$2,942 / set
H 8.27 in W 12.21 in D 12.21 in
J.T. Kalmar Cube Sconces or Flush Mount Lights, 1960s, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Pair of beautiful modernist fixture lights manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in 1960s, Vienna. The lights
Stainless Steel
$1,059
H 18.12 in W 3.94 in D 7.09 in
Large Murano Ice Glass Wall Light by Kalmar Cube, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large Murano ice glass wall lights by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The wall light is
Chrome
J.T. Kalmar Cube Flush Mount Lamp or Wall Mount, Sconces
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Austria by. J.T. Kalmar in the 1970s.
Brass
$1,766 / item
H 9.85 in W 6.3 in D 6.3 in
1 of 4 Large Murano Ice Glass Wall Light by Kalmar Cube, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 4 large Murano ice glass wall lights by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The wall
Chrome
Beautiful Large J. T. Kalmar Ice Cube Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
elements, fitted with thirteen E14 sockets, made in Austria by J. T. Kalmar in the late 1960. Perfect
Stainless Steel
$1,648
H 7.09 in W 12.6 in D 12.6 in
Cube Glass and Brass Flush Mount Light by Kalmar Leuchten, 1960s, Germany
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Wonderful cube glass and brass flush mount light by Kalmar Leuchten, 1960s, Germany Lampshade is
Brass
$4,474
H 17.33 in W 16.54 in D 16.54 in
"Ice Cube" Chandelier by JT Kalmar Frosted Glass Austria, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb and imposing "ice cube" chandelier designed and produced by jt kalmar in austria in the
Crystal
$2,200 / set
H 9.5 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in
Pair of Large Ice Glass Cube Brass Flush Mount Light Fixture by Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning pair of Ice Glass Cube Flush Mounts by Kalmar Austria. Each consisting of a Mid-Century
Metal, Brass
$2,200 / set
H 9.5 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in
Pair of Large Ice Glass Cube Brass Flush Mount Light Fixture by Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning pair of Ice Glass Cube Flush Mounts by Kalmar Austria. Each consisting of a Mid-Century
Metal, Brass
$1,960 / item
H 24.41 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Mid-Century Cube Form Pendant Ceiling Fixture Featuring Etched Glass by Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Cube Form Pendant Ceiling Fixture Featuring Etched Glass By Kalmar form 1960's 8
Nickel
$3,355 / set
H 24.41 in W 3.94 in D 7.09 in
Set of Two Large Murano Glass Wall Light Cube, by Kalmar , Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Aachen, NRW
Set of two Large Murano ice glass wall lights by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The
Brass
$2,490
H 11 in W 12 in D 12 in
J.T. Kalmar Ice Cube Glass Flush Mount Chandelier or Sconce, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
. Kalmar Vienna / Austria. Also suitable as a sconce. Labeled. Its frame is made of mirror finished
Stainless Steel
$1,500
H 11.82 in W 6.3 in D 6.3 in
Large Ice Glass Cube Brass Flush Mount Light Fixture by Kalmar, Austria 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Nice brass and frosted glass light fixture by Kalmar, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late
Brass
Large Ice Cube Flush Light by J.T. Kalmar
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason, AVMazzega
Located in München, DE
Wonderful ice glass ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The beautifully shaped Murano glass elements spread an impressively sparkling play of light. Very high-quality workmanship and a real...
