It’s not often that one résumé can include hermetic magician, astrologer, gold and silversmith and lighting designer. It’s fair to say that Austrian Emil Stejnar may be the only one to claim all of the skills above.
The clamor for mid-century modern design has been at a fever pitch since, well, pretty much the mid-twentieth century. And while many of the era’s furniture makers have gained recognition over time, many designers remain obscure. Emil Stejnar is one such designer.
Born in Vienna in 1939, Stejnar trained in goldsmithing and silversmithing and opened a jewelry workshop in Sweden. Eventually, he began to translate his metal skills to light fixtures.
Vintage Emil Stejnar chandeliers and mirrors are practically jewelry themselves, featuring materials like 24-carat gold-plated brass and Austrian crystals. He had a penchant for symmetrical, rounded forms, often emulating starbursts, snowflakes or floral blossoms in his designs.
Stejnar found a partner in Austrian manufacturer Rupert Nikoll, which made an extensive amount of the designer’s astonishingly precious pieces. In fact, the biggest claim to glory for the brand, which was established in Vienna in the early 1900s, owes to Stejnar’s work.
While it seems that any lighting fixture having a starburst shape and numerous bulbs on the ends was dubbed “Sputnik” in the Cold War era, one of Rupert Nikoll’s most famous designs is the Sputnik pendant lamp, created in the 1960s by Stejnar.
With several lighted spokes extending out in every direction, forming a shape similar to a dandelion puff, Stejnar's Sputnik pendant lamp earned the nickname “Pusteblume,” or “Dandelion” in English. Many imitators have replicated the Sputnik design, but the originals are highly valued by interior designers and collectors of Space Age design.
Find vintage Emil Stejnar chandeliers, wall lights, floor lamps and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Emil Stejnar Backlight Wall Mirror with Glass Flowers, Mid-Century
By Emil Stejnar, Schöninger
Located in Hannover, DE
A large wall mirror with indirect lighting featuring glass flowers by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll from the 1960s. The mirror can be hung vertically or horizontally. This vintage i...
Sheet Metal
$1,141Sale Price|20% Off
Illuminated floral mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in ECHT, NL
Back lit wall mirror. Designed by Emil Stejnar and produced by Rupert Nikoll, Austria in the 1950s. The mirror has an edge made from numerous glass flowers that reflect en disperse t...
Metal
$1,700 / item
Emil Stejnar Oval Backlight Mirror '50
By Emil Stejnar, Schöninger
Located in Hannover, DE
A round wall mirror by Münchner Zier-Form, designed by Emil Stejnar, with indirect lighting and plastic flowers from the 1960s. The mirror can be hung vertically or horizontally. Th...
Sheet Metal
Rare Midcentury Emil Stejnar Illuminated Floral Oval Shape Mirror, Austria 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish Mid-Century Modern vanity / make up hallway mirror for wall mounting, 1950s. An exceptional and highly collectible piece by famed Austrian designer Emil Stejnar, this illumi...
Metal
Vintage Back light Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Delft, NL
Vintage Back light Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s
Crystal, Metal
Emil Stejnar Backlit Mirror, Rupert Nikoll, Brass Glass White Metal, 1950s
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar, Stilnovo, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A round wall mirror with illuminated background designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The mirror c...
Metal
Emil Stejnar Mid-Century Wall Mirror with Indirect Lighting, 1950
By Schöninger, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hannover, DE
A round wall mirror by Münchner Zier-Form, designed by Emil Stejnar, with indirect lighting and plastic flowers from the 1960s. This vintage item is fully functional and in very good...
Sheet Metal
Two Mid-Century Modern Round Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Antwerp, BE
Two amazing illuminated round mirrors with background illumination and brass and Lucite flowers by Emil Stejnar. Looking in this mirror will t...
Metal
Emil Stejnar Mid-Century Wall Mirror with Indirect Lighting, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Schöninger
Located in Hannover, DE
A large wall mirror with indirect lighting by Emil Stejnar for Schöninger from the 1950s. The very first version of the series, with four E14 light bulbs. Later editions feature fluo...
