Pair Gordon and Jane Martz Ceramic Pottery Table Lamps, White Glaze and Teak
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Troy, MI
A pair of model no. 203 ceramic table lamps designed by Gordon and Jane Martz for Marshall Studios 1960s White matte glazed stoneware and teak bases with original teak finials and n...
Stoneware, Teak
Tea Pot by Gordon and Jane Martz
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The Gordon and Jane Martz ceramic tea pot is a stunning piece of functional art that seamlessly combines form and function. Handcrafted by the renowned American ceramicists, Gordon a...
Ceramic
$2,700Sale Price|25% Off
Martz / Marshall Studios Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp — Matte Tan Glaze
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
💡 WHAT IS IT? — Another gem from the masters of mid century lightning – Gordon and Jane Martz. A small but exceptionally versatile lamp! This signed Martz model 105 lamp comes in a...
Brass
Expertly Restored- Mid-Century Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp by Jane & Gordon Martz
By Gordon Martz
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Jane & Gordon Martz Manufacturer: Martz Studio Dimensions: 29.50in H x 8in W x 8in D Lamp Shades: 10in H x 17in W ________________________________________ Transformi...
Brass
$1,875Sale Price|25% Off
Marshall Studios Martz Ceramic Triangular Incised Pottery Midcentury Table Lamp
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
?? WHAT'S INCLUDED? — This listing is for the lamps only. New shades, exactly matching the catalog dimensions can be purchased upon request. ?? WHAT IS IT? — This absolutely...
Ceramic, Burlap, Walnut
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Martz Stoneware Ceramic Pottery Lamp for Marshall Studios
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage stoneware ceramic pottery lamp designed by Gordon and Jane Martz for Marshall Studios Inc., Veedersburg, Indiana.
Ceramic, Walnut
Vintage Mid 20th Century Martz Ceramic Lamp
By Gordon Martz
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful example of iconic American studio pottery, this vintage table lamp was designed by the celebrated duo Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios. This piece showcases the...
Clay, Pottery
Gordon & Jane Martz Mid Century Stacked Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp in Black
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Chicago, IL
Gordon & Jane Martz Mid Century Stacked Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp in Black
Stoneware
Martz Blue Ceramic Catchall Ashtray
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Miami, FL
Baby blue glazed stoneware ashtray designed by Gordon & Jane Martz for Marshall Studios. The rarely found model CN notched ashtray features a matte glaze in their gorgeous light blue...
Ceramic, Pottery
Art Pottery Ceramic Table Lamp
By Gordon Martz
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice Mid-Century Modern art pottery table lamp. Rust brown and green colors.
Ceramic, Pottery
Pottery Coffee Set with Matching Cups by Martz
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant coffee or tea set by Marshall Studios/Martz consisting of a large coffee pot with leather holder and four matching cups. Beautiful dark brown/almost black glaze, handmade....
Ceramic
$2,450 / set
Two Mid Century Signed Martz Ceramic Table Lamps
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of Classic Mid Century pottery Table Lamps Ca. 1960's by iconic husband and wife Potters Jane and Gordon Martz.
Other, Metal
Black Sgraffito Jane and Gordon Martz Studio Ceramic Table Lamp
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Lutz, FL
Mid Century Modern studio ceramic pottery table lamp designed by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios.
Ceramic, Pottery, Walnut
Martz Lamps by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios, Ceramic Table Lamps
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Buffalo, NY
Table lamps designed by ceramicist duo Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios. Not a true matched pair, (color-wise) but look amazing together. Brass and walnut standard retaini...
Brass
Ceramic Pottery Globe Shape Lamp Green Blue Stripes
By Gordon Martz
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Green and blue striped decorated pottery globe table lamp. Mid-Century Modern design.
Ceramic, Pottery
Large Gordon Martz Marshall Studios Midcentury Art Pottery Table Lamp
By Gordon Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large, Mid-Century Modern, art pottery, table lamp by Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios features stacked, ceramic segments of matte, swirled, earth tones with teak base and neck.
Ceramic, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Tan Art Pottery Table Lamp by Gordon Martz
By Marshall Studios, Gordon Martz
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, art pottery, table lamp by Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios features an organically shaped, matte glaze, tan ceramic base with walnut accents and brass hardware.
