Oscar Torlasco Tension Pole Lamp for Lumi, 1970s
By Oscar Torlasco
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Oscar Torlasco Tension Pole Lamp for Lumi, Brass, Italy, 1970s Designed in the 1970s by Oscar Torlasco for Lumi, this floor-to-ceiling tension pole lamp is structured around a verti...
Bronze
$1,650Sale Price|40% Off
Mid Century Brass Triple Light Floor to Ceiling Tension Pole Lamp
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-century brass triple light floor-to-ceiling tension pole lamp with a heavy Googie style. This lamp features a unique tension pole lamp with an adjustable brass pole that is adjus...
Brass
Monumental! Italian Mid Century Modern Art Tension Pole Lamp Stilnovo 50s Brass
By Stilnovo, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Peoria, AZ
Monumental Italian Tension Pole Lamp! Dual Cone Articulating "Floating" Light Brass, White Enamel, Fiberglass "Sparkles" In the manner of Fontana Arte & Stilnovo Offered is an incre...
Metal, Brass, Enamel
Mid Century Danish Modern Tension Pole Lamp 1950s , Lightolier 3 Glass Shades
By Lightolier
Located in Buffalo, NY
This Danish Modern Tension Pole Lamp is one of the hardest to come by and one of the most coveted!
Metal, Brass
Mid Century Modern UFO Saucer Tension Pole Lamp! Laurel After Gio Ponti Rare
By Laurel Lamp Company, Gio Ponti
Located in Peoria, AZ
This MAGNIFICENT Mid Century Tension Pole Lamp is one of the legendary "Saucer" design!
Metal
Laurel Mid Century Modern Tension Pole Lamp! Italian Stiffel Futura Era Rare
By Stiffel, Laurel Lamp Company
Located in Peoria, AZ
This MAGNIFICENT LAUREL Mid Century Tension Pole Lamp is a very rare design! In 1959 Stiffel had released their "Futura" polelamp.
Brass, Metal
Mid Century Modern Tension Pole Easel Handcrafted Wood Brass Arredoluce Era 8 ft
By Arredoluce
Located in Peoria, AZ
Mid Century Modern Tension Pole Easel Art Gallery/Collector Display Fits 8 foot ceilings Rare Here is a magnificent tension pole easel!
Brass
Rarest Stiffel Mid Century Modern Tommi Parzinger Tension Pole Lamp 9ft Sputnik
By Stiffel, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Peoria, AZ
This lamp is the "Holy Grail" for decorators and tension pole lamp collectors, a timeless icon of mid century design and a treasure for the collector of the finest and rarest furnish...
Metal, Brass
Lightolier Lytespan Tension Pole Lamp! Mid Century Modern 1950s Gerald Thurston
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Peoria, AZ
LIGHTOLIER MID CENTURY MODERN LYTESPAN 1959 TENSION POLE LAMP! ICONIC 3 GOLD SHADES WITH HANDLES!
Metal
Raymond Loewy Era Stiffel Mid-Century Modern Tension Pole Floor Lamp
By Raymond Loewy, Stiffel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exceptional mid-century modern tension pole floor lamp is an attributed Stiffel design, dating to the Raymond Loewy era of American industrial design.
Metal
Italian Design Bigo Floor Ceiling Tension Pole Lamp by Valenti, Italy 1980s
By Valenti
Located in Renens, CH
The arm is kept stable by use of a line that is fixed to the tension pole as well. The lamp is very versatile and will easily work for a dining table or a reading corner alike, pro...
Aluminum
$3,196Sale Price|20% Off
Tension Pole Free Standing Emerald Gold Aluminum Omni Wall Unit by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Omnibus Design
Located in Chattanooga, TN
These emerald gold aluminum tension poles are hard to find. The color and finish set the tone for this sleek and versatile wall unit.
Aluminum, Metal
Mid Century Tension Pole Lamp with three shades attr. to Stilnovo, Italy 1960s
By Stilnovo
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an exceptionally rare Mid Century Modern Tension Pole Lamp with 3 adjustable shades. Manufacturing of the lamp is attributed to Stilnovo.
Metal, Brass
Original Stiffel Tension Rod Brass Floor Light
By Stiffel
Located in North Miami, FL
Vintage midcentury lamp from the 1950s consists of 6 illuminating arms on an all brass adjustable tension pole. A single dial switch turns on the floor lamp.
Brass
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Three-Light Pole Lamp with Polished and Pierced Brass Shades
Located in Chicago, IL
Polished brass three light tension-pole floor lamp, with mounted sconce in the manner of Tommi Parzinger.
Metal, Brass
Midcentury George Nelson Omni Herman Miller Modular Shelving System Walnut 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
The shelving system uses spring-loaded tension poles that mount from floor to ceiling, making the unit freestanding and allowing it to be used as a room divider without the need to b...
Metal, Aluminum
$3,960Sale Price / set|20% Off
Danish Modern Modular Adjustable Wall Unit Shelving 1960s-- 22 pcs Complete Wall
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Madison, WI
Includes 9 regular shelves Includes 6 Medium shelves Includes 3 Large shelves 37 shelving brackets of various sizes 4 mounting poles Hardware to mount the shelves Springs for tension...
