A set of 3 Kalmar "Pagoda" Flush Mounts, circa 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
3 Kalmar "Pagoda" flush mounts, circa 1970s Original condition.
Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Chrome
A set of 3 Kalmar "Pagoda" Flush Mounts, circa 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
3 Kalmar "Pagoda" flush mounts, circa 1970s Original condition.
Chrome
J.T. Kalmar 'Pagoda' Wall Lamp, Blown Glass, Mid-Century Modern
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hannover, DE
Wonderful, rare wall sconces featuring shaped glass shades. Comprising 7 hand-blown glass shades suspended from a gold-colored metal frame. A prime example of 1960s design by Kalmar,...
Blown Glass
J.T. Kalmar Pagoda Ceiling Lamp, Murano Glass & Metal, Mid-Century
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hannover, DE
A wonderful, rare ceiling chandelier featuring molded glass shades. It consists of 24 hand-blown glass shades suspended from a nickel-plated metal frame. A prime example of 1960s des...
Metal
J.T. Kalmar Pagoda Flush Mount Chandelier Glass & Chrome, Austria, Vienna, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant flush mount ceiling light with clear glasses shaped like a pagoda on a chrome frame. Manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria in the 1960s.
Brass, Chrome
Large Rare Pagoda Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful rare chandelier with onion shaped glasses. Many hand blown glasses suspended on metal frame Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. High quality of the materials...
Metal
Large Rare Pagoda Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful rare chandelier with onion-shaped glasses. 25 hand-blown glasses suspended on a white painted metal frame. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. High quality o...
Metal
Several Pagoda Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Kalmar, Vienna 1969
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Mid Century Modern vintage glass chrome Pagoda sconces by Kalmar, circa 1969, Austria Vienna.
Chrome
One of Four Kalmar Flush Mount Lights 'Pagoda', Glass Nickel, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of four large flush mount chandeliers "Pagoda" or "Pagode" by Kalmar, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (at the end of 1960s and beginning of 1970s).
Nickel, Chrome
Pagoda Brass and Glass Sconce Wall Lights by Kalmar, Vienna 1969
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Mid Century Modern vintage glass and brass Pagoda sconce by Kalmar, circa 1969, Austria Vienna.
Brass
Huge Square Flush Mount "Pagoda" by Kalmar, Nickel and Glass, circa 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A large mid - cenutry modern fifteen-light pyramidal flush mount "Pagoda" by Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, circa 1970s. The light fixture is made of nickeled brass frame suspended with 8...
Metal, Brass, Nickel
"Pagoda" Chandelier by J.T.Kalmar, Nickel and Glass, Austria, circa 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A midcentury "Pagoda" glass chandelier by J.T.Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, circa 1970s.
Metal, Brass, Nickel
Pagoda Brass and Glass Sconce Wall Lights by Kalmar, Vienna 1969
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Mid Century Modern vintage glass and brass Pagoda sconce by Kalmar, circa 1969, Austria Vienna.
Brass
Several Pagoda Chrome and Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Kalmar, Vienna 1969
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Mid Century Modern vintage glass chrome Pagoda sconces by Kalmar, circa 1969, Austria Vienna.
Brass
Mid Century Modern Vintage Pair Duo Sconces Pagoda by Kalmar Vienna circa 1969
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage glass chromed metal pair or duo Pagoda sconces or wall lights by Kalmar, circa 1969, Vienna.
Glass
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
Several Pagoda Chrome and Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Kalmar, Vienna 1969
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Mid Century Modern vintage glass chrome Pagoda sconces by Kalmar, circa 1969, Austria Vienna.
Brass
Kalmar Flush Mount Light Fixture 'Pagoda', Glass Nickel, 1970, One of Four
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of four large flush mount chandeliers 'Pagoda' or 'Pagode' by Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s).
Nickel
$2,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Pagoda Wall Sconces Glass & Chrome, J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant pair of wall lamps with clear glasses shaped like a pagoda on a chrome frame. Manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria in the 1960s.
Chrome
1 of the 4 Pagoda Chrome and Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Kalmar, Vienna 1969
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Mid Century Modern vintage glass chrome Pagoda sconces by Kalmar, circa 1969, Austria Vienna.
Chrome
1 of the 4 Pagoda Chrome and Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Kalmar, Vienna 1969
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Mid Century Modern vintage glass chrome Pagoda sconces by Kalmar, circa 1969, Austria Vienna.
