1950's Mid-Century Modern Max Bill Style Tulip Floor Lamp
By Bill Curry, Eero Saarinen, Max Bill
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage Mid-century Modern floor lamp for sale. Dates back to the 1950’s, and in excellent
Metal
$13,500 / set
H 66 in W 12 in D 12 in
Pair of Max Bill Torchiere Floor Lamps for B.A.G. Turgi, Switzerland, 1950s
By Max Bill
Located in Oceanside, US
A rare and exceptional pair of torchiere floor lamps designed by Max Bill and produced by B.A.G
Enamel, Steel
Midcentury White 4-Arm Space Age Floor Lamp by Max Bill for Temde 1960s
By Max Bill, Temde Leuchten
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This exceptional midcentury floor lamp, designed by Max Bill for Temde in the 1960s, is a stunning
Metal
$1,499 / item
H 43.4 in W 14.9 in D 14.9 in
'Stemlite' Floor Lamp in Black Chrome by Bill Curry for GUBI
By Gubi, Bill Curry
Located in Glendale, CA
'Stemlite' Floor Lamp in Black Chrome by Bill Curry for GUBI Originally conceived in 1962 by
Aluminum, Steel
'Stemlite' Floor Lamp in Black Red by Bill Curry for GUBI
By Gubi, Bill Curry
Located in Glendale, CA
'Stemlite' Floor Lamp in Black Red by Bill Curry for GUBI Originally conceived in 1962 by designer
Aluminum, Steel
$1,499 / item
H 43.4 in W 14.9 in D 14.9 in
'Stemlite' Floor Lamp in Pebble Grey by Bill Curry for GUBI
By Bill Curry, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
'Stemlite' Floor Lamp in Pebble Grey by Bill Curry for GUBI Originally conceived in 1962 by
Aluminum, Steel
Mid-Century Swiss Minimalist Glass and Metal Floor Lamp, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare standing lamp from the Swiss manufacturer Temde according to a draft by E.R. Nele. Max Bill
Metal
$1,790
H 13.39 in Dm 15.75 in
Max Bill Tulip Floor Lamp Globe Glass & Aluminium by Temde, Switzerland, 1960s
By Max Bill, Temde Leuchten
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
interior design. A real eye-catcher even unlit. Designed by Max Bill for Temde, Switzerland in the 1960s
Aluminum
E.R. Nele 'Figuration' Floor Lamp for Temde Leuchten
By Temde Leuchten, E. R. Nele
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Commonly misattributed to Swiss architect and industrial designer Max Bill, this series of globe
Steel
Swiss Vintage Globe Floor Lamp by Temde Leuchten
By Temde Leuchten
Located in Renens, CH
A Swiss-made 1960s floor lamp by Temde Leuchten, Switzerland. This lamp consists of nine frosted
Metal
Swiss Vintage Globe Floor Lamp by Temde Leuchten, Basel
By Temde Leuchten
Located in Renens, CH
A Swiss-made 1960s floor lamp by Temde Leuchten, Switzerland. This lamp consists of nine frosted
Metal
'Stemlite' Table Lamp by Bill Curry for GUBI in Pebble Grey
By Gubi, Bill Curry
Located in Glendale, CA
'Stemlite' Table Lamp by Bill Curry for GUBI in Pebble Grey Originally conceived in 1962 by
Aluminum, Steel
'Stemlite' Table Lamp by Bill Curry for GUBI in Black Chrome
By Bill Curry, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
'Stemlite' Table Lamp by Bill Curry for GUBI in Black Chrome Originally conceived in 1962 by
Aluminum, Steel
'Stemlite' Table Lamp by Bill Curry for GUBI in Black Red
By Gubi, Bill Curry
Located in Glendale, CA
'Stemlite' Table Lamp by Bill Curry for GUBI in Black Red Originally conceived in 1962 by designer
Aluminum, Steel
'Stemlite' Wall Lamp by Bill Curry for GUBI in Black Chrome
By Gubi, Bill Curry
Located in Glendale, CA
'Stemlite' Wall Lamp by Bill Curry for GUBI in Black Chrome Originally conceived in 1962 by
Aluminum, Steel
'Stemlite' Pendant by Bill Curry for Gubi in Black Chrome
By Gubi, Bill Curry
Located in Glendale, CA
Bill Curry, the award-winning 'Stemlite' line became known as a 'total look' lamp. The base and shade
Aluminum, Steel
'Stemlite' Pendant by Bill Curry for Gubi in Pebble Gray
By Gubi, Bill Curry
Located in Glendale, CA
Bill Curry, the award-winning 'Stemlite' line became known as a 'total look' lamp. The base and shade
Aluminum, Steel
'Stemlite' Pendant by Bill Curry for Gubi in Black Red
By Gubi, Bill Curry
Located in Glendale, CA
Bill Curry, the award-winning 'Stemlite' line became known as a 'total look' lamp. The base and shade
Aluminum, Steel
Max Bill Floor Lamp, Switzerland, circa 1965
By Max Bill
Located in Berkeley, CA
Rare floor lamp by Max Bill for B.A.G. Turgi, circa 1965.
