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Kalmar Pendant Lamps

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J.T. Kalmar Frosted Murano Pulegoso Art Glass Panel Pendant Lamp Austria, 1960s
By Kaiser, J.T. Kalmar, Doria Leuchten Germany
Located in Nierstein am Rhein, DE
Modernist J.T. Kalmar pendant lamp with four handcrafted textured Murano pulegoso ice glass panels
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Pendant Lamp from J.T. Kalmar, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, Austria
A simple, elegant pendant lamp from J.T. Kalmar. The lamp is composed of an opaline, matte white
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Tulipan Pendant Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Tulip shaped shade pendant manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in the 1950s in Vienna.
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Glass

Midcentury J.T. Kalmar Crystal Glass Pendant Lamp
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
J.T. Kalmar in the 1950''s. Total lenght 140cm (47.24in) lenght of the lamp only 58cm.
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Kalmar Austria Multiple Clear Glass Pendant Lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
25 Austrian clear glass pendant lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950. We have 25 pieces in stock which
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Pendant Lamp by Kalmar Vienna, c. 1950's
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant Austrian chandelier, crafted by Kalmar Vienna in the late 1950s, boasts a nickel
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Nickel

J.T. Kalmar Pendant
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Kalmar Vienna three-tiered pendant lamp. Fits eight lights, handblown glass tiles. Presumable
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

J.T. Kalmar Pendant
J.T. Kalmar Pendant
H 13 in Dm 15 in
A Kalmar Midcentury Height-Adjustable Counterweight Pendant Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful midcentury height-adjustable pendant light Kalmar model 2520 with a counterweight, a
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Metal

Midcentury J.T. Kalmar Crystal Structured Glass Pendant Lamp
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
. Designed by J.T. Kalmar in the 1950''s. Total lenght 115cm, lenght of the lamp only 58cm.
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Two Beautiful Kalmar Vienna Glass Tube Brass Pendant Lamps
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
Very beautiful pendant lamps from the 1950s, produced by the Kalmar Vienna. Brass hardware with a
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Midcentury 1950s Pendant Lamp Kalmar Franken Ice Glass Textured Glass Brass
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Mannheim, DE
Very beautiful and elegant 1950s hanging lamp produced by Kalmar Franken. The shade is a long tube
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

1960 Kalmar Swirl 'Citrus' Pendant Lamp Amber Murano Glass & Brass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant Swirl ’Citrus’ pendant light with heavy amber and clear swirl Murano glass elements on a
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

J.T. Kalmar Frosted Glass Panel Pendant Lamp Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant modernist pendant lamp with four ice glass panels on a nickel plated frame suspended by
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

J.T. Kalmar Mid-Century Textured Glass Tube Brass Pendant Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful pendant lamp from the 1950s, produced by J.T: Kalmar Vienna. Brass hardware with a tube
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century J.T. Kalmar Modernist Glass Tube Brass Pendant Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful pendant lamp from the 1950s, produced by J.T. Kalmar Vienna. Brass hardware with a tube
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Multiple Austrian Clear Glass Pendant Lamps by J.T. Kalmar, 1950
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
25x identical square clear glass pendant lights by J. T. Kalmar, Austria with chrome hardware
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

J.T Kalmar Large Kiriglas Glass Pendant Lamp Ceiling Light, Austria circa 1965
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
J.T Kalmar Large Kiriglas Glass Pendant Lamp Ceiling Light, Austria circa 1965. Large 26" glass
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Pair of Kalmar Lamp
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Steel grating with one E27 bulb. Kalamar Vienna from 1960s The lenght ist about 120cm. 3 pieces white and 3 pieces black available
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Steel

Pair of Kalmar Lamp
Pair of Kalmar Lamp
H 47.25 in Dm 5.91 in
Kalmar Atomic Ceiling Lamps Chandeliers, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, AT
Kalmar atomic ceiling lamps chandeliers, 1960s designed and executed by Kalmar Vienna in 1969
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Nickel

Kalmar Atomic Ceiling Lamps Chandeliers, 1960s
Kalmar Atomic Ceiling Lamps Chandeliers, 1960s
H 35.44 in W 22.05 in D 20.48 in
J.T. Kalmar 2x Frosted Ice Glass Panel Pendant Lamp, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to two beautiful pendant lights, manufactured by Kalmar Austria in the 1960s. Sold and priced
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Stainless Steel

Two Kalmar Floor Lamps, Nickel Chrome, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Two floor lamps mod. 'Skop' by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, manufactured in Austria in Mid-Century 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass, Chrome, Nickel

Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of two rare 'Tulipan' glass pendant chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

70s Lamp Lamp Hanging Lamp Kalmar Franken Ceiling Lamp Ice Glass Design
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
70s Lamp lamp hanging lamp Kalmar Franken ceiling lamp Ice Glass Design Object: ceiling lamp
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Monumental Midcentury Basket Chandelier or Pendant Lamp by J.T. Kalmar, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Munich, DE
Gorgeous Mid-Century Modern 4-flamed basket chandelier or pendant lamp. Designed and manufactured
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

