$2,250
H 16.54 in W 17.72 in D 16.93 in
Elegant Articulating Fratelli Martini Art Deco Streamline Desk Lamp, 1930s
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant articulating Art Deco / Streamline desk lamp made in Europe in the 1930s. Beautiful ivory
Metal, Brass
Art Deco Bakelite Streamline Desk Lamp by E. Cole, c1930
By Eric Kirkham Cole
Located in Devon, England
A stunning example of Eric Kirkman Cole's Art Deco stylish table lamp in superb brown bakelite. A
Metal
Streamline Moderne Chrome Desk Lamp, circa 1940
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Norwood, NJ
A superb example of Streamline Moderne design, this chrome desk lamp dates to around 1940 and
Brass, Chrome
$580
H 14.5 in W 24 in D 13 in
Streamline Modern Dazor Lighting Floating-Arm Metal / Fiberglass Desk Lamp 1940s
By Dazor
Located in Miami, FL
Dazor Lighting model #2008 Floating-Arm desk lamp. It has a shade with a Flying Saucer shape with
Metal
$525
H 2.38 in Dm 7.25 in
Streamline Modern GEI Folding Table Desk Lamp by Enrique Aparicio Spain 1960
Located in Miami, FL
Minimalist Modern Spanish Folding Desk Lamp by Enrique Aparicio for Gabinete de Estudios
Chrome, Iron
Vintage Streamline Machine Age Desk Lamp
By Walter Von Nessen, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Dallas, TX
" glass shade and new silk cord wiring. Works with any lipped small glass shade. Matching second lamp
Unavailable
H 12 in W 7.5 in D 9 in
Machine Age Art Deco Gilbert Rohde Attribution Pair Articulating Table Lamps
By Kurt Versen, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Dallas, TX
1930s streamline modernist desk or end table lamps. Normal vintage wear, from use. Fully functioning
Brass, Enamel, Chrome
Art Deco Bakelite Streamline Desk Lamp by E. Cole
By Eric Kirkham Cole
Located in Devon, England
A stunning example of Eric Kirkman Cole's Art Deco stylish table lamp in superb brown bakelite. A
Bakelite
1930s Streamline Machine Age Faries Lamp Co. Steel and Brass Desk Lamp
By Faries Lamp Co.
Located in Las Vegas, NV
1930s Faries Lamp CO. Desk lamp. Double shade swivel heads. Two-tone brass/brushed steel body
Streamline Art Deco Desk Lamp
Located in New York, NY
This skyscraper style Desk lamp rests on a stepped base and pivots to adjust the light. It is made
"Streamline" Desk or table lamp - 1970s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Streamline Moderne is an international style of Art Deco architecture and design that emerged in
Metal, Aluminum
American Streamline Art Deco Chrome Desk Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
American streamline Art Deco chrome desk lamp, apparently unmarked, with spherical lamp on an
Chrome
Industrial Streamline Sightlight Desk or Table Lamp
By Raymond Loewy
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A swivelling satin black metal Industrial Streamline desk or table lamp with brushed aluminum stem
Enamel and Chromium Streamline Bankers Desk Lamp
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This Art Deco streamline modern lamp is finished in a light bronze metallic finish with chrome
Metal
Art Deco Streamline Desk Table Lamp, 1930s
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco streamline table lamp 1930s. The half ball has movement, and can regulate itself with the
Chrome
Art Deco Streamline Copper & Brass Desk Lamp
Located in New York, NY
This Art Deco desk lamp in copper and brass features a domed canopy over a tapered fitting with a
Fase Style Streamline White Enamel Metal Desk Lamp with Saucer Shade, 1940s
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Fase Style Machine Age All White reading desk lamp with white saucer shade. Featuring a White
Metal, Brass
Streamline Art Deco Machine Age Desk or Table Lamp in Copper and Chrome
