Walter Von Nessen Lighting
German, 1889-1943
Art Deco industrial designer Walter von Nessen is best known for his glamorous Machine Age lighting designs and for his invention of the swing-arm lamp. Von Nessen was born in Germany, where he studied under Bruno Paul at Berlin’s Kunstgewerbeschule. After World War I, he worked for the architect Peter Behrens, in Berlin. He left in 1919 for Stockholm, where he designed furniture until emigrating with his wife, Margaretta, to the United States in 1923. In 1927, the couple opened Nessen Studios in Manhattan, designing and selling sleek, modern architectural lighting.
Art Deco was both novel and exciting in the late 1920s — as, indeed, was electricity itself — and Nessen Studios was at the forefront of the movement. Electric lighting designers at the time had no direct models to follow. The shapes and silhouettes of gas lamps, lanterns and chandeliers had been influenced by those of the kerosene-, oil- and candle-lit fixtures that preceded them, which in turn were informed by the fuels they used. Electric lighting required designs that accommodated essentials of the new technology, like cords and sockets. Von Nessen and his contemporaries thus had to create fixtures that addressed these challenges and looked modern without appearing overly mechanical.
Along with industrial-design visionaries of the period like Raymond Loewy, Gilbert Rohde and Donald Deskey, von Nessen crafted a style that was emblematic of the Machine Age. He produced lamps and home accessories from spun aluminum, with smooth surfaces that evoked the polished gleam of streamlined automobiles and airplanes. And he experimented with other popular materials of the era, such as Bakelite, chrome and fiberglass. His ingenious design for the now-ubiquitous swing-arm lamp earned him a reputation as an innovator.
Von Nessen’s work is represented in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian National Design Museum, among other institutions. Designed to complement the luxurious interiors of the 1920s and ‘30s, still look fresh nearly a century later.
to
4
43
43
Height
to
Width
to
32
12
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
23
12
1
43
29
13
9
2
2
8
11
1
42
17
11
10
6
42
41
43
43
43
37
1,459
1,199
1,065
1,061
Creator: Walter Von Nessen
Original Aluminum Van Nessen Swing Arm Floor Lamp
By Walter Von Nessen, Nessen Studio
Located in New York, NY
Nice early example of the iconic Walter Von Nessen flex arm floor lamp, executed in aluminum.
The lamp is in very good original clean and working condition showing only light signs ...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of Walter & Greta Von Neesen Stainless Cylindrical Table Lamps, circa 1965
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of stainless cylindrical table lamps by the Nessen lighting Co. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear, no scratches or dings to the metal. Sold as a pair. Sh...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Stainless Steel
Iconic Walter Von Nessen Swing Arm Desk Lamp with Original Metal Shade
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful example of the iconic modernist swing arm desk lamp by Von Nessen. The lamp features a precisely machined articulating base, and the almost never seen original metal shade....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Bauhaus Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Steel
Walter Von Nessen Floor Lamp Early Version
By Walter Von Nessen, Nessen Studio
Located in New York, NY
Early and rare version of the now iconic Machine Age Nessen swing arm floor lamp. The construction of this example dates the lamp from the...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Machine Age Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Steel
Walter Von Nessen Brushed Brass Swing-Arm Desk Lamp
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Chicago, IL
Early edition swing arm desk lamp by Walter Von Nessen Lighting. finished in brushed brass with original milk glass diffuser. Sold sans shade. Pair of desk lamps available.
Category
1950s American Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Milk Glass
Rare Vintage Walter Von Nessen Swing Arm Desk Lamp Chrome Plated Steel 1970s
By Nessen Lighting, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This swing arm desk lamp was designed by Walter Von Nessen for production by his own studio in the 1960s. There are many versions of this design, some with circular domed bases and o...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Art Deco Brass Toy Soldier Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen for Chase
By Chase and Co., Walter Von Nessen
Located in San Diego, CA
A very rare and difficult to find Art Deco brass & bakelite "Toy Soldier" table lamp by Walter Von Nessen for Chase, circa 1930s. The lamp is in very good working condition and measure 4.5" D x 16" H; the red toy...
Category
20th Century American Art Deco Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Brass
Early Walter Von Nessen Swing Arm Wall and Table Lamp in Brushed aluminum
By Walter Von Nessen, Nessen Lighting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early examples . Classic and seldom seen Walter Von Nessen Swing Arm Wall (sconce) and matching Table Lamp in Brushed aluminum,, Both retain original lamp shades ,with white metal di...
Category
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Early Version Walter Von Nessen swing out floor lamp
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Buffalo, NY
One of the purest examples I have ever owned..Early and rare version of the now iconic Machine Age Nessen swing arm floor lamp. This lamp r...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Stainless Steel
Modernist Leather and Steel Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen c 1960's
By Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
Chic and sophisticated Modernist School table lamp by Walter Von Nessen, made by Nessen Studios. The cylindrical body is wrapped in black leather, the base is chrome and the top is ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American International Style Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Steel, Chrome
1970s Modernist Chrome Cylinder Von Nessen Table Lamp New York
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Walter Von Nessen Midcentury Modern 1970s Bronx NY
Single Table Lamp Chrome Plated Modern Cylinder Tower Black Platform Base.
