Skip to main content

Midcentury 1950s Lighting

119
to
2,708
17,385
16,635
33,928
31,649
22,293
1,199
755
437
363
214
199
49
43
34
33
25
24
22
20
17
16
15
7
5
5
4
4
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1,395
593
443
420
404
Sort By
Unusual Brass Pendant By Globe Lighting ca' 1950's
By Globe Lighting
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual ceiling mount-pendant chandelier by Globe Lighting Products, ca' 1950's. Similar to the
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Pendant Lamp by Kalmar Vienna, c. 1950's
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant Austrian chandelier, crafted by Kalmar Vienna in the late 1950s, boasts a nickel
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Nickel

Mid-Century Modern Adjustable lamp in the Style of Nessen Lighting
By Nessen Lighting
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This stylish mid-century modern floor lamp offers up or down lighting with its adjustable design
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Unusual Room Divider Lighting Panel Brass 1950's
By Lightolier
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare and unusual brass lighting panel/screen.
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Table Lamp, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
Very nice small vintage table lamp made of glass, metal and imitation veneer.
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Table Lamp, 1950's
Mid-Century Table Lamp, 1950's
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 3.55 in
French Arlus Mid-Century 1950's Chandelier
By Arlus
Located in Fairfax, VA
Large midcentury Modernist French bronze and and white glass eight light 1950's chandelier
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Bronze

Mid Century Modern Kalmar Sunburst Brass Vintage Flush Mount, 1950s, Vienna
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
14. Also the shape is elegant and looks like sunbursts. The lighting was designed and executed by
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modernist Pendant Lighting
Located in Beirut, LB
design. Discreet and chic yet outstanding with its mid century appearance, this chandelier could fit
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Table Lamp, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of wood, glass - re-polished - fully functional - good, original condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Glass, Wood

Mid-Century Table Lamp, 1950's
Mid-Century Table Lamp, 1950's
H 9.45 in W 4.34 in D 4.34 in
Impressive Kalmar Nickel & Textured Glass Mid-Century Chandelier, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and huge four-tiered modernist chandelier, executed by Kalmar Austria in the 1950s
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Nickel

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brass Leather Green Kalmar Table Lamp, 1950s, Vienna
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage table lamp or desk lamp from brass, leather and nickel plated metal Mod
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-century Wall Lamp, Czechoslovakia, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
Designed in the 1950s in former Czechoslovakia as bathroom light around the mirror. Bakelite
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Milk Glass, Bakelite

Parzinger Style Lotus Pendant Light by Feldman Lighting Company, circa 1950s
By Feldman Lighting Co.
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Architectural Digest since the 1950s, the Feldman Lighting Lotus Line is one of the most esteemed in Hollywood
Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Opaline Floorlamp, 1950's
Located in Brussels , BE
Simplistic floorlamp with three branches mounted with oval opaline lightbulbs.
Category

Vintage 1950s Floor Lamps

Materials

Opaline Glass

Mid – Century wall lamp flower , 1950's
Located in Delft, NL
Mid – Century wall lamp flower , 1950's
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Hollywood Regency Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

Mid – Century wall lamp flower , 1950's
Mid – Century wall lamp flower , 1950's
H 4.14 in W 11.42 in D 11.42 in
Marble Lamp by Wabbes , Mid-Century Modern, 1950's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-Century Modern; Floor lamp; Marble; Bronze; Reading nook; Italian marble; Carrera; Mid
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Mid-Century Glass Pendant, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of glass, metal, Height can be adjusted Hand painted New Cabling 1x E27 or E26 bulb Re-polished Good Original condition US wiring compatible.
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Glass Pendant, 1950's
Mid-Century Glass Pendant, 1950's
H 35.44 in W 10.24 in D 10.24 in
Mid Century Venini Sigaro Pendant Light c 1950's
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Venini
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Massimo Vignelli designed Sigaro pendant shade, made by Venini, circa 1950's. The oblong
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century Chandelier /Napako, 1950´s
By Napako
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of wood, metal and glass New Cabling 4x40W, E27 or E26 Bulb Repolished Good original condition US wiring compatible.   
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Chandelier /Napako, 1950´s
Mid-Century Chandelier /Napako, 1950´s
H 27.17 in W 24.81 in D 24.81 in
Mid-Century Chandelier, Czechoslovakia, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made of glass, chrome, plastic New Cabling 3x 40W,E27 or E26 socket With aged patina Re-polished Original condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Chandelier, Czechoslovakia, 1950's
Mid-Century Chandelier, Czechoslovakia, 1950's
H 29.53 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Mid-Century Floor Lamp/ULUV, 1950's
By ULUV Krásná jizba
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Glass, Wood With aged patina 1x E27 or E26 bulb US adapter included Re-polished Fully Functional Good Original condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Glass, Wood

