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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.

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Creator: Lightolier
1960s Swivel Table Lamps by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
1960s modern swivel spot table lamps by Lightolier.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Pair of Ceramic Lamps by Thurston
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Very stylish and sophisticated pair of ceramic lamps, designed by Gerald Thurston, for Lightolier. The ceramic body has an Aztec influence motif, each mounted on a solid wood plinth ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture

Lightolier Gooseneck Desk Reading Lamp
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Adjustable desk, reading lamp. Classic Post Modern design in the Italian School.
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Metal

Gerald Thurston Lightolier Chandelier
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote to your location. Lightolier Hanging Chandelier designed by Gerald Thurston. Formed Glass Discs, Chrome Trim.
Category

1960s Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

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

Elegant Table Lamp or Desk Light by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier USA 1950s
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Munich, DE
Elegant Mid-Century Modern table lamp or desk light. Designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier, USA, 1950s. Executed in brass, aluminium, lucite and metal, the table lamp comes wit...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Metal

Vintage Sixteen Arm Chandelier by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Elegant black lacquer sixteen-light chandelier by Lightolier. The chandelier is comprised of eight spokes radiating out from the centre disc, with each bar holding two lights on a cu...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Steel

Impeccable Extendable Arm Lumilux Study Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impeccable extendable arm Lumilux study lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. Brushed brass base with original one-piece molded shade-diffuser in excellen...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Lightolier Sunburst Flushmount Ceiling or Wall Light
By Lightolier, Carl Moser 1, Gerald Thurston
Located in Hanover, MA
From Lightolier's Claremont Collection circa 1953 (see image 20) we present this show stopping domed shaped ceiling fixture with 13 curved brass sputnik arms and cones for candelabra...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass

MCM to Modern Aluminum Dome Pendant Hanging Light Fixture Selling Separately
By Lightolier
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Mid-Century Modern to Modern aluminum dome pendant hanging light fixtures 4 available, selling separately & priced per hanging light fixture. Beautiful condition, ke...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Metal, Wire

Ceiling Lamp by Lightolier, 1970
By Lightolier
Located in Belmont, MA
A beautiful mid century pair of ceiling lamps by Lightolier with a polished chrome canopy and 18 transparent glass cylinders. One central light bul...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Ceiling Lamp by Lightolier, 1970
Ceiling Lamp by Lightolier, 1970
$1,440 Sale Price / set
28% Off
Mid Century Tubular Swag Lamp Sciolari
By Lightolier, Gaetano Sciolari
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful unique tubular swag lamp. Glass tubes capped with brass tone caps. Great cage design.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Minimalist 3 tiered Brass Plated Sconces by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of minimalist 3 tiered brass plated sconces by Lightolier.
Category

20th Century American Art Deco Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Faceted Chrome Lightolier Chandelier
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Modernist chrome hanging fixture by Lightolier (marked). This chandelier has eight triangular panels each 8" W at base. The fixture shows some cosmetic wear to the finish, specifical...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Pristine Vintage Lumilon Table Lamps by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of pristine vintage Lumilon table lamps by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. Original one-piece shade-diffusers. UL listed.
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pair of Minimalist 3 Tiered Brass Plated Sconces by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of minimalist 3 tiered brass plated sconces by Lightolier.
Category

20th Century American Art Deco Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Black Iron Chandelier by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous black iron sculptural chandelier by Lightolier. Total current hgt./length is about 48 with existing chain links. This can be shortened to about 28 with canopy and 1 link. Pl...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Iron

Lightolier Pendant Lamp Hanging Fixture
By Lightolier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An example of Lightolier combining Italian lighting and design with American components. Frosted glass and lacquered metal.
Category

1950s American Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Glass

Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Tripod Floor Lamp
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for accurate shipping to your location. Tripod Floor Lamp. Designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier.
Category

