H 20.5 in Dm 10.5 in
Walnut and Brass Push Table Lamp by Modeline of California
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural table lamp in walnut and brass by Modeline of California. Beautiful lines and materials
Brass
H 29 in W 17 in D 17 in
1970s Modeline of California Sculptural Oak Triple-Globe Table Lamp
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Oceanside, US
A striking 1970s sculptural table lamp attributed to Modeline of California, featuring three
Oak
MCM Sculptural Walnut & Brass Table Lamp by Modeline of California
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice MCM sculptural walnut and brass table lamp by Modeline of California, circa 1960s. This
Brass
H 43.25 in W 7.75 in D 7.75 in
1960s Mid Century Walnut and Glass Table Lamp by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
✨ Mid-Century Walnut Table Lamp by Modeline of California ✨ A stunning example of mid-century
Walnut
H 72 in W 14 in D 14 in
1960s Mid Century Sculpted Floor Lamp by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-Century Sculptural Elegance by Modeline of California This striking 1960s floor lamp by
Wood
H 60 in W 10 in D 10 in
1970s Jack Haywood for Modeline Laminate Burl Glass Globes Floor Lamp
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Haywood for Modeline of California. Part of the "California Contemporary" line, it was considered a
Glass, Laminate, Plywood
H 36 in W 18 in D 18 in
Magnificent Modeline Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood Table Lamp 1958 Pearsall
By Modeline Lamp Co., Adrian Pearsall
Located in Peoria, AZ
GORGEOUS! HAND CARVED DANISH MODERN ROSEWOOD & BRASS MODELINE OF CALIFORNIA TABLE LAMP! The
Metal, Brass
H 36 in W 18 in D 18 in
PAIR EPIC MODELINE Mid Century Danish Modern Table Lamps ALUMINUM & WALNUT 1958
By Modeline Lamp Co., Adrian Pearsall
Located in Peoria, AZ
GORGEOUS! PAIR! HAND CARVED DANISH MODERN WALNUT & ALL ALUMINUM ACCENTS MODELINE OF CALIFORNIA
Metal, Brass
H 68.5 in W 14 in D 11.5 in
Expertly Restored- Lynn Lawrence Carved Biomorphic Floor Lamp for Modeline of CA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Lynn Lawrence for Modeline of California, this carved biomorphic floor lamp feels less
Wood, Ash, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern “Spaghetti Lamp” Table Lamp with Spun Acrylic Shades, America
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Morristown, NJ
Modeline of California. Description: Playful and sculptural mid-century modern table lamp, circa 1960s
Brass
H 31 in W 9 in D 6 in
Arthur Jacobs Abstract Walnut & Brass Table Lamps for Modeline of CA
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modeline of California sculpted walnut & brass table lamps. Dimensions 31in H x 9in W x 6in D
Brass
H 29 in W 8 in D 4.5 in
Expertly Restored -California Modern Sculpted Ebony Table Lamp by Modeline of CA
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions 29in H x 8in W x 4.50in D Shade: 10in H x 15in W x 15in D __________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, a...
Brass
H 33.5 in W 7.5 in D 5.5 in
Expertly Restored - California Modern Pyramid Style Table Lamp by Modeline of CA
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 33.50in H x 7.50in W x 5.50in D Lamp shade: 10in H x 17in W x 17in D. _______________________________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Centu...
Brass
H 34 in W 16.5 in D 6 in
Expertly Restored -California Modern Sculpted Swirl Table Lamp by Modeline of CA
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Brass
H 33 in W 8.5 in D 5.5 in
Expertly Restored-Lynn Lawrence Carved Biomorphic Table Lamp for Modeline of CA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Lynn Lawrence Manufacturer: Modeline of California
Brass
H 34.26 in W 16.54 in D 16.54 in
Large midcentury Sputnik Stilnovo style brass table lamp, US 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Zaandam, NL
base with brass ball feet, its design is reminiscent of lamps by Majestic Lamp Co. and Modeline of
Brass
H 26 in W 12 in D 12 in
Cactus Table Lamp, 1970s USA
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modeline and made of California pine, this lamp is a quintessential piece of midcentury design. Three stems
Glass, Pine
H 24 in Dm 12 in
1950s Modernist Table Lamp Mahogany Wood Mexico
By Modeline Lamp Co., Laurel Lamp Company
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Tapered Tower Mahogany Wood Table Lamp Mexico circa 1950s Manner of Modeline California and Laurel
Mahogany
H 12 in W 55.5 in D 18 in
Mid Century Modern Expandable Slatted Coffee Table/Bench by John Keal
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Soquel, CA
of California and Modeline.
