RAAK Style 'Tear Drop' Ceiling Lamps w/ Bubble Glass Globes & White Metal Caps
By RAAK
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, RAAK style tear drop pendants with round bubble glass globe and white enameled metal hardware. Lights are in original condition with visible wear consistent with their a...
Metal
Clear Lovely Bubble Glass Wall Lamp or Flush Mount Light, 1960s Germany
By Helena Tynell
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
The lamp requires 1x E27 / E26 Edison screw bulb, is wired, functional and runs on both 110 / 230 volts. Bulbs are not included. It is possible to install this device in all countr...
Metal
Clear Lovely Bubble Glass Wall Lamp or Flush Mount Light, 1960s Germany
By Helena Tynell
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
The lamp requires 1x E27 / E26 Edison screw bulb, is wired, functional and runs on both 110 / 230 volts. Bulbs are not included. It is possible to install this device in all countr...
Metal
1 of the 3 beautiful Bubble Glass Pendant Lamps by Helena Tynell, 1960
By Helena Tynell
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 4 beautiful bubble glass chandeliers or pendant lights designed by Helena Tynell for Glashütte Limburg. A design Classic, the hand blown glass gives a wonderful warm glow. ...
Blown Glass
1. of 2 Clear Bubble Glass Mount Lamp Helena Tynell, Germany 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Milk glass 3D Flush Mount Lamp, Germany 1960s, 1960-1969. Dimensions Height: 4.33 in. (11 cm) Width: 8.26 in. (21 cm) Depth: 8.26 in. (21 cm) The fixture need 1 x E27 standard bul...
Metal
Lovely Huge Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg, G
By Helena Tynell, Glashütte Limburg
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Lovely Large Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg, Germany, 1960s Each fixture need 3x E27 standard bulb with 60W max. Light bulbs are not included. It is p...
Metal
Heavy Round Clear & Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s
By Helena Tynell
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Heavy Round Clear & Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s The lamp requires 2x E27 / E26 Edison screw bulb, is wired, functional and runs on both 110 / 230 volts....
Metal
Large Rare 16" Rupert Nikoll Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Light / Lamp c. 1955
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München, J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Stunning large 41cm (16 inches) diameter vintage Mid-Century Modern clear glass textured bubble light fixture by Austrian lighting firm Rupert Nikoll. Similar, in style, to the early...
Aluminum, Brass
Bubble Glass Wall Lamp or Flush Light by Helena Tynell for Glashütte Limburg
By Doria Leuchten Germany, Helena Tynell, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Glashütte Limburg, Gaetano Sciolari
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally large and beautiful bubble glass wall or ceiling lamp from the 1960s. Fantastic design and high quality workmanship. The lamp impresses with its imposing size and the s...
Metal
1. of 2 Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany
By Helena Tynell
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
1. of 2 Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany We have three different sizes in the same style. All can be found here at 1stDibs in our shop. The fixture ne...
Metal
$5,633Sale Price|20% Off
Gino Sarfatti SP/ 16 For Arteluce Unique Brass Bubble Pendant Lamp, 1950, Italy
By Gino Sarfatti, Arteluce, Archimede Seguso
Located in The Hague, NL
Rare beautiful pendant lamp by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, 1950s, Italy. Model number: SP/ 16. This special pendant lamp, has five heavy massive bubble glass, made by Archimede Segu...
Brass
1960s Rund Glass Bubble Fish Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp Wall Light, White, Germany
By Helena Tynell
Located in Andernach, DE
Gorgeous flush base ceiling or wall lamp in the style of Helena Tynell. Comes in a round rocky shape with a 60s-70s abstract design of geometric fishes, arranged in an endless patte...
Metal
Pair of amber gold with air bubble inclus wall lamps / flush mount Lights, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Pair of amber gold with air bubble inclus wall lamps / flush mount Lights, 1960s Each fixture need 1 x E27 standard bulb. Light bulbs are not included. It is possible to install t...
Metal
Large 16" Rupert Nikoll Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Light / Lamp c. 1960
By Rupert Nikoll, J.T. Kalmar, Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Stunning large 41cm (16 inches) diameter clear glass textured bubble light fixture by Austrian lighting firm Rupert Nikoll. Similar, in style, to the early fixtures of fellow Austria...
Aluminum, Brass
Pair of Modernist Brass and Bubble Glass Wall Lamps by Limburg, Germany, 1980s
By Glashütte Limburg
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A beautiful pair of modern wall lamps by Glashütte Limburg made in Germany in the 1980s. They have a square shape and are made of brass and bubble glass. The back is made of metal.
Brass
Round Clear Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp by Helena Tynell, 1960s
By Helena Tynell
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Round Clear Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp by Helena Tynell, 1960s The lamp requires 2x E27 / E26 Edison screw bulb, is wired, functional and runs on both 110 / 230 vol...
Metal
1. of 2 Lovely Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg
By Glashütte Limburg, Helena Tynell
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Lovely Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg, Germany, 1960s Each fixture need 1 x E27 standard bulb with 60W max. Light bulbs are not included. It is possib...
