Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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
1960s Achille Castiglioni & Pier Giacomo 'Light Ball' Wall or Ceiling Lamp
Located in Glendale, CA
1960s Achille Castiglioni & Pier Giacomo 'Light Ball' Wall or Ceiling Lamp for Flos. Designed in 1965, this rare and vintage brass variant comes with satin opaque glass. An incredibl...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Round Flower Shaped Clear Glass Sconce Flush Mount
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Mid-Century Wall or Ceiling Lamp.
Metal base with clear glass.
1960-1970
Weight: 1.50 kg / 3.3 lb
Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international st...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
Large Stunning Murano Glass Flushmount by Doria, Germany, 1960s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large Fantastic mid-century Flush mount chandelier by Doria, Germany, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Many Murano glass cylinders are suspended from the fixture.
Wonderful geometric ...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Brass
One of the Four Limburg Iron Glass Square Flush Mounts /Wall Lights, 1960s
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 4 square iron rings and glass flush mount light/wall light by Glashütte Limburg, Germany, circa 1965. Featuring thick clean heavy blown glass with concaved round iron rings....
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
French Sunburst Starburst Pendant Light Fixture in Copper Metal and Milk Glass
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sunburst Leafed Pendant Ceiling Light with Milk Glass Globe
Outstanding French sunburst pendant in coppered metal and milk glass, 1950s
This Sunburst starburst ceiling light fixture ...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal, Iron
Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp Flower Power Style, 1960s, Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous flush mount. The flush mount requires two European E27 Edison bulbs, each up to 60 watts. A nice addition to any room.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
Fontana Arte Flush Mount Ceiling Light
By Fontana Arte
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant mid-century flush mount light by Fontana Arte featuring a domed frosted glass diffuser framed by a aluminum rim. The fixture is secured by a distinctive conical finial brass,...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
1 of 3 Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Kaiser, Germany, 1960s
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large Murano smoked glass chandelier designed by Kaiser, Germany manufactured in the 1960s.
The chandelier is composed of 3 thick Murano glass elements attached to a brass...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Murano Glass
Beautiful Bubble Pattern Limburg Circular Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful bubble pattern flush mount. Made in Germany by Glashuette Limburg. Gorgeous textured glass flush mount with metal fixture. The fixture requires one European E27 Edison bulb...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
1970s Poliarte Huge Flush Mount Chandelier , Italy
By Poliarte, Albano Poli
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Rare huge architectural flush mount from Albano Poli for Poliarte .
Chrome square tube structure with 7 blown glass shade topped with colored glas...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
$3,495 Sale Price
30% Off
Emil Stejnar Chandelier, Austria, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
A beautiful chandelier made by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll, Austria in the 1960s. The lighting has an amazing midcentury design.It is made of brass and small glasses.The fixture h...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
1 of 2 Stunning Murano Ice Glass Tubes Chandelier by Doria, Germany, 1960s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic three-tier midcentury Flush mount by Doria, Germany, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Three rings of Murano glass cylinders suspended from a fixture.
Heavy quality and in ver...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Brass
Monumental Large Clear Murano Glass & Brass Flush Mount Venini Style 1970s Italy
By Venini
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This exquisite flush mount chandelier attributed to the legendary atelier of Venini in Italy, circa 1970s. It features a subtly concave and channeled hand blown thick and heavy Muran...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
ONE of Rare Italien Vintage Twelve-Arm Modernist Ceiling Light Chandelier, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful twelve-arm modernist pedant or flush mount chandelier or pendant, Italy, 1960s.
Measures: Diameter 15.7 inches (without bulbs).
Height of the body 11.5 inches.
Shipping w...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Brass
Square Bubble Glass Flush Mount Helena Tynell Style, Vintage, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful German glass flush mount with metal fixture. The fixture requires one European E27 / 110 Volt Edison bulbs, up to 75 watt. A nice addition to any room.
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Frosted Ice Glass Ceiling Light by Kaiser Leuchten, 1960s Germany
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Frosted Ice Glass Ceiling Light by Kaiser Leuchten, 1960s Germany
This stunning Mid-Century Modern flush mount or wall light is an excellent example of the craftsmanship...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Glass
1 of 3 Gilt Brass Teardrop Chandelier by Palwa, Sciolari Design, Germany, 1970s
By Palwa
Located in Aachen, NRW
Delicate floral chandelier with tear drop glasses and gilded brass parts made by Palwa, Sciolari Design Germany, 1970s.
