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Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

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
Italian Painted Wrought Iron Four Lights Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
Italian painted wrought iron four lights chandelier. Measures: Diameter 60 cm Height fixture 63 cm. The total height including the chain is 120 cm. Fou...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron, Metal

Large French Mid-Century Wrought Iron Lantern / Pendant / Chandelier, 1940
Located in New York, NY
French Mid-Century hand-wrought iron lantern in a spare, modern traditional style.
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Italian Petite Brass Lantern Hanging Light
Located in North Miami, FL
Extremely in the Gio Ponti style, this lantern with brass mesh shade and three lights is a little jewel.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Mazzega Clear and Amber Curved Glass Tile Chandelier on Chrome Frame
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mazzega clear and amber curved glass tile chandelier on chrome frame, Italy, 1970s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Italian Mid Century Suspension Lamp in the manner of Fontana Arte, 1940s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
A magnificent mid-century pendant lamp from Italy, with brass, etched and decorated glass, and three E14 bulbs. This is an incredibly elegant and refined design, and the brass and gl...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Chrome and Murano Glass Chandelier Pietro Chiesa Fontana Arte Attr.
Located in Rome, IT
Curious and rare design Fontana Arte attributed pendant with in chromium plated frame attributed to Pietro Chiesa studio. Two glass satin finished panels decorated with fountains ce...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Murano Glass

Midcentury Pendant in Metal and Opaline Glass
Located in Antwerp, BE
The lights consists of a large red, gray and blue metal shades with opaline glass fitted with one E27 socket. Measures: Diameter 50 cm. Height 80 cm.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Italian Midcentury Brass and Light Blue Murano Glass Lantern
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing Italian midcentury brass and light blue Murano glass lantern or pendant. Four E 14 light bulbs. We can wire for your country standards.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Italian Giltwood Chandelier with Flowers
Located in Antwerp, BE
Italian five-light giltwood chandelier with flowers. Measures: Diameter 51 cm. Height fixture 66 cm. Total height 80 cm. Five E14 bulbs.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid Century Murano Glass Pendant Lantern Light Fixture
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Venetian white and blue cased glass pendant shape light fixture. Italy, circa 1960's. Newly re-wired, comes with 27 inches of chain and canopy. We can shorten the chain length to b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Modern 7-Light Chrome Fixture by Forecast Lighting
Located in Atlanta, GA
Great quality midcentury light fixture by Forecast Lighting having a tubular pendant with hidden downward facing light and six lights around the perimeter framed by metal orbs. The f...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Chrome

Grey and Amber Spectacular Mid-Century Poliedri Chandelier, 1960
Located in Rome, IT
Fabulous original Polyhedral Murano glass chandelier. Rare combination of amber, grey and clear colored poliedri hanging from the metal tiers at several levels. Ivory painted round ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Blown Glass

Brass and Cristal Glass Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
Brass and cristal glass chandelier with tem arms. Height fixture:83 cm. Total height with the chain:112 cm. Diameter:60 cm. Ten E14 bulbs.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Lantern by Jordi Vilanova in Brass - Barcelona
Located in Girona, Girona
Lantern in polished solid brass, ivory lacquered inside, three lights. Design: Jordi Vilanova i Bosch Spain, Barcelona c. 1960.
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Mazzega Clear and Amber Curved Glass Tile Chandelier on Chrome Frame
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mazzega clear and amber curved glass tile chandelier on chrome frame, Italy, 1970s.   
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Venini Original Tronchi and Gold Triedi Chandelier or Lantern, Murano, 1960
Located in Rome, IT
Stunning Italian Mid-Century Modern chandelier by Venini with long Ice color hand blown "Tronchi "and shiny gold "trilobi" The original metal structure with chain and canopy. Three...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Blown Glass

Royal Blue Swedish Glass Lantern, 1950
Located in Bronx, NY
Royal blue Swedish glass lantern, 1950 Downward light, Sweden, 1950s. Brass stem with brass canopy, the shade is a Royal blue oval glass. Rewired for the U.S. 
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Chrome and Murano Glass Chandelier Pietro Chiesa Fontana Arte Attr.
Located in Rome, IT
Curious and rare design Fontana Arte attributed pendant with in chromium plated frame attributed to Pietro Chiesa studio. Two glass satin finished panels decorated with fountains c...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Murano Glass

Beautiful Scenery Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940
Located in Rome, IT
Beautiful scenery chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940.
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Blown Glass

Italian Midcentury Delicious Brass Lantern in the Style of Pietro Chiesa
Located in Rome, IT
Brass-mounted with elegant engraving on glass, original conditions. Measures: Height without chain 40 cm diameter 26 cm. Single light bulb E 27.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Art Deco Chrome and Murano Glass Chandelier Pietro Chiesa Fontana Arte, 1930
Located in Rome, IT
Curious and rare design Fontana Arte pendant with in chromium plated frame by Pietro Chiesa studio. Two glass satin finished panels decorated with fountains centered by opaque glass...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Murano Glass

