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Modern Lighting

MODERN STYLE

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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.

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Style: Modern
Vitis 5 Chandelier by RBW in Frosted Smoke Blown Glass and White Wire
By RBW
Located in Rhinebeck, NY
Vitis 5 / Chandelier Designed by RBW Designed so that no two installations are exactly alike, Vitis, is a draped modular statement chandelier with customizable possibilities. Its fl...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass

‘Atlantis’ Black Nickel Chain Chandelier by Barlas Baylar for Terzani
Located in Glasgow, GB
Designed by Barlas Baylar for Terzani, the Atlantis chandelier is an iconic example of contemporary designer lighting. This sculptural chandelier is composed of hundreds of meters of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Willow 19, Blown Glass with Metal Dome Pendant Foyer Chandelier by Shakuff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The center orb of each Kadur pendant is filled with drizzled glass fibers, which are then encased within a pristine, outer glass sphere. Whether you want individual pendants, or a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Rich Green Murano Glass Chandelier, circa 1980s
Located in Villaverla, IT
This captivating Murano glass chandelier, a testament to exquisite Italian craftsmanship, features a vibrant emerald green hue that commands attention. Its elegant design, characteri...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Ikea 'Stämning' Wall Light designed by Cecilia Johansson
By IKEA
Located in Bern, CH
1990's IKEA 'Stämning' wall lamp designed by Cecilia Johansson. Concave frosted glass main body with enameled white metal backing plate. Creates a warm diffused light. Cylindrical ch...
Category

1990s Swedish Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

FIN table lamp, oxblood red glaze, hand built ceramic dome lamp by Kalin Asenov
Located in Savannah, GA
FIN Table Light in Oxblood Lustre — a captivating statement in rich, opulent red. The luxurious glaze, a deep crimson reminiscent of polished garnet, embodies refined craftsmanship a...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

28.3c Suspended Light by Bocci with Clear Blown Glass and Copper Wire Suspension
Located in Rhinebeck, NY
28.3c/ Pendant by Bocci All 28 pendants work with the copper suspension option, a flexible system that can be shaped into different compositions during installation. Pendants can a...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Lighting

Materials

Copper, Steel

Modernist Hand-Blown Murano 7-Tier Textural Disc Chandelier in Mixed Aquamarine
Located in New York, NY
This striking chandelier features seven tiers of hand-blown Murano glass discs, each crafted with a variety of intricate textural finishes. Some discs feature indentations reminiscen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Pair of Tulips Murano Glass and Brass Sconces
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of wall lamps, entirely handmade in Murano, Italy, that bring the energy of Nature and Feng Shui into your interior. This pair of modern organic wall lamps consists of a hand-cr...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Large Swirl Murano Glass Pendant UFO Shape Vetri Murano Italy 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning hand blown Italian one light Murano glass pendant with brass fittings. Satin glass with white swirl elements. Hand blown at the Murano island in Italy. The Fixture require...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Ivy Branch Floor Lamp by Shakuff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring the beauty of climbing vines inside with our Ivy Branch Floor Lamp. Sculptural and unconventional, this piece bends organically as it reaches up toward the sun. The warm and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Beautiful multi Tiers Murano Glass Chandelier, Venini Style 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning hand blown Italian single light Murano glass chandelier with brass frame. Clear and white glass petals elements. Hand blown at the Murano island in Italy. The canopy and r...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Aleh Wave Chandelier Blown Glass by Shakuff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A natural addition to any space, Aleh Wave is an ode to nature’s own sublime engineering composed by designer Sophia Han. Meaning leaf in Hebrew, Aleh Wave was inspired by the aest...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass, Wood

Set of Oak Wood Floor Lamps by Esben Klint for Le Klint, 1970s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Classic Le Klint Oak Wood Floor Lamps designed by Esben Klint for Le Klint in 1957. A rare set for an exquisite home. * Set (2) of oak wood floor lamps with white hand-pleate...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Plastic, Oak

Republique Chandelier by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This bespoke chandelier, inspired by the organic forms and textured finishes reminiscent of Giacometti's plaster work, features an evocative design frame. With 16 opaline glass diffu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lighting

Materials

Opaline Glass, Plaster

Italian Model Agaricon D36 Table Lamp by Ross Lovegrove for Luceplan, 2001
Located in Hamburg, DE
Design classic from the Italian manufacturer Luceplan according to a draft by Ross Lovebrove from 2001. Here in the rare color green. The name Agaricon (Greek for mushroom) is refle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Rectangular Ceramic Lamp
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Rectangular Ceramic Light Designed by Project 213A in 2023 Artisanal ceramic light with a rectangular base, made in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. It has a brass stem and a o...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Bernd Roger Bienert for Woka Art Collection, Floor Lamp
Located in Vienna, AT
Also available in a crystal version. A monumental size floor lamp, designed by the choreographer Bernd Roger Bienert in 1989 for Woka Lamps.   All components according to the UL re...
Category

