Modern Vanity Lights
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Rare Osvaldo Borsani Vanity Table in Maple with Mirrors and Built-in Lights
By Arredamenti Borsani, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
, mirrored glass, lacquered wood, Italy, 1943
An exquisite and truly exceptional vanity table designed by
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Vanities
Materials
Brass
H 52.37 in W 50.4 in D 24.02 in
Vintage Italian Vanity Mirror with Lights
Located in Milano, IT
hidden in you.
Besides its main function of vanity mirror, its many lights are also ideal to brighten up
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Chrome, Mirror and Textured Glass Vanity Light
Located in New York, NY
This elegant vanity light was realized in the United States, circa 1970. It features a rectangular
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Beveled Mirror and Relief Textured Glass Vanity Light
Located in New York, NY
This very chic wall mounted vanity light features a surround of beveled mirror with the bottom in
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Celadon Craqueleur Glass Vanity Light with Chrome Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This bold and sophisticated Mid Century Modern vanity light was hand blown in Murano, Italy- the
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Chrome
H 7.5 in W 15 in D 4 in
Mid-Century Modern Brass & Glass Pinwheel Three Bulb Vanity Light by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
This whimsical and refined Mid-Century Modern three bulb vanity light was realized in the United
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
H 5.5 in W 18 in D 4 in
Mid-Century Modern Brushed Brass and Translucent Cub Glass Vanity by Sciolari
By Gaetano Sciolari
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modern sconce was realized by the celebrated atelier of Gaetano Sciolari
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
H 4 in W 18 in D 3.5 in
Lightcraft of California Vanity Bathroom Sink Aluminum Wall Light Space Modern
Located in Miami, FL
. Perfect for over the sink bathroom light or vanity. In very good condition, probably never used or used
Category
Vintage 1960s American Space Age Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Aluminum
H 4.5 in W 24 in D 5 in
Mid-Century Modern Two Bulb Brass and Glass Pinwheel Vanity Sconce by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
This whimsical and refined Mid-Century Modern two bulb vanity light was realized in the United
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
H 5.5 in W 12 in D 4 in
Barovier Murano Glass Rectangular Vanity Sconce
By Ercole Barovier
Located in New York, NY
1 rectangular form sconce with gold glass inclusions and brass fittings. Rewired for use in the USA. Sconce utilizes four candelabra type bulbs.
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Murano Glass
1950's Rope Twist Glass Vanity Light
Located in New York, NY
1950's rope twist glass vanity light.
Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Modernist Hand-Blown Milk Glass Vanity Light
Located in New York, NY
This minimal and materially gorgeous Mid-Century Modernist Hand-Blown Milk Glass Vanity Light
Category
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Milk Glass
Large Murano Ice Glass Vanity Sconce by Kaiser, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Gorgeous Murano glass sconce Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970s.
High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired.
The fixture requires 2 x E27 Small bulbs with 80W ...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Pyramidal Translucent Cut Crystal Vanity Light by Glashütte Limburg
By Glashütte Limburg
Located in New York, NY
This glittering Mid-Century Modernist Vanity Light in Pyramidal Translucent Cut Crystal & Black
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Enamel
H 4.25 in W 24 in D 5 in
Large Murano Ice Glass Vanity Sconces by Kaiser, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Gorgeous glass sconces with brass holders by Hillebrand Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970s.
High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and ready to use.
The sconce re...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Murano Glass
Pair of Murano Ice Glass Vanity Sconces by Kaiser, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Gorgeous pair of angular glass sconces with chrome holders by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970s.
High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired.
Each fixture requ...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Hand-Blown Murano Glass & Polished Nickel Vanity Light by Mazzega
By Mazzega
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful Mid-Century Modernist Cubic Vanity Light in Hand-Blown Murano Glass and Polished
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Nickel
H 4.24 in W 24 in D 7 in
Pair of Large Murano Ice Glass Vanity Sconces by Honsel, Germany, 1970s
By Honsel
Located in Aachen, NRW
(US, UK, Europe, Asia, Australia..)
Please note the price listed is for the set of two wall lights
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Murano Glass
H 13.78 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
Pair of Murano Ice Glass Vanity Sconces by Kaiser, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Gorgeous pair of Murano glass sconces by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970s.
Heavy quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and ready to use.