Chrome
1 of the 3 Pairs of Pagoda Brass and Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Kalmar, Vienna
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Mid Century Modern vintage glass brass pair of Pagoda sconces by Kalmar, circa 1969, Austria Vienna.
Brass
Austrian Pagoda Ice Glass Wall Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Rupert Nikoll, Bakalowits & Söhne, Max Ingrand, Ernest Palme, J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Wonderful wall lamp from the 1960s. The beautifully shaped Murano glass elements create a stunning, sparkling play of light. High-quality craftsmanship and a real eye-catcher for any...
Metal
Kalmar Pagoda Form Pendant
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional glass pagoda form pendant chandelier suspended on a nickel frame by Kalmar.
Nickel
Kalmar "Pagoda" Midcentury Glass Chandelier, circa 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This is a beautiful chandelier from Kalmar Franken made in Austria in the 1960s. It is a fascinating lighting with a beautiful design. The frame is made of chrome. Two-tier ice glass...
Chrome
Pagoda Shaped Element Chandelier by Kalmar, Pair Available
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Rare pagoda shaped glass element chandelier by Kalmar on satin nickel stem.
Glass
Large Pagoda Shaped Glass Element Chandelier by Kalmar
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare pagoda shaped glass element chandelier by KALMAR
Glass
Rare J.T. Kalmar Pagoda Chandelier in Blown Glass and Brass, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Extremely rare chandelier designed by J.T. Kalmar Pagoda glass in five tiers. Illuminates beautifully.
Brass
1960 Austria Kalmar 'Pagoda' Flush Mount Chandelier Murano Glass & Brass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant flush mount chandelier model Pagoda (Pagode) designed by Julius Theodor Kalmar, Vienna.
Brass
Sold
H 14.97 in Dm 15.75 in
1 (of 2) 1960 Austria Kalmar Pagoda Flush Mount Chandelier Murano Glass & Brass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant flush mount chandelier model Pagoda (Pagode) designed by Julius Theodor Kalmar, Vienna.
Brass
Kalmar Flushmount Light "Pagoda", 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Fantastic and rare Kalmar "Pagoda" pattern glass flushmount chandelier.
Steel, Nickel
Pair of Rare J.T. Kalmar Wall Lights Glass and Brass Tone, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Extremely rare wall lights designed by J.T. Kalmar Pagoda. Illuminates beautifully. High-end 20th century pieces.
Metal, Brass
Pagoda Flush Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Wonderful ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The 24 beautifully shaped Murano glass elements create an impressive, sparkling play of light. Very rare version with 3 rows. Very high-qual...
Metal
A Kalmar Pagoda Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful original Kalmar fixture with a 20" gold (brass plated) disc from which Kalmar Pagoda glass hangs from chains forming an elegant "suspended" Pagoda ball.
Brass
A Pair of Kalmar Pagoda Chandeliers, Austria, Circa 1970
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of Kalmar Pagoda Chandeliers. Austria, Circa 1970s. A beautiful original Kalmar fixture with a 22.5" chromed steel disc from which Kalmar Pagoda glass hangs from chains formin...
Chrome, Steel
A Large Kalmar Pagoda Chandelier, Austria Circa 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
The glass from the Kalmar "Pagoda" series forms a large Pagoda shaped ball suspended from chain.
Chrome, Steel
Kalmar, Double Pagoda Pendant Chandelier, circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A large double “Pagode” crystal and chromed steel chandelier by Kalmar. The lamp features Kalmar’s unique crystal glass design hung in an elegant double tiered “Pagode” shape. The tw...
Rare Kalmar Pagoda Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Stamford, CT
Fantastic and rare Kalmar "Pagoda" pattern glass chandelier. 100 individual pieces of glass hang in five concentric tiers to form a dramatic and substantial statement that suits a wi...
Chrome
Kalmar "Pagoda" Glass Chandelier
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Kalmar glass chandelier with ten light sockets. The armature is chrome with original canopy.
Metal
Rare J. T. Kalmar Chrystal Glass Chandelier Model Pagoda-Vienna, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Chandelier, designed J. T. Kalmar, manufacture Kalmar Austria, 1960. Round chrome ceiling plate, transparent crystal glass elements in pagoda shape. 2 x 4 light sockets.