Sheet Metal
Vintage large Back light Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Delft, NL
Vintage large Back light Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Round Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hagenbach, DE
An illuminated wall mirror from the 1960s made in Austria. It was designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll. The mirror has a round design with beautiful orange acrylic flowers. The...
Aluminum
1 of 2 Spectacular Backlit Mirror by Emil Stejnar, Germany
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful and high quality wall mirror by Emil Stejnar, Germany, 1970s Illuminated mirror made of a metal frame surrounded by hundreds of acrylic plastic flowers High quality and...
Crystal, Metal
Viennese Backlight Wall Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Wien, Au
Viennese Backlight Wall Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1950s Original condition
Glass, Mirror
Mid-Century Modern Round Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria 1960s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hagenbach, DE
An illuminated wall mirror from the 1960s made in Austria. It was designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll. The mirror has a round design with beautiful orange/red acrylic flowers....
Aluminum
Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll Oval Backlight Mirror Vienna Around 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Wien, Au
Viennese Backlight Wall Mirror by Emil Stejnar with Glass Blossoms, 1950s Original condition
Glass, Mirror
Oval Emil Stejnar Glass Blossom and White Lacquered Metal Mirror, Austria
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Hamburg, DE
Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of this Vintage Oval Emil Stejnar Glass Blossom and White Lacquered Metal Mirror, a masterpiece designed in the 1950s by the acclaimed Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll in Austria. This illuminated mirror, with its rare and noble oval shape, effortlessly marries midcentury sophistication with modern refinement. Many meticulously arranged Lucite flowers and florets adorn the mirror, creating a captivating visual symphony. Stejnar's artistic brilliance shines through in every detail, making this mirror a testament to midcentury design excellence. Remarkably preserved, this mirror is in excellent condition, showcasing only minor and superficial traces of age on the white lacquered metal and glass. These subtle signs of wear, consistent with its midcentury origins, do not compromise the mirror's overall beauty. There are no damages, and the mirror remains free of cloudy blind spots, ensuring flawless functionality. Having undergone careful cleaning and polishing, this vintage mirror stands...
Metal
Lucite Flowers Vintage Backlit Wall Mirror Mid-Century Modern Emil Stejnar 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage backlit oval wall mirror with many lucite flowers by Emil Stejnar 1950s Vienna. This stunning wall mirror oval like from white lacquered metal features ma...
Metal
Austrian Mirror with Glass Blossoms by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar, Palwa
Located in Houston, TX
Austrian mirror with glass blossoms by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll. Stunning round Austrian mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, circa 19...
Glass, Mirror
Beautiful Huge Oval Illuminated Mirror Designed by Emil Stejnar
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
Illuminating vintage mirror by Emil Stejnar from the 1960s. Manufactured in Vienna by A. Rupert Nikoll. Perfect condition. Originally illuminated with neon tube but now rebuild to ...
Steel
Emil Stejnar Mid-Century Modern Circular Backlit Amber Wall Mirror 1950 Vienna
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage circular like wall mirror backlit framed with lucite flowers in amber color tone by Emil Stejnar 1950s Austria. The wall m...
Metal
Floral mirror by Emil Stejnar for Ruper Nikoll, 1950, Austria
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Brussels, BE
Floral mirror by Emil Stejnar for Ruper Nikoll, 1950, Austria
Metal
Vintage Back light Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 54,5 cm Diameter , 9 cm Height Condition: Good Period: 1970s Material: Metal , glass , plastic Color: Multicolored
Metal
$3,895
H 54.5 in W 48 in D 20 in
George Nelson Leather & Walnut Illuminated Vanity with Mirror & Ottoman for Herm
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 54.50in H x 48in W x 20in D Desk Height 27in Ottoman: 17in H x 22.50in W x 16in D Materials: Walnut Wood, Vintage Leather, Original Glass _______________________ Trans...
Leather, Glass, Wood, Walnut
$1,483
H 47.25 in W 35.44 in D 14.97 in
Mid-Century Modern Glass and Steel Dressing Table with Oval Mirror, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Mid-Century Modern Glass and Steel Dressing Table, 1960s, with Oval Mirror Elegant dressing table from the 1960s, featuring a sleek metal structure with a refined black opal glass t...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Vanity, Exotic Wood, Italy, 1950s
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Toelette pensile vintage con specchio rettangolare, mensola e cassetto con impiallacciatura in legno esotico.
