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Stacked Walnut Martz Lamp for Marshall Studios
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stacked walnut table lamp designed by famed lamp makers Jane and Gordon Martz. Incredible wood
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Table Lamp, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in High Point, NC
A blue ceramic and walnut table lamp, designed by Jane & Gordon Martz and produced by Marshall
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Table Lamp, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in South Jordan, UT
Large table lamp by famed ceramicist duo Jane and Gordon Martz, for Marshall Studios, 1960s. This
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Martz Nº SW35 Octagonal American Walnut Stack Table Lamp Marshall Studios
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Nicholas Marshall & Richard Lee Stacked Walnut Lamps for Marshall Studios. A wonderful and uncommon
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Grey Table Lamp, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in High Point, NC
A grey ceramic and walnut table lamp, designed by Jane & Gordon Martz and produced by Marshall
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Grey Table Lamp, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in High Point, NC
A grey ceramic and walnut table lamp, designed by Jane & Gordon Martz and produced by Marshall
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Large Table Lamp, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in South Jordan, UT
duo Jane & Gordon Martz. Produced by Marshall Studios, Indianapolis, 1960s. Sold without lampshade
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Expertly Restored - Gordon & Jane Martz Walnut Table Lamp for Marshall Studios
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Angeles studio is a haven where vintage treasures are reborn. Here’s a glimpse into our restoration
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Linen, Walnut

Pair Vintage Martz Marshall Studios W31-28 Mid-Century Modern Walnut Table Lamps
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Lafayette, IN
their Marshall Studios facility in Veedersburg, IN. Lamps feature a turned solid walnut body, neck and
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Walnut

Jane and Gordon Martz Marshall Studios Mid Century Modern Walnut Tile Table Lamp
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Indianapolis, IN
Marshall Studios in Veedersburg, Indiana. Composed of walnut, the lamp has a round tapered body and stands
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Tall Mid Century Martz Table Lamp for Marshall Studios
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern tall pottery lamp by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios. This oversized
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Large Stoneware Table Lamp by Martz for Marshall Studios
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall ceramic table lamp (model #191) designed by Gordon and Jane Martz for Marshall Studios in the
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Gordon & Jane Martz Table Lamps for Marshall Studio
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Now available, a beautiful pair of Gordon & Jane Martz for Marshall Studio. Both feature a glazed
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Jane and Gordon Martz Ceramic Table Lamp for Marshall Studios
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Table lamp designed by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios. Featuring a ceramic body
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane and Gordon Martz Large Table Lamp for Marshall Studios
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Wonderful tall table lamp designed by famed ceramicist duo Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Mid Century Martz Stoneware Ceramic Pottery Lamp for Marshall Studios
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage stoneware ceramic pottery lamp designed by Gordon and Jane Martz for Marshall Studios Inc
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

1960s Gordon Jane Martz Marshall Studios Incised Table Lamp
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Baltimore, MD
and wife duo Jane and Gordon Martz of Marshall Studios, in Veedersburg, Indiana. The incised motif was
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Teak

Gordon Jane Martz Marshall Studios Table Lamp Brown Speckled Original Finial
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A Gordon & Jane Martz for Marshall Studios ceramic table lamp in a matte brown finely speckled
Category

Vintage 1960s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Gordon & Jane Martz Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp for Marshall Studios
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Los Angeles, CA
35in H x 8in W x 8in D Lamp Shade: 10in H x 15in W
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Linen, Wood, Walnut

Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios Banded White Table Lamp
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Bainbridge, NY
American Mid-Century Modern Gordon Martz M51 glazed stoneware table lamp. Featuring a classic
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Stoneware

Vintage Sculptural Matte White Incised Martz Pottery Lamp for Marshall Studios
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-century sculptural accent table lamp designed by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Walnut, Ceramic

Martz Table Lamp by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A unique table lamp designed by famed ceramacist duo Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios
Category

Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane and Gordon Martz Ceramic Table Lamp for Marshall Studios
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in San Francisco, CA
both vertical and horizontal design patterns across the center of the lamp resting on a walnut base
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Linen

Pair of Martz for Marshall Studios Earth-Tone Swirl Ceramic Lamps
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Brooklyn, NY
These Gordon and Jane Martz for Marshall Studios table lamps (model #267-28-D116A) feature a matte
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Rare Martz Table Lamp by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Unusual ceramic table lamp by famed ceramicist duo Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Gordon and Jane Martz M245 Lamp for Marshall Studios large geometric form
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A highly collectable 1960s table lamp designed by Jane and Gordon Martz of Marshall Studios in
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Pair of Mid-Century Modern White Ceramic Table Lamps by Martz Marshall Studios
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Lafayette, IN
manufactured at their Marshall Studios facility in Veedersburg, IN. Lamps features a matte white ceramic body
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Walnut, Ceramic

1960s M-200 Table Lamp by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A highly collectable 1960s table lamp designed by Jane and Gordon Martz of Marshall Studios in
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Large Ceramic Martz Table Lamp by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A truly monumental lamp by famed ceramicist duo Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios. This
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

