Skip to main content

Desk Lamp S

6
2,320
54
7
to
112
1,576
721
2,363
2,315
2,318
572
189
62
60
47
14
6
6
5
3
3
3
1
1
4
34
2,260
61
173
1,416
396
10
6
59
241
151
461
418
262
59
5
1,688
653
327
279
264
1,483
717
693
438
434
23
19
19
15
15
Sort By
Laurel Desk Lamp
By Laurel Lamp Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Laurel Lamp, c.1960's, USA. This lamp features an adjustable and bendable gooseneck with blush
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Pewter

Laurel Desk Lamp
Laurel Desk Lamp
H 20 in W 7 in D 12 in
Téssara Aktís Desk Lamp
By Studio S II
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Téssara Aktís Desk Lamp highlights the deceptive complexity of a cube. When folded and closed
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Industrial Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Stainless Steel

Téssara Aktís Desk Lamp
Téssara Aktís Desk Lamp
H 16 in W 6 in D 17 in
French 1960’s desk lamp
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in London, GB
A French 1960’s grey enamel desk lamp in the style of Charlotte Perriand’s Juno lamp. Good size
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

French 1960’s desk lamp
French 1960’s desk lamp
H 17.92 in Dm 16.15 in
S. Björklund and L. Gustafsson Swedish 'Delux' Desk Lamp
By Falkenbergs Belysning, S. Björklund and L. Gustafsson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
S. Björklund and L. Gustafsson for Falkenbergs Belysning Sweden, 'Delux' desk lamp with clamp
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Steel, Chrome, Aluminum

1940's Desk Lamp
Located in London, GB
An unusual early twentieth century desk lamp with horizontal stacked glass with brass dividers
Category

Mid-20th Century French Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

1940's Desk Lamp
1940's Desk Lamp
H 5.91 in Dm 4.73 in
1950's Torch desk lamp
Located in Montréal, QC
Torch light desk lamp made in France. Polished brass base, perspex cone shade. 40 watts E-26 Edison
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

1950's Torch desk lamp
1950's Torch desk lamp
H 11.5 in W 7 in D 7 in
1960's Micro desk lamp
Located in Montréal, QC
Small desk lamp made in Italy. Chromed brass and lacquered aluminium shade, chromed brass fittings
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Enamel, Steel, Chrome

1960's Micro desk lamp
1960's Micro desk lamp
H 14 in W 3.25 in D 6 in
1950's German Desk Lamps
Located in Montréal, QC
Pair of petite German desk lamps. Enameled vented steel shades, brass gooseneck, enameled steel
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Steel, Enamel

1950's German Desk Lamps
1950's German Desk Lamps
H 10 in W 6 in D 9 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
Category

Vintage 1920s American Edwardian Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

1920's Industrial Desk Lamp
By Dugdills
Located in Downham Market, GB
An early English industrial desk lamp. A particularly good articulated desk lamp in dark nickel
Category

Vintage 1920s British Industrial Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

1920's Industrial Desk Lamp
1920's Industrial Desk Lamp
H 15.75 in W 5.12 in D 7.09 in
Desk Lamp For Jumo, 1940's
By Andre Mounique
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Fantastic brass and black metal desk lamp n°71 by André Mounique produced by Jumo in France ca
Category

Vintage 1950s French Art Deco Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Desk Lamp For Jumo, 1940's
Desk Lamp For Jumo, 1940's
H 15.75 in W 17.72 in D 6.3 in
Italian 1950's Ministeriale Desk Lamp
Located in Montréal, QC
1950's Ministeriale Desk Lamp Rewired with a new E-12 candelabra base socket, 18/2 black plastic
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Steel, Enamel

Vintage 1970’s Articulated Desk Lamp
Located in Beirut, LB
Desk lamp with adjustable height and all directions ( 360 degrees) tilt-able lampshade. Material is
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Steel, Chrome

