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.

Creator: Walter Von Nessen

Rare Vintage Walter Von Nessen Swing Arm Desk Lamp Chrome Plated Steel 1970s

$1,200

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

Walter Von Nessen Enameled Brass & Glass Desk Lamp, Circa 1935

$2,500

Walter Von Nessen Enameled Brass & Glass Desk Lamp, Circa 1935

By Miller Lamp Company, Walter Von Nessen

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Walter von Nessen Enameled Brass, Steel & Glass Table Lamp for Miller Lamp Company, Circa 1935. Featuring a Pagoda style form, with step up Art Deco styled column with patina to...

Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair 1970s Walter Von Nessen Style Chrome Swing Arm Floor Lamps with Shades

$2,950 / set

Pair 1970s Walter Von Nessen Style Chrome Swing Arm Floor Lamps with Shades

By Walter Von Nessen

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Pair 1970s Walter Von Nessen Style Chrome Swing Arm Floor Lamps with Shades, A sleek and versatile pair of vintage chrome floor lamps in the style of Walter Von Nessen, dating to t...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Walter Von Nessen Lighting

Materials

Chrome

Walter Von Nessen Floor Lamp Early Version

$2,000

Walter Von Nessen Floor Lamp Early Version

By Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen

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

Vintage Walter Von Nessen Mid Century Modern Chrome Swing Arm Desk Lamp - a Pair

$1,650 / set

Vintage Walter Von Nessen Mid Century Modern Chrome Swing Arm Desk Lamp - a Pair

By Walter Von Nessen

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Walter Von Nessen (Unmarked) Mid Century Modern Chrome Swing Arm Desk Lamps with Brown Painted Collars - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 14.5" H x 23" W x 8" D...

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Walter Von Nessen Lighting

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Von Nessen Chrome Table Lamp with an Acrylic White Dome Shade

$700

Mid Century Von Nessen Chrome Table Lamp with an Acrylic White Dome Shade

By Walter Von Nessen

Located in New York, NY

Vintage Von Nessen chrome table lamp with an acrylic white dome shade, sometimes called a mushroom lamp. Minimal and sleek design done in the 60s or 70s with a very shiny chrome cyli...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Walter Von Nessen Lighting

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Vintage Chrome Walter Von Nessen Swing Arm Wall of Sconce Lamps

$600 / set

Pair of Vintage Chrome Walter Von Nessen Swing Arm Wall of Sconce Lamps

By Walter Von Nessen

Located in New York, NY

A rare pair of chrome Walter Von Nessen swing arm wall lamps .The arms articulate in different directions and lengths. The shades are milk g...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Walter Von Nessen Lighting

Materials

Chrome

1960's Modern Walter Von Nessen Carrara Marble Table Lamps

$5,800 / set

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

Walter Von Nessen Aluminum Swing Arm Floor Lamp

$1,320

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

Pair of Nessen NT754 Polished Brass and Chrome Table Lamps

$1,275 / set

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

Chrome, Brass

Pair of Walter & Greta Von Neesen Stainless Cylindrical Table Lamps, circa 1965

$1,795 / set

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

Pair of AF 4 Table Lamps by Walter von Nessen

$4,800 / set

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

Art Deco Brass Toy Soldier Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen for Chase

$1,250

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 measu...

Category

20th Century American Art Deco Walter Von Nessen Lighting

Materials

Brass

Modernist Leather and Steel Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen c 1960's

$750

Modernist Leather and Steel Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen c 1960's

By Walter Von Nessen, Nessen Studio

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

Modernist Walnut and Brass Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen

$899

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

Early Version Walter Von Nessen swing out floor lamp

$2,200

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

Art Deco Machine Age Chrome and Black Torchiere Uplight Floor Lamp, Ca. 1930's

$2,400

Art Deco Machine Age Chrome and Black Torchiere Uplight Floor Lamp, Ca. 1930's

By Gilbert Rohde, Walter Von Nessen

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

1970s Modernist Chrome Cylinder Von Nessen Table Lamp New York

$1,100

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

Walter Von Nessen Aluminum Table Lamp, Art Deco Machine Age, Circa 1938, USA

$1,950Sale Price|72% Off

Walter Von Nessen Aluminum Table Lamp, Art Deco Machine Age, Circa 1938, USA

By Walter Von Nessen

Located in Camden, ME

A Walter Von Nessen aluminum table lamp pre WW II. A classic example of American Art Deco lighting. Walter Von Nessen was a trained German industrial designer who arrived in New Yo...

Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Pair of Italian Polished Carrara Marble Table Lamps, Von Neesen

$1,095 / set

Pair of Italian Polished Carrara 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

Chrome Lamp with Burlap Shade by Nessen Lighting

$1,700

Chrome Lamp with Burlap Shade by Nessen Lighting

By Walter Von Nessen, Nessen Studio, Nessen Lighting

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

Original Aluminum Van Nessen Swing Arm Floor Lamp

$695

Original Aluminum Van Nessen Swing Arm Floor Lamp

By Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen

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

Nessen Studio Marble Table Lamps in Black Marble

$7,500 / set

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

Art Deco Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen

$2,950

Art Deco Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen

By Kurt Versen, Kem Weber, Walter Von Nessen

Located in Chicago, IL

Fairly rare Art Deco Table Lamp by Walter Von Nessen uncertain if the parts were repainted at some point in time Ivory White. Or if this was factory painted this way. My hunch is t...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Walter Von Nessen Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair of MCM Walter Von Nessen Tall White Enameled Column Lamps

$1,516Sale Price / set|20% Off

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

Gold Calacatta Italian Marble Cylindrical Table Lamp by Nessen Lamps Inc., 1960s

$1,250

Gold Calacatta Italian Marble Cylindrical Table Lamp by Nessen Lamps Inc., 1960s

By Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Laurel Lamp Company, Nessen Lighting

Located in Miami, FL

Iconic Mid 20th Century Modern marble table lamp by Nessen Lighting, designed by Walter Von Nessen, circa 1960's. Engraved signature on socket and labeled on bottom. This VERY HEAVY...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Walter Von Nessen Lighting

Materials

Marble, Brass

Walter Von Nessen Walnut and Chrome Table Lamp, USA, Mid-Century

$1,550

Walter Von Nessen Walnut and Chrome Table Lamp, USA, Mid-Century

By Walter Von Nessen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Elegant vintage table lamp designed by Walter Von Nessen, featuring a refined combination of warm walnut wood and polished chrome accents. This sculptural lamp reflects Von Nessen’s ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting

Materials

Chrome

Walter Von Nessen Brass Swing Arm Table Lamp with Adjustable Cylindrical Shade

$750

Walter Von Nessen Brass Swing Arm Table Lamp with Adjustable Cylindrical Shade

By Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen

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

Mid-Century Modernist Polished Brass Floor Lamp by Walter Von Nessen

$3,475

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

Walter Von Nessen Art Deco Chrome Table Lamp! Mid Century Modern Decorator Rare

$3,600Sale Price|20% Off

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

Tall Walter Von Nessen, Nessen Studios Brass & Inlaid Walnut "Tower" Table Lamp

$2,500

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. ...

Category

1960s American Minimalist Vintage Walter Von Nessen Lighting

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Modernistic Table Lamp by Leroy C. Doane for Miller

$3,500

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

Walter Von Nessen Mid Century Desk / Table Lamp

$1,200

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

Brushed Aluminum Art Deco Demilune Wall Sconces by Walter Von Nessen, Pair

$2,300 / set

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

Early Walter Von Nessen Swing Arm Wall and Table Lamp in Brushed aluminum

$2,380 / set

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

Walter Von Nessen Adjustable Swing Arm Floor Lamp Brass

$2,150

Walter Von Nessen Adjustable Swing Arm Floor Lamp Brass

By Nessen Lighting, Walter Von Nessen, Nessen Studio

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

An iconic brass floor lamp by Walter Von Nessen for Nessen Studios. The lamp features a brass body with an height adjustable stem and adjustable swing arm. The lamp has a perforated ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Walter Von Nessen Lighting

Materials

Brass

Walter Von Nessen Antiqued Brass Swing Arm Library Lamp

$1,800

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

Pair of Brushed Stainless Steel Wall Scones by Walter Von Nessen

$2,300 / set

Pair of Brushed Stainless Steel Wall Scones by Walter Von Nessen

By Nessen Studio, Walter Von Nessen

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

Early 1930s Walter Von Nessen Floor Lamp, Art Deco

$3,800

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

signed nessen Studio Walter Von Nessen Brass Swing Arm Table Lamp

$480Sale Price|20% Off

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

Table Lamp in Siena Marble by Nessen Studios

$1,250

Table Lamp in Siena Marble by Nessen Studios

By Walter Von Nessen, Nessen Studio

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

1960s Pair of Walter Von Nessen for Nessen Studios Skyscraper Chrome Table Lamps

$4,500

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

Arabescato Marble & Nickel Table Accent Lamp by Nessen Studios

$1,250

Arabescato Marble & Nickel Table Accent Lamp by Nessen Studios

By Walter Von Nessen, Nessen Lighting

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

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.