$977 / set
H 8.27 in W 16.15 in D 6.7 in
Pair of Brass Plated Adjustable Reading Wall Lights with Swing Arm, Italy 70s
By Florian Schulz, F. Fabbian
Located in Roma, IT
We offer for sale a pair of elegant wall lights with a classic and timeless style. Made in Italy
Metal
An Italian 1950s brass and glass telescopic reading wall light
By Stilnovo
Located in London, GB
An Italian 1950s brass and glass telescopic reading wall light wth green glass shade with circle
Brass
$1,095 / item
H 10 in W 5 in D 4 in
'Monolith' Italian Reading Lamp Brass & Bright Blue Enamel Blueprint Lighting
By Stilnovo, Gino Sarfatti, Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
The Monolith sconce or wall-mount reading light with articulating arm and moveable head shown in
Brass, Bronze, Copper, Enamel, Chrome, Nickel, Aluminum
$15,900
H 13.5 in Dm 15 in
20th Century Gold Italian Brass Adjustable Reading Wall Lamp, Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold-black, vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian reading wall lamp, light made of handcrafted
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Petite Conical Reading Lights
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of adjustable Mid-Century Modern perforated petite conical reading lights from Italy
Aluminum, Brass
Italian Reading Sconce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Excellent single Italian reading sconce with two fully directional pivots, and candelabra base
Aluminum, Brass
Italian Reading Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of elegant and refined Mid-Century Modern reading sconces from 1950s, Italy. Patinated brass
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Italian Reading Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Italian vintage reading sconces from 1950s Italy. Fully adjustable range of movement
Aluminum, Brass
1950s Italian Reading Sconce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful small Italian brass sconces with two directional pivot joints for varied light casting.
Pair of Italian 1950s Bedside Reading Lamps
Located in Montclair, NY
Post war 1950s modern Italian bedside reading lamps in brass with case glass side shade and ceramic
Brass
1950s Reading Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Adorable, articulating black and brass reading sconces from Italy, 1950s, Mid-Century Modern.
Aluminum, Brass
Directional Reading Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant black and brass Directional sconces from Italy. Wired for use in the US with candelabra
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Brass Swing-Arm Wall Mount Reading Lamps - Italy, c. 1970
Located in Kinderhook, NY
Chic vintage circa 1970 two-tone brass swing-arm wall mount reading lamps with shades having white
Brass, Enamel
Stilnovo Style Spot Reading Sconces
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant 1950s pair of Stilnovo Style spot reading sconces from Italy. The sconces project at the
Brass, Steel
Sold
H 10 in W 5 in D 4 in
Italian Modern Brass & Pale Pink Enamel Monolith Reading Lamp Blueprint Lighting
By Gino Sarfatti, Stilnovo, Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
sconce or reading light with articulating arm and moveable head shown in satin enamel fabricated in NYC
Brass, Bronze, Copper, Enamel, Chrome, Nickel, Aluminum
Manhattan Reading Lamp in Satin Bronze with Switch
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Reading lamp, for use on the bed side or directly on the headboard, it is characterised by a double
Brass
Pair of Reading Sconces by Jean Perzel, circa 1950s
By Atelier Jean Perzel
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Beautiful vintage pair of brass and glass wall lights by Atelier Jean Perzel, France, circa 1940
Brass
Petite Italian Reading Lights
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of Italian reading lights sconces from Italy. Partially restored. Currently wired for use in
Aluminum, Brass
Yellow Italian 1950s Reading Lights
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Mid-Century reading lights from Italy with delightful yellow shades. Push switch at the
Aluminum, Brass
Stilnovo Reading Lights
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant 1950s pair of Stilnovo Reading Lights from Italy. The sconces project at the maximum 16
Brass
Four Saucer Reading Lights
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two pairs of brass articulating Saucer reading lights/sconces with original finish. Single E12
Brass, Steel
Fully Directional Reading Sconces from Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of fully directional Italian vintage reading sconces from the 1950s. Wonderful red exterior
Brass, Aluminum
Petite Midcentury 1950s Italian Reading Light Sconce
By Stilnovo
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
Rare and awesome Italian petite sconce. Made of brass and light grey lacquered metal with white
Brass, Metal
Petite Reading Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant brass and aluminum petite reading sconces from Italy with brass pivot joint at the shade
Stilux Reading Sconce
By Stilux
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A single Mid-Century reading sconce from Italy by Stilux.
