Lightolier Furniture
Founded in 1904 in New York and family-operated through most of its history, Lightolier was one of the pioneering American electric lighting companies, best known for its embrace of stylistic and technical innovations.
Collectors focus on vintage Lightolier lighting fixtures produced from the 1950s and into the 1970s, when an in-house design team led by Gerald Thurston — and a stellar cast of international design contributors — created an array of practical yet aesthetically lively table lamps, floor lamps, sconces and chandeliers.
Amidst the post-World War II building boom, Lightolier — the name combines “light” and “chandelier” — aggressively boosted its residential lighting division. Thurston, who was strongly influenced by the sleek designs of Gino Sarfatti and his Italian lighting firm Arteluce, towards simpler lamp designs that offered flexibility of function. His best-known designs include the Cricket task light — a lamp with an adjustable enameled metal hood that toggles on a slender bent-metal base — and the three-legged Tripod floor lamp. At the same time, Thurston had a wonderful eye for talent and sought work from some of the lesser-known greats of the era, such as Paavo Tynell, the Finnish lighting designer, who designed several brass chandeliers for Lightolier with his trademark elegant flamboyance.
And more, Thurston recognized abilities in designers not known for their work in lighting.
Edward Wormley, head of furniture design for Dunbar, produced several noteworthy chandeliers employing canisters and reflective hoods. Alvin Lustig was famed as a graphic designer. His ca. 1953 Ring ceiling fixture for Lightolier had a minimalist techno look some 30 years ahead of its time. But this was par. Designed by Michael Lax in 1964, the Lytegem high-intensity lamp — included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art — features a ball-shaped shade attached with a chromed armature to a cubic base, a form that would be widely copied in the following decade. Chandeliers designed in the early 1970s by Gaetano Sciolari, with details such as acrylic diffusers and vertical, two-bulb arms, would define the look of lighting in their day.
A look through these pages reveals just how astonishingly wide a range of lighting pieces Lightolier produced. The company never flicked off its stylistic switch.
Find a collection of vintage Lightolier lamps and other lighting fixtures on 1stDibs.
Color: Beige
Creator: Lightolier
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Beige "Cricket" Desk Lamp, Circa 1955
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Original Classic Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Beige Cricket Table Lamp, Wall Lamp. Featuring an adjustable perforated dome Bakelite Shade in Coffe...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Pair of Midcentury Wall Lights with Cubist Design by Sciolari for Lightolier
By Gaetano Sciolari, Lightolier
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful pair of wall lights by Sciolari for Lightolier. Each has four cubes that sparkle when lit. Can be mounted horizontal or vertical.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Chrome
1950s Gerald Thurston Tripod Table Lamp Pair Space Age Modern Lightolier
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Gerald Thurston Tripod Table Lamps for Lightolier
Space Age Atomic Midcentury Modern
Unmarked
26.5 tall x 23.5 diameter
Preowne...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Iron, Metal
Lytegem Spherical Desk Lamp by Michael Lax for Lightoiler
By Michael Lax, Lightolier
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Lytegem desk lamp in off-white with spherical metal shade, cube base and chrome arm designed by Michael Lax for Lightolier, circa 2000. The lamp was named by the late Industrial designer Jay Doblin as one of the 20th century's hundred great product designs. The Lytegem emits localized light for reading and other tasks and features a telescoping neck that adjusts from 8.5" inches to 14.5" with a head that swivels 360°, anchored by a cube base. Overall dimensions are 2.5"W x 3.25"D x 14.5"H. Light intensity can be changed from low to high...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Industrial Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Zinc, Steel
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Style Adjustable Brass Desk Lamp, 1960s
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Bainbridge, NY
American Mid-Century Modern Gerald Thurston for Lightolier style brass desk lamp. Featuring a slender, sturdy Brass plated tubular stem, round balanced, weighted 6D base, turn switch to base, adjusting Black enameled interior Brass shade head (8.25 W x 3W) extending to 10W with Cast Iron handle...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Baton High Intensity Desk Table Wall Lamp
By Lightolier, Michael Lax
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome vintage Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Baton high intensity desk, table, or wall lamp. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There are minor scratches on the lamp base and hood. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1960’s.
