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Heavy Round Clear & Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s
Heavy Round Clear & Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s

Heavy Round Clear & Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s

By Helena Tynell

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Heavy Round Clear & Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s The lamp requires 2x E27 / E26 Edison screw bulb, is wired, functional and runs on both 110 / 230 volts....

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Large Rare 16" Rupert Nikoll Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Light / Lamp c. 1955
Large Rare 16" Rupert Nikoll Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Light / Lamp c. 1955

Large Rare 16" Rupert Nikoll Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Light / Lamp c. 1955

By J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll, Vereinigte Werkstätten München

Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern

Stunning large 41cm (16 inches) diameter vintage Mid-Century Modern clear glass textured bubble light fixture by Austrian lighting firm Rupert Nikoll. Similar, in style, to the early...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

1. of 2 Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany
1. of 2 Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany

1. of 2 Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany

By Helena Tynell

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

1. of 2 Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany We have three different sizes in the same style. All can be found here at 1stDibs in our shop. The fixture ne...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Gino Sarfatti SP/ 16 For Arteluce Unique Brass Bubble Pendant Lamp, 1950, Italy
Gino Sarfatti SP/ 16 For Arteluce Unique Brass Bubble Pendant Lamp, 1950, Italy

Gino Sarfatti SP/ 16 For Arteluce Unique Brass Bubble Pendant Lamp, 1950, Italy

By Arteluce, Gino Sarfatti, Archimede Seguso

Located in The Hague, NL

Rare beautiful pendant lamp by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, 1950s, Italy. Model number: SP/ 16. This special pendant lamp, has five heavy massive bubble glass, made by Archimede Segu...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

1960s Rund Glass Bubble Fish Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp Wall Light, White, Germany
1960s Rund Glass Bubble Fish Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp Wall Light, White, Germany

1960s Rund Glass Bubble Fish Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp Wall Light, White, Germany

By Helena Tynell

Located in Andernach, DE

Gorgeous flush base ceiling or wall lamp in the style of Helena Tynell. Comes in a round rocky shape with a 60s-70s abstract design of geometric fishes, arranged in an endless patte...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Pair of amber gold with air bubble inclus wall lamps / flush mount Lights, 1960s
Pair of amber gold with air bubble inclus wall lamps / flush mount Lights, 1960s

Pair of amber gold with air bubble inclus wall lamps / flush mount Lights, 1960s

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Pair of amber gold with air bubble inclus wall lamps / flush mount Lights, 1960s Each fixture need 1 x E27 standard bulb. Light bulbs are not included. It is possible to install t...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Large 16" Rupert Nikoll Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Light / Lamp c. 1960
Large 16" Rupert Nikoll Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Light / Lamp c. 1960

Large 16" Rupert Nikoll Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Light / Lamp c. 1960

By J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll, Vereinigte Werkstätten München

Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern

Stunning large 41cm (16 inches) diameter clear glass textured bubble light fixture by Austrian lighting firm Rupert Nikoll. Similar, in style, to the early fixtures of fellow Austria...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Pair of Modernist Brass and Bubble Glass Wall Lamps by Limburg, Germany, 1980s
Pair of Modernist Brass and Bubble Glass Wall Lamps by Limburg, Germany, 1980s

Pair of Modernist Brass and Bubble Glass Wall Lamps by Limburg, Germany, 1980s

By Glashütte Limburg

Located in Hagenbach, DE

A beautiful pair of modern wall lamps by Glashütte Limburg made in Germany in the 1980s. They have a square shape and are made of brass and bubble glass. The back is made of metal.   

Category

Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Round Clear Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp by Helena Tynell, 1960s
Round Clear Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp by Helena Tynell, 1960s

Round Clear Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp by Helena Tynell, 1960s

By Helena Tynell

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Round Clear Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp by Helena Tynell, 1960s The lamp requires 2x E27 / E26 Edison screw bulb, is wired, functional and runs on both 110 / 230 vol...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

1. of 2 Lovely Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg
1. of 2 Lovely Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg

1. of 2 Lovely Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg

By Glashütte Limburg, Helena Tynell

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Lovely Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg, Germany, 1960s Each fixture need 1 x E27 standard bulb with 60W max. Light bulbs are not included. It is possib...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

1 of 6 Copper & Amber Glass Bubble Pendant Lamp in Nanny Still style, 1960s
1 of 6 Copper & Amber Glass Bubble Pendant Lamp in Nanny Still style, 1960s

1 of 6 Copper & Amber Glass Bubble Pendant Lamp in Nanny Still style, 1960s

By Nanny Still

Located in Aachen, NRW

This lamp is unique in its execution & patina. Yellow golden glass is being blown into a copper sphere, creating bubbles. In the style of designer Nanny Still made during the 1960'...

