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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Creator: Flos
Creator: Bergboms
FLOS Clessidra 40° + 40° Outdoor Wall Lamp in Grey by Antonio Citterio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by the shape of the hourglass, the Clessidra lamp from Antonio Citterio emits diffused direct and indirect light. This stunning wall light has a body made of die-cast alumin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro 2700K LED Ceiling Light in Forest Green by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

FLOS 4-Drop Arrangements Light by Michael Anastassiades - 1stdibs New York
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arrangements is a modular system of geometric light elements that can be combined in different ways, creating multiple compositions into individual chandeliers. Each unit simply atta...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Michael Anastassiades IC1 Modern Brass & Glass Ceiling & Wall Sconce for FLOS
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FLOS IC 1 Ceiling & Wall Light in Brass by Michael Anastassiades Radiant light, delicate balance: Like the other pieces in his IC Light Series, the IC C/W lamp showcases designer Mic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

FLOS Wirering Wall Light in Grey and Black by Formafantasma
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An exercise in reduction, stripped back to its most essential elements, offering beautifully rendered light. The wire holds a simple ring fitted with an LED strip. The cable and ring...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos Noctambule Floor Lamp with High Cylinder and Base by Konstantin Grcic
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FLOS Noctambule LED dimmable floor lamp tall cylinders with small base is an ultramodern lighting fixture created by the renowned designer Konstantin Grcic. Here are some of its unmi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

Flos Noctambule Pendant Light with 4 Cylinders and Bowl by Konstantin Grcic
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Noctambule LED dimmable pendant light with bowl shade, created by renowned designer Konstantin Grcic for FLOS, is an innovative lighting system that comes in an array of artful desig...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

Flos In Vitro 2700K Non Dimmable LED Wall Scone in Anthracite by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translates to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro 3000K 0-10V LED Wall Scone in Terracotta by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translates to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Michael Anastassiades Modern Minimalist Black & Glass Table Desk Lamp for FLOS
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FLOS IC Lights T1 Low Table Lamp in Black by Michael Anastassiades Like the other pieces in his IC Light Series, the IC Lights T balances designer Michael Anastassiades’ love of ind...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Steel

Flos IC Lights T2 Dimmable Table Lamp in Burgundy by Michael Anastassiades
Located in Brooklyn, NY
IC Lights T by renowned designer Michael Anastassiades consists of a thin steel base that twists and bends at an angle. From there, a blown-glass opaline orb...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Steel

Flos In Vitro Bollard 2 0-10V 2700K Floor Lamp in Forest Green by Philippe
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Bouroullec Modern Black Hanging Aim Pendant Light for FLOS, in stock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FLOS Aim Pendant Light in Black by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec Created by the Bouroullec brothers in 2010, the AIM ceiling light is a design stripped to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

FLOS Bon Jour Unplugged Chrome Lamp w/ Amber Crown by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The smaller table version of the Bon Jour table lamp, the Bon Jour Unplugged truly moves with the user and can be used in any environment. The base ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

FLOS Bon Jour Unplugged White Lamp w/ Fumee Crown by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The smaller table version of the Bon Jour table lamp, the Bon Jour Unplugged truly moves with the user and can be used in any environment. The base ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

FLOS Bon Jour Chrome Table Lamp w/ Rattan Crown by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Using revolutionary Edge Lighting Technology, the Bon Jour combines maximum performance and efficiency with visual comfort. Users are able to effortlessly control the intensity of th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Michael Anastassiades Modern Minimalist Black & Glass Table Desk Lamp for FLOS
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FLOS IC Lights T2 Table Lamp in Black by Michael Anastassiades Like the other pieces in his IC Light Series, the IC Lights T balances designer Michael Anastassiades’ love of industr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Steel

Flos In Vitro Bollard 2 2700K LED Floor Lamp in Anthracite by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

FLOS Bon Jour Chrome Table Lamp w/ Transparent Crown by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Using revolutionary Edge Lighting Technology, the Bon Jour combines maximum performance and efficiency with visual comfort. Users are able to effortlessly control the intensity of th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

FLOS Wirering Wall Light in Grey and Gold by Formafantasma
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An exercise in reduction, stripped back to its most essential elements, offering beautifully rendered light. The wire holds a simple ring fitted with an LED strip. The cable and ring...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro Bollard 1 3000K LED Floor Lamp in Terracotta by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

FLOS 2 Drop Down Arrangements Light by Michael Anastassiades
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arrangements is a modular system of geometric light elements that can be combined in different ways, creating multiple compositions into individual chandeliers. Each unit simply atta...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

FLOS Bon Jour Chrome Table Lamp w/ Amber Crown by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Using revolutionary Edge Lighting Technology, the Bon Jour combines maximum performance and efficiency with visual comfort. Users are able to effortlessly control the intensity of th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro 3000K LED Ceiling Light in Deep Brown by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro Bollard 1 0-10V 2700K Floor Lamp in White by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

FLOS Medium Circles Arrangements Light by Michael Anastassiades
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arrangements is a modular system of geometric light elements that can be combined in different ways, creating multiple compositions into individual chandeliers. Each unit simply atta...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