Blown Glass
Rare J. T. Kalmar Chrystal Glass Chandelier Model Pagoda-Vienna, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Chandelier, Designed J. T. Kalmar, Manufacture Kalmar Austria, 1960. Round chrome ceiling plate, transparent crystal glass elements in pagoda shape.
Blown Glass
Rare Kalmar Pagoda Flush Mount Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Stamford, CT
Fantastic and rare Kalmar "Pagoda" pattern glass chandelier. 24 individual pieces of glass hang in three concentric tiers to form a dramatic and substantial statement that suits a wi...
Chrome
Kalmar "Pagoda" Glass Chandelier
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Frisco, TX
Vintage Kalmar glass chandelier with ten light sockets. The armature is chrome with original canopy. A beautiful Illumination of light. A delightful powerful piece from Austria.
$2,405
H 12.6 in W 12.6 in D 3.94 in
1 of the 2 Two-tone Brass Glass Wall Light by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Brass wall light by by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. The glass shows a brass glass texture, which gives a diffuse light effect and a nice pattern on ceil...
Steel
$3,893
H 11.82 in Dm 19.69 in
Massive J.T. Kalmar "Catena" Murano Glass Brass Flush Mount Chandelier, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Glamorous Murano glass flush mount ‘Catena’ by Kalmar. 18 large "ribbons" in clear and bubble Murano glass are suspended from a large brass back plate. Thirteen E14 sockets (40W) pro...
Brass
$62,991 / set
H 47.25 in Dm 47.25 in
Exceptional Set of Three Brass and Glass Flush Mount /Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Set of exceptional, huge, clean and modern ballroom flush mount chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar Leuchten from the 1960s. The set consists layers with several hand blown textured glass sha...
Brass
Kalmar Ice Glass Sconce Murano Wall Lights, Austria 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in München, BY
Large textured crystal ice glass sconce or wall light by Kalmar, Austria 1960s. The sconce has an enameled metal base with a on/off string-switch which easily can be activated and ...
Metal
Kalmar Flushmount Flush Mount Light, Textured Glass Brass, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A square flushmount light fixture by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1960s or early 1970s). A textured clear glass is mounted with a brass knob to a bac...
Brass, Metal
Textured Ice Glass Wall Lamp by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Textured ice glass wall lamp by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s. This striking wall light features a thick rectangular glass shade with a deeply structured surface, reminiscent of mel...
Brass
$1,717
H 10.63 in Dm 19.69 in
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s Original condiction Fancy model Structure glass shade
Brass
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s Brass polished and stove enameled Original glasses
Brass
$1,750 / item
H 13 in W 9.85 in D 6.3 in
One of Five Kalmar 'Tulipan' Wall Lights Sconces, Bubble Glass Brass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of five large 'Tulipan' glass wall light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives fr...
Brass, Metal
$271Sale Price|45% Off
H 9.06 in W 4.34 in D 2.76 in
J. T. Kalmar Ice Glass Wall Sconce, Germany 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Textured ice glass wall light with brass details. Designed and manufactured at J. T. Kalmar in Germany during the 1960s in a style reminiscent of Carl Fagerlund. Measurements: 23 x 1...
Art Glass
$2,200 / item
H 8.67 in Dm 14.57 in
Kalmar Glass Chandelier Pendant Light Fixture, circa 1970, One of Two
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A beautiful star-shaped light fixture by Kalmar Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two lights are available. The price is per item. ...
Chrome, Nickel, Metal
Ice Glass Wall Light, Sconce by Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Ice crystal glass wall sconce. Metal hanger plate. By J. T. Kalmar, from the 1960s.
Crystal, Steel
J.T. Kalmar Two-Tiered Glass Chandelier, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Very nice J.T. Kalmar textured glass and brass chandelier from the 1950s. Suspended from brass hardware and held in place by nickelled knobs are two tiers of heavily textured glass. ...
Brass, Nickel
J.T.Kalmar chandelier around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
J.T.Kalmar chandelier around 1950s Original condition
Brass
1950 Austria Kalmar Drum Flush Mount Chandelier Glass Tubes & Chrome
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant drum chandelier with circular glass tubes on a chromed frame. Designed by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1950s. Lighting: takes four large Edison E27 base screw bulbs. Condit...
Chrome
Large Kalmar Flush Mount Light or Sconce, Brass Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and square light fixture by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). It is made of polished brass and cast glass. There are eight...
