Skip to main content

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.

to
46
249
10
285
224
7
6
5
4
1
1
284
1
209
62
4
71
55
51
6
1
266
145
79
44
33
239
227
31
23
6
285
285
285
146
13,102
3,876
2,496
2,239
Creator: Lightolier
Rare Six-Arm Floor Lamp by Tommi Parzinger, USA, 1960s
Rare Six-Arm Floor Lamp by Tommi Parzinger, USA, 1960s

Rare Six-Arm Floor Lamp by Tommi Parzinger, USA, 1960s

By Lightolier, Tommi Parzinger

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

Vintage 1960s Lightolier Eight-Arm Chandelier in Chrome and Glass
Vintage 1960s Lightolier Eight-Arm Chandelier in Chrome and Glass

Vintage 1960s Lightolier Eight-Arm Chandelier in Chrome and Glass

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

Vintage table lamp by Angelo Lelli for Lightolier, 1970s
Vintage table lamp by Angelo Lelli for Lightolier, 1970s

Vintage table lamp by Angelo Lelli for Lightolier, 1970s

By Lightolier, Angelo Lelii

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Space age table lamp designed by Angelo Lelli for Lightolier feautiring a white metal tube and a fine chromed base. The lamp can be adjusted in many ways. tested and ready for use ...

Category

1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid Century Waterfall Lamp Sciolari
Mid Century Waterfall Lamp Sciolari

Mid Century Waterfall Lamp Sciolari

By Gaetano Sciolari, Lightolier

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

Beautiful unique mid century lamp attributed to Gaetano Sciolari. Brass tone metal caps hold cylinder ribbed rods done in a clear lucite/acrylic. Three tiers of hanging hooks from wh...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Lightolier Turned Concave Wood Staff Floor Lamp by Gerald Thurston
Vintage Lightolier Turned Concave Wood Staff Floor Lamp by Gerald Thurston

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

Mid-Century Chromed Metal Woven Ribbon Chandelier by Max Sauze for Lightolier
Mid-Century Chromed Metal Woven Ribbon Chandelier by Max Sauze for Lightolier

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

Monumental Cascade Chandelier by Lightolier, 16 Globes, 1970s
Monumental Cascade Chandelier by Lightolier, 16 Globes, 1970s

Monumental Cascade Chandelier by Lightolier, 16 Globes, 1970s

By Lightolier

Located in Dallas, TX

Monumental 16 globe cascade chandelier by Lightolier, circa 1970s. Blown glass bulbs in various sizes cascade nearly 10 feet from a 32" round canopy and create an impressive light fi...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Wire

Pair of Venetia Table Lamps by Lightolier, Light Blue and White Striped Glass
Pair of Venetia Table Lamps by Lightolier, Light Blue and White Striped Glass

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

Moorcroft Art Pottery 'Fuchsia' Footed Lamp with Lightolier Glass Reflector Bowl
Moorcroft Art Pottery 'Fuchsia' Footed Lamp with Lightolier Glass Reflector Bowl

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
Lightolier

Lightolier

By Lightolier

Located in Ferndale, MI

Space age lamp made in Japan for Lightolier. Weighted steel base supports chrome shaft holding adjustable plastic shade.

Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Rare 1960's Gaetano Sciolari Chrome and Beaded Crystal Chandelier
Rare 1960's Gaetano Sciolari Chrome and Beaded Crystal Chandelier

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 Chandelier
Lightolier Chandelier

Lightolier Chandelier

By Lightolier

Located in Chicago, IL

16-light chandelier by Lightolier.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Steel

Tommi Parzinger Style Brass and Crystal Chandelier
Tommi Parzinger Style Brass and Crystal Chandelier

Tommi Parzinger Style Brass and Crystal Chandelier

By Lightolier

Located in New York, NY

Stunning 1960s modern chandelier in the style of Tommi Parzinger by Lightolier made in Germany, in vintage original condition with beautiful patina to the brass. Total height incl...

Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Style Brass & White Triple Candlestick Table Lamp
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Style Brass & White Triple Candlestick Table Lamp

Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Style Brass & White Triple Candlestick Table Lamp

By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Gerald Thurston for Lightolier attributed Brass & Candlestick Table Lamp. Featuring tri curved Brass base, triple enameled White metal candlesticks, original Brass ring finial, shown...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Pendant by Lightolier
Mid-Century Modern Pendant by Lightolier

Mid-Century Modern Pendant by Lightolier

By Lightolier

Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon

Beautiful piece of the early 70s, chrome in its maximum expression of its time, the union of the four spheres to the cylinder make the piece an incredible design.

