Very rare and beautiful Mid-Century Modern tripod Cocoon table lamp
Located in München, DE
Very rare Mid-Century Modern tripod "Cocoon" table lamp. Made in Germany.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Plastic, Wood
Mid Century Cocoon
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Mid-Century Modern German Cocoon Pendant Lamp Friedel Wauer Goldkant, 1960s
By Friedel Wauer, Goldkant Leuchten
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Cocoon pendant lamp by Goldkant Leuchten, based on a design by Friedel Wauer from the 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern German Cocoon Pendant Lamp Friedel Wauer Goldkant, 1960s
By Friedel Wauer, Goldkant Leuchten
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Cocoon pendant lamp by Goldkant Leuchten, based on a design by Friedel Wauer from the 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern German Cocoon Pendant Lamp Friedel Wauer Goldkant, 1960s
By Friedel Wauer, Goldkant Leuchten
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Cocoon pendant lamp by Goldkant Leuchten, based on a design by Friedel Wauer from the 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Mid-century Round Cocoon Globe Pendant Light with Brass Detail, 1960s
Located in Steinheim am Albuch, BW
Gorgeous and timeless mid-century modern 'Cocoon' pendant lamp from the 1960s.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern German Cocoon Pendant Lamp Friedel Wauer Goldkant, 1960s
By Friedel Wauer, Goldkant Leuchten
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Cocoon pendant lamp by Goldkant Leuchten, based on a design by Friedel Wauer from the 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Wall Lamp Sconce Friedel Wauer Goldkant Leuchten
By Goldkant Leuchten, Friedel Wauer
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-century modern Cocoon wall lamp by German manufacturer Goldkant, based on a design by Friedel Wauer from the 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Pendant Lamp by Goldkant, 1960s, Germany
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A cocoon hanging lamp made by the german brand Goldkant in the 1960s. It has a beautiful cylinder shape, which gives an extraordinary light. The light requires one E27 light bulb....
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Synthetic
Extremely Rare & Lovely Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Table Lamp Germany 1960s
By Goldkant Leuchten, Friedel Wauer, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos, Carlo Scarpa
Located in München, BY
Extremely rare, elegant and highly decorative Mid Century Modern cocoon table lamp. Designed and manufactured probably in Germany, 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Pendant Lamp by Achille Castiglioni, Italy , 1960s
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Pendant Lamp by Achille Castiglioni,Italy, 1960s
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Resin
Achille Castiglioni Large Mid-Century Beige Flower "Cocoon" Pendant, Italy 1960s
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique large Mid-Century bell-flower shaped cocoon pendant in resin and brass.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Steel, Brass
Achille Castiglioni Mid-Century Beige Flat Dome "Cocoon" Pendant, Italy 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century dome-shaped Cocoon pendant light in beige resin and steel.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Steel
Cocoon resin. Mid-Century Modern hand-crafted table lamps, Italy, 1970s
By Achille Castiglioni, Friedel Wauer, Tobia Scarpa, George Nelson, Flos
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Mid-Century Modern hand-crafted Scandinavian style table lamps, Italy, 1970s.
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Grid-Frame Cocoon Pendant Light, Germany, 1960's, Mid Century Modern
By Goldkant Leuchten
Located in Cork, IE
Well proportioned, and in very good condition, we suspect that this pendant light was made some time in the 1960s by the renowned German manufacturer Goldkant - the original develope...
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Resin
Mid-Century Castiglioni Scalopped Cocoon Table Lamp with Wood Base, Italy 1960s
By Achille Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique cocoon table lamp with a marvelous marbled finish and a ribbed silhouette. This stylish lamp was designed by Castiglioni and produced in Italy during the 1960s. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Huge Rare Cocoon Mid Century Modern Pendant Chandelier Flos Castiglioni Resin
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Firenze, Toscana
An absolute rare, rare shape. The lamp is in good vintage condition. No rips or tears and only tiny rust mark stains as shown. Has been newly wired with certified US UL E26 socke...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Resin
Large Mid-Century Modern Goldkant Cocoon Ceiling Flush Mount Light, Germany 1960
By Goldkant Leuchten
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Large Mid-Century Modern Goldkant Cocoon Ceiling Flush Mount Light, Germany 1960 Rare, large and decorative Mid-Century Modern cocoon ceiling lamp, flush mount or wall sconce.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Pendant Light Orsa from Goldkant, Germany 1960s
By Goldkant Leuchten
Located in München, BY
A cocoon pendant lamp made by Goldkant, model "Orsa", Germany in the 1960s. The lamp has been manufactured in the design of the lamps made by Achille Castiglioni. The lamp shade is...