The height can be adjusted for higher or lower ceiling.
Sock...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Rare Geometric Blown Glass Ceiling or Wall Flush Mounts Sconces, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful pair of rare handblown amber glass flush mounts.
Germany, 1960s.
Lamp sockets: 2x E27 (US E26).
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Blown Glass
Murano Rainbow Flush Mount / Sconce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian flush mount or wall light with a single milky white Murano glass shade enclosed in a green border hand blown with rainbow colored stripes / Made in Italy in the style...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$1,540 Sale Price
30% Off
Italian Vintage Murano Chandelier with Amber Glass Petals, 1970s
By Mazzega
Located in Rome, IT
Italian vintage Murano chandelier made by 52 clear amber glass petals supported by a chrome frame.
The clear amber color of the glasses create a fabulous warm light effect.
Period: 1...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
Classic Paavo Tynell Ceiling Lamp 2098N, in Brass and Opaline Glass, Idman 1950s
By Idman, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful ceiling lamp by Paavo Tynell. This model came with different size glass version shades, mainly 40 , 50 or 60 cm long.
This particular example is in completely original co...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
$6,935 Sale Price
33% Off
Venetian Murano Chandelier blown Glass Ivory & Gold 1990s
Located in Villaverla, IT
Italian Venetian, Chandelier blown Murano Glass, Ivory & Gold 24K, Seguso, 1990s.
Unique, exclusive beautiful Italian Venetian chandelier, in blown Murano Glass, ivory color with gold 24-k finishes; the chandelier is attribute to Seguso design, and its maufacture is dated 1990s,
The portrait is composed by six arms, ending with a bulb each one, and surrounded by a huge quantity of small bells...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Gold
Petite Square Glass Bubble Pattern Flush Mount Ceiling Light, Austria, 1960s
By Austroluxe
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Petite bubble pattern flush mount. Made in Austria. Gorgeous textured glass flush mount with metal fixture. The Fixture requires one European E27 / 110 Volt Edison bulb, up to 60 wat...
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
1 of 2 Large Murano Glass Flush Mount by Kaiser, Germany, 1970s
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful Murano glass flush mount by Kaiser, Germany, 1970s.
Thick textured Glass fixtured on a wood and gold color metal base.
High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, ...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Murano Glass, Wood
1. of 2 Brass and Smoked Glass Flush Mount by Limburg, Germany 1960s
By Limburg
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
1. of 2 Brass and Smoked Glass Flush Mount by Limburg, Germany 1960s
The fixture need 4x E14 standard bulb with 60W max.
Light bulbs are not included.
It is possible to install th...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
Spanish Wrought Iron and Amber Glass Chandelier, Fish Design
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Wrought Iron Fishes Chandelier with Blown Glass Globe Shades. Spain, 1950s-1960s
Rare find.
This four-light ceiling lamp was handcrafted in Spain...
Category
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Austrian Midcentury Circular Black Metal and Opaline Glass Ceiling Lamp
Located in Vienna, AT
This Austrian midcentury Circular wall or ceiling lamp was produced in Austria in the 1960s, probaaly by Rupert Nikoll.
It features a black lacquered perforated ring base with a c...
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
$493 Sale Price
20% Off
Sei Shade Flush Mount by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian flush mount with Murano glass shades mounted on solid brass frame / Designed by Fabio Bergomi / Made in Italy
6 lights / E12 or E14 type / max 40W each
Diameter: 51 inches / ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Brass
$5,500 / item
1960s Sergio Mazza 'Sigma' Wall or Ceiling Light for Artemide
By Sergio Mazza, Artemide
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Three Mid-Century Modern wall or ceiling lights designed by Sergio Mazza for Artemide, circa 1960s, executed in nickelled brass and pressed glass.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Brass
Pair of Martinelli Luce Midcentury White Plexiglass Italian "Bolla Light", 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful midcentury pair of "Bolla Lamp" in white perspex. Elio Martinelli designed these items were produced in Italy during the 1960s.
These white plexi...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
Large Textured Glass Flush Mount Light by Kaiser, Germany, 1960s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
A large textured ice glass flush mount light fixture by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, manufactured during the mid-century, circa 1960. The flush mount comes with the original label.