1960s Gordon and Jane Martz Geometric Table Lamp M216 for Marshall Studios Gray
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A highly collectable 1960s lamp designed by Jane and Gordon Martz of Marshall Studios in
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Gordon and Jane Martz 170 Lamp Pair for Marshall Studios Maroon Tan Sgraffito
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A highly collectable 1960s lamp designed by Jane and Gordon Martz of Marshall Studios in
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

1960s Gordon and Jane Martz White Incised Table lamp M197 for Marshall Studios
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A highly collectable 1960s lamp designed by Jane and Gordon Martz of Marshall Studios in
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

1960s Monumental Martz lamp Model 210 By Jane and Gordon Martz Marshall studios
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A truly monumental lamp from the wife and husband duo Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios in
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios Floor Lamp with Ceramic Base
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Magnificent and scarce floor lamp, designed by Gordon & Jane Martz for Marshall Studios. The
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Jane + Gordon Martz Marshall Studios Incised Stoneware Lamp 141-35-122
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Long Island City, NY
Rare Vintage Jane + Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios Incised Stoneware Lamp 141/35/122, Circa
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Stoneware, Teak

Jane & Gordon Martz Ceramic Table Lamps for Marshall Studios, circa 1965
By Marshall Studios, Gordon Martz, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Jane and Gordon Martz Ceramic Table Lamps for Marshall Studios, circa 1965. Measures: 29.63" To
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios Brown Drip Banded White Stoneware Table Lamp
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Gordon Martz M51 hand painted glazed Off White stoneware table lamp. Featuring a classic
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Stoneware

Jane and Gordon Martz table lamp M41 for Marshall Studios White with black glaze
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A highly collectable 1960s table lamp designed by Jane and Gordon Martz of Marshall Studios in
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

1960s Gordon and Jane Martz Table lamp M41 for Marshall Studios Light Gray whit
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A highly collectable 1960s lamp designed by Jane and Gordon Martz of Marshall Studios in
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

1960s Jane and Gordon Martz Custom Table lamp for Marshall Studios with custom s
By Gordon & Jane Martz, Marshall Studios
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
This lamp has a custom shape as confirmed by daughter Ann Martz, The shape never appears in any of
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

A pair of Jane and Gordon Martz table lamps M141 Marshall Studios Gray Green Tan
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
original Marshall Studios shades. All original survivors. These table lamps would work well between
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Gordon and Jane Martz M 53 Lamp for Marshall Studios Light Gray Blue white Cone
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A highly collectable 1960s lamp designed by Jane and Gordon Martz of Marshall Studios in
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Martz Table Lamp, Marshall Studios
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Raleigh, NC
and Gordon Martz, Marshall Studios.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Table Lamp, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in High Point, NC
A ceramic and walnut table lamp designed by Jane & Gordon Martz and produced by Marshall Studios
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Table Lamp, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in High Point, NC
A brown ceramic and walnut table lamp designed by Jane & Gordon Martz and produced by Marshall
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Table Lamp, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in High Point, NC
Marshall Studios, Indianapolis, 1960s. Sold without Lampshade Dimensions of Lamp (inches) : 16 x 6.18
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Table Lamps, Walnut, Ceramic, Linen Marshal Studios, 1950s
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut and ceramic table lamps designed by Jane & Gordon Martz. Produced by Marshall
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Table Lamp, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in High Point, NC
A beige ceramic and walnut table lamp designed by Jane & Gordon Martz and produced by Marshall
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Table Lamps, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in High Point, NC
produced by Marshall Studios, Indianapolis, c. 1960s. Sold without lampshade. Dimensions of lamp
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Table Lamp, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in High Point, NC
. Produced by Marshall Studios, Indianapolis. The base is slip-cast and then dipped into glaze. The
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Table Lamp, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in High Point, NC
A table lamp designed by husband and wife duo Jane & Gordon Martz. Produced by Marshall Studios
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Table Lamp, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in South Jordan, UT
. Produced by Marshall Studios, Indianapolis. Sold without lampshade. Dimensions in listing exclude shade.  
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Table Lamp, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in High Point, NC
A table lamp designed by husband and wife duo Jane & Gordon Martz. Produced by Marshall Studios
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Table Lamp, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in High Point, NC
A table lamp designed by husband and wife duo Jane & Gordon Martz. It was produced by Marshall
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Table Lamp, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in High Point, NC
A table lamp designed by husband and wife duo Jane & Gordon Martz. Produced by Marshall Studios
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Rare Table Lamp, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in High Point, NC
A brown ceramic and walnut table lamp designed by Jane & Gordon Martz and produced by Marshall
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Jane & Gordon Martz, Table Lamp, Ceramic, Walnut, Marshall Studios, 1960s
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in High Point, NC
A table lamp designed by husband and wife duo Jane & Gordon Martz, produced by Marshall Studios
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Martz / Marshall Studios Ceramic Table Lamp, Matte White Glaze with Walnut Base
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Portland, OR
/taller look that this lamp was sold with. This model of lamp first appeared in the 1952 Marshall Studios
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