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Lightolier Vintage Patinated Copper Pendant
Lightolier Vintage Patinated Copper Pendant

Lightolier Vintage Patinated Copper Pendant

By Lightolier

Located in Chicago, IL

Lightolier Vintage Patinated Copper Pendant light fixture complete with glass lens that sits in center. This is a light weight luminaire made with ...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Lightolier Mid Century Brass and Travertine Lamp
Lightolier Mid Century Brass and Travertine Lamp

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 Pendant Lamp Hanging Fixture
Lightolier Pendant Lamp Hanging Fixture

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 Mid Century Brass and Lucite Rocket Floor Lamp
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Mid Century Brass and Lucite Rocket Floor Lamp

Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Mid Century Brass and Lucite Rocket Floor Lamp

By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Mid Century brass and Lucite rocket floor lamp Base is 15 x 15 and the lamp is 51 inches high overall Brass base has some spotting so we are selling t...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Lightolier Mid Century Glass Pendant Light
Lightolier Mid Century Glass Pendant Light

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

1970s Lightolier Brass Waterfall Cage Lamp with New White Glass Diffusers
1970s Lightolier Brass Waterfall Cage Lamp with New White Glass Diffusers

1970s Lightolier Brass Waterfall Cage Lamp with New White Glass Diffusers

By Lightolier, Tommi Parzinger

Located in Chattanooga, TN

This ethereal floor lamp, attributed to Lightolier and rooted in the extravagant design ethos of the 1970s, stands as a mesmerizing blend of sculptural art and functional lighting. I...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Ceiling Lamp by Lightolier, 1970
Ceiling Lamp by Lightolier, 1970

Ceiling Lamp by Lightolier, 1970

$1,440Sale Price / set|28% Off

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

Nickel-Plated Lightolier Chandelier
Nickel-Plated Lightolier Chandelier

Nickel-Plated Lightolier Chandelier

$1,900Sale Price|50% Off

Nickel-Plated Lightolier Chandelier

By Lightolier

Located in North Miami, FL

Nickel-plated Lightolier chandelier from 1950s. With the pole height 40" made in Italy.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Metal

Elusive Lightolier Ceramic and Brass Table Lamp, Italian Pottery
Elusive Lightolier Ceramic and Brass Table Lamp, Italian Pottery

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

Impeccable Extendable Arm Lumilux Study Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
Impeccable Extendable Arm Lumilux Study Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier

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

1950s Mid Century Honeycomb Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
1950s Mid Century Honeycomb Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier

1950s Mid Century Honeycomb Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier

By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Designed by the renowned Gerald Thurston and manufactured by Lightolier in the 1950s, this exquisite mid-century table lamp is a bold fusion of sculptural form and functional design....

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Marvelous Lightolier 10 Cylinder Light Chandelier Flush Light Mid-Century Modern
Marvelous Lightolier 10 Cylinder Light Chandelier Flush Light Mid-Century Modern

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

Japanese Style Grid Floor Lamp for Lightolier, 1970's
Japanese Style Grid Floor Lamp for Lightolier, 1970's

Japanese Style Grid Floor Lamp for Lightolier, 1970's

By Lightolier

Located in Sagaponack, NY

Four sided floor lamp evoking a Japanese Shoji screen. The frame of solid walnut set on an ebonized recessed plinth base with the frame having a...

Category

1970s American American Craftsman Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Birch, Walnut

Porcelain Hourglass Table Lamps by Gerald Thurston, 1950s
Porcelain Hourglass Table Lamps by Gerald Thurston, 1950s

Porcelain Hourglass Table Lamps by Gerald Thurston, 1950s

By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston

Located in Westport, CT

Stunning pair of vintage table lamps that exude sophistication and style - a true collector's item for those who appreciate mid-century modern design. These lamps were designed by th...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Lightolier Heathered Taupe and Striped Pottery Table Lamp
Lightolier Heathered Taupe and Striped Pottery Table Lamp

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

Pair of Lightolier Neoclassical Brass and Darkest Green Urn Form Table Lamps
Pair of Lightolier Neoclassical Brass and Darkest Green Urn Form Table Lamps

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

The Squirrel Cage Chandelier
The Squirrel Cage Chandelier

The Squirrel Cage Chandelier

By Lightolier, Gaetano Sciolari

Located in Toronto, Ontario

A nice chromed cage lamp by Gaetano Sciolari for Lightolier. Four clear bulbs within the thick squared wire exterior.

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Metal

Vintage Pull Lamp by Lightolier
Vintage Pull Lamp by Lightolier

Vintage Pull Lamp by Lightolier

By Edward Wormley, Lightolier, Gino Sarfatti

Located in Chicago, IL

Vintage Pull Lamp most likely by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. Possibly a design by Gino Sarfatti or Edward Wormley for Lightolier. Unmarked. ple...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Vintage Ceramic Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
Midcentury Vintage Ceramic Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier

Midcentury Vintage Ceramic Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier

By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier

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

Chandelier for Lightolier, 1969
Chandelier for Lightolier, 1969

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

Lightolier Ceiling Fixture
Lightolier Ceiling Fixture

Lightolier Ceiling Fixture

By Lightolier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Three white globe Lightolier ceiling fixture. Two ceiling fixtures available. Three pairs of matching sconces available.

Category

1960s American Vintage Lightolier Furniture

Materials

Chrome

'Vintage Desk Lamp by Lightolier, White Metal Shade and Brass Arm, 1970s"
'Vintage Desk Lamp by Lightolier, White Metal Shade and Brass Arm, 1970s"

'Vintage Desk Lamp by Lightolier, White Metal Shade and Brass Arm, 1970s"

By Lightolier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage 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

Wire, Metal, Brass

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.