Stilnovo Suspension Light, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Stilnovo suspension light from the early 1950s. A cylindrical, tiered satin glass diffuser
Aluminum, Brass
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension Light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1950's. Brass, original canopy, custom
Brass
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1950's. Enameled metal, brass hardware
Metal, Brass
$3,950 / item
H 36.5 in Dm 13 in
Stilnovo Ceiling Suspension Light, Opaline Glass & Brass, Italy, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Long Island City, NY
Stilnovo ceiling suspension. Designed and made in Italy 1960s. Opaline glass, patinated brass
Brass
Large 1950s Glass and Brass Suspension Light Attributed to Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Glendale, CA
Large 1950s glass and brass suspension light attributed to Stilnovo. A quintessentially 1950s
Brass
$2,770
H 30.71 in Dm 23.23 in
Heavy Glass and Brass Suspension Pendant Light by Stilnovo, 1950s, Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Heavy Glass and Brass Suspension Pendant Light by Stilnovo, 1950s, Italy Lampshade is in very good
Brass, Metal
$11,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 100 in Dm 12 in
Rare Pulley Suspension Light by Gaetano Sciolari for Stilnovo
By Gaetano Sciolari, Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Pulley suspension light by Gaetano Sciolari for Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy
Brass, Metal
$2,800
H 46 in W 22.4 in D 9.4 in
Stilnovo Double Suspension Pendant Lamp Red Aluminum Glass, Italy, 1950
By Stilnovo
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare double suspension chandelier Stilnovo, Italy, 1950 Two-cord suspension light with original
Brass, Aluminum
Stilnovo Pendant Light Model 1140 in Aluminum, Brass and Glass, Italy, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
Stilnovo adjustable pendant or suspension light model 1140 with white enameled aluminum shade
Aluminum, Brass, Wire
$2,308
H 38 in Dm 13.39 in
Midcentury Stilnovo Style Pendant Light Made of Glass and Copper, Italy, 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
shapes and clean lines are hallmarks of the Stilnovo aesthetic. The suspension light's design is
Metal, Copper
Scandinavian Suspension Light, 1960s, Red, Yellow and White
By Holm Sørensen, Stilnovo
Located in Vienna, AT
Minimalist Scandinavian suspension chandelier with colored acrylic shades. The hardware is made of
Brass
Single Arm Stilnovo Suspension Ceiling Light
By Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
Counter balanced suspension light with rich brown metal shade. The light is in very good vintage
Metal, Enamel, Chrome
Very Rare Suspension Light by Stilnovo 1950's
By Stilnovo
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Stilnovo, late 1950s. Maximum extension height 260 cm, diffuser diameter 35 cm.
Aluminum, Brass
Unavailable
H 31.5 in W 13.78 in D 13.78 in
Very Rare Large Opal Glass Suspension Light by Stilnovo 1960's
By Stilnovo
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
A rare and sculptural suspension lamp by Stilnovo, designed and produced in Italy in the 1960s
Steel, Nickel
Stilnovo Suspension Light, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Stilnovo suspension light from the early 1950s. A cylindrical, tiered satin glass diffuser
Brass, Aluminum
Stilnovo White Glass Pendant Light 'UFO' Chandelier, Italy circa 1950s-1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stilnovo suspension light/chandelier, Italy, circa 1950s-1960s Metal, brass, white opaque milk
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
Opal, Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1960s. Enameled aluminum, brass hardware
Brass, Aluminum
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 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 1960s. Enameled metal and opaline glass
Brass, Metal
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension light manufactured by Stilnovo in Italy, circa 1950s. Brushed satin glass diffuser
Metal, 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
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension Light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s. Lacquered metal shade, mesh
Metal, Aluminum
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
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
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
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
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
Oblong Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Hanover, MA
Egg shaped pendant by Stilnovo (signed). The glass lenses are smooth on the outside, lightly
Model 1278 Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Model 1278 Suspension Light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy circa 1960s. Chrome-plated brass
Brass, Chrome, Metal
Rare Large Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Suspension Light by Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1960. This rare double
Opal, Brass, Steel
Rare Large Sized Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare large sized suspension light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s. Brushed satin
Brass, Metal
Stilnovo Suspension or Pendant Light Model 1104 , Italy, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
Original Stilnovo suspension or pendant light model 1104 with opaque satin glass diffuser, enameled
Brass
Large 1950s Stilnovo Model #1157 Brass and Glass Suspension Light
By Stilnovo
Located in Glendale, CA
modified for mounting over a standard American J-box. A highly functional and sculptural suspension light
Brass, Metal
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
Rare Large Suspension Lights by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Large Suspension Light by Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1960s. This
