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Stiffel Furniture

When Ted Stiffel (1899–1971) founded Stiffel in 1932 in Chicago, he wanted to make functional, thoughtfully designed table lamps, floor lamps and other fixtures that were available at an accessible price. Born in Memphis, Stiffel first pursued a career in music before serving in World War I. After his discharge, he worked with the Western Electric Company in Chicago and then the Nellie J. Kaplan Company, a lighting firm also in the Windy City.

After he started his own lamp business, Stiffel began supplying area department stores and by the 1940s had opened a large factory that was producing lamps for nationwide sale, eventually competing with the likes of the Frederick Cooper Lamp Company, also based in Chicago.

In 1948, designer Edwin J. Cole joined the company and created some of the firm’s most striking table lamps. Today, Cole’s vintage mid-century modern lighting fixtures for Stiffel, frequently with distinctively tall and shapely ceramic bodies and finished with decorative brass chinoiserie details, are highly prized by collectors.

One of Stiffel’s innovations was his patented switch, which simplified turning lights on and off: All someone had to do was grasp a lamp’s pole and gently pull down. He also designed a pole lamp with a vertical tube that held a series of fixtures on the outside. The upright pole lamp was so innovative that Sears, Roebuck and Company copied it. Stiffel sued, and the case ended up in the Supreme Court in 1964. The ruling against Stiffel was influential in whether states can give a patent to objects that do not have the invention required of federal patents.

After declaring bankruptcy in 2000, the brand was revived in 2013 in Linden, New Jersey, where newly produced high-quality lamps carry the Stiffel name.

Find a collection of vintage Stiffel lamps and other lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Stiffel
Dealer: Assemblage Ltd.
Impressive Pair of Neoclassical Brass Table Lamps by Stiffel
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Very substantial pair of neoclassical baluster form antiqued brass table lamps by Stiffel. Greek key design on base. The double sockets are supported by a large candle style upright....
Category

1960s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Stiffel White Crackle Glazed Ceramic and Brass Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of heavy bodied, white craquelure glazed ceramic table lamps. Patinated brass appointments from the best days of American premier lighting company, Stiffel. Sold sans shades.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair Stiffel Neoclassical Brass & Ivory lacquered Table Lamps.
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Classic Roman column table lamps by Stiffel. Brass square plinth multi-tiered plinths with acanthus leaf detail. Ivory lacquered columns wrappe...
Category

1960s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Stiffel Crackle Glaze Ceramic and Brass Moorish Style Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Excellent pair of brass and ceramic bodied Moorish style table lamps by Stiffel. Ceramic bodies are a mottled sea foam green crackle glazed u...
Category

1960s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair Stiffel Porcelain Obelisk & Decorative Brass Table Lamps.
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Stiffel neoclassical table lamps with Lenox porcelain obelisk bodies detailed in gilt edging. Wood base with brass feet, brass decorative pineapple and leafed spacer. Brass s...
Category

1950s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Stiffel Ostrich Egg and Antique Brass Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
A very elegant pair of table lamps from Stiffeal. They feature "ostrich egg" porcelain bodies with antiqued brass square plinth bases and capitals. The keyed switch and original milk...
Category

1950s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Stiffel Fluted and Studded Brass Urn Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Large studded and fluted brass table lamps from the best years of Stiffel, the fine lamp maker. Black lacquered bases feature subtle chamfered feet. Surmounting the brass urns are br...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Stiffel Patinated Brass Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of patinated solid brass baluster form 52" table lamps. Traditional Machine Age bases with flared section bodies that finish with a poppy flower bobeche. Lacquered ivory metal s...
Category

1960s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Stiffel Brass Tulip Shade Floor Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Brass stemmed and tulip shade torchiere with four arched legs.
Category

1950s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass, Metal

Neoclassical Tripod Base Brass Table Lamp by Stiffel
By Edwin Cole, Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Brass neoclassical dual socket table lamp by Stiffel. The base is an antiqued solid brass tripod with Italianate legs and a segmented baluster. The switch pulls chains end in a unique turned wood finial. Quite impressive in size and form. Most likely an Edwin Cole design...
Category

1950s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Rare 1950s Stiffel Black Lacquer and Brass Suspension Table Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare 1950s Stiffel suspension table lamp. Four brass rods with ball finials support a black lacquered cup with internal light socket. Original off-white la...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Stiffel Mahogany & Brass Open Base Table Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Exceptionally designed mahogany and brass open base table lamp by Stiffel. Tapered mahogany body topped with a brass stem and brass bobeche. Brass base is an open circle with four br...
Category