Vintage 1970’s Articulated Desk Lamp
Vintage 1970’s Articulated Desk Lamp
H 22.05 in W 11.82 in D 5.52 in
Vintage Brass Desk Lamp, 1970's
Located in Praha, CZ
Vintage table or desk lamp made of brassed metal. Produced in Belgium in the 1970's. Bulb: 1 x E14
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Vintage Brass Desk Lamp, 1970's
Vintage Brass Desk Lamp, 1970's
H 9.85 in W 14.18 in D 6.7 in
Jacques Biny desk lamp c.1950’s
By Jacques Biny
Located in London, GB
A French 1950’s small desk lamp by Jacques Biny. Original paint on shade some minor dents and paint
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Iron, Enamel

S. Björklund and L. Gustafsson Swedish "Delux" Desk Lamp in Chromed Steel
By S. Björklund and L. Gustafsson, Falkenbergs Belysning
Located in Waalwijk, NL
S. Björklund and L. Gustafsson for Falkenbergs Belysning Sweden, "Delux" Desk lamp with clamp
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Circa 1960’s Philips Desk Lamp
By Philips
Located in Stockholm, SE
Circa 1960’s Philips desk lamp with dark gray painted base, chromed stem and dark gray painted
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Vintage 1970's Italian Orange Desk Lamp
Located in London, GB
The vintage 1970's vibrant orange desk lamp is a captivating blend of retro charm and contemporary
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Table Lamps

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Modernist Desk Lamp Brass 1950's
Located in London, GB
Modernist brass desk lamp with patinated brown round shade edged in shiny brass is held on a brass
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Modernist Desk Lamp Brass 1950's
Modernist Desk Lamp Brass 1950's
H 14.97 in W 13.78 in D 13.78 in
1970's Desk Lamp by Lidokov
By Lidokov
Located in Brno, CZ
This desk lamp was designed in the late 1970's, and was produced by Lidokov in former
Category

Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Steel, Aluminum

1970's Desk Lamp by Lidokov
1970's Desk Lamp by Lidokov
H 48 in W 24 in D 13 in
Italian 1960 s Chrome Table -Desk lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian original 1960s table lamp .Built in light dimer.
Category

Vintage 1960s Table Lamps

Materials

Chrome

1970's Industrial Design Desk Lamp
Located in Fairfax, VA
Modern industrial design double light desk lamp.
Category

Vintage 1970s French Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum

1970's Industrial Design Desk Lamp
1970's Industrial Design Desk Lamp
H 15 in W 14.75 in D 4 in
French 1950's Dual Headed Desk Lamp
Located in Hanover, MA
Charming dual cone desk lamp from France in the manner of Biny. Original enamel finish.
Category

Vintage 1950s French Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

1950's Vintage Brass Desk Lamp
Located in London, GB
A fabulous vintage brass desk lamp, this was made in England, and dates from the 1950-60’s. It
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

1950's Vintage Brass Desk Lamp
1950's Vintage Brass Desk Lamp
H 15 in W 12 in D 8 in
Spanish 1930's Bronze Desk Lamp
Located in Fairfax, VA
Spanish bronze desk lamp, three swan arms with black lacquer lampshade.
Category

Vintage 1930s Spanish Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Lucite Cobra Desk Lamp, 1980's
Located in Lisboa, PT
and black metal shade and base. Furthermore the desk lamp features a two step switch and shows a
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Lucite Cobra Desk Lamp, 1980's
Lucite Cobra Desk Lamp, 1980's
H 14.18 in W 27.56 in D 4.93 in
Pair of Polished Chrome 1980's Table Lamps Attributed To Laurel
By Laurel Lamp Company
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice pair of mirror chrome polished table desk lamps, circa 1980's rewired lamp shade its not
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Chrome

1960's Vintage Brass Desk Lamp
Located in London, GB
A very stylish and extremely well made vintage brass desk lamp. This was made in England, it dates
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

1960's Vintage Brass Desk Lamp
1960's Vintage Brass Desk Lamp
H 18.12 in W 9.06 in D 9.06 in
Vintage Hala Desk Lamp, 1930's
By Hala Zeist
Located in Lisboa, PT
This desk lamp was design and manufactured by Hala, in the Netherlands, during the 1930's. It is
Category

Vintage 1930s Dutch Industrial Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Vintage Hala Desk Lamp, 1930's
Vintage Hala Desk Lamp, 1930's
H 17.33 in W 13.39 in D 6.89 in
1970's Italian Desk Lamp by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Paris, FR
A 1960s-1970's desk lamp by the iconic collectible Italian manufacturer Stilnovo. This mid-century
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

