The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
1960s Petite Flush Mount Chandelier by Barovier & Toso, pink, clear gold Flowers
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Petite Italian Hand-Blown Crystal Flower Flush Mount Chandelier Charming petite Italian flush mount chandelier featuring a delicate arrangement of hand-blown crystal flowers in pink...
Metal
Charming Pink Amethyst Murano Glass Leave Ceiling Light or Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
Realized in pure pink amethyst color Murano glass consists of 16 delicious hand blown leaves. The structure is gilt-metal. Five E27 lights spread a magical light. Available 3 items....
Glass
La Murrina Vistosi Pink Flush Mount Ceiling Light, Vintage Italy 1980s
By La Murrina
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An elegant vintage Italian flush mount ceiling light, Glass shade made by La Murrina. The gold-plated metal fixture by Vistosi, circa 1980s or earlier. The fixture features a substan...
Metal
Vintage Italian Ribbed Glass Flush Mount with Brass-Tone Rim and Glass Finial
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted and mouthblown, three-light Murano ceiling lamp. A beautifully textured Italian ceiling light with a presence that goes well beyond its modest size. The clear Murano gla...
Metal, Brass
Florentine Style Alabaster Murano Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Murano glass flush mount produced by Massive Leuchten, Germany, in the 1980s. This elegant light features a stunning textured glass shade with a soft, marbled appearance ...
Metal
Konsthantverk Svep Small Ceiling Lamp, Iron Oxide & Opal Acrylic
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ceiling lamp model Stoby designed by Konsthantverk and manufactured by themselves. The production of lamps, wall lights and floor lamps are manufactured using craftsman’s techniq...
Brass
Hive Flush Mount by Research.Lighting, Nickel, 3in Glass Globe, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1x Hive Flush Mount in polished nickel designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Polished Nickel Electronics: 1x G9...
Brass, Steel
Lucite Flower Flush Mount Ceiling Light Neuhaus Leuchten, Germany, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A large beautiful flush mount or sconces, made in Germany in the 1980s by Neuhaus Leuchten. The fixture requires three European E27 Edison bulbs, each bulb up to 40 watts. A nice add...
Metal
Venetian Murano Glass Palmette Palm Chandelier Flush Mount, Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Very elegant vintage estate, midcentury Venetian Murano art glass chandelier by Barovier & Toso. This refined fixture features two round tiers of overlapping, large, curved, hand-blo...
Brass
Vistosi Diamante Spotlight in Crystal by Barbara Maggiolo
Located in Mogliano Veneto, Treviso
The Diamante collection is handblown and handcrafted and charecterized by its innate versatility to be combined with other variations within the collection or within Vistosi's produc...
Murano Glass
Butterfly Pendant Lamp by Sabrina Landini, Yellow Silver Art Glass, Brass Italy
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
BUTTERFLY sun yellow, old glass, silvered The free dance movement For more than 22 years, Sabrina Landini pays homage to glass surfaces in her expression of silvered masterworks, t...
Crystal, Brass
1950s Petite Flush Mount Chandelier by Barovier&Toso, Crystal Flowers
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Petite Italian Hand-Blown Crystal Flower Flush Mount Chandelier Charming petite Italian flush mount chandelier featuring a delicate arrangement of hand-blown crystal flowers in mult...
Metal
Modernist Hand-Blown Mottled Murano 24K Gold Fleck Glass Acanthus Flush Mount
Located in New York, NY
Illuminate your space with this Modernist Hand-Blown Mottled Murano Glass Acanthus Flush Mount Chandelier, adorned with 24 Karat Gold Flecks, crafted in Italy in the 21st century. Th...
Gold, Brass
Tiffany Contemporary Hanging Lamp 30, Powder Silk, Silvered Glass, Brass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
TIFFANY The first one, Audrey inspired the iconic Introducing Sabrina's breathtaking collection of Tiffany lamps. Year after year Sabrina Landini perpetuates its exceptional exp...
Silk, Art Glass
Hive Flush Mount by Research.Lighting, Nickel, 5in Glass Globe, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1x Hive Flush Mount in polished nickel designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Polished Nickel Globe Size: ~4.75i...
Brass, Steel
Slamp Mida Wall/Ceiling Light LARGE Multicolor by Adriano Rachele
Located in Pomezia, Rome
Mida is a ceiling/wall lamp with our exclusive magnetic system, inspired by the world of haute couture jewels. A pavè of precious gems encrust an almost invisible setting, and polish...