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco Machine Age desk or table lamp in copper and chrome. A chrome base, on which rests the
Chrome, Copper
1920s Art Deco Streamline Desk Lamp
Located in Surrey, BC
A designer style Art Deco desk lamp with a desirable cantilevered arm and two-tiered enameled metal
Brass, Metal
Art Deco Desk table Lamp Streamline Machine Age Patinated Metal & Brass
By Faries Lamp Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and very rare 1930s patinated metal in a copper finish with brass finial. small desk
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 11 in W 12 in D 7 in
Streamline Industrial Modern Art Deco Metal Desk Lamp Donald Deskey Era, 1930s
By Donald Deskey
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Streamline Industrial modern Art Deco metal table desk lamp attributed to the style of Donald
Metal, Copper
Sold
H 12.5 in W 10.75 in D 11.5 in
1947 Streamline "eye-saver" Cobra Desk Lamp by Jean Otis Reinecke Faries
By Jean Otis Reinecke, Norman Bel Geddes
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Art Deco , Streamline "Cobra" desk / table Lamp designed by by Jean Otis Reinecke for
Metal, Brass
Gilbert Rohde American Art Deco Streamline Desk Lamp
Located in Coral Gables, FL
This sweet American art deco desk lamp designed by Gilbert Rohde sits on a block of Brazilian
Rosewood
Streamline diminutive Brass Desk Lamp
Located in Oakland, CA
A small desk lamp with a great look.
Brass
Machine Age Table Desk Lamp Faries Cobra Streamline Art Deco
By Faries Lamp Co., J.O. Reincke
Located in Oakland, CA
Art Deco streamline lamp, complete and restored. A favourite of mine, the famous “Cobra” lamp
Metal, Copper, Chrome
Streamline Polaroid Desk Lamp by Walter Dorwin Teague, circa 1939
By Walter Dorwin Teague
Located in Essex, MA
Executive Desk Lamp , Model No. 114, by Walter Dorwin Teague (1883-1960), and manufactured by the
Aluminum
Large Pivoting Streamline Desk or Task Lamp by Norman Bel Geddes
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautifully designed early Bel Geddes lamp has a polished nickel finish. The shade pivots from
Nickel
Modernist Streamline Desk Lamp Industrial Art Deco Design
Located in Oakland, CA
Rare Art Deco industrial light. Half rounded metal top that can be used in multiple positions. Acquired in Argentina but in the style of some of great looking designs by American ind...
Chrome
Sold
H 12 in W 12 in D 6 in
Machine Age Art Deco Streamline Markel Desk Lamp Jeweler's Lamp Banker's Lamp
By Markel Corporation
Located in Dallas, TX
Machine Age Art Deco Streamline Markel Desk Lamp Jeweler's Lamp Banker's Lamp Banker Bankers
Aluminum, Chrome, Enamel, Steel
Monumental Lucite Sculpture by Norman Mercer
By Norman Mercer
Located in Miami, FL
Amazing to say the least. This Lucite sculpture is colorful as well as having a substantial presence and unexpected design. Multiple radial pieces are arranged in a concentric design...
Pair of Rosewood nightstands
By Luigi Sormani
Located in PARIS, FR
Pair of italian nightstands in laminated rosewood. A simple design that reminds of the Gavina furniture. Two large drawers on each. The condition is very good, a little chip as big ...
Rosewood
Thomas Moser floor lamp by Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston
Located in Highland, IN
This great floor lamp is architectural with a restrained playfulness, it employs innovative materials (perforated steel) and reflected light for a nice mix of direct and indirect ill...
Brass, Steel
Early Marco Zanuso Lady Chair, Italy, 1960s, New Pure Mohair
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An early, authentic Marco Zanuso lady chair, Arflex, Italy, 1960s. Newly reupholstered in a luxurious, premium, burnt orange / rust coloured 100% mohair fabric. Brass feet with nat...
