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Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

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 celebrated 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.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. 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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Pair of Beige Faux Horn Candlesticks Mounted in Nickel
Located in Miami, FL
A stunning pair of beige faux horn candlesticks, brass decorations and nickel plated tips, circa 1970. These stylishly design candlesticks would enhance any table, counter, console...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Scandinavian Modern Brass Candle Holder Candelabra by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This rare brass candelabra set was designed by the iconic Scandinavian modernist Hans-Agne Jakobsson, is a beautiful example of his work from the 1960s. Known for his innovative appr...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Danish Stylish Mid-Century Five Sconce Metal Wood Candlestick
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A simple but stunning Danish mid-century metal and wood five sconce candle stick dating from around 1960. The candlestick stands mounted on a carved raise...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal

Bakalowits Table Candleholder Candelabra, Crystal Glass Nickel, 1960s
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A six arm candlestick by Bakalowits & Soehne, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960. It is made of a round naturally aged nickeled brass frame decorated with cut crystal gl...
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Mid Century Atomic Style Pair of Taper Brass Candle Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly cool and stylish set of atomic design candle holders. These beauties are impactful in style and design. Lustrous and evocative of atomic mid century design, these pieces...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Silvered Candle Holder Vienna Around 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Silvered Candle Holder Vienna Around 1960s Original condition
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Stunning Handmade Ceramic Candelabra Candle Holder Beate Kuhn Style Mid-Century
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This brutalist object has a unique and creative design, featuring an arrangement of 12 candle holders, each in the shape of a mushroom, arranged in different levels to create a visua...
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Rare Vintage Black Iron Midcentury Candlestick by Van Keppel Green
Located in Doraville, GA
A black bent iron candlestick designed by Hendrik Van Keppel and Taylor Green of Van Keppel - Green, Beverly Hills, California. The candlestick is black painted iron, designed / manu...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Iron

Rustic Metal Candle Holder, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rustic metal candle holder, circa 1940. Made by unknown manufacturer in Spain. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and us...
Category

1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal

Hammered Brass Candel holder vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Hammered Brass Candel holder vienna around 1950s Partly hammered Polished and stove enameled
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Swedish Mid-Century Six Arm Candlabra, Black-Lacquered Iron, Brass Detail, 1950s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Striking Swedish Mid-Century Modern Six Arm Candelabra, made of Black Lacquered Iron and featuring Brass Details in the form of Modernist Bobèches. 1950s Sweden A harmoniously asymm...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass, Iron

Swedish 1960s Steel Hearts Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Swedish hand-wrought steel candelabra with four candleholders. 18 cut steel hearts adorn frame. Signed with stamp, Made in Sweden.    
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Steel

Brass Candel holder vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Brass Candle holder vienna around 1950s Brass polished and stove enameled
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Brass candle holder Midcentury Italy 1960s
Located in Palermo, IT
Very heavy, solid brass modernist candle holders in vintage condition, lightly hand polished with some wear and patina on the brass from age and use. Please watch the video and photo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Modern Sculptural Brass Candle Holder (Candles Included)
Located in Round Top, TX
13.63"H with candles, as shown. Gorgeous, sculptural 2-candle holder with teal included candles. We love the soft, curving form of this unique piece. It looks beautiful from every d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Småkunst, Candelabra, Brass, Norway, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra designed and produced by Småkunst AS, Norway, c. 1950s. holds .80 candles 
Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Silver Candelabra, 9 Candle, Signed Umbra on Bottom, Plated Finish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A good size candelabra in silver finish. Marked and signed under Neath umbra design. See close up photos. Not many around now.
Category

1990s North American Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

1960s Gorgeous Pair of Green Candle Holders. Made in France
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous pair of green candle holders in metal and brass. Made in France. So unique. The items are in excellent condition. Dimensions: diameter 3,14 x 4,33 H inches diameter cm...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Vintage Pair of Danish Modern Spider Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Dansk Style
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Vintage Pair of Danish Modern Spider Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Dansk Style 1960s pair of Jen Quistgaard style Danish Modern spider candelab...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Iron

Dansk Mid-Century Modern Spiral Candleholder, made in France
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Dansk mid century modern spiral candleholder, made in France, design of Bertil Vallien. Plated on brass. 4 3/4" dia., 5 1/8" h. Whitehall Antiques i...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Pair of Continental Brass and Onyx Five-Arm Candelabra
Located in Germantown, MD
A unique pair of Italian patinated brass and onyx candleholders in Good vintage condition.Measure 11" in width, 11" in depth and stand 12" tall.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Onyx, Brass