1970's Italian Desk Lamp by Stilnovo
1970's Italian Desk Lamp by Stilnovo
H 14.97 in W 10.63 in D 4.34 in
1950's Eileen Gray Desk Lamp
By Eileen Gray
Located in London, GB
, known for her innovative and timeless creations. This table lamp showcases a sleek and sophisticated
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Metal

1950's Eileen Gray Desk Lamp
1950's Eileen Gray Desk Lamp
H 18.51 in W 21.66 in D 6.11 in
1950's Italian Articulating Desk Lamp
Located in Paris, FR
A beautiful Italian Mid-Century Modern vintage desk lamp with cone shade and double articulating
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Black Industrial Desk Lamp 1930's
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Industrial black table lamp in metal. In a good condition with great patina.
Category

Vintage 1930s Belgian Industrial Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Black Industrial Desk Lamp 1930's
Black Industrial Desk Lamp 1930's
H 27.56 in W 23.63 in D 6.7 in
1930's French Industrial Desk Lamp
Located in Paris, FR
A striking French 20-century vintage desk or table lamp composed of aluminum, steel and brass. The
Category

20th Century French Industrial Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Steel

Pair of, Handmade Table Lamp, Bamboo Cherry, by Mediterranean Objects
Located in Barcelona, ES
perspective of the piece. TABLE DESK LAMP (S SIZE) Only suitable for indoor use. It has room for a small
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Bamboo

1970's Black and Acrylic Desk Lamp
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Great 1970's desk lamp. This is a well made lamp. I have been unable to find another example of
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

1970's desk lamp by Henri Mathieu
By Henri Mathieu
Located in Paris, FR
1970's desk lamp in stainless steel an chromed metal. Interior of the lampshade in white lacquer
Category

Vintage 1970s French Table Lamps

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome, Metal

1970's desk lamp by Henri Mathieu
1970's desk lamp by Henri Mathieu
H 21.07 in W 19.69 in D 9.06 in
Mid century desk lamp, Czechoslovakia, 1960´s
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Mid century desk lamp, associated with “Brussels period” and world-renowned EXPO58. It was made in
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Sheet Metal

Mid century desk lamp, Czechoslovakia, 1960´s
Mid century desk lamp, Czechoslovakia, 1960´s
H 14.18 in W 14.18 in D 13.39 in
1980's Postmodern Enameled Metal Small Desk Table Lamp
By Verner Panton
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful versatile post-modern enameled metal desk table top lamp circa 1980's excellent condition
Category

20th Century American Space Age Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

1950's Stitched Leather Desk By Jacques adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
Rare small stitched leather desk by Jacques Adnet Lamp can be positioned on the left or on the
Category

Vintage 1950s European Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1950's Stitched Leather Desk By Jacques adnet
1950's Stitched Leather Desk By Jacques adnet
H 66.93 in W 37.8 in D 20.87 in
1960's French Mid-Century Desk Lamp
Located in Paris, FR
A fantastic mid-century vintage articulating desk light designed with a quality steel circular base
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Mid Century Desk Lamp, Czechoslovakia, 1960's
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Mid century table lamp, associated with “Brussels period” and world-renowned EXPO58. It was made in
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Mid Century Desk Lamp, Czechoslovakia, 1960's
Mid Century Desk Lamp, Czechoslovakia, 1960's
H 18.51 in W 8.27 in D 13.78 in
Kaiser Idell Model 6786 Desk Lamp, 1940's
By Christian Dell, Kaiser Idell
Located in Lisboa, PT
This 6786 model table lamp was designed between 1920-1940 by Christian Dell, and manufactured by
Category

Vintage 1940s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Kaiser Idell Model 6786 Desk Lamp, 1940's
Kaiser Idell Model 6786 Desk Lamp, 1940's
H 17.72 in W 13.78 in D 10.63 in
1940's Art Deco Adjustable Desk lamp or Reading Lamp
Located in Antwerp, BE
1940’s Original Adjustable German Bakelite Desk Lamp Good honest very original Bakelite desk lamp
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Large Desk Lamp, 1930's
Located in Devon, England
iconic gem. The shade can be rotated to be directional by the screw neck. Very heavy lamp, with iron
Category

