Val St. Lambert Lamps, circa 1950, Belgium
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in Antwerp, BE
Belgian maker Val St. Lambert. Due to the antique nature of these fixtures there may be nicks and
Blown Glass
Val. St. Lambert Art Glass Table Lamp, Large Size
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in Norwalk, CT
An unusually tall example of the elegant glass table lamps by Belgian glassworks, Val Saint Lambert
Art Glass
$584
H 20.48 in Dm 14.18 in
Val St Lambert Midcentury Twisted Blue Crystal Glass Table Lamp with Pink Shade
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Often falsely attributed to Flavio Poli/Murano this large rare table light from Val Saint Lambert
Crystal
Pair of Tiffany Table Lamps by Ingo Maurer & Val St. Lambert 1969
By Ingo Maurer, Val Saint Lambert
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Elegant pair of Tiffany table lamps designed in 1969 by Ingo Maurer in collaboration with Val St
Glass
$866Sale Price|20% Off
H 14.97 in Dm 4.73 in
Glass table lamp by Ingo Maurer and Val St Lambert, Germany 1960s
By Ingo Maurer, Val Saint Lambert
Located in ECHT, NL
by Val Saint Lambert Belgium out of solid glass. It has an oval fabric shade. The shade measures
Glass
Val St Lambert Glass Lamp
Located in London, GB
Val St Lambert glass lamp which retains its Bares Original label (rare). Unusually large. Voltage
Blown Glass
Unavailable
H 11.82 in W 4.73 in D 4.73 in
Violet Crystal Glass Lamp by Val St Lambert, Belgium, circa 1950
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in Krakow, małopolskie
sticker: VAL ST LAMBERT, crystal BELGIUM The lamp body is made of laminated glass. The outer layer is
Crystal
Unavailable
H 14.18 in W 5.32 in D 4.34 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Pink & Clear Twisted Crystal Glass Lamp Base
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Belgium Val Saint Lambert pink and clear twisted crystal glass lamp base with a chrome
Crystal, Metal, Chrome
Unavailable
H 15.95 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Purple & Clear Crystal Glass Geometric Table Lamp
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Belgium Val Saint Lambert purple and clear crystal glass table lamp with a tapering geometric
Crystal, Metal, Chrome
Unavailable
H 15.36 in Dm 5.52 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Dark Green & Clear Twisted Crystal Glass Lamp Base
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Belgium Val Saint Lambert dark green and clear crystal glass twisted lamp base. The lamp base
Crystal, Brass
Unavailable
H 13.78 in Dm 4.34 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Lime Green Indented Crystal Glass Table Lamp Base
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Belgium Val Saint Lambert lime green and clear crystal glass grooved table lamp base. The
Crystal, Chrome
Unavailable
H 5.12 in Dm 21.26 in
1970s Belgium Clear Solid Glass Conical Table Lamp attributed to Val St Lambert
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
very heavy. A small Val Saint Lambert original foil label has been sellotaped onto it, upside down
Chrome
Unavailable
H 15.75 in Dm 3.55 in
1950s Val St Lambert Ruby Red & Clear Cut Glass Crystal Table Lamp Signed 21/100
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
, signed "Val St Lambert. 21/100" on the base. The lamp has been rewired with a brown silk flex and is in
Crystal, Brass
Vintage Val St. Lambert Purple Crystal Table Lamp, 1960s, Belgium
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage Val St. Lambert purple crystal table lamp, 1960s Belgium, vintage table lamp, antique table
Crystal
Vintage Val St. Lambert Purple Crystal Table Lamp, 1960s Belgium
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage Val St. Lambert purple crystal table lamp, 1960s Belgium - vintage table lamp - antique
Crystal
Amber and Green Glass Table Lamps by Val St Lambert
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 1950s Belgian glass table lamps by Val St Lambert. The twisting glass made in the "Sommerso
Murano Glass
Pair of Clear Glass Lamps by Val St Lambert, circa 1960
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of clear glass lamps with curvy organic shapes by the Belgian glass manufacturer Val Saint
Glass
Belgian Emerald Green Glass Table Lamp of Val St. Lambert, 1950s
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in Morazzone, Varese
A beautiful emerald green and shiny authentic Val St. Lambert handblown crystal glass lamp made in
Blown Glass
Sold
H 28.75 in Dm 7.09 in L 28.75 in
Rare Large Val St. Lambert Pink Crystal Table Lamp, 1960s Belgium
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Unusual large pink crystal Val Saint Lambert table lamp or floor lamp. The twisted crystal is
Crystal
Pair of 1960s Val St Lambert Clear Glass Lamps with New Bespoke Shades
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, GB
A pair of 1960s Val St Lambert clear glass lamps with bespoke slate colored shades.