The Sun, a Brass Pendant Lamp from J.T. Kalmar , 1950's, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, Austria
A beautiful pendant lamp from J. T. Kalmár from the 1950's, Austria. Model " Sonne " (sun) is a
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Large Ice Glass J.T. Kalmar Pendant
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
J.T. Kalmar ice glass pendant from 1960's. total lenght 120cm (47.24in) lenght of the lamp only
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Steel

Pendant by Kalmar Austria Structured Glass Aluminium, Vienna, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A delicious pendant in perfect original condition by Kalmar Austria from the 1960s. The cylindrical
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum

Austrian Midcentury Black Metal and Brass Zylinder Pendant Lamp by J. T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful zylindrical shaped pendant lamp was designed and manufactured by J. T. Kalmar Vienna
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

J.T. Kalmar Grenada Clear Glass Pendant Lamps, circa 30 Pieces, Austria, 1950
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
One of circa 30 Austrian Grenada clear glass pendant lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950. Sold and
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Murano pendant lamp by Kalmar
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The Murano glass pendant lamp with brass structure, dating from the 1960s, is a lighting piece that
Category

Mid-20th Century Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Murano pendant lamp by Kalmar
Murano pendant lamp by Kalmar
H 19.69 in Dm 13.78 in
Double "Pagode" Pendant Chandelier by Kalmar, Vienna, c. 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
Double "Pagode" pendant chandelier by Kalmar, Vienna, c. 1960 A large double "Pagode" crystal and
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Huge Midcentury J.T. Kalmar Murano Ice Glass Petals Pendant Lamp, 1970s, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful hand blown Mid-Century Modern pendant light made by J. T. Kalmar in the 1970s. It's
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Large J.T. Kalmar Tube Pendant Lamp Textured Glass Patinated Brass Austria 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Nierstein am Rhein, DE
Fabulous of vintage midcentury J.T. Kalmar / Austria handcrafted tube pendant lamp, Vienna around
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Hanging lamp in Frosted Ice Glass by J. T. Kalmar for Kalmar Franken KG, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Delft, NL
Hanging lamp in frosted ice glass by J. T. Kalmar for Kalmar Franken KG, 1960s.
Category

Vintage 1960s Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Austrian J.T. Kalmar Lamellar Lamp
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Alumium lamps brass plated the lenght is adjustable. By J.T. Kalmar Vienna from the middle of the
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Aluminum

Beautiful White/Brown Ice Glass Hanging Lamp by J. T. Kalmar for Kalmar, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
hanging lamp manufactured by Kalmar Franken KG in the 1960s to the early 1970s. The shade consists of 4
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Glass

60s 70s Lamp Light Hanging Lamp Kalmar Franken KG Tulip Glass
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
60s 70s lamp light hanging lamp Kalmar Franken KG Tulip glass 60s 70s Object: ceiling lamp
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Multiple Large Clear Glass White Pendant Lamps J.T. Kalmar, 1960, Restored
By J.T. Kalmar, Vistosi
Located in Vienna, AT
Multiple large clear glass white pendant lamps J.T. Kalmar, 1960 restored. Sold and priced
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Kalmar 'Granada' Ice Glass Pendant Light Chandelier, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A hanging lamp by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Counterweight Silk Pendant Lamp by J.T. Kalmar Designed by Adolf Loos
By J.T. Kalmar, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
A height adjustable brass counter balance pendant lamp by J.T. Kalmar manufactured in midcentury in
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Vienna Secession Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

One of Three Kalmar Pendant Lights, Ice Glass and Chrome, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Only one light is available. One of three pendant lamps by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s. They are made of
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome, Nickel, Brass

Kalmar 'Tulipan' Chandelier Pendant Light, Blown Glass, 1970, One of Two
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two glass pendant chandeliers model 'Tulipan' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Kalmar Atomium Sputnik Chandelier Pendant Light 'RS 14', Alu Glass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A fantastic and rare 14-arm chandelier / pendant light by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Nickel, Chrome

Extra Large Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two huge and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan HL 155 by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Kalmar 'Tulipan' Chandelier Pendant Light, Glass Brass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and fantastic light fixture model Tulipan 61 HL by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

1960s Austria Kalmar 'Tulipan' Chandelier Pendant Light Blown Glass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Stunning large 'Tulipan' flush mount chandelier designed by J.T. Kalmar. The lamp is made of
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Nickel

Carlo Nason Mazzega Pendant Lamp for J.T. Kalmar in Murano Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
This set of pendant lamps was designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar in the 1960s. It features Mazzega
Category

Vintage 1960s German Space Age Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

One of Four Huge Kalmar Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of four extremely rare Sputnik or atomic light fixture 'RS 16 HL' by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Large Kalmar Chandelier Pendant Light Sputnik Atomic 43-Arms Glass Aluminum 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An extra large 43-arm atomic chandelier/pendant light model "RS 43 Kugel HL" by Kalmar, Austria
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel