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Copper

1. of 3 Large Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany
1. of 3 Large Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany

1. of 3 Large Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany

By Helena Tynell

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

1. of 3 Large Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany We have three different sizes in the same style. All can be found here at 1stDibs in our shop. The fixt...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

1. of 3 Huge Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany
1. of 3 Huge Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany

1. of 3 Huge Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany

By Helena Tynell

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

1. of 3 Large Bubble Glass Wall Lamp / Flush Mount by Limburg, 1960s Germany We have three different sizes in the same style. All can be found here at 1stDibs in our shop. The fixt...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

1 of 3 Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell, Germany 1960s
1 of 3 Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell, Germany 1960s

1 of 3 Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell, Germany 1960s

By Helena Tynell

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

1 of 3 Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell, Germany 1960s Dimensions Height: 4.52 in. (11.5 cm) Width: 9.84 in. (25 cm) Depth: 9.84 in. (25 cm) The fixture need 1 ...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

1 of 2 Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell, Germany 1960s
1 of 2 Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell, Germany 1960s

1 of 2 Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell, Germany 1960s

By Helena Tynell

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

1 of 2 Clear Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell, Germany 1960s Dimensions Height: 4.52 in. (11.5 cm) Width: 8.26 in. (21 cm) Depth: 8.26 in. (21 cm) The fixture need 1 ...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

1 of the 16 of Iron and Bubble Glass Sconces Wall Lamps by Limburg, Germany, 196
1 of the 16 of Iron and Bubble Glass Sconces Wall Lamps by Limburg, Germany, 196

1 of the 16 of Iron and Bubble Glass Sconces Wall Lamps by Limburg, Germany, 196

By Glashütte Limburg

Located in Rijssen, NL

1 of the 16 beautiful and unique hand blown glass wall lights. Manufactured by Glashütte Limburg in Germany during the 1960s, (late 1960s or early 1970s). Beautiful craftsmanship. E...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

1 of the 4 of Iron and Bubble Glass Sconces Wall Lamps by Limburg, Germany, 1960
1 of the 4 of Iron and Bubble Glass Sconces Wall Lamps by Limburg, Germany, 1960

1 of the 4 of Iron and Bubble Glass Sconces Wall Lamps by Limburg, Germany, 1960

By Glashütte Limburg

Located in Rijssen, NL

This beautiful and unique pair of hand blown glass wall lights were manufactured by Glashütte Limburg in Germany during the 1960s, (late 1960s or early 1970s). Beautiful craftsmansh...

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

1. of 2 Lovely Large Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg
1. of 2 Lovely Large Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg

1. of 2 Lovely Large Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg

By Glashütte Limburg, Helena Tynell

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Lovely Bubble Glass Flush Mount Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg, Germany, 1960s Each fixture need 1 x E27 standard bulb with 60W max. Light bulbs are not included. It is possib...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

1. of 2 Heavy Round Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s
1. of 2 Heavy Round Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s

1. of 2 Heavy Round Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

1. of 2 Heavy Round Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s The lamp require 1x E27 / E26 Edison screw bulb, is wired, functional and runs on both 110 / 230 volts. ...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

1. of 3 Heavy Clear & Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s
1. of 3 Heavy Clear & Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s

1. of 3 Heavy Clear & Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s

By Helena Tynell

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

1. of 3 Heavy Clear & Satin Glass Bubble Flush Mount Light or Wall Lamp, 1960s The lamp requires 1x E27 / E26 Edison screw bulb, is wired, functional and runs on both 110 / 230 volt...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