Swedish Designer, Candle Holder, Pine, Pewter, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and pewter candle holder designed and produced in Sweden, 1950s. Holds 2.75" diameter candles.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Pewter

1970s Iron Candelabrum Brutalist Mid-Century 3-Light, Charcoal Black, Germany
Located in Andernach, DE
Chunky, with a brutalist touch, handcrafted heavy candelabra or candle holder, 3-lighted. All hand made, brutalist design look a part with a hint of Pouchain style! 3 wings attached ...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Iron

Ivar Ålenius Björk Brass Candle Holders for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1960's
Located in Round Top, TX
Elegant set of three sculptural brass candle holders, manufactured in Sweden by Ystad Metall, design by Ivar Ålenius-Björk in 1939. One pair is matched in brushed brass and marked "Sweden Lily...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Gusums Bruk, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A candelabra made of a heavy brass alloy designed and produced by Metallslöjden Gusums Bruk, Sweden 1970s. Holds .75" diameter candles.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Rare Pair of Triple Candelabra by Tony Paul for Woodlin-Hall, US, 1950s
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare pair of #101 triple candleholder by Tony Paul for Woodlin-Hall in black enameled iron. Tony Paul (1918-2009) was an American industrial designer who was active from the 1940s th...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Iron

2 Candle Holder Vienna Around, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
2 Candle holder vienna around 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Pair of Decorative Candle Holders
Located in Antwerpen, BE
A unique pair of candle holders, presumably made in the 1960s/70s. Country of origin remains unknown. The pair contains one dark and one lighter coloured piece. The candle is held b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Burl

Gunnar Ander 6 arm Candlestick Brass by Ystad Metall in Sweden
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Single 6 arm brass candlestick designed by Gunnar Ander. Produced by Ystad Metall in Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

2 hammered candle holder vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
2 hammered candle holder vienna around 1950s Original patina Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Danish Modern Rosewood Candelabra Candle Holder
Located in Pearland, TX
A lovely mid-century Danish modern rosewood candelabra with six brass candle holders made in Denmark, circa 1960. Marked "Denmark" on reverse. This stylish candelabra has a beautiful...
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Rosewood

Modernist Blacksmith Welded Iron Candelabra, United States, c.1970
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Modernist Blacksmith Welded Iron Candelabra, United States, c.1970 ( The teak wood pedestal is for display and not included. )
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Steel

Brass Candle Holder vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Brass Candle Holder vienna around 1950s Original condition Original patina
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Hagenauer Vienna Brass Candelabra Mid-Century Candle Holder, Austria, 1940s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Austrian two-arm mid century brass candleholder / candlestick, designed and executed by Karl Hagenauer / Werkstatte Hagenauer in the 1940s. In very good condition, marked...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Vintage Mid-Century Atomic Candelabra Candle Stick 3-Column Chrome Veneer
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A striking pair of mid-century candelabras by British maker Ianthe, combining warm wood with polished chrome detailing in a sculptural, geometric silhouette. Each candelabra features...
Category

1960s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Chrome

19th Century Pair of Ecclesiastic Brass Candleholder, 1890s
Located in Prato, IT
19th century pair of Italian ecclesiastic altar brass candleholders in good vintage condition.
Category

1890s Italian Antique Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

WMF silvered candle holder germany around 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
WMF silvered candle holder germany around 1960s Brass silvered Original condition
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

20th Century Gold Swedish, Danish Collection of Fourteen Brass Candlesticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern set of fourteen finely worked candlesticks in a variety of shapes in brass, in good condition. Wear consistent with age and use, circa 1950, Sweden and D...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal, Brass

Richard Rohac Brass Candelabra Mid-Century Candle Holder, Vienna, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Austrian modernist three-arm candelabra candleholder / candlestick, made of brass, partly black-finished. Designed by Richard Rohac, manufactured by Atelier Rohac in the...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Bamboo and Brass Candleholder, Three Arms, Italy, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Candleholder in brass, metal and bamboo with three arms, Italy, circa 1970.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal, Brass

Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Candelabro Edzioni del Pesce, Italy 2000s
Located in Naples, IT
Gaetano Pesce Candelabra, made of polyurethane resin molded around a steel tube... Edizione del Pesce for Meritalia.The Edizioni del Pesce collection is a modern interpretation of th...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Resin