Ceramic, Walnut
Tall Stacked Art Pottery Table Lamp by Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios
By Marshall Studios, Gordon Martz
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall and impressive, stacked ceramic, art pottery table lamp by Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios with teak neck and subtle sgraffito detail.
Ceramic, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Tomato Red Glazed Art Pottery Ceramic Pendant Light Fixture
By Gordon Martz
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Tomato Red Glazed Art Pottery Ceramic Pendant Light Fixture
Ceramic, Pottery
Pair of Complimentary Ceramic Table Lamps by Gordon & Jane Martz with Shades
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular pair of Complimentary table lamps by Gordon & Jane Martz. Both have shades and both are signed. In excellent vintage condition with no wear. Simple yet elegant scribed de...
Pottery, Hardwood
Art Pottery Brown Striped Table Lamp by Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios
By Marshall Studios, Gordon Martz
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large, art pottery table lamp by Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios features a muted gray, striped base with teak neck and finial. The lamp is 24.5 inches height to the socket.
Brass
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Modern Double Stacked Two-Toned Stoneware Pottery Lamp by Martz
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage hand thrown ceramic pottery lamp by Gordon and Jane Martz for Marshall Studios.
Ceramic, Walnut
Pair of Large Ceramic Art Pottery Bases Decorative Caramel Glaze
By Gordon Martz
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern large ceramic vase shape glazed table lamps.
Pottery
Tall Vase Jag Shape Handle Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern elegant ceramic table lamp, measure: 25" tall.
Ceramic, Pottery
Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios Celadon Ceramic Table Lamp, 1950s
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Stunning vintage table lamp features elongated bulbous ceramic or pottery base, decorated with striking celadon glaze.
Ceramic, Pottery
Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios Brushed Olive Green Pottery Table Lamp, 1950's
By Marshall Studios, Gordon Martz
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios matte glazed stoneware table lamp. Featuring lamp form 178 accentuated with loose banded design. Brown brushed with Dark Beige and shades of Olive G...
Ceramic, Teak
Triple Colored Glazed Pierced Pottery Ceramic Shades Pendant Light Fixture MINT!
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Triple Colored Glazed Pierced Pottery Ceramic Shades Pendant Light Fixture Chandelier MINT! Triple pendant Danish modern light fixture. Each pendant measure 5x11". Pierced ceramic p...
Brass
Jane & Gordon Martz - Pottery Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare handmade potter lamp by Jane & Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios. Unique and elegant design, carefully and beautifully crated by the maker. Signed on bottom by the artist.
Ceramic
Large Ceramic Glazed Pottery Yellow & Olive Reed Grass Bamboo Pattern Lamp Mint!
By Gordon Martz
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large ceramic glazed pottery yellow & olive reed grass bamboo pattern lamp mint!
Ceramic, Porcelain, Walnut
$340Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of MCM Ceramic Tile and Walnut Bookends by Jane & Gordon Martz
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of MCM ceramic tile and walnut bookends by Jane & Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios, circa 1950s. The bookends are in very good vintage condtion and measure 8.5"W x 5"D x...
Pottery, Walnut
Olive Green Art Pottery Ceramic Vase Shape Table Lamp Turned Walnut Base MINT
By Gordon Martz
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Olive Green Art Pottery Ceramic Vase Shape Table Lamp Turned Walnut Base MINT
Ceramic, Walnut
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Martz Tootsie Roll American Studio Craft Art Pottery Table Lamp Marshall
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful triple segmented monumental table lamp. Lamp is wonderful condition, but the old Shader is in fair/poor condition, but will included if desired. Measures: Lamp diameter ...
Ceramic
Pair of Brown Grey Blue Glazed Pottery Ceramic Vase Shape Table Lamp MINT!
By Gordon Martz
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Brown Grey Blue Glazed Pottery Ceramic Vase Shape Table Lamp MINT!
Ceramic
Pair of Vase Shape Glazed Ceramic Pottery Walnut Table Lamps
By Gordon Martz
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern vase shape glazed table lamps.
Porcelain
Mid-Century Modern Pottery and Walnut Table Lamp
By Gordon Martz
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern pottery ceramic and walnut cone shape table lamp. It features very nice pattern artwork in the pottery part of the base.
Ceramic, Walnut
Pair Mid Century Lotus Motive Ceramic Pottery & Turned Walnut Bases Table Lamps
By Gerald Thurston, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair Mid Century Lotus Motive Ceramic Pottery & Turned Walnut Bases Table Lamps MINT!
