1 of 3 Extra Large Tulipan Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier. Forty-nine hand-blown glasses suspended on a white-colored metal frame. The Kalmar Tulipan Chandelier is a stunning and timeless li...
Murano Glass
$2,481 / item
H 27.56 in Dm 15.75 in
Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Three tiers structure gathering many structured glasses, beautifully ref...
Crystal, Brass
$3,285
H 13.78 in Dm 19.69 in
Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Serie: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Four tiers structure gathering many structured glasses, beautifully refra...
Crystal, Brass
$2,481 / item
H 27.56 in Dm 15.75 in
Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Three tiers structure gathering many structured glasses, beautifully ref...
Crystal, Brass
$3,285
H 13.78 in Dm 19.69 in
Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Serie: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Four tiers structure gathering many structured glasses, beautifully refra...
Crystal, Brass
$3,072 / set
H 15.75 in W 10.63 in D 4.73 in
1 of 3 Pairs of Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with three large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969.
Murano Glass
$3,072 / set
H 15.75 in W 10.63 in D 4.73 in
1 of 3 Pairs of Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with three large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969.
Murano Glass
Kalmar Pendant Light or Chandelier, Brass Glass, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A textured glass and brass pendant light or chandelier by J. T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). A partly blackened and polished...
Brass
$1,300 / set
H 12.6 in W 7.49 in D 3.94 in
1 of 2 Pairs of Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with large Murano glass piece on a frame in each wall lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969.
Murano Glass
$2,481
H 27.56 in Dm 15.75 in
Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Three tiers structure gathering many structured glasses, beautifully ref...
Crystal, Brass
$6,800 / set
H 13.78 in W 8.27 in D 4.34 in
Kalmar Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Blue Amber Smoke Art Glass White Metal, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of gorgeous and ultra rare wall lights by Austrian lighting manufacturer J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970. Five multicolored (blue, smoke, amber, clear) gla...
Metal
$3,072 / set
H 25.2 in Dm 15.75 in
Sische Glass and Chrome Chandelier, 1960s Modernist Design, Kalmar Style
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
This ceiling light was designed by Simon and Schelle, featuring a rectangular chrome base and four massive glasses in the shape of a four lobed flower.xa0 Dimensions: Height 25.2 in...
Chrome
$39,000
H 31.5 in Dm 51.19 in
Huge Kalmar Chandelier 'Finger', Textured Ice Glass and Nickel, Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An extra large light fixture model 'FINGER' by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). A white painted metal frame holds a lot of textured ...
Metal, Nickel
Pair of Kalmar Table Lamps, Brass Glass, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A lovely pair of table lamps by J. T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). They are made of a polished brass base and a blackened met...
Brass, Metal
Sische Glass and Chrome Chandelier, 1960s Modernist Design, Kalmar Style
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
This ceiling light was designed by Simon and Schelle, featuring a rectangular chrome base and four massive glasses in the shape of a four lobed flower. Dimensions: Height only the ...
Brass
Huge J.T. Kalmar Palazzo Gilt Brass & Glass Chandelier Flush Mount, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A very elegant and large four-tier 20-inch Mid-Century Modern chandelier from the 1970s, model “Palazzo,” manufactured by J. T. Kalmar Vienna, Austria. This chandelier is entirely ha...
Gold Plate, Brass
$4,609 / item
H 37.41 in Dm 13.78 in
1 of the 2 Large Kalmar Chandeliers Citrus Swirl Smoked Glass, Austria, 1969
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
high quality murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s smoked swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light gold dish amber colored stripe in it.
Brass
$5,700
H 38.19 in Dm 15.75 in
Large Kalmar Table Lamp 'Frankenberg', Illuminated Glass Stand Beige Shade, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and large table lamp model 'Frankenberg', no. 1359 by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). A nickeled base with a large hand ...
Brass
1 of 2 Petite Tulipan Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 Petite wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass flush mount. Hand-blown glasses were suspended on a white painted metal frame and brass canopy. Best of design from the 1960s by K...
Brass
Large Kalmar Chandelier, Brass and Textured Glass, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An impressive and large chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The fixture is made of polished brass in a warm tone,...
Brass, Metal
$2,795 / set
H 7.88 in W 9.45 in D 4.34 in
Austrian Midcentury "Sierra" Ice-Glass Pair of Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beautiful Austrian midcentury "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Sierra". These fixtures were designed and manfactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Frnaken. Each Wall Sconce is c...
Metal
$4,449 / set
H 7.88 in W 11.42 in D 4.73 in
Austrian Midcentury Pair of Ice-Glass "Fuego" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique, beautiful and cool Austrian midcentury "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model 4560.07.50 Fuego. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Frank...
