Vintage Yellow Opaline Petticoat Pendant Light, Mid-Century, UK, 1960
Located in Lincoln, GB
yellow opaline petticoat ceiling pendant light is a striking example of mid-century lighting design
20th Century Chandeliers and Pendants
Blown Glass
Vintage Yellow Opaline Petticoat Pendant Light, Mid-Century, UK, 1960
Located in Lincoln, GB
yellow opaline petticoat ceiling pendant light is a striking example of mid-century lighting design
Blown Glass
Brass and Synthetic Textile Flush Mount by Valinte, Finland, 1950s
By Valinte Oy
Located in Karis, Nyland
timeless example of Finnish mid-century lighting, balancing function, mood and graphic presence
Metal, Brass
Swedish Mid-Century Modern Brass 9-armed Chandelier, Sweden, circa 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
" approaches of Scandinavian mid-century lighting designers, among them Danish lighting master, Poul Henningsen
Brass
Model 60582 Brass and Opaline Glass Table Lamp by Idman, Finland, 1950s
By Idman Oy
Located in Karis, Nyland
composition that embodies the understated beauty of Finnish mid-century lighting. The circular brass base and
Brass
Glass and Brass Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hagenbach, DE
1960s, is an iconic example of Austrian mid-century lighting design. Characterized by its sculptural
Brass
Triple Pendant Light by Reggiani, Italy, 1960s
By Reggiani
Located in Voorburg, NL
Triple Pendant Light by Reggiani, Italy, 1960s An exceptional example of Italian mid-century
Steel, Stainless Steel
Set of Three Glass Wall Sconces by Vinicio Vianello for Vistosi, Italy, 1957
By Vinicio Vianello, Vistosi
Located in Vienna, AT
sculptural ensemble exemplifies Vianello’s refined approach to mid-century lighting, where Venetian
Metal, Brass
Danish Modern 5-Arm Chandelier, Teak & Brass, Textured Opaline Glass, 1960s
Located in Rødding, DK
within the tradition of Denmark's foremost mid-century lighting manufacturers — Fog & Mørup (Fog og
Brass
$2,049Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modernist Stilnovo Model "1135/2" Double Pendant Light, Italy 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in London, GB
mid-century lighting. Founded in Milan by the Italian-born designer Bruno Gatta, Stilnovo was created
Metal, Brass
Paavo Tynell A1965 Pendant Soft Black Semi Matt for GUBI
By Gubi, Paavo Tynell
Located in New York, NY
Paavo Tynell and one of the lighting fixtures considered to define his mid-century peak. It delicately
Brass
$1,335 / item
Paavo Tynell A1965 Pendant White Semi Matt for GUBI
By Paavo Tynell, Gubi
Located in New York, NY
Paavo Tynell and one of the lighting fixtures considered to define his mid-century peak. It delicately
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass and Glass Ceiling Lamp, Europe ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
most iconic material duo in mid-century modern European lighting design, and for a good reason: the
Brass
'Bow' Brass and Cream Textile Shade Floor Lamp by Daniel Enoksson for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
simplicity make it a lighting centerpiece. A quintessentially Swedish design that is a fresh take on iconic
Brass, Steel
Pair of 1950s Italian Wall Sconces in Brass and Opaline Glass Shade
Located in Rome, IT
crisp and opaque, highlighting the purity of the form. A well-balanced example of Italian mid-century
Metal, Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson Table Lamp Model B-138 in Brass with Fringes, Markaryd 1960s
By AB Markaryd, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Helsinki, FI
and furniture designer, best known for his elegant mid-century lighting. Born in Havdhem, Gotland, he
Brass
Large set Staff Leuchten Round Opaline Ceiling or Wall Lights, Germany 1970s.
By Staff Leuchten
Located in Almelo, NL
products. Mid-century design lighting is often of high quality, built to last for several years. They also
Opaline Glass, Polyester
$1,975Sale Price / set|76% Off
Mid-Century Modern Stewart Ross James Table Lamps by Hansen Lighting
By Hansen Lighting Co.
Located in New York, NY
Stewart Ross James for Hansen Lamps, Gilt Metal. Pair of tall hourglass form table lamps with their original porcelain sockets and Hansen's patented circular 3-way switch. Gold oil r...
