Hala Pinocchio Desk or Wall Lamps
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Washington, DC
Hala Zeist Pinocchio lamps by H.Th.J.A. Basque. These function as a table or wall light.
Metal
$888Sale Price|20% Off
H 12.21 in W 8.27 in D 9.85 in
HJ Busquet Midcentury "Pinocchio" Red Table or Wall Lamp for Hala Zeist 1950s
By Hala Zeist, Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Midcentury modern design table or wall lamp model Pinocchio designed by H. J. Busquet for Hala Zeist with metal base and stem and adjustable shade of painted aluminium, made in the N...
Metal, Aluminum
Yellow Herman Busquet for Hala Zeist Pinocchio Table Lamp
By Hala Zeist, Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Sint Joris Weert, BE
This adorable Pinochio lamp was designed by Herman Busquet in 1956 for Hala Zeist in the Netherlands. Thanks to it's smart design, it can be used as a table lamp or a wall lamp. ...
Metal
Pinocchio Lamp by H. Busquet for Hala Zeist, 1950s
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet, Hala Zeist
Located in Amstelveen, NL
Busquet (1914-1977) for Hala Zeist (since 1932). The hood has a soft grey appearance with the familiar little stars along the edge.
Metal
Pinocchio Lamp by H. Busquet for Hala Zeist, 1950s
By Hala Zeist, Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Udenhout, Noord Brabant
This iconic Mid-Century 'Pinokkio' lamp was designed by H. Busquet for Hala Zeist. This small metal table or wall light has an adjustable metal tripod base and a red lacquered metal ...
Metal
Grey Pinocchio Table Lamp by H.Th.A. Busquet for Hala Zeist
By Hala Zeist, Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Sint Joris Weert, BE
Grey table lamp or wall lamp, model Pinocchio, designed by H. Busquet and manufactured by Hala Zeist (Netherlands).
Metal
"Pinocchio" Desk or Wall Lamp by H.Th.J.A. Busquet
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in 1956 by Busquet, and made by Hala Zeist in the Netherlands, the "Pinocchio" is a versatile little lamp with an unostentatious but chic appearance.
Nickel, Steel
Hala Zeist Pinocchio Style Floor Lamp
By Hala Zeist
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This lamp is similar in design of the famed Pinocchio Floor Lamp by Hala Zeist. In original condition with visible wear consistent with its age and use.
Metal
Hala Zeist Pinocchio Floor Lamp
By Hala Zeist, Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare, Hala Pinocchio floor lamp by H. Busquet, 1954. With a red hat and star detail cut-outs. Some wear to enamel on shade.
Metal
Hala Zeist Pinocchio Floor Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare, Hala Pinocchio floor lamp by H Th J A Busquet 1954. With a red hat and star detail cut-outs. Shade Measures 3" at the top, 12" at the bottom and 10' tall.
Metal
Hala Zeist Pinocchio Table Or Wall Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by H.Th.A. Busquets for Hala Zeist. Bone White Shade with Perforated Metal Star Cut-Out Design , Chrome Spine and Black Feet, these Small Lamps can Function as Table Lamps o...
Metal, Chrome
HALA ZEIST PINOCCHIO TABLE OR WALL LAMP
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed By H.Th.A. Busquets for Hala Zeist. Black Enameled Shade with Perforated Metal Star Cut-Out Design , Chrome Spine and Black Feet, these Small Lamps can Function as Table Lam...
Metal, Chrome
Pinocchio Lamp Red by Hala Zeist
By Hala Zeist
Located in Antwerp, BE
Dutch modern lamp, Hala, Netherlands, 1950s Tripod base adjustable in height and angle. Minimalistic, beautiful and well thought out designed lamp in very good original condition...
Metal, Steel
Pinocchio Table Lamp Hala Zeist Holland
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet, Hala Zeist
Located in Den Haag, NL
So well designed this little Yellow Pinocchio table lamp. Adjustable in hight by moving Its feet down the rod, also the shade can be moved in any direction. Al original and in a V...
Metal
Hala Zeist Floor Lamp with Pinocchio Shade
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet, Hala Zeist
Located in Los Angeles, CA
H. Busquet / Hala Zeist / Netherlands. Rare, Hala Pinocchio floor lamp by H.
Sold
H 11.82 in W 7.09 in D 14.18 in
Pinocchio Lamp with black shade by H. Busquet for Hala Zeist, Netherlands
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet, Hala Zeist
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Elegant table or wall lamps for Dutch lighting company Hala. Tripod base adjustable in height and angle. Minimalistic, beautiful and well thought out designed lamp in very good vinta...