Walnut
H 15.25 in W 18 in D 18 in
Brown Saltman Solid Walnut End Table with Burl Walnut Inset
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Soquel, CA
of California and Modeline.
Walnut
H 36.75 in W 8 in D 8 in
Modeline Table Lamp
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Southfield, MI
Signed Modeline of California table lamp, dating to the late 1960s. Rendered in black satin
H 22.5 in W 8 in D 7.5 in
Pair of Modeline Lamps of California with Sweeping Body
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Portland, OR
A pair of modeline lamps of California with sweeping body in teak and walnut.
Teak, Walnut
H 36 in Dm 8.75 in
Modeline of California Lamp
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Modeline of California lamp. All original and retains label.
Walnut, Fabric
H 38.5 in Dm 8.75 in
Modeline of California Lamp
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Modeline of California lamp. This version is a 3 way version lighting the bottom, top and both
Walnut, Fabric
H 27 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in
Modeline of California Modern Sculpted Walnut Table Lamp
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modeline of California modern sculpted walnut table lamp.
Brass
H 27 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in
Modeline of California Modern Sculpted Walnut & Brass Table Lamp
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modeline of California modern sculpted walnut & brass table lamp.
Brass
H 43.5 in Dm 13 in
Modeline of California Mid-Century Large-Scale Lamp
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual lamp by Modeline of California in hard to find excellent original condition. Walnut and
H 54.5 in W 23.25 in D 9.75 in
Sculptural Lamp by Modeline of California
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A captivating and rare sculptural lamp table by Modeline of California in a tall triangular shape
Metal
H 60 in W 10.5 in D 10.5 in
Modeline of California Sculpted Walnut Floor Lamp
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning sculpted modern floor lamp designed and manufactured by Modeline of California in the
Brass
H 65 in W 11 in D 11 in
Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Floor Lamp by Modeline of California
By John Keal, Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut floor lamp by Modeline of California.
Brass
H 22 in Dm 7.5 in
Pair of Table Lamps by Modeline of California
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in South Charleston, WV
Modeline, California, USA circa 1960, each lamp 7.5 wide and 22 inches tall. Modeline of
Brass
H 48 in W 47 in D 20 in
Space Age MCM Sculptural Attributed to Modeline of California Floor Lamp
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Space Age Modern Sculptural Attributed to Modeline of California Floor Lamp Shelf Rare
Wood
H 57.5 in W 13 in D 16 in
Jack Heywood & Arthur Jacobs for Modeline of California 1960's Model 7520
By Modeline Lamp Co., Arthur Jacobs
Located in New York, NY
Jack Heywood & Arthur Jacobs for Modeline of California 1960's Model 7520. Excellent vintage
Wood
H 62 in W 11.5 in D 11.5 in
Expertly Restored-Arthur Jacobs Model-350 Floor Lamp for Modeline of California
By Arthur Jacobs, Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Arthur Jacobs Model 350 floor lamp for Modeline of California is a refined example of mid
Brass
H 37 in W 6 in D 6 in
Mid-Century Modern Geometric Table Lamp by Modeline of California
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Modeline of CA Manufacturer: Modeline of CA Materials: Walnut, Ebonized Wood, Brass, New
Brass
H 61.5 in W 11 in D 11 in
Expertly Restored - Modeline of California Sculpted Walnut & Brass Floor Lamp
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Linen, Wood, Walnut
H 61.5 in Dm 11 in
Modeline of California Sculpted Walnut Lamp with New Linen Shade
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Linen, Walnut
H 42 in Dm 17 in
Mid-Century Sculpted Walnut Floor Lamp by Modeline of California
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 42in H x 17in W x 17in D.
Brass
H 23 in W 6 in D 6 in
Pair of Wood and Brass Table Lamps by Modeline of California
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Toronto, ON
A pair of vintage sculpted wood lamps with polished brass elements. These special lamps have optional new shades or you are welcome to the original shades (see pics) if you prefer. T...
Wood
John Keal Attributed. Sculptural Trident Table Lamps for Modeline of California
By Modeline Lamp Co., John Keal
Located in Southampton, NJ
Modeline circa 1960 having newly refinished frames with new shades and fresh wiring. In perfect condition
Brass, Steel
H 61.5 in W 12 in D 12 in
John Keal Sculpted Trident-Style Floor Lamp for Modeline of California
By John Keal, Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Brass
H 40.25 in W 8 in D 9 in
Expertly Restored - John Keal Korina Wood Table Lamp for Modeline of California
By John Keal, Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Korina Wood, New Linen Shade, Polished Brass ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back t...