Two Kalmar Lamps with Textured Glass, Vienna, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
Two Kalmar lamps with textured glass, Vienna, 1950. Beautiful dome-shaped ceiling mount by J.T
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Petite Ice Glass Ceiling Lamp by Kalmar Franken KG, Germany 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Petite Ice Glass Ceiling Lamp by Kalmar Franken KG, Germany 1960s This petite ceiling lamp was
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Carlo Nason Mazzega Pendant Lamp for J.T. Kalmar in Murano Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
This set of pendant lamps was designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar in the 1960s. It features Mazzega
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Space Age Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Textured Glass and Brass Pendant, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
Kalmar. It features a brass body and a textured glass lamp shade. The brass pieces have been
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

One of Two Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Brass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan 61 HL by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

1 of 2 Monumental Kalmar Sputnik Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Brass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two extremly rare sputnik or atomic light fixtures "RS 16 HL" by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum, Gold, Brass

60s 70s ceiling lamp chandelier Kalmar Franken KG Austria Space Age
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
60s 70s ceiling lamp chandelier Kalmar Franken KG Austria Space Age Object: ceiling lamp
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Two Kalmar 'Blatt' Pendant Lights Chandeliers, Textured Glass Nickel, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). 27 disc shaped glasses in the form
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Set of Three Midcentury Kalmar Ice Crystal Glass Pendant Lights or Chandeliers
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
/ lamps or chandeliers by Kalmar, circa 1974. Featuring twelve hanging glass elements (six large & six
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

J.T. Kalmar Pendant Light Chandelier, Patinated Brass and Textured Glass, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A beautiful light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1960 (late
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

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Kalmar Pendant Lamps For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of kalmar pendant lamps is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, glass and brass, all kalmar pendant lamps available were constructed with great care. There are all kinds of kalmar pendant lamps available, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Kalmar pendant lamps are generally popular furniture pieces, but Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Hollywood Regency styles are often sought at 1stDibs. J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting and Carlo Nason each produced beautiful kalmar pendant lamps that are worth considering.

How Much are Kalmar Pendant Lamps?

Prices for kalmar pendant lamps start at $890 and top out at $18,500 with the average selling for $2,742.

A Close Look at Mid-Century Modern Furniture

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 legendary 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.

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.

Finding the Right chandeliers-pendant-lights for You

Chandeliers — simple in form, inspired by candelabras and originally made of wood or iron — first made an appearance in early churches. For those wealthy enough to afford them for their homes in the medieval period, a chandelier's suspended lights likely exuded imminent danger, as lit candles served as the light source for fixtures of the era. Things have thankfully changed since then, and antique and vintage chandeliers and pendant lights are popular in many interiors today.

While gas lighting during the late 18th century represented an upgrade for chandeliers — and gas lamps would long inspire Danish architect and pioneering modernist lighting designer Poul Henningsen — it would eventually be replaced with the familiar electric lighting of today.

The key difference between a pendant light and a chandelier is that a pendant incorporates only a single bulb into its design. Don’t mistake this for simplicity, however. An Art Deco–styled homage to Sputnik from Murano glass artisans Giovanni Dalla Fina (note: there is more than one lighting fixture that shares its name with the iconic mid-century-era satellite — see Gino Sarfatti’s design too), with handcrafted decorative elements supported by a chrome frame, is just one stunning example of the elaborate engineering that can be incorporated into every component of a chandelier.

Chandeliers have evolved over time, but their classic elegance has remained unchanged. Not only will the right chandelier prove impressive in a given room, but it can also offer a certain sense of practicality. These fixtures can easily illuminate an entire space, while their elevated position prevents them from creating glare or straining one’s eyes. Certain materials, like glass, can complement naturally lit settings without stealing the show. Brass, on the other hand, can introduce an alluring, warm glow. While LEDs have earned a bad reputation for their perceived harsh bluish lights and a loss of brightness over their life span, the right design choices can help harness their lighting potential and create the perfect mood. A careful approach to lighting can transform your room into a peaceful and cozy nook, ideal for napping, reading or working.

For midsize spaces, a wall light or sconce can pull the room together and get the lighting job done. Perforated steel rings underneath five bands of handspun aluminum support a rich diffusion of light within Alvar Aalto's Beehive pendant light, but if you’re looking to brighten a more modest room, perhaps a minimalist solution is what you’re after. The mid-century modern furniture designer Charlotte Perriand devised her CP-1 wall lamps in the 1960s, in which a repositioning of sheet-metal plates can redirect light as needed.

The versatility and variability of these lighting staples mean that, when it comes to finding something like the perfect chandelier, you’ll never be left hanging. From the whimsical — like the work of Beau & Bien’s Sylvie Maréchal, frequently inspired by her dreams — to the classic beauty of Paul Ferrante's fixtures, there is a style for every room. With designs for pendant lights and chandeliers across eras, colors and materials, you’ll never run out of options to explore on 1stDibs.