Bronze
20th Century, Eccentric Bronze Gun Shaped Table Lamp
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in Turin, Turin
Here we have an eccentric table lamp with gun shaped base, made of bronze with parchment lampshade. In very good condition, fully original and ready ti be shipped. We can rewire t...
Bronze
Large set Venini Wall Chandeliers with Murano Ice Glass, Italy 1960s.
By Venini
Located in Almelo, NL
-Century Lighting is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice that revitalizes a quality product with a rich
Metal
Angelo Lelii ‘mod. 12398’ table lamp for Arredoluce, ca. 1952
By Arredoluce, Angelo Lelii
Located in Sittard, LI
1950s, model no. 12398. This sculptural piece is a refined example of Italian mid-century lighting
Marble, Metal, Brass
Large Midcentury Pendants, Structured Opaline Glass, Europe, 1950s
Located in Almelo, NL
ready for immediate use. By choosing used mid-century lighting, you make a sustainable choice that
Steel
Murano White Filigrana Glass Pendant – Italy, 1950
By Arredoluce, Stilnovo
Located in Dronten, NL
refined material sensibility associated with mid-century Murano production. The spherical shade is
Brass
Svend Aage Holm-Sorensen grasshopper lamp Denmark 1950
By Svend Aage Holm Sørensen, Holm Sørensen
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A refined and rare example of Danish mid-century lighting, this Grasshopper floor lamp was designed
Metal, Brass
Pair of Italian Two-Light Sconces Gilt and Crystal Flowers Banci Firence 1950s
By Banci Firenze
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This vintage pair of Italian gilt-metal sconces is an elegant example of mid-century lighting
Crystal, Metal
Tulipan Ice Glass Wall Lamps J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hagenbach, DE
decorative wall sculptures, making them an exceptional example of 1960s European mid-century lighting design
Metal
Pair of Brass Wall Lamps by Sciolari, Italy, 1960s
By Gaetano Sciolari
Located in Hagenbach, DE
lamps represent a classic example of Italian mid-century lighting and the distinctive design language of
Brass
Pair of Bergboms Model B-10 Carrara Marble Table Lamps, Sweden, 1960s
By Bergboms
Located in Karis, Nyland
and the refined clarity associated with Bergboms’ finest mid-century lighting. The marble displays
Carrara Marble
Pair of Hans-Agne Jakobsson Table Lamp Model B-138 with Fringes, Markaryd 1960s
By AB Markaryd, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Helsinki, FI
and furniture designer, widely celebrated for his refined mid-century lighting. Born in Havdhem
Brass, Metal
Pair of Model "1963" Brass Wall Lights by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1960s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, Brescia
artistic sensibility, and stand today as collectible works of Italian mid-century lighting design. The
Brass
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
mid-century lighting, where form and proportion are carefully balanced. The brass surfaces display a
Brass
$2,600 / set
Pair of 1950s Italian Brass Wall Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
, resulting in a refined yet slightly divertente character, typical of Italian mid-century lighting. The
Metal, Brass
Angelo Lelii Model "Televisione" Floor Lamp for Arredoluce, Italy 1956
By Angelo Lelii, Arredoluce
Located in Utrecht, NL
Italian designers and manufacturers were true pioneers of mid-century lighting design. Angelo Lelii
Metal
Pair XXL Venini Wall Chandeliers with Murano Amber and Ice Glass, Italy 1960
By Venini
Located in Almelo, NL
Regency. Choosing Mid-Century Lighting is a sustainable and eco-friendly option that breathes new life
Metal
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte pair of two Patinated Brass table lamps Italy 1956
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Almelo, NL
in a larger space. By choosing used mid-century lighting, you make a sustainable choice that
Brass
Mid-Century FA2 Floor Lamp by Peter Nelson for Architectural Lighting, 1960s
By Architectural Lighting Ltd.