Steel, Nickel
Rare Large Suspension Lights by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Large Suspension Light by Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1960s. This
Brass, Steel
Sold
H 32.5 in Dm 21.5 in
1950s Brass and Glass Suspension Light Attributed to Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo
By Stilnovo, Bruno Gatta
Located in Glendale, CA
1950s brass and glass suspension light attributed to Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo. A quintessentially
Brass, Metal
1950s Brass and Glass Suspension Light Attributed to Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo
By Stilnovo, Bruno Gatta
Located in Glendale, CA
1950s brass and glass suspension light attributed to Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo. A quintessentially
Brass, Metal
Italian Suspension Light, 1950s
By Stilnovo, Arredoluce
Located in Vienna, AT
Fine Italian suspension light from the 1950s. The glass diffuser, which is enameled with a white
Brass
Gaetano Scolari for Stilnovo Adjustable Ceiling Light Model A5011, 1950
By Gaetano Sciolari, Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Gaetano Scolari for Stilnovo adjustable counterweight ceiling or suspension light model
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 36.82 in W 23.23 in D 23.23 in
Stilnovo Pendant with Lacquered Brass Structure and Five Opaline Diffusers
By Stilnovo
Located in London, GB
Original production Stilnovo mid-1950s suspension light with architectural lacquered brass
Aluminum, Brass
Stilnovo Suspension Light, circa 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Long Island City, NY
Stilnovo suspension light. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1950s. Glass, enameled metal
Metal, Brass
Stilnovo Suspension Light, circa 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Long Island City, NY
Stilnovo suspension light. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1950s. Glass, enameled metal
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
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
Opal, Aluminum, Brass, Steel
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
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension Light by Stilnovo manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s. Brushed satin glass with brass
Brass
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension Light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s. Original enameled metal shades
Metal, 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
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s. Enameled metal, etched glass
Metal, Brass
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension Light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy circa 1950's. Rare, custom high quality
Brass
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension Light by Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1960s. Two-tiered
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1960s. Enameled metal, textured glass
Metal, Brass
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy, circa 1960s. Brass, opaline glass diffuser
Metal, 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 mobile
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large and elegant pendant by Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1950s. Original
Brass
Louvered Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Louvered suspension light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy in the 1950s. Painted aluminum
Aluminum
Suspension Ceiling Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension ceiling light by Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1960s. A trio
Opal, Brass
Rare Large Suspension Light by Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Large Suspension Light by Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1960s. This
Brass, Steel
Ceiling Suspension Light by Stilnovo, attributed
By Stilnovo
Located in Long Island City, NY
Suspension ceiling light by Stilnovo, attributed. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1970s
Metal, Brass
STILNOVO Italian Suspension Light: Mid-Century Elegance
By Stilnovo
Located in Rome, IT
Experience the charm and sophistication of the 1950s with this elegant Italian suspension light
Metal, Brass
Suspension Light by Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo
By Stilnovo, Bruno Gatta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension light by Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1950's
Metal, Brass
Louvered Suspension Light by Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo
By Stilnovo, Bruno Gatta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Louvered suspension light by Stilnovo. Manufactured in Italy in the 1950s. Painted aluminium
Aluminum
Sold
H 33.08 in Dm 47.25 in
Stilnovo, Italian design - Metal and glass suspension lamp with 12 light - 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Milan, IT
Suspension lamp created by Stilovo, one of the leading lighting brands in post-war Italy, which
Metal
Model 1158 Suspension Light by Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo
By Stilnovo, Bruno Gatta
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A rare 1158 suspension lamp with black lacquered aluminium, brass structure (canopy and hardware
Aluminum, Brass
Rare Model 1158 Suspension Light by Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo
By Stilnovo, Bruno Gatta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare model 1158 suspension light by Bruno Gatta for Stilnovo. Designed and manufactured in Italy
Metal, Brass
Handcrafted Farmhouse Fluted Porcelain Pendant With Trumpet Shape
By DBO Home
Located in Sharon, CT
Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. On their own they make a statement with their gentle flared bottoms and deep fluting. Hang in multiples for extra oomph. These cas...
