An MCM lamp is a lighting fixture produced during the middle of the 20th century. MCM stands for mid-century modern, the name associated with this era. The lamps include both tabletop and freestanding floor fixtures. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of vintage lamps.

What color should my lamp shades be?

The color of your lampshade is totally up to you. The more sheer the lampshade, the brighter the light will be.

What is a mica lamp shade?

Mica is a natural mineral that is mined from the earth and then formed into sheets. These sheets can then be handcrafted into lamp shades, which when illuminated, emit a warm earthy glow. Shop a collection of mica lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is a softback lamp shade?

A softback lampshade is made by gathering or stretching the outer fabric over a metal frame. This fabric is then cut off, stitched, and finished at the top and bottom of the frame. These shades are often created with a process that involves tucks, pleats, gathers, or smoking. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage softback lamps.

Why do banker’s lamps have green shades?

Banker’s lamps are green because it was believed that the color would be mentally soothing to encourage concentration. It was also thought to reduce eye strain. You can shop a selection of banker lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Can you paint a glass lamp shade?

Yes, you can paint a glass lamp shade. You can use glass paints or acrylic paint to give old glass fixtures an inexpensive makeover. You can also use stencils for added visual appeal. Find a variety of lamp shades on 1stDibs.

What color lamp shade goes with brass?

White color lamp shades go well with polished brass, whereas off-white or cream-colored lamp shades look better with antique brass. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage and antique lampshades to meet any style or décor scheme.

What are the different types of lamp shade fittings?

There are three main lamp shade fittings. Spider fittings which are most commonly used for table and floor lamps, uno fittings and clip-on fittings.

What size should a shade be for a 22-inch lamp?

For a 22-inch lamp, the size of shade that you should consider is around 7 to 7.5 inches in height. Generally, a lampshade should be one-third of the height of a lamp. Its diameter should be twice as wide as the width of the base. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of table lamps.

Can I replace the shade on an antique table lamp?

Yes. Most table lamps accept standard harp and finial sizes, so a replacement shade can update the look without altering the base.

How can I make a DIY capiz shell lamp shade?

Using a lampshade as a guide, line up a row of pre-drilled capiz shells until you reach the desired length. String them together by using a fishing line and finish by tying the strands onto the lamp shade. Alternatively, shop a selection of capiz shell items on 1stDibs.

Mcm Lamp Shades

Atomic 1950s

Martz Ceramic Lamp Signed

Mcm Plate

End Table With Attached Lamp

Yellow Orange Table Lamp

Conran Lamp

Tripod Teak Floor Lamp

Mcm Brass Table

Vintage MCM Figurative Table Lamps with Green Shades - A Pair

$4,950

Vintage MCM Figurative Table Lamps with Green Shades - A Pair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This pair of vintage Fenton Davis figurative table lamps showcases striking sculptural artistry, each depicting a stylized dancing figure caught mid-motion, one leg raised in a dynam...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Plaster

MCM Chrome Triple Light Lamps with Metal Spaghetti Shades – Pair

$1,850

MCM Chrome Triple Light Lamps with Metal Spaghetti Shades – Pair

Located in Chicago, IL

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Triple Light Lamps with Metal Spaghetti Shades & Smoked Plexiglass – Pair Fantastic pair of Mid-Century Modern triple-light lamps featuring iconic metal sp...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

MCM Lamps Black Ceramic With Harlequin Style Diamond Design and Gray Shades

$1,495 / set

MCM Lamps Black Ceramic With Harlequin Style Diamond Design and Gray Shades

Located in Topeka, KS

Wonderful Mid-Century Modern black ceramic lamps with harlequin diamond style designs on front and new gray tapered drum shades. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are v...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Recent Sales

Pair of 4 Bulb Brass MCM Table Lamps with Original Acrylic Spaghetti Shades

Sold

H 37 in W 10 in D 10 in

Pair of 4 Bulb Brass MCM Table Lamps with Original Acrylic Spaghetti Shades

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

A pair of brass 4 arm spaghetti shade table lamps. This is a wonderful set of vintage retro table lamps with a super iconic lamp shade design. The mid century modern spaghetti lamp d...

Category

20th Century Unknown Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Pair of Alvino Bagni Ceramic Lamps, Italy, 1950s

Sold

H 12 in Dm 8 in

Pair of Alvino Bagni Ceramic Lamps, Italy, 1950s

By Alvino Bagni

Located in Toronto, ON

Shades are optional. Lamp dimension: 12" H X 8" D.

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Rare Mid Century Modern Majestic Floor Lamp. MCM Atomic 1950s Fiberglass Shades

Sold

H 68 in W 25 in D 15 in

Rare Mid Century Modern Majestic Floor Lamp. MCM Atomic 1950s Fiberglass Shades

By Majestic Lamp Company

Located in Peoria, AZ

ICONIC BLACK & GOLD! DUAL FIBERGLASS SHADE FLOOR LAMP HANDWORKED BRASS PIPE & WOOD ACCENTS Attributed to MAJESTIC LAMP COMPANY DIMENSIONS HEIGHT 68" MAX " By 25" WIDE ( CIRCA 19...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal

Vintage MCM Walnut & Brass Plate Pair of Lamps New Gray Square Tapered Shades

Sold

H 30.5 in Dm 14 in

Vintage MCM Walnut & Brass Plate Pair of Lamps New Gray Square Tapered Shades

Located in Topeka, KS

Handsome vintage Mid-Century Modern pair of lamps with slender square tapered walnut body, square brass plated metal bases, and new silk-like gray square tapered shades. Beautiful co...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair MCM Blue & Black Drip Glaze Ceramic Large Scale Lamps New Black Drum Shades

Sold

H 33.25 in Dm 19 in

Pair MCM Blue & Black Drip Glaze Ceramic Large Scale Lamps New Black Drum Shades

Located in Topeka, KS

Spectacular vintage mid-century modern blue and black drip glaze large scale ceramic lamps with new black faux silk drum shades, a pair. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that the...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Pair of MCM Modeline of California Walnut Lamps with Original Fabric Shades

Sold

H 40 in W 16 in D 16 in

Pair of MCM Modeline of California Walnut Lamps with Original Fabric Shades

By Modeline Lamp Co.