Aluminum
1950s Aluminum and Steel Floor Lamp by German Designer Otl Aicher
By Otl Aicher, Max Bill
Located in Frankfurt, Hessen, DE
designers and graphic designers of the 20th century. Together with the Swiss architect and artist Max Bill
Aluminum, Steel
Max Bill Style Mid-Century Modern White Torchiere Floor Lamp
By Max Bill
Located in Astoria, NY
Mid-Century Modern white enameled metal torchiere floor lamp in the style of Max Bill. In great
Metal
Max Bill Enameled Floor Lamp Torchiere
By Max Bill
Located in New York, NY
Original Max Bill white enameled metal floor lamp with tulip base. Made in Switzerland, circa 1960.
Enamel, Steel
Max Bill Modern Tulip Form Floor Lamp
By Max Bill
Located in Toledo, OH
Max Bill Modern Tulip Form Floor Lamp. Modern and graceful interpretation of a classic torchière
Metal, Enamel
1965 Max Bill Metal Floor Lamp
By Max Bill
Located in Surrey, BC
Single Max Bill rare floor lamp with individual frosted globes with threading to accurately attach
Metal
Tulip Floor Lamp by Max Bill
By Max Bill
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White enamel floor lamp by Max Bill, c.1950s Switzerland. The modern lamp features a tulip shaped
Metal, Enamel
Swiss Torchiere Floor Lamp by Max Bill
By Max Bill
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Torchiere floor Lamp by Max Bill designed in Switzerland, circa 1960s. White enameled metal
Metal
Sold
H 64.5 in Dm 11.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Pair Max Bill White Metal Torchieres Floor Lamps Swiss, 1960
By Max Bill
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
We present a pair of iconic white metal torchiere lamps by swiss designer Max Bill, circa 1960's
Metal
Vintage Floor Lamp in Glass by Max Bill
By Max Bill
Located in Milano, IT
Spectacular floor lamp designed by Max Bill in the 60's, of fine Italian manufacture. The lamp
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Max Bill B.A.G. Turgi White Tulip Torchiere Floor Lamp
By Max Bill
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is an iconic Mid-Century Modern torchiere lamp designed by Max Bill for B.A.G. Turgi
Metal, Enamel
Mid-Century Modern Max Bill B.A.G. Turgi White Tulip Torchiere Floor Lamp
By Max Bill
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is an mid-century modern torchiere lamp designed by Max Bill for B.A.G. Turgi. Features a
Metal, Enamel
Pair of Max Bill Torchere Floor Lamps
By Max Bill, BAG Turgi
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A pair of white enameled spun metal torchere floor lamp by architect Max Bill (1908-1994) for B.A.G
Metal
Max Bill Tulip Floor Lamp in Cream
By Max Bill, BAG Turgi
Located in Cambridge, US
Switzerland, ca. 1960s. Tulip floor lamp designed by Max Bill and manufactured by BAG Turgi, a
Metal, Enamel
Max Bill Tulip Floor Lamp in White
By Max Bill, BAG Turgi
Located in Cambridge, US
Switzerland, ca. 1960s. Tulip floor lamp designed by Max Bill and manufactured by BAG Turgi, a
Metal, Enamel
Max Bill Torchere
By Max Bill
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic Max Bill torchere for B.A.G.Turgi (Switzerland), ca' 1960's. Tulip shaped torchere with
Vintage White Torchiere Floor Lamp by Max Bill
By Max Bill, BAG Turgi
Located in New York, NY
White torchere floor lamp. Designed by Max Bill for B.A.G. Turgi. Made in Switzerland, Circa 1960
Metal
Sold
H 58 in Dm 16 in
