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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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.
Papillona Lamp - Tobia Scarpa for Flos - Italy - 1980s
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
The Papillona produced by Flos, is an iconic floor lamp designed in 1975 by Tobia Scarpa. Its essential and elegant style perfectly embodies the minimalist and innovative taste that...
Aluminum
Italian Murano Glass Chandelier, Multicolor, 2000s — Giovanni Dalla Fina
Located in Villaverla, IT
Italian Murano glass multi-light grand chandelier crafted during the two thousands showcases exuberant, playful Venetian Baroque revival lighting design by Giovanni Dalla Fina. Handc...
Cut Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass, Glass
Contemporary Ceramic Light Grey/Blue SUFI Lamp Corteccia Texture
Located in Porcia, IT
This sophisticated lamp is a testament to the innovative design and superb craftsmanship of Paola Paronetto's paper clay artwork. Entirely crafted by hand, this piece is brought to l...
Ceramic
Redondo Beach Ship Chandelier by Miamar Home, Modern Crystal & Metal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom Crystal Hand-Beaded Ship Chandelier by Miamar Home – Los Angeles A striking and whimsical statement piece, this custom ship-shaped chandelier is an original creation by Miama...
Crystal, Metal
Large Aubergine Murano Glass Silver Gilt Chandelier
Located in Chicago, IL
This large tasteful mid-century style aubergine Murano chandelier has six undulating scroll arms holding shallow cups, a bulbous center column, and a pointed decorative bulb at the b...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Modern Fabric Pendant Hand-Painted Light from Studio Mirei, Sirenetta (Set of 3)
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Sirenetta Modern Fabric Pendant Hand-Painted Light from Studio Mirei, represented by Costantini Design Sirenetta; inspired by a sea siren. When the sun...
Natural Fiber
$1,220 / item
Contemporary Wall Lamp
By Stillux
Located in Milan, IT
An exercise in sleekness and functionality, this wall lamp will sublimely illuminate any refined contemporary decor with its uniformly projected light. The brushed bronze metal suppo...
Metal
$9,900
Poliedri Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian modern chandelier with smoky brown polyhedron / polyhedral shaped Murano glass, mounted on white enameled metal frame, in the style of Venini and Carlo Scarpa / Made in Italy...
Murano Glass
$16,500 / item
Custom Coquillage Plaster Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Custom Coquillage plaster fixture. Please note this fixture can be customized in different sizes. Lead time is 10-12 weeks. Please inquire. We curren...
Plaster
Tekna Docklight Ceiling Light with Brushed Nickel Finish and Clear Glass
By Tekna
Located in New York, NY
Ceiling light in solid brass with clear or frosted glass. For indoor and outdoor use (IP44). Lamp LED 230V E27 4W 2700K retro A60. Main power 230V 50Hz.
Brass
'Kaio Fluo' table lamp by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide
Located in Bern, BE
Artemide 'Kaio Fluo' Desk / Table Lamp (single item). With a rotating reflector and adjustable arm for varied lighting options. Designed by Ernesto Gismondi. Designer: Ernesto Gismon...
Metal, Aluminum
$1,143 / item
Modern Murano Ribbed Smoked Glass Wall Sconces
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Elegant modern wall sconce, featuring a sculptural curved diffuser in thick Murano glass with a refined smoked tint and finely ribbed texture. The substantial hand-blown glass softly...
Brass
Oversized Classic Red Ballpoint Pen Wall / Ceiling Light 120 cm
Located in Hastings, GB
Classic Ball Point Pen Wall or Ceiling Light Colour Coded Fixing Brackets Fitted with and LED Tube Bulb. Pop Art Classic Length 120 cm Width 10 cm Light up central section 85cm L...
Plastic
Contemporary Handmade Ceramic Mini Dupont Lamp
Located in Brooklyn, NY
One of a kind ceramic lamp, thrown on the potters wheel and assembled by hand. The lamp base is comprised of three different clay bodies that celebrates ...
Brass
$1,895Sale Price|36% Off
' Aurora ' Halogen Chandelier from Arteluce, 1983, Italia
By Perry King and Santiago Miranda, Arteluce, Flos
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Innovative for the period this saucer shaped chandelier is made of a clear methacrylate sheet with a transparent blue outer ring sandwiched be...
Glass
FLOS Clessidra 20° + 20° 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...