Mid-Century Floor Lamp/ULUV, 1950's
Mid-Century Floor Lamp/ULUV, 1950's
H 47.64 in W 16.54 in D 16.54 in
Mid-Century Floor Lamp / Napako, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of glass, metal opaxite glass - New cabling - Re-polished - Fully functional - Good, original condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Floor Lamp / Napako, 1950's
Mid-Century Floor Lamp / Napako, 1950's
H 68.9 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
J.T. Kalmar Brass & Textured Glass Mid-Century Basket Chandelier, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
An elegant and beautiful Mid-Century brass chandelier by J.T. Kalmar Vienna / Austria from the
Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Table Lamp, 1950's Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of glass, chrome New cabling Good original condition US adapter included.
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Adjustable Table Lamp, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
Adjustable shade Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Lacquered Metal, Chrome, Wood New cabling 1xE27 or E26bulb US adapter included With aged patina Original condition.     
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid-Century Adjustable Table Lamp, 1950's
Mid-Century Adjustable Table Lamp, 1950's
H 15.36 in W 10.24 in D 12.21 in
Mid-Century Blue Table Lamp, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of chrome, glass - Re-polished - Fully functional - Good, original condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Blue Table Lamp, 1950's
Mid-Century Blue Table Lamp, 1950's
H 8.27 in W 5.12 in D 8.27 in
Pair French 1950's Mid-Century Wall Sconces
Located in Fairfax, VA
Pair of double arms French midcentury wall sconces in bronze and while opal glass shades
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Mid Century Table Lamps by Rembrandt c. 1950's 2 available
By Rembrandt Lamp Company
Located in New York, NY
Offering two Mid Century table lamps, each having a stylized cactus like form in the center with
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Modern Atomic Brass Rocket Table Lamp 1950s Sputnik Torpedo Shape
By General Lighting
Located in Peoria, AZ
Stunning! Mid Century Modern Brass Accented Rocket Ship Style Table Lamp! Here is a marvelous
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Sculptural Blue Mid-Century French Ceramic Table Lamp, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Wonderfully special mid-century vessel converted into a lamp. Dimensions given are for the lamp
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century Wall Lamp, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of brass, glass - re-polished - fully functional - good, original condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Wall Lamp, 1950's
Mid-Century Wall Lamp, 1950's
H 16.93 in W 5.52 in D 6.3 in
1950's Italian Mid-Century Adjustable Pendant by Stilux
By Stilux
Located in Paris, FR
pieces and bespoke contemporary lighting. With a strong focus on Italian mid-century designs, his success
Category

Mid-20th Century Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum

Mid Century Sculpted Wood Organic Form Table Lamp c 1950's
By John Keal, Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in New York, NY
Unusual organic form Mid Century table lamp, having four pedal like wood elements sprouting from a
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Brass Pendant/ Zukov, 1950's
By Zukov
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of brass, glass - re-polished - fully functional - good, original condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Chandelier by Zukov, 1950’s
By Zukov
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of glass, metal With aged patina 2x40W,E27 or E26 socket Re-polished Fully functional Original condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Chandelier by Zukov, 1950’s
Mid-Century Chandelier by Zukov, 1950’s
H 16.15 in W 21.66 in D 8.67 in
Mid-Century Chandelier/Kamenicky Senov, 1950's
By Kamenicky Senov
Located in Praha, CZ
Adjustable Height Iconic design Maximum Height 108cm Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Opaline glass, Lacquered metal, Chrome New cabling Re-polished Original condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid-Century Chandelier/Kamenicky Senov, 1950's
Mid-Century Chandelier/Kamenicky Senov, 1950's
H 31.11 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Chandelier/Kamenicky Senov, 1950's
By Kamenicky Senov
Located in Praha, CZ
Adjustable height Iconic design Maximum Height 108cm Made in Czechoslovakia Made of opaline glass, Lacquered metal, Chrome New cabling Re-polished Original condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid-Century Chandelier/Kamenicky Senov, 1950's
Mid-Century Chandelier/Kamenicky Senov, 1950's
H 31.11 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Mid-century Wall Lamp, Czechoslovakia, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
Designed in the 1950s in former Czechoslovakia as bathroom light above a mirror. Bakelite holders
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Milk Glass, Bakelite

Mid-century Wall Lamp, Czechoslovakia, 1950's
Mid-century Wall Lamp, Czechoslovakia, 1950's
H 3.55 in W 13.39 in D 5.91 in
1950's Glass Wall Light Attributed to Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Amsterdam, NH
A Classic wall-piece attributed to Kalmar. Originating from the 1950s, the textured glass
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century design spider brass ceiling lamp , 1950’s
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 66cm Diameter, 30 cm H Condition: Good Material : Brass Period: 1950’s Color: Gold
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

1950's Mid Century Modern White and Chrome Floor Lamp Torchiere
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Double cone design original Mid-Century Modern floor lamp with chrome body.
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Italian Stilnovo Style Floor Lamp, 1950's
By Stilnovo
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian floor lamp, from the 50s and in the style of the well-known Stilnovo, the lamp has a tripod foot from which comes a column with five golden brass arms where the light bulbs a...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Outdoor Porcelain Lamp, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of porcelain - waterproof - re-polished - fully functional - good, original condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Porcelain, Glass