1 of 2 Amber Bubble Glass Ceiling Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg, Germany 196
1 of 2 Amber Bubble Glass Ceiling Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg, Germany 196

1 of 2 Amber Bubble Glass Ceiling Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg, Germany 196

By Glashütte Limburg, Helena Tynell

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

1 of 2 Amber Bubble Glass Ceiling Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg, Germany 1960s Dimensions Height: 33.46 in. (85 cm) Diameter: 10.23 in. (26 cm) The fixture need 1 x E27 standar...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

1 of the 2 Pair of Iron and Bubble Glass Sconces Wall Lamps by Limburg, Germany
1 of the 2 Pair of Iron and Bubble Glass Sconces Wall Lamps by Limburg, Germany

1 of the 2 Pair of Iron and Bubble Glass Sconces Wall Lamps by Limburg, Germany

By Glashütte Limburg

Located in Rijssen, NL

This beautiful and unique pair of hand blown glass wall lights were manufactured by Glashütte Limburg in Germany during the 1960s, (late 1960s or early 1970s). Beautiful craftsmansh...

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

1. of 2 Clear Lovely Bubble Glass Wall Lamp or Flush Mount Light, 1960s Germany
1. of 2 Clear Lovely Bubble Glass Wall Lamp or Flush Mount Light, 1960s Germany

1. of 2 Clear Lovely Bubble Glass Wall Lamp or Flush Mount Light, 1960s Germany

By Helena Tynell

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

The lamp requires 1x E27 / E26 Edison screw bulb, is wired, functional and runs on both 110 / 230 volts. Bulbs are not included. It is possible to install this device in all countr...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Set of 2 Mid-Century 2-Light Pendant Lamps Attributed To Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Set of 2 Mid-Century 2-Light Pendant Lamps Attributed To Luigi Caccia Dominioni

Set of 2 Mid-Century 2-Light Pendant Lamps Attributed To Luigi Caccia Dominioni

By Luigi Caccia Dominioni

Located in Palermo, IT

Set of 2 Mid-Century 2-light pendant lamps attributed to Luigi Caccia Dominioni, 1960s Metal frame and hand-worked Murano glass bowls (small air bubbles can be seen, typical of the m...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

One of Eight RAAK Wall Lights Sconces, Bubble Glass Globes, 1970s
One of Eight RAAK Wall Lights Sconces, Bubble Glass Globes, 1970s

One of Eight RAAK Wall Lights Sconces, Bubble Glass Globes, 1970s

By RAAK

Located in Hausmannstätten, AT

One of eight wall lamps model C-1612 by RAAK Amsterdam, Netherlands, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970.

Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Large European Modern Wall Sconce in Brass & Bubble Glass, Europe circa 1950s
Large European Modern Wall Sconce in Brass & Bubble Glass, Europe circa 1950s

Large European Modern Wall Sconce in Brass & Bubble Glass, Europe circa 1950s

Located in Utrecht, NL

This is especially true for mid-century brass models like this lamp. Condition: In good vintage condition.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Aldo Tura Serving Bar Tray -- Red Goatskin & Brass -- Mid Century Italian
Aldo Tura Serving Bar Tray -- Red Goatskin & Brass -- Mid Century Italian

Aldo Tura Serving Bar Tray -- Red Goatskin & Brass -- Mid Century Italian

By Aldo Tura

Located in Minneapolis, MN

About Aldo Tura: Aldo Tura was an Italian furniture designer best known for his mid-century tables and lamps. Combining his interest in Art Deco and Art Nouveau with low-slung minima...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Glass Pendant lamp by Glashütte Limburg, 1960s
Midcentury Glass Pendant lamp by Glashütte Limburg, 1960s

Midcentury Glass Pendant lamp by Glashütte Limburg, 1960s

By Glashütte Limburg

Located in Hagenbach, DE

A Mid-Century Modern pendant lamp by Glashütte Limburg made in the 1960s in Germany.