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Mid-century ufo cocoon hanging pendant lamp with brass 1960s
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Zaandam, NL
Absolutely stunning ufo pendant hanging lamp with patinated brass attributed to Italy although Germany is also very well known for its cocoon lamps. The brass is in a lovely patinate...
Category
Vintage 1960s German Space Age Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Mid-century ufo cocoon hanging pendant lamp with brass 1960s
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Zaandam, NL
Absolutely stunning ufo pendant hanging lamp with patinated brass attributed to Italy although Germany is also very well known for its cocoon lamps. The brass is in a lovely patinate...
Category
Vintage 1960s German Space Age Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
rare large mid century modern cocoon TABLE LAMP cherrywood base 1970s
By Goldkant Leuchten, Friedel Wauer
Located in Mannheim, DE
Exceptional large table lamp from the 1960s to 70s. No label, manufacturer most probably Goldkant-Leuchten Fritz Wauer Wuppertal Germany. The material of the cocoon shade is a kind o...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Resin, Wood, Cherry
Mid-Century Modern German UFO Cocoon Pendant Lamp Friedel Wauer Goldkant 1960s
By Goldkant Leuchten, Friedel Wauer
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern UFO Discus Cocoon Pendant Lamp, based on a design by Friedel Wauer from the 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Large Veined Beige Cocoon Pendant by Castiglioni, Italy 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning and incredibly rare large mid-century round veined "Cocoon" chandelier designed by Achille Castilglioni and produced in Italy during the 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Steel
Mid-Century Goldkant Globe Cocoon Pendant Lamp or Hanging Light Germany 1960s
By Friedel Wauer, Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Goldkant Leuchten
Located in München, BY
Highly decorative and elegant Mid-Century Modern cocoon pendant lamp or hanging light.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Elegant Mid-Century Style Pendant Light with Brass and Cocoon-Style Shade
Located in Hannover, DE
With its balanced proportions and a diameter of 40 cm (approximately 15.75 inches), this pendant light is perfectly suited for a wide range of interiors—from Mid-Century Modern and H...
Category
Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century German Cocoon Pendant Lamp by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant, 1960s
By Friedel Wauer
Located in Hamburg, DE
Additional information: Material: Metal, Plastic Color: Cream Styles: Mid-Century Modern Country of Origin: Germany Item Type: Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned Diamension: 12.6ʺW × 12.6...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern German Cocoon Pendant Lamp by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant
By Goldkant Leuchten, Friedel Wauer
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare 4-piece Cocoon pendant lamp by Goldkant Leuchten, based on a design by Friedel Wauer from the 1960s. A pendant lamp that can be used as a floor lamp. The lamp consists of four ...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Amazing Mid-Century Goldkant Cocoon Pendant Lamp or Hanging Light Germany 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Flos, Friedel Wauer, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Goldkant Leuchten
Located in München, BY
Lovely and highly decorative Mid-Century Modern cocoon pendant lamp or hanging light 'Ball'.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Goldkant Cocoon Pendant Lamp or Hanging Light Germany 1960s
By Goldkant Leuchten
Located in München, BY
Rare, highly decorative, elegant and large Mid-Century Modern cocoon pendant lamp or hanging light.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Goldkant Cocoon Pendant Lamp or Hanging Light Germany 1960s
By Goldkant Leuchten
Located in München, BY
Highly decorative, elegant and large Mid-Century Modern cocoon pendant lamp or hanging light 'Big Ball'.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Viscontea cocoon lamp Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Flos 1960 mid-century
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Designed by the Castiglioni brothers in 1960 for Flos, the Viscontea lamp is a classic of Italian design. Its organic, light form is achieved through an innovative technique for the...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern German Alunda Cocoon Floor Lamp by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant
By Friedel Wauer, Goldkant Leuchten
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare mid-century modern Cocoon floor lamp by Goldkant Leuchten with a distinctive shade pattern.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Metal
Restored Mid-century Rattan & Wicker Hanging Cocoon Egg Chair w/ Stand
$1,785Sale Price|40% Off
Restored Mid-century Rattan & Wicker Hanging Cocoon Egg Chair w/ Stand
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored rattan hanging cocoon egg chair is made from a solid pole rattan frame, with a reed stick rattan seat finished with heavy fancy wicker wrapping throughout a...