In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary! -Aaron Rose. This is definitely an Extraordinary vintage Mid-Century Modern Baton high intensity desk table lamp by Lightolier. Many say the Baton lamp was designed by Michael Lax and although we know it was designed in the era Michael Lax designed...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Lightolier Elegant Modern Brass Tripod Base Table Lamp
By Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
Simple and elegant brass tripod based table lamp by Lightolier. White porcelain dual sockets with white metal disc housing. Sold with drum shade...
Category
1950s American Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Brass, Enamel, Metal
1960s Tommi Parzinger Style Brass Chandelier by Lightolier, , Classic Modernist
By Tommi Parzinger, Lightolier
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning 1960s Mid-Century Modern brass chandelier in the style of Tommi Parzinger made by Lightolier, Tested and electrical working.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Brass
20th Century American Polished Brass Lightolier Table Lamp by Gerald Thurston
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A tall, vintage Mid-Century Modern American table lamp made of hand crafted polished brass, designed by Gerald Thurston and produced by Lightolier, in good condition. The desk light is composed with a round white-yellow linen shade and an acrylic diffuser, what blockes slightly the light of the three-way light socket. The lamp is supported by a colorful, faceted marble base. The wires have been renewed. Wear consistent with age and use, circa 1950, United States.
Base: 1.25" H x 7.25" W x 7.25" D.
Shade: 7.25" H x 17" diameter.
Gerald Thurston was an American designer and artist, born in 1914, United States, the date and place of death are unknown. He was one of the most innovative, ingenious lighting designers of the postwar time period. Thurston is know for his elegant forms and sleek materials. He designed, worked many years with the lighting manufacture Lightolier. Thurston's personal life and professional training remains lost in history.
Lightolier is an American lighting manufacturer, founded in 1904 by Bernhard Blitzer. Their original name was the New York Gas and Appliance Co. Since the beginning the specialized in creating decorative chandeliers before shifting to high-end design, production in the late 1920s. Lightolier introduced the first track lighting...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Marble, Metal, Brass
Unusual Chandelier by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Unusual Lightolier chandelier with a real mid century style, perspex shades, Measures: approx. 13" diameter, height 31" also adjustable.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Articulating Desk Lamp
By Lightolier
Located in Cordova, SC
Super cool vintage Lightolier desk lamp. It’s perfect for the mid-century modern office! Sleek design and clean lines. Made from hard plas...
Category
1970s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Metal
Lightolier Yellow Chandelier, Mid-Century Modern
By Lightolier
Located in Fulton, CA
A canary yellow 5-light chandelier or pendant light by Lightolier. Can be installed as a pendant light with use of 8 foot chair or shortened to hang as a chandelier with desired depth achieved by shorting chain. Excellent original condition. Retains Lightolier paper label. Nice! Milk glass globes measure 6" diameter. Yellow chandelier...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Steel
1970s Lightolier Flush Ceiling Lamp Stainless Steel & Brass Italy
By Gaetano Sciolari, Lightolier
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Modern Lightolier Flush Ceiling Lamp Stainless Steel & Brass ITALY
Maker stamped attributed to Gaetano Sciolari for Lightolier.
two lamps are available.
10.5 tall x 13.5 diame...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Pair of Frosted Glass and Chrome Lightolier Sconces
By Lightolier
Located in Pasadena, CA
Mid-Century Pair of Lightolier sconces made of frosted glass is a clear glass edge and chrome hardware to hold it.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Expertly Restored - Gerald Thurston "Fin" Porcelain Table Lamps by Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gerald Thurston "Fin" porcelain table lamps by Lightolier.
________________________________________
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history ba...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Brass
Chandelier by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This stylish chandelier dates to the 1960s and was created for Lightolier by Gerald Thurston.
The perforated form catches the light beau...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Lightolier Glass Rods 'Radiance' Ten Lights Chandelier , 1980s , USA
By Lightolier, Gaetano Sciolari
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Classic 80s Lightolier chandelier from their Radiance line .
Two row of light catching optical quality glass rods sitting on a nickel plated pierced steel plate.