1950s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Related Items
Pair of Stiffel Heavy Brass and Porcelain Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite pair of Victorian style solid brass and porcelain table lamps by Stiffel. Very good vintage condition. Comes with Stiffel original shades in good vintage condition. Meas...
Category

Late 20th Century American Late Victorian Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Stiffel Midcentury White Porcelain and Brass Table Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Buchanan, NY
This single vintage brass and porcelain Stiffel table lamp features a charming pineapple brass detail atop a white porcelain base. In very good vintage condition, it adds a touch of ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Stiffel Brass Table Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Forney, TX
A beautiful tall mid-20th century Stiffel table lamp in brass with matte black enamel accents and foliate leaf detailing. Having an urn-form turned brass central standard, rising on ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Stiffel Brass Table Lamp
Mid-Century Stiffel Brass Table Lamp
H 38 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in
Stiffel "Ostrich Egg" Brass & Ceramic Table Lamps ~ a Pair
By Stiffel
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Stiffel "Ostrich Egg" Brass & Ceramic Table Lamps. USA, circa 1960. Ostrich egg-shaped ceramic forms mounted on brass bases with matching hardware. Priced as a pair—...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Stiffel Brass Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in New York, NY
Stiffel brass bamboo style table lamp. Stiffel brass table lamp having a shape simulating Bamboo. Very good condition. Having a three way switch. Quality...
Category

1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Stiffel Brass Lamp
Stiffel Brass Lamp
H 27 in W 6 in D 6 in
Pair Of Mid Century Stiffel Torchiere Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of mid century torchiere table lamps by Stiffel in brass with white enameling. The lamps with white glass shades with reeded raised design and embossed Stiffel as shown. The foo...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Pair of Stiffel Brass Columnar Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Lomita, CA
This is an extraordinary pair of Stiffel lamps in size, design and presence. The pair are vintage Stiffel brass columnar lamps from the mid to late 20th Century. They are a decoratin...
Category

Mid-20th Century American American Classical Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Stiffel Brass Trophy Table Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Stiffel model #5561 table lamp in brass. Cast in a trophy style with curled acanthus leaves above a fluted urn. The small on-off rotary knob is on the base which is cast to give th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Stiffel Brass Trophy Table Lamp
Stiffel Brass Trophy Table Lamp
H 26.25 in W 6 in D 6 in
Stiffel Tall Sculptural Brass Table Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage Stiffel table lamp was made with sculptural, highly detailed brass body and an off-white neck detail, creating an illusion of an ornate candlestick. The lamp has the origina...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of 1960's Large Ceramic Lamps With a Jade Crackle Glaze Finish by Stiffel.
By Stiffel
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful large pair of ceramic lamps by Stiffel lamp company. The lamp bodies have a beautiful Jade green glaze finish and are Mounted on black finished bases with Antiqued bronzed ...
Category

1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Stiffel Mid-Century Polished Solid Brass and Porcelain Colunm Table Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Germantown, MD
Stiffel Mid-Century Polished Solid Brass and Porcelain Colunm Table Lamp. Measures 7" in width, 7" in depth and 23" in height to the top of the light socket, 30" in height to the top...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Stiffel Sculptural Table Lamp, Ceramic and Brass, Mid Century Modern
By Stiffel
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage Stiffel table or accent lamp was made with graphic, angular brass base and pillar top juxtaposed by rounded ceramic body in complex medium grey color glaze. Reserved color p...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items
Pair of Stiffel Large Brass and Crystal Bouillotte Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
In excellent original condition, these sizable three-arm lamps are made of brass, with hanging crystals. With original cream and gold tortoiseshell shades, and stately finials.
Category

1960s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Pair of circa 1950s Stiffel Rouge Marble and Square Brass Columns Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Excellent pair of 1950s modern table lamps from Stiffel. The bases are a rouge / red marble beveled plinth with four square brass columns comprising the body. These clean lined table...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass, Metal

Pair of Stiffel Brass Crown and Sage Lacquer Obelisk Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
These unique Art Deco inspired table lamps by Stiffel are comprised of brilliantly juxtaposed brass and cast resin in the form of weather...
Category

1950s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Elegant Pair of Stiffel Walnut and Brass Obelisk Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Architecturally inspired pair of table lamps by Stiffel. Four brass spheres atop a plinth base support a walnut obelisk-form body with horizontal incised and ebonized decoration. Sur...
Category

1950s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Stiffel Brass Floor Lamp with Round Lucite Table
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Modern floor lamp in brass with a round clear acrylic tabletop by Stiffel. Solid brass base with four arched legs and dual lighting elements with Classic pull chain switches. Sold sa...
Category