Brass
Picasso Marble Cone Side Table
By Kiwano Concept
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introduce monumental elegance and a grounded detail to your interior with the stunning Picasso marble CONE side table. The sculptural geometric shape of this contemporary design piec...
Marble
Murano Glass Smoked “Macchie” Sconces
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of Murano sconces in smoked and silver glass. We loved the organic shape of the sconces and their dynamic design. This pair has been newly wired to fit US standards and is in ve...
Murano Glass
Murano Sputnik Spherical Green Glass and Brass Chandelier
Located in Roma, Lazio
A fantastic emerald green sputnik, with a surprising design and for its very low height, which allows it to fit in both high and low ceilings. Very elegant, it will furnish and decor...
Brass
$1,353 / item
H 13.39 in W 10.63 in D 10.63 in
Set Antique Vintage Acorn Opaline White Milk Glass Ceiling Pendant Light Lamp
Located in Sale, GB
- A fabulous run of church opaline acorn pendant lights with steel galleries, circa 1950. - Wear commensurate with age, all in excellent condition, the steel galleries are aged worn...
Glass
Pair of 70s Style Italian Bamboo and Brass Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Monumental size Bamboo lamps. Crafted in Italy and made to order, these lamps are modern and chic. Production lead time 2-4 weeks. Base diameter 8 inches, hat diameter 20 inches, he...
Brass
1960s Sergio Mazza 'Demi Clio' Wall or Ceiling Lamp for Artemide
By Sergio Mazza, Artemide
Located in Glendale, CA
1960s Sergio Mazza 'Demi Clio' wall or ceiling lamp for Artemide. Executed in nickeled brass and opaline glass, Italy, circa 1960s. Clean and architectural, these hardwired lamps emi...
Nickel, Brass
$2,803 / item
H 23 in Dm 12 in
Cocktail Side Table Modern Round Handmade Sculpted Blackened Waxed Steel
By J.M. Szymanski
Located in Bronx, NY
Table no. 3 - large J.M. Szymanski D. 2017 Playfully imagined, this sculpted bottom-frame supports a smooth top-surface that is ideal for drinks and small items--some might say ...
Steel, Iron
Custom Italian Ceiling Light
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom Italian Ceiling Light (IT, 1960s) Wooden hexagon paired with a lucite bottom diffuser. Black and cream colored enameled finish on the wood elements. The lamping consists of f...
Brass, Steel
$3,788 / item
H 26.5 in Dm 55.91 in
Orbitale Brass Chandelier 3 Rotating Balanced Arms, Stilnovo Style, Twin Shades
By Stilnovo, Arteluce, Silvio Piattelli
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This 3-armed chandelier with twin shades is a versatile and elegant fixture perfect above a kitchen island, over a counter, dining table, or in a living room. The chandelier's three ...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
LUdown Cylinder Flush Mount
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The LUdown cylinder flush mount fixture by Lumfardo Luminaires is part of our contemporary collection. Available In patinated unlacquerd brass or aged silver and steel with (1) E26 m...
Steel, Brass, Gold, Silver
$1,275 / item
H 15 in W 13.5 in D 6 in
JENNY Large Wall Light or Sconce in Enamel & Brass by Blueprint Lighting
By Mathieu Matégot, Stilnovo, Blueprint Lighting
Located in New York, NY
Introducing Jenny, the latest vintage-inspired fixture from Blueprint Lighting. Named for multi-hyphenate Jenny Mollen; NYT best-selling author, actress, design enthusiast, mom of ...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
Murano Glass Paneled Sconces
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of Murano glass paneled sconces; each crafted with three curved panels of hand-blown smoked glass on a brass frame. We love the modern style and hand-crafted quality of these sc...
Brass
LU Louis Sconce AS
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome LU Louis sconce AS. An all brass wall sconce in an aged silver finish with patterned perforations by Lumfardo Luminaires. Made contemporary in the US. Multiples available fo...
Brass, Nickel
Custom Made Oak and Velvet Bench by Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Bench designed by Danish master Kai Kristiansen in the 1950s and now produced under license by Dagmar. Hand-made to order, this upholstered bench has a fumed and oiled oak frame. Th...
Mohair, Oak
PMPT Flush Mount
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Part of Lumfardo Luminaries contemporary collection, the PMPT Flush Mount is a conical flush mount fixture in the spirit of Paavo Tynell of the Scandinavian Modern tradition. Made t...
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.