Suspension Pendant by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension pendant by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy circa 1960s. Brushed satin glass diffuser
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Suspension Pendant by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension pendant by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy circa 1960s. Brushed satin glass diffuser
Brass
Rewire Custom Orb Chandelier
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Twelve globe brass chandelier made of brass and metal and satin glass globes. Takes 12 E26 25w maximum bulbs.
Metal, Brass
Chandeliers by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chandeliers by Stilnovo (Italy 1960s) Five shade tapered drop fluted shades in a variable finish
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chandelier by Stilnovo ( Italy, 1960s) Eight opaline glass spouted diffusers circle through a main
Opal, Brass
Ceiling Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ceiling Light by Stilnovo (Italy, c. 1960s) Halophane glass bottom diffuser with black enameled top shade. Ventilation slits give added detail and focus to the illuminated. A three ...
Steel, Brass, Aluminum
Ceiling Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ceiling light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa the 1950s. Features a large clear blue and
Brass
Orbital Ceiling Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Orbital Ceiling Light by Stilnovo Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1950s. A planetary
Aluminum, Brass
Rare Model 622 Ceiling Light for Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare model 622 Ceiling Light for Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1995. Minimal tear
Metal
Rare Chandelier by Giampiero Aloi for Stilnovo
By Giampiero Aloi, Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Chandelier by Giampiero Aloi for Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1950s
Brass
Rare Pulley Suspension Light by Gaetano Sciolari for Stilnovo
By Gaetano Sciolari, Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare pulley suspension light by Gaetano Sciolari for Stilnovo, designed and manufactured in
Brass, Aluminum
Rare Ceiling Light by Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Ceiling Light by Stilnovo, Italy, 1950s A rare and architecturally ambitious chandelier by
Metal
Stilnovo Pendant
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Metal, brushed satin glass and brass pendant by Stilnovo. Custom canopy. Overall drop can be
Metal, Brass
Pendant by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elliptical shaped pendant manufactured by Stilnovo In Italy, circa 1950s. Brushed satin glass with
Brass
Pendant by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pendant by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s. Rewired for U.S. junction boxes Brushed
Brass
Glass Pendant by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elliptical shaped glass pendant by Stilnovo. Made of brushed satin glass with brass hardware
Brass
Single Pendant by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Single pendant by Stilnovo. Manufactured by Stilnovo in Italy, circa 1950s. Lacquered aluminum
Metal, Aluminum
Pendant Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pendant light by Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1960's. Rewired for U.S
Brass
Two Rare Stilnovo Pendants
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two rare Stilnovo pendants. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s. Brass and textured glass. Rewired
Brass
Two Pendants by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two pendants manufactured by Stilnovo in Italy circa 1960s. Brushed satin glass diffusers, brass
Metal, Brass
Three Pendants Attributed to Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three pendants attributed to Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1960s. Acrylic, brass and
Brass, Aluminum
Single Italian Pendant by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Single Pendant by Stilnovo, circa 1960s. Enameled metal, brushed satin glass diffusers, brass
Brass, Metal
Brass and Satin Glass Pendant by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brass and satin glass pendant by Stilnovo. Designed in Italy, circa 1950s. Original canopy with
Brass
Two Glass and Brass Suspension Pendants by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two suspension pendants with satin glass and brass hardware. Designed by Stilnovo in Italy, circa
Brass
Stilnovo Chandelier
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stilnovo chandelier with rare split form. Manufactured in Italy by Stilnovo. Rewired for US
Metal, Brass
Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chandelier manufactured by Stilnovo in Italy, circa 1960s. Two shades made of brass with textured
Brass
Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nine Globe chandelier by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy circa 1950s. Brass, with brushed satin
Brass
Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chandelier by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s. Brass and brushed satin glass diffusers
Brass
Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Seven shade chandelier by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s. Brass, textured glass and
Brass
Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chandelier by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy circa 1960s. Brass, enameled aluminum and brushed
Brass, Aluminum
Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chandelier by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa the 1950s. Aged polished brass and painted
Brass
Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Linear chandelier by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa the 1950s. Six double fluted shades run
Aluminum, Brass
Ceiling Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ceiling Light by Stilnovo. Designed and manufacturered in Italy, circa the 1960s. Simplistic orb
Opal, Steel
Ceiling Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stilnovo Ceiling Light. Frosted glass and aged brass. Original canopy. Rewired for U.S. standards