1950s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Stiffel Brass and Sage Porcelain Ostrich Egg Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Substantial pair of Stiffel polished brass and sage ceramic "ostrich egg" table lamps with original milk glass diffusers. Heavy cast brass square footed b...
Category

20th Century American Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Rare 1950s Black Lacquer & Brass Suspension Stiffel Table Lamp
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare 1950s Stiffel suspension table lamp. Four brass rods with ball finials support a black lacquered cup with internal light socket. Original off white lacquered steel diffuser and ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair Stiffel Blue Crackle-Glaze Gourd Form Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautifully crackle glazed blue ceramic bodied table lamps by Stiffel. Solid brass pagoda style spacers with ribbed melon form cap. Solid brass stem and double sockets with ball and ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair Stiffel Fluted & Studded Brass Urn Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Large studded and fluted brass table lamps from the best years of Stiffel, the fine lamp maker. Black lacquered bases feature subtle chamfered feet. Surmounting the brass urns are br...
Category

1960s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair Stiffel White Crackle Glazed Ceramic & Brass Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of heavy bodied, white craquelure glazed ceramic table lamps. Patinated brass appointments from the best days of American premier lighting company, Stiffel. Sold sans shades.
Category

1950s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Pair Stiffel Rouge Marble & Square Brass Columns Table Lamps
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Excellent pair of 1950s modern table lamps from Stiffel. The bases are a rouge/red marble beveled plinth with four square brass columns comprising the body. These clean lined table l...
Category

1950s American Vintage Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Plastic

Impressive Pair Of Neoclassical Brass Table Lamps By Stiffel
By Stiffel
Located in Chicago, IL
Very substantial pair of neoclassical baluster form antiqued brass table lamps by Stiffel. Greek key design on base. The double sockets are supported by a large candle style upright....
Category

20th Century American Stiffel Furniture

Materials

Brass, Metal

Stiffel furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Stiffel 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 Stiffel furniture, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Stiffel 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 Robert Sonneman, Gerald Thurston, and Chapman Manufacturing Company. Prices for Stiffel furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,800 and can go as high as $6,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,800.
Questions About Stiffel Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024
    To know if your lamp is worth anything, you can perform research using trusted online resources. Searching the base, socket and shade for a maker's marking is a good first step. You can use any markings to identify the maker of your lamp and then learn more about the pieces it produced to then estimate how old your lamp is. From there, review sales histories on trusted online platforms to see how much lamps of a similar age, type and condition sold for in the past. You may also wish to consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer for further guidance. Shop a diverse assortment of lamps on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    No, Stiffel lamps are not extremely valuable. These lamps typically sell for anywhere between $100 and $500. These lamps are high quality, however, and will last a lifetime.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify vintage Stiffel lamps, first check a piece for any markings. Nearly all Stiffel lamps have a marking at least on the switch, but some also feature large foil stamps on their bases or bulb sockets. By comparing the marks on your lamp to images and descriptions published on trusted online resources, you can often determine approximately when Stiffel produced your lamp. If your lamp is 20 to 99 years old, it is vintage. Older Stiffel lamps are antiques, and newer ones are contemporary. When in doubt, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Find an assortment of Stiffel lamps on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    To identify a Stiffel lamp, first try to locate the brand's foil tag. Usually, the tag will read "SLC," “Stiffel Lamp Company" or “Stiffel.” You may find it on the shade, the base or the light socket. Because these tags tended to come loose over time, a vintage Stiffel lamp may no longer have one. If you can't find a label, examine your lamp closely. Stiffel has produced lamps out of high-quality bronze, brass, pewter and silver, so their pieces tend to be weighty. A light lamp that seems hollow is unlikely to be a Stiffel. Looking at images of Stiffel lamps shared on trusted online resources can also be helpful during the identification process. In addition, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can identify your lamp for you if you run into any difficulty. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Stiffel lamps.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Stiffel lamps are still in production. With a variety of lamp styles available, the Stiffel Lamp Company has a rich history rooted in unique, art-driven design made with high-quality materials. On 1stDibs, find a unique collection of authentic Stiffel lamps.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, Stiffel lamps are not made in China. The Stiffel Lamp Company was founded in 1932 in Chicago and throughout its many years in business, they proudly still produce all their products in America. Browse a selection of Stiffel lamps on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify a Stiffel brass lamp, look for the maker's markings, which may include “Stiffel Lamp Company," "SLC" or “Stiffel." Locations of markings varied over time, and they appeared in the form of both etched signatures and foiled labels. Check your lamp’s switch, shade, bulb interior, neck and base for these markings. If you can't find a Stiffel mark, it may have once had a paper label that has since become detached. In this case, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Find a selection of Stiffel lamps on 1stDibs.

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