Rare Mid-Century Modern White Ball Floor Lamp by Max Bill for Temde, Switzerland
By Max Bill, Temde Leuchten
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage 1960s tulip base floor lamp designed by Max Bill and manufactured by Temde in Switzerland
Steel
Max Bill Sinuous Torchiere
By Max Bill
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Max Bill Sinuous torchiere made in Switzerland and retaining a portion of its label. Extremely thin
Metal
Max Bill Iconic Tulip Floor Lamp / Torchère for BAG, Switzerland, 1960
By BAG Turgi, Max Bill
Located in Buffalo, NY
Max Bill iconic Mid-Century Modern torchère floor lamp that has become a hard to find lamp in
Steel
Atomic Brass Floor Lamp by Max Bill for Temde, Switzerland, 1960s
By Max Bill, Temde Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Atomic floor lamp with six-glass globes was designed by the Swiss artist and designer Max Bill for
Brass
Sold
H 55.12 in Dm 14.18 in L 55.12 in
Atomic Brass Floor Lamp by Max Bill for Temde, Switzerland, 1960s
By Max Bill, Temde Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Atomic floor lamp with six-glass globes was designed by the Swiss artist and designer Max Bill for
Brass
Rare White Torchere Max Bill Floor Lamp for Bag Turgi Switzerland, 1960s
By Max Bill, BAG Turgi
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Functional Swiss design uplighter floor lamp by Max Bill for Bag Turgi. This lamp is in a nice
Aluminum, Enamel
Max Bill Torchière for B.A.G. Turgi
By Max Bill, BAG Turgi
Located in Dronten, NL
A white enameled spun metal torchière floor lamp by architect Max Bill (1908-1994) for B.A.G Turgi
Metal
Sold
H 64.5 in W 10.5 in D 10.5 in
Pair of Max Bill Torchiere "Tulip" Lamps for B.A.G Turgi, Switzerland
By Max Bill, BAG Turgi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant pair of Max Bill's classic Torchiere "Tulip" floor lamps in enameled metal for B.A.G, Turgi
Steel
Sold
H 66.93 in W 21.66 in D 9.45 in
Max Bill floor lamp by Miguel Milà for Tramo, 1964 "Premio Delta de Oro"
By Miguel Milà, Tramo
Located in BARCELONA, ES
craftsmanship of the Max Bill Floor Lamp. Order yours now and add a touch of mid-century modern elegance to your
Chrome
White and Opaline Glass Globes Floor Lamp Temde Swiss , 1970s
By Max Bill, Temde Leuchten
Located in London, GB
Minimal 1960s floor lamp in the style of Max Bill, manufactured by German-Swiss lighting
Metal
Sold
H 21.66 in Dm 15.75 in L 21.66 in
1970s Swiss Temde Design Atomic Globe Table & Floor Lamp by Max Bill
By Max Bill, Temde Leuchten
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
the 1960s. Design: Max Bill. Model: Atomic, Orbit, Sputnik. Style: Space Age, Mid-Century
Metal, Aluminum, Chrome
Sold
H 43.31 in W 8.08 in D 4.73 in
Dieter Schulz Minimalist Floor lamp Model "57/416", Switzerland 1950s
By Dieter Schulz, Wohnbedarf
Located in Utrecht, NL
This Dieter Schulz Model “No. 57/4 16” floor lamp is a timeless design piece created in 1957 for
Metal, Brass
Pair of Lightolier Torcheres in White on White Finish
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Pair of white on white torcheres by Lightolier, after Max Bill. Both are in good, working condition
Max Bill table lamp by Miguel Milà for Polinax, 1962
By Polinax, Miguel Milà
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Max Bill table Lamp. Order yours now and add a touch of mid-century modern elegance to your home.