Located in Hamburg, DE
specified otherwise. Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Silver Styles: Industrial, Mid-Century
Metal
Monumental Pair of Fontana Arte ‘Dahlia’ Wall Lights, Model 1461 by Max Ingrand
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, Brescia
sought-after works, these sconces embody the purity and theatricality of Italian mid-century lighting
Brass
Pair of Hans Agne Jakobsson V 149/7 Brass and Opaline Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Agne Jakobsson (1919–2009) was one of Sweden’s most important mid-century lighting designers. After
Brass
Heavy Flower Shape Green Flush Mount by Hans Möller, Germany, 1960s
By Hans Kögl
Located in Hagenbach, DE
beautiful example of expressive mid-century lighting design inspired by natural forms. The sculptural
Metal, Brass
XL Italian Mushroom Flush Mount / Sconces /Table Lamp in Opaline Glass and Metal
Located in Almelo, NL
, interior designers, and design enthusiasts seeking original mid-century lighting with bold presence and
Metal
Massimo Vignelli 259/2 wall lamps for Arteluce Italy 1964
By Massimo Vignelli, Arteluce
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a remarkable example of Italian mid-century lighting art. Literature
Aluminum
Petite Scandinavian-Style Table Lamp, Pear-Shaped Light Wood, 1960s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
mid-century lighting, small wooden lamp, retro Scandinavian decor, minimalist table lamp, Scandinavian
Wood
Table Lamp ‘Lamingo’ Model B-186 by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Sweden, 1960s
By AB Markaryd, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Karis, Nyland
engineering and elegant proportions make this a standout example of Swedish mid-century lighting design. The
Metal, Aluminum
$7,774 / item
Max Ingrand 1990 flush mount Fontana Arte Italy 1960
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A rare and highly collectible example of Italian mid-century lighting, this model 1990 flush mount
Aluminum, Brass
Brass and Black Steel Floor Lamp with Tripod Base, France 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
, making it both a quintessential example of mid-century modern lighting and an interesting visual accent
Brass, Steel
Extra Large 1960's Polish Industrial Enamel Pendant Lights by Elektrosvit
By Elektrosvit
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
industrial pendants from one of the region’s most respected mid-century lighting manufacturers. Each carries
Enamel, Steel
Hans-Agne Jakobsson Table Lamp Model BN25 in Aluminum, Markaryd 1960s
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, AB Markaryd
Located in Helsinki, FI
known for his elegant mid-century lighting. Born in Havdhem, Gotland, he trained as a cabinetmaker at 18
Aluminum
Gio Ponti “Finestra” 12664 Sconces for Arredoluce, Italy, 1957, Set of 2
By Arredoluce, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
of Italian mid-century lighting, alongside figures such as Gino Sarfatti, while retaining Ponti’s
Brass
Gio Ponti “Finestra” 12664 Sconce for Arredoluce, Italy, 1957
By Arredoluce, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
experimentation of Arredoluce under Angelo Lelii and sits within the broader context of Italian mid-century
Brass
Lunel French Midcentury Ceiling Light, 1950s
By Maison Lunel
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
enthusiasts of vintage and mid-century lighting.
Metal, Brass
Midcentury Large Brass and Art - Glass Pendant, Praque 1950s
Located in Almelo, NL
opting for used mid-century lighting, you make a responsible and eco-conscious choice, contributing to a
Brass
Midcentury Large Brass and Marble Opaline Glass Pendant, Praque 1950s
Located in Almelo, NL
transport. By opting for used mid-century lighting, you make a responsible and eco-conscious choice
Brass
Midcentury Large Brass and Marble Opaline Glass Pendant, Praque 1950s
Located in Almelo, NL
transport. By opting for used mid-century lighting, you make a responsible and eco-conscious choice
Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson Scandinavian Modern Brass Chandelier T372/6, AB Markaryd
By AB Markaryd
Located in Helsinki, FI
, best known for his elegant mid-century lighting. Born in Havdhem, Gotland, he trained as a cabinetmaker
Brass
Large Pendant in Seguso Glass by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, Italy, 1960s
By Archimede Seguso, Arteluce, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Roma, IT
embodies Sarfatti’s innovative vision and the excellence of Italian mid-century lighting design. Ideal for
Brass
Rare Arteluce Acrylic Glass Chandelier, Italy, 1970s
By Arteluce
Located in Hagenbach, DE
aesthetic, this exceptional fixture embodies the bold elegance and innovation of Italian mid-century
Metal
Paire d’Appliques en Bronze Doré – Marcel Asselbur, Circa 1950:
By Marcel Asselbur
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
, 1948. Marcel Asselbur: A Master of Mid-Century Lighting A collaborator of renowned designer André Arbus
Bronze
Murano Glass Table Lamp by Carlo Nason for AV Mazzega, 1970s
By Carlo Nason
Located in BARCELONA, ES
example of Italian Murano glass lighting, ideal for mid-century, modern, or contemporary interiors
Metal
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.
Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.
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.