Aluminum, Steel
Sold
H 11.82 in Dm 3.55 in
Grey Table of Wall Lamp, Model Pinocchio by H. Busquetand and Hala Zeist, 1950s
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet, Hala Zeist
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Grey table lamp or wall lamp, model Pinocchio, designed by H. Busquet and manufactured by Hala Zeist (Netherlands).
Sold
H 11.82 in Dm 3.55 in
Grey Table of Wall Lamp, Model Pinocchio by H. Busquetand and Hala Zeist, 1950s
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet, Hala Zeist
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Grey table lamp or wall lamp, model Pinocchio, designed by H. Busquet and manufactured by Hala Zeist (Netherlands).
Metal
Hala Zeist Red Enameled Pinocchio Table or Wall Lamp
By Anvia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hala Zeist red enameled metal table or wall lamp with pinocchio shade.
Metal
Hala Mid Century Pinocchio Black Floor Lamp by H. Busquet, 1954
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet, Hala Zeist
Located in Rochester, England
Designed by H. Busquet for Hala Zeist in 1954, this rare Pinocchio floor lamp features a black enamel shade with star-shaped cut-outs around the edge.
Metal
Hala Zeist Pinocchio Lamp Yellow
By Hala Zeist
Located in Antwerp, BE
Dutch modern lamp, Hala, Netherlands, 1950s Tripod base adjustable in height and angle. Minimalistic, beautiful and well thought out designed lamp in very good original condition...
Metal, Steel
Pinocchio Lamp by H. Busquet for Hala Zeist, Netherlands
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet, Hala Zeist
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Elegant and stylish table or wall lamp for Dutch lighting company Hala. Tripod base adjustable in height and angle. Minimalistic, beautiful and well thought out designed lamp in very...
Pinocchio Lamps by H. Busquet for Hala Zeist, Netherlands
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet, Hala Zeist
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Elegant table or wall lamps for Dutch lighting company Hala. Tripod base adjustable in height and angle. Minimalistic, beautiful and well thought out designed lamp in good / very goo...
Steel
Sold
H 12.21 in W 7.49 in D 9.85 in
Pinocchio Lamp by Herman Busquet for Hala Zeist, Netherlands, 1950s
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet, Hala Zeist
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Herman Busquet for Hala Zeist in 1956, this Pinocchio table lamp features an adjustable metal frame with a sleek, off-white conical shade.
Metal, Chrome
Yellow Pinocchio Lamp by H. Busquet for Hala Zeist, Netherlands
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet, Hala Zeist
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Elegant and stylish table or wall lamp for Dutch lighting company Hala. Tripod base adjustable in height and angle. Minimalistic, beautiful and well thought out designed lamp in exce...
Sold
H 11.82 in W 7.09 in D 14.18 in
Pinocchio Lamp with black shade by H. Busquet for Hala Zeist, Netherlands
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet, Hala Zeist
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Elegant table or wall lamps for Dutch lighting company Hala. Tripod base adjustable in height and angle. Minimalistic, beautiful and well thought out designed lamp in very good vinta...
Steel, Aluminum
Sold
H 12.5 in W 8 in D 8 in
1950s 'Pinocchio' Table or Wall Lamp by H. Busquet for Hala Zeist, Netherlands
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet, Hala Zeist
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Versatile , agile , Classic midcentury European table or wall lamp. Enameled conical aluminium shade with pierced star motif. Aluminium stem rotate 360 degree and slide up and do...
Aluminum, Steel
Hala Zeist Yellow Enameled Pinocchio Table or Wall Lamp
By Anvia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hala Zeist yellow enameled metal table or wall lamp with Pinocchio shade.
Metal
Pinocchio Lamp by H. Busquet for Hala Zeist, Netherlands
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in San Francisco, CA
Elegant and stylish table or wall lamp for Dutch lighting company Hala. Tripod base adjustable in height and angle. Minimalistic, beautiful and well thought out designed lamp in very...
Metal, Enamel
Pinocchio Lamp by H.Th.A. Busquet 1956 for Hala
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet, Hala Zeist
Located in The Hague, NL
Elegant table or wall lamps for Dutch lighting company Hala. Tripod base adjustable in height and angle. Minimalistic, beautiful and well thought out designed lamp in very good vinta...
Metal
Pinocchio Style Table Lamp attributed to Busquet for Hala Zeist
Located in New York City, NY
Small metal table lamp with Red shade that pivots up + down. Hook on the base of the lamp with option to mount as a wall sconce. Newly rewired for US.