Art Glass
Abstract Glass Table Lamp Designed by Val St Lamber, Belgium
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in Antwerp, BE
glass house Val St Lamber, Liegé. Simple cream shade. Dimensions: 17W x 52H cm, shade width: 20cm.
Art Glass
Pair of Val St Lambert Crystal Lamps
Located in Toronto, ON
A rich and luxurious pair of hand made crystal lamps from France . Rewired and ready to go
Crystal
1940's Crystal Lamp by Vals St. Lambert
Located in New York, NY
Signed Vals St Lambert, the entire lamp is a spectacular modernist design fully executed in hand
Val St Lambert hand-blown glass table lamp
Located in Houston, TX
Cobalt and clear glass table lamp newly wired in the US.
Blown Glass, Glass
Val St. Lambert hand-blown glass table lamp
Located in Houston, TX
Hand-blown glass newly wired in the US
Blown Glass, Glass
Val St. Lambert Art Glass Table Lamp
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in Norwalk, CT
Elegant glass table lamps by Belgian glassworks, Val Saint Lambert. Featuring hand blown-glass
Art Glass
Val St Lambert Pink, Clear Crystal Lamps
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in New York, NY
Pair of modernist twist form crystal lamps featuring pink hued and clear crystal. Rewired for use
Crystal
Rare Large Val St. Lambert Pink Crystal Table Lamp, 1960s Belgium
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Unusual large pink crystal Val Saint Lambert table lamp or floor lamp. The twisted crystal is
Crystal
Sold
H 19.6 in Dm 9 in
Midcentury Modern Val St. Lambert Cobalt Blue Blown Crystal Lamp, 1950s, Belgium
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern mouth blown crystal table lamp by Val Saint Lambert. Made of cobalt
Brass
Crystal and Lime Green Glass Val St. Lambert Lamp
Located in London, GB
Large Clear Crystal and lime green glass lamp base, Charles Graffart for Val St Lambert, c1950
Glass
Sold
H 20.87 in W 6.7 in D 4.73 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Pink & Clear Glass Twisted Tripod Table Lamp
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
. The lamp was made in the 1950s in Belgium and still bears the original foil Val St. Lambert label
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 16.15 in Dm 5.12 in
Pair of 1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Blue & Clear Crystal Glass Table Lamps
Located in London, England
twisted silk flex. Val St Lambert lamp bases are all hand blown in very heavy lead crystal therefore
Crystal, Chrome
Val St Lambert Table Lamps
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in Culver City, CA
signed on the base (Val St Lambert). The pinkish lamp is in a hollow pymaridal form and is signed by
Cord, Silk
Val St Lambert Crystal Floor Lamp
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in 0, Cuauhtemoc
Val St Lambert crystal floor lamp. Every ring of glass is signed.
