Vintage Space Age furniture captured post–World War II optimism with swooping shapes, bowed lines and experimentation with new materials including plastic and fiberglass.
From the launch of the Sputnik 1 satellite in 1957 to the landing of Apollo 11 astronauts on the moon in 1969, the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States propelled advancements in technology that transformed culture. Space Age design encompassed fashion, architecture, cars, furniture and objects for the home, bringing wonder and hope for the future into everyday life.
Coinciding with Pop art, Space Age style featured bold colors and forms. Eero Aarnio’s Ball chair, which debuted in 1966, used molded fiberglass for a capsule-like space while Verner Panton’s 1959 Panton chair was a single piece of molded plastic for a gravity-defying S shape. Red versions of Olivier Mourgue’s 1964 Djinn chair were futuristic enough to appear on the space station in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Today, Joe Colombo is revered as a master of modern Italian design thanks to the provocative modular furniture pieces he created, such as the Tube chair and the Elda armchair, both of which embody the future-forward spirit of the Space Age.
The Space Age spirit extended to home building too. The futuristic Case Study Houses, which were designed by the likes of Pierre Koenig, Charles and Ray Eames, Richard Neutra and Whitney R. Smith, are considered a high point of modernism and the Southern California lifestyle.
Sometimes the nods to space exploration were more literal, like moon and star motifs or the 1965 Eclisse lamp by Vico Magistretti that saw the mid-century Italian designer integrating a movable inner shade to “eclipse” the light source. Alongside the pioneering moon missions, JVC manufactured the Videosphere portable television reminiscent of the Apollo 11 space helmets.
Although the style faded in the 1970s — with the 1975 joining of the Apollo and Soyuz spacecrafts signaling a new era of cooperation and the global oil crisis impacting the availability of plastics — the era’s innovations influenced designers into the 21st century such as Zaha Hadid and Djivan Schapira.
Find a collection of vintage Space Age seating, tables, lighting and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Set of 7 Ceramic Brown Wall Lights or Flush Mounts, Germany, 1970s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
The wall lamp come with 1 x E27 / E26 Edison screw fit bulb holder, is wired and in working condition. It runs both on 110/230 Volt. Delivery without bulb.
Metal, Aluminum
$753Sale Price|20% Off
Op-Art Glass Flush Mount, circa 1970
By Glashütte Limburg, Victor Vasarely
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare French op-art from the 1970s. The large opaline diffuser with satin finish is heavily textured with countless pyramidal shapes for a wonderful sculptural effect - whether switch...
Steel
Lovely Heavy Vintage Ice Glass Flush Mount from Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
This large flush mount was produced in Austria by Kalmar in the 1960s. It is composed of 12 thick textured ice glass elements attached to a white frame and uses four E27 bulbs.
Glass
Large Sputnik Flushmount or Wall Sconce by Cosack, Germany, 1970s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Vintage Sputnik lamps from the 1970s manufactured by Cosack, Germany, 1970s. This lamp can be used as a ceiling lamp, or as a wall lamp. Wonderful glass shape and light effect. Socke...
Brass
Model Quark Round Flush Mount by Hans Von Klier for Bilumen, 1970s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Model Quark Round Flush Mount by Hans Von Klier for Bilumen, 1970s, Italy Model QUARK no. 1150 Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. ...
Metal
Velella, Ceiling or Wall Lamp by I Castiglioni for Flos, Italy, 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Flos
Located in Brussel, BE
Beautiful flush-mount or wall lamp made of a lacquered metal base with a wide, dome-shaped shade of blown, glossy white opaline glass that provides a beautiful, warm ambient light. N...
Metal
Unusual Design Grey and Red Round Metal Pendant Lamp, 1970s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Unusual Design Grey and Red Round Metal Pendant Lamp, 1970s, Germany It is very ideal and suitable for all living areas. 2 available Lamp is in good condition. No damage, no crack...
Metal
Model MICO Murano White & Red Glass Ceiling Lamp by Renato Toso for Leucos, 1972
By Renato Toso, Leucos Design Lab
Located in Barntrup, DE
A famous Italian ceiling lamp, model MICO, is also suitable as a wall or table lamp. Designed by Renato Toso and manufactured by Leucos. Made of handmade glass from the masters of Mu...
Metal
3-head Orange Metal Flush Mount by Kinkeldey, 1970s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
3-head Orange Metal Flush Mount by Kinkeldey, 1970s, Germany Sculptural very elegant rare design flush mount. It is very ideal and suitable for all living areas. Lamp is in good...
Metal
Pair of Orange Hex-shaped Ceramic Wall Lights, Germany, 1970
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of Orange hex-shaped ceramic wall lights. Manufactured in Germany in the 1970s. The base of the light is hexagonal and there is a beautiful ceramic web on top of that. The fixt...
Ceramic
Large White Opaline Glass Shade and Brass 1970-1980 Ceiling Light
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This large ceiling light was produced in Italy between the 1970s and 1980s. It is made with a painted metal structure with decorative brass parts and white opal glass lampshade. It h...