Other
Konsthantverk Mid-Century Modern Svep Large Raw Brass Ceiling Lamp
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ceiling lamp model Stoby designed by Konsthantverk and manufactured by themselves. The production of lamps, wall lights and floor lamps are manufactured using craftsman’s techniq...
Brass
$3,498 / item
Brass Ceiling Light with Hand-Blown Glass by DUNLIN
By DUNLIN
Located in Paddington, NSW
Designer's Notes A substantial ceiling and wall light crafted from solid brass, paired with hand-blown glass. Each piece is handmade exclusively for Dunlin Australia. Available in ...
Brass
SLAMP Veli Large Flush Light in Prisma by Adriano Rachele
By Slamp, Adriano Rachele
Located in Pomezia, Rome
Inspired by the high fashion world, where folds, pleats and soft structural shapes reign, Veli is a sophisticated, glamorous collection featuring a series of handcrafted elements car...
Other
Tiffany Contemporary Hanging Lamp 40, Champagne Silk Silvered Glass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
TIFFANY The first one, Audrey inspired the iconic Introducing Sabrina's breathtaking collection of Tiffany lamps. Year after year Sabrina Landini perpetuates its exceptional exp...
Brass
Large Green Murano Glass Leave Ceiling Light or Flush Mount
Located in Rome, IT
Realized in pure Emerald green color Murano glass consists of 24 large hand-blown leaves. The structure is gilt-metal. Nine E27 lights bulbs spread a magical light. Wattage 4-6 W...
Glass
Slamp Mida Wall/Ceiling Light White Gold by Adriano Rachele
Located in Pomezia, Rome
Mida is a ceiling/wall lamp with our exclusive magnetic system, inspired by the world of haute couture jewels. A pavè of precious gems encrust an almost invisible setting, and polish...
Other
Scandinavian Ceiling Lamp by Johan Carpner, Black Mat & Brass, 55 cm In Stock
By Johan Carpner, Konsthantverk Tyringe 1
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Add a touch of Scandinavian elegance to your home with this stunning ceiling lamp by Konsthantverk. Designed by Johan Carpner, the Satellit 55 model features a sleek black mat and ra...
Brass
Fused Bulls Eye Glass and Brass Wall Light or Flush Mount
Located in Rijssen, NL
Stunning bulls eye glass and brass wall lights or flush mount. The generous three centimeter thick pieces of glass that are used in this lamp collection are synonymous with ice. The ...
Brass
Flush Mount Light 1 - Vrksa Series - Wooden Ceiling Light
By Raka Studio
Located in Cape Girardeau, MO
The Flush Mount Light 1 sits closely on the ceiling, it has been made using solid ashwood by bending the wood. Two cocoon-like wooden structures bear the light bulbs, dispelling ligh...
Bentwood, Ash
Three-Light Meander Flexible Arm Ceiling Mounted Light Fixture
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Ceiling mounted Meander light featuring three flexible arms which allow you to adjust and pose the light fixture; shown here with metal arms in standard ...
Brass
Charming Pink Amethyst Murano Glass Leave Ceiling Light or Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
Realized in pure pink amethyst color Murano glass consists of 16 delicious hand blown leaves. The structure is gilt-metal. Five E27 lights spread a magical light. Available 3 items....
Glass
Large Iron Oxide Ceiling Lamp by Konsthantverk, Modern Design, Sweden
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ceiling lamp model Stoby designed by Konsthantverk and manufactured by themselves. The production of lamps, wall lights and floor lamps are manufactured using craftsman’s techniq...
Brass
$528Sale Price|20% Off
Square Wall Sconce or Flush Mount Light
Located in Vienna, AT
Steel painted frame fitted with two E27 bulbs for max. 100W each covered with two elements made of pressed and refined glass from the, early 1970s. It is possible to put several piec...
Steel
Caeli-W Monumental Steel Rattan Pendant Light, Flow Collection
Located in Paris, FR
Contemporary handcrafted made-to-measure pendant light fixture composed of a painted steel structure and a meticulously handwoven rattan shade. ...
Brass
Caeli Classic Handcrafted Brass Rattan Pendant Light Fixture, Flow Collection
Located in Paris, FR
The Caeli-S contemporary handcrafted made-to-measure pendant light fixture features an expertly handcrafted brass structure and a hand-woven rattan shade. This piece creates a warm a...
Brass
Sunshine Pendant Lamp by Sabrina Landini, Japanese Paper Brass, Hand Made Italy
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
SUNSHINE pendant lamp, the bright inner garden! Thanks to the Italian manufacturing technique used in our workplace, each item is a testament to our commitment to craftmanship, wi...