Metal
Mid Century Lytespan Tension Floor Lamp By Thurston for Lightolier c 1950/1960's
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Iconic and rare Lytespan Mid Century tension pole floor lamp designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier c. 1950/1960's.
Aluminum, Brass
MCM Chrome Teak, Modular shelves cabinets 4 Bay Wall UnitGeorge Nelson Attr.
By George Nelson
Located in Basel, BS
Condition • Very good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear and minimal blemishes. Poles, cabinet and shelves show beautifully. Dimensions • Width: Total Approximately 370cm (...
Metal, Chrome
1960s Brass Birdcage Pendant
Located in Hanover, MA
Previously we had a version of this lamp that was fitted with tension pole mounts and I have seen a table lamp version.
Brass
Industrial Steel Swinging Multi-Panel Presentation Stand
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The display panels stand on a steel pole with tension rods for stability. The 24" w x 20" d cast iron base features a four-pronged design that rolls on castors for mobility.
Steel, Iron
Rare Restored "Stick" Chair, Jens H. Quistgaard, Nissen Langaa, Denmark, c. 1960
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Deland, FL
This chair is held together without screws, brackets, or joints, relying instead on internal tension. The tapered wooden poles slot into metal bars, and the seat and backrest lock th...
Suede, Rosewood
Rare Pair of "Stick" Chairs by Jens H. Quistgaard, Nissen Langaa, Denmark, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Deland, FL
This chair is held together without screws, brackets, or joints, relying instead on internal tension. The tapered wooden poles slot into metal bars, and the seat and backrest lock th...
Rosewood
Mid-Century Tension Pole Dresser
Located in Fair Oaks, CA
The dresser has two tension pole holders for a 10 foot ceiling. The tension poles can be put on a current long dresser and set up with no legs.
Floor Lamp "Tension" in the Style of Stilnovo, Italy, 1980s
Located in London, GB
An amazing, floor-to-ceiling tension pole lamp, designed in the style of Stilnovo.
Metal, Brass
Unavailable
H 90 in W 98 in D 17 in
Rosewood Cadovius Lighted Royal System Wall Unit - Room Divider by Cado
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Portland, ME
This system is both rare and stunning, made from Brazilian rosewood. A seldom-seen tension pole system creates pressure on the floor and ceiling with spring-loaded feet in the rails ...
Rosewood
Unavailable
H 76.5 in W 48 in D 16.75 in
Rare Edward Wormley Open Frame Lit Shelf Room Divider for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Groves fashioned into the underside keep the shelves in place. Industrial tension wires and brass poles are used for balance and support as well as design.
Brass
Stiffel Tension Pole Floor Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Dallas, TX
Great looking authentic tension pole floor lamp by Stiffel. Brass and walnut pole.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Tension Pole Lamp
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
The adjustable tension pole design extends floor to ceiling, making it an eye-catching statement piece without taking up valuable floor space.
Brass
Mid-Century Brass Tension Pole Shelf, 1960s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Spectacular Mid-Century Brass Tension Pole Shelf from Floor to Ceiling, 1960s Design.
Brass
Brass Triple Light Floor to Ceiling Tension Pole Lamp
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-century brass triple light floor to ceiling tension pole lamp. This lamp features a unique tension pole lamp features an adjustable brass pole which adjust to the size of you cei...
Brass
Midcentury Danish Modern Walnut Brass Three-Way Tension Pole Lamp
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a retro Mid-Century Modern tension pole lamp. This is an adjustable three-way lamp, featuring three pivoting faux walnut shades and brass handles.
Metal, Brass
Unusual Tension Pole Floor Lamp with Brass Bird Cage Enclosure
Located in Hanover, MA
Sophisticated tension pole floor lamp with an elegant brass 'birdcage' design and three opaline glass cylinder shades.
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 100 in W 15 in D 15 in
Mid Century Modern Black Screen Tension Pole Lamp. Atomic 1950s Floor Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Peoria, AZ
Clean & Minimalist Tension Pole Lighting For Your Stylish Interiors!
Metal
Sold
H 104 in W 15 in D 15 in
Mid Century Danish Modern Matrix Tension Pole Lamp 1950s Stiffel 3 Shades!
By Stiffel
Located in Peoria, AZ
DANISH MODERN THREE SHADE "MATRIX" TENSION POLE LAMP! FIBERGLASS & BRASS CIRCA 1960 FITS 8 FT.
Metal
Gerald Thurston Three-Shade Tension Pole Floor Lamp for Lightolier
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three shade tension pole floor lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier.
Brass, Enamel
Sold
H 108 in W 15 in D 15 in
Mid Century Modern Tension Pole Lamp Atomic Rocket Torpedo Shades 1950 Decor
By Stiffel
Located in Peoria, AZ
This GORGEOUS Tension Pole Lamp with "Torpedo" shaped aluminum shades is hard to come by and highly coveted!
