International Style Lighting
INTERNATIONAL STYLE
The International Style, a modernist movement within architecture and furniture design that was given its name by American architect Philip Johnson and historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock, was born during the 1920s and ’30s. It gained steam initially in Europe and then in the United States as a response to the first World War. Building projects associated with the movement, as well as vintage International Style chairs, tables and other furnishings, are minimal and pared back.
Pioneers of the International Style — architect Walter Gropius and his Bauhaus colleagues Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, De Stijl advocate and Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and visionary designer Le Corbusier — stripped away decorative elements and placed considerable value on functionality and clean lines, integrating the use of industrial materials like steel, concrete and large sheets of glass in their work. Quite aptly, this mode of design and architectural style coincided with an era now known as the Machine Age and became a global symbol of modernism. The primary motive of its practitioners was to address the changing needs of a rapidly industrializing society, especially the demand for office complexes and apartments in large cities, through economical, technologically advanced, yet aesthetically pleasing designs for furniture and buildings.
“Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep,” said Le Corbusier of the philosophy behind his practical modernist architecture.
The International Style’s designers and architects were inspired by the advantages afforded them by the era’s new technology and industrial machinery as well as state-of-the-art materials. Le Corbusier was fond of framing his buildings in steel but reinforced concrete made far more economic sense. He is probably most admired for the iconic private homes and commercial buildings that he designed or codesigned with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, which are spread across the world, from New York City to Paris to Chandigarh, India. Today, Breuer’s Wassily Lounge chair; the elegant LC series created by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand; and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich, are emblems of progressive modernist design and all make prominent use of tubular steel. Vintage originals are the prized cornerstone of collections.
“The International Style is probably the first fundamentally original and widely distributed style since the Gothic,” posited Johnson in the book that accompanied “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition,” an architectural show he cocurated with Hitchcock that featured the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra and others. While the term “International Style” had previously been circulating in Europe, when the show opened at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, it yielded a much broader application of this important style of design.
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Style: International Style
Orbe Table Lamp, by RAIN, Contemporary Lamp, Brass & Aluminium, Yellow & White
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
ORBE is a table lamp with indirect light, designed to provide soft illumination to the environment.
The piece has a simple structure, composed by the minimum required for its func...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Lighting
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Orbe Wall Lamp Small, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass & Aluminium, Black
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Orbe is a wall lamp with indirect light, designed to provide soft illumination to the environment.
The piece has a simple structure, composed by the minimum required for its functionality: the front box houses the light source and provides the weight that supports the set; the conical plate has the function of gradually rebounding the light, creating a nuance of shade that encicles its volume; the back support provides stability to the piece and completes its silhouette. Each of these elements is marked by the use of different colors and finishes that seek to emphasize the precise constitution of the Orbe lamp.
Its name alludes to the aesthetics of the object, given by the conjunction of the geometric design with its metallic finishes and matte colors. At the same time, the circular reflector that surrounds the frontal totem sets...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Lighting
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Orbe Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass & Aluminium, Silver & Blue
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Orbe is a wall lamp with indirect light, designed to provide soft illumination to the environment.
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The piece has a simple structure, composed by the minimum required for its functionality: the front box houses the light source and provides the weight that supports the set; the conical plate has the function of gradually rebounding the light, creating a nuance of shade that encicles its volume; the back support provides stability to the piece and completes its silhouette. Each of these elements is marked by the use of different colors and finishes that seek to emphasize the precise constitution of the Orbe lamp.
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Its name alludes to the aesthetics of the object, given by the conjunction of the geometric design with its metallic finishes and matte colors. At the same time, the circular reflector that surrounds the frontal totem sets...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Lighting
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Ferrão Wall Lamp, 210cm, by RAIN, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Chrome
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Ferrão lamps are composed of a metallic body with a reduced diameter and sharp tips, referring to the image of a sting. The spike-shaped ends give the pieces tension, but also se...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
Arco Lamp, Black Edition, by RAIN, Contemporary Table Lamp, Stainless Steel
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Arco lamps are made from a prolonged section of circle that stand out by the discontinuity of its shape. The collection consists of lamps that seem to penetrate the surfaces they...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Lighting
Materials
Stainless Steel
Orbe Table Lamp, by RAIN, Contemporary Lamp, Brass & Aluminium, Black & Red
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
ORBE is a table lamp with indirect light, designed to provide soft illumination to the environment.