1960s Martz Marshall Studios Ceramic Tile Walnut Floor Lamp Cabin Modern Rustic
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern floor lamp. Solid turned walnut base, shaft, finial. Inlaid tan
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios Table Lamp, Large
By Gordon Martz
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios table lamp. USA, 1960s Ceramic, walnut, brass.
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

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Marshall Studios Walnut Lamp For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the marshall studios walnut lamp you’re looking for. Frequently made of wood, walnut and ceramic, every marshall studios walnut lamp was constructed with great care. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect marshall studios walnut lamp — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. Each marshall studios walnut lamp bearing Mid-Century Modern, Modern or Scandinavian Modern hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one marshall studios walnut lamp that is appealing in its simplicity, but Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz and Martz Sgraffito produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Marshall Studios Walnut Lamp?

The average selling price for a marshall studios walnut lamp at 1stDibs is $2,133, while they’re typically $20 on the low end and $8,500 for the highest priced.

Gordon & Jane Martz for sale on 1stDibs

Gordon and Jane Martz were prominent designers and creators of simple, elegant, handcrafted ceramic goods. Their vintage mid-century modern designs for table lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers and pendants are daring but relaxed and make for versatile additions to any space.

Jane Martz’s grandmother established the family-owned American lampshades company Marshall Studios in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1922. Jessie “Muz” Marshall produced hand-painted lampshades out of her home, then expanded to include lamp bases made of wood. The business later moved to Veedersburg. After studying at New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Gordon and Jane joined the company in the early 1950s and stepped in to run Marshall Studios after it had been managed by Jane’s parents. Gordon and Jane instilled the brand with fresh energy and new ideas. They introduced innovative modernist stoneware lamps, decorative accessories and more that became immediately popular with new homeowners of the era. Later, there was a return to lamp bases made solely of wood, and floor lamps, bookends and tables with tile tops appeared in the company catalogs.

The Marshall Studios M101 lamp was featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s “Good Design” exhibit in 1953, which also featured the work of other mid-century luminaries such as Jens Risom, Paul McCobb, George Nelson and more. 

Gordon and Jane explored color and texture at the company during the 1950s and ‘60s and continued the rich legacy of craftsmanship for which Marshall Studios had become known. The manufacturer secured government contracts and their works were featured in Interiors magazine. Etchings and other decoration continued to be done by hand, and Jane eventually also took an interest in the fabric and textiles used to hand-cover the paper shades, producing a complementary line of hand-woven pillows and other goods.

Find vintage Gordon and Jane Martz lighting, tables and ceramics on 1stDibs.

A Close Look at Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

Finding the Right table-lamps for You

Well-crafted antique and vintage table lamps do more than provide light; the right fixture-and-table combination can add a focal point or creative element to any interior.

Proper table lamps have long been used for lighting our most intimate spaces. Perfect for lighting your nightstand or reading nook, table lamps play an integral role in styling an inviting room. In the years before electricity, lamps used oil. Today, a rewired 19th-century vintage lamp can still provide a touch of elegance for a study.

After industrial milestones such as mass production took hold in the Victorian era, various design movements sought to bring craftsmanship and innovation back to this indispensable household item. Lighting designers affiliated with Art Deco, which originated in the glamorous roaring ’20s, sought to celebrate modern life by fusing modern metals with dark woods and dazzling colors in the fixtures of the era. The geometric shapes and gilded details of vintage Art Deco table lamps provide an air of luxury and sophistication that never goes out of style.

After launching in 1934, Anglepoise lamps soon became a favorite among modernist architects and designers, who interpreted the fixture as “a machine for lighting,” just as Le Corbusier had reimagined the house as “a machine for living in.” The popular task light owed to a collaboration between a vehicle-suspension engineer by the name of George Carwardine and a West Midlands springs manufacturer, Herbert Terry & Sons

Some mid-century modern table lamps, particularly those created by the likes of Joe Colombo and the legendary lighting artisans at Fontana Arte, bear all the provocative hallmarks associated with Space Age design. Sculptural and versatile, the Louis Poulsen table lamps of that period were revolutionary for their time and still seem innovative today

If you are looking for something more contemporary, industrial table lamps are demonstrative of a newly chic style that isn’t afraid to pay homage to the past. They look particularly at home in any rustic loft space amid exposed brick and steel beams.

Before you buy a desk lamp or table lamp for your living room, consider your lighting needs. The Snoopy lamp, designed in 1967, or any other “banker’s lamp” (shorthand for the Emeralite desk lamps patented by H.G. McFaddin and Company), provides light at a downward angle that is perfect for writing, while the Fontana table lamp and the beloved Grasshopper lamp by Greta Magnusson-Grossman each yield a soft and even glow. Some table lamps require lampshades to be bought separately.

Whether it’s a classic antique Tiffany table lamp, a Murano glass table lamp or even a bold avant-garde fixture custom-made by a contemporary design firm, the right table lamp can completely transform a room. Find the right one for you on 1stDibs.