Much...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal, Nickel
Golden Anna Flushmount by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian flush mount with clear Murano glass leaves hand blown in Graniglia technique to produce a granular textured effect, mounted on gold finish metal frame by Fabio Ltd / Made in ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$3,360 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Poul Henningsen Artichoke Pendant Light
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen Artichoke pendant light, Denmark, circa 1957. Copper, aluminum, and enameled steel.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal, Copper
Sakura Flush Mount / Sconce by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian flush mount with Murano glass globes mounted on solid brass frame
Designed by Fabio Bergomi / Made in Italy
7 lights / E12 or E14 type / max 40W each
Diameter: 22 inches /...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Brass
$3,300 / item
Original Bakalowitz Mid-Century Modern Brass and Handcut Crystal Chandelier
Located in Vienna, AT
More than 130 hand-cut crystal prisms, gilded brass frame, a typical Viennese post-war work. Obviously made to illuminate a store counter.
The height is just the chandelier, the tot...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Mid Century Flush Mount Murano Glass Clear Tronchi Light Fixture
Located in Esperance, NY
For sale this absolutely gorgeous hard to find Murano Glass Clear Tronchi Light Fixture. The mount is brass. The light consists of 38 Murano glass shades.
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Glass
Norwegian Functionalist Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1950s
Located in Oslo, NO
Wonderful, decorative and rare ceiling light in opaline glass with brass metal base. Designed and made in Norway from ca 1950s first half. The lamp is fully working and in very good ...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Brass
Clear Graniglia Murano Flush Mount
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian Murano glass flush mount with clear graniglia glass leaves mounted on gold metal frame / Made in Italy in the style of Barovier e Toso, circa 1960s
Measures: Diameter...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Murano Glass
$3,850 Sale Price
30% Off
Satin White Murano Flush Mount
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian flush mount with a satin Murano glass shade decorated with frosted white stripes / Made in Italy in the style of Venini, circa 1960s
Measures: diameter 20 inches, hei...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$1,750 Sale Price
30% Off
Italian Murano Glass and Brass Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
Italian amber Murano glass and brass chandelier.
Diameter 43 cm.
Height fixture 35 cm.
Total height including the chain and canopy 88 cm.
The light requires five single E27 scre...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Brass
Yellow Flush Mount or Wall Lamp by Klaus Hempel for Kaiser Leuchten, 1970s
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This Space Age flush mount or wall lamp, crafted by Kaiser in Germany during the 1970s, embodies the innovative design ethos of the era. Designed by Klaus Hempel, the lamp features a...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
$758 Sale Price
20% Off
Bolla Flush Mount or Wall Lamp by E. Martinelli for Martinelli Luce, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-Century Modern Bolla light by E. Martinelli.This timeless design Classic wall lamp was designed by Elio Martinelli for Martinelli Luce in 1960.Th...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
$654 Sale Price
41% Off
Large Vintage Sculptural Ceiling or Wall Light Flush Mount Chandelier
Located in Berlin, DE
Large sculptural flush mount/chandelier.
Germany, 1960s.
Lamp sockets: 9
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Chrome
Kalmar Large Vintage Midcentury 1970s Mazzega Textured Glass Wall Light / Sconce
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Kalmar large & elegant vintage Mid-Century Modern Austrian made Murano glass wall light., lamp or sconce, made circa 1970. The light / sconce features a large handmade piece of clear...
Category
1970s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
Castiglioni Metal "Light Ball" Italian Sconce for Arteluce and Flos, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Incredibly rare first edition of the famous "Light Ball" applique by Castiglioni in white metal and opal glass. This fantastic lamp was designed by Castiglioni for Arteluce and produced in Italy by Flos in the 1960s.
This fantastic lamp was designed by Castiglioni for Arteluce and produced in Italy by Flos in the 1960s.
This fantastic light is unique because of the materials, made of white enameled metal and opal glass. It can be mounted on the wall or on the ceiling.
The wall light has been tested, it uses an E27 light bulb. It is signed on the backplate by both Arteluce and Flos.
A fantastic piece that will grace a mid-century living room or bathroom.
Measures (cms):
diameter - 42
height - 32
Literature: Casa Amica, 27 June 1972, p. 105 Octagon 30 September 1973, p. 149 Sergio Polano, Achille Castiglioni all the works, Electa, Milano, 2001, p. 224 Giuliana Gramigna, repertoire 1950-2000, Allemandi, Torino, 2003, p. 121.
The beginnings of Flos (meaning “flower” in Latin) blossomed from a brilliant idea: to create objects, starting with a light bulb, that would change the way of life for both the Italian market and the foreign markets.