The piece has a simple structure, composed by the minimum required for its func...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Lighting
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Ferrão Pendant Lamp, 180cm, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Black
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Ferrão lamps are composed of a metallic body with a reduced diameter and sharp tips, referring to the image of a sting. The spike-shaped ends give the pieces tension, but also se...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
Ferrão Wall Lamp, 150cm, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Chrome
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Ferrão lamps are composed of a metallic body with a reduced diameter and sharp tips, referring to the image of a sting. The spike-shaped ends give the pieces tension, but also se...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
Continental Cut Glass Five-Light Chandelier
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A continental cut glass five-light chandelier,
Second quarter of 20th century.
The central baluster shaft surmounted by five scrolled branches,
lobed drip pans hung with stri...
Category
Mid-20th Century European International Style Lighting
Materials
Glass
Art Deco Table Lamp With Lamp Shade In Hand Marbled Silk
Located in Hamburg, DE
The crystal ball is mounted an a chrome base
Size crystal base 10cm Dia x 120cm H including bulb socked
Total height table lamp: base with lamp shade 40cm,
Lamp shade is hand crafted...
Category
1630s French Antique International Style Lighting
Materials
Crystal
Chrome Lamp with Burlap Shade by Nessen Lighting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chrome lamp with burlap shade by Nessen Lighting.
Dimensions listed (14 in. diameter x 22 in. tall) are the overall dimensions of the lamp with the shade.
Category
1960s American Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Venini table lamp in orange Murano glass circa 1950
By Venini
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and big table lamp in Murano glass orange attributed to Venini&C. circa 1950.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Murano Glass
Samuel Marx Pair of Unique Custom Sconces from the Morton D May House St. Louis
By Samuel Marx
Located in St. Louis, MO
Unique pair of sconces from the entrance hall of the Samuel Marx designed masterpiece home of retail magnate and art patron Morton D. May. Sold with photocopy of original blueprint i...
Category
1940s American Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Steel
Cordless Baccarat Table Light With Vintage Pucci Silk Lampshade Col. MOP
Located in Hamburg, DE
THE LAMP CREATED BY STUDIO LIVIA IS A UNIQUE PIECE.
THE VINTAGE BACCARAT LAMP BASE IN CLEAR CRYSTAL HAS A SQUARE TWISTET SHAPE AND FINDS A PERFECT E...
Category
2010s German International Style Lighting
Materials
Crystal
Cordless JB Saint Louis Table Light With Vintage Pucci Silk Lampshade Col. MOP
Located in Hamburg, DE
THE LAMP CREATED BY STUDIO LIVIA IS A UNIQUE PIECE.
THE VINTAGE SAINT LOUIS / DESIGN JOSEPH BLEICHNER LAMP BASE IN CLEAR CRYSTAL HAS A ROUND TWISTET SHAPE AND FINDS A PERFECT ENDORSMENT BY THE PATTERN OF THE LAMPSHADE MADE FROM AN VINTAGE EMILIO PUCCI SCARF (1970) .
THE LAMP HAS THE ADVANTAGE TO BE CORDLESS AND CAN BE INSTALLED IN EVERY PLACE - THE CORD WILL NOT DISTURB YOUR EYES AND OF COURSE PERFECT FOR PLACES WITHOUT A .PLUG SCOCKET NEARBY - AS THE PULB HAS IN THE SOCKET A RECHARABLE CELL.
THE BULP CAN BE DIMMED ON 3 DIFFEREND LEVELS.
THE CHARGING IS EASY: YOU REMOVE THE BLUB FROM THE SOCKET, ATTACH THE CABLE AND PLUG IN A POWER SOCKET. THE FULLY CHARGED AKKU LAST 18 HOURS.
THE LAMPSHADE MADE FROM A VINTAGE PUCCI SCARF...