Metal
$5,900
H 10.24 in W 24.41 in D 24.41 in
Large Square Kalmar Flush Mount Light Fixture or Sconce 'Cubus', 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and square light fixture model 'Cubus' (German 'Würfel') by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). It is made of a polished sta...
Chrome, Stainless Steel
$1,890 / set
H 9.85 in W 13.78 in D 8.67 in
1 of 2 Sets of Large Kalmar Sconces Palmette Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic pair of mid-century wall sconces with Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979.
Metal
$2,245 / item
H 13.78 in W 10.24 in D 4.73 in
1 of 2 Stunning Large Kalmar Muano Sconce Wall Lights, Florida, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall sconces with 12 Murano glass pieces on a brass frame, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969.
Murano Glass
Textured Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the four light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. The glass shows a beautiful wave texture, which gives a diffuse light effect and a nice pa...
Steel
$17,018Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 29.53 in Dm 29.53 in
1 of 2 Huge Kalmar Chandelier 'Palazzo', Gilt Brass Glass, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A Stunning large Chandelier with 24-carat gold-plated brass frame and clear, brilliant glass made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Six tiers struc...
Crystal, Brass
$4,490
H 13.39 in Dm 19.69 in
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Light Chandelier, Glass Brass White Metal, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Fontana Arte, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
It also can be used with a dimmer. Kalmar had a cooperation with several Italian glass makers located in Murano (e.g.
Brass, Metal
Kalmar Tulipan Flush Mount Light, 1960s, 1 of 2
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
In total there are 24 glasses which are mounted with brass screws on a white enameled metal frame. Kalmar had cooperation with several Italian glass makers located in Murano (e.g.
Brass, Metal
Tulipan Ice Glass Wall Lamps J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This elegant pair of “Tulipan” wall lamps was produced by J.T. Kalmar in Austria during the 1960s. The design beautifully reflects the refined craftsmanship and sculptural lighting c...
Metal
$1,290
H 13.75 in W 13 in D 5.5 in
Large Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Sconce Wall Light 'PAN', Glass Nickel, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A single grand scale vintage icicle glass wall lights model 'PAN' (no. 4519) by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The light f...
Nickel
$3,190 / set
H 14.57 in W 5.52 in D 3.15 in
Large Textured Rock Wave Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the two light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. The glass shows a beautiful wave texture, which gives a diffuse light effect and a nice pat...
Steel
$1,063 / item
H 9.85 in Dm 11.82 in
1 of 2 Petite Rare Pagoda Glass Flush mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 wonderful rare petite flush mounts with onion-shaped glasses. 12 hand-blown glasses suspended on a gold-painted metal frame. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. ...
Metal
$2,009
H 15.36 in W 11.03 in D 4.93 in
Citrus Wall Lamp in Glass and Metal from Kalmar Franken Kg, Set of 2
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in KUTNO, PL
The Citrus wall lamp set is a design by the Austrian manufacturer Kalmar Franken KG, one of Europe’s most renowned producers of modernist lighting. Since the 1950s, Kalmar has been f...
Metal
Wall Lamp J.T Kalmar, Frosted Glass Austria, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb frosted wall lamp, designed and produced by j.t kalmar in austria in the 1970s. This wall lamp will bring a real touch of design to your interior. Electricity checked, g...
Glass, Murano Glass
$2,942 / set
H 13.78 in Dm 10.24 in
Pair of Small Kalmar Chandeliers Citrus Swirl Smoked Glass, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
A pair of gorgeous murano glass pendant lights by Kalmar, 1960s. High quality smoked swirl ice glass, 6 clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light gold dish amber colored stripe...
Brass
$59,800 / set
H 47.25 in W 39.38 in D 39.38 in
Pair of Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Fontana Arte, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rewiring with E12 sockets is possible. Kalmar had a cooperation with several Italian glass makers located in Murano (e.g.
Brass
$3,500 / set
H 13 in W 9.85 in D 6.3 in
Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Wall Lights Sconces, Bubble Glass Brass, 1970, 2 Pairs
By Kalmar Lighting, Venini, Orrefors, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
The lights are documented in the Kalmar catalogue from the 1970s. Kalmar had a co-operation with several Italian glass makers located in Murano (e.g.
Brass, Metal
$3,781 / item
H 15.75 in Dm 17.72 in
1 of 6 Large Tulipan Glass Flush Mount / Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier or flush mount. A large number of hand-blown glasses are suspended on a white-painted metal frame and brass center rod. Best of desig...