Ceramic, Walnut
Art Pottery and Walnut "Twisted" Pattern Table Lamp
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern twisted pattern pottery table lamp. Red white brown.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Large Oversize Glazed Pottery Table lamp Blue and Chrome
By Gordon Martz
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Striking basket weave pattern vase shape Mid-Century Modern ceramic table lamp.
Ceramic
Pair of Fine Ceramic & Ormolu Cup Vase Shape Table Lamp c1940s MINT
By Gordon Martz
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Fine Ceramic & Ormolu Cup Vase Shape Table Lamp c1940s MINT
Bronze
Pierced Cube Shape Glazed to High Gloss Pottery Table Lamps MINT!
By Gordon Martz, James Mont
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of vintage circa 1970s glazed Art pottery table lamps. Dark olive green gloss glaze.
Ceramic, Pottery
Large David Cressey Vintage Ceramic Lamp Base
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Chicago, IL
A large Danish modern style vintage ceramic lamp base by David Cressey. In the manner of Gordon Martz.
Pottery
Mid Century Modern Silver Leaf Finish Table Lamp with Onion Shape MINT!
By Gordon Martz
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid Century Modern Silver Leaf Finish Table Lamp with Onion Shape MINT! Black lacquered wood base.
Ceramic, Pottery
Mid-Century Modern Cone Shape Geometrical Pattern Pierce Pattern Base Table Lamp
By Gordon Martz
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern cone shape Geometrical pattern pierce pattern base table lamp on walnut base. 3 sockets fixture.
Porcelain, Walnut, Ceramic, Pottery
Petite Danish Modern Lotte and Gunnar Bostlund Ceramic Table Lamp
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Lotte and Gunnar Bostlund
Located in Chicago, IL
Petite Danish Modern Lotte Bostlund Ceramic Table Lamp. Signed with a label on hardware. Comes with the original Lotte Crafted Shade. 17" to top of finial
Pottery
Monumental Martz Pottery Table Floor Lamp
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in St. Louis, MO
Beautiful oversized Martz pottery lamp with original shade. Overall very nice condition and in working order. Please contact us for condition report.
Ceramic
Mid-century Modern Gordon Martz Pottery Lamp
By Marshall Studios, Gordon Martz
Located in Southampton, NY
Stoneware pottery by Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios, Inc. Made in USA. The pottery and ceramics are part of the Museum of Modern Art's permanent in New York City.
Ceramic, Pottery
Mid-century Modern Gordon Martz Pottery Lamp
By Marshall Studios, Gordon Martz
Located in Southampton, NY
Stoneware pottery by Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios, Inc. Made in USA. The pottery and ceramics are part of the Museum of Modern Art's permanent in New York City.
Ceramic, Pottery
Early Gordon & Jane Martz Marshall Studios Large Pottery Pitcher
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Denver, CO
And early studio production, signed Martz and dated 1953, Gordon and Jane Martz large 11.5" tall and 6.25" dia deep brown to black glazed pottery pitcher. Their Marshall Studios work...
Ceramic
Unavailable
H 3.5 in Dm 11 in
Rare Sgraffito Ceramic Clock by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios
By Marshall Studios, George Nelson, Martz Sgraffito, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Framingham, MA
Rare form Martz clock - this is an early one. Still works. Original wiring. Lovely Sgraffito etchings. Excellent condition - no chips or cracks. *There is not a lamp for sale - I pu...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Midcentury Ceramic Table Lamp
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Striking midcentury hexagonal ceramic table lamp by Gordon & Jane Martz, circa 1950s. This sculptural ceramic glazed lamp is designed with highly graphic decorative elements and a wo...
Ceramic, Pottery, Wood
Large Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Table Lamp with Original Shade
By Marshall Studios, Bitossi, Paul McCobb, Gordon & Jane Martz, Design Technics
Located in Framingham, MA
Lovely Large Incised Sgraffito Ceramic Mid-Century Modern table lamp with the original Fiberglass and leather tied shade. Measures 19" wide x 9" deep x 32" tall to the top of the fin...