Metal
Pinocchio Table or Wall Lamp for Hala
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet, Hala Zeist
Located in New York, NY
Busquet and produced by Hala Zeist, Netherlands, circa 1950s. The base slides along the stem, and the visor pivots side-to-side and up-and-down.
Metal, Nickel, Aluminum
Pinocchio Table or Wall Lamp with Red Visor
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet, Hala Zeist
Located in New York, NY
Busquet and produced by Hala Zeist, Netherlands, circa 1950s. The base slides along the stem, and the visor pivots side-to-side and up-and-down.
Metal, Aluminum, Nickel
Pinocchio Lamp by H. Busquet for Hala Zeist, 1950s
By Hala Zeist, Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Udenhout, Noord Brabant
This iconic Mid-Century 'Pinokkio' lamp was designed by H. Busquet for Hala Zeist. This small metal table or wall light has an adjustable metal tripod base and a black lacquered meta...
Metal
Sold
H 13.39 in W 6.3 in D 7.88 in
'Pinocchio' Table or Wall Lamp by Herman Busquet for Hala Zeist, 1956
By Hala Zeist, Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Amstelveen, NL
Designed in 1956 by Herman Busquet, and made by Hala Zeist in the Netherlands, the "Pinocchio" is a versatile little lamp with an unostentatious but chic appearance.
Steel
Dutch Design Pinocchio desk or wall lamp by Busquet for Hala Zeist
By Hala Zeist, Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Staphorst, NL
Pinocchio desk or wall lamp by H.Th.A. Busquet for Hala Zeist.
Metal
Sold
H 12.6 in W 7.49 in D 11.82 in
'Pinocchio' Table and Wall Lamp by Herman Busquet for Hala Zeist, 1956
By Hala Zeist, Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Amstelveen, NL
Designed in 1956 by Herman Busquet, and made by Hala Zeist in the Netherlands, the "Pinocchio" is a versatile little lamp with an unostentatious but chic appearance.
Steel
Sold
H 11.03 in Dm 5.91 in
Set of Two Dutch Design Pinocchio Desk / Wall Lamps by H. Busquet for Hala Zeist
By Hala Zeist, Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An iconic multifunctional table lamp designed in the 1950s by H. Th. J.A. Busquet (1914-1977) for Hala Zeist, The Netherlands (since 1932). The red lacquered shade has a decorative s...
Metal
Pinocchio Table or Wall Lamp for Hala
By Hala Zeist, Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Busquet and produced by Hala Zeist, Netherlands, circa 1950s. The base slides along the stem, and the visor pivots side-to-side and up-and-down.
Aluminum, Metal
Pinocchio Lamp by H. Busquet for Hala, Netherlands, circa 1950
By Hala Zeist, Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Wilnis, UT
Beautiful "Pinocchio" lamp designed by H. Busquet, manufactured by Hala Zeist in the Netherlands, circa 1950.
Metal
Pinocchio Table Lamp by H.TH.J.A. Busquet for Hala
By Hala Zeist, Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in JM Haarlem, NL
Pinocchio table and wall lamp by H.Th.J.A. Busquet for the Dutch manufacturer Hala Zeist.
Metal
Sold
H 12.6 in W 7.09 in D 11.82 in
H. Th. J. A. Busquet "Pinocchio" Table or Wall Lamp for Hala Zeist
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Pinocchio" table or wall lamp designed by Busquet and made by Hala Zeist 1956 in the Netherlands.
Sold
H 11.82 in W 7.09 in D 12.6 in
H. Th. J. A. Busquet Light-Grey "Pinocchio" Table or Wall Lamp for Hala Zeist
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Pinocchio" table or wall lamp designed by Busquet and made by Hala Zeist 1956 in the Netherlands.
Metal
Sold
H 12.5 in W 8 in D 8 in
Pinocchio Table or Wall Lamp by H. Busquet for Hala Zeist, Netherlands, 1950s
By Hala Zeist, Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Chicago, IL
A versatile and classic mid-century European table or wall lamp in neutral off-white color. Produced in the Netherlands in the 1950s, this lamp has a round, conic, aluminum shade wit...
Metal
Sold
H 13 in W 7.49 in D 9.06 in
Red Metal Pinocchio Table and Wall Lamp by H. Busquet for Hala Zeist, Ca. 1950s
By Hala Zeist, Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Schagen, NL
This red metal table or wall lamp, Model Pinocchio, was designed by H.J.Busquet and Manufactured by Hala Zeist, Netherlands.