Metal, Brass
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
this iconic Stilnovo design. Rewired for U.S. standards. Original canopy. Takes one E27 60w maximum
Opal, Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s. Brushed satin glass diffusers
Brass
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1960s. Enameled metal and opaline glass
Brass, Metal
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s. Brushed satin glass diffuser
Brass
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s. Brushed satin glass diffuser
Brass
Chandelier Attributed to Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ten globe chandelier attributed to Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s. Brushed satin
Brass, Metal
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension Light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa the 1950s. Features a large frosted
Brass
Ceiling Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ceiling light by Stilnovo. Designed and Manufactured in Italy, circa the 1950s. Etched tinted glass
Brass
Ceiling Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ceiling Light by Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1950s. Conical enameled
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Orbital Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Orbital chandelier by Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1960s. Brass, glass and
Brass, Aluminum
Ceiling Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ceiling Light by Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1950s. Six shade
Brass, Steel
Ceiling Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ceiling Light by Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1960s. A large enameled
Aluminum, Brass
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension Light by Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1950s. A pulley system
Aluminum, Brass
Two Suspension Lights by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two suspension pendant lights manufactured by Stilnovo in Italy, circa 1960s. Original brass
Brass
Six Arm Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Six Arm Chandelier manufactured by Stilnovo in Italy circa 1950's. Brass, metal and textured glass
Metal, Brass
Sixteen Shade Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sixteen shade chandelier manufactured by Stilnovo in Italy, circa 1950s. Brushed satin glass and
Brass
Five Globe Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Five globe chandelier by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy circa 1950s. Brass with brush satin glass
Brass
Eight-Shade Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Eight-shade chandelier designed and manufactured by Stilnovo, circa 1960s. Brass with textured
Brass
One Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One suspension light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1960s. Enameled aluminum, chrome
Aluminum
Two Suspension Lights by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension light by Stilnovo manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s. Brushed satin glass with brass
Brass
Two Suspension Lights by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two suspension lights by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1960s. Brass, with faceted glass
Brass
Rare Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare suspension light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1960s. Rewired for U.S. junction
Brass, Metal
Rare Ceiling Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare ceiling light by Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1950s. Three shade
Aluminum, Brass
Rare Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare double-shade suspension light by Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s
Brass
Rare Large Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
sided pendant by Stilnovo features a stunning 360 degree tear drop milk glass shade on both sides of a
Opal, Brass, Steel
Rare Large Suspension Lights by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
rare double-sided pendant by Stilnovo features a stunning 360-degree tear drop milk glass shade on both
Brass, Steel
Rare Large Suspension Lights by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
rare double-sided pendant by Stilnovo features a stunning 360-degree tear drop milk glass shade on both
Steel, Nickel
Ten-Arm Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ten-arm brass and metal chandelier with satin glass shades. Rewired. Takes ten E14 25W, European
Brass, Metal
Three Shade Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
in the 1950s. Rewired. Each shade takes an E27 60w maximum bulb.
Brass, Wire
Three-Arm Chandelier attributed to Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stilnovo, circa 1960s. Rewired. E27 60w maximum bulbs. Overall drop can be customized.
Brass, Metal
Multi-Tube Brass Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi-tube brass chandelier manufactured by Stilnovo in Italy, circa 1950s. Rewired for US junction
Brass
Twelve-Arm Ceiling Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Twelve-arm ceiling light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s. Brass and brushed satin
Brass
Nine Globe Italian Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nine-globe cascading chandelier by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1960s. Brushed satin
Brass, Metal
Nine Globe Italian Chandelier by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nine-globe cascading chandelier by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1960s. Brushed satin
Metal, Brass
Chandelier attributed to Stilnovo, circa 1950
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chandelier attributed to Stilnovo, circa 1950. Manufactured in Italy. Brushed satin glass diffusers
Brass, Metal
$5,290 / item
H 27.56 in Dm 55.91 in
Orbitale Brass Chandelier 5 Rotating Balanced Arms, All Brass and Natural Patina
By Silvio Piattelli
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
After many requests of customization in all brass and patina of the orbitale chandelier I decided to go ahead with a separate listing. This all brass version is possible as the orbi...