Each fixture re...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Murano Glass
To and Fro Sconce Contemporary Minimalist LED Linear Vanity Sconce, UL
By Aurora Lampworks
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Patina Finish:
Satin brass satin nickel antique brass blackened brass custom finish available
Our hand-finished patina may have a reasonable degree of color/finish variation.
C...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Pair of Murano Ice Glass Vanity Sconces by Kaiser, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Gorgeous pair of Murano glass sconces by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970s.
Heavy quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and ready to use.
Each fixture re...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Murano Glass
Pair of Murano Ice Glass Vanity Sconces by Kaiser, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Gorgeous pair of Murano glass sconces by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970s.
Heavy quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and ready to use.
Each fixture re...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Murano Glass
1 of 6 Large Murano Ice Glass Vanity Sconces by Kaiser, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
.
6 wall lights are available.
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Murano Glass
H 19.69 in W 4.34 in D 3.94 in
1 of 3 Murano Ice Glass Vanity Sconces brass by Hillebrand, Germany, 1970s
By Hillebrand
Located in Aachen, NRW
light.
3 Wall lights are available.
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
H 9.45 in W 5.12 in D 3.94 in
Set of 3 Large Vanity Angular Murano Glass Sconces by Hillebrand, Germany, 1960s
By Hillebrand
Located in Aachen, NRW
countries (US, UK, Europe, Asia, Australia.)
Please note the price listed is for the set of 3 wall lights
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Murano Glass
H 13 in W 6.7 in D 3.94 in
Long Ice Glass Vanity Sconce on a Chrome Frame by Hillebrand, Germany
By Hillebrand
Located in London, GB
Long, slim ice glass sconce by Hillebrand, Germany, 1960s.
Curved glass shade of bubbled and textured glass over a silver-coloured chrome back plate. White switch to one side. In t...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Large Vanity Angular Murano Glass Sconces by Hillebrand, Germany, 1960s
By Hillebrand
Located in Aachen, NRW
Gorgeous pair of angular Murano glass sconces with brass holders by Hillebrand Leuchten, Germany, circa 1960s.
Each wall light takes two x E27 standard bulbs (max. 60 watt for eac...
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
H 18.51 in W 10.24 in D 5.12 in
J.T. Kalmar Vanity Mirror Wall Light, Brass & Textured Glass, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful brass and glass modernist sconce / wall light manufactured by Kalmar Vienna / Austria in the 1950s. Can be used in combination a mirror, for example in the bathroom. A ch...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
1 of 5 Large Murano Ice Glass Vanity Sconce by Kaiser, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
light.
5 wall lights are available
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Murano Glass
Midcentury Pair of Kalmar Mazzega Murano Glass Wall Lights or Sconces, 1970s
By Mazzega, AVMazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Rare Vintage Mid-Century Modern rare pair of organic brass, white and clear Murano glass double
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
H 11.62 in W 7.68 in D 3.59 in
Midcentury Pair of Kalmar Mazzega Murano Glass Wall Lights or Sconces, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason, Mazzega, AVMazzega
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Vintage Mid-Century Modern rare pair of organic brass, white and clear Murano glass double socketed
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
H 11.42 in W 8.27 in D 3.75 in
1970s German Kaiser Leuchten Iced Textured Glass Wall Lights. 3 Available.
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in London, GB
A set of 3 (priced individually) 1970s iced-glass textured wall sconces or wall lights manufactured
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Chrome
H 13.78 in W 3.55 in D 4.34 in
1970s German Polished Chrome & Clear Bubble Glass Wall Lights. 3 Available
By Glashütte Limburg
Located in London, GB
bathroom by the side of a vanity unit.
3 available. Price is for one.
Dimensions: Overall Height: 18cm
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Chrome
H 7.09 in W 6.3 in D 4.93 in
Large Wall Lights Sconces Bakalowits or Kinkeldey Faceted Crystal Glass Metal
By Bakalowits & Söhne, Kinkeldey
Located in Nierstein am Rhein, DE
A large pair of faceted crystal glass silver plated wall lamps or vanity sconces manufactured by
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Metal
H 16.93 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
Pair of 1970s German Iced Frosted Glass German Kaiser Leuchten Wall Lights
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in London, GB
Pair of 1970s frosted iced-glass wall sconces or wall lights manufactured by the upmarket German
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Chrome
H 13.78 in W 3.15 in D 2.56 in
1 of 4 Pairs of Murano Ice Glass Vanity Sconces by Kaiser, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Gorgeous pair of Murano glass sconces by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970s.