Metal
Murano Ice Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Glamorous glass ice cube flushmount by Kalmar from the 1970s. Stunning large flushmount by Kalmar
Brass
$1,520
H 10.38 in W 12.25 in D 12.25 in
Five Light Square Ice Cube Glass and Chrome Flush Mount, Germany, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning large textured glass flush mount by Kalmar Leuchten, Germany/Austria. This sculptural
Metal, Chrome
$2,590 / set
H 12.21 in W 3.94 in D 7.09 in
Set of 2 Ice Cube Wall Lamps or Flush Lights by J.T. Kalmar
By Mazzega, Rupert Nikoll, J.T. Kalmar, Doria Leuchten Germany, Carlo Nason
Located in München, DE
for any home. Design: J.T. Kalmar Manufacturer: Franken KG Condition: Very good vintage condition
Metal
Ice Cube Wall or Ceiling Lamp by Peill and Putzler
By J.T. Kalmar, Palwa, Gaetano Sciolari, Kinkeldey, Peill & Putzler
Located in München, DE
Fantastic Ice Cube wall or ceiling lamp by Peill & Putzler from the 1960s. Very beautiful design
Metal
Ice Cube Wall or Ceiling Lamp by Peill and Putzler
By J.T. Kalmar, Palwa, Gaetano Sciolari, Kinkeldey, Peill & Putzler
Located in München, DE
Fantastic Ice Cube wall lamp or ceiling lamp by Peill and Putzler from the 1960s. Very beautiful
Metal
Kalmar cube shape chandelier
Located in Delray Beach, FL
1960's Kalmar cube shaped chandelier. Unique textured square glass plates held together by chrome
1960's Kalmar Cube chandelier
Located in Delray Beach, FL
1960's Kalmar cube shaped chandelier. Unique textured square glass plates held together by chrome
Chrome
Large Murano Ice Glass Wall Light by Kalmar Cube, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large Murano ice glass wall lights by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The wall light
Chrome
1 of 2 Murano Ice Glass Wall Light by Kalmar Cube, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 Murano ice glass wall lights by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The wall light
Chrome
Sold
H 9.85 in W 6.3 in D 6.3 in
1 of 2 Large Murano Ice Glass Wall Light by Kalmar Cube, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 large Murano ice glass wall lights by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The wall
Chrome
Sold
H 9.85 in W 6.3 in D 6.3 in
1 of 2 Large Murano Ice Glass Wall light by Kalmar Cube, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 large Murano ice glass wall lights by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The wall
Brass
Sold
H 9.85 in W 6.3 in L 9.85 in
1 of 4 Large Murano Ice Glass Wall Light by Kalmar Cube, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 4 large Murano ice glass wall lights by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The wall
Chrome
Kalmar Ice Cube Sconces
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful Kalmar sconces with clear ice cube shaped glass. Glass hangs on chromed metal frame
Kalmar Ice Cube Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Antwerp, BE
Dimension: Height 30 cm/Width 30 cm/With chain 95 cm.
Kalmar Ice Cube Glass Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Antwerp, BE
A three-tier chandelier with a brass frame and textured glass ice cubes.
Murano Glass
Kalmar Ice Cube 2 Tiers Chandelier
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Antwerp, BE
Dimension: Height 30 cm/ Width 36 cm/with chain 125 cm.
Kalmar Ice Cube 2 Tiered Chandelier
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Antwerp, BE
Dimension: Height 30 cm/Width 36 cm/With chain 60 cm.
Kalmar Ice Cube 2 Tiers Chandelier
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Antwerp, BE
Dimension:Height 30 cm/Width 36 cm/ With chain 77 cm.
Extra Large Kalmar Ice Cubes Chandelier
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Antwerp, BE
Three tiers textured ice glass chandelier, very nice light, 19 bulbs. Two pieces available.
Glass
Kalmar Thick Ice Cube Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Antwerp, BE
Dimension: Height 25 cm/Width 25 cm/ With chain 60 cm.
Large Ice Cube Chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Antwerp, BE
Extraordinary chandelier made by Austrian company Kalmar. Consists of three layers and 32 pieces of
Metal
Brilliant Mid-Century Frosted Cube Flush Mount by Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in New York, NY
This brilliant Mid-Century flush mount chandelier by Kalmar features a strong geometric design
Cube Form Pendant Featurng Etched Glass Tile Elements by Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Cube form pendant ceiling fixture featuring etched glass tile elements and nickel details by Kalmar.
Nickel
Sold
H 10.24 in W 12.21 in D 12.21 in
1970s German J.T Kalmar Brass & Frosted Cube Flush Mount, Model 'Cubus'
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in London, England
' was designed by J,T. Kalmar for Kalmar Lighting in Austria. The cubes can be arranged in different
Brass
Cube Ceiling Fixture Featuring Etched Glass Tile Elements By Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Antwerp, BE
Kalmar 1960's
Cube Form Pendant Ceiling Fixture with Glass Tile Elements by Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Cube form pendant ceiling fixture featuring etched glass tile elements by Kalmar. View our
Nickel
Frosted Glass Ice Cube Sconce by J. T. Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful wall lamp "ice cube" designed and produced by J.T Kalmar in Austria in the 1970s. This
Glass
Sold
H 9.5 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in
Pair of Large Ice Glass Cube Brass Flush Mount Light Fixture by Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning pair of Ice Glass Cube Flush Mounts by Kalmar Austria. Each consisting of a Mid-Century
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 11 in W 14.5 in D 14.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Frosted Cube and Polished Brass Flush Mount by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
. Kalmar, circa 1960. It features a square polished brass frame with five cylindrical arms in the same
Brass
Cube Form Pendant Featurng Etched Glass Tile Elements by Kalmar
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Cube form pendant ceiling fixture featuring etched glass tile elements and nickel details by Kalmar.