Category
2010s German International Style Lighting
Materials
Crystal
Murano glass table lamp Paolo Venini
By Paolo Venini
Located in Hyvinkää, FI
Paolo Venini’s glass table lamp is a stunning piece of art, crafted with exquisite Murano glass. The lamp features vibrant colors and unique shapes, showcasing the skillful artistry ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique International Style Lighting
Materials
Glass
Large Modernist 12 Light Chandelier with Tinted Glass Ball Shades Ca. 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Impressive modernist chandelier having three tiers, of four globes each, with a total of twelve hanging globes. The fixture has a center pole shaft of steel, in black finish, from wh...
Category
Mid-20th Century American International Style Lighting
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Heavy Silver Plated Standard or Floor Lamp This lamp is a statuesque piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Heavy Silver Plated Standard or Floor Lamp
This lamp is a statuesque piece, silver-plated on brass with a very large faceted central column, the top of the lamp simulates a candle ...
Category
Early 1900s Antique International Style Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate
Tall Nessen Studios Black Leather Wrapped, Chrome & Glass Liner Shade Table Lamp
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Substantial Nessen Studios Black Leather wrapped Chrome Skyscraper Table Lamp with White Milk Glass Shade, Circa 1950. Small footprint. Featuring a Black Leather wrapped cylindrical ...
Category
1940s American Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Chrome
Set of Two Lamps Iron and Glass Déjà Vu Designed by Rob Nollet
By Robert Nollet 1
Located in Doornspijk, NL
An elegant set of Dutch table lamps designed by Rob Nollet in the 1980s.
The heavy cast iron base holds a bending arm in which the yellow glass lampshad...
Category
Late 20th Century Dutch International Style Lighting
Materials
Iron
Nessen Teak and Steel Table Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Classic modernist icon table lamp by Nessen Studios. This lamp has a solid teak vertical standard with brushed steel base. Working, clean, and original condition, shade not included....
Category
1960s American Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Steel
Hanging Glass Globe on Spun Steel Stem
Located in New York, NY
Modernist Globe hangs from steel stem, attributed to Nessen Studios.
Category
1960s American Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Steel
Ferrão 7/8" Pendant Lamp, 190cm, by RAIN, Contemporary Lamp, Brass
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Ferrão 7/8 is an edition made in turned solid brass of the Ferrão line, launched in 2018. The pieces have small differences from the original design, with their reduced thickness and...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Lighting
Materials
Brass
Ferrão 7/8" Wall Lamp, 190cm, by RAIN, Contemporary Lamp, Brass
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Ferrão 7/8 is an edition made in turned solid brass of the Ferrão line, launched in 2018. The pieces have small differences from the original design, with their reduced thickness and...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Lighting
Materials
Brass
Fontana Arte 1960 glass, marble and wood table lamp.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible FONTANA ARTE italian 1960 white glass, marble and wood table lamp.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Marble
Orbe Wall Lamp, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Brass & Aluminum, Black and Silver
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Orbe is a wall lamp with indirect light, designed to provide soft illumination to the environment.
The piece has a simple structure, composed by the minimum required for its functionality: the front box houses the light source and provides the weight that supports the set; the conical plate has the function of gradually rebounding the light, creating a nuance of shade that encicles its volume; the back support provides stability to the piece and completes its silhouette. Each of these elements is marked by the use of different colors and finishes that seek to emphasize the precise constitution of the Orbe lamp.
Its name alludes to the aesthetics of the object, given by the conjunction of the geometric design with its metallic finishes and matte colors. At the same time, the circular reflector that surrounds the frontal totem sets...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Lighting
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Pair of Space Age lamps by ANVIA, Pop Art - Holland 1970s
By Anvia
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of lamps made of red enameled metal and white plexiglass.
Perfect condition with its original color from the 1970s.