Brass
Sold
H 27.17 in W 9.85 in D 13.78 in
“Max Bill” Desk Lamp by Miguel Milá for Polinax – Rare Top-Mounted Shade
By Polinax, Miguel Milà
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Exceptional “Max Bill” desk lamp designed by Miguel Milá for Polinax, Spain, mid-20th century
Chrome
Max Bill Floor Lamp Torchiere, Mid-Century Modern Period
By Max Bill
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a vintage torchiere table lamp by Max Bill. Iconic design in white. 65
Aluminum
Max Bill Torchere Floor Lamps
By Max Bill
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of satin white floor lamps with tulip styled bases and foot switch design by Max Bill and
White Torchere Floor Lamp by Max Bill, Swiss Mid-20th Century Modern
By Max Bill
Located in San Francisco, CA
White enameled spun metal torchere floor lamp by architect Max Bill for B.A.G. Turgid in original
Metal
Pair Vintage Torchiere Floor Lamps Max Bill
By Max Bill
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair vintage Max Bill (1889-1904) torchiere floor lamps made in Switzerland. Sleek tulip shape form
Steel
Pair of Max Bill Torchere Floor Lamps
By Max Bill
Located in Water Mill, NY
Pr. of 1960s white enameled metal Max Bill Torchere floor lamps.
Metal, Enamel
Swiss White Torchiere Floor Lamp by Max Bill
By Max Bill
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A simple and elegant Swiss white torchiere floor lamp designed in the 1960s by Max Bill. The lamp
Metal
Max Bill Mid-Century Modern Sinuous Torchiere Floor Lamp
By Max Bill, BAG Turgi
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Elegant white torchiere designed by Modernist Max Bill and made in Switzerland. This lamp has an
Metal
Swedish Pair White Torchieres Floor Lamps by Max Bill
By Max Bill
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1970’s Sculptural pair white powdered coated torchieres floor lamps by Swedish Architect Max Bill
Aluminum
Max Bill Iconic Floor Lamp Torchère for BAG, Switzerland, 1960
By Max Bill
Located in San Diego, CA
Max Bill iconic Mid-Century Modern torchère floor lamp that has become a hard to find lamp in
Steel
Torchiere Lamp by Max Bill
By Max Bill
Located in Wilton, CT
Circa 1960s Designed by Swiss architect and Industrial designer Max Bill manufactured by BAG this
Metal
Torchiere Lamp by Max Bill
By Max Bill
Located in Wilton, CT
Circa 1960s Designed by Swiss architect and Industrial designer Max Bill manufactured by BAG this
Metal
Swiss Torchiere Floor Lamp by Max Bill in White Enamel
By Max Bill
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Iconic white enameled metal torchiere floor lamp by architect Max Bill designed in Switzerland
Metal
Max Bil Mid-Century Modern Torchere Floor Lamp in White
By Max Bill
Located in Astoria, NY
Mid-Century Modern white enameled torchere floor lamp designed by Max Bill during the 1960s. The
Metal
Sold
H 64.5 in W 9.75 in D 9.75 in
Two White Max Bill Torchiere Lamps Floor Lamps B.A.G. Turgi, Switzerland
By Max Bill
Located in Miami, FL
Two torchiere lamps in restored condition, both are signed.