Sonneman Mid-Century Modern Desk Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Robert Sonneman Mid-Century Modern articulated desktop table lamp with white enamled spherical shade upon a white-painted wooden base. Measures : 18.8" H...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Gilt Metal Crystal Glass Chandelier by Kinkeldey
Located in Antwerp, BE
A beautiful Kinkeldey chandelier with 46 clear handmade ice crystals in varying lengths. New wiring, three E-14 base bulbs and one E27 bulb up to 40 watts per bulb. Materials: Chrom...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Chrome

Brass and Glass Ceiling Light by Stilnovo
Located in London, GB
A brass and opaline glass ceiling light by Stilnovo Italy, 1950s
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Amazing Three Pendants Attributed to Fontana Arte, 1970
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant trio of lights. 24 glasses blades with chipped edges in Verde Nilo Color. The glasses of each group are height 20 cm and diameter 15 cm.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Glass

Venini Original Tronchi and Gold Triedi Chandelier or Lantern, Murano 1960
Located in Rome, IT
Stunning Italian Mid-Century Modern chandelier by Venini with long Ice color handblown "Tronchi "and shiny gold "trilobi " The original metal structure with chain and canopy . Thr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Blown Glass

1970 Glass Lantern, Italy
Located in Nice, FR
Glass lantern period 1970, from Italy, Chromed metal structure.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Art Glass

1950s Brass, Polychrome and Etched Glass Lantern in Style of Fontana Arte
Located in Schoorl, NL
Cute two-light lantern in style of Fontana Arte. Consists of two etched glass panels with a flower pattern, a brass frame and green colored lamp E14 socket. Measures: Glass panel 33...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century green three opaline glasses lantern. Italy 1950s
Located in Catania, CT
This chandelier with three opaline glasses and made from brass and lacquered metal, has been manufactured in Italy during the 50s. Fair vintage condition with trace of age and use. O...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Kalmar Glass Lantern Vienna, Austria, 1950
Located in Bronx, NY
Kalmar lantern Vienna, Austria, 1950, Clear glass lantern made from one piece of molded glass with an engraved pattern on a brass frame with one downward light, Austria, 1950s. Ele...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Klaus Nolting 'Lix' Portable Outdoor Aluminum Table Lamp in Gold for IP44de
Located in Glendale, CA
Klaus Nolting 'Lix' portable outdoor aluminum table lamp in gold for IP44de Founded in 1933 in East Westphalia, Germany, IP44.DE has quickly b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Aluminum

Spectacular Mid-Century Grey and Amber Poliedri Chandelier, 1960
Located in Rome, IT
Fabulous original Polyhedral Murano glass chandelier. Rare combination of amber, grey and clear colored poliedri hanging from the metal tiers at several levels. Ivory painted round s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Blown Glass

1970s Chrome and Glass Pendant Attributed to Veca
By VECA
Located in Schoorl, NL
Remarkable Italian pendant consists of four glass panels, two on each side, attached to a glossy chrome frame.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Chrome

Huge Aldo Tura Red Goatskin Lantern Table Lamp
Located in Munich, DE
Superb lantern table lamp made by Aldo Tura, Italy in the 1960s. The lamp was executed in lacquered red goatskin with brass rings and includes a little bowl and it is in very good...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Goatskin

British Army Light In Cast Aluminum And Cast Iron, 1940s, From Simplex Electric
Located in Crespières, FR
This British army light dates from the 1940s. Manufactured by the renowned English manufacturer Simplex Electric Company, this lamp is made of cast ...
Category

1940s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Aluminum, Iron

Varaflame' Butane Candlestick Attributed to Veraflame for Ronson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A figured wood 'Varaflame' butane candlestick with chrome stem on a patinated steel base.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass Pendants / Lanterns attr. to Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
Two Italian Mid-Century Modern satin milk glass fixtures / pendants / suspension lights / lanterns by Bruno Chiarini attributed to Stilnovo, circa 1960. The pieces can hang as suspen...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Brass

2 Italian Modern Neoclassical Brass & Milk Glass Ball Pendants / Flush Mounts
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern neoclassical brass chandeliers / pendants / lanterns/ flush mount fixtures in a rare design embracing the modern, the neoclassical and the neo-baro...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Pair of Italian Modern Gothic Zinc and Stain Glass Pendants/Lanterns
Located in New York, NY
A rare pair of Italian hexagonal form lanterns/pendants in a modern Gothic spirit made from cast and hand-worked zinc with stained glass center panels. The chain and canopy are well...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Zinc

Art Deco Chrome and Murano Glass Chandelier Pietro Chiesa Fontana Arte Attr.
Located in Rome, IT
Curious and rare design Fontana Arte attributed pendant with in chromium plated frame attributed to Pietro Chiesa studio. Two glass satin finished panels decorated with fountains ce...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Murano Glass