Aluminum
Artefacto Fiber LS16 Floor Lamp, Contemporary Lighting, Made in Mexico
Located in Paris, IDF
The Artefacto Fiber LS16 Floor Lamp embodies the studio's distinctive approach to collectible lighting, where contemporary design meets the enduring traditions of Mexican craftsmansh...
Natural Fiber, Wicker
Efra Carlo Moretti Contemporary Mouth Blown Clear Murano Glass Table Lamp
By Paolo Martinuzzi, Carlo Moretti
Located in IT
Table lamp of clear mouth blown Murano glass, anthracite painted iron and natural brass designed in 1984 by Carlo Moretti and Paolo Martinuzzi. 60 watt incandescent bulb, 42 watt e...
Brass, Iron
$1,286 / item
Teal Murano with Brass Accents Wall Sconces
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Sculptural Italian wall sconce composed of hand-blown Murano glass and polished brass. The fixture features a softly rounded rectangular panel of teal Murano glass with layered, mold...
Brass
Dark Reddish Brown Glazed Table Lamp with Natural Linen Shade
Located in Chireno, TX
Dark reddish brown color glazed table lamp with natural linen shade. Newly wired for use within the USA with line switch.
Metal
Swedish Designer, Table Lamp, Solid Wood, Sweden, c. 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A freeform wooden table lamp. Designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 11.75” H x 6” W x 3.75” D Dimensions of Shade (inches): 9” Top Diameter x 12” Bot...
Wood
$580 / item
OLO W2 Wall Sconce
Located in Renton, WA
OLO W2 Wall Sconces always originates from a circle or a line. Using the basic elements to create the picture of a light, Designer White challenges our every imagination by series th...
Steel
Pair of Modernist Murano Blown Blush Glass Wall Lights, UL Certified
Located in Westport, CT
Pairs of artisan blown transparent blush round shaped wall lights upheld with sleek bronze on brass patinated arm supports. Glass is thickly blown with a little iridescence in a pink...
Blown Glass
$9,455Sale Price / item|10% Off
Large 'Triple Block Metal' Model #230 Sconce in the Manner of Pierre Chareau
By Pierre Chareau, Maison Paname
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large 'Triple Block Metal' Model #230 Sconce in the Manner of Pierre Chareau Handcrafted in Los Angeles in the workshop of noted French designer and anti...
Alabaster, Steel
"Il Pezzo 12 Wall Sconce" - three crystals - bronze and gold finish
Located in Firenze, IT
A pure graphic sign, bringing light and beauty into spaces, transforming them into an intimate experience, this is Il Pezzo 12 Wall Sconce. We fell in love with the circular form of ...
Crystal, Gold, Brass
Several Brass Wall Lights by Sciolary, Italy 1970s
Located in Rijssen, NL
High quality brass wall lights by Sciolary, Italy 1970s. Solid brass in a glossy finish. The stylish and clean elegance of this lamp suits many environments, from mid century to Hol...
Metal, Brass
$8,650 / item
Tekna Hurton Pendant Light with Vintage Brass Finish
By Tekna
Located in New York, NY
Pendant light in brass with cover in geometric pattern, with two suspension arms (diameter 10mm. Dimensions: width 1706mm - height 150mm - depth 186mm. Ceiling plate (not included)...
Metal
Gold Crackle Mushroom Table Lamp in Ceramic Organic Shape by Streicher Goods
Located in New York, NY
Gold Crackle Mushroom Table Lamp by Streicher Goods Ceramic, Brass 12" W X 16" H X Dia (base) 6.5" A heavily textured stoneware ceramic table lamp with a pop of color. Each lamp i...
Brass
Contemporary Ceramic Peach SUFI Lamp Corteccia Texture
Located in Porcia, IT
This sophisticated lamp is a testament to the innovative design and superb craftsmanship of Paola Paronetto's paper clay artwork. Entirely crafted by hand, this piece is brought to l...
Ceramic
Pair Up & Up Italian Sculptural Gray Marble Architectural Table Lamps, C. 1980s
By Up & Up
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Up & Up Italian Sculptural Gray Marble Architectural Table Lamps, Circa 1975–1985 Pair of Up & Up Italian Sculptural Gray Marble Architectural Table Lamps by the ren...
Marble
Willy Daro Rock Crystal and Bronze Flower Table Lamp, Belgium, 1970s
By Willy Daro
Located in Milan, IT
Large Willy Daro rock brown crystal flower and bronze leaves table lamp, Belgium, 1970s Signed Willy Daro.