Mirror, Wood
$2,054Sale Price|20% Off
H 44.49 in W 31.5 in D 17.72 in
Olof Ottelin, 1950s Vanity Desk Elisabeth for Stockmann Oy, Finland
By Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Olof Ottelin, Oy Stockmann AB
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Stylish Mid-Century Modern vanity desk with two drawers made in mahogany. Two sliding mirrors covering two glass shelves for storing make-up and oth...
Mirror, Mahogany
$28,000 / set
H 61 in W 24 in D 22 in
Art Deco Illuminated Vanity Together Mirror with Stool Paramount Theater Boston
Located in Westport, CT
Art Deco acid etched Illuminated Vanity with aluminum trim attached to Vanity with illuminated bottom column, original aluminum stool. From the women’s powder room Paramount Theater...
Aluminum
$1,080Sale Price|40% Off
H 13 in W 11 in D 4 in
Emil Stejnar Pair Midcentury Brass Flower Sconces, Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of lovely Austrian floral brass wall lights with three arms, glass crystals and integrated switches. Designed by Emil Stejnar, executed by Rupert Nikoll in the 1950s. Professi...
Crystal, Brass
$2,795
H 28 in W 52.25 in D 22.25 in
Paul McCobb Vanity Table for Calvin, Irwin Collection, Circa 1950s
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Peabody, MA
A mid-century modern vanity table in Honduran mahogany by Paul McCobb, for Calvin Furniture, Irwin Collection, circa late 1950s.
Mirror, Mahogany
$3,095Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.93 in W 43.31 in D 19.69 in
Vintage 1950s Italian Vanity/Desk with Mirror, in Solid Wood, Gio Ponti Style
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Presented here is a rare and beautiful little vanity desk, designed in the style of Giò Ponti and produced in Italy during the 1940s. Skillfully crafted from solid wood, it is a time...
Wood
$14,000
H 32.28 in W 24.02 in D 1.97 in
Light Blue Wall Mirror by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
Rectangular wall mirror with a light blue transparent glass frame featuring a faceted inner edge. The piece exemplifies the refined and understated aesthetic characteristic of Max In...
Glass, Mirror
$2,800
H 24 in Dm 20 in
Emil Stejnar Midcentury Brass Chandelier, Rupert Nikoll Vienna, Austria, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Vienna, AT
A wonderful Austrian brass chandelier with 6 arms, designed by Emil Stejnar, executed by Rupert Nikoll in the 1950s. In very good condition. Measurements: diameter 20 in, total hei...
Brass
Emil Stejnar handelier for Rupert Nikoll, Austria, 1950s
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
A striking gilded chandelier with Stejnar’s signature “snowflake” design, featuring multiple curved brass arms radiating outward, each ending in a cluster of delicate white enameled ...
Steel
Austrian Mirror with Glass Blossoms by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar, Palwa
Located in Houston, TX
Austrian mirror with glass blossoms by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll. Stunning round Austrian mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, circa 19...
Glass, Mirror
Rare Art Deco Backlight Mirror
Located in Wien, Au
Rare Art Deco backlight mirror Original condition.
Nickel
$2,397 / item
H 10.24 in Dm 19.69 in
Fantastic Set of Two Emil Stejnar Ceiling Lamps by Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, 1950
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Munich, DE
Ceiling flush mount with glass blossoms, manufactured Rupert Nikoll, Vienna, 1950. Matching pair.
Metal, Brass
Emil Stejnar Backlight Mirror '50
By Schöninger, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hannover, DE
A round wall mirror by Münchner Zier-Form, designed by Emil Stejnar, with indirect lighting and plastic flowers from the 1960s. This vintage item is fully functional and in very good...
Sheet Metal
Emil Stejnar Backlight Mirror '50
By Schöninger, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hannover, DE
A round wall mirror by Münchner Zier-Form, designed by Emil Stejnar, with indirect lighting and plastic flowers from the 1960s. This vintage item is fully functional and in very good...
