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Lightolier Lighting

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
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 Lighting

Materials

Brass

Lightolier Mid Century Domed Pendant Chandelier
Lightolier Mid Century Domed Pendant Chandelier

Lightolier Mid Century Domed Pendant Chandelier

By Lightolier

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A nice cleanly designed mid century domed pendant chandelier with matching metal concentric louvered shade which snaps in for easy bulb changing for the ...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Lightolier Spun Aluminum Eight-Light Modernist Chandelier
Lightolier Spun Aluminum Eight-Light Modernist Chandelier

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 Lighting

Materials

Steel

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 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 Lighting

Materials

Steel

Lightolier Mid Century Brass Sculptural Chandelier
Lightolier Mid Century Brass Sculptural Chandelier

Lightolier Mid Century Brass Sculptural Chandelier

By Lightolier

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A stunning midcentury chandelier with six white globes sitting on wave like sinusoid- sphere brass metalwork with radiating hanging rods fusing at the top into a shaft of bronze. Ret...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Brass, Metal

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 Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Pristine Vintage Lumilon Table Lamps by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
Pair of Pristine Vintage Lumilon Table Lamps by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier

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 Lighting

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 Lighting

Materials

Birch, Walnut

Pair of Minimalist 3-Tiered Brass-Plated Sconces by Lightolier
Pair of Minimalist 3-Tiered Brass-Plated Sconces by Lightolier

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 Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Brass and Metal Table Lamps
Pair of Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Brass and Metal Table Lamps

Pair of Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Brass and Metal Table Lamps

By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Pair of tables lamps designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier composed of oversized, fully-adjustable, black-metal shades and corresponding round bases with brass stems (ca. 1950s,...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting

Materials

Metal, 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 Lighting

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Pair of MidCentury desk lamps
Pair of MidCentury desk lamps

Pair of MidCentury desk lamps

By Lightolier

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Circa 1940, We offer this pair of MidCentury lamps. made in iron, brass details. Working.

Category

1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel

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 Angelo Lelii, Lightolier

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 Lighting

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Lightolier Cut-Crystal Five-Arm Chandelier, circa 1940s
Lightolier Cut-Crystal Five-Arm Chandelier, circa 1940s

Lightolier Cut-Crystal Five-Arm Chandelier, circa 1940s

By Lightolier

Located in Chicago, IL

A wonderful early example of the craftsmanship of the American lighting pioneer, Lightolier. Five glass arms meet at the bottom the tri-tiered cut-glass centre column. Brass cups und...

Category

1940s American Vintage Lightolier Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

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 Gaetano Sciolari, Lightolier

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 Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Steel, Chrome

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 Lighting

Materials

Travertine, Brass

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 Lighting

Materials

Brass

Lightolier Chandelier
Lightolier Chandelier

Lightolier Chandelier

$2,816Sale Price|20% Off

Lightolier Chandelier

By Lightolier

Located in Chicago, IL

16-light chandelier by Lightolier.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Lighting

Materials

Steel

Gerald Thurston Scissor Task Lamp Wall Sconce
Gerald Thurston Scissor Task Lamp Wall Sconce

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 Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

'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 Lighting

Materials

Brass, Metal, Wire

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 Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Wire

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 Lighting

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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 Lighting

Materials

Chrome

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 Lighting

Materials

Glass

Graduated Pastel Cone Cluster Pendants by Lightolier
Graduated Pastel Cone Cluster Pendants by Lightolier

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 Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

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 Lighting

Materials

Metal

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 Lighting

Materials

Brass

Vintage Pull Lamp by Lightolier
Vintage Pull Lamp by Lightolier

Vintage Pull Lamp by Lightolier

By Lightolier, Gino Sarfatti, Edward Wormley

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 Lighting

Materials

Brass

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 Lighting

Materials

Chrome

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 Lighting

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 Lighting

Materials

Metal

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 Gerald Thurston, Lightolier

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 Lighting

Materials

Brass

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 Lighting

Materials

Chrome

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 Lighting

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 Lighting

Materials

Brass, Metal

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 Lighting

Materials

Metal

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 Lighting

Materials

Metal

The Squirrel Cage Chandelier
The Squirrel Cage Chandelier

The Squirrel Cage Chandelier

By Gaetano Sciolari, Lightolier

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 Lighting

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 Lighting

Materials

Chrome

Lightolier lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Lightolier lighting are available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider lighting by Gordon & Jane Martz, Laurel Lamp Company, and Marshall Studios. Prices for Lightolier lighting 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 Lighting
  • 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.