Brass
Pair of Bauhaus Modernist StyleTubular Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Great pair of Bauhaus tubular sling chairs in cowhide and matte steel. The arm covers are black leather that lace up underneath while the seat and back are lace-up cowhide. Similar ...
Steel
Mid century highboard, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Great looking mid century bar cabinet with beautiful veneer wood and a chrome and wooden base. The bar cabinet consists of 2 doors and 2 drawers providing loads of storage space. V...
Wood
$1,995
H 24 in W 26 in D 18 in
John Widdicomb Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Burl Wood Nightstand, Circa 1970s
By John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century modern Hollywood Regency three-drawer nightstand or bachelor chest By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1970s Gorgeous burl wood, with original brass hardware. ...
Brass
Lightolier, Floor Lamp
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gerald Thurston floor lamp by Lightolier. Features a brass and walnut base and a perforated brass shade. Measures: 17" diameter x 64.5" height.
Brass
Mid-century Plexiglass Pair of Sconces, 1950s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-century Plexiglass Pair of Sconces, 1950s, Germany Very elegant and Minimalist wall lamps Lamp is in very good condition. These lamps works with E14 standard light bulbs. Wir...
Brass
Erberto Carboni 'Delfino' Lounge Chair for Arflex
By Arflex, Erberto Carboni
Located in Tilburg, NL
Erberto Carboni 'Delfino' Lounge Chair designed in 1954 for Arflex, Italy. New, Current production. Delfino armchair by Erberto Carboni is a significant example of the so-called "or...
Metal
Art Deco French Mantle Clock
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Art Deco French mantle clock consisting of marble and aluminum. Clock measures 14" wide, 2.5" deep and 9.75" high.
Marble, Chrome
$3,381
H 12.21 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Lacquered Parchment Coffee or Side Table in the Style of Aldo Tura, Italy 1970's
By Aldo Tura
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
This elegant Italian coffee or side table, crafted in lacquered parchment, is designed in the distinctive style of Aldo Tura and dates to the 1970’s. The piece showcases the rich tex...
Wood
Ligne Roset Modern Yellow Leather Sofa or Loveseat
By Ligne Roset
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Modern sofa or loveseat By Ligne Roset France, Circa 1970s Measures: 69"W x 35.5"D x 32"H. Seat height: 16". Arm height: 20". Very good original vintage condition.
Steel
1940 Fada Bullet 116 Bakelite Catalin Radio, Blue with Pumpkin Trim
Located in Newfoundland, PA
1940 Fada Bullet Catalin / Bakelite Tube Radio. Blue case with pumpkin trim. This radio is very rare with short wave (Model 116). The radio is original and in excellent condition, ...
Bakelite
$3,270
H 31.5 in W 55.5 in D 32.5 in
Danish Brown Leather Loveseat Sofa by Stouby, Hand-Crafted, 1970s
By Børge Mogensen, Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik
Located in Round Top, TX
Brown Leather Loveseat Sofa by Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik in milk chocolate with blonde wood square profile legs. An iconic design in great vintage condition. Edges are starting to g...
Leather, Wood
$18,700
H 33.67 in W 68.71 in D 33.47 in
Paul Bromberg for H. Pander & Zonen Free-Standing Desk in Solid Oak
By H.Pander & Zonen, Paul Bromberg
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Bromberg for H. Pander & Zonen, executive desk, oak, the Netherlands, 1927 This free-standing desk, designed by Paul Bromberg in 1927, stands as an example of early 20th-centur...
Oak
Well-crafted antique and vintage table lamps do more than provide light; the right fixture-and-table combination can add a focal point or creative element to any interior.
Proper table lamps have long been used for lighting our most intimate spaces. Perfect for lighting your nightstand or reading nook, table lamps play an integral role in styling an inviting room. In the years before electricity, lamps used oil. Today, a rewired 19th-century vintage lamp can still provide a touch of elegance for a study.