Metal
1 of 6 Copper & Amber Glass Bubble Pendant Lamp in Nanny Still style, 1960s
By Nanny Still
Located in Aachen, NRW
This lamp is unique in its execution & patina. Yellow golden glass is being blown into a copper sphere, creating bubbles. In the style of designer Nanny Still made during the 1960'...
Copper
1. of 3 Large Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany
By Helena Tynell
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
1. of 3 Large Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany We have three different sizes in the same style. All can be found here at 1stDibs in our shop. The fixt...
Metal
1. of 3 Huge Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany
By Helena Tynell
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
1. of 3 Large Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany We have three different sizes in the same style. All can be found here at 1stDibs in our shop. The fixt...
Metal
Set of 2 Bubble Glass wall lamp sconce by Helena Tynell for Limburg, Germany
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 13cm Width , 11cm Depth , 22cm Height Condition: Good Material: Glass , metal
Metal
1 of 3 Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell, Germany 1960s
By Helena Tynell
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
1 of 3 Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell, Germany 1960s Dimensions Height: 4.52 in. (11.5 cm) Width: 9.84 in. (25 cm) Depth: 9.84 in. (25 cm) The fixture need 1 ...
Metal
1 of 2 Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell, Germany 1960s
By Helena Tynell
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
1 of 2 Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell, Germany 1960s Dimensions Height: 4.52 in. (11.5 cm) Width: 8.26 in. (21 cm) Depth: 8.26 in. (21 cm) The fixture need 1 ...
Metal
1 of the 16 of Iron and Bubble Glass Sconces Wall Lamps by Limburg, Germany, 196
By Glashütte Limburg
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 16 beautiful and unique hand blown glass wall lights. Manufactured by Glashütte Limburg in Germany during the 1960s, (late 1960s or early 1970s). Beautiful craftsmanship. E...
Brass
1 of the 4 of Iron and Bubble Glass Sconces Wall Lamps by Limburg, Germany, 1960
By Glashütte Limburg
Located in Rijssen, NL
This beautiful and unique pair of hand blown glass wall lights were manufactured by Glashütte Limburg in Germany during the 1960s, (late 1960s or early 1970s). Beautiful craftsmansh...
Brass, Iron
1. of 2 Lovely Large Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg
By Glashütte Limburg, Helena Tynell
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Lovely Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg, Germany, 1960s Each fixture need 1 x E27 standard bulb with 60W max. Light bulbs are not included. It is possib...
Metal
1. of 2 Heavy Round Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
1. of 2 Heavy Round Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s The lamp require 1x E27 / E26 Edison screw bulb, is wired, functional and runs on both 110 / 230 volts. ...
Metal
1. of 3 Heavy Clear & Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s
By Helena Tynell
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
1. of 3 Heavy Clear & Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s The lamp requires 1x E27 / E26 Edison screw bulb, is wired, functional and runs on both 110 / 230 volt...
Metal
1 of 2 Amber Bubble Glass Ceiling Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg, Germany 196
By Glashütte Limburg, Helena Tynell
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
1 of 2 Amber Bubble Glass Ceiling Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg, Germany 1960s Dimensions Height: 33.46 in. (85 cm) Diameter: 10.23 in. (26 cm) The fixture need 1 x E27 standar...
Metal
1 of the 2 Pair of Iron and Bubble Glass Sconces Wall Lamps by Limburg, Germany
By Glashütte Limburg
Located in Rijssen, NL
This beautiful and unique pair of hand blown glass wall lights were manufactured by Glashütte Limburg in Germany during the 1960s, (late 1960s or early 1970s). Beautiful craftsmansh...
Brass, Iron
1. of 2 Clear Lovely Bubble Glass Wall Lamp or Flush Mount Light, 1960s Germany
By Helena Tynell
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
The lamp requires 1x E27 / E26 Edison screw bulb, is wired, functional and runs on both 110 / 230 volts. Bulbs are not included. It is possible to install this device in all countr...
Metal
Martinelli Midcentury White Plexiglass Italian "Bolla Light" 1960s
By Elio Martinelli, Martinelli Luce
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful midcentury white plexiglass "Bubble Lamp" wall or ceiling Light. This item was produced in Italy during the 1960s. This sconce was designed by Elio Martinelli, this whit...
Aluminum
Staff Bubble Glass Flush Mounts (4x) Lamps Ceiling Lights, 1960
By Staff Leuchten, Glashütte Limburg, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Two Pairs (total of 4) Staff bubble glass flush mounts lamps ceiling lights. Priced per pair. 2 pairs available One large bulb with 60 W is illuminating each fixture. They have be...
Glass, Plastic
Large Amber Bubble Glass Pendant Light / Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg
By Glashütte Limburg, Helena Tynell
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Late 1960s bubble glass ceiling pendent light designed by Helena Tynell for Glashütte Limburg. The light features a beautiful lampshade made from amber or champagne colored / coloure...
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.