Heavy quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and ready to use.
Each fixture requir...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Murano Glass
H 8.67 in W 5.91 in D 3.15 in
1 of 3 -Set of 2 PetiteMurano Ice Glass Vanity Sconces by Kaiser, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Gorgeous set of 2 petite Murano glass sconces by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970s.
Heavy quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired, and ready to use.
Each fixtur...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Murano Glass
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 3.94 in
Pair of Small 1970s German Kaiser Leuchten Iced Textured Glass Wall Lights
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in London, GB
Pair of small 1970s iced-glass textured wall sconces or wall lights manufactured by the upmarket
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Chrome
H 10.24 in W 4.34 in D 3.55 in
Pair of 1950s EJS Lighting Glass & Polished Chrome Torch Wall Lights or Sconces
By EJS Lighting
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of wall lights or sconces manufactured during the 1950s by EJS Lighting Corp of
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
H 9.45 in W 5.12 in D 5.91 in
1 of 4 -Set of 2 Large Murano Ice Glass Vanity Sconces by Kaiser, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Gorgeous set of 2 Murano glass sconces by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970s.
Heavy quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and ready to use.
Each fixture requir...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Murano Glass
H 19.69 in W 4.34 in D 3.94 in
1 of 4 -Set of 2 Large Murano Ice Glass Vanity Sconces by Kaiser, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Gorgeous set of 2 Murano glass sconces by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970s.
Heavy quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and ready to use.
Each fixture requir...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Murano Glass
H 19.69 in W 4.34 in D 3.94 in
Carlo Nason Pair of Kalmar Mid-Century Murano Glass Wall Lights or Sconces 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Rare vintage midcentury pair of polished steel, white and clear Murano glass wall lamps, lights or
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
H 15.75 in W 5.91 in D 5.91 in
Chime 35 Vertical Geometric Modern Led Sconce Light Fixture
By Studio Endo
Located in South El Monte, CA
hallway or vanity.
Metal finish
Powder-coat finish available in Metallic Brass, Metallic Gold, Metallic
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Steel
CHIME 23 Vertical Geometric Modern LED Sconce Light Fixture
By Studio Endo
Located in South El Monte, CA
hallway or vanity.
METAL FINISH
Powder-coat finish available in Metallic Brass, Metallic Gold, Metallic
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Illuminated Backlight Lucite Ice Glass Mirror Erco 1960s
By ERCO Leuchten
Located in Nuernberg, DE
any room, but will look very fine in a vanity room or dressing room. Lightbulbs shown in the pictures
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
CHIME SOLO 23 Horizontal Geometric Modern LED Sconce Light Fixture
By Studio Endo
Located in South El Monte, CA
with a single horizontal bar of soft warm light. Available in two sizes, perfect for a vanity or
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Steel
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Ice Glass Wall Sconces with Sockets, 1970s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of white clear ice glass vanity sconces, Germany, 1970s.
A beautiful pair of thick textured
Category
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Rattan wicker wall sconce
Located in Oxford, GB
with natural materials and adorned with a touch of gold, this modern light adds a luxurious touch to
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Rattan
Wilhelm Wagenfeld Black Bauhaus Sconce Double Wall Light by Linder Germany, 1950
By Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Lindner
Located in Vienna, AT
A Midcentury Modern double socket wall lamp/sconce dating back to the 1950s, designed by Wilhelm
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Porcelain, Glass, Opaline Glass
H 3 in W 10 in D 3.5 in
Wilhelm Wagenfeld Yellow Bauhaus Sconce / Double Wall Light by Linder Germany
By Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Lindner
Located in Vienna, AT
A Midcentury Modern double socket wall lamp/sconce dating back to the 1950s, designed by Wilhelm
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Porcelain, Glass, Opaline Glass
H 3 in W 10 in D 3.5 in
Lodge Linear Sconce XL
By Workstead
Located in Hudson, NY
bulb. A lithe but powerful presence makes this fixture ideal for use in a vanity or hallway. Variations
Category
2010s American Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Chrome and Glass Cube Four Light Wall Sconce by Gaetano Sciolari, C. 1970s
By Gaetano Sciolari, Lightolier
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mid-Century Modern four light sconce with cubist geometric design. Features four glass shades with
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Chrome
Chrome and Glass Cube Six Light Sconce by Gaetano Sciolari, c. 1970's
By Gaetano Sciolari, Lightolier
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Italian Mid-Century Modern sconce featuring six hand cut glass block shades. Streamline frame in
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Chrome
Sconce on Gold-Plated Base by Glashütte Limburg, Hollywood Regency Style 1960s
By Glashütte Limburg
Located in Nuernberg, DE
bulb, up to 60 watts. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany.