Metal
White Enamel Torchiere After Max Bill
By Max Bill
Located in New York, NY
Modernist white enamel torchiere in the style of Max Bill. This floor lamp takes the larger "mogul
Metal
Pair of Max Bill Torchiere Floor Lamps B.A.G. Turgi Switzerland
By BAG Turgi, Max Bill
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of white spun metal torchiere floor lamps by Architect Max Bill for B.A.G Turgi Switzerland
Aluminum
Max Bill Torchière for B.a.G. Turgi
By Max Bill
Located in Dronten, NL
A white enameled spun metal torchière floor lamp by architect Max Bill (1908-1994) for B.A.G Turgi
Metal
Midcentury White 6-Arm Space Age Floor Lamp by Max Bill for Temde 1960s
By Temde Leuchten, Max Bill
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This rare and elegant midcentury floor lamp, designed by Max Bill for Temde in the 1960s, is a
Metal
Rare Temde Leuchten Floor Lamp with Frosted Globes
By Max Bill, Temde Leuchten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Commonly mis-attributed to Swiss architect and industrial designer Max Bill, these globe lamps were
Steel
Vintage Max Bill Floor Lamp
By Max Bill
Located in Hudson, NY
Vintage Swiss floor lamp designed by Max Bill. There are nine frosted glass globes. Condition
Aluminum
Max Bill "Tulip" Floor Lamp
By Max Bill
Located in Hudson, NY
"Tulip" lamp designed by Max Bill for B.A.G. Turgi, Switzerland in 1960's
Max Bill Tulip Torchiere for B.A.G. Turgi
By Max Bill
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original 1960's floor lamps designed by Max Bill for B.A.G. Turgi.
Max Bill Tulip Torchiere for B.A.G. Turgi
By Max Bill
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Tulip floor lamp designed by Max Bill for B.A.G. Turgi. Diameter at top is 9.75
Mid Century Max Bill Tulip Base Floor Lamp with Glass Shade
Located in Atlanta, GA
Terrific Mid Century Floor lamp in the manner of Max Bill. Comprised of a sleek white tulip style
Metal
Sold
H 181 in W 24 in D 54 in
Mid-Century Modern Max Bill Floor Lamp by Miguel Milá to Polinax, Spain, 1964
By Miguel Milà, Polinax
Located in Escalona, Toledo
Height-adjustable floor lamp "Max Bill" model, iconic Mid-Century Modern model of Spanish design
Steel, Chrome
$1,095 / item
H 20 in W 8 in D 22 in
Molto Wall-Mount Reading Lamp in Bronze and Enameled Mesh by Blueprint Lighting
By Mathieu Matégot, Blueprint Lighting, Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
The Molto wall-mount reading lamp or wall sconce is a fresh take on Italian modernism, featuring a spun metal mesh shade. This fixture articulates at the backplate and at the back of...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Chrome, Nickel
$985 / item
H 8.25 in W 5.29 in D 5.79 in
ALLA Wall Sconce Calacatta Marble & Glass, Emily Del Bello x Blueprint Lighting
By Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
ALLA WALL SCONCE Featuring a Calacatta Marble backplate and delicate chain inspired by Christian Dior’s luxurious pearl earrings, the Alla Wall Sconce delivers a harmonious blend of...
Travertine, Marble, Brass, Bronze
Large 'Floatation' Japanese Paper Suspension Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Glendale, CA
Large 'Floatation' Japanese paper suspension lamp for Ingo Maurer. Designed and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the most celebrated German lighting icons since 1966. With imaginatio...
Metal, Iron
'Floatation' Japanese Paper Suspension Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Glendale, CA
'Floatation' Japanese paper suspension lamp for Ingo Maurer. Designed and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the most celebrated German lighting icons since 1966. With imagination, cre...
Metal, Iron
$1,275 / item
H 15 in W 13.5 in D 6 in
JENNY Large Wall Light or Sconce in Enamel & Brass by Blueprint Lighting
By Blueprint Lighting, Stilnovo, Mathieu Matégot
Located in New York, NY
Introducing Jenny, the latest vintage-inspired fixture from Blueprint Lighting. Named for multi-hyphenate Jenny Mollen; NYT best-selling author, actress, design enthusiast, mom of ...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
$3,750 / item
H 36 in Dm 32.5 in
Glossy Cream Ceramic Lola Chandelier in Antique Brass 3-Arm 32.5" DIA
By Lostine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Three antique brass patina arms curve up from a ceramic cluster dish to three tall stoneware ceramic shades in a glossy glaze with a subtle off-white hue. With a fixed black walnut o...