Brass
H 58 in Dm 9.5 in
Midcentury “Serpentine” Floor Lamp by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Modeline of California Manufacturer: Modeline of California Period/Style: Mid Century
Brass
H 39 in W 11.5 in D 6 in
Mid Century California Modern Black Table Lamp with Glass Globe by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern accent table lamp manufactured by Modeline of California, circa 1970's. This
Chrome
H 65 in W 20 in D 20 in
Modeline "Cactus" 3-Light Floor Lamp
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare solid wood "Cactus" floor lamp by Modeline of California. Includes the original 3 amber globe
Wood
H 61 in W 9 in D 11.25 in
California Modern Geometric Globe Floor Lamp by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century floor lamp designed and manufactured by Modeline of California in the United States
Chrome
H 62 in Dm 11 in
Danish Modern Modeline Brass and Walnut Floor Lamp
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Bainbridge, NY
1950s Modeline of California sculpted walnut and brass accent floor lamp. Features tubular
Brass
H 60.5 in Dm 13.5 in
Midcentury Sculpted Walnut Floor Lamp by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern floor lamp designed and manufactured by Modeline of California in the United
Brass
H 29.75 in Dm 12.75 in
Midcentury Sculpted Wood Lamps by Modeline, a Pair
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Fulton, CA
Sculptural Mid-Century Modern table lamps by Modeline of California, circa 1960s. Amazing original
Wood
H 72 in W 15.5 in D 15.5 in
California Modern Sculpted Walnut Floor Lamp with New Linen Shade by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dazzling vintage floor lamp designed and manufactured by Modeline of California circa 1960s. This
Linen, Wood, Walnut
American Mid Century Pair of Walnut and Brass Table Lamps by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
An unusual pair of table lamps by Modeline of California. Lamps are in excellent vintage condition
Brass
H 62 in Dm 17 in
Mid-Century Modeline Stained Walnut and Brass Floor Lamp
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This sculptural walnut and brass floor lamp was manufactured in the 1950s by Modeline of California
Brass
H 36 in Dm 12.5 in
Space Age Rare Table Lamp in Chrome and Acrylic by Modeline, circa 1970s
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Troy, MI
Modeline of California circa 1970s Three cylindrical acrylic shades with chrome banding atop a triangular
Wood
H 61.5 in W 11.25 in D 11.25 in
Midcentury Sculpted Floor Lamp by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning sculpted modern floor lamp designed and manufactured by Modeline of California in the
Brass
H 61.5 in W 11.25 in D 11.25 in
Midcentury Sculpted Floor Lamp by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning sculpted modern floor lamp designed and manufactured by Modeline of California in the
Brass
H 61.5 in W 11.25 in L 61.5 in
Midcentury Sculpted Floor Lamp by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning sculpted modern floor lamp designed and manufactured by Modeline of California in the
Brass
H 36 in W 10 in D 10 in
Exceptional Smoked Lucite Tower Table Lamps Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Miami, FL
. Each with a three level socket taking medium base bulbs, regular or three level. From Modeline of
Acrylic, Wood
H 58 in W 12 in L 58 in
Mid-Century Modern Magazine Floor Lamp by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stylish modern floor lamp designed and manufactured by Modeline of California in the United States
Brass
H 46.5 in Dm 13.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut and Brass Table Lamp by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern table lamp designed and manufactured by Modeline of California in the United States circa
Brass
H 61.25 in Dm 11.25 in L 61.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Floor Lamp by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dazzling modern floor lamp designed and manufactured by Modeline of California in the United States
Brass
H 14.75 in W 10.5 in D 12 in
Arthur Jacobs "Half Moon" Table Lamp for Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co., Arthur Jacobs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dazzling modern table lamp designed by Arthur Jacobs for Modeline of California in the United
Chrome
H 60.25 in W 9 in D 9 in
Midcentury Three-Globe Geometric Floor Lamp
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century floor lamp designed and manufactured by Modeline of California in the United States
Brass
H 14 in W 26 in D 26 in
Mid-Century Modern Artichoke Style Walnut Chandelier
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning modern chandelier designed and manufactured by Modeline of California in the United States
Brass
H 29.5 in Dm 13 in L 29.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Table Lamp
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stylish modern table lamp designed and manufactured by Modeline of California in the United States