Danish Brass Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 1960s solid brass Danish candelabra. It fits two difference size candles.
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Kinetic Candelabrum by Thomas Hellström
Located in London, GB
A handmade, kinetic candelabrum adorned with hanging brass candle holders counterweighted by painted wooden balls. This candelabrum is attribute...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Small Brass Candelabra by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
A Classic Paavo Tynell Bronze Candelabra This small candelabra is a classic design by Finnish architect and designer Paavo Tynell. It was made in ...
Category

Early 20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Iron, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted iron candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Fits 0.8” diameter candles
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Iron

French Designer, Candelabras, Iron, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black-painted iron candelabras designed and produced in France, c. 1950s. Dimensions: 6.5” H x 18.25” W x 2.25” D Holds .75” diameter candles
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Iron

Swedish Mid-century Pair of Brass and Lacquered Steel Candelabra by Gunnar Ander
Located in Downingtown, PA
Swedish Mid-century Pair of Brass and Lacquered Steel Candelabra, By Gunnar Ander, Sweden, 1955 Swedish Mid-century Pair of brass and lacquered steel candelabra are made by Gunnar A...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass, Steel

Decorative Rustic Iron Candelabra Floor Candle Stand
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a decorative three (3) arm iron candelabra floor stand on tripod base freestanding. Made in the USA. Dimensions: 55 H x 21.25 W x 16 D Original vintage unrest...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Iron

Erik Hoglund for Yastad Four-Light Candlestick
Located in New York, NY
Interesting Hoglund for Yastad for arm candelabra constructed of metal and glass. Swedish Modern design classic, in excellent original condition.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal

Pair of 'Grecian Fire' Hand Wrought Sterling Silver Candle Holders by Alan Adler
Located in New York, NY
This rare pair of silver candle holders is made by the designer Allen Adler. Adler is well respected as one of the greatest American silver designers in hi...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Mid-Century Studio Pottery Candelabra Unknown Artist Voulkos Soldner
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Large stoneware piece. Unknown artist, procured years ago from an older 1950s estate. A clean crack through one of the neck or candlestick pieces, but threads onto steel rod and stay...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Clay

Rare Pair of Bronze Candlesticks by Gusum Mässing
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare pair of mid-20th century bronze candlesticks with artillery shell stems, each resting on a stack of cannonballs, by Swedish desi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Teak, Copper, Tin, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak, copper and tin candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Fits 0.75” diameter candles
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Copper, Tin

Early Paavo Tynell Candelabra Model KJ 2, Nikled Brass, Taito 1930s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare early work by Finnish master Paavo Tynell, this nickel-brass candle holder showcases the designer’s skill beyond his iconic lighting. Crafted in a timeless classical style, it...
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Italian Lacquered Brass, Lucite And Marble Candleholder Candelabra
Located in London, GB
Mid Century Italian Lacquered Brass, Lucite And Marble Candleholder In excellent condition commensurate with age
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Marble, Brass

Italian Silver Plated Mesa Candleholder Candlesticks, 1970s
By Mesa
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Pair of candleholders, silver-plated metal Italian tulip-shaped candlesticks designed and produced by Mesa Italy, signed Mesa Italy on the base, 1970s production. Please note that t...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Wrought Iron Modernist Candleholder by Gregory Litsios
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare wrought iron modernist triple candleholder by Gregory Litsios, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 9.5"W x 9.5"D x 23"H. Litsios was mentored a...
Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pucci De Rossi Bronze Modernist Candleholder
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A postmodern design bronze candlestick by Pucci De Rossi. Signed on bottom. Pucci De Rossi was born in Verona, Italy in 1947. He studied under the...
Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Bronze

Swedish Designer, Adjustable Candelabra, Oak, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable oak candelabra, designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Holds 0.76” diameter candles.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Oak

Lars Holmström, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A small brass candelabra designed and produced by Lars Holmström, Sweden, 1930s. Holds 0.5” diameter candles
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Mid-century Modern candelabras for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern candelabras for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage candelabras created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern candelabras made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original candelabras, popular names associated with this style include Gunnar Ander, Jens Quistgaard, Ystad-Metall, and Dansk Designs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for candelabras differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $41 and tops out at $43,358 while the average work can sell for $1,038.

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