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

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.

Style: Mid-Century Modern

Period: 21st Century and Contemporary

The "Upper King" Reissued Anvia Counter Balance Lamp No. 1506

By Anvia, J. J. M. Hoogervorst

Located in Los Angeles, CA

"The Fishing Rod" or "Flying Duke" lamp by designer Jan Hoogervorst is one of the most iconic lighting products from the Dutch lighting industry. Hoogervorst was a mid-century designer and designed the annual collections for ANVIA from the early 1950s to the early 1980s. Since 2015 the company has started reproducing his most popular designs. The ANVIA fishing rod lamp...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Materials

Metal

The "Upper King" Reissued Anvia Counter Balance Lamp No. 1506

Semi Flush Mount in Hand Carved Terra Onyx, Piedra Lighting Collection

By L'Aviva Home

Located in New York, NY

Our Piedra lighting takes its inspiration from the stone masks of the ancient civilization of Teotihuacán. Carved in the Mexican city of Tecali which means ‘stone house’ in Nahuatl the fixtures draw on the clean lines, defined angles, and streamlined silhouettes that epitomize the pre-Colombian stone masks. Sculpted from carefully chosen marble or onyx, each piece reflects the unique character of the individual stone from which it is formed.* Wall or ceiling mount; hardwired, requires professional installation. Single socket for type A bulb up to 60w. Tala, Porcelain II LED bulb included. UL listed. Brass hardware (standard) or brushed nickel hardware (upon request). Also available in milk onyx...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Materials

Onyx

Semi Flush Mount in Hand Carved Terra Onyx, Piedra Lighting Collection

Semi Flush Mount in Hand Carved Black and White Onyx, Piedra Lighting Collection

By L'Aviva Home

Located in New York, NY

Our Piedra lighting takes its inspiration from the stone masks of the ancient civilization of Teotihuacán. Carved in the Mexican city of Tecali — which means ‘stone house’ in Nahuatl — the fixtures draw on the clean lines, defined angles, and streamlined silhouettes that epitomize the pre-Colombian stone masks. Sculpted from carefully chosen marble or onyx, each piece reflects the unique character of the individual stone from which it is formed.* Wall or ceiling mount; hardwired, requires professional installation. Single socket for type A bulb up to 60w. Tala, Porcelain II LED bulb included. UL listed. Brass hardware (standard) or brushed nickel hardware (upon request). Also available in terra onyx, milk onyx...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Materials

Onyx

Semi Flush Mount in Hand Carved Black and White Onyx, Piedra Lighting Collection

Sconce in Hand Carved Milk Onyx, Piedra Lighting Collection

By L'Aviva Home

Located in New York, NY

Our Piedra lighting takes its inspiration from the stone masks of the ancient civilization of Teotihuacán. Carved in the Mexican city of Tecali, which ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Materials

Onyx

Sconce in Hand Carved Milk Onyx, Piedra Lighting Collection

Sconce in Hand Carved Travertine Marble, Piedra Lighting Collection

By L'Aviva Home

Located in New York, NY

Our Piedra lighting takes its inspiration from the stone masks of the ancient civilization of Teotihuacán. Carved in the Mexican city of Tecali — which...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Materials

Onyx

Sconce in Hand Carved Travertine Marble, Piedra Lighting Collection

Sconce in Hand Carved Black and White Onyx, Piedra Lighting Collection

By L'Aviva Home

Located in New York, NY

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Materials

Onyx

Sconce in Hand Carved Black and White Onyx, Piedra Lighting Collection

Kyoto Indoor Outdoor Led Sconce Poured Aluminum Blackened Size Long Wet Rating

By Atelier de Troupe

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Kyoto is a unique outdoor/indoor lamp collection. Sand cast in poured Aluminum, and finished in bronze, silver or blackened. The sconces are handmade sc...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Kyoto Indoor Outdoor Led Sconce Poured Aluminum Blackened Size Long Wet Rating

Meander Three Light Fixture with Flexible Leather Arms for Wall or Ceiling Mount

Located in Pound Ridge, NY

Three-light Meander wall light or ceiling mounted fixture with flexible arms which allow for endless poses and designs. Shown here in French orange ...