After industrial milestones such as mass production took hold in the Victorian era, various design movements sought to bring craftsmanship and innovation back to this indispensable household item. Lighting designers affiliated with Art Deco, which originated in the glamorous roaring ’20s, sought to celebrate modern life by fusing modern metals with dark woods and dazzling colors in the fixtures of the era. The geometric shapes and gilded details of vintage Art Deco table lamps provide an air of luxury and sophistication that never goes out of style.
After launching in 1934, Anglepoise lamps soon became a favorite among modernist architects and designers, who interpreted the fixture as “a machine for lighting,” just as Le Corbusier had reimagined the house as “a machine for living in.” The popular task light owed to a collaboration between a vehicle-suspension engineer by the name of George Carwardine and a West Midlands springs manufacturer, Herbert Terry & Sons.
Some mid-century modern table lamps, particularly those created by the likes of Joe Colombo and the legendary lighting artisans at Fontana Arte, bear all the provocative hallmarks associated with Space Age design. Sculptural and versatile, the Louis Poulsen table lamps of that period were revolutionary for their time and still seem innovative today.
If you are looking for something more contemporary, industrial table lamps are demonstrative of a newly chic style that isn’t afraid to pay homage to the past. They look particularly at home in any rustic loft space amid exposed brick and steel beams.
Before you buy a desk lamp or table lamp for your living room, consider your lighting needs. The Snoopy lamp, designed in 1967, or any other “banker’s lamp” (shorthand for the Emeralite desk lamps patented by H.G. McFaddin and Company), provides light at a downward angle that is perfect for writing, while the Fontana table lamp and the beloved Grasshopper lamp by Greta Magnusson-Grossman each yield a soft and even glow. Some table lamps require lampshades to be bought separately.
Whether it’s a classic antique Tiffany table lamp, a Murano glass table lamp or even a bold avant-garde fixture custom-made by a contemporary design firm, the right table lamp can completely transform a room. Find the right one for you on 1stDibs.
No one knows for sure who invented the desk lamp, as many engineers worked on designs for lamps during the 1920s. Many experts cite the Anglepoise lamp, however, as the earliest iteration of the modern desk lamp. Since its 1934 debut, this ingenious task light has become one of the most celebrated examples of industrial design.
How the Anglepoise came to be is the stuff of design legend: In 1932, a vehicle-suspension engineer by the name of George Carwardine joined forces with a West Midlands springs manufacturer, Herbert Terry & Sons, to create a mechanism by which opposed springs would, as Carwardine explained, exert a “unidirectional constant force” on a pivoted lever that could counteract the force of gravity.
This invention was not destined for an auto but for a lamp Carwardine was developing. The innovation would allow the piece’s articulated arm to be moved with ease to almost any position and remain there. As the product of engineering acumen rather than fashion, the Anglepoise soon became a favorite among modernist architects and designers, who interpreted it as “a machine for lighting,” just as Le Corbusier had reimagined the house as “a machine for living in.”
The Angelpoise's rivals include the 1930 Bestlite, which was one of the earliest Bauhaus-influenced designs, created by Robert Dudley Best, who had studied under Walter Gropius at the Bauhaus in Dessau. German modernist Karl Trabert’s 1930s desk lamp for Schanzenbach & Co. was notable for its domed shade above a hinged arm.
Find vintage table lamps and other lighting on 1stDibs.
Commissioned for the lakeside villa of a Finnish industrialist, it illuminated visits with dignitaries.
Across New York, there’s no shortage of statement lighting on view.
The 1920s design is a thrilling combination of saturated colors, ancient motifs and modern aesthetics.
Designed by a giant of Swedish lighting, the large-scale fixtures bring major drama.
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Before founding the Memphis Group, Sottsass bent the rules of lighting design with the wonderfully wavy Cometa.
Warm chalet style meets cool Bauhaus functionality in Pietro Cascella’s cleverly carved creation.
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.