Pair of Mid-Century Modern, Ice Glass Sconces by Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern sconces by Kalmar. They feature an elongated cubed design that consists
Sold
H 4 in W 14 in D 14 in
Mid-Century Modernist Shattered Ice Glass Flush Mount Chandelier by Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
This very sophisticated Mid-Century Modernist flush mount chandelier by Kalmar features four
J.T. Kalmar Cube Flush Mount Lamp or Wall Mount, Sconces
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Austria by. J.T. Kalmar in the 1970s. Up to three pieces available with a 14cm frame and also thre with a
Brass
Rare J.T. Kalmar Cube Flush Mount Lamp or Wall Mount, Sconces
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Austria by. J.T. Kalmar in the 1970s. Up to three pieces available with a 8cm frame.
Brass
Sold
H 18.12 in W 3.94 in D 7.09 in
Set of three Murano Ice Glass Wall Lights by Kalmar Cube, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Aachen, NRW
glass wall lights, each with two glasses, by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. Dimensions for
Chrome
Brass Glass Ice Cube Flushmount by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Glamorous glass ice cube flushmount by Kalmar from the 1970s. E-textured glass with tiny bubbles
Brass
Large Ice Cube Flush Mount by Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Minimalist flush mount by Kalmar in the shape of a large ice cube. Lit by a single E27 bulb the ice
Metal
Large Glass Cube Flush Mount by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Glamorous glass ice cube flush mount by Kalmar from the 1970s. This is one of the very rare
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 12 in W 18.25 in D 18.25 in
Mid-Century Kalmar Chrome and Glass Cubes Flush Mount Ceiling Light
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
flush base and 13 lights with tiered pressed glass cube shades. Kalmar, known for producing luxury
Chrome
Sold
H 24.41 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
A Cube-Form Pendant Ceiling Fixture Featuring Etched Glass By Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Antwerp, BE
by Kalmar 1960's
Sold
H 9.5 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in
set of 3 Large Ice Glass Cube Brass Flush Mount Light Fixture by Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning Set of Three Ice Glass Cube Flush Mount by Kalmar Austria. Each Item is consisting of a
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 9.45 in W 6.3 in D 6.3 in
Pair of Brass Ice Glass Cube Flush Mount or Wall Lights Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Pair of nice brass and frosted glass light fixtures by Kalmar from the late 1960s and beginning of
Brass
Large Ice Cube Flush Light by J.T. Kalmar
By Doria Leuchten Germany, J.T. Kalmar, Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Palwa
Located in München, DE
Wonderful ice glass ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The beautifully shaped Murano glass elements spread an impressively sparkling play of light. Very high-quality workmanship and a real...
Metal
Ice Cube Wall Lamp or Flush Light by J.T. Kalmar
By Doria Leuchten Germany, J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason, Rupert Nikoll, Mazzega
Located in München, DE
-catcher for every home. Design: J.T. Kalmar Manufacturer: Franken KG The lamp has an integrated switch
Metal
Murano Ice Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Glamorous glass ice cube flushmount by Kalmar from the 1970s. Stunning large flushmount by Kalmar
Brass
Set of 2 Ice Cube Wall Lamps or Flush Lights by J.T. Kalmar
By Rupert Nikoll, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Carlo Nason, Doria Leuchten Germany
Located in München, DE
for any home. Design: J.T. Kalmar Manufacturer: Franken KG The price is for two lamps. Condition
Metal
Sold
H 24.41 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
A Cube-Form Pendant Ceiling Fixture Featuring Etched Glass By Kalmar
Located in Antwerp, BE
by Kalmar 1960's
Ice Cube Wall or Ceiling Lamp by Peill and Putzler
By Peill & Putzler, Kinkeldey, Palwa, Gaetano Sciolari, J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Fantastic ice cube wall lamp or ceiling lamp by Peill and Putzler from the 1960s. Very nice design
Metal
Vintage Mid-Century Kalmar Ice Glass Light Fixture
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elegant modernist flush-mount ceiling light fixture featuring 27 textured glass "ice cubes
Stainless Steel
Three Kalmar Ice Cube Sconces
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in JM Haarlem, NL
Three Kalmar Franken KG ice glass sconces. Concept: J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, circa 1962
Metal
$1,050 / item
H 10.5 in W 8 in D 10 in
Molto Wall Sconce in Oil-Rubbed Bronze & Enameled Mesh by Blueprint Lighting
By Blueprint Lighting, Mathieu Matégot, Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
The MOLTO wall sconce is a fresh, new take on Italian modernism, featuring a spun metal mesh shade. The fixture’s silhouette effortlessly makes a statement and the interior spun me...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Chrome, Nickel
$1,854 / item
H 5.91 in Dm 13.78 in
One of Two Doria Amber Glass and Brass Wall Light Sconces or Flush Mount
By Doria Leuchten Germany
Located in Antwerp, BE
Two glass flush mount lamps by Doria featuring a donut shaped glass ring, the glass rings have embedded swirls and bubbles. There are a total of two available, one of which have the...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Shearling 'Strapontin' Stools by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of shearling 'Strapontin' stools by Design Frères. Chic and understated. Also great as a two-part bench.