Brass, Metal
Pair of Koch & Lowy Clear Glass Wall Lights by Peill Putzler, 1970
By Peill & Putzler, Koch & Lowy
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of mid-20th century flush mount or wall sconces designed by Koch &; Lowy for Peill &; Putzler in the 1970s. Featuring a clear glass globe shade with a waved or ribbed mo...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Targetti Sankey Flush Mounts or Table Lamps
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Space Age pair of lamps in hand blown clear ¨Pulegoso¨ technique Murano glass chromed and lacquered (white) metal, manufactured by Targetti Sankey and still retaining the original la...
Blown Glass
Gaetano Sciolari Spiral Ceiling Fixture
Located in Hanover, MA
Vintage Sciolari spiral six light ceiling fixture in helical form made of mirror polished stainless steel to present as chrome. Takes six E12 candelabra size ligjtbulbs up to 60 watt...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Acrylic and Metal Flush Mount Lamp from RAAK, Holland, 1970s
By RAAK
Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Flush mount lamp manufactured by RAAK Holland in the 1970s. Made from white acrylic with a lacquered metal base. The lamp houses a round neon bulb (included) but could be converted ...
Acrylic
One off Three Adjustable Italian Glass and Chrome Ufo Chandeliers
Located in Antwerp, BE
One large adjustable ufo chandeliers in glass and chrome. Takes six E 14 size bulbs, up to 40 watts each for 240 watts total. The lamp has six sockets...
Metal, Chrome
1 of 2 Large Sputnik Flushmount or Wall Sconce by Cosack, Germany, 1970s
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 Vintage Sputnik lamps from the 1970s manufactured by Cosack, Germany, 1970s. This lamp can be used as a ceiling lamp, or as a wall lamp. Wonderful glass shape and light effe...
Brass
Antique Gold Metal Triple Tube Pair of Ceiling Lamps by TZ, 1960s Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Rare Space Age Antique gold metal triple tube mini pair of ceiling lamps by TZ, 1960s, Germany Very elegant and Minimalist wall lamps Lamps are in very good condition. These...
Metal
Set of Three Geometric Glass Ceiling Wall Flushmounts Sconces, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of three vintage textured glass flushmounts ceiling or wall lights. Germany, 1960s.
Metal
White & Clear Murano Glass & Metal '60s flush mount lamp by C. Nason for Mazzega
By AVMazzega, Carlo Nason
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This wall or flush mount "Atomic" lamp was designed by Carlo Nason in the 1970s and produced by Mazzega. It is made of clear and white lattimo glass shade with white laqued aluminum ...
Aluminum
White Ivory Plastic Wall or Ceiling Teti Lamps by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This lamp is composed by 3 single Teti lamps, joined together by an aluminum structure. It can be used as a ceiling lamp, wall lamp or mirror lamp as well. It remains in good conditi...
Aluminum
Big Yellow Flush Mount, 1960s, 4 Items Available, Restored
By Napako
Located in Praha, CZ
Large Space Age flush mount made in 1960s. Four items available, price per one item. Restored: new paint, new sand blasted glass. Rewired: 4x60W,E25-E27 bulbs US wiring compatible
Metal
Brown Orange Diamond Shaped Ceramic Wall Lights, Germany, 1970
Located in Rijssen, NL
Brown and orange diamond-shaped ceramic wall lights/flush mounts Germany in the 1970s. This lights have a unusual shape. This makes it possible to create a playful arrangement. Can ...
Ceramic
Space Age Bubble Wall or Ceiling Lamp by Doria Leuchten, 1960s Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Fully functional. Five E14 sockets. Works with 220V and 110V. Wiring is suitable for all countries.
Metal, Aluminum
Sputnik Ceiling Light Snowball by Emil Stejnar for Rupert Nikoll
By Emil Stejnar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hastings, GB
A glorious brass and crystal ceiling pendant, 'Snowball' by Emil Stejnar for the Rupert Nikoll company. Dating to the 1950's this beautiful lig...
Crystal, Brass
White Metal 5-Lights Wall Lamp Mod. 50 by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, '68
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This wall lamp was designed by Gino Sarfatti in 1968 for bath mirror and it belongs to the early production. The simplicity of its design and its rarity al...
Metal
Pair of White Opaline Glass Shades & Brass Frame 1970s Flush Mount Lamps
Set of 2 ceiling lamps produced in 1970s in opaline glass and brass structure. Very good vintage condition: normal brass oxidation patina. Each ...
Metal, Brass
Space Age Vintage Wall Light Flush Mount Helena Tynell for Limburg 1970s Germany
By Glashütte Limburg, Helena Tynell
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age vintage wall light or flush mount from iridescent amber bubble glass by Helena Tynell for Glashütte Limburg 1970s. The flush mount shows a golden metal base and a wonderfu...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Targetti Sankey Table Lamps, circa 1970
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Space Age pair of table lamps in handblown clear and white Murano glass and chromed metal, manufactured by Targetti Sankey and still retaining the original labels, circa 1970.
Blown Glass
$2,166Sale Price / item|20% Off
Space Age Cosack Sputnik wall lamp chrome with 8 arms
By Cosack Leuchten, Gebrüder Cosack
Located in Mortsel, BE
Step into the future with our space-age wall/ceiling fixture, a testament to sleek, minimalist design. Its flat profile seamlessly hugs the surface, creating a modern aesthetic that'...
Chrome