Contain 10 E12 ...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Nickel
Mid Century Brass Floor Lamp Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very good looking mid-century floor lamp made by Lightolier USA. It features a tapering brass column over a black enamel base, the original molded cellulose shade with removable pe...
Category
1950s Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Midcentury Vintage Louvered Lightolier Pendant Light
By Lightolier
Located in San Diego, CA
1960s louvered Lightolier dome pendant lamp in the style of Verner Panton. Sleek light gray beige enameled form features staggered concentric c...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Two Bulb Brass and Glass Pinwheel Vanity Sconce by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
This whimsical and refined Mid-Century Modern two bulb vanity light was realized in the United States by the esteemed maker Lightolier, circa 1970. It features a volumetric polished ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Venetia Table Lamps by Lightolier, Light Blue and White Striped Glass
By Lightolier
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of "Venetia" table lamps by Lightolier. Striped with custom shades matching the originals. Glass is mint. The brass bases show signs of light wear with one having a small dent t...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Vintage Ceramic Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Chicago, IL
Midcentury vintage ceramic lamp base by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier.
As shown, ceramic base requires specifying hardware and wiring. First photo with black shade is for reference...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Gaetano Sciolari Multi Tubular Brass Wall Light
By Gaetano Sciolari, Lightolier
Located in Hanover, MA
Gaetano Sciolari designed the Tubular Collection for Lightolier in the 1960s. Here we present model 4686 multi-tubular brass wall sconce designed by Gaetano Sciolari and produced by ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
1950s Torchère Floor Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Classic uplight torchère floor lamp with three vertical brass rods supporting a shallow brass bowl and wider glass shade. The base designed by Gerald Thurston with a textured, fire a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paavo Tynell 10 Arms Brass Chandelier for Lightolier , 1950 , USA
By Lightolier, Paavo Tynell, Gerald Thurston
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Paavo Tynell collaborated for a short period of time with Lightolier in the 50s. There is obvious influence of his style in this chandelier .
There is 14 light bulbs on this lamp . 4 are hidden under the lightly pierced shade...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
1970s Spiral Chandelier by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A matte black metal ceiling fixture having straight slender arms extending outwardly from its vertical post in a spiral effect inspired by Poul Kjaerholm, circa 1960.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Metal
Moorcroft Art Pottery 'Fuchsia' Footed Lamp with Lightolier Glass Reflector Bowl
By Moorcroft Pottery, Lightolier
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This striking English art pottery lamp was made by the renowned Moorcroft Pottery company of Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Initially with James Macintyre & Co., innovative ceramist William Moorcroft founded his own firm in 1913. Underwritten by retailer Liberty London, the company went from strength to strength and was granted a Royal Warrant by Queen Mary in 1928, leading them to include the phrase ‘Potter To HM The Queen’ on their paper labels as well as in their impressed marks. William's son Walter joined the firm in 1935 and took over management and design responsibilities upon the death of his father in 1945. Moorcroft remains in business today with early pieces by William and Walter being particularly sought after.
This Walter Moorcroft signed lamp has a traditional pear or bottle vase form which has been decorated in the 'Fuchsia' pattern. The body of the lamp has a variegated blue/blue-green background featuring Moorcroft's distinctive slip-trailing technique. The leaves and blossoms have been finished in bright jewel tones.
The body of the lamp has been joined to a metal base having a milgrain edge and four scrolling feet. The top of the lamp has a simple metal cap topped by a decorative foliate band. The piece retains its original Lightolier reflector bowl, patented by Jacob Samuel Hamel in March of 1950. The reflector bowl has a frosted body which attaches to the lamp by Virtue of three screws. The lamp comes complete with a silk shade manufactured by Royal Knight...
Category
1940s English Art Nouveau Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Metal
Lightolier Sixteen-Arm, Black Lacquer Chandelier
By Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant black lacquer sixteen-light chandelier by Lightolier. The design is often attributed to Tommi Parzinger. The chandelier is comprised of eight spokes radiating out from the ce...
