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Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

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
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Taupe "Cricket" Desk Lamp, Circa 1955
Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Taupe "Cricket" Desk Lamp, Circa 1955

Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Taupe "Cricket" Desk Lamp, Circa 1955

$3,300

Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Taupe "Cricket" Desk Lamp, Circa 1955

By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Original Gerald Thurston for Lightolier Dark Camel "Cricket" Table Lamp, Wall Lamp. Featuring the adjustable perforated dome Bakelite Shade in a natural, earthen coloration (Pantone ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass, Steel

Nakashima Style Walnut and Birch Wall Lamp by Lightolier, 1960s
Nakashima Style Walnut and Birch Wall Lamp by Lightolier, 1960s

Nakashima Style Walnut and Birch Wall Lamp by Lightolier, 1960s

$2,480Sale Price|20% Off

Nakashima Style Walnut and Birch Wall Lamp by Lightolier, 1960s

By Lightolier

Located in Camden, ME

Four sided Nakashima style wall lamp for Lightolier, 1960s. The rectilinear box frame of solid walnut has an inset grid of birch over laid on shoji paper panels which conceal a s...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Birch, Walnut, Paper

Mid-Century Modernist Brushed Aluminum Cylindrical Sconces by Lightolier
Mid-Century Modernist Brushed Aluminum Cylindrical Sconces by Lightolier

Mid-Century Modernist Brushed Aluminum Cylindrical Sconces by Lightolier

$2,475 / set

Mid-Century Modernist Brushed Aluminum Cylindrical Sconces by Lightolier

By Lightolier

Located in New York, NY

This pair of Mid-Century Modernist cylindrical sconces by Lightolier, crafted in the 1970s, represents the clean, minimalist design philosophy of the era. Combining form and function...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum

New Old Stock from Lightolier 1980s Louvered Wall Sconces , USA
New Old Stock from Lightolier 1980s Louvered Wall Sconces , USA

New Old Stock from Lightolier 1980s Louvered Wall Sconces , USA

$495Sale Price|67% Off

New Old Stock from Lightolier 1980s Louvered Wall Sconces , USA

By Lightolier

Located in St- Leonard, Quebec

In sealed, marked Lightolier box. Only one available . Model 6569 Well designed, made with thick metal, powder coated in a matte/semi gloss light beige and dark brown tone. ...

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Steel

Rare Pair Wall Swing-Arm Lamps by Gerald Thurston
Rare Pair Wall Swing-Arm Lamps by Gerald Thurston

Rare Pair Wall Swing-Arm Lamps by Gerald Thurston

$2,280Sale Price / set|33% Off

Rare Pair Wall Swing-Arm Lamps by Gerald Thurston

By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston

Located in South Charleston, WV

Sleek and Versatile, this pair of wall lamps by Gerald Thurston that provides elegant lighting with a sophisticated approach to wall sconce illumination. 17.5" tall, 14" deep and 8" ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Lightolier Wall Sconces Mid Century Modern
Pair of Lightolier Wall Sconces Mid Century Modern

Pair of Lightolier Wall Sconces Mid Century Modern

$1,200

Pair of Lightolier Wall Sconces Mid Century Modern

By Lightolier

Located in Chula Vista, CA

Pair of Lightolier wall scones in offwhite color. Tested and working with out any issues. Brass has original vintage patina. Dimensions: 10.5 h x 7.5 d x 7.5 diameter. Stamped "LIG...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Wall Light Sconce Gerald Thurston Lightolier
Wall Light Sconce Gerald Thurston Lightolier

Wall Light Sconce Gerald Thurston Lightolier

$2,400

Wall Light Sconce Gerald Thurston Lightolier

By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier

Located in New York, NY

Large wall light sconce Gerald Thurston for Lightolier. Handcrafted glass with white and gold colored glass overlay creating a bursting display...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Two Bulb Brass and Glass Pinwheel Vanity Sconce by Lightolier
Mid-Century Modern Two Bulb Brass and Glass Pinwheel Vanity Sconce by Lightolier

Mid-Century Modern Two Bulb Brass and Glass Pinwheel Vanity Sconce by Lightolier

$745

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 Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Lightolier Adjustable Brass Up Light Sconce, Italy
Lightolier Adjustable Brass Up Light Sconce, Italy

Lightolier Adjustable Brass Up Light Sconce, Italy

$636

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 Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Pair of Modern Architectural Leaded Milk Glass Sconces by Lightolier
Pair of Modern Architectural Leaded Milk Glass Sconces by Lightolier

Pair of Modern Architectural Leaded Milk Glass Sconces by Lightolier

$1,495 / set

Pair of Modern Architectural Leaded Milk Glass Sconces by Lightolier

By Lightolier

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Simple and elegant pair of Mid-Century Modern sculptural leaded milk glass sconces on the diagonal. Rare and hard to find in this architectural design, we have two pairs available. P...

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Lead

1970s Lightolier Double Wall Lamp Sconce Modern Minimalism
1970s Lightolier Double Wall Lamp Sconce Modern Minimalism

1970s Lightolier Double Wall Lamp Sconce Modern Minimalism

$795

1970s Lightolier Double Wall Lamp Sconce Modern Minimalism

By Lightolier

Located in Chula Vista, CA

1970s Lightolier Modern Double Wall Sconce in Aluminum 17.75 x 10.25 w x8 d Stamp present. Preowned original vintage condition See all images please.