Dino Gavina and the small Eisenkeil manufacturing facility in Merano, had already been creating furniture alongside design masters such as Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Afra and Tobia Scarpa. But by the early 1960s, Gavina became convinced the time had come to create new lamps.
Using the same technology – conceived in the USA and tested at Eisenkeil – used for the Cocoon lampthe Castiglioni brothers and the Scarpa duo began creating lamps such as the Taraxacum or the Fantasma, with many other beautiful and surprising lamps to follow.
And so, from day one, Flos was already reinventing the idea of artificial lighting.
Achille Castiglioni (born February 16, 1918, Milan–died December 2, 2002, Milan) was a prolific furniture, lighting, and product Italian designer renown for his ironic, joyful, creative and functional designs that, at times, intersected with ideas explored by conceptual artists.
Achille Castiglioni was born into a family with deep appreciation for the arts, as he was the third son of sculptor and coin engraver Giannino Castiglioni and his wife Livia Bolla. He first studied the classics at the Liceo Classico Giuseppe Parini, but then switched to study art at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera in Milan. In 1937, he decided to follow the steps of his two elder brothers, architects Livio and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, by enrolling in the Faculty of Architecture at the Politecnico di Milano, graduating in 1944–after having to interrupt his studies when he was stationed in Greece and Sicily during World War II.
In 1944, immediately after graduating, Achille Castiglioni joined his brothers Livio and Pier Giacomo in the design studio that they had founded with Livio’s classmate Luigi Caccia Dominioni in 1937 in Milan. Fortunately for Achille, from the very beginning Livio and Pier Giacomo decided to focus almost entirely on designing exhibitions, furniture, housewares, and appliances since architectural commissions were difficult to come by during the war. This product-design focus, and the deep fraternal bound among the three brothers, would later allow the young Achille to experiment early in his career with emerging techniques and new materials that could communicate a fresh aesthetic sensibility suited for the positive outlook of the post-war European market.
The Castiglioni brothers’ important collaboration with Phonola and Brionvega
In 1940, Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Livio Castiglioni, and Luigi Caccia Dominioni, in collaboration withe the Phonola company, presented in the VII Triennale di Milano (Milan Triennial), titled Exhibition of the Radio, a research study of radio devices that included the Fimi Phonola 547 radio, the first radio encased in Bakelite instead of wood. Shortly after the exhibition, Luigi Caccia Dominioni suspended his professional activity to serve in the military during World War II and left the studio.
The development of the FImi Phonola 547 radio would prove fruitful for the three brothers, as it allowed Livio Castiglioni to cement his role as the leading design consultant for Phonola from 1940 until 1960, and for Brionvega, from 1960 until 1964. These relationships brought in further collaboration among the three brothers, and would eventually result in several designs for radio and sound appliances with innovative materials and shapes for which Achille Castiglioni played a key role, such as the RR 226 stereo system for Brinovega (1965), the radio phonograph RR 126 for Brinovega (1965), and the radio and record player RR 128 for Brionvega (1966)
In 1952, Livio decided to build his own practice, independent from Achille and Pier Giacomo, to pursue a deeper exploration of radio waves, music, and technology. But the three brothers would continued to collaborate closely in several projects, and the partnership between Achille and Pier Giacomo became so tight that from 1952 until 1968, when Pier Giacomo died, they co-authored most of their designs.
Achille Castiglioni Long Career as Light Designer
During this period, the Castiglioni brothers participated in the Italian Exhibition of Furniture (RIMA), where they successfully introduced a series of curved-plywood furniture, and presented important designs, such as the Tubino lamp (1949), originally produced by Italian light maker Arteluce from 1949 until 1974, and reintroduced by FLOS since the late 1970s; and the Luminator lamp (1955), originally produced by Gilardi & Barzaghi, but reintroduced by FLOS in the late 1960s.
A new, successful, and long-lasting collaboration developed in 1960, when Pier Giacomo and Achille Castiglioni were reached by entrepreneurial Italian designer Dino Gavina and business man Arturo Eisenkeil with the idea to create a completely new kind of lighting fixtures utilizing a polyamide. The material, which they called “cocoon,” in the hands of the Castiglioni brothers would become a popular and iconic innovation in the 1960s and serve as the successful foundation of Italian lighting company FLOS–founded by Gavina and Eisenkeil in 1962.
Pier Giacomo and Achille Castiglioni designed a series of “cocoon” lights utilizing the spray-on polyamide plastic as a coating layer onto a metal frame. Among the most popular Castiglioni “cocoon” lights are: the Taraxacum and the Viscontea ceiling lamps (1960), and the Gatto table lamp (1961).