Category
1970s Dutch Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Metal
Table lamp attributed to Ercole Barovier circa 1940 "Primavera" Murano glass
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible table lamp in Murano glass attributed to Ercole Barovier "Primavera" glass circa 1950
Category
1940s Italian Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Murano Glass
Ferrão Pendant Lamp, 180cm, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Chrome
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Ferrão Lamps are composed of a metallic body with a reduced diameter and sharp tips, referring to the image of a sting. The spike-shaped ends give the pieces tension, but also se...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Lighting
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Ferrão Pendant Lamp, 210cm, by Rain, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Chrome
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Ferrão Lamps are composed of a metallic body with a reduced diameter and sharp tips, referring to the image of a sting. The spike-shaped ends give the pieces tension, but also se...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Lighting
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
TASCA italian lamp in porcelain masque multicolor painted circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible TASCA porcelain italian masque multicolor table lamp circa 1950.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Porcelain
Ferrão Wall Lamp, 180cm, by RAIN, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Chromed
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Ferrão Lamps are composed of a metalic body with a reduced diameter and sharp tips, referring to the image of a sting. The spike-shaped ends give the pieces tension, but also ser...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Lighting
Materials
Chrome
Ferrão Wall Lamp 180cm, by RAIN, Contemporary Lamp, Aluminium, Black
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Ferrão lamps are composed of a metalic body with a reduced diameter and sharp tips, referring to the image of a sting. The spike-shaped ends give the pieces tension, but also ser...
Category
2010s Brazilian International Style Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
Archimede Seguso table lamp with gold and applied glass circa 1950
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible table lamp in Murano glass by Archimede Seguso with gold and applied glass.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Murano Glass
Jorge Zalszupin pair of table lamps in Jacaranda and acrylic circa 1960
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and rare pair of table lamps in Jacaranda and acrylic in perfect conditions very charm
Category
1960s Brazilian Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Wood
Stunning Vintage Porcelain Table Lamps – Italian Style, Floral Design
Located in Staffanstorp, SE
Elevate your interior with this exquisite pair of large white porcelain table lamps, standing an impressive 66 cm tall. Featuring an elegant floral and leaf motif in sculptural relie...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Porcelain
Eugenio Restelli pair of tables lamp circa 1960 style Gabriela Crespi.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
fantastic table lamp signed Eugenio Restelli circa 1960 in the style of Gabriella Crespi.
Category
1960s Brazilian Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Metal
Hans Kogl 1970 brass table lamp
By Hans Kögl
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible table lamp by Hans Kogl in brass for two lamps circa 1970
Category
1970s German Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Brass
Dominici table lamp in glass, metal and marble.
By Dominici
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible original table lamp by Dominici signed in the base.
Category
1970s Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Glass
Brass Two Branch Wall Light, 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A brass two-branch wall light,
20th century
With two scrolling branches issuing from an urn
with a sprouting flame, all on a carved wood plate w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown International Style Lighting
Materials
Wood
Wall Lamp Sconce in Gold Patina and White Lamp Shades
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Wall lamp sconce in gold patina and white lamp shades, wooden baze in chestnut. Four lampshade in white fabric and golden braid.
Information about the covid 19.
At this point, the w...
Category
2010s French International Style Lighting
Materials
Metal
Venini Murano glass pair of sconces circa 1950
By Venini
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible pair of Venini sconces in Murano glass circa 1950.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Murano Glass
Mme Journel brazilian chrome 1950 metal table lamps.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Mme Journel brazilian chrome 1950 metal pair of table lamps.
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Metal
Saarinen table lamp in glass and metal attributed
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible table lamp attributed to Eero Saarinen in glass and metal lacquered.
Category
1970s Finnish Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Art Glass
Pair of Vintage Design Lamps in White Enamelled Sheet Metal, circa 1970
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your home with this stunning pair of vintage lamps in white enamelled sheet metal, dating from the second half of the 20th century (circa 1970-198...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage International Style Lighting
Materials
Metal, Enamel, Steel
Industrial Pendant Light
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
This European Industrial light with cage. Heavy steel and metal housing a fantastic ribbed glass that refracts light in a great way.
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech International Style Lighting
International Style lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique International Style lighting 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 lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used International Style lighting made in a specific country, there are Europe, Brazil, and South America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lighting, popular names associated with this style include Bontempi Casa, Nessen Studio, Archimede Seguso, and Stilnovo. 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 lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $275 and tops out at $21,000 while the average work can sell for $2,100.