Lightolier More 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
Gaetano Sciolari Sirius Silver Plated Mid-Century Chandelier, Lightolier, Italy
By Gaetano Sciolari, Lightolier
Located in Vienna, AT
An impressive Modernist chandelier from the 1960s, model Sirius, designed by Gaetano Sciolari for Lightoiler, Italy. Made from silvered brass. The chandelier has three arms and offer...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Silver, Brass
Gerald Thurston Lightolier Floor Lamp
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Classic Mid Century floor lamp, designed by Gerald Thurston , manufactured by Lightolier, circa 1950/1960's. This example features a sculpted tri pod base of solid brass, solid walnu...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Modern Multi-Light Frosted Glass Pendant Chandelier by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage hanging ceiling mount pendant light chandelier circa 1960's labeled Lightolier. This unique fixture features 5 sculptural white frosted...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
Lightolier Adjustable Brass Up Light Sconce, Italy
By Lightolier
Located in Antwerp, BE
A gorgeous brass Italian wall lamp from the 1970s-1980s, oval form. Adjustable hinge allows the sconce to be tilted for perfect illumination. ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Tri Pod Table Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier C 1950s
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Classic midcentury table lamp designed by Gerald Thurston, made by Lightolier, circa 1950s. The lamp has a three leg, tripod form base of black rods, which support interior diffusers...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Metal
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 More Lighting
Materials
Metal
1970's Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Black Lacquered Table / Desk Lamp
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in New York, NY
Gerald Thurston for lightolier basic concept table lamp with black lacquered steel base and lamp stem, white acrylic drum shade and plastic diffuser unde...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Metal
Large Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Brass, Iron and Glass Chandelier
By Gaetano Sciolari, Lightolier, Sciolari Lighting, Stilnovo, Gerald Thurston
Located in Houston, TX
Large Gerald Thurston for Lightolier brass, Iron and glass chandelier.
Rare large Mid-Century Modern chandelier by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. This stunning modernist chandelier...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Brass, Iron
Adjustable Floor Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in New York, NY
Classic Thurston design Mid Century saucer top reading lamp manufactured by Lightolier. The lamp can be raised to 52 in, or lowered to 42 in H, the disk shade is 12 in. in diameter, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Brass, Steel
Gerald Thurston Mid-Century Modern Wishbone Lamp with Original Shade
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Rare opportunity to buy a Gerald Thurston wishbone lamp with the original period shade. The Thurston Wishbone lamp has become an iconic lamp of the Mid-Century Modern movement. The A...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Brass, 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 More Lighting
Materials
Brass
Lightolier Midcentury Atomic Pendant Light
By Lightolier
Located in San Diego, CA
Lightolier midcentury, vintage atomic style pendant. The frame is metal (shiny chrome) with clear bulbs (Light Bulbs included). Style and design...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Chrome
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 More Lighting
Materials
Metal
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 More Lighting
Materials
Birch, Walnut
Iconic 20s-30s Vintage Art Deco Slip Shade Wall Sconces
By Lightolier
Located in Prescott, US
Iconic, beautiful, and rarely seen pair.
Priced per pair.
Iconic, beautiful, and rarely seen pair of very Art Deco slip shade wall sconces...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Metal
White Globe Table Lamp by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in Denton, TX
White globe table lamp with a "Tulip" base by Lightolier.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Steel
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 More Lighting
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Atomic Chrome and Glass Sputnik Style Chandelier
By Lightolier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage sixteen light chrome and white glass shade chandelier by Lightolier. Fixture features a chrome frame with trumpet form arms, round glass shades and great Sputnik form. Chande...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Chrome
Lightolier 1970's Tinted Lucite and Chrome Cube Form Chandelier
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Pure 1970’s glam style, this chic fixture features four tinted translucent panels, which shield the interior ( 8 ) bulbs. The metal elements are bri...
Category
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Chrome
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 More Lighting
Materials
Metal
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Mid Century Walnut and Brass Floor Lamp
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Countryside, 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 More Lighting
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern 14-Arm Chrome Chandelier by Lightolier
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and graphic chandelier was realized by the esteemed American producer, Lightolier, circa 1970. It features 14 gently bowed chrome arms emanating from a circular body, a...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Chrome
Lightolier German Glass and Brass Flush Mount Chandelier
By Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
German cut glass dome flush mount chandelier with brass rim and finial by Lightolier, circa 1960s. Paper label attached.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Brass
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 More Lighting
Materials
Brass, Metal, Wire
Mid Century Thurston for Lightolier Torchiere
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in New York, NY
Classic mid century torchiere floor lamp, designed by Gerald Thurston, for Lightolier. This stunning lamp features a black base from...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Brass, Steel
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 More Lighting
Materials
Metal
Floor Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Black enameled steel floor lamp with three brass arms holding a perforated steel reflector and shade.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier More Lighting
Materials
Brass, Steel
Lightolier, Floor Lamp
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gerald Thurston floor lamp by Lightolier. Features a brass and walnut base and a perforated brass shade. Measures: 17" diameter x 64.5" height.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier More Lighting
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 More Lighting
Materials
Brass
Torchere Floor Lamp by Gerald Thurston / Carl Moser for Lightolier, 1953
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 More Lighting
Materials
Brass
Lightolier more lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
Lightolier more lighting 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 more lighting, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original more lighting 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 more lighting by Gerald Thurston, Laurel Lamp Company, and Koch & Lowy. Prices for Lightolier more lighting can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $466 and can go as high as $20,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,900.
Creators Similar to Lightolier
Questions About Lightolier More Lighting
- 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.