Brass
Small 'Floatation' Japanese Paper Suspension Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Glendale, CA
Small 'Floatation' Japanese paper suspension lamp for Ingo Maurer. Designed and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the most celebrated German lighting icons since 1966. With imaginatio...
Metal, Iron
Sculptural Scandinavian Modern Chair in Wood Denmark - 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Sculptural Scandinavian Modern Chair in Wood, Denmark - 1960s.
Wood
Pair of Bauhaus Modernist StyleTubular Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Great pair of Bauhaus tubular sling chairs in cowhide and matte steel. The arm covers are black leather that lace up underneath while the seat and back are lace-up cowhide. Similar ...
Steel
$4,566
H 28.35 in W 113.39 in D 18.9 in
Angelo Mangiarotti modular sideboard travertine top mod 4D Molteni production.
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Molteni & C
Located in Vigevano, PV
Totally encased in walnut with a travertine base these pieces are finished on all four sides; this allows you to use them as coffee tables or to divide a room. Each piece has all edg...
Travertine
Brazilian Modern Coffee Table by Sergio Rodrigues in Lacquered Wood
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Brazilian modern "Augusto" round coffee table by Sergio Rodrigues, 1991 Black lacquered wood and marble top Sergio and Adolpho were already old acquaintances when, in 1991, the entr...
Marble
$8,525
H 10.63 in W 55.12 in D 55.12 in
Very Huge Rosewood Coffee Table Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Italy - 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Berlin, DE
Huge Rosewood Sofa Table by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy - 1960s.
Rosewood
Fibonacci Chandelier
By Blueprint Lighting, Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
The Fibonacci chandelier takes inspiration from the Fibonacci sequence, a mathematical pattern found in nature, art, and architecture. The perfectly balanced spiral pattern of this c...
Brass, Enamel
Tulip Round Coffee Table by Saarinen for Knoll
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in New York, NY
Tulip coffee table by Saarinen for Knoll. USA, cira 1960 to 1970. Signed with early Knoll red/white label. Features a 36 inch round top in matte white laminate with matte white...
Metal
$3,124Sale Price|20% Off
H 47.25 in W 39.38 in D 31.11 in
Børge Mogensen for Søborg Secretary Desk 1960s
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Handewitt, DE
Secretary desk / cabinet, designed in 1950s by Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik Denmark. Made in fine walnut early 1960s. Front with three drawers and a writing flap. Behind the...
Wood
Henredon Georgian Carved Mahogany Queen Size Poster Bed
By Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style four poster queen Size bed By Henredon USA, circa 1980s Carved solid mahogany, with brass accents. Measures: 64.75"W x 88"D x 91....
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 modern floor lamp is an evolution of torchères — tall floor candelabras that originated in France as a revolutionary development in lighting homes toward the end of the 17th century. Owing to the advent of electricity and the introduction of new materials as a part of lighting design, floor lamps have taken on new forms and configurations over the years.
In the early 1920s, Art Deco lighting artisans worked with dark woods and modern metals, introducing unique designs that still inspire the look of modern floor lamps developed by contemporary firms such as Luxxu.
Popular mid-century floor lamps include everything from the enchanting fixtures by the Italian lighting artisans at Stilnovo to the distinctly functional Grasshopper floor lamp created by Scandinavian design pioneer Greta Magnusson-Grossman to the Paracarro floor lamp by the Venetian master glass workers at Mazzega. Among the more celebrated names in mid-century lighting design are Milanese innovators Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, who, along with their eldest brother, Livio, worked for their own firm as architects and designers. While Livio departed the practice in 1952, Achille and Pier Giacomo would go on to design the Arco floor lamp, the Toio floor lamp and more for legendary lighting brands such as FLOS.
Today’s upscale interiors frequently integrate the otherworldly custom lighting solutions created by a wealth of contemporary firms and designers such as Spain’s Masquespacio, whose Wink floor lamps integrate gold as well as fabric fringes.
Visual artists and industrial designers have a penchant for floor lamps, possibly because they’re so often a clever marriage of design and the functions of lighting. A good floor lamp can change the mood of any room while adding a touch of elegance to your entire space. Find yours now 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.