1950s Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Sciolari Chrome 8 Arm Chandelier
By Lightolier, Sciolari Lighting
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful eight art chandelier with canister light fixtures extending from circular arms. Each canister has pinhole perforations creating a dramatic exp...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Pair Gerald Thurston Lightolier Iron Tripod Table Lamps with Glass Shades
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair of Gerald Thurston for Lightolier black and white table lamps, 1950s. Featuring balanced black enameled steel tripod legs, socket and neck, period white milk glass shades atop r...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Steel

Lightolier Mid Century Glass Pendant Light
By Lightolier
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Lightolier Mid Century Glass Pendant Light This light measures: 14 wide x 14 deep x 11 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much detail as poss...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Mid Century Walnut and Brass Floor Lamp
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier mid century walnut and brass floor lamp This lamp measures: 15 wide x 15 deep x 54.5 inches high This lamp is in Fair Vintage Condition with some...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage Lightolier Articulating Floor Lamp
By Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Lightolier articulating floor lamp Signed on underside Base is 13" diameter.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Wood

Impeccable Extendable Arm Lumilux Study Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impeccable extendable arm Lumilux study lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. Brushed brass base with original one-piece molded shade-diffuser in excellen...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Triple Gourd-Form Table Lamp
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning Lightolier table lamp in white satin glazed ceramic stacked spherical bodies. Each segment separated by a brass ring spacer. Base is a brass plate. The three socket lighting...
Category

1950s American Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass, Metal

Lightolier Mid Century Brass and Travertine Lamp
By Lightolier
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Lightolier Mid Century Brass and Travertine Lamp This lamp measures: 17 wide x 17 deep x 32 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lig...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Lightolier Heathered Taupe and Striped Pottery Table Lamp
By Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
Modernist urn form table lamp with a heathered glaze pottery body, footed wood base and brass spacer. Brass stem with a three socket up light mechanism that was a Lightolier hallmark...
Category

1960s American Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass, 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

Impeccable Extendable Arm Lumilux Study Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impeccable extendable arm Lumilux study lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. Brushed brass base with original one-piece molded shade-diffuser in excellen...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Lightolier White Wall Sconce
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Large white wall sconce by Lightolier. Signed, USA, circa 1950. Newly rewired and refinished in white satin powdercoat.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Metal

Lightolier White Wall Sconce
Lightolier White Wall Sconce
$840 Sale Price
70% Off
Walnut and Chrome Table Lamp by Gerald Thurston
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Denton, TX
Walnut and chrome table lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Early 20th Century Metalwork Radial Webs Chandelier
By Lightolier
Located in San Francisco, CA
A brass chandelier with 5 arms of radial, webbed, arrows arcing to the center stem. Made by Lightolier in the early 20th century; with a complex, brass-bronze patina and decorative t...
Category

Early 20th Century American Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Rare Floor Lamp by Tommi Parzinger, USA, 1960's
By Tommi Parzinger, Lightolier
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare Floor Lamp by Tommi Parzinger, USA, 1960's Rare floor lamp by Tommi Parzinger for Lightolier. Six-arm, nickel-plated steel, trident-style with original shades. 1960s limited pro...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Steel

Lightolier Atomic Sputnik Ball Table Lamp
By Lightolier
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A great table lamp with its original globe shades out of a nice Palm Springs Estate. This 1970’s Lightolier fixture still has a few of its labels. I only had one bulb to light it up...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Metal

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

Lightolier Chandelier Ceiling Fixture Lamp
By Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Lightolier fixture with large crystal beads attributed to Gerald Thurston. A quality vintage fixture. Reminiscent of Italian fixtures by Arr...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Frosted White Glass Hanging Pendant Light by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern ceiling pendant lamp manufactured by Lightolier circa 1960s. This unique shade is made of frosted glass that emits a glo...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Metal