Category
Vintage 1970s Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Marbled Cocoon Tulip Table Lamps from Goldkant, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Marbled Cocoon Tulip Table Lamps from Goldkant, 1950s Good condition, the cocoon shades with typical patina.
Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Large Mid-Century Modern Round White Cocoon Flush Mount from Goldkant Leuchten
By Goldkant Leuchten
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 59cm diameter , 11 m height Condition: Has some stains on one side.
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Materials
Metal
Mid-century Modern Brass Pair of Arrow Sconces with Cocoon Shade, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-century Modern Brass Pair of Arrow Sconces with Cocoon Shade, 1960s, Italy Lamps are in very good vintage condition.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Rare Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Pendant Lamp or Hanging Light by Goldkant 1960s
By Goldkant Leuchten
Located in München, BY
Extremely rare and highly decorative Mid-Century Modern cocoon pendant lamp or hanging light in shape of an Amphore.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Rare Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Pendant Lamp or Hanging Light by Goldkant 1960s
By Goldkant Leuchten
Located in München, BY
Large, rare and highly decorative Mid-Century Modern cocoon pendant lamp or hanging light.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Cocoon Cascade Lamp
$3,376
Cocoon Cascade Lamp
By Kaare Klint, Aloys F. Gangkofner, George Nelson, Flos, Achille Castiglioni
Located in München, DE
Very nice Cocoon cascade lamp from the 1950s. Wonderful and contemporary design. A highlight for every room. A warm and comfortable light is created. Condition: Very good vintage c...
Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Scandinavian Resin Cocoon Lamp by Hans Bergström, Sweden, 1950s
By Hans Bergström, Ateljé Lyktan
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Metal and resin ceiling lamp by Hans Bergström, where the resin has been sprayed onto the frame. It has an organic quality and looks amazing when lit. Hans Bergström was the owner...
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Large and Heavy Marble Base Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Floor Lamp, 1960s, Italy
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A cocoon floor lamp made in Italy in the 1960s. The lamp has been manufactured in the design of the lamps made by Achille Castiglioni. The lamp shade is of original cocoon and has a ...
Category
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Synthetic
Large Mid-Century Modern Round White Cocoon Flush Mount or Wall Lamp by Goldkant
By Goldkant Leuchten
Located in Barntrup, DE
Extra large Mid-Century Modern Achille Castiglioni-era round cream-white cocoon flush mount or wall lamp by Goldkant Leuchten, Germany, circa the 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Materials
Chrome, Metal
XL Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Pendant Lamp or Hanging Light by Flos Italy, 1960s
By Flos
Located in München, BY
Extremely rare, highly decorative and large Mid-Century Modern cocoon pendant lamp or hanging light.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Cocoon table lamp, 1970ties
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
This cocoon lamp was made in the 1970ties in Germany. It is in good vintage condition without holes or tears. It gives an extremely warm light and is a very unique lamp by its form a...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Polyester
Cocoon pendant lamp, 1960
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Cocoon pendant lamp, 1960
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Plastic
Cocoon floor lamp c1960
$7,792
Cocoon floor lamp c1960
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in London, GB
Rare form cocoon floor lamp. Italy c1960 Spun resin with a marble base In very good condition. Very few age marks.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Marble, Steel
Italian Cocoon Pendant, 1960s
By Flos, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Italian cocoon pendant from the 1960s. Custom design for a Hotel in Madonna di Campiglio, which included additional cocoon lamps by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. Very ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Steel
Cocoon Suspension Italy, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Cocoon Suspension Italy, 1970s
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Resin
Lovely Cocoon Pendant Lamp
By Kaare Klint, Achille Castiglioni, Flos, Aloys F. Gangkofner, George Nelson
Located in München, DE
Very nice Cocoon pendant lamp from the 1950s. Wonderful and contemporary design. A highlight for every room. Loving teak wood details. A cozy light is created. Condition: Very good...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Vintage Style Cocoon Pendant Light.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
When illuminated, the semi-translucent polymer softly diffuses light, producing a warm, ambient glow that enhances the cocoon form and emphasizes its gentle curves. The cream-toned e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers an...
