originally made of wood or iron — first made an appearance in early churches. For those wealthy enough to afford them for their homes in the medieval period, a chandelier's suspended lights likely exuded imminent danger, as lit candles served as the light source for fixtures of the era. Things have thankfully changed since then, and antique chandeliers and pendant lights are popular in many interiors today.

While gas lighting during the late 18th century represented an upgrade for chandeliers — and gas lamps would long inspire Danish architect and pioneering modernist lighting designer Poul Henningsen — it would eventually be replaced with the familiar electric lighting of today.

The key difference between a pendant light and a chandelier is that a pendant incorporates only a single bulb into its design. Don’t mistake this for simplicity, however. An Art Deco–styled homage to Sputnik from Murano glass artisans Giovanni Dalla Fina, with handcrafted decorative elements supported by a chrome frame, is just one stunning example of the elaborate engineering that can be incorporated into every component of a chandelier. (Note: there is more than one lighting fixture that shares its name with the iconic mid-century-era satellite — see Gino Sarfatti’s design too.)

Chandeliers have evolved over time, but their classic elegance has remained unchanged.

Not only will the right chandelier prove impressive in a given room, but it can also offer a certain sense of practicality. These fixtures can easily illuminate an entire space, while their elevated position prevents them from creating glare or straining one’s eyes.

Certain materials, like glass, can complement naturally lit settings without stealing the show. Brass, on the other hand, can introduce an alluring, warm glow. While LEDs have earned a bad reputation for their perceived harsh bluish lights and a loss of brightness over their life span, the right design choices can help harness their lighting potential and create the perfect mood. A careful approach to lighting can transform your room into a peaceful and cozy nook, ideal for napping, reading or working.

For midsize spaces, a wall light or sconce can pull the room together and get the lighting job done. Perforated steel rings underneath five bands of handspun aluminum support a rich diffusion of light within Alvar Aalto's Beehive pendant light, but if you’re looking to brighten a more modest room, perhaps a minimalist solution is what you’re after. The mid-century modern furniture designer Charlotte Perriand devised her CP-1 wall lamps in the 1960s, in which a repositioning of sheet-metal plates can redirect light as needed.

The versatility and variability of these lighting staples mean that, when it comes to finding something like the perfect chandelier, you’ll never be left hanging. From the natural world-inspired designs of the Art Nouveau era to the classic beauty of Paul Ferrante's fixtures, there is a style for every room.

With designs for pendant lights and chandeliers across eras, colors and materials, you’ll never run out of options to explore on 1stDibs — shop a collection today that includes antique Art Deco chandeliers, Stilnovo chandeliers, Baccarat chandeliers and more.