Two socket lamp.
No shade...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Chrome
Art Deco Machine Age Chrome and Black Torchiere Uplight Floor Lamp, Ca. 1930's
By Walter Von Nessen, Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Rare Machine Age, Art Deco chrome and black uplight, torchiere, in very good, original, clean and working condition. Circa 1930's design in the style of Rohde, Deskey, Von Nessen etc...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Mid-Century Modernist Articulating Brass Floor Lamp signed Walter Von Nessen
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
Illuminate your space with the sophisticated Mid-Century Modernist Articulating Cylindrical Floor Lamp in Polished Brass, signed by Walter Von Nessen and crafted in America circa 197...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Brass
Tall Walter Von Nessen, Nessen Studios Brass Inlaid Walnut "Tower" Table Lamp
By Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Towering Walter Von Nessen designed Nessen Studios Walnut & Brass Table Lamp, 1960s. Featuring an architectural solid hardwood column with vertical brass inlay. Small footprint. Adju...
Category
1960s American Minimalist Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Brass
Walter Von Nessen Aluminum Swing Arm Floor Lamp
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Walter Von Nessen Aluminum Swing Arm Floor Lamp ,, Wonderful example,, Retains original parchment shade (missing some boon-doggle) Minor dent to bottom,,3-way lamp (bulb) capability,...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
Walter Von Nessen Art Deco Chrome Table Lamp! Mid Century Modern Decorator Rare
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Peoria, AZ
ONE OF THE MOST COVETED
NESSEN LAMPS IN THE WORLD!
MINIMALIST ART DECO STYLE!
CHROME RING BASE WITH TRIPOD TOWER STRUCTURE!
WHITE LINEN SHADE
(APPROX. 24" TALL By 18" WIDE )
Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Pair of Italian Polished Marble Table Lamps, Von Neesen
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Solid Pair of stunning Italian Carrara marble table lamps. Beveled vertical edges. UL listed double socket good for 300+ wattage. In...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Marble, Brass
Signed Minimalist Walter Von Nessen Chrome Table Lamp Mid-Century Modern
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive Mid-Century cylindrical lamp from well-known lamp maker Walter Von Nessen. The lamp is signed NESSEN at the top.
This lamp would make a wonderful addition to any home feat...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Chrome
Two Matching Walter Von Nessen Table Lamps, c. 1938
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Camden, ME
One of the very recognizable American lamps of the pre WW II Art Deco period.
Walter Von Nessen was a trained German industrial designer who arrived in ...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Early 1930s Walter Von Nessen Floor Lamp, Art Deco
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Great example, Art Deco, Bauhaus, Walter Von Nessen adjustable height floor lamp. From 50" -58", retains original milk glass shade, also original white bakelite on/off switch, brass ...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Brass
Walter Von Nessen Brass Swing Arm Table Lamp with Adjustable Cylindrical Shade
By Walter Von Nessen, Nessen Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Attractive and highly functional desk / table lamp by Walter Von Nessen for his eponymous Nessen Studio (ca. 1970s, New York City). Features a swing arm and pivoting, perforated, cyl...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Brass
Walter Von Nessen Cylindrical Marble Base Table Lamp for Nessen Studios
By Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walter von Nessen marble lamp c.1960s, USA. The table lamp features a cylindrical marble base, chrome stem, with double bulb socket and pull chains....
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Marble, Metal, Chrome
Mid-Century Modernist Polished Brass Floor Lamp by Walter Von Nessen
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
Illuminate your space with the refined elegance of the Mid-Century Modernist Polished Brass Floor Lamp by Walter Von Nessen, a distinguished piece crafted in America during the 20th ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Brass
1960s Pair of Walter Von Nessen for Nessen Studios Skyscraper Chrome Table Lamps
By Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Modernist Cylindrical Table Lamps, designed by Walter Von Nessen for Nessen Studios in the late 1960s. The bodies of the lamps sport a straightforward yet striking ...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Modernist Walnut and Brass Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist walnut and brass table lamp by Walter Von Nessen, stunning walnut base, brushed brass standard, retains original milk glass c...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
Walter Von Nessen Studios Torchiere Floor Lamp. Circa 1970s.
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Walter Von Nessen Studios Torchiere Floor Lamp. Circa 1970s.
The lamp features a quintessential mid-century-modern sleek design with an uplight cone shade.