Ceramic, Leather, Pottery, Fiberglass
Monumental Italian Modern Round Wall Sculpture by Gli Etruschi, 1977
By Marcello Fantoni, Bitossi, Guido Gambone, Gli Etruschi, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Framingham, MA
Incredible large modernist ceramic wall hanging bowl by renown Italian potter Gli Etruschi. This bowl came from Italy recently, and is from the 1970's. I've never seen another one, a...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Gordon Martz Pottery Serving Platter Centrepiece
By Gordon Martz
Located in New Windsor, NY
Wonderful and rare form signed Gordon Martz serving platter centrepiece. Large matte glazed pottery dish with a metal wire and leather wrapped handle caddy. Incised line motif decora...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Vintage Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios Tall Ceramic Pottery Teak Table Lamp
By Gordon Martz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios tall ceramic pottery teak table lamp.
Ceramic, Teak
Gordon Martz Large Scale Ceramic Vessel
By Gordon Martz
Located in Phoenix, AZ
This Martz ceramic vessel in a rarely seen large scale shows off a sturdy platform base in earthenware tones with the inside of the bowl in a white glaze laced with minimal brown and...
Ceramic, Pottery
Martz / Marshall Studios Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp — Satin Aqua Glaze
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
What is it? — Another gem from the masters of mid century lightning – Gordon and Jane Martz. A small but exceptionally versatile lamp! This signed Martz model 105 lamp comes in a sa...
Brass
Martz / Marshall Studios Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp — Matte Blue Glaze
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
💡 WHAT IS IT? — Another gem from the masters of mid century lightning – Gordon and Jane Martz. A small but exceptionally versatile lamp! This signed Martz model 105 lamp comes in a...
Brass
Sold
H 16.5 in W 8 in D 8 in
Martz / Marshall Studios Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp, Brown, White, Stoneware
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
What is it? — Another gem from the masters of mid century lightning – Gordon and Jane Martz. This signed Martz model 105 lamp comes in a matte base with swirls of of brown and red i...
Ceramic, Walnut
Sold
H 16.5 in W 8 in D 8 in
Martz / Marshall Studios Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp, Brown, White, Stoneware
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
What is it? — Another gem from the masters of mid century lightning – Gordon and Jane Martz. This signed Martz model 105 lamp comes in a matte base with swirls of of brown and r...
Ceramic, Walnut
Sold
H 16.5 in W 8 in D 8 in
Martz / Marshall Studios Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp, Satin Mustard Yellow
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
What is it? — Another gem from the masters of mid century lightning – Gordon and Jane Martz. This signed Martz model 105 lamp comes in a matte yellow glaze with darker flecks and sp...
Brass
Martz / Marshall Studios Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp — Matte Black Glaze
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
What is it? — Another gem from the masters of mid century lightning – Gordon and Jane Martz. This signed Martz model 105 lamp comes in a matte black glaze. This was one of the best-...
Brass
Martz / Marshall Studios Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp, Tan Speckled Glaze
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
What is it? — Another gem from the masters of mid century lightning – Gordon and Jane Martz. This signed Martz model 105 lamp comes in a matte tan glaze with embedded textured s...
Brass
Sold
H 16.5 in W 8 in D 8 in
Martz / Marshall Studios Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp, Satin Mustard Yellow
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
What is it? — Another gem from the masters of mid century lightning – Gordon and Jane Martz. This signed Martz model 105 lamp comes in a matte yellow glaze with darker flecks an...
Brass
Early Gordon Martz Studio Pottery Table Lamp
By Gordon Martz
Located in San Mateo, CA
Ceramic table lamp by Gordon Martz. This lamp has his G/W signature incised on the bottom and is dated 1951. Gordon Martz and Jane Marshall married in 1951 right after graduating fro...
Ceramic, Walnut
Midcentury Martz Pottery Lamp
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in San Jose, CA
Midcentury pottery lamp designed by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios. This piece displays a yellow matte finish complete with the signature walnut finial.
Ceramic
Sold
H 25 in W 5.5 in D 5.5 in
Gordon & Jane Martz / Marshall Studios Ceramic Pottery Table Lamps, White Glaze
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
?? WHAT IS IT? — These signed Martz #141 lamps come in a white glaze with vertical incised stripes that circle each lamp. The white glaze has a touch of blue and in reality is slig...