Iron
$2,860 / item
H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Ethnic Straw Armchair by +55design Brazilian Design with Indigenous Craft
By Neca Abrantes
Located in Jardim America, SP
This rotating armchair by Neca Abrantes is a striking fusion of contemporary Brazilian design and indigenous handcrafted traditions. Known for her deep passion for native craftsmansh...
Straw
"Marchand" Scalloped Oak Nighstand by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The Marchand nightstand features elegantly scalloped edge detailing and textural door fronts, creating a standout design for any bedroom. Designed for convenience, it includes a pull...
Oak
Solana Wall Sconces
By Blueprint Lighting
Located in Westport, CT
The "Solana" wall mount sconce or reading light is strongly influenced by Scandinavian, Danish, French, and Italian Mid-Century Modernism. The walnut back plate (available in natural...
Enamel, Brass
Sold|$564
H 5.12 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
1 of the 8 Peill & Putzler Wall or Ceiling Lights Brass and Glass Cubes, 1970s
By Peill & Putzler
Located in Rijssen, NL
Several high quality Peill & Putzler wall lights brass and glass cubes, circa 1970s, Germany. This sculptural ceiling lights from Peill & Putzler consists 1 clear illuminated...
Brass
$2,520Sale Price|30% Off
H 29.2 in W 22.5 in D 4.3 in
Uchiwa Wall Lamp by Ingo Maurer, Bamboo, Mid-Century Modern, 1980
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Centreville, VA
Uchiwa wall lamp Designer: Ingo Maurer Year: 1973 German lighting designer Ingo Maurer first spotted some uchiwa, traditional Japanese fans made of bamboo and lacquered rice paper,...
Bamboo
$16,721 / item
H 53.15 in W 125.99 in D 59.06 in
Oval Brass and Parchment Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires, this other version of the spider chandelier has longer arms on the sides giving the oval shape. The metal arms paint...
Metal, Brass
Murano Glass Smoked Single Panel Sconces
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of Murano glass sconces, each crafted with a single curved panel of hand-blown smoked glass on a brass frame. We love the modern style and hand-crafted quality of these sconces....
Brass
$6,002 / set
H 24.01 in W 18.12 in D 14.18 in
Pair of Park Night Stands in Noir Oxblood Lacquer by Yaniv Chen for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Park nightstand is the epitome of exquisite craftsmanship, featuring meticulously proportioned dimensions and exceptional detailing that make it an ideal bedside companion. Our f...
Lacquer
$1,275 / item
H 15 in W 13.5 in D 6 in
JENNY Large Wall Light or Sconce in Enamel & Brass by Blueprint Lighting
By Stilnovo, Mathieu Matégot, Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
Introducing Jenny, the latest vintage-inspired fixture from Blueprint Lighting. Named for multi-hyphenate Jenny Mollen; NYT best-selling author, actress, design enthusiast, mom of ...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
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
Early Marco Zanuso Lady Chair, Italy, 1960s, New Pure Mohair
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An early, authentic Marco Zanuso lady chair, Arflex, Italy, 1960s. Newly reupholstered in a luxurious, premium, burnt orange / rust coloured 100% mohair fabric. Brass feet with nat...
Brass
$985 / item
H 8.25 in W 5.29 in D 5.79 in
ALLA Wall Sconce Calacatta Marble & Glass, Emily Del Bello x Blueprint Lighting
By Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
ALLA WALL SCONCE Featuring a Calacatta Marble backplate and delicate chain inspired by Christian Dior’s luxurious pearl earrings, the Alla Wall Sconce delivers a harmonious blend of...
Travertine, Marble, Brass, Bronze
BSO12 Semi Flushmount By Phoenix
Located in New York, NY
BSO12 semi flushmount with rock crystal panel, Polish brass finish,four candlelabra sockets installed,180w total Custom size,metal finish upon request. Crate by Phoenix gallery
Rock Crystal
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.
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.
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.