Crystal, Chrome
1950s Val St Lambert Purple Table Lamp
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Belgium Val St. Lambert, hand blown, purple and clear crystal glass, tapering, swirled, table
Metal, Brass
1960s Val St Lambert Green Crystal Lamp Base
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
A 1960s Belgium Val St. Lambert handblown cased green and clear glass crystal table lamp which
Blown Glass
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Purple Glass Table Lamp
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s mid century Belgium Val Saint Lambert, hand blown, purple and clear crystal glass, table lamp
Brass
Pair of Mid-20th Century Glass Table Lamps by Val St Lambert
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of small coloured glass table lamps by Val St Lambert, Belgium. This lovely pair of
Glass
Sold
H 19.69 in W 4.73 in D 3.35 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Green & Clear Crystal Glass Tapered Table Lamp
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
Val St Lambert, tall green crystal glass lamp base with a turned tapering form at the top of the
Brass
Sold
H 19.69 in W 4.73 in D 3.35 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Yellow & Clear Crystal Glass Tapered Table Lamp
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
Val St Lambert, tall yellow crystal glass lamp base with a turned tapering form at the top of the
Brass
Sold
H 26.38 in W 5.91 in D 3.94 in
Tall 1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Pink & Clear Crystal Glass Table Lamp
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
A rare to source Tall Val St Lambert, pink and clear, crystal glass lamp base with a turned
Crystal, Brass
Sold
H 19.69 in W 5.12 in D 4.34 in
1950s Midcentury Val St Lambert Twisted Purple Glass Lamp Base Inc Shade
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Val St Lambert, purple and clear glass, twisted crystal lamp base with a vintage brass light
Metal, Brass, Wire
Sold
H 17.72 in W 4.34 in D 3.75 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Lime Green & Clear Crystal Glass Table Lamp
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Belgium Val Saint Lambert lime green and clear crystal glass table lamp base with a turned
Crystal, Chrome
Sold
H 20.87 in W 4.34 in D 4.34 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Purple & Clear Crystal GlassTable Lamp inc Shade
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
original foil Val St Lambert manufacturers label and is also signed on the base. Perfect for a bedside
Crystal, Brass
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Blue & Clear Twisted Crystal Glass Lamp Base
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Belgium Val Saint Lambert blue and clear crystal glass twisted lamp base. The lamp base fades
Crystal, Brass
Sold
H 20.08 in Dm 5.91 in
Vintage Belgium 1960s Large Handblown Val St Lambert Clear Crystal Lamp Base
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1960s Belgium Val Saint Lambert handblown clear crystal glass table lamp base which including the
Brass
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Bright Yellow & Clear Crystal Glass Lamp Base
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Belgium Val Saint Lambert bright yellow and clear crystal glass twisted lamp base. This
Brass
Sold
H 14.97 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
1950s Vintage Belgium Val St Lambert Pink & Clear Crystal Glass Table Lamp
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
visible under the shade. The lamp base is signed "Val Saint Lambert". Perfect for a bedside light or in a
Crystal, Brass
Large 1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Crystal Lamp Base
By Val Saint Lambert, Charles Graffart 1
Located in London, England
pink to red interior cased in clear glass. Designed by Charles Graffart for Val St Lambert in the 1950s
Crystal
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Signed Twisted Dark Green Table Lamp Shade
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
A 1950s, Belgium, Val Saint Lambert, hand-blown, dark green crystal table lamp base, encased in
Brass
Sold
H 15.95 in Dm 5.52 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Purple & Clear Crystal Glass Geometric Table Lamp
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Belgium Val Saint Lambert purple and clear crystal glass table lamp of tapering geometric
Crystal, Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 20.48 in Dm 5.52 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Purple & Clear Crystal Glass & Brass Table Lamp
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Belgium Val Saint Lambert purple and clear crystal glass table lamp of tapering geometric
Crystal, Brass
Sold
H 15.75 in W 5.52 in D 5.12 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Blue & Clear Crystal Glass Table Lamp inc Shade
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
This striking 1950s table lamp base was produced by the renowned Belgian glass manufacturer Val
Crystal, Chrome
Sold
H 25.01 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in
Pair of 1950s Pink Belgian Val St Lambert Crystal Table Lamps Inc Shades
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
A striking pair of 1950s Belgian Val St Lambert tall pink flash led crystal glass lamp bases with a