FLOS Bon Jour Unplugged Matte Chrome Lamp w/ Fumee Crown by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The smaller table version of the Bon Jour table lamp, the Bon Jour Unplugged truly moves with the user and can be used in any environment. The base features a micro-USB connector which recharges the battery in three hours and then the light lasts for up to six hours. Like the other members of the Bon Jour family, this model combines maximum performance and efficiency with visual comfort. Users are able to effortlessly control the intensity of the direct light with just one click. This sleek and pure light can be customized according to personal tastes and styles by “dressing” it with a transparent, yellow, amber, fumee, natural rattan and pleated fabric crown. Additionally, the body is available in four unique finishes: white, chrome, matte chrome...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro Bollard 3 0-10V 3000K Floor Lamp in Forest Green by Philippe
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro 3000K LED Ceiling Light in Black by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Michael Anastassiades Modern Minimalist Chrome & Glass S1 Pendant Light for FLOS
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FLOS IC Lights S1 Pendant Light in Chrome by Michael Anastassiades Like the other pieces in his IC Light Series, the IC Lights S balances designer Michael Anastassiades’ love of ind...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Steel

Flos In Vitro Bollard 3 3000K LED Floor Lamp in Deep Brown by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos Coordinates Ceiling 2 Long Light in Champagne by Michael Anastassiades
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Coordinates is a lighting system with diffuse light composed of horizontal and vertical luminaries arranged in a bright grid of various shapes and complexities. Each element is made ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro 3000K Non Dimmable LED Wall Scone in Pale Green by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translates to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro Bollard 3 2700K LED Floor Lamp in White by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro Bollard 2 2700K LED Floor Lamp in White by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro 3000K 0-10V LED Ceiling Light in White by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro 3000K LED Suspension Lamp in Terracotta by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translates to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro Bollard 1 0-10V 3000K Floor Lamp in Black by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro 2700K Non Dimmable Wall Scone in Black by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translates to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro Bollard 2 3000K LED Floor Lamp in Pale Green by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro 2700K 0-10V LED Wall Scone in Black by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translates to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection of glowing glass lanterns blends craftsmanship and technology in a singular design, concealing the LED light source at the top to appear magically lit. Its slim glass...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro Bollard 2 3000K LED Floor Lamp in Deep Brown by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro 3000K LED Suspension Lamp in Pale Green by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translates to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro 2700K LED Ceiling Light in Deep Brown by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro Bollard 2 0-10V 3000K Floor Lamp in Pale Green by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro Bollard 3 0-10V 3000K Floor Lamp in Deep Brown by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro 2700K Non Dimmable LED Wall Scone in Terracotta by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translates to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro Bollard 3 0-10V 2700K Floor Lamp in Deep Brown by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro Bollard 1 0-10V 2700K Floor Lamp in Deep Brown by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos In Vitro 2700K 0-10V LED Ceiling Light in Deep Brown by Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant outdoor lighting collection designed by Philippe Starck, In Vitro (translate to inside glass) modernizes the classic lantern into a contemporary structure. The collection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos Infra-Structure Episode 2 C7 White Suspension Light by Vincent Van Duysen
By Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The next chapter in the story of a successful launch: the unique design of Infra-Structure EVO by Vincent Van Duysen evolves with new light elements that allow for dramatic, yet subt...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos Infra-Structure Episode 2 C6 White Suspension Light by Vincent Van Duysen
By Flos
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The next chapter in the story of a successful launch: the unique design of Infra-Structure EVO by Vincent Van Duysen evolves with new light elements that allow for dramatic, yet subt...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos IC Lights C/W2 Double Ceiling/Wall Sconce in Black by Michael Anastassiades
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The latest addition to the IC Lights Collection: New IC Lights Ceiling/Wall Double comes with a double light source providing diffused light.The modern ceiling and wall sconce fixtur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Brass

FLOS Bibliotheque Nationale Chrome Floor Lamp with Silver Shade, Philippe Starck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
There's more than meets the eye with this 2013 Phillippe Starck creation: Illuminating your home with a diffused light, the Biblioteque Nationale also serves as a strikingly modern b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

FLOS OK Pendant Light in Chrome by Konstantin Grcic
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pendant light that feels as at home in an industrial space as it would in museum exhibit: The OK Light plays with expectations to provide functional light that is surprising and ea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Flos Noctambule Pendant Light with 5 Cylinders by Konstantin Grcic
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Noctambule LED dimmable pendant light short cylinders by Flos is the latest in the series of inventive lighting fixtures envisioned and executed by master designer Konstantin Grcic. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Glass

FLOS Smithfield C Fluorescent Flush Mount Light in White by Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Part of the Smithfield family, the Smithfield C ceiling-mounted lamp manages to be both grand and unassuming. Providing direct light through its aluminum body, it is well suited for ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

FLOS IC Lights T2 Table Lamp in Black by Michael Anastassiades
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Like the other pieces in his IC Light Series, the IC Lights T balances designer Michael Anastassiades’ love of industrial simplicity with intricate symbolism. It provides diffused li...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lighting

Materials

Steel

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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