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Baton High Intensity Desk Table Wall Lamp
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Baton High Intensity Desk Table Wall Lamp

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Baton High Intensity Desk Table Wall Lamp

$446Sale Price|25% Off

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Baton High Intensity Desk Table Wall Lamp

By Michael Lax, Lightolier

Located in Topeka, KS

Awesome vintage Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Baton high intensity desk, table, or wall lamp. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There are minor scratches on the lamp base and hood. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1960’s. In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary! -Aaron Rose. This is definitely an Extraordinary vintage Mid-Century Modern Baton high intensity desk table lamp by Lightolier. Many say the Baton lamp was designed by Michael Lax and although we know it was designed in the era Michael Lax designed...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum

Gaetano Sciolari Multi Tubular Brass Wall Light
Gaetano Sciolari Multi Tubular Brass Wall Light

Gaetano Sciolari Multi Tubular Brass Wall Light

$2,100

Gaetano Sciolari Multi Tubular Brass Wall Light

By Lightolier, Gaetano Sciolari

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 Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

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

$2,000 / set

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 Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

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

Gerald Thurston Scissor Task Lamp Wall Sconce

$1,400

Gerald Thurston Scissor Task Lamp Wall Sconce

By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston

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 Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass

Lightolier White Wall Sconce
Lightolier White Wall Sconce

Lightolier White Wall Sconce

$840Sale Price|70% Off

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 Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Vintage Lightolier Brutalist Block Light Box
Vintage Lightolier Brutalist Block Light Box

Vintage Lightolier Brutalist Block Light Box

$2,850

Vintage Lightolier Brutalist Block Light Box

By Lightolier

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This rare vintage Lightolier light box is a stunning example of 1970s Brutalist design. Featuring the authentic "Lightolier X" maker’s mark, this architectural fixture is defined by ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Brutalist Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Steel

Pair of Lightolier Scalini Chrome w Stacked Glass Art Deco Post Modern Sconces
Pair of Lightolier Scalini Chrome w Stacked Glass Art Deco Post Modern Sconces

Pair of Lightolier Scalini Chrome w Stacked Glass Art Deco Post Modern Sconces

$1,595 / item

Pair of Lightolier Scalini Chrome w Stacked Glass Art Deco Post Modern Sconces

By Lightolier

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous pair of high quality wall sconces by Lightolier. Multiple staggered and stacked rounded glass panels with a chromed housing. Very elegant! Pair is in near perfect condition...

Category

1970s American Art Deco Vintage Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Pair of wall lights from the house of Sciolari for Lightolier, Italy 1970
Pair of wall lights from the house of Sciolari for Lightolier, Italy 1970

Pair of wall lights from the house of Sciolari for Lightolier, Italy 1970

$3,533 / set

Pair of wall lights from the house of Sciolari for Lightolier, Italy 1970

By Lightolier, Gaetano Sciolari

Located in BARCELONA, ES

Very beautiful and rare pair of wall lights from the house of Sciolari for Lightolier dating from 1970. Composed of crystal rods, these wall lights are spectacular. Rare design objec...

Category

1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal

Pair of wall lights by Sciolari for Lightolier, Italy, 1970
Pair of wall lights by Sciolari for Lightolier, Italy, 1970

Pair of wall lights by Sciolari for Lightolier, Italy, 1970

$3,544 / set

Pair of wall lights by Sciolari for Lightolier, Italy, 1970

By Gaetano Sciolari, Lightolier

Located in BARCELONA, ES

Very beautiful and rare pair of wall lights from the house of Sciolari for Lightolier dating from 1970. Composed of crystal rods, these wall lights are spectacular. Rare design objec...

Category

1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Crystal

Lightolier Brass Wall Sconces A Pair
Lightolier Brass Wall Sconces A Pair

Lightolier Brass Wall Sconces A Pair

$750 / set

Lightolier Brass Wall Sconces A Pair

By Lightolier

Located in Fulton, CA

A pair of brass wall sconces by Lightolier with black metal escutcheon plates. Retaining "Lightolier" paper labels. Tested and in working order. Light cans articulate to change direc...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Aluminum Spotlight Scones Pair of Doubles Lightolier
Mid-Century Modern Aluminum Spotlight Scones Pair of Doubles Lightolier

Mid-Century Modern Aluminum Spotlight Scones Pair of Doubles Lightolier

$895 / set

Mid-Century Modern Aluminum Spotlight Scones Pair of Doubles Lightolier

By Montgomery Ward, Lightolier

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous pair of Mid Century Modern Sculptural aluminum sconces with two lights on each sconce. All aluminum and made for Montgomery Ward c1958. We have single sconces as well. Six....

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Aluminum

Lightolier Alabaster Brass Wall Sconce, Curved Design, 1980s
Lightolier Alabaster Brass Wall Sconce, Curved Design, 1980s

Lightolier Alabaster Brass Wall Sconce, Curved Design, 1980s

$550

Lightolier Alabaster Brass Wall Sconce, Curved Design, 1980s

By Lightolier

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Single Lightolier curved alabaster wall light sconce with brass fittings and brass plated trim backplates. Uses single 60 watt regular A size bulb.

Category

Late 20th Century American Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Alabaster, Brass

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

$2,000 / set

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 Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Vintage Pull Lamp by Lightolier
Vintage Pull Lamp by Lightolier

Vintage Pull Lamp by Lightolier

$1,950

Vintage Pull Lamp by Lightolier

By Lightolier, Edward Wormley, 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 Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Lightolier wall lights and sconces for sale on 1stDibs.

Lightolier wall lights and sconces 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 wall lights and sconces, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original wall lights and sconces by Lightolier were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider wall lights and sconces by Gerald Thurston, Chapman Manufacturing Company, and Paul Ferrante. Prices for Lightolier wall lights and sconces can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $466 and can go as high as $8,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,800.

Creators Similar to Lightolier

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Questions About Lightolier Wall Lights and Sconces
  • Is Lightolier still in business?
    1 Answer
    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.
  • What is a Lightolier lamp?
    1 Answer
    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.

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