Brass
$673Sale Price / item|55% Off
H 33.47 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and boucle. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade ...
Oak
Rewire Custom Six-Shade Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Six-shade chandelier. Custom Fabrication by rewire gallery. Painted aluminum, with brass pivoting shades, French black twist silk cord. Rewired for US junction boxes. We recommend s...
Metal, Brass
Colorful Sputnik Chandelier in the Style of Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Vienna, AT
Large and colorful Sputnik chandelier in the style of Stilnovo, Arredoluce from the 1950s. Brass construction with sixteen arms and E14 porcelain sockets inside the colored cone.
Brass
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool This White Oak Chile Counter Stool is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The stool is chunky and modern...
Wood, Oak
$1,650 / item
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
$4,250 / set
H 15.75 in W 5 in D 3 in
Brass and Murano Glass Sconces, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, New Design
Located in Austin, TX
Petite sconces from Murano, Italy made with smoked glass stamped into a lovely curved shape with texture. The brass structure has been newly wired to fit US standards.
Brass
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Oak Wood by Master for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Envisioned by designer Yaniv Chen, the Constant nightstand exudes an air of refined luxury, celebrating the inherent splendor of wood. Meticulously crafted with impeccable proportion...
Oak
Rosso Wall Mirror
By Specchi Veneziani
Located in Milan, IT
Crafted in the finest Murano tradition, this exquisite Venetian mirror is a true work of art. Assembled with crystal and gold elements, and adorned with red glass flowers, each piece...
Glass
$1,175 / item
H 14.18 in W 7.88 in D 9.06 in
Italian Sconces, Stilnovo Style Design Midcentury, Opaline and Brass
By Stilnovo
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Modern Italian sconces made of brass and opaline. Beautiful sculptural and decorative wall light in the style of Stilnovo.
Brass
$2,645 / item
H 39.38 in Dm 55.12 in
Six Arms Brass Chandelier, Ivory Sage Pivot Shades, Stilnovo Style, Twelve Bulbs
By Arteluce, Stilnovo, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This six-arm spider chandelier features a combination of ivory and sage colors, with a natural patina brass finish. The pivoting heads allow for easy light distribution throughout th...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Stingray Chandelier Brass by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
Stingray chandelier brass by 101 Copenhagen Designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl. Dimensions: L 152 cm x W 121 cm x H 70 cm Materials: Brass Lampshade & Ceiling cup: 100...
Aluminum, Brass
$7,800 / item
H 8 in W 48 in D 17 in
FLOTILLA Chandelier in Brass and Terracotta Enamel by Blueprint Lighting 2021
By Blueprint Lighting, Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
The Flotilla ceiling fixture designed by Blueprint Lighting; a playful piece of functional sculpture inspired by the "Flotilla" fabric designed by Lucienne Day, 1952. This fixtures w...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
$1,650 / item
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé Burgundy Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé Burgundy Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called i...
Textile
Large White Chandelier by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This striking chandelier was designed by Emil Stejnar for the renowned Vienna-based lighting manufacturer Rupert Nikoll in the 1960s. Stejnar is celebrated for his poetic and celesti...
Metal
Rare Pendant Lamp attributed to Angelo Lelli for Arredoluce, 1950s
By Arredoluce
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This rare pendant lamp, attributed to the renowned Italian manufacturer Arredoluce in the 1950s, is an exceptional example of mid-century Italian design. The lamp features a softly g...
Metal, Brass
Though Bruno Gatta founded Stilnovo way back in 1946, it is still one of the most instantly recognizable names in lighting. Gatta (1904–76) began his business in Milan, and, like many European creatives designing furniture and decor in the wake of World War II, he leaned toward the new wave of mass-market and streamlined styles. In fact, Stilnovo loosely translates to “new style” in Italian, and vintage Stilnovo chandeliers, floor lamps and other lighting have endured as a practical choice for those looking to bring innovative and forward-thinking design into their homes.
Soon after Stilnovo was established, Gatta’s lighting fixtures were applauded throughout Europe for their novel industrial materials as well as their unique yet functional shapes. Italy during the mid-20th century was completely revolutionary, and Bruno Gatta and Stilnovo’s head designer, Angelo Gaetano Sciolari, helped shape the era.