Metal
Mid Century Modern 3 Light Tension Pole Lamp 50s 60s Stiffel Era Brass
By Stiffel
Located in Peoria, AZ
ATOMIC AGE MID CENTURY MODERN ALUMINUM CONE SHADE TENSION POLE LAMP! GOOD DESIGN! CIRCA 1959-60 (FITS 8 FT.
Metal
Sold
H 96 in W 18 in D 18 in
Laurel Mid Century Modern Tension Pole Lamp! Brass Teak Atomic Age Danish Modern
By Laurel Lamp Company
Located in Peoria, AZ
This MAGNIFICENT Mid Century Tension Pole Lamp is the legendary Laurel sleek brass shade design!
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 108 in W 15 in D 15 in
Mid Century Modern Tension Pole Lamp Atomic Triennale Tri-Color 1950 Decor Light
By Stiffel
Located in Peoria, AZ
This GORGEOUS Tension Pole Lamp with Italian Triennale shaped aluminum shades is highly coveted!
Metal
Sold
H 104 in W 20 in D 20 in
Mid Century Modern Lightolier 3 Shade Tension Pole Lamp Gerald Thurston 1950s
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Peoria, AZ
1956 MID CENTURY MODERN LIGHTOLIER TENSION POLE LAMP! THREE SHADES ORANGE WHITE BLACK GERALD THURSTON DESIGN FITS 8 FT.
Metal
Sold
H 100 in W 15 in D 15 in
Mid Century Modern Pink Tension Pole Lamp. Atomic 1950s Floor Brass Stiffel
By Stiffel
Located in Peoria, AZ
ATOMIC SPACE AGE MID CENTURY MODERN TENSION POLE LAMP! Pink enamel, Brass & Perspex Shades!
Metal
Sold
H 108 in W 15 in D 15 in
Mid Century Modern Stiffel Tension Pole Lamp by Raymond Loewy 1955 Decorator wow
By Stiffel, Raymond Loewy
Located in Peoria, AZ
This Stiffel Tension Pole Lamp by Raymond Loewy is one of the hardest to come by and one of the most coveted!
Metal
Sold
H 100 in W 20 in D 20 in
Mid Century Modern 3-Shade Glass Tension Pole Lamp Orange Blue Stiffel Era
By Stiffel
Located in Peoria, AZ
SPARKLING MID CENTURY MODERN THREE GLASS SHADE TENSION POLE LAMP! ICONIC MCM COLORS OF ORANGE & BLUE!
Metal
Sold
H 93 in W 16 in D 10 in
Mid-Century Modern Retro Tension Pole Lamp with 4 Colored Metal & Wood Cones
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a fantastic, tension pole lamp, with four colored metal and wood cone shades, circa the 1960s.
Metal
Sold
H 104 in W 15 in D 15 in
1955! Mid Century Modern Tension Pole Lamp Brass Stiffel Era Starlight Shades
By Stiffel
Located in Peoria, AZ
PURIST'S DREAM 1955 EARLY MID CENTURY MODERN TENSION POLE LAMP! THREE "STARLIGHT" SHADE BRASS & BLACK!
Metal
Sold
H 104 in W 20 in D 20 in
Mid Century Danish Modern Tension Pole Lamp Brushed Brass Maple Stiffel Era 50s
By Stiffel
Located in Peoria, AZ
1958 MID CENTURY MODERN TENSION POLE LAMP! TWO "STARLIGHT" SHADES PLUS ONE SAUCER TOP 3-WAY LIGHT!
Metal
Sold
H 88.59 in W 17.72 in D 5.91 in
Mid Century Teak Tension Pole Floor to Ceiling Triple Lights Lamp Germany, 1950s
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in Antwerp, BE
A Mid-Century set of two German Vereinigte Werkstätten München 1950's tension pole lamp. This is an adjustable three-way lamp, featuring solid teak stand with adjustable three linen ...
Brass
Sold
H 100 in W 20 in D 20 in
Mid Century Danish Modern Tri-Color Tension Pole Lamp 1950s Stiffel Era Decor
By Stiffel, Svend Aage Holm Sørensen
Located in Peoria, AZ
CEILING) This is a gorgeous tri-color tension pole lamp in a spectacular Danish modern style!
Metal
Sold
H 100 in W 18 in D 18 in
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak & Glass Tension Pole Lamp 1950s Stiffel Era Decor
By Stiffel
Located in Peoria, AZ
CEILING) This is a gorgeous tri-color tension pole lamp in a spectacular Danish modern style!
Metal
Sold
H 100 in W 20 in D 20 in
Mid Century Danish Modern 3-Shade Glass Tension Pole Lamp 1950s Stiffel Era
By Stiffel
Located in Peoria, AZ
CEILING) This is a gorgeous tri-color tension pole lamp in a spectacular Danish modern style!
Metal
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.
The Louisiana-born and -bred architect talks to 1stdibs about the art of making timeless places that matter.
The Palm Springs interior decorator developed a mid-century style that defined the vacation homes of celebrities and other notables, including Bob Hope and Lucille Ball.
The houses from this New York studio cloak modernist tendencies within what are often more traditional trappings.
In the market for a fantastic fixture from the 1940s, ’50s or ’60s? Here are some names to know.