Sheet Metal
Emil Stejnar Backlight Mirror '50
By Schöninger, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hannover, DE
A large wall mirror with indirect lighting featuring glass flowers by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll from the 1960s. The mirror can be hung vertically or horizontally. This vintage i...
Sheet Metal
Emil Stejnar Backlight Mirror '50
By Schöninger, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hannover, DE
A round wall mirror by Münchner Zier-Form, designed by Emil Stejnar, with indirect lighting and plastic flowers from the 1960s. This vintage item is fully functional and in very good...
Sheet Metal
Emil Stejnar Oval Backlight Mirror '50
By Schöninger, Emil Stejnar
Located in Hannover, DE
A round wall mirror by Münchner Zier-Form, designed by Emil Stejnar, with indirect lighting and plastic flowers from the 1960s. The mirror can be hung vertically or horizontally. Th...
Sheet Metal
Sold
H 3.55 in Dm 25.6 in
Large Backlit Mirror with Crystal Flowers by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Aus
By Emil Stejnar
Located in London, GB
This large circular mirror, designed by renowned Austrian designer Emil Stejnar and manufactured by Rupert Nikoll in the 1950s, is a stunning example of mid-century craftsmanship and...
Metal
Sold
H 16.93 in W 16.93 in D 2.76 in
Illuminated Flower Mirror (Ø 30cm) by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll - 1960s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Illuminated Glass Flower Mirror (Ø 30cm) by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll Flower - Mirror - Austria 1960s Measures : Total : Ø43cm Mirror:Ø30cm M...
Metal
Sold
H 22.45 in W 22.45 in D 2.76 in
Illuminated Flower Mirror (Ø 42cm) by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1960s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Illuminated Glass Flower Mirror (Ø 42cm) by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll Flower - Mirror - Austria 1960s Measures : Total:Ø 57cm Mirror:Ø:42cm M...
Metal
Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century wall mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll. The mirror consists of an illuminated back with a large number of glass crystal glass flowers. 1950s - Austria Very good...
Murano Glass
Sold
H 17.72 in W 17.72 in D 3.15 in
Vintage Back light Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Delft, NL
Vintage Back light Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s
Plastic
Sold
H 26.78 in W 26.78 in D 3.55 in
Vintage Back light Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll 1950s
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Delft, NL
Elegant illuminated floral round mirror designed by Emil Stejnar. Stejnar was one of the most important lamp and lighting designers who worked for the Viennese lamp manufacturer Rupe...
Metal
Sold
H 33.47 in W 25.6 in D 3.94 in
Spectacular Backlit Mirror Brass and Crystal Glass by Emil Stejnar, Germany
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful and high-quality wall mirror by Emil Stejnar, Germany, 1970s It is made of a metal frame decorated with hundreds of cut crystal glass. High quality and in very good con...
Crystal, Metal
Mirror by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, 1950's.
By Emil Stejnar
Located in Lot/Drogenbos, BE
Mirror Illuminated with Bleu Flower designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll from 1950's. Designer -Emil Stejnar. Producer - Rupert Nikoll. Production period - 1950's. Me...
Art Glass
Large illuminated mirror designed by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Rupert Nikoll, Emil Stejnar
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Emil Stejnar originally designed his Dandelion chandeliers and also this mirror series in the mid 1950ies. The series was manufactured by Rupert Nikoll for the „Ohne Pause Espresso“, which was one of the upcoming new coffee houses that would challenge the old fashioned coffee houses in Vienna in the 1950ies. The „Espressi“ reached out towards a younger audience and interiors of the Espressi were a revolution compared with those common cafes known for the Viennese coffee culture. Jukeboxes as well as high class furniture designed by Austrian architects and designers established a very different atmosphere. Emil Stejnar, who was also trained as a goldsmith, designed these dandelion mirrors...
Steel
Sold
H 33.08 in W 24.41 in D 3.94 in
Emil Stejnar Oval Wall Mirror with 200+ Backlit Austrian Crystals
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Stunningly beautiful backlit oval wall mirror with a halo of over 200 crystals dispersing the light extraordinarily. Designed and made in 1950s Austria by Emil Steiner...
Crystal, Metal