When the 1960s arrived, Stilnovo was experiencing such a boom that the company opened a new production plant in Lainate. One of the brand’s most famous pieces, Giovanni Luigi Gorgoni’s quirky 1965 Buonanotte spherical table lamp, became a best seller.
Gatta partnered with some of the most well-known names in design, including Ettore Sottsass, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Joe Colombo and Gae Aulenti. Sottsass’s pieces for Stilnovo, including the 1977 Valigia four-legged table lamp, the 1968 Lampros chandelier and Manifesto ceiling light, and the Castiglionis’ 1957 Saliscendi pendant light fixtures are some of the brand’s most recognizable to date. In 1978, De Pas, D’Urbino and Lomazzi designed the Fante lamp with an adjustable reflector that playfully recalls a broad-brimmed hat.
Stilnovo’s designs, including Danilo and Corrado Aroldi’s flexible Periscope table lamp, were featured in the 1972 exhibition “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” at the Museum of Modern Art. While Stilnovo continued to operate with new designer collaborations after Gatta’s death, it closed its doors in 1988.
Italian art director Massimo Anselmi acquired the company in 2012 and rereleased several of Stilnovo’s most celebrated pieces. Then in 2019, lighting giant Linea Light Group purchased Stilnovo and relaunched its classic designs with contemporary touches like LED lighting systems.
Find vintage Stilnovo chandeliers and pendants, wall lights, table lamps and other fixtures and furniture on 1stDibs.
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.
Chandeliers — simple in form, inspired by candelabras and originally made of wood or iron — first made an appearance in early churches. For those wealthy enough to afford them for their homes in the medieval period, a chandelier's suspended lights likely exuded imminent danger, as lit candles served as the light source for fixtures of the era. Things have thankfully changed since then, and antique chandeliers and pendant lights are popular in many interiors today.
While gas lighting during the late 18th century represented an upgrade for chandeliers — and gas lamps would long inspire Danish architect and pioneering modernist lighting designer Poul Henningsen — it would eventually be replaced with the familiar electric lighting of today.
The key difference between a pendant light and a chandelier is that a pendant incorporates only a single bulb into its design. Don’t mistake this for simplicity, however. An Art Deco–styled homage to Sputnik from Murano glass artisans Giovanni Dalla Fina, with handcrafted decorative elements supported by a chrome frame, is just one stunning example of the elaborate engineering that can be incorporated into every component of a chandelier. (Note: there is more than one lighting fixture that shares its name with the iconic mid-century-era satellite — see Gino Sarfatti’s design too.)
Chandeliers have evolved over time, but their classic elegance has remained unchanged.
Not only will the right chandelier prove impressive in a given room, but it can also offer a certain sense of practicality. These fixtures can easily illuminate an entire space, while their elevated position prevents them from creating glare or straining one’s eyes.
Certain materials, like glass, can complement naturally lit settings without stealing the show. Brass, on the other hand, can introduce an alluring, warm glow. While LEDs have earned a bad reputation for their perceived harsh bluish lights and a loss of brightness over their life span, the right design choices can help harness their lighting potential and create the perfect mood. A careful approach to lighting can transform your room into a peaceful and cozy nook, ideal for napping, reading or working.
For midsize spaces, a wall light or sconce can pull the room together and get the lighting job done. Perforated steel rings underneath five bands of handspun aluminum support a rich diffusion of light within Alvar Aalto's Beehive pendant light, but if you’re looking to brighten a more modest room, perhaps a minimalist solution is what you’re after. The mid-century modern furniture designer Charlotte Perriand devised her CP-1 wall lamps in the 1960s, in which a repositioning of sheet-metal plates can redirect light as needed.
The versatility and variability of these lighting staples mean that, when it comes to finding something like the perfect chandelier, you’ll never be left hanging. From the natural world-inspired designs of the Art Nouveau era to the classic beauty of Paul Ferrante's fixtures, there is a style for every room.
With designs for pendant lights and chandeliers across eras, colors and materials, you’ll never run out of options to explore on 1stDibs — shop a collection today that includes antique Art Deco chandeliers, Stilnovo chandeliers, Baccarat chandeliers and more.