Aluminum, Brass
Articulated Reading Sconce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Versatile perforated articulating reading sconce from Italy. Swivel joints at both backplate and
Aluminum, Brass
Petite Articulated Reading Sconce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Versatile petite perforated articulating reading sconce from Italy. Swivel joints at both backplate
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 7.88 in W 4.34 in D 16.54 in
Midcentury Italian Dark Grey and Brass Reading Light Sconce, 1950s
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This elegant 1950s midcentury wall lamp / light fixture was designed and manufactured in Italy
Brass, Metal
Sold
H 16 in W 1 in D 1 in
20th Century Yellow Italian Adjustable Reading Walnut Wall Lamp by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A yellow, vintage Mid-Century modern Italian extendible reading wall lamp made of hand carved
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Pair of Reading Lamps by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of reading lamps by Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s. Brass and
Brass, Aluminum
Sold
H 14 in W 7 in D 7 in
Mid-Century Modern Murano Caged Glass Wall Light, Sconce, Reading Lamp, 1960s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern Murano caged glass wall light, sconce, reading lamp, 1960s. Rare swinging wall
Brass
Petite Italian Gooseneck Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pairs of Mid-Century Modern petite Italian gooseneck sconce reading lights from Italy. Partially
Aluminum, Brass
Petite Italian Gooseneck Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pairs of Mid-Century Modern petite Italian gooseneck sconce reading lights from Italy. Partially
Aluminum, Brass
Petite Italian Gooseneck Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Mid-Century Modern petite Italian gooseneck sconce reading lights from Italy. Partially
Aluminum, Brass
Petite Italian Gooseneck Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern petite Italian gooseneck sconce reading lights from Italy. Partially restored
Aluminum, Brass
Petite Black Italian Gooseneck Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Mid-Century Modern petite Italian gooseneck sconce reading lights from Italy. Partially
Brass, Aluminum
Adjustable wall / reading lamp
Located in Maastricht, NL
Cilindric wall applique with brass wall mount and fixture. Aluminium and plexi shade. Elegance and simplicity
Brass, Aluminum
$1,154 / item
H 14.18 in W 7.88 in D 9.06 in
Italian Sconces, Stilnovo Style Design Midcentury, Opaline and Brass
By Stilnovo
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Modern Italian sconces made of brass and opaline. Beautiful sculptural and decorative wall light in the style of Stilnovo.
Brass
$850 / item
H 9.75 in W 4.75 in D 5 in
DUO Wall Sconce in Bronze and Blown Opal Glass by Blueprint Lighting, 2020
By Stilnovo, Blueprint Lighting, Walter Gropius
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the DUO wall light designed by Blueprint Lighting, 2020. A handsome study in clean lines and simple form inspired by the tenets of the Bauhaus. DUO is truly a go-anywhere...
Brass, Bronze, Nickel
Leather Meander Flexible Wall Sconce
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Leather wrapped flexible arm wall light you can pose and adjust as you wish. This is our updated Meander Reader light with larger cone shade and new upward angled arm. Lamping: Singl...
Brass, Metal
Leather Meander Flexible Wall Sconce
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Leather wrapped flexible arm wall light you can pose and adjust as you wish. This is our updated Meander Reader light with larger cone shade and new upward angled arm. Lamping: Sing...
Metal, Brass, Nickel
Vica Light Antique Brass
By Annabelle Selldorf, Vica
Located in New York, NY
The Vica Light is a rectangular cast metal escutcheon plate with a beveled edge design and porcelain socket. The fixture can be wall or ceiling mounted. The maximum wattage bulb re...
Metal
Handcrafted Farmhouse Fluted Porcelain Pendant With Trumpet Shape
By DBO Home
Located in Sharon, CT
Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. On their own they make a statement with their gentle flared bottoms and deep fluting. Hang in multiples for extra oomph. These cas...
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
LUnnone Sconce
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Perforated LUnnone sconce by Lumfardo Luminaires. All brass patina finish. The sconce can be either mounted with the larger shade facing up or facing downward. (2) E12 candelabras ba...
Brass
LUdown Cylinder Flush Mount
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The LUdown cylinder flush mount fixture by Lumfardo Luminaires is part of our contemporary collection. Available In patinated unlacquerd brass or aged silver and steel with (1) E26 m...