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Materials

Brass

Meander Three Light Fixture with Flexible Leather Arms for Wall or Ceiling Mount

Great 18 Palmette Shallow Flush Ceiling Mount, Murano

By Barovier&Toso

Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence

Here the larger version of the successful 12 leaves compact palmette ceiling fixture. This group of shallow ceiling mount Murano chandelier was first designed for a luxury yacht low...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Materials

Metal

Great 18 Palmette Shallow Flush Ceiling Mount, Murano

Great 18 Palmette Shallow Flush Ceiling Mount, Murano, in Stock, Free Shipping

By Barovier&Toso

Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence

Here the larger version of the successful 12 leaves compact palmette ceiling fixture. This group of shallow ceiling mount Murano chandelier was first designed for a luxury yacht low...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Materials

Metal

Great 18 Palmette Shallow Flush Ceiling Mount, Murano, in Stock, Free Shipping

LU Five-Arm Flush Mount Chandelier by Lumfardo Luminaires

By Lumfardo Luminaires

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful Minimalist five-arm flush mount chandelier with five cone shades that pivot up and down for varied lighting. Light brass patina finish and painted aluminum. E26 based socke...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

LU Five-Arm Flush Mount Chandelier by Lumfardo Luminaires

Italian Gold Frosted Crystal Murano Glass Bronze Round Flush Mount /Pendant

Located in New York, NY

An Italian Mid-Century Modern style flush mount, entirely handcrafted in Italy, that can also be a pendant with pole and canopy, in crystal Murano glass, The overlaid frosted glass b...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Materials

Gold Leaf, Brass

Italian Gold Frosted Crystal Murano Glass Bronze Round Flush Mount /Pendant

Leaves Flushmount by Fabio Ltd

Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

The "Upper King" Reissued Anvia Counter Balance Lamp No. 1506

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Semi Flush Mount in Hand Carved Terra Onyx, Piedra Lighting Collection

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Semi Flush Mount in Hand Carved Black and White Onyx, Piedra Lighting Collection

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Sconce in Hand Carved Milk Onyx, Piedra Lighting Collection

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Sconce in Hand Carved Travertine Marble, Piedra Lighting Collection

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Sconce in Hand Carved Black and White Onyx, Piedra Lighting Collection

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Kyoto Indoor Outdoor Led Sconce Poured Aluminum Blackened Size Long Wet Rating

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Meander Three Light Fixture with Flexible Leather Arms for Wall or Ceiling Mount

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Great 18 Palmette Shallow Flush Ceiling Mount, Murano

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Great 18 Palmette Shallow Flush Ceiling Mount, Murano, in Stock, Free Shipping

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

LU Five-Arm Flush Mount Chandelier by Lumfardo Luminaires

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Italian Gold Frosted Crystal Murano Glass Bronze Round Flush Mount /Pendant

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Leaves Flushmount by Fabio Ltd

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Leaves Flushmount by Fabio Ltd

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Leaves Flushmount by Fabio Ltd

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Golden Anna Flushmount by Fabio Ltd

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Leaves Flushmount by Fabio Ltd

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Gold Anna Flushmount by Fabio Ltd

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Modern Italian Pair of Smoked Frosted Murano Glass & Brass Wall / Ceiling Lights

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Cone Flush Mount Lamp

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Pink Lotus Flush Mount by Fabio Ltd

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Huge White Tulip Petals Murano Chandelier or Ceiling Light

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Pink Lotus Flush Mount by Fabio Ltd

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

UNO SHADE Sconce / Flush Mount by Fabio Ltd

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Drum Chandelier by Fabio Ltd

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Drum Chandelier by Fabio Ltd

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Italian Leaves Murano Glass Ceiling Light or Flush Mount

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Murano Glass Flower Flush Mount

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Modern Flush Mount by Fabio Ltd

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Modern Flush Mount by Fabio Ltd

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Deco Drum Chandelier by Fabio Ltd

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Deco Drum Chandelier by Fabio Ltd

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Modern Flush Mount by Fabio Ltd

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Modern Flush Mount by Fabio Ltd

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

UNO SHADE Sconce / Flush Mount by Fabio Ltd

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Large Murano Glass White Petals Chandelier

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

UNO SHADE Sconce / Flush Mount by Fabio Ltd

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

UNO SHADE Sconce / Flush Mount by Fabio Ltd

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting

Nido, Flush Mount Brass and Glass Chandelier 8 Arms, Low Ceiling Best, Free Ship

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount Lighting