Although he started his career as a jeweler in 1830 — after apprenticing with his copper jeweler brother-in-law years earlier — Charles Christofle (1805–63) recognized that Second Empire France had an untapped audience for luxury silverware and tableware.
Gold and silver gilt had been the high-end standard in the 18th century, yet society after the Industrial Revolution demanded a more affordable, but still refined, approach. So in the 1840s, Christofle cornered the market on electrolytic gilding and silver plating, dominating the hold on patents in the country for over a decade. His work soon attracted the attention of Louis-Philippe I and then Napoleon III, under whom he was named Fournisseur de l’Empereur, cementing the prestige of his brand.
While Christofle created decadent centerpieces and tableware for the French palaces — as well as prominent clients like the Orient Express — the company’s electroplating of silverware that was far less expensive than that made by silversmiths attained widespread popularity. At a time when many who could not afford gold or silver still used wooden utensils, Christofle was a game changer for at-home dining. An appearance at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago furthered the company’s reach to American consumers who would soon rival the manufacturer’s European clientele.
The 20th century saw Christofle adapting to changing tastes in its offerings, such as the Aria collection, which debuted in 1985 with column-like lines on its flatware designed by Bernard Yot, and the playful egg-shaped silverware container introduced in 2015 that opens to reveal a full flatware set. The company also now sells barware, home accessories and even jewelry, harkening back to its roots. Now almost two centuries old, Christofle maintains its reputation as a leading flatware and silverware company under the ownership of the Chalhoub group, its utensils gracing tables in homes, hotels and restaurants all over the world.
Shop authentic Christofle serveware, ceramics, decorative objects and more on 1stDibs.
1900 Rare Silver Metal Floor Lamp Pink Opaline by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Marseille, FR
1900 rare silver metal floor lamp pink opaline by Christofle. Roccoco style. Electrification will have to be fixed.
Metal
Vintage Stilnovo Metal and Opaline Floor Lamp
By Stilnovo
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
This floor lamp features a refined and sculptural design with its slender, slightly angled black metal stem that rises from a round base. About two-thirds of the way up, a brass elem...
Metal, Brass
Pink Head White Metal Floor Lamp by Cosack 1970s, Germany
By Cosack Leuchten
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Pink Head White Metal floor lamp by Cosack 1970s, Germany Lamp is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with halogen light bulb. Max 100W Wired and suitable to use w...
Metal
White Opaline French Floor Lamp
Located in Miami, FL
Very rare and elegant French Art Deco white opaline and brass floor lamp. US wired and in working condition. 1 bulb 100W.
Brass
$2,931
H 51.58 in Dm 14.18 in
Midcentury Stilnovo Tripod Floor Lamp in Brass, Metal, Opaline Glass Italy 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Roma, IT
Exceptional Mid-Century floor lamp in black enameled metal, brass, teak wood completed by a rounded opaline glass diffuser. This stylish lamp was designed by Stilnovo and produced in...
Metal, Brass, Iron
Rare Opaline Glass & Brass Floor Lamp by Stilnovo, 1950s Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District
A rare floor lamp produced by Stilnovo in Italy during the 1950s, showcasing the refined elegance of mid-century Italian lighting design. The lamp features multiple softly tapered op...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Rare floor lamp produced by Stilnovo Italy 1960s marble, brass, metal.
By Bruno Gatta
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Rare floor lamp produced by Stilnovo in the 1960s. Black lacquered metal tubular frame, opaline glass shades, polished brass details, white Carrara marble base, excellent condition. ...
Carrara Marble, Metal, Brass
Very Rare Floor Lamp by Orrefors in Teak, Copper and Opaline Glass
By Orrefors
Located in Karlstad, SE
Stunning floor lamp from Orrefors with original opaline glass shade. This lamp is extremely rare, and was probably made in a very limited quantity by Swedish glass factory Orrefors. ...
Copper
Beautiful Silvered Metal Christofle Lamp
By Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
Silvered metal lamp by Christofle, France with a plexiglass base probably designed by Sabattini.
Rare Gilt Metal Sheaf of Wheat Floor Lamp by Hans Kogl
By Hans Kögl
Located in Antwerp, BE
Hans Kogl wheat sheaf floor lamp, circa 1970s. Statement wheat sheaf and gilt leaf lamp by Hans Kogl.
Metal, Brass
Opaline Vistosi Floor Lamp
By Vistosi
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Vintage Vistosi floor lamp made of three main molded opaline glass parts and painted metal foot and structure. Dual light switch allowing to enlight the top globe, the main body or both
Metal
$4,325
H 61.82 in Dm 16.15 in
Rare Black Metal and Opaline Floor Lamp by Louis Kalff, The Netherlands 1950s
By Disderot
Located in Antwerp, BE
Louis Kalff 1950s floor lamp produced by Philips Eindhoven, The Netherlands.The hint of an exotic African motif and topped with an opaline glass shade head' surrounded by a black hood. Louis Kalff NX...
Metal, Brass
Rare Floor Lamp with Red Lacquered Metal Frame, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare floor lamp was produced by Norrköpings Lampfabrik in Sweden during the 1950s and exemplifies mid-century Scandinavian modern design through its combination of functionality...
Metal
Maison Christofle silvered metal Floor Lamp from 1920
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
. Silvered metal . 20's . Christofle house's work . Base in dark green marble
Marble, Metal