Category
1960s American Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Steel
Lightolier Chic Pendant Light in Brass, 1950s
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
1 pendant light in brass with pin holes at bottom by Lightolier, American, 1950s. The brass has been lacquered so it will not tarnish.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Brass
Brushed Aluminum and Walnut Floor Lamp by Gerald Thurston
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Sophisticated floor lamp designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier.
Brushed aluminum and walnut.
Newly rewired.
New oatmeal colored linen shade.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Italian Modernist Lightolier Chandelier in Brass
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Modernist chandelier with brass structure, made by Lightolier in Italy. The piece has a multitude of arms stretched out in various lengths and is in great vintage condition. Rewired ...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Brass
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Ceramic and Brass Table Lamp
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and chic, quilted ceramic body with brass base and top. Excellent overall condition, slight bruise on brass base, as shown. Base accepts three bulbs to provide ample light. S...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of American Art Moderne Parzinger Silver Plate Urn Table Lamps
By Lightolier, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Pair of American Art Moderne silver-plate urn form table lamps with handles and a cover with a finial on a tapered square base (LIGHTOLIER-desi...
Category
20th Century American Streamlined Moderne Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Gaetano Sciolari for Lightolier Two-Tiered Glass Rod and Brass Chandelier
By Gaetano Sciolari, Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
Gaetano Sciolari for Lightolier glass rod and brass two-tiered waterfall flush mount chandelier. Chrome-plated hexagonal ceiling mount with six brass plated reverse trefoil fitters. ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Chrome, Brass
Elusive Lightolier Ceramic and Brass Table Lamp, Italian Pottery
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Buffalo, NY
Elusive Lightolier ceramic and brass table lamp, Italian pottery attributed to Gerald Thurston, stunning modernist decorative Italian pottery vessel atop atomic formed brass base.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Brass
Lightolier Nickel Staircase Light Fixture
By Lightolier
Located in St. Louis, MO
Nickel fixture with graduated candle forms each holding a bulb. 5 foot tall from base to the canopy.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Vintage 43 Globe Sputnik Chandelier by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Large vintage 43 globe Sputnik chandelier by Lightolier.
This polished chrome fixture supports 43 6" clear glass globes which when illuminate...
Category
1960s American Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Lightolier Chandelier
By Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
16-light chandelier by Lightolier.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Steel
Pair of Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Etched Glass and Brass Sconces
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of brass double hurricane sconces by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. Each solid brass sconce has a double hurricane shade, with the inner ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Lightolier Neoclassical Brass and Darkest Green Urn Form Table Lamps
By Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant pair of neoclassical table lamps from Lightolier with spun brass caps, risers and base. Also, dark green lacquered metal fluted urn body and c...
Category
1950s American Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Brass, Metal
Lightolier Spun Aluminum Eight-Light Modernist Chandelier
By Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
Modernist chandelier in spun aluminum and steel with eight arms and glass globes. Vented bobeches hold the glass globes in place over spun aluminum tube socket covers. Possibly an ea...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Steel
Substantial Gerald Thurston Lightolier Porcelain "Fin" Table Lamp, 1950s
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Classic three foot high Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Two-Tone Parabolic Fin Porcelain Table Lamp. Featuring concave forms in dark chocolate and taupe with brass base and feet. Trip...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large Cascade Rod Chandelier by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Dallas, TX
Chrome mount, 45 Lucite rods with miniature lights and large center bulb illuminate this beautiful chandelier by Lightolier.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Lightolier furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Lightolier furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Lightolier furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Lightolier were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Gordon & Jane Martz, Laurel Lamp Company, and Marshall Studios. Prices for Lightolier furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $175 and can go as high as $20,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,000.
Creators Similar to Lightolier
Questions About Lightolier Furniture
- What is a Lightolier lamp?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Lightolier was founded in 1904 by Bernhard Blitzer and the name is a combination of the words “light” and “chandelier.” Lightolier specializes in elaborate and decorative chandeliers, but they also produce a style of lamps that combine functionality with a lively aesthetic. Browse a collection of Lightolier lamps on 1stDibs.
- Is Lightolier still in business?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Lightolier is still in business. Founded in 1904 and made popular by its electric lighting designs, Lightolier, a contraction of the words light and chandelier, can still be found in stores today. You can also shop Lightolier goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.