Located in San Diego, CA

This gorgeous, tall pair of walnut Modeline of California Mid-Century Modern lamps dates to the 1960s. Each measures 40” tall. A carved, rounded piece of walnut wood is attached to a...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Pair of MCM Yellow Ceramic and Walnut Lamps and Shades

Sold

H 33.5 in Dm 9.25 in

Pair of MCM Yellow Ceramic and Walnut Lamps and Shades

Located in New Westminster, British Columbia

This great pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut and brass lamps have gorgeous acorn squash shaped ceramic forms in yellow, brown and cream. The walnut stems taper beautifully, and the b...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

MCM Teak Tripod Floor Lamp W/ Orange Fiberglass Shades-by Sir Terence Conran

Sold

H 43.75 in Dm 10 in

MCM Teak Tripod Floor Lamp W/ Orange Fiberglass Shades-by Sir Terence Conran

By Sir Terence Conran

Located in New Westminster, British Columbia

These absolutely killer tripod floor lamps were designed by the acclaimed designer, Sir Terence Conran, for Habitat UK in the 1960s and manufactured in the Czech Republic and sold in...

Category

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Fiberglass, Wood

2 MCM Teak Tripod Floor Lamps W/ Orange Fiberglass Shades-by Sir Terence Conran

Sold

H 43.75 in Dm 10 in

2 MCM Teak Tripod Floor Lamps W/ Orange Fiberglass Shades-by Sir Terence Conran

By Sir Terence Conran

Located in New Westminster, British Columbia

These absolutely killer tripod floor lamps were designed by the acclaimed designer, Sir Terence Conran, for Habitat UK in the 1960s and manufactured in the Czech Republic and sold in...

Category

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Fiberglass, Wood

Signed Gordon Martz Table Lamps, a Pair

Sold

H 26 in W 9 in D 9 in

Signed Gordon Martz Table Lamps, a Pair

By Gordon Martz

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage pair of MCM signed Gordon Martz table lamps, shades not included.

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

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Mcm Lamp Shades For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of mcm lamp shades available for sale. The range of distinct mcm lamp shades — often made from metal, ceramic and wood — can elevate any home. Mcm lamp shades have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of mcm lamp shades to choose from, but at 1stDibs, mid-century modern mcm lamp shades are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made mcm lamp shades over the years, but those made by Carstens Tönnieshof, Gerald Thurston and Gordon Martz are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Mcm Lamp Shades?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $2,800, while they’re typically $1,295 on the low end and $4,800 highest priced.

Finding the Right Lighting for You

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.

Questions About Mcm Lamp Shades

What is an MCM lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
An MCM lamp is a lighting fixture produced during the middle of the 20th century. MCM stands for mid-century modern, the name associated with this era. The lamps include both tabletop and freestanding floor fixtures. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of vintage lamps.
What color should my lamp shades be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
The color of your lampshade is totally up to you. The more sheer the lampshade, the brighter the light will be.
What is a mica lamp shade?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Mica is a natural mineral that is mined from the earth and then formed into sheets. These sheets can then be handcrafted into lamp shades, which when illuminated, emit a warm earthy glow. Shop a collection of mica lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is a softback lamp shade?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
A softback lampshade is made by gathering or stretching the outer fabric over a metal frame. This fabric is then cut off, stitched, and finished at the top and bottom of the frame. These shades are often created with a process that involves tucks, pleats, gathers, or smoking. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage softback lamps.
Why do banker’s lamps have green shades?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Banker’s lamps are green because it was believed that the color would be mentally soothing to encourage concentration. It was also thought to reduce eye strain. You can shop a selection of banker lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Can you paint a glass lamp shade?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
Yes, you can paint a glass lamp shade. You can use glass paints or acrylic paint to give old glass fixtures an inexpensive makeover. You can also use stencils for added visual appeal. Find a variety of lamp shades on 1stDibs.
What color lamp shade goes with brass?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
White color lamp shades go well with polished brass, whereas off-white or cream-colored lamp shades look better with antique brass. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage and antique lampshades to meet any style or décor scheme.
What are the different types of lamp shade fittings?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
There are three main lamp shade fittings. Spider fittings which are most commonly used for table and floor lamps, uno fittings and clip-on fittings.
What size should a shade be for a 22-inch lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
For a 22-inch lamp, the size of shade that you should consider is around 7 to 7.5 inches in height. Generally, a lampshade should be one-third of the height of a lamp. Its diameter should be twice as wide as the width of the base. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of table lamps.
Can I replace the shade on an antique table lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Yes. Most table lamps accept standard harp and finial sizes, so a replacement shade can update the look without altering the base.
How can I make a DIY capiz shell lamp shade?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Using a lampshade as a guide, line up a row of pre-drilled capiz shells until you reach the desired length. String them together by using a fishing line and finish by tying the strands onto the lamp shade. Alternatively, shop a selection of capiz shell items on 1stDibs.

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