1950s Gerald Thurston Enameled Shade Flushmount , Lightolier , USA
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Enameled aluminium shade pierced with a star pattern . Each shade measure 9.5 in wide by 2 in high . Glass diffuser under . 3 Bakelite socket rated at 40 watt each Brass struct...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

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

Rare 1960's Gaetano Sciolari Chrome and Beaded Crystal Chandelier
By Lightolier, Gaetano Sciolari
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Rare Gaetano Sciolari Chrome and Beaded Crystal Chandelier, featuring a striking tiered design with cascading crystal strands and faceted teardrop prisms. The chrome frame is adorned...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Steel, Chrome

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

Lightolier Black Enamel Sixteen-Light Mid-Century Light Fixture
By Lightolier
Located in St. Louis, MO
Black enameled light fixture with sixteen arm light fixture made by Lightolier, original enamel in excellent condition, measures 24" H from bottom...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Metal

Bubble Pendants by Gino Sarfatti and Archimede Seguso for Lightolier
By Lightolier, Archimede Seguso, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Priced individually. Italian modern Bubble Pendant Lamps by Gino Sarfatti in collaboration with artisan Archimede Seguso for Lightolier. These exquisite 1950s glass pendants consist ...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Blown Glass

Lightolier Chrome and Glass Chandelier
By Lightolier
Located in Stamford, CT
Stunning chrome and brushed steel and glass eight-arm chandelier. Each bulb is surrounded by a bubble glass cylindrical shade.
Category

1960s American Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Gaetano Sciolari "Cage" Pendant Lamp by Lightolier
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Highland, IN
A wonderful example of Sciolari's playful experiments in lighting design, the wire cage lamp came in a taller oval form and this round coiled shape that i...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

1970s Lightolier Brass Waterfall Cage Lamp with New White Glass Diffusers
By Lightolier, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Chattanooga, TN
ALL OF THESE GLASS SHADES ARE NEW! FMV collaborated with a phenomenal glass fabrication studio to reproduce from a mold, cast from an original shade. The final product looks exactly like the original, except the glass on our is a bit thicker (and stronger). Ethereal, majestic, brass waterfall floor lamp...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Graduated Pastel Cone Cluster Pendants by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern pendant lights featuring a graduated cluster of three pastel pink, blue and white, perforated cones on brass poles mounted on circular plates. Four clusters are av...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Lightolier Turned Concave Wood Staff Floor Lamp by Gerald Thurston
By Lightolier
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Lightolier turned concave wood staff floor lamp by Gerald Thurston Signed on underside.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Wood

Marvelous Lightolier 10 Cylinder Light Chandelier Flush Light Mid-Century Modern
By Lightolier
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Marvelous Lightolier 10 cylinder light chandelier with star shaped cut crystal globes. This wonderfully simple light fixture would be perfect for a midcentury inspired tall foyer or stairwell...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Metal

Vintage White Metal Shade and White Metal Base Desk Lamp by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Adjustable white metal shade and white metal base with brass arm, hi-lo dimmer switch on top of the shade, medium base socket.
Category

1970s American Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass, Metal, Wire

Gerald Thurston Scissor Task Lamp Wall Sconce
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, task lamp, wall sconce by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier features an adjustable, 5.5 inch diameter, painted metal shade on a brass stem and wall plate with an acc...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Hanging Pendant Lamp for Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An adjustable patinated brass pendant having as shapely perforated shade and frosted glass diffuser with a brass ring pull. Recoiled cable is concealed in the canopy.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Torchere Floor Lamp by Gerald Thurston / Carl Moser for Lightolier, 1953
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
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

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

Chandelier for Lightolier, 1969
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

Mid-Century Chromed Metal Woven Ribbon Chandelier by Max Sauze for Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Mid-Century chandelier designed by Max Sauze for Lightolier. Made in USA, c. 1960's. The chandelier features a captivating woven ribbon design crafted from chromed metal. The...
Category

1960s American Vintage 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.
Questions About Lightolier Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Lightolier 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, 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.

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