Rock Crystal, Bronze
$1,840Sale Price / item|10% Off
Small 'Fly 1 Metal' Alabaster Sconce in the Manner of Pierre Chareau
By Pierre Chareau, Maison Paname
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Small 'Fly 1 Metal' Alabaster Sconce in the Manner of Pierre Chareau Handcrafted in Los Angeles in the workshop of noted French designer and antiques dealer Denis de le Mesiere, who meticulously pays homage to the work of Pierre Chareau with scrupulous attention to detail and materials. Executed in the highest quality solid European alabaster blocks...
Alabaster, Metal
$1,250 / item
Kozo Bird Paper Lanterns By John Gnorksi
By Studio Ahead
Located in San Francisco, CA
John Gnorski Kozo Paper limited edition lanterns are being sold exclusively through Studio AHEAD. These lights are made of Douglas fir, Thai kozo paper, and porcelain electrical el...
Wood, Paper
$1,143 / item
Italian Ribbed Curved Murano Glass Wall Sconce
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Elegant Italian wall sconce featuring a sculptural shade of thick ribbed Murano glass with a subtle smoky amber tone. The curved glass panel is vertically fluted, creating a rhythmic...
Glass
Modernist Mercury Glass Table Lamps with Leather Wrapped Bases by Lorin Marsh
By Lorin Marsh
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Modernist mercury glass table lamps, created by Lorin Marsh in the 20th century, exemplifies the seamless blend of elegance and functionality that defines modern design....
Leather, Glass, Mercury Glass
Refractory Ceramic Table Lamp with Textile Cable
By Manolo Eirin
Located in Carballo, ES
The design of this lamp is unique and the material is the most durable. This lamp could last generations sharing between each other. It is electrified for both the United States and ...
Ceramic, Leather, Textile, Cotton
Modern Ceramic Handmade Wave Form Table Lamp in Green by Forma Rosa Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Wave Form table lamp is a sophisticated approach to our Wave Form signature collection, as it stresses the simplicity of its primal melodic fo...
Brass
Pair 1940s Barovier Toso Oro Somerso Murano Glass Leaf Sconces
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 1940s Barovier Toso Oro Somerso Murano glass leaf sconces featuring brass arms and 24K gold leaf inclusion within the glass. Newly electrified with UL listed parts.
Brass
Exceptionally Large and Rare Custom Made Murano Stairway Chandelier, Italy 2006.
Located in Rome, IT
Modular construction made of cylindrical cullet elements. The set includes different sizes, which can be connected with a strong, load-bearing steel cable through the centre of the M...
Blown Glass
DeCastelli AARE Medium Wall Light in Brass by Alexander Purcell Rodrigues
By DeCastelli, Alexander Purcell Rodrigues
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Aare Gorge in Switzerland is testimony to natural erosion, shaped by the last ice age. Here, a river originating from melting glaciers once carved deep into the rock, cutting to its core. Thus, little by little, light began working its way into the cracks, amid ancient limestone...
Brass
$2,660 / item
Antique Brass Cecil Sconce - Milk Glass Globe
By RTO Lighting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Form and function meet with the Cecil Sconce’s undulating bent brass arm and swiveling backplate. Choose either a milk glass globe for ambiance or a c...
Brass
Tekna Marquesse Reading Lamp in Lacquered Dark Bronze Finish
Located in New York, NY
Reading lamp with a rectangular weighted base, vertical arm and a vertical placed tube on knuckle joint, 350° turnable, 90° adjustable, with GU10 lampholder, 2 meter cable, plug and ...
Gold
Satin Brass Wall Sconce with Black Walnut Shelf Hardwired Ivory Linen Shade
By Lostine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Midcentury inspired satin brass sconce with black walnut shelf. A nod to midcentury lines, the Gustav Sconce is a shining example of balanced design...
Brass
$2,460 / item
Appuntito Ceramic Light
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Artisanal Ceramic Table Light by Project 213A. Crafted in the brand's in-house ceramic workshop. Light launched in 2023 during Salone de Mobile at the Alcova Fair in Milano as part ...
Ceramic, Clay
$8,193 / item
Ghidini 1961 Dash suspension by J. Grawunder
By Richard Hutten, Ghidini 1961
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Lampada Tratto - forma e funzione. L’essenza della forma sofisticata dell’apparecchio di illuminazione si esprime in una proposta custom made. Oltre ad essere disponibile in misure ...