Ceramic, Linen, Walnut
Sold
H 25 in W 5.5 in D 5.5 in
Gordon & Jane Martz / Marshall Studios Ceramic Pottery Table Lamps, White Glaze
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
WHAT IS IT? — These signed Martz #141 lamps come in a white glaze with incised swirl patterns that circle each lamp. The white glaze has a touch of blue and in reality is slightly gr...
Ceramic, Linen, Walnut
Sold
H 25 in W 5.5 in D 5.5 in
Gordon & Jane Martz / Marshall Studios Ceramic Pottery Table Lamps, Black Glaze
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
What is it? — Another gem from the masters of mid century lightning – Gordon and Jane Martz. Not too big, not too small – this ceramic lamp set is equally at home on an end table or...
Ceramic, Linen, Walnut
Sold
H 25 in W 5.5 in D 5.5 in
Gordon & Jane Martz / Marshall Studios Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp — Gloss Brown
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
💡 What is it? — These signed Martz model #267 lamp come in a glossy dark brown glaze. The lamp features an incised, vertical pattern that runs top to bottom along the widest part of...
Ceramic, Linen, Walnut
Sold
H 25 in W 5.5 in D 5.5 in
Gordon & Jane Martz / Marshall Studios Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp — Matte Brown
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
💡 What is it? — These signed Martz model #267 lamp come in a matte dark brown glaze and yes, this lamp has been broken and repaired with gold kintsugi. The lamp features an incised,...
Ceramic, Linen, Walnut
Sold
H 16.5 in W 8 in D 8 in
Martz / Marshall Studios Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp — Satin Speckled Pale Blue
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
What is it? — Another gem from the masters of mid century lightning – Gordon and Jane Martz. This signed Martz model 105 lamp comes in a matte robin's egg blue glaze with darker fle...
Brass
Sold
H 16.5 in W 8 in D 8 in
Martz / Marshall Studios Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp — Blue Glaze w/ Stripes
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
What is it? — Another gem from the masters of mid century lightning – Gordon and Jane Martz. This signed Martz model 105 lamp comes in a glossy sapphire blue glaze with vertical str...
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.
Well-crafted antique and vintage table lamps do more than provide light; the right fixture-and-table combination can add a focal point or creative element to any interior.
Proper table lamps have long been used for lighting our most intimate spaces. Perfect for lighting your nightstand or reading nook, table lamps play an integral role in styling an inviting room. In the years before electricity, lamps used oil. Today, a rewired 19th-century vintage lamp can still provide a touch of elegance for a study.
After industrial milestones such as mass production took hold in the Victorian era, various design movements sought to bring craftsmanship and innovation back to this indispensable household item. Lighting designers affiliated with Art Deco, which originated in the glamorous roaring ’20s, sought to celebrate modern life by fusing modern metals with dark woods and dazzling colors in the fixtures of the era. The geometric shapes and gilded details of vintage Art Deco table lamps provide an air of luxury and sophistication that never goes out of style.
After launching in 1934, Anglepoise lamps soon became a favorite among modernist architects and designers, who interpreted the fixture as “a machine for lighting,” just as Le Corbusier had reimagined the house as “a machine for living in.” The popular task light owed to a collaboration between a vehicle-suspension engineer by the name of George Carwardine and a West Midlands springs manufacturer, Herbert Terry & Sons.
Some mid-century modern table lamps, particularly those created by the likes of Joe Colombo and the legendary lighting artisans at Fontana Arte, bear all the provocative hallmarks associated with Space Age design. Sculptural and versatile, the Louis Poulsen table lamps of that period were revolutionary for their time and still seem innovative today.
If you are looking for something more contemporary, industrial table lamps are demonstrative of a newly chic style that isn’t afraid to pay homage to the past. They look particularly at home in any rustic loft space amid exposed brick and steel beams.
Before you buy a desk lamp or table lamp for your living room, consider your lighting needs. The Snoopy lamp, designed in 1967, or any other “banker’s lamp” (shorthand for the Emeralite desk lamps patented by H.G. McFaddin and Company), provides light at a downward angle that is perfect for writing, while the Fontana table lamp and the beloved Grasshopper lamp by Greta Magnusson-Grossman each yield a soft and even glow. Some table lamps require lampshades to be bought separately.
Whether it’s a classic antique Tiffany table lamp, a Murano glass table lamp or even a bold avant-garde fixture custom-made by a contemporary design firm, the right table lamp can completely transform a room. Find the right one for you 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.