Materials
Wire
1960s Italian Cocoon Pendant Light
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible cocoon pendant light in the style of Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni from Italy, 1960s. Unique dodecagon shade in a creamy parchment resin. Original resin shows nic...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Italian Orange Cocoon Pendant, 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
An Italian cocoon pendant from the 1960s. Suspended from a slender stem, the fixture is constructed around a metal frame enveloped in a sprayed resin shade, forming a softly ribbed s...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Scandinavian Cocoon Floor Lamp C. 1970s
Located in Norwalk, CT
This unique floor lamp serves as a statement piece as well as a great source of lighting for any space. Crafted during the mid-century, likely in the 1970s, this lamp has been design...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Synthetic
Cocoon lamp by Goldkant 1960s
By Goldkant Leuchten
Located in Hannover, DE
A Cocoon pendant lamp designed in the 1960s for the Goldkant company by Fritz Wauer. Under the leadership of the legendary Fritz Wauer, the company pioneered this technique in the 1...
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Resin
Cocoon lamp by Goldkant 1960s
By Goldkant Leuchten
Located in Hannover, DE
A Cocoon pendant lamp designed in the 1960s for the Goldkant company by Fritz Wauer. Under the leadership of the legendary Fritz Wauer, the company pioneered this technique in the 1...
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Resin
Cocoon Lampe von Linus Bopp
By Linus Bopp
Located in Hannover, DE
A large Cocoon pendant lamp, made in Germany by Linus Bopp Leuchten in the 1970s. The lampshade is made of original resin. It is in mint condition! The lamp is still in its original ...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Resin
Cocoon hanging / pendant lamp , 1970s Germany
Located in Delft, NL
Cocoon hanging / pendant lamp , 1970s Germany
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Plastic
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Mid Century Cocoon For Sale on 1stDibs
At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal mid century cocoon for your home. Frequently made of organic material, resin and metal, every mid century cocoon was constructed with great care. Find 191 options for an antique or vintage mid century cocoon now, or shop our selection of 1 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Your living room may not be complete without a mid century cocoon — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A mid century cocoon is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco and Modern styles are sought with frequency. A well-made mid century cocoon has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Achille Castiglioni, Flos and Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni are consistently popular.
How Much is a Mid Century Cocoon?
The average selling price for a mid century cocoon at 1stDibs is $1,420, while they’re typically $213 on the low end and $11,833 for the highest priced.
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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.
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.
Read More
This Paavo Tynell Chandelier Is a Radiant Bouquet
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Why Is Italy Such a Hotbed of Cool Design?
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
See How New York City Designers Experiment on Their Own Homes
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Jeff Andrews Captures Old Hollywood Glamour in His Cinematic Spaces
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
New Orleans’ Lee Ledbetter Makes Design Magic by Mixing Past and Present
The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.
Desert Modern Designer Arthur Elrod Finally Gets His Day in the Sun
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.
From the Hamptons to Palm Springs, FormArch’s Homes Embody Both Comfort and Cool
The houses from this New York studio cloak modernist tendencies within what are often more traditional trappings.
8 Mid-Century Lighting Makers
In the market for a fantastic fixture from the 1940s, ’50s or ’60s? Here are some names to know.