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Table Lamps

Materials

Chrome

Art Deco Large Desk Lamp, 1930's
Art Deco Large Desk Lamp, 1930's
H 14.57 in W 11.03 in D 8.67 in
1950's Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy Desk Lamp
By Taito Oy
Located in Long Island City, NY
1950's Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy Desk Lamp with a white lacquered shade and brass detailing and an
Category

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass, Enamel

Three Shade Midcentury Table Lamp by E. S. Horn, 1950s
By E. S. Horn
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A very rare fully adjustable 3-shaded table or desk lamp. It has opaline glass shades and flexible
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Steel

1930's Original Adjustable German Bakelite Desk Lamp
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1930’s Original Adjustable German Bakelite Desk Lamp 1930’s Original German Bakelite Desk Lamp
Category

Vintage 1930s Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Taidetakomo Hakkarainen, c. 1930's Finnish desk lamp
By Taidetakomo Hakkarainen
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Introducing the Taidetakomo Hakkarainen desk lamp, a stunning vintage piece that will add character
Category

Early 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Wrought Iron

1980's Italian Postmodern Multidirectional Desk Table Lamp
By Joe Colombo
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare postmodern Italian design, multidirectional table desk lamp enameled white metal finish with
Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Kaiser Idell Model 6556 Desk Lamp, 1930's
By Kaiser Idell, Christian Dell
Located in Lisboa, PT
The 6556 model desk lamp was designed by Christian Dell and manufactured by Kaiser Idell, in
Category

Vintage 1930s German Industrial Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Iron

Brass and Black Lacquer Desk Lamp, 1980’s
Located in PÉZENAS, FR
desk lamp in brass and black lacquer from the 80s the whole thing is in perfect original condition
Category

Vintage 1980s European Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

1960's Pair of Vintage Desk / Table Lamps
Located in London, GB
desk lamps, or even as bedside lamps. We have had them re-wired and tested, they are in good working
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

1960's Italian Mid-Century Stilnovo Desk Lamp
By Stilnovo
Located in Paris, FR
A beautiful 20th-century vintage table or desk lamp composed of an aluminum shade, a black
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Steel

Rare Desk / Table Lamp in Brass and Leather, 1950's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Desk / Table Lamp in Brass and Leather, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Brass
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

1940's Italian Multi-Positional Chrome Desk Lamp
By Lariolux
Located in Hanover, MA
Gorgeous high quality table or desk lamp in polished nickel plated brass from Italy, 1940s-1950s
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Twist Desk Lamps by S. Renko for Egoluce
By Egoluce
Located in Roma, IT
Particolare lampada da tavolo/scrivania Twist del designer Sandi Renko per Egoluce. Materiale acciaio e plastica colore grigio chiaro e nero. Periodo 1970 -1980. Ottime condizioni ...
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Iron

Twist Desk Lamps by S. Renko for Egoluce
Twist Desk Lamps by S. Renko for Egoluce
H 22.05 in W 3.94 in D 1.19 in
Lancel Burgundy Leather Desk Lamp after Adnet, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Lancel desk lamp in burgundy leather; it has a small lidded compartment in the base. The
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Two Light Flex Arm Desk Lamp poss. Laurel or Thurston
By Laurel Lamp Company, Gerald Thurston
Located in New York, NY
Chic two light flex arm desk lamp, constructed of anodized gold/brass tone aluminum, brass and
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

“Delux” Desk Lamp by Falkenbergs Belysning Sweden
By S. Björklund and L. Gustafsson, Falkenbergs Belysning
Located in Steenwijk, NL
Swedish desk lamp of a very nice design. The lamp is in a very good working condition and is called
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Desk Lamp S", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Desk Lamp S For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of desk lamp s for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique desk lamp s was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, brass and chrome. There are 4175 antique and vintage desk lamp s for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 197 modern editions to choose from as well. Desk lamp s have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Desk lamp s made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Art Deco — are very popular at 1stDibs. Many desk lamp s are appealing in their simplicity, but Christian Dell, Lightolier and Tiffany Studios produced popular desk lamp s that are worth a look.

How Much are Desk Lamp S?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $1,225, while they’re typically $1 on the low end and $80,000 highest priced.