Italian Midcentury Iron and Multicolor Murano Glass Ceiling light or Flush Mount
Located in Rome, IT
Large Italian Mid Century patinated iron and colorful hand blown and hammered Murano glass ceiling light . Fabulous light effect. We will deliver professionally packed in a wooden c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Glass Lantern, Italy, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Clear glass sphere with a geometric bubble pattern throughout. The glass has a very slight rose tint.   
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Chrome

Italian Mid-Century Modern Nickel-Plated Darkroom Photographer Light, 1950s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern nickel-plated darkroom photographer light, 1950s Darkroom photographer light with military green structure and nickel-plated aluminum details. Good con...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Metal, Nickel

1 French Mid-Century Modern White Enamel Metal & Glass Pendants in Mategot Style
Located in New York, NY
1 French Mid-Century Modern white enameled metal pendant / lantern fixture / chandelier with a luminescent bowl of holophane glass. Subtle, yet functional lighting when lit. Height i...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Metal

"Maison Baguès", Three Large and Elegant Lanterns in Gold and Silver Metal, 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Maison Baguès", three large and elegant lanterns in gold and silver metal, crystal pendants, circa 1950 The price is for 1 lantern 3 lanterns are avail...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Hanging Light, Italy, 1965
Located in New York, NY
Beige painted metal and polished brass downlight, suspended from a cord (length to be determined during electrification). Three available. Measure: ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Metal, Brass

Black Aluminum, Brass and Molded Glass Shades Midcentury Pendant Lamp
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Black aluminum body with 2 hemispherical glass lampshades. Very good condition: oxidation spots on the brass parts. Main body: cm 60 H x 30 D. Adjustable overall height.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Brass, Aluminum

Pair of Vintage Oak Lanterns
Located in Stockton, NJ
A pair of vintage oak planters with glass panels and steel tops with handles. Great scale and presence.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Steel

Jean Perzel, Lantern in Brass and Glass, circa 1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Jean Perzel, lantern in brass and glass, circa 1960 Dimensions of the lantern 40 x 30 cm Dimensions with the chain 65 x 30 cm metal needs to be polished the glass is transparent and ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Italian Mid-Century Reggiani Metal Lantern
Located in Queens, NY
Italian 1950s lantern with metal circular slat design suspended from a fabric stem with a cylindrical metal canopy (attributed to REGGIANI).
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Charming Italian Midcentury Pink Peach Color Murano Fixture by Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
With a precious hand blown 'costolature' cup, rare pink peach color. Three E27 light bulbs.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Blown Glass

Sublime Chrome and Frosted Glass Pendant by A. V. Mazzega, Italy, 1970s
Located in Voorburg, NL
Wonderful pendant made by A.V. Mazzega with a beautiful characteristic Murano semi-frosted glass bowl on a stunning chrome moonbase with three adjustable p...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Chrome

Premium Extra Large Desk Lamp in Steel, Bakelite and Oakwood, 1950s Belgium
Located in Voorburg, NL
Beautiful desk lamp produced in Belgium in the 1950s. The lamp is standing on a firm oakwood base with a strong stainless steel arm and a grey bakelite shade. Very nice sculptural li...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Stainless Steel

Metal garden lamp from the 1960s
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
A very massive garden lamp in a traditional 60s design. The lamp is made of metal and coated with an ivory-colored paint, presumably the original paint. The lid is designed in the fo...
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Iron Lantern, France, circa 1930
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Iron lantern in the shape of a navette, Forged and hammered iron, France, circa 1930. Measures: Height 105 cm, width 48 cm, depth 24 cm.
Category

1930s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Three Matte Black Hammered Pendant Light Fixtures with Gold Finish Interior
Located in Buchanan, MI
Three matte black hammered pendant light fixtures with gold finish interior. Great fixture for over a kitchen island.
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Three Italian Mold Blown Opaque Glass Fixtures
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of thick, opaque glass, flush mount fixtures in a hemisphere form and set in brass frames. The glass is molded in hexagonal shapes and reflects patterns of light. So...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Four Lanterns, Italy, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Handblown polyhedral glass, open at the base and with an etched, rivulet texture on the outer wall; suspended from a wire. OUR REFERENCE N8482 A-D
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Art Glass

Jean Perzel, Lantern in Brass and Glass, circa 1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Jean Perzel, lantern in brass and glass, circa 1960. Scratches and wear on the metal Dimensions of the lantern 40 x 30 cm Dimensions with the chain 65 x 30 cm.  
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Brass

small Scandinavian style lantern, circa 1960 teak and molded glass
Located in Mouscron, WHT
small Scandinavian style lantern, circa 1960 teak and molded glass
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Materials

Glass, Teak

Mid-century Modern lanterns for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern lanterns 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 lanterns created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern lanterns made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lanterns, popular names associated with this style include L'Aviva Home, Glashütte Limburg, Venini, and Siemon & Salazar. 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 lanterns differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $50,300 while the average work can sell for $2,247.

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