Brass
Contemporary Ceramic Grey-Blue SUFI Lamp Corteccia Texture
Located in Porcia, IT
This sophisticated lamp is a testament to the innovative design and superb craftsmanship of Paola Paronetto's paper clay artwork. Entirely crafted by hand, this piece is brought to l...
Ceramic
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...
Brass, Steel
Slip Ceramic Pendant Light Corinna Warm For Warm Bone China
By Corinna Warm, WARM
Located in Santa Monica, CA
The bone china ceramic lampshades feature a simple and soft silhouette, their slightly translucent materiality reveal a warm light. The pendants are slip cast, fired and coated in a clear glaze. They feature golden twisted three core cords and brass detail to the top of the shade. The pendant' classic and simple design, makes them a versatile choice to suit residential as well as hospitality settings. The pendant is emitting an ambient and soft down light perfect for general illumination. The pendant works well as a bedside pendant...
Ceramic, Bone, Porcelain
Vistosi Giogali Flush Mount in Crystal Transparent Glass And Matt Bronze Frame
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Vistosi
Located in Mogliano Veneto, Treviso
A pure element: the crystal hook. It is the intuition of a master of Italian design, Angelo Mangiarotti, who in 1967 created the best seller of the Vistosi catalogue, Giogali. An ico...
Glass
Wall Light, Handcrafted Brass & Opaline Glass, Modern Design
Located in Marrakech, MA
Decorative brass wall light: This brass wall light fixture is composed of three circular brass discs arranged in a staggered vertical layout. Each disc is positioned at a different ...
Brass
Custom Pair of Plaster Torchères or Floor Lamps in the Serge Roche Manner
Located in New York, NY
Custom pair of plaster torchères in the Serge Roche manner. Please note that these are customizable. The turnaround time on these is 8-10 weeks. NOT...
Plaster
Flute Narrow Shade Ceramic Table Lamp, Green Satin Glaze, by Kalin Asenov
By Kalin Asenov
Located in Savannah, GA
FLUTE_narrow November Green 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 ...
Ceramic
Brazilian Contemporary Sculptural Steel Pendant Light - XXL
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
H 110 x D 100cm x W 160cm This pendant is named Sacurá XXL. It is a Sculptural light pendant in steel. It can be painted black, brown, white or silver. It has 9 domes. The mall cot...
Brass
Murano Glass Amber Onda Chandelier, Brass Frame, Modern Design, Italy
Located in Austin, TX
Chandelier from the island of Murano, Italy outside of Venice. This piece features hand-blown and molded glass in amber, smoked gray, and champagne tones. The glass curves around the...
Brass
$398 / item
KYLE pl - solid brass ceiling lamp
Located in Saonara, IT
Handcrafted ceiling lamp model "KYLE pl", made in brass; with its sober and elegant design, this piece perfectly fits into modern-contemporary context. The light source consist of o...
Brass
Pleated Crystal Pendant Lamp Large, Smoke Ribbed Glass & Brass with E26/27 Bulb
Located in London, GB
Our debut lighting collection comprising ceiling pendants, a side light and a floor standing lamp. Handmade in Bohemia and London the collection draws upon our love for Czech arti...
Brass
RIGA 14.02 - solid brass pendant lamp
Located in Saonara, IT
Handcrafted pendant lamp model "RIGA 14.02", made in brass; with its sober and elegant design, this piece perfectly fits into modern-contemporary context. The light source consist o...
Brass
LIGHTHOUSE Table Lamp in Marble and Amber blown glass, Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec
By Established & Sons, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A sculptural, voluptuous and enchanting object, the Lighthouse combines traditional hand-blown glass with industrially engineered aluminium and pure marble to create an enduring cont...
Marble
Archivio Storico Fontana Arte Aluminum Pear Tree Blown Glass Floor Lamp Italy
By Fontana Arte, Charles Williams, Archivio Storico Gallotti
Located in Miami, FL
A pure and elegant modernist floor lamp designed by Archivio Storico for Fontana Arte. The 2198 Model from Fontana Arte is a classic Floor Lamp. The diffuser is in satin white blown ...
Metal, Aluminum
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Cofrac Art Verrier France Freeform Crystal Table Lamp
By Cofrac
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Glamorous hand blown crystal lamp by Cofrac Art Verrier France. This heavy and impressive sized lamp has a fluid, freeform shaped shade and b...
Brass
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
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