Brass
H 29 in W 15 in D 15 in
Mid Century Pine Cactus Table Lamp by Charles Gibilterra for Modeline, c1970s
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Chino Hills, CA
lamp. Crafted by the esteemed designer Charles Gibilterra for Modeline of California in the 1970s, this
Pine
H 63 in W 15 in D 15 in
Mid Century Pine Cactus Shaped Floor Lamp by Charles Gibilterra for Modeline of
By Charles Gibilterra, Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Chino Hills, CA
lamp. Crafted by the esteemed designer Charles Gibilterra for Modeline of California in the 1970s, this
Pine
H 44 in W 15 in L 44 in
Midcentury Walnut and Brass Sculpted Table Lamp
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stylish sculpted modern table lamp designed and manufactured by Modeline of California in the
Brass
H 63 in W 15 in D 15 in
Mid Century Pine Cactus Shaped Floor Lamp by Charles Gibilterra for Modeline
By Charles Gibilterra, Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Chino Hills, CA
lamp. Crafted by the esteemed designer Charles Gibilterra for Modeline of California in the 1970s, this
Pine
H 33.25 in W 20.5 in D 10 in
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Biomorphic Walnut and Brass Table Lamp by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Topeka, KS
its original oval shade with scattered leaves by Modeline. It is in fabulous vintage condition. We
Brass
H 35.5 in Dm 8 in
California Modernist Sculpted Table Lamp by Modeline of CA
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
California Modernist sculpted table lamp by Modeline of CA.
Brass
H 41.25 in W 13.5 in D 13.5 in
California Modern Column Walnut Floor Lamp by Modeline of CA
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
California modern column walnut floor lamp by Modeline of CA.
Brass
H 23 in W 7.75 in D 7.75 in
California Modern Sculpted Table Lamp with Brass Accents by Modeline of CA
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
California Modern sculpted table lamp with brass accents by Modeline of CA.
Brass
H 36.5 in W 10 in D 10 in
California Modern Sculpted Table Lamp with Inlaid Wood by Modeline of CA
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
California modern sculpted table lamp with inlaid wood by Modeline of CA Dimensions 36.50in H x
Brass
H 40.25 in Dm 10 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modeline Teak Lamps
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in San Antonio, TX
. 40.25" x 10" diameter Modeline Company Of California was a small lighting company located in Los
Teak
H 36.5 in W 12.5 in D 12.5 in
California Modern Sculpted Table Lamp by Modeline of CA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer Modeline Manufacturer Modeline
Brass
H 36.75 in W 11 in L 36.75 in
Midcentury 2-Globe Geometric Table Lamp by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern table lamp designed and manufactured by Modeline Lamp Co. of California in the
Brass
H 60 in W 11 in L 60 in
Midcentury Geometric 3-Globe Floor Lamp by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tall Mid-Century Modern floor lamp designed and manufactured by Modeline Lamp Co. of California in
Brass
H 57 in Dm 18 in
Vintage Modeline Wood Floor Lamp / Adrian Pearsall
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Modeline wood floor lamp with tinted glass table top. In the style of Adrian Pearsall.
Wood
H 38.5 in W 6.75 in D 6.75 in
Expertly Restored -Mid-Century California Modern Sculpted Table Lamp by Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Brass
H 38.63 in Dm 14 in
Pair of Modeline Model 635 Cylinder Shaped Sculptured Walnut Table Lamps
By Modeline Lamp Co., Arthur Jacobs, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Pair of Modeline 635 model designed by Arthur Jacobs. The original advertisement describes these lamps as having a Japanese influence. One can see the similarities of Jacobs design w...
Brass
H 42 in W 12 in D 12 in
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Globe Ring Lamp for Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Chrome
Pair of Walnut and Brass Table Lamps in Style of Modeline, Mid Century Modern
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Sculptural, tall Mid Century Modern lamps have solid walnut bodies in organic, graphic shapes mounted on round brass bases, with brass elements and hardware. The lamps are not sign...
Brass
Monumental Pair of Sculptural Walnut Star of David lamps Mid-century Modern
By Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Excellent pair of sculptural walnut star of david super tall lamps. Well crafted with delicately carved solid walnut arms forming a lovely star. You will love the scale and quality...
Brass
H 40.75 in Dm 16 in
Sculptural Table Lamp manner of Modeline
By John Keal, Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in Fulton, CA
A sculptural walnut table lamp in the manner of Modeline, attributed to John Keal. Height to finial 40.75 in Height to base of socket 26.5 in. Shade is not included, worn and tatt...
Walnut
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.