Metal
Rare Pinocchio Floor Lamp by H. Busquet for Hala, Netherlands, 1954
By Hala Zeist, Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet
Located in Wilnis, UT
Unique Pinocchio floor lamp, designed by H. Busquet, manufactured by Hala in the Netherlands in 1954. This beautiful lamp is the floor lamp version of the famous Pinocchio table l...
Metal
$950 / item
H 25.6 in W 32.67 in D 13.78 in
New Black Wrought Iron Curule Bench with Cushion, Savonarola, Throne
Located in Miami, FL
New black wrought iron curule bench with cushion, Savonarola, Throne. Cushion included.
Iron
$3,840 / item
H 37.8 in Dm 25.2 in
Joe 640 Tailored Minimal 20th Century Inspired Pendant Light by Wende Reid
By Wende Reid
Located in Chatswood, NSW
This Classic, tailored pendant light, inspired by the stitching on my father's Mark Cross cuff link box, is reminiscent of mid-century style and the early simplicity of Art Deco. Als...
Brass
Pair of 70s Style Italian Bamboo and Brass Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Monumental size Bamboo lamps. Crafted in Italy and made to order, these lamps are modern and chic. Production lead time 2-4 weeks. Base diameter 8 inches, hat diameter 20 inches, he...
Brass
$915 / item
H 11.03 in W 5.91 in D 33.86 in
Pair of Articulated Sconce Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Black and White
By Stilnovo, Arredoluce, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This exquisite sconce is a nod to the timeless pieces crafted by mid-century modern Italian studios Arteluce and Stilnovo in the 1950s, but with a unique and distinctive design that ...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
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
Cult Stool, Sculptural Side Table, Mexican Green Onyx
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Cult stool/ side table; a hand sculpted stone from a Mexican marble and Mexican onyx conglomerate, remits to primal sculptural-architectural language while displaying materials in a ...
Onyx
Panoplie Iron Tripod Floor Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iron tripod floor lamp with slender legs and tapered feet. New wiring and new linen shade. Sold individually and newly made by Panoplie. Please inquire for current lead time. Measure...
Iron
$2,838 / item
H 24 in W 24 in D 24 in
Modern Fabric Pendant Light by Studio Mirei, Nebula 60, from Costantini
Located in New York, NY
The Nebula collection is drawn out of the interstellar clouds of dust and gas in space - regions where stars begin to form. Made of a woven natural fiber from the banana tree, which ...
Natural Fiber
Mustard Waxed Paper Table Lamp with Black Metal Base, Model Geraldine
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Geraldine Table Lamp is a chic lamp featuring a distinctive pleated shade in a vibrant mustard hue. Its base, designed with elegant simplicity, consists of three slender black legs. ...
Metal
Ceiling LUpipe
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sharp Ceiling LUpipe fixture inspired by classical mid century Italian design, made by Lumfardo Luminaires. Made in solid aged brass. Wired with 1-E26 medium based socket and can als...
Brass
$200 / item
H 11 in Dm 7 in
Verner Panton 'Pantop' Portable Table Lamp in Cream White and Chrome for Verpan
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Glendale, CA
Verner Panton 'Pantop' Portable Table Lamp in Cream White and Chrome for Verpan Verner Panton was one of Denmark's most legendary modern furniture and interior designers. His innova...
Metal, Chrome
Swedish Designer, Table Lamp, Teak, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak table lamp designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Dimensions of Lamp: 7.25"H x 3.88"W x 3.88"D Dimensions of Shade: 4" Top Diameter x 8.25" Bottom Diameter x 6.25" Heigh...
Teak
Adjustable Wall Light by Stilnovo, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in London, GB
Adjustable wall light by Stilnovo, 1950s In excellent original condition. To be wired to country specification. Dimensions: W 6.5cm x D 46cm Shade width is 6.5cm at widest part.
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Fennel Green Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
The soft, muted fennel green finish beautifully complements various décor styles, from traditional to contemporary. With scalloped edge detailing along the base and elegant gold-tone...
Wood
Custom Plaster Lev Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Custom plaster cone-shaped lev fixture. Please note this is customizable. All our fixtures are UL wired. This one uses (1) Edison bulb at 40 watts in E-26 socket. Lead time is 8-12...
Plaster
Mawu Chair in Printed by Laura Gonzalez
By laura gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
Made in France with hand-turned, flared oak legs in golden satin finish. Upholstered backrest and seat in textured jacquard velvet fabric (LG.FB-31).
Fabric, Oak, Cotton, Linen
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.
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.