2010s Austrian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Globe Sconces by Research.Lighting, Nickel, 5in Glass, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 2x Globe Sconces in polished nickel designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Polished Nickel Electronics: 1x G9 S...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel

Casa Wall Light No3
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
CASA WALL LIGHT No3, designed in 2023. Artisanal ceramic light with textured finish, made in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. Each piece is unique due to its handmade nature, sh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Casa Table Light - round
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
CASA TABLE LIGHT (round), designed in 2023. Artisanal ceramic light with textured finish, made in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. Each piece is unique due to its handmade natur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

FIN Shade Table Lamp, light blue, hand built ceramic lamp by Kalin Asenov
Located in Savannah, GA
FIN Azure Icefall Glaze Please note that this listing includes the table base and finial. Light bulbs are included with the lamp. If you would like the shade shown in the image, it ...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Sconces W/ Ruffled Detailing & 24K Gold Flecks
Located in New York, NY
This refined pair of modernist hand-blown Murano glass sconces exemplifies exceptional Italian craftsmanship and contemporary elegance. Created in Italy in the 21st century, these sc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Gold, Brass

Pair of Modern Brass and Murano Glass Grit Sconces
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of Murano glass and brass wire wall lights of modern inspiration, with an elegant aesthetic. Perfect for creating the perfect warm light in any environment. Each wall light is e...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Coquete Floor Light
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
COQUETE FLOOR LIGHT, designed in 2025. Large artisanal floor light made in Project 213A's own workshop. This piece has a hand-crafted base that is either finished in wood or ceramic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Oak

Chandelier, Large Model, Brass-Coloured Metal, Contemporary Design.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Chandelier, large model, brass-coloured metal, contemporary design. Contemporary chandelier with a shade designed to conceal and expose the light source depending on the viewing ang...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Globe Sconce by Research.Lighting, Brushed Nickel, 5in Glass, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1x Globe Sconce in brushed nickel designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Brushed Nickel Electronics: 1x G9 Sock...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel

Sculptural, Contemporary Table Lamp 'Dora' In White, 22ct Moon Gold, Marble Base
Located in London, GB
This contemporary Margit Wittig table lamp sits on a rectangular white marble base and features multiple white handcrafted spheres with organic surface textures. A central cube is g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Lighting

Materials

Slate, Gold Leaf

Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Opalescent Molded Textural Glass 3-Tier Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
This Modernist hand-blown Murano opalescent glass chandelier, crafted in Italy in the 21st century, represents the pinnacle of contemporary elegance and artistry. The chandelier is c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Pilot Two Tiers Chandelier by RBW with 6 Pendants and Powder Coated Frame
By RBW
Located in Rhinebeck, NY
Pilot 2 Tiers / Chandelier Designed by RBW Inspired by organic forms, Pilot Sconce features a rounded, shell-like shade. Available in a range of colors, lengths, and finishes. Lots ...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Claude Boeltz 24kt Gold Plated Exploded Bronze V-Shape Sconces w/ Rock Crystals
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and sophisticated pair of modernist sconces were realized by the celebrated French artist Claude Boeltz. They feature graphic organic forms- recalling both oceanic and ...
Category

20th Century French Modern Lighting

Materials

Rock Crystal, Gold, Bronze

Globe 3 Chandelier, by Research.Lighting, Black, 3in Glass Globe, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1x Globe 3 Chandelier designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Steel, Glass Finish: Powder Coated Steel in black Electronics: 3x G9 Sockets, 3...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

FLOS Miss K Table Lamp in Fumée by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created by innovative design master Philippe Starck, the Miss K table lamp brings a delightful duality to its work. When unlit, its transparent PC (p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Plastic

Appuntito Ceramic Light
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
APPUNTITO LIGHT, designed in 2023. This light has a hand-crafted ceramic base which is covered with individually shaped ceramic spikes. This artisanal piece is made in Project 213A'...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

New Wave Optic Wall Lamp Smoke
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish design Wall lamp in mouth-blown glass, hand-painted silver edge with a painted black base, black fabric electrical cord. Specifications: Ø 10". UL listed. Bulb INCLUDED: "LE...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass

Capiz Shell Lotus Pendant Light
Located in San Francisco, CA
A spherical pendant with a shade made from layered capiz shell petals arranged in a lotus-like form. The translucent shells soften the light and create a warm, ambient glow. Suspende...
Category

1960s Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Shell

Customizable Small Wall-Mounted Light in Powder-Coated or Plated Steel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Lenox Small is an expansion to the original Lenox series by Astreaus Clarke. The the metal tubing bends around the shape of the globe, creating a flow of movement and synchrony b...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Steel, Brass, Aluminum, Nickel

Flash 6 Wall Lamp by Davide Groppi in Matt Black Cable
Located in Rhinebeck, NY
Flash 6 / Wall Light System by Davide Groppi The 9 mm wide stainless steel strip runs 6 meters in length. The ideal solution for direct illumination of spaces with very high ceilin...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pair of Modernist Pale Jade Hand-blown Murano Glass Sconces W/ Brass Fitting
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pair of modernist hand-blown Murano glass sconces, crafted in Italy in the 21st century, features a delightful pale jade green hue that brings a serene touch to any room...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Charming Pink Amethyst and Gold Amber Murano 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....
Category