Other of the important lamp designs by Pier Giacomo and Achille Castiglioni for FLOS are the Beehive -or Splügen Braü lamp (1961), Toio –or Toy lamp...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
Exceptional Murano Glass Chandelier by Barovier Toso, Italy, 1940s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
An exceptional and rare seven- lights Murano glass chandelier by Barovier e Toso, Italy, ca. 1940s.
This beautiful chandelier is richly decorated with flowers and leaves in cognac co...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Brass
Set of 2 Space Age Table Lamps by Doria Germany, 1970s
Located in Schwerin, MV
1 pair of table lamps with ice glass balls on a chrome base from Doria - model no. 1280, West Germany. The lamp impresses with its 70s design, solid workmanship and good original con...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Chrome
Mid Century Vintage Ceiling or Wall Light Flush Mount Sconce, 1950s
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful Gino Sarfatti style ceiling or wall flush mount.
Italy, 1950s.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
HugeAnthroposophical Wall or Ceiling Lamp Made of Hard Plastic by Rudolf Dörfler
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
The lamp come with 3 x E27 / E26 edison screw fit bulb holder, is wired and in working condition. It runs both on 110 / 230 Volt. Delivery without bulb
A very large, imposing and ...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
Scandinavian Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1950s
Located in Oslo, NO
Wonderful ceiling light with decorated glass shade and base in porcelain. Designed and made in Norway from circa 1950s first half. The lamp is fully working and in very good vintage ...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Porcelain, Glass
Murano Glass Vintage 1970s organic Flush Mount, Brass and Glass, Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous futuristic glass flush mount by a Murano glass company. Heavy mouth blown art glass in an organic technic. The Fixture requires an European E14 / 110 Volt Candelabra bulb,...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena Large Wall Lights or Ceiling Lights
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wall or ceiling lights by Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena.
Designed and manufactured in Italy, 1970s
Rare and impressive.
Holophane glass, chrome plated metal and patinated brass....
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Gorgeous Murano Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Light, Mid Century, Austria, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful flush mount light made in Austria by Orion Lighting Company. It is made of a metal frame with a murano glass shade. The fixture requires thr...
Category
1970s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
Stunning Flower Shape Glass & Brass Flush Mount, Germany 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful flush mount by German manufacturer. The Satin Glass is supported by a metal plate with a Five light source. Beautiful cat and engraved glass on a metal fixture. The Fixtu...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
1960s Vintage German WILA Geometric Clear Glass Flush Mount or Wall Light
By WILA
Located in London, England
1960s vintage German WILA square clear glass shade and metal flush mount ceiling or wall light. The square shade is fixed to the round black metal bulb holder with a single screw ho...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
$312 Sale Price / item
29% Off
Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena LSP3 Ceiling or Wall Light
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena LSP3 wall or ceiling light
Made in Italy, 1960s
Opalescent glass, brass
Takes 2 medium base bulbs
Complimentary US rewi...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Brass
Pair of Flush Mount Ceiling Lights, 1960s
Located in Oslo, NO
Wonderful and decorative ceiling lights with glass shades and lacquered metal base. Designed and made in Norway from circa 1960s second half. Both lamps are fully working and in good...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
$1,800 / set
Clear Bubble Glass Pattern Massive Leuchten Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful bubble glass pattern flush mount. Made in Germany, attributed to Glashütte Limburg. Gorgeous textured glass flush mount with metal fixture. The fixture requires one Europea...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
RAAK Model R-28/P Flush Ceiling Light with Glass Fragments and Frosted Diffuser
By RAAK
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning example of the innovative approach of the influential Dutch Mid-Century lighting company Raak is a model R-28/P, manufactured by the Amsterdam based maker in the 1950s....
Category
1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
beautiful mid century CEILING FIXTURE plafoniere flush mount 1970s
Located in Mannheim, DE
A very beautiful ceiling lamp from the 1970s. The shade is made of light amber-colored clear glass with floral decoration etched on the raised surfaces and clear in the recesses. The...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting
Materials
Metal
Mid-century Modern flush mount for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern flush mount 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 flush mount created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, mirrors, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern flush mount made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Germany pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original flush mount, popular names associated with this style include Fabio Ltd, Glashütte Limburg, Kalmar Lighting, and J.T. Kalmar. 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 flush mount differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $117 and tops out at $65,353 while the average work can sell for $2,300.
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