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Wall or Ceiling Lamp Model A 669 by Helena Tynell for Limburg Glashütte
Wall or Ceiling Lamp Model A 669 by Helena Tynell for Limburg Glashütte

Wall or Ceiling Lamp Model A 669 by Helena Tynell for Limburg Glashütte

By Helena Tynell, Glashütte Limburg

Located in Berlin, DE

The sculptural glass surface softly diffuses the light while creating a lively play of reflections, characteristic of Limburg Glashütte’s mid-century lighting design. The lamp is pre...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Pair of Wall or Ceiling Lamp Model A 670 by Helena Tynell for Limburg Glashütte
Pair of Wall or Ceiling Lamp Model A 670 by Helena Tynell for Limburg Glashütte

Pair of Wall or Ceiling Lamp Model A 670 by Helena Tynell for Limburg Glashütte

By Glashütte Limburg

Located in Berlin, DE

The sculptural glass surface softly diffuses the light while creating a lively play of reflections, characteristic of Limburg Glashütte’s mid-century lighting design. The lamp is pre...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Ceiling Lamp in Brass and Glass by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 1950s
Ceiling Lamp in Brass and Glass by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 1950s

Ceiling Lamp in Brass and Glass by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 1950s

By Hans-Agne Jakobsson

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

The ceiling lamp model T 348/3, designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson and produced by his company Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, Sweden, during the 1950s, is a distinguished example o...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Pair of Murano Glass Wall Sconces with Ribbed Texture
Pair of Murano Glass Wall Sconces with Ribbed Texture

Pair of Murano Glass Wall Sconces with Ribbed Texture

Located in Puglia, Puglia

A simple and elegant lamp, representative of Italian design in the Mid-Century Modern style.

Category

Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass

Peill & Putzler 1 of 4 Extra Large 1970s Vintage Biomorphic Wall Sconce Lights
Peill & Putzler 1 of 4 Extra Large 1970s Vintage Biomorphic Wall Sconce Lights

Peill & Putzler 1 of 4 Extra Large 1970s Vintage Biomorphic Wall Sconce Lights

By Peill & Putzler

Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern

One of four vintage mid-century flushmount wall lights, lamps or sconces by Peill & Putzler in the 1970s.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Martinelli Midcentury White Plexiglass Italian "Bolla Light"  1960s
Martinelli Midcentury White Plexiglass Italian "Bolla Light"  1960s

Martinelli Midcentury White Plexiglass Italian "Bolla Light" 1960s

By Elio Martinelli, Martinelli Luce

Located in Roma, IT

Wonderful midcentury white plexiglass "Bubble Lamp" wall or ceiling Light. This item was produced in Italy during the 1960s. This sconce was designed by Elio Martinelli, this whit...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Aluminum

Staff Bubble Glass Flush Mounts (4x) Lamps Ceiling Lights, 1960
Staff Bubble Glass Flush Mounts (4x) Lamps Ceiling Lights, 1960

Staff Bubble Glass Flush Mounts (4x) Lamps Ceiling Lights, 1960

By Staff Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar, Glashütte Limburg

Located in Vienna, AT

Two Pairs (total of 4) Staff bubble glass flush mounts lamps ceiling lights. Priced per pair. 2 pairs available One large bulb with 60 W is illuminating each fixture. They have be...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Glass, Plastic

Large Amber Bubble Glass Pendant Light / Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg
Large Amber Bubble Glass Pendant Light / Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg

Large Amber Bubble Glass Pendant Light / Lamp by Helena Tynell for Limburg

By Helena Tynell, Glashütte Limburg

Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern

Late 1960s bubble glass ceiling pendent light designed by Helena Tynell for Glashütte Limburg. The light features a beautiful lampshade made from amber or champagne colored / coloure...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

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Midcentury Bubble Lamp For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal midcentury bubble lamp for your home. Frequently made of metal, glass and brass, every midcentury bubble lamp was constructed with great care. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect midcentury bubble lamp — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. When you’re browsing for the right midcentury bubble lamp, those designed in Mid-Century Modern styles are of considerable interest. You’ll likely find more than one midcentury bubble lamp that is appealing in its simplicity, but Glashütte Limburg, Helena Tynell and Barovier&Toso produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Midcentury Bubble Lamp?

A midcentury bubble lamp can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $1,472, while the lowest priced sells for $332 and the highest can go for as much as $4,850.

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 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.