1990s Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

Vetri wall lighting pair Art Glass Murano , italian 1980
Located in La xara, VC
Superb Vetri wall lighting Lamp Murano glass . The Design and the quality of the glass make this piece the best of the Italian Design. This Pieces of Arts glass bicolore show the e...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass

Couronnes Chandelier, Model 3, by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
On this model of our popular chandelier, we have added paper shades with gold foil interiors which adds a Classic touch to the sleek fixture. The chandelier goes well in all decor sc...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Plaster

Venini Reticello Caged Glass Lantern
Located in Houston, TX
1940s Hand blown "reticello " Murano glass all surrounded with a cage of delicate caned glass. In beautiful excellent vintage condition, all original without chips or cracks. This l...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass

Bunch Pendant, by Research.Lighting, Black, 5in Glass Globe, Floor Model
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1x Bunch Pendant designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. It's a floor model that used in a photoshoot. There may be a few incredibly small scuffs but the ...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Hive Sconce by Research.Lighting, Polished Nickel, 5in Glass, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1x Hive Sconce in polished nickel designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Polished Nickel Globe Size: ~4.75in Ele...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel

'Mayfair' Contemporary Modern Chandelier, with White Sculpted Spheres
Located in London, GB
This contemporary three-tier chandelier by Margit Wittig features sculptural components with organic and subtle textures, all cast and treated with multiple layers of patina and in h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Modernist Hand-Blown Smoked Cobalt Murano Glass & Brass Torchiere
Located in New York, NY
This grand Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Torchiere originates from Italy during the 21st Century. Rendered in breathtaking opalescent Smoked Cobalt glass sections with brass cyli...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair, Tenfold 3T Wall Sconce Satin Aluminum, Brutalist Perforated Wall Light
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Tenfold 3T Wall Sconce in Satin Aluminum by Luft Tanaka Studio Brutalism meets glam. Wall light inspired by brutalist design and Op Art composed of interlocking metal panels...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

HALO Wall Sconce
Located in Renton, WA
The HALO Wall Sconce draws inspiration from the nostalgic charm of classic lighting design. Featuring a built-in LED with high color rendering, it creates a soothing atmosphere that ...
Category

2010s Taiwanese Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

T Sconce, by Research.Lighting, Black with glass globes, In Stock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 1x T Sconce designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Steel, Glass Finish: Powder Coated Steel in black Electronics: 2x G9 Sockets, 2x 4.5 Watt...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Silk Pendant Lamp from the 1930's, Austria
Located in Vienna, Austria
A silk pendant lamp from the 1930's, made in Austria. The metal has been chrome plated and is in very good condition. Unique to this design is that t...
Category

1930s Austrian Vintage Modern Lighting

Materials

Metal

Rectangular Ceramic Lamp
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
RECTANGULAR TABLE LIGHT, designed in 2023. Artisanal ceramic light with a rectangular base, made in Project 213A's own ceramic workshop. Each piece is unique due to its handmade nat...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Lighting

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Large Contemporary Brass Sculptural Chandelier, Handmade in Sweden
Located in Torslanda, SE
The Bonnie range is designed around the stylized form of a Saffron flower, known around the world for its valuable beauty, fragrance and essence. Each organic flower-like form is sh...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Hive Sconces by Research.Lighting, Nickel, 3in Glass, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 2x Hive Sconces in polished nickel designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Brass, Steel & Glass Finish: Polished Nickel Electronics: 1x G9 Soc...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair, Tenfold 3T Wall Sconce Polished Nickel, Brutalist Perforated Wall Light
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Tenfold 3T Wall Sconce in Polished Nickel by Luft Tanaka Studio Brutalism meets glam. Wall light inspired by brutalist design and Op Art composed of interlocking mirror poli...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Pair of Globe Sconces by Research.Lighting, Black, 5in Glass, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This listing is for 2x Globe Sconces in black designed and manufactured by Research.Lighting. Materials: Steel & Glass Finish: Powder-coated steel Electronics: 1x G9 Socket, 1x 4.5...
Category

2010s American Modern Lighting

Materials

Steel

Pair of Modernist Alabaster and Oil Rubbed Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Enhance your home with this Pair of Modernist Alabaster and Oil Rubbed Bronze Sconces, crafted with precision in the United States during the 20th century. These sconces combine simp...
Category

20th Century American Modern Lighting

Materials

Alabaster, Bronze

Opaline Palmette Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian chandelier shown with opaline hand blown Palmette Murano glass leaves arranged in six tiers including a crown at the top, mounted on 24k gold plated metal frame / Made in Ita...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Modern lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern 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, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern lighting 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 lighting, popular names associated with this style include Vistosi, Artemide, Flos, and DOOQ. 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.

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