Stamped with manuf...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Metal
Pair of MCM Walter Von Nessen Tall White Enameled Column Lamps
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of MCM Walter von Nessen tall white enameled column lamps
Of minimalist design, with a 4.5-inch diameter standing 16-inches high to the top...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Metal
1960's Modern Walter Von Nessen Carrara Marble Table Lamps
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
1960's mid-century modern solid Carrara Marble with brass hardware with original glass shades table lamps designed by Walter Von Nessen, in vintage original condition with minor wear...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Pair of Nessen NT754 Polished Brass and Chrome Table Lamps
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in St. Louis, MO
Listed are a pair of Nessen NT754 polished brass with chrome disc. Shades are not original, (nice but not perfect), lamps are in very nice condition. Switch at bottom of lamp column,...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Walter Von Nessen Antiqued Brass Swing Arm Library Lamp
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
Walter Von Nessen by Nessen Studio / library table lamp in antiqued brass finish.
USA, circa 1970.
Features a swing arm and pivoting, perforated, cylindrical shade. Complemented b...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
Walter Von Nessen Mid Century Desk / Table Lamp
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted flared cone shaped shaded white metal desk or table lamp with brushed stainless staff . The heavy round matching base has a push button switch with upper adjustab...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Metal, Stainless Steel
Walter Von Nessen Art Deco Skyscraper Style Frosted Glass & Black Enamel Uplight
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and graphic Art Deco Machine Age uplight was realized by the celebrated designer Walter Von Nessen circa 1935. It Features a circular black enamel base from which stream...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Enamel, Brass
Early Pair of Von Nessen Swing Arm Table Lamps
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A rare pair of brushed chrome desk lamps, with the original early light switches on the base of the lamps.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Chrome
Chrome Lamp with Burlap Shade by Nessen Lighting
By Nessen Lighting, Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chrome lamp with burlap shade by Nessen Lighting.
Dimensions listed (14 in. diameter x 22 in. tall) are the overall dimensions of the lamp with the shade.
Category
1960s American International Style Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Art Deco Modernistic Table Lamp by Leroy C. Doane for Miller
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare table lamp designed by Leroy C. Doane for Miller Lamp Company, USA. Originally desinged in 1928 and with US Patent No. 1,818,120 - Filed July 7, 1928, the lamp later went thro...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Enamel, Steel
Pair of Brushed Stainless Steel Wall Scones by Walter Von Nessen
By Walter Von Nessen, Nessen Studio
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1970’s pair of brushed stainless steel wall sconces design by Walter Von Nessen for Nessen Studio.
The stainless steel is n original condition, so it shows minor wear.
They have a...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Stainless Steel
signed nessen Studio Walter Von Nessen Brass Swing Arm Table Lamp
By Nessen Lighting, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modernist Articulating Brass table lamp with makers tag. By Walter Von Nessen
An iconic Mid-Century Modern design, this Brass Swing Arm Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen f...
Category
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Brass
Arabescato Marble & Nickel Table Accent Lamp by Nessen Studios
By Nessen Lighting, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Stamford, CT
Timelessness and simplicity are parallels which when achieved, result in a design that is eternally attractive. Walter von Nessen was one of the great lighting designers of the Mid-C...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Marble, Metal, Nickel
Pair of AF 4 Table Lamps by Walter von Nessen
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of small aluminum AF 4 table lamps with brass tips designed by Walter von Nessen.
Category
1930s Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
Nessen Studio Marble Table Lamps in Black Marble
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful pair of black and white veined marble block table lamps by Nessen Studio. These lamps are very heavy. We have fitted for normal shades. Wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Marble, Metal
Table Lamp in Siena Marble by Nessen Studios
By Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Stamford, CT
Timelessness and simplicity are parallels which when achieved, result in a design that is eternally attractive. Walter von Nessen was one of the great lighting designers of the Mid-C...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Marble, Siena Marble, Brass
Brushed Aluminum Art Deco Demilune Wall Sconces by Walter Von Nessen, Pair
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pair of brushed aluminum Art Deco wall sconces with polished accents designed by Walter Von Nessen. circa 1930s. Classic design.
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen for Nessen Studios
By Walter Von Nessen, Nessen Studio
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A corrugated patinated brass table lamp with a glass diffuser shade to direct light upwards and a fabric shade to soften the glow.
Category
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting
Materials
Brass
Walter Von Nessen lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
Walter Von Nessen 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 Walter Von Nessen lighting, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original lighting by Walter Von Nessen 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 lighting by Rembrandt Lamp Company, Nessen Studio, and Tommi Parzinger. Prices for Walter Von Nessen lighting can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $575 and can go as high as $7,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,650.
Creators Similar to Walter Von Nessen
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Walter Von Nessen Furniture
Walter Von Nessen Decorative Objects
Walter Von Nessen Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Walter Von Nessen Seating
Walter Von Nessen Folk Art
Walter Von Nessen Home Accents
Walter Von Nessen Desk Accessories
Walter Von Nessen Sculptures
Walter Von Nessen Vases and Vessels
Walter Von Nessen Andirons
Walter Von Nessen Candle Holders
Walter Von Nessen Tableware
Walter Von Nessen Tea Sets