Mid century desk lamp by Louis Kalff , 1950's
By Louis Kalff
Located in Brussels , BE
very good condition
Category

Mid-20th Century European Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Mid century desk lamp by Louis Kalff , 1950's
Mid century desk lamp by Louis Kalff , 1950's
H 22.45 in W 19.69 in D 7.09 in
1950's Mid Century Glass Table Lamp by Murano in Purple
By Blenko Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful midcentury, glass table lamp in purple glass lampshade not included, perfect working
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Design Floor Lamp/Zukov, Czechoslovakia, 1950's
By Zukov
Located in Praha, CZ
Made of plastic, chrome, metal The metal parts were painted (black color) New cabling With aged patina 1x E27 or E26 socket Original condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid-Century Floor Lamp by Kamenicky Senov, 1950‘s
By Kamenicky Senov
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of glass, brass, glazed ceramic 2x E27 or E26 socket With aged patina The glaze has superficial crack Re-polished Fully functional Original conditi...
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

Pair of 1950's Mid-Century Modern Arlus Pendant Lights
By Arlus
Located in London, GB
Step into the timeless allure of mid-century elegance with this exquisite pair of French Mid
Category

Vintage 1950s French Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Italian Yellow & Black Floor Lamp, Mid-Century Modern, Space Age, 1950's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Space-age; Italian design; Mid-Century Modern; Floor lamp; Black & yellow; Italian yellow
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Plastic

Mid-Century Chandelier, 1950s
By Zukov
Located in Praha, CZ
Design glass and brass three-flamming chandelier made in Czechoslovakia in 1950s. Very good
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Chandelier, 1950s
Mid-Century Chandelier, 1950s
H 22.05 in Dm 19.69 in
Set of Two Mid-century Wall Lamps, Czechoslovakia, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
Designed in the 1950s in former Czechoslovakia as bathroom light around the mirror. Bakelite
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Milk Glass, Bakelite

Mid Century Mushroom Form Table Lamp att. to Gerald Thurston c 1950's
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in New York, NY
Chic architectural Mid Century dome top table lamp, attributed to Gerald Thurston, for Lightolier
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Oversize Hollywood Regency Mid Century Volcanic Glaze Table Lamp c 1950/1960's
By The Marbro Lamp Company
Located in New York, NY
Chic, voguish oversize Mid Century, Hollywood Regency style table lamp having a textured volcanic
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Lighting Table Moon, Italie 1950s
By Guzzini
Located in PÉZENAS, FR
desk lamp from the 50s origin Italy according to Guzzini the "full moon" model in opaline and structure in white painted metal tube this model of ball lamp is very interesting to ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Lighting Table Moon, Italie 1950s
Lighting Table Moon, Italie 1950s
H 13.78 in Dm 11.82 in
Vintage Jumo 600 Chrome Table Lamp - 1940's - 1950's Mid Century Modern
By Maison Jumo
Located in New York City, NY
lighting company, JUMO, which was located outside of Paris. The light won world notoriety when renowned
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

1950's French Mid Century Modern Formed Glass Bag and Tent Chandelier - Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Spectacular 1950's Mid Century Modern Formed Glass Empire style Bag and Tent Chandelier/ Pendant
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Art Glass

Mid Century Lytespan Tension Floor Lamp By Thurston for Lightolier c 1950/1960's
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in New York, NY
Iconic and rare Lytespan Mid Century tension pole floor lamp designed by Gerald Thurston for
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Mid-Century Pendant, 1950s
By Drukov
Located in Praha, CZ
Midcentury pendant with two hand painted glass shades made in Czechoslovakia in1950s. Very good
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Pendant, 1950s
Mid-Century Pendant, 1950s
H 31.5 in W 17.72 in D 5.12 in
Mid-Century Table Lamp Designed By Josef Hurka for Napako, Model 1621, 1950's
By Josef Hurka, Napako
Located in Praha, CZ
Designer lighting from the 1950's. It was produced in former Czechoslovakia by Napako and designed
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Italy, 1950's
Located in Milan, IT
brass. The socket and switch are in Galalith. Aldo Tura for Macabo, Cusano Milanino Italy 1950'. Wear
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Copper

Italy, 1950's
Italy, 1950's
H 19 in W 13.5 in D 7 in
  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Midcentury 1950 S Lighting", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Midcentury 1950s Lighting For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the piece of midcentury 1950s lighting you’re looking for. An item from our selection of midcentury 1950s lighting — often made from metal, brass and glass — can elevate any home. Find 30582 options for an antique or vintage choice in our collection of midcentury 1950s lighting now, or shop our selection of 471 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the object in our assortment of midcentury 1950s lighting you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Each option in this array of midcentury 1950s lighting bearing mid-century modern, Scandinavian Modern or industrial hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made piece of midcentury 1950s lighting over the years, but those crafted by Stilnovo, J.T. Kalmar and Rupert Nikoll are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Midcentury 1950s Lighting?

A piece of midcentury 1950s lighting can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,200, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $899,194.

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

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 legendary 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.

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.