Brass
1 of 3 Large Murano Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Two tiers structure gathering 18 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in very g...
Murano Glass
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
$3,206 / item
H 26.78 in Dm 55.91 in
Orbitale Brass Chandelier 3 Rotating Balanced Arms, Stilnovo Style, Brass Shades
By Stilnovo, Silvio Piattelli, Arteluce
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This exquisite bespoke brass chandelier features three rotating arms skillfully balanced on a heavy cast brass sphere that rotate in an orbital movement along the stem. To achieve pe...
Metal, Brass
$2,867Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 31.5 in Dm 27.56 in
Rigadin Chandelier 5 Arms encased Ivory Murano Glass Edgar by Multiforme
By Multiforme
Located in Venezia, Veneto
Edgar chandelier, 5 lights, Ivory encased rigadin Murano glass by Multiforme Edgar Murano glass chandelier is one of those chandeliers in our collections that stands out thanks to it...
Blown Glass
$8,799 / item
H 35.44 in W 63 in D 27.56 in
Brass and Alabaster Mobile Chandelier by Glustin Luminaires
By Glustin Creation
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Mobile kinetic chandelier made of patinated brass with a round counterweight and two enlighten alabaster globes. Original design by Glustin Luminaires.
Alabaster, Brass
1 of 2 Large Tulipan Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier. 30 hand-blown glasses suspended on a white painted metal frame. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. High quality of th...
Murano Glass
$13,743Sale Price|20% Off
H 15.75 in Dm 30.71 in
1 of 2 Huge Kalmar Chandelier 'Soria', Ice Glass, Germany, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A Stunning large Chandelier with brilliant ice glasses made by Kalmar (Series: Soria), Germany, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Six tiers structure gathers many structured glasses, be...
Crystal
Large Midcentury Murano Chandelier by Toni Zuccheri for Venini
By Paolo Venini, Salviati, Toni Zuccheri, Venini, Seguso
Located in Houston, TX
Large midcentury Murano chandelier by Toni Zuccheri for Venini. Stunning large midcentury clear Murano glass chandelier by Toni Zuccheri for Venini. This beautiful Murano glass chand...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Kalmar Chandelier "Tulipan" Chandelier, Austria, Murano Glass, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Antwerp, BE
Classic and high-quality Chandelier featured in a metal frame white coated and brass elements with ten E14 bulbs and 41 hand-blown clear glass onion shaped globes. Made by J.T. Kalma...
Metal, Brass
$13,200 / item
H 33.75 in Dm 35 in
Ivory Murano Glass Eight Arm Chandelier, Mid-Century Modern Style, Italy
Located in Austin, TX
Chandelier made of ivory colored Murano glass with eight branches. We love the classic lines and modern details of this hand-blown fixture. It has been newly wired to fit US standard...
Murano Glass
Ivory Murano Glass Chandelier, Twelve Branches, Hand Blown, Italy
Located in Austin, TX
Ivory murano glass chandelier with twelve branches. We love the classic lines and modern details of this hand blown fixture. It has been newly wired to fit US standards and requires ...
Murano Glass
$3,579 / item
H 7.09 in Dm 32.29 in
Great 18 Palmette Shallow Flush Ceiling Mount, Murano, in Stock, Free Shipping
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Here the larger version of the successful 12 leaves compact palmette ceiling fixture. This group of shallow ceiling mount Murano chandelier was first designed for a luxury yacht low...
Metal
On Hold|$25,000 / item
H 31.5 in Dm 35.44 in
Extra Large Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of five huge and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan HL 155 by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulip...
Metal, Brass
On Hold|$7,500
H 13 in Dm 26.78 in
Large Mid-Century Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Catena', Brass Murano Glass, 1970s
By Venini, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An extra large and fantastic Mid-Century modern light fixture model 'Catena' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufatured in 1970s-1980s. It consists of a polished brass plate with patinate...
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Brass Chandelier with Textured Ice Glass, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful brass chandelier by J. T. Kalmar Vienna, Austria, from the 1950s with textured ice glasses on it. White painted base with brass rod and nice brass knobs. In good conditi...
Brass
$3,700 / set
H 15.75 in W 5.32 in D 3.75 in
Pair of Wall Lights Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Brass Clear Milk Murano Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Fontana Arte
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of large wall lights model 'Ango' by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970. A polished brass backplate holds a clear, white or mother-of-pearl-colored angle...
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.
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.