Crystal
Sold
H 21.26 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Pink & Clear Glass Crystal Table Lamp Inc Shade
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Val St Lambert pink and clear crystal glass lamp base of tapering geometric form with a
Crystal, Brass
Sold
H 21.26 in Dm 5.52 in
1950s Vintage Belgium Val St Lambert Pink Crystal Glass Table Lamps Inc Shade
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Val St Lambert pink and clear crystal glass lamp base of tapering geometric form with a
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 19.69 in W 5.12 in L 19.69 in
1950s Mid Century Val St Lambert Twisted Purple Crystal Lamp Base Inc Shade
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Val St Lambert, purple and clear glass, twisted crystal lamp base with a vintage brass light
Metal, Brass, Wire
Sold
H 15.75 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Pink & Clear Crystal Glass Table Lamp Include Shade
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Belgium Val St. Lambert, hand blown, pink and clear crystal glass, tapering, swirled, table
Metal, Chrome, Wire
Sold
H 20.48 in W 3.94 in L 20.48 in
Belgium Val St Lambert Purple and Clear Crystal Glass Table Lamp Include Shade
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Belgium Val St. Lambert, hand blown, purple and clear crystal glass, tapering, swirled, table
Brass
Sold
H 15.75 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Purple Table Crystal Glass Table Lamp inc Shade
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Belgium Val St. Lambert, hand blown, purple and clear crystal glass, tapering, swirled, table
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 17.72 in Dm 4.73 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Style Purple Blue & Clear Glass Swirled Table Lamp
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
a six pointed star at the base. The lamp is very similar to other Val St Lambert designs but it does
Chrome
Sold
H 15.75 in Dm 5.12 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Blue & Clear Twisted Crystal Glass Table Lamp Base
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Belgium Val Saint Lambert blue and clear crystal glass twisted lamp base. The lamp base fades
Crystal, Brass
Sold
H 13.39 in Dm 3.94 in L 13.39 in
1950s Belgium Val St Lambert Cobalt Blue Glass Crystal Table Lamp Inc Shade
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
1950s Val Saint Lambert cobalt blue crystal table lamp base encased in clear glass. This small
Brass
Pair of French 1920s Art Deco Club Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible pair of Art Deco club chairs from France, 1920s. Beautiful curved wood frame with scroll details on arms. Newly upholstered in a lovely pale yellow linen. Original wood fi...
Linen, Wood
Leather Meander Wall Sconce
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Our updated Meander Reader light with leather wrapped flexible arm and a larger cone shade and new upward angle feature. Bulb can be fully recessed. Comes with suggested LED bulb. ...
Brass
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
$1,190 / item
H 17.33 in Dm 24.41 in
Django • Sienna Earth • Sculptural Textured Velvet Ottoman by Odditi
By Odditi
Located in CAROOL, NSW, AU
The Django ottoman is a sculptural living object that brings its eclectic personality into any space. Exhibiting a sleek yet playful nature, Django also has a practical side and is a...
Fabric, Foam, Jacquard
Murano Hand Blown Chartreuse Green Glass Chandelier, in stock
Located in Miami, FL
Murano hand blown studio glass chandelier, in stock All different shaped chartreuse green discs with white details, rigadin technique Brass plated structure with 24 exposed brass reg...
Brass
Pink Marble Pedestal Cone Side Table
By Kiwano Concept
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introduce monumental elegance and a grounded detail to your interior with the stunning pink marble CONE side table. The sculptural geometric shape of this contemporary design piece ...
Marble
$3,800 / item
H 15 in Dm 19.63 in
VOLARE Large Pendant Light in Dark Bronze & Blown Glass by Blueprint Lighting
By Blueprint Lighting, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
Volare draws inspiration from a collection of ornate pendants discovered by founders Kelly and Josh during a family trip to Washington, D.C. Featuring a substantial 20" pressed-glass...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and etched glass pendant light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Oxidation present to brass Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): "H x "W ...
Brass
Unavailable|$452
H 17.72 in Dm 3.94 in
1950s Belgium Val Saint Lambert Clear Crystal Hand Blown Glass "Swan" Table Lamp
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in London, England
Val Saint Lambert, clear crystal hand blown "Swan" glass, lamp base. The lamp was made in the 1950s in Belgium. The lamp is fitted with a chrome mounted bulb socket and bears the...
Crystal, Metal, Chrome
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white opaline glass pendant light likely designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1920s. Dramatic patina; wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 21.0...