Steel, Brass, Gold, Silver
Elegant Mid-Century Desk Designed by Severin Hansen Jr. 1950s
By Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Severin Hansen
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is an iconic example of Danish midcentury design, created by the talented designer Severin Hansen and manufactured by the renowned Haslev Møbelfabrik in the 1950s. The desk...
Rosewood
$5,182
H 17.7 in W 13.3 in D 48 in
Rare Cosack Louis Kalff Royal Telescope Articulating Wall Light, Germany, 1950s
By Louis Kalff, Cosack Leuchten
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderfully stylish and pleasing to the eye swing light, easy to wall mount. This rare design wall lamp from the midcentury era is by Louis Kalff and it was manufactured by Gebrüder...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
$3,769 / item
H 26.5 in Dm 55.91 in
Orbitale Brass Chandelier 3 Rotating Balanced Arms, Stilnovo Style, Twin Shades
By Stilnovo, Arteluce, Silvio Piattelli
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This 3-armed chandelier with twin shades is a versatile and elegant fixture perfect above a kitchen island, over a counter, dining table, or in a living room. The chandelier's three ...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Short Cream & Brass Swing Arm Sconce, Made in Italy
Located in Culver City, CA
Adjustable with painted metal shade and brass hardware extending from black metal mounting plate. Modern era Italian design. Made in Italy *Please Note: This fixture is made to or...
Metal, Brass
$730 / set
H 11.03 in W 5.91 in D 13.39 in
Pair of Sconces Pivot Shade Stilnovo Style, Twin Bulb, Jbox, Solid Brass Patina
By Gino Sarfatti, Stilnovo, Arredoluce
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Colors available are sage, ivory and matte black. The two shades can be made in different colors. See other chandeliers in my storefront for matching possibilities. The inside of the...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Glossy Cream Ceramic Chandelier in Antique Brass 5-Arm 42.5" DIA
By Lostine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Five antique brass patina arms curve up from a ceramic cluster dish to five tall stoneware ceramic shades in a glossy glaze with a subtle off-white hue. With a fixed black walnut orb...
Brass
$2,000 / item
H 8.5 in Dm 17.5 in
Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light
By DBO Home
Located in Sharon, CT
Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. We just love our new porcelain Parasol Fluted Pendants. Inspired by a vintage pie cover, we designed them to hang over our kitchen...
Brass
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.
From the kitchen to the bedroom and everywhere in between, there is one major part of home decor that you definitely want to master: lighting. Carefully selected vintage sconces and wall lights can do wonders in establishing mood and highlighting your distinctive personality.
We’re a long way from the candelabra-inspired chandeliers of the medieval era. Lighting is no longer merely practical, and lighting designers have been creating and reinventing lighting solutions for eons. Because of the advancements crafted by these venturesome makers, we now have the opportunity to bring unique, customizable lighting solutions into our homes.
It’s never been easier to create dramatic bedrooms, cozy kitchen areas and cheerful bars than it is today. Think of an elegant wall sconce as functional and as a work of art, adding both light and style to your hallways, whimsical kids’ rooms and elsewhere.
When choosing a lighting solution, first determine what your needs are: Will you opt for a moody or a bright feel? The room that will serve as your home office will need adequate lighting — think “the brighter, the better” for this particular setting.
For the bedroom, bedside wall lamps with warm-temperature bulbs instead of bedside table lamps could be the way to go to induce a sense of calm or intimacy. Try to match the style of the wall light or sconce that you’re installing to the overall design scheme of your room. It’s never “just a light.” You should approach the lighting of a room with a mindset that is one part practical and one part aesthetics-driven.
Let 1stDibs help you set the mood with the right antique and vintage wall lights and sconces for your home. Our collection includes every kind of fixture, from sculptural works by Austrian craftsman J.T. Kalmar to chic industrial-style wall sconces, from adjustable painted aluminum wall lamps designed by Artemide to a wide variety of minimalist mid-century modern masterpieces.
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.
The Palm Springs interior decorator developed a mid-century style that defined the vacation homes of celebrities and other notables, including Bob Hope and Lucille Ball.
The houses from this New York studio cloak modernist tendencies within what are often more traditional trappings.
In the market for a fantastic fixture from the 1940s, ’50s or ’60s? Here are some names to know.