Crystal, Brass
Vintage Sculptural Ceiling or Wall Flush Mount Light Chandelier by Leola, 1960s
By miiss, Gaetano Sciolari, Leola
Located in Berlin, DE
Large sculptural Sciolari style ceiling or wall flush mount by Leola. Germany, 1960-1970s. Shipping without bulbs.
Metal
De.Light W1 Brass Articulating Double Sconce Wall Light
Located in Paris, FR
The De.Light is a solid brass double wall light with a leather sheathed stem detail. The main structure tops an opal glass di user or a cylinder fabric shade and the Directional stem features a conic shade mounted with a moveable joint. Perfect as a bedside reading lamp or to illuminate wall art...
Brass
De.Light W2 Contemporary Brass Articulating Double Wall Sconce, Flow Collection
Located in Paris, FR
The DE.LIGHT is a solid brass double wall light with a leather sheathed stem detail. The main structure tops a cylinder fabric shade or an opal glass di user and the directional stem...
Brass
$2,870 / item
Caeli-A Silver Rattan Pendant Light, Flow Collection
Located in Paris, FR
This pendant light fixture is a contemporary, made-to-Measure piece that is perfect for living areas or as kitchen island lights. The fixture is ...
Brass
$2,100 / item
Arne Jacobsen Ceiling Lights ( Large ), Denmark 1990
Located in Culver City, CA
Arne Jacobsen Ceiling Lights ( Large ) Denmark, 1990 Enameled aluminum, frosted glass and brass disk recessed ceiling light. Originally designed for Munkegårdsskolen in Søborg, Denma...
Aluminum
$7,900 / item
Rectangular Disco Chandelier by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian chandelier with burgundy colored hand blown Murano glass discs mounted on gold finish metal frame with decorative arch details, by Fabio Ltd, made in Italy 6 lights / E26 or ...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Petite Yellow Flush Mount Ceiling Light, Vintage Italy 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An elegant vintage Italian flush mount ceiling light, Glass shade made in Italy. The metal fixture by an unknown manufacturer, probably custom made lacquered in the circa 1980s. The...
Metal
$2,000 / item
Cresta Sconce / Flush Mount by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Murano wall light or flush mount with hand blown smoky Murano glass globes, mounted on curved polished brass finish frame / Designed by Fabio Bergomi / Made in Italy 3 lights...
Brass
Sunshine Contemporary Pendant Lamp by Sabrina Landini, Japanese Style, Brass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
SUNSHINE Let the light to come through Thanks to the Italian manufacturing technique used in our workplace, each item is a testament to our commitment to craftmanship, with attenti...
Crystal, Brass
Firmamento Milano Stick Wall Lamp by Cino Zucchi
By Firmamento Milano, Cino Zucchi
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Please note that VAT is not included in the price. The wall version evokes the light quality and the elegance of stick floor. One version provides for a direct flow of light, the other offers both an indirect and a direct lighting opportunity. Born in Milano in 1955, Cino Zucchi earned a B.S.A.D. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, Mass.) in 1978 and a Laurea in Architettura at the Politecnico di Milano in 1979, where he is currently Chair Professor of Architectural and Urban Design. He has been Visiting Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design in 2013. He is regularly invited to give lectures and sits on architectural juries both in Italy and abroad. He is the author of the books L’architettura dei cortili milanesi 1535-1706 (Electa 1989), Asnago e Vender...
Steel
Large Green Murano Glass Leave Ceiling Light or Flush Mount
Located in Rome, IT
Realized in pure Emerald green color Murano glass consists of 24 large hand-blown leaves. The structure is gilt-metal. Nine E27 lights bulbs spread a magical light. Wattage 4-6 W...
Glass
$3,750 / item
Rainbow Leather Meander Chandelier
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Our Meander Chandelier in glorious ROYGBIV colors. Seven flexible leather wrapped arms allows for playful poses and creative customization. As show...
Brass
Konsthantverk Svep Large Iron Oxide Ceiling Lamp
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ceiling lamp model Stoby designed by Konsthantverk and manufactured by themselves. The production of lamps, wall lights and floor lamps are manufactured using craftsman’s technique...
Brass
Vistosi Giogali Flush Mount in Crystal Bronze Glass And Matt Bronze Frame
By Vistosi, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Mogliano Veneto, Treviso
A pure element: the crystal hook. It is the intuition of a master of Italian design, Angelo Mangiarotti, who in 1967 created the best seller of the Vistosi catalogue, Giogali. An ico...
