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.
Vintage Lightolier Brass Wall Lantern Sconce, Dual-Light, Verdigris
By Lightolier
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Wall lantern by Lightolier in solid brass and with glass panels, finished with a hand-applied verdigris patina. The fixture has a classic arched top with geometric muntin details and...
Brass
$1,463 / item
H 11.82 in W 27.56 in D 11.82 in
1970s Industrial Aluminium and Brass Flame Proof Strip Light, Copper Verdigris
By Industrial Design
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Vintage industrial Edison flameproof striplight with verdigris finish manufactured by Daeyang c1970. Reclaimed and professionally restored by han...
Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Iron
French Country Lantern - Verdigris Finish
Located in Westwood, NJ
French Country Lantern, This hexagonal lantern has a fluted lotus roof, fleur de lis reticulated panel sides, glass sides and door with three li...
Copper
$4,500
H 18 in W 16 in D 16 in
English Circa 1900 Verdigris Copper Four-Light Hanging Lantern with Tapered Form
Located in Atlanta, GA
This English hanging lantern, dating to circa 1900, is crafted in copper and presents a naturally developed verdigris patina that lends the surface a soft, variegated green tone. The...
Copper
Large Vintage Italian Verdigris Metal Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1960's Italian painted metal lantern with verdigris finish. Measurements: Length/width: 23" Height of body: 37" Current drop: 44"
Metal
$3,995
H 28 in W 10.25 in D 10.25 in
Italian 19th Century Verdigris Bronze Four-Light Lantern with Grotesque Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Italian 19th-century hanging lantern is executed in cast bronze and retains a beautifully developed verdigris patina, lending the surface a soft, variegated green tone that acce...
Bronze
Eden small Meridian half lantern wall light
Located in Firenze, FI
Elevate your home décor with our wall lantern with brass structure and glass. Crafted with high-quality materials, this wall lantern exudes luxury and sophistication, creating a warm...
Brass
$1,964
H 18.12 in W 9.06 in D 4.34 in
Pair of French Neoclassical Style Brass and Glass Two-Light Wall Lanterns
Located in Barntrup, DE
An adorable pair of French Neoclassical-style wall lanterns. These elegant wall lamps feature a polished brass frame and three curved clear glass panels. Each wall light has two sock...
Brass
Vintage Italian Brass Lantern Hanging Light
Located in North Miami, FL
Beautiful original brass patina is rich and appropriately aged. Glass panels and simple decorative flourishes. Dimensions: with chain to canopy, 48 inches long to base, 12 x 12 w...
Brass
English Circa 1900 Verdigris Copper Three-Light Hanging Lantern
Located in Atlanta, GA
This English lantern, dating to circa 1900, is crafted in copper and presents a naturally developed verdigris patina that softens its architectural lines with a subtle range of green...
Copper
Arts & Crafts Lantern Wall Sconce
Located in San Francisco, CA
Arts & Crafts period steel and green slag glass wall sconce or lantern. Newly re-wired and re-conditioned. American, early 20th century. In excellent condition.
Steel
Brass Hall Lantern or Pendant Light
Located in Antwerp, BE
1950s pendant with beautiful and quality details. Controlled to the three pieces of E14 sockets.
Brass
Italian Petite Brass Lantern Hanging Light
By Gio Ponti
Located in North Miami, FL
Extremely in the Gio Ponti style, this lantern with brass mesh shade and three lights is a little jewel.
Brass
$880Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 11 in W 6.25 in D 3.25 in
Boho Chic Moroccan Style Brass Wall Sconce or Lantern, a Pair
Located in Plainview, NY
A stylish pair of Boho Chic Moroccan style sconces or wall lanterns. The wall sconces are finely handmade of high quality brass featuring a large floral design in the center and geom...
Brass
Four Verdigris Lanterns, Sold individually
Located in New York, NY
Set of four circa 1950's Italian verdigris painted metal lanterns with 3 lights. Sold individually. Measurements: Height of body: 22" Present drop: 27" Diameter: 9.5"
Metal
English Georgian Hexagonal Glazed Verdigris Lantern
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Circa 1800 English Georgian Hexagonal Glazed Brass/Bronze Verdigris Lantern Exceptional quality, rewired with original chain & hanging hook Measures: W33 x D33 x H57 cm.
Brass, Bronze
Lightolier Lytescape Perforated Metal Outdoor Lanterns or Lamps
By Gino Sarfatti, Lightolier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A scarce pair of Lytescape outdoor lamps, often attributed to Gino Sarfratti, manufactured by Lightolier. These vintage lamps feature perforated metal bases with a bright vermillion...
Metal
Sold
H 24 in W 33 in D 33 in
Edward Wormley XL Brass Pulldown Triennale Chandelier Pendant Lamp Dining Table
By Edward Wormley, Lightolier
Located in Hyattsville, MD
All original and presented in as-found condition from the estate where purchased. A wonderful and warm triple cone indirect pulldown chandelier. Massive, a very large light at 25 ...
Metal, Brass
1960s Gerald Thurston Mid-Century Modern Pendant Chandelier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Miami, FL
Rare to find 1960s Gerald Thurston design for Lightolier. Very Far East or Nakashima styling with a pierced brass crown top over a radiating fiberglass rice paper type shallow dome w...
Brass
Early Metal & Plastic Table Lamp by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Hyattsville, MD
All Original.
Brass, Steel
Spectacular Gerald Thurston Indirect Light Ceiling Fixture for Lightolier
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Spectacular Gerald Thurston indirect light ceiling fixture for Lightolier. Unusually large and in excellent condition for a vintage piece. Rewired with ...
Brass