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 Desk Lamp S
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    The best desk lamp is a matter of preference — the right fixture can help you work more efficiently while also reducing eye strain. LED desk lamps in the 2700K to 4500K color temperature range often provide a warm and pleasing light under which to work. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and modern desk lamps from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2024

    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.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
    A good desk lamp is going to make a substantial difference in any home, office or studio. The ideal desk lamp should provide apt task lighting, be easy to use, and also be aesthetically pleasing. Find a wide range of unique and elegant desk lamps on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    There are many types of best LED desk lamps for your home — it's really a matter of preference. On 1stDibs, there are modern, mid-century modern desk lamps and other lighting to choose from.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The desk lamps with the green shade are called banker’s lamps. Banker’s lamps are green because it is believed the color helps to encourage concentration and is mentally soothing. It is also said that green helps with eye strain. You can shop a selection of banker’s lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    British designer George Carwardine designed the Anglepoise desk lamp. Before creating the light fixture, he worked as an engineer designing automobile suspension systems. The first Anglepoise lamps debuted in 1931. You can find a variety of Anglepoise desk lamps on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A kneehole desk refers to the type of desk that has a recessed, or “knee hole,” underneath between sets of drawers. The design leaves ample room for your legs when you are in a seated position. Shop a selection of antique kneehole desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    A bed desk — or lap desk — is a type of desk that is primarily designed for use in bed or for other similar circumstances. It generally offers a flat work surface with enough room for a laptop, mouse and a notebook.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A peninsula desk is a two-sided desk, with each side designed with one long drawer. This functional desk makes working with a partner easy. You can shop a collection of peninsula desks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    A hutch is a set of cabinets or shelves placed on top of a desk. Hutches can also be found on counters, drawers, and even cabinets.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A desk tray is a storage solution used to tidy up desktop work areas. Normally, they are flat rectangular trays with raised sides, and their proportions make them ideal for storing stacked papers. Some trays have more than one tier to separate incoming and outgoing paperwork. You'll find a variety of antique and vintage desk trays on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    A captain’s desk is sometimes referred to as Davenport desk. It is a small desk with an inclined desktop that can be lifted to access large storage space. It has smaller spaces in the form of small drawers and pigeonholes on the sides. This desk owes its name to Captain Josiah Davenport (1771–1836) who was the first to commission the design. Find a collection of antique and vintage desks on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    A tanker desk is a type of desk made of a simple rectangular working surface that rests on two pedestals. A tanker desk can also take the form of a large surface that rests on a pair of small cabinets consisting of drawers of multiple sizes. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tanker desks from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    A writing desk may refer to a desk with a top, often sloping, for writing on or to a portable case with compartments to hold writing materials and a surface for writing.

  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    A waterfall desk is a desk that features rounded corners. This term comes from the idea that this stylistic feature makes it seem as if the lines of the desk flow like a waterfall. The waterfall style emerged during the 1930s and 40s. Find a range of waterfall desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    An executive desk is a desk often found in the offices of C-suite executives and other professionals. Compared to a standard writing desk, an executive desk is typically larger. Many feature ornate details and/or rare materials, like exotic hardwoods. Although designs vary, most executive desks have a pedestal design with a center space that provides legroom positioned between stacked drawers. Find a diverse assortment of desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    A modular desk is one composed of components. Unlike a standard desk that consists of a single piece, a modular desk features pieces that you can mix and match to create your own custom workspace. For example, a maker may offer a variety of desktops, pedestals and storage units, such as filing drawers, open shelves and specialized shelving for computer towers and peripherals. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of desks.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A Murphy desk is a wall-mounted desk that folds out to provide a work surface for a laptop, tablet, documents, and other items. It is a great solution if you have a little space or don't require a full desk every day. Shop a range of antique and vintage Murphy desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    A captain’s desk is a type of desk that you stand at rather than sit in front of. It usually has an angled desktop and decorative molding. Captain Josiah Davenport commissioned the British furniture maker Gillows of Lancaster to design the first one in the late 18th century. Sometimes, people refer to the furnishing as a Davenport desk in his honor. Shop a variety of captain’s desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    A person of average height should have a desk that is 28 to 30 inches high.

Read More