Glass
$240Sale Price / item|20% Off
Globe Flush Mount by Research.Lighting, Black, 3in Glass Globe, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1x Globe Flush Mount in black designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Black Electronics: 1x G9 Socket, 1x 4.5...
Brass, Steel
Angel Pendant Lamp by Sabrina Landini, Art Glass & Brass, Handmade in Italy
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
ANGEL pentant crystal craquelet ball with silvered glass ring Bright eyes from a distant planet For more than 22 years the art of “hand-made in Italy” has given life to the Maison Sabrina Landini, who’s brilliant spirit leads to the foundation of the Atelier. Here beats the heart of a living heritage, that of craftsman-ship. Such vibrant energy comes into life in Sabrina Landini’s DNA by revealing the unpublished silvering technique, thanks to a deep dive into glass life. Becoming the hallmark that leaves the signature on her work, preserved in our manufacture. Angel, inspired by the universal love, drawn as a planet, with its clean lines, Angel will offer a bright sheen, thanks to an amazing crystal craquele boule surrounded by a movable ring...
Crystal, Brass
$1,040Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Globe Flush Mounts, by Research.Lighting, Nickel, 3in Glass, MTO
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 4x Globe Flush Mounts in polished nickel designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Polished Nickel Electronics:...
Brass, Steel
Tiffany Hanging Lamp 40 Blush Silk Silvered Glass Antiqued Brass
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
TIFFANY The first one, Audrey inspired the iconic Introducing Sabrina's breathtaking collection of Tiffany lamps. Year after year Sabrina Landini perpetuates its exceptional expe...
Brass
Konsthantverk Tyringe SVEP Iron Oxide Small Ceiling Lamp
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Celling Lamp designed and manufactured by Konsthantverk in Sweden. 3806-6 SVEP Diameter 450 mm Height 180 mm Max 3 x 40 W E14 3806-12 Iron oxide/opal acrylic The lamps are wiring w...
Brass
$1,040Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Globe Flush Mounts, Research.Lighting, Brushed Nickel, 3in Glass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 4x Globe Flush Mounts in brushed nickel designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Brushed Nickel Electronics: 1...
Brass, Steel
Spruce St Spot Light, Tarnished Brass, Australian by DUNLIN
By DUNLIN
Located in Paddington, NSW
Handmade in solid brass exclusively for Dunlin. Bestseller at Dunlin. A heavyweight, solid brass pivoting spotlight. A cast brass ball pivot allows the light to rotate around its s...
Brass
Uno Classico Semi-Flush Mount by Gaspare Asaro-Bronze Finish
By form A, Gaspare & Vittorio Asaro
Located in New York, NY
The Uno ceiling light exemplifies simple elegance via its clean profile designed around a single Murano glass shade. Starting pricing by size-10% upcharge for specialty finishes: 1...
Brass
$10,000
Ponti Flush Mount
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian mid-century flush mount with frosted Murano glass shades mounted on polished brass frame / Made in Italy Inspired by Angelo Lelli and Arredoluce styles Diameter: 46 inches / ...
Murano Glass
Sunshine Contemporary Hanging Lamp Sabrina Landini, Silk Brass, Hand Made Italy
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
SUNSHINE Let the light to come through Thanks to the Italian manufacturing technique used in our workplace, each item is a testament to our commitment to craftmanship, with atten...
Crystal, Brass
$10,600 / item
Zeta Ceiling Light by Gaspare Asaro-Bronze Finish
By Gaspare & Vittorio Asaro, form A
Located in New York, NY
The Zeta ceiling light features a composition of variable sized Murano glass shades methodically balanced on a “V” shaped brass frame. The first images show the fixture in our bronzo...
Brass
$4,900 / item
Iridescent Murano Glass Leaf Flush Mount
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Ceiling lamp made of slightly iridescent murano glass, with a center dome and leaves going upward toward the ceiling.
Murano Glass
$520Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Globe Flush Mounts, Research.Lighting, Brushed Nickel, 3in Glass, MTO
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 2x Globe Flush Mounts in brushed nickel designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Brushed Nickel Electronics: 1x G9...
Brass, Steel
Pair of Hive Flush Mounts by Research.Lighting, Nickel, 5in Glass, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 2x Hive Flush Mounts in polished nickel designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Polished Nickel Electronics: 1x G...
Brass, Steel