Brass
$3,047 / item
H 29.53 in Dm 29.53 in
Simplicissimus Murano Chandelier 6 arms Blush Pink Glass by Multiforme
By Multiforme
Located in Trebaseleghe, IT
Simplicissimus 360 chandelier, 6 lights, Blush Pink artistic glass by Multiforme This collection in Murano glass is characterized by superb simplicity. It is the result of a research...
Murano Glass, Blown Glass
$2,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 17.72 in Dm 14.97 in
Soda Blown Murano Glass High Coffee Table in Petrol by Yiannis Ghikas
By Miniforms, Yiannis Ghikas
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Soda was born upside-down, with a puff of air. It weighs 20 kilos, and it is blown, drawn out and shaped by three master glassmakers. The result is a single volume of glass with thre...
Blown Glass
$688 / item
H 20.48 in W 15.56 in D 1.78 in
Hand-Crafted Rattan Pencil Reed Wall Mirror, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Oxford, GB
This beautifully crafted wall mounted mirror is made of pencil reed rattan, providing a unique and elegant texture. Its durable design adds a touch of sophistication to any room whil...
Glass, Rattan
Panoplie Petite Iron Tripod Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Petite iron tripod lamp with slender legs and tapered feet. New wiring and new oyster linen shade. Multiple available, sold individually. Takes one E12 base bulb, up to 25 W or highe...
Iron
$17,400 / set
H 36 in W 17.25 in D 22.5 in
CraftAssociates Caned Dining Chairs, Bonnie Caned Dining Chairs, Leather Walnut
By Craft Associates, Laura Trenchard
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Craft caned dining chairs, bonnie caned dining chairs, leather and walnut Designer: Laura Trenchard Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture Period/model: Mid-Century Modern Sp...
Cane, Walnut, Leather
$1,912 / item
H 5.91 in Dm 4.73 in
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Ceiling Lamp / Flush Pende, Re Edit
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Hanging- lamp from the showrooms of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Hoffmann in several variations. Hammered originally. Works-number M115, pattern-book of the Wiener Werkstaette: WWM...
Crystal, Brass
For almost 200 years, Val Saint Lambert of Seraing, Belgium, has produced some of the most elegant and prestigious works of crystal and glass. Holding the distinction of being the world’s only Belgian glassworks, Val Saint Lambert creates exquisite items including ashtrays, serveware, vases and sculptures.
Founded by chemist François Kemlin and engineer Auguste Lelièvre, the company opened its first glassworks in 1826. Its quality manufacturing of heavy-lead crystal and the expert craftsmanship of its wares quickly led to the company’s popularity.
In 1894, Val Saint Lambert exhibited its geometric-cut crystal at the World’s Fair in Antwerp, Belgium. The central piece was “le Vase des Neuf Provinces,” or “The Vase of the Nine Provinces.” Under the direction of French glassmaker Léon Ledru, it took 30 artisans over 2,000 hours to fashion it from 85 individually crafted pieces. The exposure led to Val Saint Lambert becoming the primary crystal used by the Tsars of Russia and the company’s pieces being sold internationally.
That same year, the company crafted two immense crystal chandeliers for the Maharaja of Gwalior to hang in his palace in India. Weighing almost five tons each and measuring over 42 feet high, they were the largest crystal chandeliers in the world at the time.
The company closed its doors for the duration of World War I but soon reopened. By 1926, it had over 5,000 employees and had a growing demand for its pieces made in the Art Deco style.
During World War II, bombing from German and Allied forces destroyed the main glassworks facility. The company rebuilt, but by 1950, crystal was becoming more of a household item and less of a luxury good.
In the subsequent decades, Val Saint Lambert collaborated with notable names to expand its offerings with sophisticated furniture, including work with Philippe Starck and Frans Van Praet. In 1992, Van Praet designed the famed Sevilla chair for Val Saint Lambert, a piece highly prized by collectors and designers.
In 2014, Belgian manufacturer Jacques Somville took over Val Saint Lambert. In 2018, Belgian entrepreneur George Arthur Forrest acquired the majority of the company. Val Saint Lambert continues to make some of the finest glass and crystal wares in the world.
Find Val Saint Lambert lighting, seating and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
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.