A nice wall lamp for your Vanity
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
H 9.13 in W 4.63 in D 3.75 in
Bicentric Wall Sconce in Natural Brass & Green Enamel Mesh, Blueprint Lighting
By Blueprint Lighting, Mathieu Matégot, Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
watts (or use LED). G25 vanity globe bulbs are recommended for this design. Bulbs are not included. UL
Category
2010s American Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Enamel, Bronze, Brass
Huge Vereinigte Werkstätten München Wall Mounted Polished Brass Mirror c. 1955
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
vanity or hallway mirror by the Vereinigte Werkstatten, Germany, circa 1955. Perfect for the Hollywood
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Large "POP" Wall Sconce in Bronze and Black Enamel by Blueprint Lighting
By Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
.
This piece may use any standard socket round or vanity bulb up to 60 watts (or use LED). Bulb is not
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Chrome, Nickel
Workstead Lodge Linear Sconce in Natural Oak Hewn Brass
By Workstead
Located in Hudson, NY
. A lithe but powerful presence makes this fixture ideal for use in a vanity or hallway. Made in the
Category
2010s American Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Jenny Glass Large Wall Sconce in Enamel, Glass & Brass, Blueprint Lighting
By Stilnovo, Mathieu Matégot, Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
ambient glow--works well for vanities!
The Jenny Glass sconce is an unexpected, overscaled design with
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
H 16.52 in W 13.63 in D 5.29 in
Workstead Lodge Linear Sconce in Oxidized Ash and Blackened Steel
By Workstead
Located in Hudson, NY
. A lithe but powerful presence makes this fixture ideal for use in a vanity or hallway. Made in the
Category
2010s American Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Steel
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Modern Vanity Lights For Sale on 1stDibs
An assortment of modern vanity lights is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct modern vanity lights — often made from glass, metal and brass — can elevate any home. Find 310 antique and vintage modern vanity lights at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 51 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. There are all kinds of modern vanity lights available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of modern vanity lights to choose from, but at 1stDibs, mid-century modern, modern and Art Deco modern vanity lights are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made modern vanity lights over the years, but those made by Kaiser Leuchten, Hillebrand and Blueprint Lighting are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much are Modern Vanity Lights?
Modern vanity lights can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $1,587, while the lowest priced sells for $100 and the highest can go for as much as $20,000.
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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.
Questions About Modern Vanity Lights
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021The best lighting for bathroom vanity is a matter of preference and depends on design and lighting needs. Bathroom vanity lights come in a range of shapes, sizes and colors. Vanity tables have been variously known as dressing tables or makeup tables over the years, but no matter what we call them — and whether it's a sophisticated contemporary piece or an iconic vintage Luigi Massoni vanity — vanities have offered a special place for us to get ready for work, an early-morning appointment or lunch date or whatever lies ahead. Shop a collection of antique and vintage vanities from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The best vanity mirror is a matter of preference, as you’ll want to think about space and how your furniture is arranged with respect to where you want to put it. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of antique and vintage vanity mirrors with lights to choose from.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021The best lighting for a vanity mirror can be brought about by placing two wall-mounted sconces on either side of the mirror at eye level. This creates cross-illumination. Fixtures that emit light that is as close to white as possible should be chosen with a high CRI (around 90-100) for the most accurate colors. Bulbs in the 2,500–3100 Kelvin ‘soft white' range are suitable for normal bathroom use, as well as for makeup application. Find a range of vanity lights on 1stDibs.
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Seguso Uranium
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Scandinavian Rosewood Dresser
Stone France 19th Century Garden
Make Up Vanity Mirror
Post Modern Waterfall Dresser
Arne Vodder Rosewood Dresser
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Antonio Da Ros Bird
Murano Hummingbird
Cenedese Dove
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Uranium Glass Cat
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Midcentury Dresser Light Wood
White Bedroom Dresser With Brown Top