Brass
$4,254 / set
H 13 in W 13.78 in D 6.89 in
1 of 4 Pairs of Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each tulip-shaped glass is handmade which makes each glass piece a unique piece. E...
Murano Glass
$9,336 / set
H 27.56 in Dm 15.75 in
Set of Four Large Kalmar Citrus Swirl Smoked Glass Light Fixtures, Austria, 1969
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Set of high quality Murano glass light fixtures by Kalmar, 1960s. Clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light gold dish amber colored stripe in it.
Brass
Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar in the 1960s, model "Tulipan"
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hannover, DE
A chandelier made by J.T. Kalmar in the 1960s, model "Tulipan." The chandelier is in good condition. All glass is intact. The hand-blown glass spheres are strung on a metal cylinder...
Metal
$886 / item
H 10.24 in W 10.24 in D 5.91 in
1 of 15 Large Glass Wall Light Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall sconce with a large Murano glass piece, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969.
Murano Glass
$5,199 / item
H 14.18 in Dm 19.69 in
1 of 2 Stunning Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Floria, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Great structure gathering many crystal cut glasses, beautifully refracting the light. Very...
Crystal, Brass
$1,004 / item
H 10.24 in W 10.24 in D 5.91 in
1 of 6 Large Glass Wall Light Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconce with a large of Murano glass piece, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969.
Murano Glass
$921
H 10.24 in W 10.24 in D 5.91 in
1 of 4 Large Glass Wall Light Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconce with a large of Murano glass piece, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969.
Murano Glass
$7,490 / set
H 11.42 in Dm 18.12 in
Set Kalmar Chandelier and Pair of Sconces Wall Lights 'Tulipan' Glass Brass 1970
By Mazzega, Orrefors, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
It is possible to install the lamp in all countries (US, UK, Europe, Asia, Canada, ...) although it may be necessary to purchase different light bulbs suitable to local electricity. ...
Brass, Metal
$1,063 / item
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 7.88 in
1 of 3 Large Glass Wall Lights Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 wonderful midcentury wall sconce with a large of Murano glass pieces, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969.
Murano Glass
$2,481 / item
H 31.5 in Dm 15.75 in
1 of 2 Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Chandelier Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Three tiers structure gathering many structured glasses, beautifully ref...
Crystal, Brass
$2,481 / item
H 31.5 in Dm 15.75 in
1 of 2 Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Chandelier Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Three tiers structure gathering many structured glasses, beautifully ref...
Crystal, Brass
$5,990 / item
H 25.2 in Dm 25.2 in
Kalmar Sputnik Pendant Light Chandelier 'Rs 27', Aluminum Glass, 1970, 1 of 4
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
The cords have a length of about 79 in. (200 cm) and can be shortened easily. Murano Glass
Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
Four-Tiered Kalmar Midcentury Ice Glass Chandelier, circa 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A Kalmar Franken ice glass chandelier made in Austria in the 1960s. It is fascinating with its rare glass shapes. Four-tier chandelier with hexagonal ice glasses. The glasses are sec...
Metal
$3,072
H 45.28 in Dm 15.75 in
Austrian "Palazzo" Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, Gilt Brass and Glass, circa 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Mid - Century glass and gilt brass "Palazzo" chandelier by J.T.Kalmar, Vienna, circa 1960s. It is composed of seven-light gilt brass frame suspended with thick glass elements. Socke...
Metal, Brass
$3,072 / set
H 7.8 in W 5.8 in D 4.2 in
MidCentury Set of 4 Kalmar Ice Glass, Brass Wall Sconces, Fixtures Austria 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Lisse, NL
A striking set of four original vintage wall sconces by Kalmar Werkstätten, crafted in Austria in the 1970s, Mid-Century Modern Lighting. These iconic mid-century modern lights feat...
Brass
$1,063 / item
H 11.03 in W 5.91 in D 3.15 in
One of the Six Modern Handmade Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, for Katie
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the six-light fixtures. T by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1959 this set is handmade and high end. The glass has beautiful wave texture in it, what give...
Steel
$2,942 / item
H 35.44 in Dm 13.78 in
1 of the 2 Kalmar Citrus Swirl Smoked Glass Pendants, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
A gorgeous murano glass pendant lights by Kalmar, 1960s. High quality smoked swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light gold dish amber colored stripe in it.
Brass
$2,737Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 16.54 in W 7.88 in D 4.34 in
Wall lamps Model Citrus design by Kalmar made by Franken KG.
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Oirlo, LI
This is een set off 2 lamps Authentic Citrus wall lamps by Kalmar Franken from the 1960s Unique round design in golden amber Murano glass Equipped with two E14 fittings for ambien...
Metal
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.